Train Rides Refresh The Grand Canyon

About 4.5 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year, but only about 100,000 make the trek to one of the seven natural wonders of the world by train. Doing so adds bookends to one of the most powerful and inspiring landscapes on earth.

Perhaps what makes both the entrance and the departure so unique is that it contrasts the immense size of the Grand Canyon with an intimate level of customer service. There is an authentic throwback charm to it all, one that is almost impossible to forget.

Why the best entrance to the Grand Canyon is Williams, Arizona. 

Williams, Arizona, has a history as colorful as any in America. Its downtown business district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. As such, and with a population of only about 3,000 people, it seems unlikely to change. Williams is timeless.

While there are other small inns and motels in the area too, most people taking the train include the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel as part of a bigger package. The hotel isn't historic but iconic. It was designed to resemble the century-old depot that housed the original Fray Marcos Hotel.

The rooms are well appointed, especially the 550-square-foot suites. For a modest upgrade, the plush couches (with pullout sleepers) and kitchenettes with an extra sink, microwave, and mini-refrigerator create a cozy, homelike atmosphere comfortable enough to consider an extended stay.

These suites are ideal for families. The only room larger is the Rail Baron Suite that was originally designed for former owners Max and Thelma Biegert. The 1,000-room suite features a living room, full kitchen, separate bedroom, and ensuite. It resembles a small short-term apartment with comfortable amenities such as leather furniture.

Many packages also include meals at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel  a buffet-style restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The buffets are augmented by made-to-order stations: an omelet station in the morning and pasta station at night. Dinners also feature a carving station and live entertainment.

The offering is surprisingly complete, given downtown Williams is a short two-block walk away. There are plenty of shops to explore, carriage rides, and a handful of restaurants that pay homage to different eras that make the town historic, ranging from its early days as a railroad frontier town to the road cruise culture that made Route 66 famous.

The package schedule that plays out in four days and three nights.

While there are many packages, the Canyon Discovery Plus is the most complete with two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and one night at the Maswik Lodge inside Grand Canyon National Park. The Maswik Lodge has a much more rustic, cabinesque vibe in comparison, but it is hardly noticeable given the surroundings. Most of the stay inside the park will be on the rim.

After checking into Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and picking up train tickets, a buffet dinner is included. After dinner, it is easy enough to walk to the small historic downtown area or retire to the signature bar in Spenser’s Pub. It dates back to 1887; handcrafted by George O. Spenser in England.

In the morning, guests are invited to leave their bags to be placed on the train before heading out for breakfast. Make it reasonably early because the railroad puts on a campy and comedic Western shootout before guests board the train. (The actors work the train too, so watch for them.)

The train provides a leisurely two-hour ride to the Grand Canyon, with attentive service and roaming entertainment. Some areas are remote enough for wildlife sightings.

After arriving at the Grand Canyon, many train patrons take prearranged bus tours along one of three expanses that make up the Grand Canyon. It's easy to pack light for the tour as guest bags will be waiting in in their hotel rooms when the tour is complete (and they will be picked up from the hotel room after checkout the next day).

The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel Rolls Over 8.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

Sine the Grand Canyon deserves its own review (look for part 2 soon), suffice to say that an overnight stay will change any perspective of the park (even if you haven't planned something more extravagant like an overnight at Phantom Ranch). It allows enough time for one or two partial hikes into the canyon and ample time to visit most attractions around the rim.

The stay is followed by a late train ride back, dinner, and a late checkout after breakfast at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel again. For other variations in and around the Grand Canyon, visit top travel deals at Expedia.com. While Williams, Arizona, is preferred for anyone who appreciates the historic side of the area, Flagstaff is also close by for a bigger city feel.

The Alamo Gives Up Its Historic Ghosts

Not everybody believes the Alamo is haunted, but most people know it's one of the most haunting places in the nation. The atmosphere that shrouds it is thick with historic significance. This was the site now recognized as one of the most significant battles that ever took place in Texas.

More than1,800 Mexican troops under the command of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna had encircled and placed the fort under siege for more than two weeks. Inside the mission-turned-fort, about 200 Texan defenders, under the joint command of Lieutenant Colonel William Travis and Colonel Jim Bowie, were poised to repel them.

The Alamo may have fallen in the early morning hours of March 6, 1838, but their fate came to symbolize the courage and sacrifice that some men are willing to make for freedom and independence. Because of them, the memories of Davy Crockett, Bowie, and Travis would embolden the Texan Army under Sam Houston and its memory played an important role when it was annexed by the U.S.

The Alamo remains one of the most visited sites in Texas. 

More than 2.5 million people each year visit the 4.2-acre site located in San Antonio. Entrance into the open complex is still free. Its operation and educational programs are paid for by private donations and gift shop sales. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily with hours extended to 7 p.m. during the summer.



The newest exhibit focuses on Tejanos, which honors Tejano defenders and reminds visitors that the Texas revolution was not a fight between Texans and Mexicans but a fight for liberty over tyranny. Their letters, documents, and artifacts tell the story. They wanted freedom as much as many Texas immigrants from Ireland, England and the United States.

Two structures capture the spirit of the past, slightly altered.

This new exhibition is held in the Alamo Shrine (or church), which is what most people consider central to the site. It was the structure originally built as a Spanish mission between 1755 and 1793. Despite its longevity, evidence suggests that construction was never complete.

Still, the shrine seems to be the center of reverence that people feel while visiting the Alamo, especially after they learn that the artillery position on the roof of the church was the last to fall during the battle. Only 13 men remained at the end. They died defending the church to the last man.

The building as it exists today imagines the Alamo as different than the one the defenders held. Most notably, the east wall was lower than the other walls and a ramp of earth had been piled against the inside of the wall to accommodate a cannon. Some modifications were made in the 1920s.

The second most historic building is the long barrack, which was a two-story building where many members of the garrison retreated for a last stand. The west wall of the barrack is original while two inner walls were constructed in 1913. The inner walls, however, do match the original foundation.

The other buildings, such as the Centennial Museum (Gift Shop) and Alamo Hall, were added later. They would have fallen outside of the original mission, behind the church. The historic site itself would have extended west of the modern Alamo entrance and crossed directly over Alamo Street and East Alamo Street to the Crockett Building and north to the post office on Houston Street. There is an interactive map on the site that puts this into perspective.

The Alamo In San Antonio Takes 8.5 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Even before the battle of the Alamo, the site was well regarded. When French naturalist Jean-Louis Berlandier visited the site in 1828, he described it as "an enormous battlement and some barracks are found there, as well as the ruins of a church which could pass for one of the loveliest monuments of the area, even if its architecture is overloaded with ornamentation."

Today, some of those ornaments include the rounded roofline of the mission, which has come to be know as a symbol of liberty unto itself. You can place reservations in San Antonio by visiting top travel deals at Expedia.com. Several other travel deals are listed across Texas. For a fictionalized account of the battle, The Alamo (1960) remains the best theatrical rendition.

