Between Los Angeles and San Diego is the charming city of Oceanside. It is a great getaway for all Southern Californians, and is a fun destination for others looking for a small beach community. The SpringHill Suites Marriott Oceanside opened in February 2014 and in only nine months has been awarded a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification. “We are thrilled to receive our official designation as a LEED certified Silver hotel,” said General Manager Kathleen Maola. “We are proud of our commitment to sustainable practices and realize that this is just one step in an on-going drive to lessen our environmental footprint.”
SpringHill Suites is perfectly located close to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, museums, and is just across the street from the beach. The atmosphere is casual and airy. Just walking into the lobby I got a feeling of spaciousness and calmness.

The all-suites hotel has 149 large rooms with a separated lounge/working area and the sleeping area. It makes the room feel large and welcoming. They are equipped with safes, a microwave, and a refrigerator, and the lobby Market is open 24 hours a day so if you get hungry in the middle of the night, just pop down (even in your jammies) and purchase something cold or ready-to-heat.

The first thing we did after checking in was check out the pool, which is located on the top floor with views of the town and the ocean. There is also an outside Jacuzzi and an indoor gym. The pool is clean and the lounge chairs are comfy. The only suggestion I can make is to heat the pool a little warmer. Otherwise, it is a wonderful and relaxing way to spend some quality outside time. And, if you want, the beach is just a short walk away.

My pet peeve when I travel is feeling closed in. That is impossible at the SpringHill Suites Oceanside. It is open and inviting. My favorite areas are the lounge areas, both inside and out. There are comfy sitting areas around a fire pit, and cozy areas by a fire. With spacious lounging areas on both the first and second floors, as well as the pool area, there are plenty of places to sit, relax, and unwind from the pressures of life and the city.

Oceanside has 3.5 miles of beach and boasts “year-round perfect weather,” however nights can get chilly. That’s the time to take advantage of the fireside lounge areas at the hotel. The city is also known for surfing, a fact visitors cannot miss when they walk through the town. There are plenty of surf shops. Due to its proximity to Camp Pendleton, there are also plenty of military shops. If you want anything patriotic, this is the place to find it.

SpringHill Suites Marriott Oceanside is a place I would consider again for a quick getaway. And, with the Oceanside transit station just steps away from the hotel, Amtrak, Metrolink, and The San Diego Coaster (servicing San Diego County) can bring you there, if you don’t want to drive. A free buffet breakfast, as well as high-speed Internet is included in your stay here. Smoking and pets are not allowed, which is a plus for those of us with allergies.

Simply put, SpringHill Suites Oceanside is a comfortable, spacious, and enjoyable place to hang your hat when you want a beach escape.

For more information, check out their website

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sanod-springhill-suites-san-diego-oceanside-downtown/

Click here to read about a restaurant option in Oceanside.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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When you think of New Orleans, Mardi Gras probably comes to mind. But New Orleans is more than just that one party in February. It is an interesting city that encompasses a lot of history and culture.

The French Quarter is the most famous area of the city, containing great architecture and historic buildings. There are mule-drawn carriage rides to enjoy in which the driver narrates the history and points out specific locations where movies were filmed and where specific people live. The ornate wrought-iron balconies and colorful French-style rowhouses are something we don’t see here in the west. The French Quarter is filled with sights, sounds and smells unique to this small area.
Strolling through the French Quarter at night is something you don’t want to miss. You’ll hear plenty of jazz, as well as other kinds of music filling the streets. Don’t get hung up in all the little tourist shops, unless that’s your thing. There are plenty of other things to see.

Jean Baptiste le Moyne established the city of New Orleans in 1718. It is filled with old world charm. In the Quarter you’ll see the oldest building still standing in the Mississippi Valley. Step into LaFitte’s Blacksmith Shop (which is now a bar) and you’ll be stepping back in time. The building was a former blacksmith shop as well as a safe house for smugglers, and is supposedly the only building to survive the big fire that demolished the Quarter in the late 1800s.
New Orleans is located on the Mississippi river and the riverwalk is a fun way to enjoy some of the unique scenery with plenty of stores and restaurants along the way. Balloon artists design specialty balloons for kids, and everywhere you go in the city you’ll see kids wearing their balloon hats or carrying a balloon animal. Have you ever seen a penguin made from a balloon? New Orleans has the reputation of being a party city, and even when it is not Mardi Gras time, it still maintains that party atmosphere.

Dining in city is an experience in itself. A “must” is the Café du Monde Coffee Stand – which offers more than just coffee. They have white and chocolate milk as well as orange juice. But this place, which was established in 1862, is noted for its fabulous Beignets. I’m hooked. Beignets are “French Doughnuts.” Actually, they are more like scones or sopapillas. These square fritters are covered with powdered sugar and are totally delicious. Kids enjoy them with a glass of milk. Adults should try the Café Au Lait with their Beignets. Café Au Lait, for those not familiar with it, is coffee mixed with hot milk. Can you say delectable? Café Du Monde is a meeting place for locals as well as a place for tourists to treat themselves. It’s located on Decatur Street and open 24 hours. There is a small inside area, however the majority of the restaurant is outside dining, under a tent. Be prepared to wait for a table, as this place is always busy.

Alligators, crawfish and other local delicacies are abundant everywhere you look. And if you are not into trying new things, there is always something delicious to eat. The city has a profusion of restaurants. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Café has their famous “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and there are other great restaurants that offer “regular” food. Pralines, beans and rice, and other local favorites should be tasted, at least once!

Besides the French Quarter, the Garden District is another area of New Orleans worth exploring. Take the trolley ride and see the unique residential area consisting of luxurious homes and interesting churches. Of course, along the way you’ll get a tour of the downtown as well as other residential sections, so for just a few dollars you can see how the people of New Orleans really live.
The Aquarium of the Americas features more than 15,000 different fish. The exhibits change every six months so if it’s been awhile since you were there, you won’t see the same things.

The Audubon Zoo is an exotic adventure to Africa, Australia, Asia and the Louisiana Swamps – all without a passport! The Louisiana Swamp Exhibit features alligators and other creatures, all in the lush landscape of the Bayou. The Audubon Zoo is one of the top-ranked zoos in the country.

Tour boats around the city are available, as well as several specific tour busses featuring tours of cemeteries, haunted history of the city, and many more things to see and learn about New Orleans.

New Orleans is called the Crescent City because it bends in a crescent shape with the river. It’s also called The Big Easy, due to the great music and good times it offers residents and visitors. It’s growing and becoming more than just a destination for partygoers. It is now, surprisingly, a very good destination for families. And if you’re looking for a nice romantic get-away, this is it.

And don’t forget to check out the new TV series filmed in the city – NCIS: New Orleans.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook

Have you ever thought about renting a houseboat for a vacation? These boats are fully loaded with all the comforts of home. Forever Resorts sees to that. Their houseboats are available in several sizes