Drakesbad Guest Ranch Takes It Back

It might be the exclusiveness of a single season that makes Drakesbad Guest Ranch so appealing. The ranch won't see its first visitors until June this year. And by the time these initial guests arrive, anyone thinking about reservations might look further ahead. Next summer already seems inviting.

The simple truth is that even if you do have reservations, things might change. The June 6 opening is contingent on weather. So is the October 13 closure. Some guests don't mind a conditional arrival because the stay makes everything worth it.

The lodge itself has only six rooms, each with a double bed plus a rollaway or twin bunk beds. Or you can stay in the cabin, annex, duplex, or bungalow (19 units total). The sizes and rates all very slightly, with the most noticeable difference being electricity. Most rooms do not have it. And you don't really need it.

The Drakesbad Guest Ranch takes you back in history.  

Kerosene lamps light most rooms at night. It's part of the historic and environmentally-conscious rustic feel of the ranch. It also helps visitors take in the place as if it is from another time.

No, none of it is as rustic as the accommodations that Alexander Sifford set up in June 1900. When the ailing school teacher from Susanville first arrived on the site with his wife and son, the only one there to greet them was Edward Drake, owner of the famed soda waters of Drake's Spring.

The couple loved area so much that they bought Drake’s Hot Spring Valley from Drake outright. Eventually they renamed it Drakesbad (Drake's bath) and operated the ranch for two generations. The remote guest ranch became legendary with camping and meals for 50 cents, hot spring baths for 25 cents, and pasturing livestock a nickel a head.

Even after the 1916 Congress established the Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Sifford family stayed on as caretakers until finally selling the property to the government. Since, the National Park Service has leased it to various concessionaires. California Guest Services has held it for 36 years.

Inside Lassen Volcanic National Park.

The park itself is well known for its smoking fumaroles, wildflower meadows, mountain lakes, and volcanoes. Much of the park feels incredibly unexplored and undiscovered.

There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails that pass by active hydrothermal areas like the Sulphur Works and Bumpass Hell. There are several ranger-led programs and summer itineraries for guests. (There are winter activities too but the ranch remains closed.)

In addition to backpacking and hiking trail loops, there are dozens of educational adventure workshops, nature photography excursions, geological discoveries, and an amazing array of birding opportunities. Along with these park amenities, the ranch hosts a few of its own.

Several hikes (including the 90-minute walk to Boiling Spring Lake) can be taken right from the ranch. Swimming is even closer, with soothing hot mineral springs located a few steps from the cabins. There are several fishing areas in the park, and the ranch leads several fly-fishing excursions too. And, even more remarkable, the ranch is home to several of the most affordable horseback riding rates in the state, starting at $50 for a one-hour, self-guided tour to half- and full-days rides for $190.

As a real working ranch, you can make arrangements to bring your own. Boarding with feed is only $37.50 per day, about what it costs for overnight parking in some urban areas. And if that doesn't work out, then ask about archery and social starters.

Overall, this is an adventurous vacation for long hikes and horseback riding during the day and relaxation around a campfire at night. There are no room keys. And all meals are family style. Meals are included with the rates.

The Drakesbad Guest Ranch Ticks Off 9.2 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

To niche to even be a tourist destination, Drakesbad Guest Ranch is one of those getaways you will talk about forever. While it might be too rustic for some people, those who thrive outside without always being wired up will love it.

Drakesbad Guest Ranch in California is located northeast of Chico, California, and northwest of Reno, Nevada. It is deep in the park, miles from any urban encroachment. You can place reservations directly with the ranch or visit  top travel deals at Expedia.com for other excursions to northern California.

Stay In Newport Like A Surfing Local

Newport Beach has plenty going for it as one of several dozen beachside communities up and down the California coastline. Anybody who loves art, water, sand, and waves will have a blast here.

When you live in Los Angeles, there are two ways locals stay and play. Sometimes they splurge for a weekend on some of the most exclusive hotels in the world. Other times they make a play for location — about one block from the boardwalk and the sand.

Bay Shore Peninsula Hotel is small done right.

The staff of the Bay Shore Peninsula Hotel knows they can't win on luxurious, but they can compete by being laid back. They look after the little things instead — friendly breakfasts served every morning and cookies made fresh in the afternoon.

They work even harder at it too, ever since service turned their 2-1/2 star hotel into the top rated on places like TripAdvisor. It's kind of a quirky cool anomaly given that it is in the company of four- and five-star hotels. The primary difference is consistency. They know who they are.

They want to make people feel at home so they add some high touch highlights that you would never expect from a small three-story hotel like a turndown service with complimentary chocolates. They have beach towels and boogie boards for their guests. They have 300 DVD titles that they share for free.

They have free onsite parking or will give you a pass to park at the lot across the street (plan on that). They even have a coin-operated guest laundry but are willing to give you the detergent free. And if that doesn't make you feel a little bit old school, then maybe all the art by John Severson will.

If you don't know who John Severson is, then you don't surf. The short story is that he is the founder of SURFER Magazine and Surfing Hall of Fame surf culture artist. He has done it all. Movies, posters, prints, paintings, and shirts. The hotel was smart enough to get their hands on a few choice pieces.

In more ways than one, it's a match made in heaven. The vibe is meant to feel like a modernized throwback without ever being overdone. And if anybody knows how to make that happen, it would be the Pratt family. They've owned the place for 50 years. Some of the nautical decor even tells some of the story, with additions to the collection made here and there over the years.

The location will lock in many guests the first time. 

Naturally the best amenity, alongside friendly service, is location. More than anything else, it is being one of the few nearby beach hotels in Newport. Almost all the restaurants are within an easy walk.

With the exception of nearby Balboa Island, the beach is what makes Newport tick. Everything else you want to see sprung out around it, like the Lido Theatre that originally opened in 1938.

It was such a close-knit community even then that the first movie ever played there was Jezebel with Bette Davis. As the story goes, she told the owner he better open with one of her films. She lived too close for him to refuse.

Another must see with deep historical roots is the Orange County Museum of Art. Like the hotel, it's on the small side. Some people see everything inside of about an hour. It took me considerably longer because I enjoyed taking in the history of it. It opened in 1962 and quickly caught national attention for the caliber of work on display.

Do keep in mind that the Bay Shore Peninsula Hotel is near the Newport Pier and not the busy Balboa Pier or Balboa Fun Zone. They are still pretty close as part of the Balboa Peninsula.

Bay Shore Peninsula Hotel Hangs 7.2 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

All in all, the rooms are small but comfortable. If you really feel the need for more room, ask about one of their suites. The hotel is literally one block from the harbor side and one block from the beach.

Of course, if you are looking for more Newport options, start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com. It frequently runs specials on West Coast locations, including Newport Beach. The area has always been one of my favorite destinations and one of several reasons I moved here so long ago.

Solvang Is A Danish Spin On California

Anyone traveling across California along Highway 246 will likely find an unexpected sight (unless they go looking for it). Just a few hours northeast of Santa Barbara, breaking up the Santa Ynez Valley farmland, is a small Danish village complete with four Danish-styled windmills.

While the town didn't always look Danish, the earliest area settlers were. They city was founded in 1911 on almost 10,000 acres with the specific intent to establish a Danish colony far away from Midwestern winters. The Danish-inspired architecture would come later, shortly after World War II.

Initially, three Danish immigrants raised money to buy land and then subdivide it into plots for farms, homes, and a small town center. Profits from the land sale would build a Danish-style folk school and, later, a Lutheran church. Settlers, mostly Danish, answered the call to create this new colony. The hotel opened in July 1911. The rest was a matter of time.

Solvang started as a farm community before becoming a tourist destination. 

After the opening of the hotel, other businesses followed — a general store, creamery, bakery, bank, and butcher. Most of them were built to support the growing number of farmers who moved there, especially as irrigation systems were quickly developed and the area's first school opened.

Like many Danish schools, it was a "school of life." That meant it offered a broad range of courses, which included Dutch arts and dual languages. Within two years, Attedag College became the heart of the community (until it closed in 1952).

While the college eventually closed, the spirit of the Danish people did not. When the college helped the township celebrate its 25th anniversary, it created what became a predecessor to Danish Days. And Danish Days would later help inspire the concept of creating a Danish village in California.

After Word War II, Ferdinand Sorensen from Nebraska was the first to build a møllebakken (Danish-styled home) and the first village windmill. His work was followed up by local architect Earl Petersen, who began to add facades to existing buildings in order to give them a Danish Provincial look. And once this authentic Danish atmosphere took hold, it continued to grow into a vibrant tourist destination.

A small collection of ideas add to the Solvang experience. 

One of the most obvious reasons to visit Solvang is to experience the abundance of shops and galleries that line the town's Danish-themed streets. More than 150 independent shop owners populate the stores, with an emphasis on arts and antiques. There are plenty of treats and eats too.

The more historic and interesting stops include the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art. The museum, which was once the handcrafted dream home of artist and sculptor Viggo Brandt-Erichsen and his wife Martha Mott, was converted to accommodate permanent and visiting exhibits.

Along with that popular museum, the town is also home to a small but interesting Hans Christian Andersen Museum above The Book Loft. It includes many artifacts that encapsulate his life and work. Along with that collection, Solvang is home to the Old Mission Santa Ines (an old Spanish Mission), Wildling Art Museum (American wilderness collection), and Mendenhall Museum (memorabilia).

The Solvang Motorcycle Museum is a must see, with one of the largest collections of vintage motorcycles and rare European racing bikes in North America. The models range from a 1910 FN to other rare and modern machines, with an emphasis on racing cycles. The collection is owned by Virgil Elings, who has been collecting them for more than two decades.

While most people drive in from other cities, there are more than a dozen resorts, hotels, and inns in Solvang. The Hadsten House is an affordable favorite with an on-site mini-vineyard, day spa, and European-styled rooms with decorative fireplaces.

For those looking for a richer experience, the Alisal Guest Ranch is a 10,000-acre getaway for those who enjoy horseback riding, fly-fishing, golf and tennis. The resort provides access to the beautiful Alisal Lake.

Solvang, California Blanks 7.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Solvang requires ample planning to ensure the experience includes more than a shopping stroll. The area is a prime location for wine tours and scenic bike rides. While there are many activities year round, Solvang is best known for its Julefest in December and Danish Days every September.

While Solvang is a great place to stay when taking in the village, especially guests who visit during the town's seasonal outdoor theatrical schedule, don't discount the abundance of hotels throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. For details and booking information, start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com. Many people plan day trips to the village, but there are more opportunities to explore for those who stay several days.

Argonaut Renovates A New Chapter

Ten years or so ago, finding a place to stay right off Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco was limited. Most of the hotels are at least a block or two off Jefferson Street, with one or maybe two exceptions.

But all that changed when Kimpton Hotels opened the Argonaut Hotel in 2003, a boutique with 252 guest rooms and 13 suites. It literally extends the reach of the Jefferson Street experience to the Aquatic Park and beach just west of the San Francisco Maritime Museum. And although some might still consider this a bit of a trek, the walk can be pleasantly vibrant depending on the time of year.

The destination is worth it too. During the past decade, the hotel has undergone several renovations and, more recently, a redesign. While Kimpton decided to keep the quirky nautical theme, exposed brick walls, and wood-beam ceilings, there is a freshness the hotel hasn't felt in some time.

It seems to have spilled over into service expectations too. I remember when the hotel was proud to earn three diamonds from AAA. Nowadays, the hotel boasts four. People who stay here love it.

The Argonaut shares a history with the Haslett Warehouse.

The original building, which is occupied by The Argonaut now, was once the largest fruit and vegetable cannery in the world. It was a massive four-story brick and Douglas fir timber construction that was built between 1907 by the California Fruit Canners Association (a.k.a. Del Monte). Operations ceased during the Great Depression and it became a warehouse.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and transferred to the National Park Service in 1978. And in 1988, the warehouse was included as part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, which includes the historic fleet at Hyde Street Pier, the Maritime Museum, and the Maritime Library. Kimpton has a long-term lease on the property, which supports the park.

This is also why the Visitors Center and Interactive Museum is located on the property. The 10,000-square-foot space has dozens of displays and artifacts that retell the wharf's rich history. Some of the museum exhibits are interactive, including the sensory "A Walk Along The Waterfront," which incorporates sound effects from the wharf's golden era to tell the story.

The atmosphere is casual, modern and quirky. 

The interior design team did a great job balancing modern amenities with an over-accentuated nautical theme and the historic exposed brick walls, large timber beams, and warehouse doors.

The motif is big and bold, somewhere between breach house and cruise ship. The carpeting is striped, unexposed brick walls are paneled, and the fabrics mix and match reds and navy blues that pop against off-white. Some rooms have oversized leather ottomans. All of them have yoga mats.

Other standards include complimentary wireless flat screen televisions, work desks with Eames-style chairs, and surprisingly soft, comfortable beds. Some of the rooms offer views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier. Others provide views of the city, landmarks like Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid. I stayed in a room with a single king.

The Argonaut keeps good company within walking distance. 

The most immediate attraction is The Cannery, which is a waterfront marketplace as rich as many found up and down Jefferson Street; and Ghirardelli Square, another area market. Hyde Street Pier, which is where several historic ships and one submarine make up an impressive floating museum, is located across the street.

A little further away, past all the shops and fish markets, is the always popular Pier 39. There are plenty of places to catch a bite, but the Blue Mermaid Chowder House & Bar works on any night you aren't up for a walk. The concept there is what they call Barbary Coast heritage and Gold Rush nostalgia as envisioned by Steven Connolly. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Argonaut Hotel Livens Up San Francisco At 8.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

The Argonaut Hotel has come along way since it opened ten years ago. It just keeps getting better. The staff is friendly, the service is on point, and even the guests are more approachable. I even recommend the hosted wine hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aside from enjoying complimentary wine, the hotel is well suited to guests who mingle rather than retreating to their rooms.

There is always so much to do in San Francisco, with Fisherman's Wharf often described as a destination unlike any other in the city. For details and booking information, start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com. It deserves a couple of days to explore on its own.

A Stone's Throw From Jackson Hole

While Jackson is the best known gateway for millions of travelers visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, there is something to be said for staying a stone's throw away. There are several less-traveled choices a few miles north, shaving an hour off the drive into either park.

Most of them are much closer to the principal entrance of Grand Teton National Park at Moran Junction. Once inside, the southern entrance to Yellowstone is a short scenic drive away.

Although unincorporated, the community that makes up Moran has its own history. The first homestead was established in the 1890s by Ed "Cap" and Clara Smith, who eventually found themselves catering to so many Yellowstone Park travelers that they built a two-story log hotel. Their neighbors followed suit, building the nearby Elkhorn Hotel, before the Smith hotel was tragically burned to the ground.

Although there is a rural post office, there isn't much else to do in Moran itself. It's the surrounding lodges, cabins and ranches that make for a great distraction from the more bustling pace of Jackson.

The Togwotee Mountain Lodge is a wilder specialty destination. 

Located about 30 minutes from the Moran Junction entrance, the Togwotee Mountain Lodge became the highlight of a road trip through five states. Nestled in the Bridger-Teton National Forest at a higher elevation than Jackson Hole, guests can book lodge rooms or one of 54 modern log cabins tucked away in the pines.

While the lodge is nice, it's the cabins that add to the seclusion (especially those along the perimeter). They add an element of a rustic vacation, but with all the amenities of a hotel. The cabins consist of two  open rooms divided by a clean and cozy bath.

The living room includes a sofa, small dining table, and kitchenette with a mini-refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and enough pots, pans, silverware, and table settings to cook your own meals. Along with two queen beds, the bedroom has a dresser with its own flatscreen television.

Even in the summer, nighttime temperatures are cool in Wyoming. Guests have their choice of using electric heat or lighting a cozy fire. The wood-burning fireplace provides plenty of instructions, and each cabin has its own supply of wood outside the front door.

When guests don't want to eat in their cabins, the lodge has two menus served out of the same kitchen. The Grizzly Grill is a wide open dining hall with a breakfast buffet in the morning, lunch and dinner. The lodge's Red Fox Saloon serves a much more casual menu, with burgers and sandwiches. The real draw, of course, is a dozen draft beers including local favorites from the Snake River and Grand Teton Brewing companies.

The Togwotee Mountain Lodge as a hub of activity. 

What makes the Togwotee Mountain Lodge great is its central location. In the summer, there are dozens of activities around the Bridger-Teton National Forest. They include horseback riding, wagon cookouts, mountain biking, river floats, whitewater rafting, and fishing. Some are operated by the lodge, but most are catered by outside outfitters. The lodge is always helpful weighing the options.

Almost everyone who stays there sets time aside for horseback riding. The stables are located right behind the Togwotee Mountain Lodge, with an extensive network of riding trails around scenic vistas in the area. Some trips travel up to the top of Angle Mountain. Others drop down toward Buffalo Fork River. In the winter, the lodge is a favorite destination for snowmobilers.

Conversely, there is plenty to do on your own. Jackson, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone are all short drives away. Just make sure to start every day early. Some relatively short drives take longer than you think, especially inside the parks. Maps make everything look deceptively close.

All of them feature enough attractions to include more detailed reviews. We'll circle back to some of them in the months ahead. But you really can't ask for more than the Togwotee Mountain Lodge, a story that started in 1921 when Al and Bertha Angle opened a camp that specialized in home cooking and mountain outfitting.

The Togwotee Mountain Lodge Saddles Up 8.2 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

The property has since changed hands several times over the years. In 2008, it was purchased by Aramark Parks and Destination, which now employs young workers as part of its seasonal crews. Many of them stay right onsite in employee cabins, which makes for long hours but an excellent experience.

There is a surprising amount to discover around Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. For details and booking information, start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com. The Togwotee Mountain Lodge, by the way, includes cabin-side parking as well as free Wi-Fi, which is surprisingly fast for an area where cell service is spotty. The best iPhone app we've found to date is National Parks by National Geographic.

The Drury Plaza Hotel Has A History

Although the Drury Hotel Plaza consists of three historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its the oldest that best epitomizes the history of St. Louis. Much like the famed St. Louis Arch is a monument to the country's western expansion, the building was originally built on one of the country's biggest western industries.

Constructed in 1919, the building on the northwest corner was the world's most important fur trading auction floor. And for the next two decades, it would dominate the industry as coats and hats became a symbol of prosperity during the roaring 20s — the line between east and west as well as the past and future.

After all, St. Louis was not only the gateway to the west, but also a city that thrived with the rise of steamboats and later became the home of the telephone, an invention by the esteemed Alexander Graham Bell. It was an epicenter of progress and expansion, a city unafraid to reinvent itself several times over.

The Drury Plaza Hotel brings together several historic sites. 

Along with the building on the northwest corner, the hotel also consists of the 10-story Thomas Jefferson building annex, which was added to the International Exchange by a hat company in 1957. And the neighboring American Zinc Building, built in 1967, is one of only three truss structural-style buildings left in the United States.

Interestingly enough, all three of these buildings were scheduled to be demolished in 1997. According to the hotel's history, Charles and Shirley Drury stopped the wreckers on their way to attend a mass at the Old Cathedral. After purchasing the buildings, they renovated the expansive lobby to reflect the original architecture and opulence of the exchange.

Of course, the three buildings aren't the only historic structures that the hotel seems to bind together. The Drury Plaza Hotel is centrally located next to several city assets, including the St. Louis Arch.

Hospitality and location make the Drury Plaza Hotel memorable. 

The Arch is the cornerstone of any visit to St. Louis. Built as a monument to Thomas Jefferson and the pioneers who gathered in St. Louis before heading west on the Oregon Trail, the arch also became a symbol of American architecture.

The structure is 630 feet (63 stories) tell with an expanse of 630 feet between the outer sides of its legs. Each leg is 54 feet across, constructed with 3/8-inch structural steel on the inside and 1/4-inch stainless steel on the outside. Even more remarkable, however, is to consider that both legs were built at the same time, requiring the structure to be jacked together to fit the last piece. It was built in 1963.

Other nearby attractions include the St. Louis city museum, a 600,000-square-foot shoe factory transformed into an eclectic mix of hands-on activities and unique architecture; the Saint Louis Art Museum, which was originally founded in 1878; and the legendary Fox Theater, which opened in 1929. Also nearby is the Old Courthouse, which has its own rich history and exhibits.

More than 150 years old, the courthouse is a prominent architectural landmark and site of several historic cases. This is where the first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850 and where Virginia Minor's case for a woman's right to vote came to trial in the 1870s. The courthouse was also part of the Underground Railroad.

The Drury Plaza Hotel In St. Louis Preserves 5.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

While the opulence of the hotel doesn't necessarily blend into the rooms, the friendliness of the staff and walking distance to the arch, the Old Courthouse, and Busch Stadium make up for the minor wear and tear. Another nice attribute to note is that the hotel is reasonably priced for being so centrally located.

St. Louis isn't always top of mind when people consider travel options, but the city is surprisingly rich in history and has a flair for preserving jazz as it was heard in the 1950s. For details and booking information, start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com. While the Drury Plaza Hotel charges for parking, the overnight rate is nominal compared to many hotels.

Escapists Lured To Carmel-By-The-Sea

When the city buzz gets to be too much, a spontaneous drive up or down the California coastline can be the cure. Travel far enough north from Los Angeles (about 6 hours) or south from San Francisco (a mere two hours), and you'll eventually find an escape in one the most beautiful cities in America.

Carmel-by-the-Sea was amazing in its urban planning from the beginning. Even the city's master plan calls it "a village in a forest, overlooking a white sandy beach." Shortly after the turn of the century, the allure of its cultural scene became a magnet for artists, musicians, and writers.

George Stirling is one of the best known residents, as were Mary Austin, Ambrose Bierce, William Merritt Chase, Armin Hansen, Jack London, Xavier Martinez, and Upton Sinclair to name a few. London even wrote a book about the arts colony there: The Valley Of The Moon.

Carmel-by-the-Sea will leave you charmed as will the Coachman's Inn. 

The Coachman's Inn is best described as something between a hotel and a bed and breakfast. The latest rounds of renovations are both spacious and romantic, with the property picking up elements of its 1950s past and Victorian floral accents.

I'm not normally down for this brand of elegance, but it fits the town's hodgepodge of English cottages. Carmel-by-the-Sea has a way of transporting to you someplace else entirely. It's the point.

What makes the Coachman's Inn work is that it's perfectly centered in the city, making it easy for you to walk the entire town or down to the beach. The parking is private too (but not guaranteed). And the staff is immediately friendly even if they seem more used to couples.

The beds are comfortable. A light continental breakfast (snack) is delivered in a basket to all 30 rooms. (Don't expect to pick up a room as a drop in.) It can easily be argued that there are better places, but this one carries a great value. If I was staying longer, Tickle Pink Inn is tempting for its views alone (below) even if you have to drive into town.

As a weekend getaway, there is plenty to help you unwind in Carmel.

In keeping with the escapist theme, plan to spend some time in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This is the famed landscape that artists came to paint and be inspired. I don't just mean painters. The Point Lobos Foundation has an entire section dedicated to the arts, ranging from pics to poetry about it.

The entrance to the park isn't free (and not always easy, with a one vehicle in, one vehicle out policy when it is at capacity), but it is worth it. You can find your own way or join the guided walks and tours inside the Whalers Cabin Museum.

While visiting Point Lobos is a must, there is plenty to see in town. There are more than 100 art and photo galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea and a dozen wine tasting rooms too. Between the galleries and unique stores, it's easy to get lost in something as simple as a walk.

Some of it can be tourist-centic, but there are plenty of gems tucked away. The Carmel Art Association
is a good place to start. It has the longest history in supporting local artists, including the bigger names.

Other must-see attractions include the Robinson Jeffers Tor House (built with his own hands) and Celtic-inspired Hawk Tower, see what is playing at the Forest Theater Guild, and make sure you drop by The Forge In The Forest. As for other eats, Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts about 60 places to eat. One long-time favorite is Jack London's Bar & Grill. It's a little over rated, but fun nonetheless.

The Coachman's Inn Sparks 6.5 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

The Coachman's Inn, on its own, lands solidly in the 6s on our scale (which is high), but Carmel would easily climb into the 9s on its own. While the inn is a nice place to retreat, it isn't necessarily a destination unto itself like some the other hotels that we've highlighted before. At the same time, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the kind of place that where you stay is almost secondary to the experience.

The nearest airport to Carmel is Monterey, Calif. Some travelers prefer to fly into San Francisco or San Jose, which are both international airports. Fore more details and booking information, start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com. Consider price and how far you're willing to drive. For all of us who already call California home, the inspiration remains in our backyard.

Bryce Canyon Is Memorable Earth Art

Although the Grand Canyon in Arizona is the best known canyon in the world, it's Bryce Canyon in Utah that has some of the most striking rock formations in the United States. While hoodoos can be found on every continent, no other rock spires truly compare to the size, scope, and color of Bryce Canyon.

The spires take on a grand shape and scale at the Bryce Amphitheater, which is the most visited section of the park. It's one of a series of breaks eroded into the eastern slope of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, a major plateau that rises to an elevation of 7,000 to 9,300 feet in southwestern Utah.

The plateau was created 10-20 million years ago by an uplift on the larger Colorado Plateau. After the uplift, erosion carved soft rock areas away and left harder areas that have since been whittled down by wind, rain and snow. The most durable hoodoos are capped with a magnesium-rich limestone that dissolves at a slower rate and protects the softer limestone underneath.

Four vista points to take in the dramatic beauty of earth art.

There are more than 13 different viewpoints within Bryce Canyon, with all of them accessible from spur roads that run between the cliffs and Highway 63, which runs parallel to the cliffs. The four best vantage points include Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Point.

The first two, Sunrise and Sunset, were named after the two best times to take photographs. At these two times of day, the park features explode and the colors become even more pronounced. Almost all of the most famous photos taken in the park were taken at these two times, one of the reasons that day trips to the park never truly capture the magnitude of the canyon.

Each of these two viewpoints are best known for their immediate rock formations, with Sunrise Point capturing the towering Boat Mesa and Sunset Point including Thor's Hammer, a formation that resides just below the overlook on the northern edge. Conversely, Bryce Point is probably the best place to take in the entire amphitheater and Inspiration Point offers several varied perspectives.

All of them highlight the lower pink formations that are made up of sand, silt, and iron and the upper white members are a purer limestone. On a clear day from the bristlecone pine-dotted plateau, it's easy to see more than 100 miles beyond the amphitheater and into the lowlands beyond.

Things to do in and around Bryce Canyon.

After taking in the amphitheater from various vistas, hiking is one of the most common activities. There are more than 50 miles of trails and hiking paths, including the the Rim Trail, which follows the edge of the amphitheater for approximately 5.5 miles. Other trails give visitors the opportunity to descend into into the amphitheater, ranging from the the Queens Garden Trail at Sunrise Point (a 320-foot decent) to the Navajo Loop Trail that passes through the narrow slot of "Wall Street" and a closer look at Thor's Hammer (a 580-foot decent).

There are many other trails, with Swamp Canyon being one of the least traveled but most interesting as it is bounded on two sides by "fin" formations and gravity-defying hoodoos. Because it connects to the Under-The-Rim Trail, hikers can follow a loop and return to the Rim Trail rather than backtracking.

In addition to hiking, Bryce Canyon hosts various events throughout the year. They include guided tours to prairie dog colonies, astronomy events, moonlit night tours, ranger programs and area horseback riding. In the winter, there are even snowshoe hikes that take visitors out in the solitude.

Although not included in the review, non-campers might consider staying at the Bryce Canyon Lodge, which is a National Landmark that was built throughout the 1920s. It is the last of the original lodges designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood. All of the lodges, hotels, and motels in the area are outside the park. While they aren't lavish enough to earn 4- or 5-star ratings, the staff make up for it. Reserve a cabin or the second floor as space is available.

Bryce Canyon Breaks The Landscape At 9.7 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

Bryce Canyon is open 24 hours a day, with the visitor center open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. between May and September. Hours vary between October and April. The visitor center includes a small museum with geology, wildlife, star gazing, and history. Wildlife abounds in the park, ranging from chipmunks to mule dear. The park itself is ideal for art and photography. Summers tend to be more crowded.

For a complete overview of travel accommodations in and around Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park, compare top travel deals at Expedia.com. For more information about the Lodge Bryce Canyon, you can also visit the site. The best part about staying overnight is that the park is one of only three International Dark Skies parks in the United States.

The Roger New York Wears A Bow Tie

Earlier this year, I had a chance to take a return trip to New York City and stayed somewhere I never expected. While I prefer places that are tried and true most of the time, one of my friends suggested I stay at the recently renovated The Roger (not to be confused with the Roger Smith Hotel).

Given the boutique hotel located on Madison Avenue in the Flatiron District is new, the room rates seemed reasonable and the property was offering an additional special (valet parking and breakfast for $10 more), I readily agreed. After all, the Empire State Building is just a short walk from the hotel. So is Koreatown.

The location is great and renovations crisp, but it's the kindness that keeps you.

It's easy enough to tell that the hotel staff are trying to make a great impression. Everyone is helpful and especially willing to help — offering advice, accommodating special requests, and assisting with reservations at any of the nearby restaurants. While not everyone will think this is extraordinary, maybe expected, it was the authenticity that made all the difference.

Although you can hear some street traffic like most New York hotels, the rooms are quiet enough. If you are more sensitive to noise where you stay, it always makes sense to request a room with a view to escape any bustle near the ground floors. For me, it wasn't a bother.

The rooms feel open considering the smaller New York sizes, which has to do with the smartly but sparsely designed room. What I didn't care for was the color scheme. The whiteness makes it a little stark, mostly because some of the warmer accents don't work with the black and white base.

Still, there are plenty of details that count. The linens are Egyptian cotton. The comforters and pillows are down for added comfort. Modern amenities that have become expected in recent years like flatscreen televisions and docking stations were present.

All in all it's comfortable enough, but it really it is the staff who make the stay memorable more than the hotel itself. They make you feel at home, which can't be said for all hotels. Having only 194 rooms helps. But what doesn't help is how some hotels are dropping room rates but then adding surcharges and point of sale items (even in the bathroom). It cheapens the experience.

Otherwise, if you can splurge for a room with a terrace, do it. The Manhattan skyline gives the hotel the charm it just doesn't seem to have on its own beyond the lobby or the The Parlour, which was designed by Anna Busta. It was her idea to blend old world and new, inspired by what was right outside.

The Flatiron District is an amazing blend of New York business. 

The area is mostly known for its famously triangular Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park. There is a different vibe in the area, creating the impression you are in New York City without being a tourist.

Like the renovations at The Roger, there is an ever-present blending of the old and the new. As a daytime destination, the old world architecture, modern public art, and eatery aromas capture the excitement of it. Shopping is eclectic, given how many design, photography, and clothing shops are there.

If there is a must-do amidst a host of must-dos, visit the park for what some people call the best hamburger in the city. The only trick to getting one from Danny Meyer is having enough time. The line (which is longer in the summer) becomes something of a spectacle in and of itself.

The wait, much like I was promised, was worth it. The place you will be looking for is the Shake Shack, which actually began as a hotdog cart about 12 years ago. While I missed the opening, the annual public art installation probably helps (and a fully charged iPhone). This year's installation is artist Orly Genger's concept to frame all the lawns with red, yellow, and blue walls of hand-knotted rope. It's about 1.4 million feet of rope to give you a sense of scale.

Personally, I preferred the nearby nighttime attractions. All the lounges, clubs, and cabarets heat up. Make sure you visit the Flatiron Lounge for that crazy New York mixology, mahogany bar seating, and  jazz music. The bar, as a point of interest, was originally made in 1927. Frank Sinatra loved it too.

The Roger New York Gets Off The Ground At 3.2 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

While the review rating isn't as high as some might expect, the hotel is still cool enough to make our places list. All in all, if the art was more interesting (to add some warmth to the rooms) and the surcharge silliness was killed outright, it would likely land somewhere in the sevens. Seriously. Placing price tags all over hotels feels like forgetting to cut them off your clothes after shopping.

The location, on the other hand, is abuzz with new stuff. While I was in New York too early to see it, both Codecademy and Tres Carnes both opened. Fore more details and booking information, start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com. There are options.

Art Exhibits High At The Getty Center

Rising high above the Los Angeles skyline in Brentwood is a museum with one of the most impressive art collections anywhere. To get there, guests are asked to leave their vehicles behind and catch the three-car cable pulled tram that ascends and descends the hill every day. The winding route takes five minutes.

Almost 1.3 million people take the journey every year to see one of the finest collections of pre-20th century and 20th century European and American art. Housed in five exhibition pavilions that make up the campus, the Getty Center itself is a work of art, meticulously designed by architect Richard Meier.

Meier took special care in considering how people would arrive and orient themselves. The museum itself extends south along one of two ridges that converge to make up the campus. Once they arrive, they have an immediate choice to explore the grounds or enter the museum through the three-story cylindrical lobby that opens onto the museum courtyard, which is surrounded by those buildings.

"Not all those who wander are lost." — J.R.R. Tolkien

Although not written for the Getty Center, the timeless Tolkien quote conveys the right sentiment. This is the kind of place to wander for hours and lose yourself despite never being lost. Around each and every corner of every circling pavilion, the work of master artists, painters, artisans, and craftsmen are everywhere, usually with statues and artifacts on the first floors and paintings on the second floors.

With many beginning in the North Pavilion, guests will find art, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts. The majority of the collection in this pavilion pre-dates 1700, with an emphasis on medieval art. After transversing the lower and upper levels, a sky bridge connects the North and East pavilions.

It is in the East Pavilion where visitors will find increasingly familiar artists, with Dutch, French, Flemish, and Spanish paintings as well as sculpture and Italian decorative arts dating from 1600 to 1800. The highlight of the collection, however, is the 17th century Baroque art.

Immediately between these buildings and easily missed while wondering into the South Pavilion is a small standalone building that holds what the Getty Center calls The Family Room on the first floor. It is one of several places where the Getty lives up to its mission to inspire curiosity about the visual arts, inviting younger visitors to construct their own interpretation of an illuminated manuscript, build tube structures, and enjoy treasure hunts.

The Getty Museum is evolving on site and off site with apps.

Further back, however, is another Getty Center rarity. The South Pavilion contains the museum's 18th century paintings and a majority of the museum's European decorative arts collection. What makes the collection especially interesting is that some of the exhibits are done up in finished rooms, elaborately furnished and paneled.

It was one of the Getty Center's interactive exhibits that inspired The Life Of Art, an iPhone application that details how four decorative works maintained at the museum came together, with various artisans each adding their expertise to create the elaborate furnishings. The app, much like the exhibit, includes a lidded bowl, silver fountain, side chair, and wall light.

The application isn't exclusive. The J. Paul Getty Trust has produced other free apps, including one to coincide with its exhibit Florence At The Dawn of Renaissance. The visiting exhibit is tied to how Florence flourished in the 1300s and helped set the stage for the Renaissance.

In addition to its own apps, other developers have created some.

In keeping with the desire to inspire, several other apps have been undertaken by other developers. In 2001, Toura created an app that featured highlights from four exhibits. And another by the same developer features 150 stunning works at the collection. It is the only one that requires a purchase, but does include some of the famed paintings from the West Pavilion, including Van Gogh.

Even more remarkable is the museum's recent exhibit on Pinterest, with almost 1,700 works. Still, even if these drawings, paintings, and photographs capture representations of the work, there is nothing like the real thing. The fountains, architecture, cactus garden, and central garden designed by artist Robert Irwin all converge to transport anyone away from Los Angeles for a few hours or even a day.

The Getty has several options for eating. In addition to light fare snack carts, the center has a restaurant and semi self-serve cafe (pizza oven and hamburger/chicken grille). While the restaurant menu seems pricey at a glance, the preparation and presentation is exquisite, as fine as any leading Los Angeles eatery. Plan to eat in, with dinner equally distinguished.

The Getty Center In Los Angeles Rises To 9.9 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

The Getty Center and Getty Museum has been a favored place to visit in Los Angeles since it opened. Given the museum waives its admission like several Los Angeles museums and art galleries (there is a modest $15 for parking), there really isn't any reason to miss it.

For a complete overview of travel accommodations in Los Angeles, compare top travel deals at Expedia.com. The Getty is especially close to Santa Monica (and you can avoid any highways). For a virtual tour of the Getty, you can find The Life Of Art, Getty Museum Highlights, Florence At The Dawn of Renaissance, and Pacific Standard Time on iTunes. Three of the apps are free.

Hotel Lucia Has Surprises In Portland

Portland architecture has always been mysterious to me. Much of it is a hodgepodge of old and fresh, historic and modern, classic and period trendy. Some of this is misleading because the city almost always leans new on the inside.

The Hotel Lucia is like that. On the outside, the hotel is a historic landmark of sorts. It was opened as an extension to the Imperial Hotel in about 1908, which sometimes causes confusion because both it and its neighbor, Hotel Vintage Plaza, can make the claim to have been the Imperial Hotel.

But unlike its former parent, which is now owned by Kimpton Hotels, Hotel Lucia made the move toward a more modern interior decor with Provenance Hotels. It happened a little more than ten years ago when another hotel group bought the extension and remodeled it into a standalone 127-room boutique. And the look of it today is punctuated by the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist David Hume Kennerly.

An unassuming stylish stop in the heart of Portland. 

Not everyone knows the name Kennerly, but some people know his work. An Oregon native, he won the 1972 Pulitzer Prize for feature photography for the photos he took in Vietnam.  Of course, these aren't the photos you will see in the hotel.

Instead, they have a collection of prints that include Ansel Adams, Jodie Foster, and Ronald Reagan. Taking them in, it immediately becomes clear that Kennerly had/has a talent for capturing portraits as much as photojournalism and landscapes. In fact, this is one of the reasons he has been given access to so many U.S. presidents, starting with President Richard Nixon.

It is these photographs that also lend well to the look of the hotel. It's hip with a neo-retro look: clean lines from the 1950s, an earthy tone from the 1970s, a spaciousness from the 1990s, and expected upgrades from the 2010s. This might sound more eccentric than it is, but all of it somehow comes together seamlessly.

What else do you need to know? The rooms are smallish, but the beds freakishly comfortable. The staff doesn't exhibit any stuffiness, which reinforces the general feel of casual luxury. And the location, it's nearly perfect.

The nearby attractions are made readily accessible in downtown Portland. 

Many of the best attractions are within relatively easy walking distance of the hotel, which is centered in the heart of the downtown shopping district, five blocks from Pioneer Place Mall, eight blocks from the Portland Center for Performing Arts, and nine blocks from Portland Art Museum.

Add the museum to the must-see list. Opened in 1892, it has amassed more than 40,000 works of art. It frequently attracts international exhibitions and generally had a flair for contemporary art. Just a few years ago, it enlarged specifically for modern art and also includes NW Film Center.

In terms of shopping, the two most notable stops (besides Nordstrom) are the Pearl District and Powell's Books. The Pearl District because it is the best known arts and culture hub in Portland and has been since the 1990s. If you happen to be visiting during the first Thursday of the month, sign up for the gallery walk via First Thursday. Powell's Books also deserves some time as one of the largest independent book stores in the United States. Make sure to check for upcoming events before you visit.

In addition to shopping and other nearby sights like the Japanese Gardens and Museum of Science And Industry (home of Mythbusters), Hotel Lucia is has plenty of dining options nearby. Both of its restaurants — Imperial and Portland Penny Dinner — are operated by acclaimed chefs Vitaly Paley and Benjamin Bettinger. Make it a point to have a breakfast sandwich at least once at the Portland Penny Dinner.

Hotel Lucia Makes More Of Downtown Portland With 7.1 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

While not as playful as its sister hotel, Hotel Deluxe, Hotel Lucia is a perfect location for anyone who wants to take in more of downtown Portland. The room rates are reasonable, the staff is friendly, and the packages are frequent. The only price for staying so close to everything is that some rooms pick up the sounds of Portland nightlife (but only if you aren't part of it).

Portland itself is especially cool in the summer (temperatures rarely reach 80). The summer months also see a little less rain than other other seasons. For hotel and airfare comparisons, start with the top travel deals at Expedia.com. Portland is frequently discounted and was named by some travel sites as one of the best destinations last year.

Battle Of Gettysburg Hits 150 Years

Coming from the West Coast, I've learned that spacious is a word best reserved for older hotels back East. The Gettysburg Hotel is one of those, reasonably comfortable with an aging coziness. It was built in 1890, but the owners prefer to point to the 1797 establishment of the tavern it replaced.

Still, the tavern and the hotel that replaced it really have seen history, most notably after retired sheriff William McClellan bought it in 1809. It was this tavern named the Indian Queen and then renamed the McClellan House, that witnessed Union and Confederate troops swarm the town and then President Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address across the street at the Wills House a few months later.

Much later, the hotel would also accommodate another President. When President Eisenhower suffered a heart attack in Gettysburg, he used the hotel as a temporary White House. He and his wife were also among the last to stay before it closed down for almost three decades.

The Gettysburg Hotel is among the historic stops in Gettysburg.

When the Gettysburg Hotel reopened, it was owned by Best Western, which tried to strike a balance between catering to modern travelers and maintaining some historic relevance. It falls somewhere in the middle, where it mostly wins with Centuries on the Square and McClellan's Tavern.

Centuries on the Square is somewhat reminiscent of the past for casual fine dining. The tavern is historic too, but not because of its namesake. The Van Tromp Bar was imported from England, which means authentic is more likely at Gettysburg College's Majestic Theater.

This theater originally opened its doors as the largest vaudeville and silent movie theater in south central Pennsylvania, as an annex to the Gettysburg Hotel. It has even been the unlikely site of several world premieres, including Federico Felini's Satyricon in 1970 and Ted Turner's Gettysburg in 1993.

Although restored 10 years ago to host live performances and feature films, the latter was at risk when Hollywood notified theaters, including independents, that everything would be converted to digital. Fortunately for this theater, a major fundraiser saved it.

Movies and theaters in Downtown Gettysburg aren't the only draw. Most people visit because the summer of 1863 transformed Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, forever. Over the course of three days, July 1-3, the Battle Of Gettysburg became the largest battle of the American Civil War and a major turning point as it marked the end of Gen. Robert E. Lee's advance into the North.

Today, Americans still look on the expansive memorial in remembrance and with reverence. The two armies suffered between 46,000 and 51,000 casualties (dead, wounded, and missing), two to three times the amount of casualties suffered by Allied and German troops on the first day of D-Day during World War II. And this year marks an especially unique historic significance.

The 150th Anniversary Of The Battle Of Gettysburg. 

Every year, re-enactments are held in July, commemorating the 150th anniversary of this historic battle. This year, between July 4-7, re-enactors from across the nation and around the world are gathering to create the largest such events ever staged.

The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee is expecting thousands more than the 13,000 who attended the 145th anniversary. These men and women will reenact several days of historic encampments and battles on 1,000 acres of farmland. Preparations began five years ago.

While the climax of the 150th anniversary runs from June 28 to July 7, Gettysburg celebrates its historic significance throughout the year. Every weekend from April to October, various places host living history encampments such as the American Civil War Museum, General Lee's Headquarters, and Gettysburg National Military Park.

Along with these historic sites, Gettysburg has several additions planned to open this year and through 2015, such as the completion of the $15 million Seminary Ridge Museum renovation (complete July1). There are many other expansions planned as well, as Gettysburg will also highlight Lincoln’s famous speech during the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address in November.

Gettysburg Hits A Historic Milestone At 8.2 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Although my last visit to Gettysburg was five years ago, I can't think of a better place to pick on President Lincoln's birthday as Gettysburg readies for its 150th anniversary. While accommodations are likely to be tight, even with the recent addition of the Federal Pointe Inn, the anniversary is likely to be unforgettable as people find this location as a place of healing as much as a historic battle site.

Among the first places to check out are the Gettysburg Hotel (where I stayed), the Quality Inn at General Lee's Headquarters, or the James Gettys Hotel. For a complete overview of travel accommodations in or near Gettysburg, start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com. Many won't be modern, but most make up for any inconveniences with charm and friendliness.

The Beverly Hills Hotel Is All California

The guest list tells a diverse and storied tale of Los Angeles as much the hotel. The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows (also known as the Pink Palace) has attracted some of the coolest customers, ranging from Hunter S. Thompson to Elizabeth Taylor, and inspired the Eagles' rock classic "Hotel California."

Last year, as the hotel celebrated its 100th anniversary, the City of Beverly Hills bestowed it another honor. The Beverly Hills' Cultural Heritage Commission named it the first Historic Landmark of Beverly Hills for its iconic presence. It opened in 1912, which predated any plan to become a city.

A brief history of the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel a.k.a. "The Hotel" to most locals. 

After purchasing land, Burton Green, president of Rodeo Land and Water Company, hired Wilbur D. Cook to design a town and Margaret J. Anderson to build a sprawling hotel on a 12-acre parcel. The Mission Revival-style hotel, named after Beverly Farms in Massachusetts, was designed specifically to spark interest in an area billed as "halfway between Los Angeles and the sea."

It didn't take long. By 1914, Beverly Hills had enough residents to incorporate as a city (about 550) and by 1920, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks had built their home on the nearby hills. More stars followed, including Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Will Rogers, Gloria Swanson, and Rudolph Valentino. Together, they later mounted a fight when Los Angeles thought to annex it in 1923.

Within the next eight years, Harold Lloyd, John Barrymore, and Robert Montgomery joined them and Hollywood was entrenched, giving the area its renown for being home to the rich and famous. And other than tough times during the Great Depression, the city has mostly flourished after World War II. At its heart, The Hotel has almost always been the place where local and visiting celebrities play.


Today, other than a two-year renovation hiatus in the 1990s, the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows has thrived as one of the premier hotels in Los Angeles. While much of the allure is world-class service and amenities, the historic charm of 1940s architectural and interior design work of people like Paul R. Williams, Paul Laszio, John Luccareni, and Harriet Shellenberger is forever present.

In addition to giving the hotel its iconic sunset pinks and palm-shaded greens, it was these designers who worked diligently to retain the feel of the original property while creating spaces that felt like home wrapped in a hotel. It still carries an upscale but bright casualness that defines California today.

A few highlights at the the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows.

Located on Sunset Boulevard, just one mile from Downtown Beverly Hills, the hotel still rests within a 12-acre conclave of manicured gardens. And with only 208 guest rooms, which includes 38 suites and 21 bungalows, it is always bustling but never too busy for its guests or visitors.

Some of the classic features of the hotel, most of which were introduced in the 1940s, are as legendary as the Polo Lounge. Named after a band of polo players who toasted victories after winning matches in the nearby bean fields, the Polo Lounge has a country club feel starting with well-appointed breakfasts and carrying on with live entertainment from just after noon to just after midnight.

The outdoor pool is another landmark unto itself, framed by palms and well-planned grounds. Even when it is too cold to swim, the seasonal Cabana Cafe serves coffee, breakfast, cocktails, and lunch through 6 p.m. (and not necessarily in that order). The atmosphere is club casual, a contrast to one of my favorite places on the property — Nineteen12. Named after the year the hotel opened, the chic bar and terrace still carry a high back vibe from yesteryear. Only the drink menu has been updated.

When the Nineteen12 is full or the music misses the vibe, the Fountain Coffee Room makes for a great retreat with its 40s-50s styled sodas, floats, and pastries. What's most important to note is that the signature banana leaf paper is still intact. In fact, the classically curved counter is a restoration of the original, built in 1949. Like the spa and other attractions, everything plays toward the pool.

The rooms are all luxurious, tastefully appointed and decorated in a relaxing array of off-whites, soft beiges, and muted golds. The suites are much the same with stepped-up amenities like spacious living areas and fireplaces. A few steps above all that, either the hotel presidential suite or bungalow suites include a one-up marked luxury. All have modern niceties too, docking stations and plasma televisions.

The Beverly Hills Hotel Still Delights At 9.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

The location is perfect, just a stone's throw away from the Golden Triangle, with Rodeo Drive running through the center and bordered by Santa Monica Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard. The hotel is remarkably close to such diverse attractions as Paley Center for Media, Whisky a Go Go, and Museum of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It's one of the best places to stay off the beach.

The guest rooms aren't always easy to book and the prices might seem steep, beginning at around $650 (unless you happen to catch a special). One example of a special invented by the managing Dorchester Collection, for example, is a one-night stay with spa packages and $200 hotel credit. It's a good value. Parking is still an additional $34 per night, but most people expect it. Start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com.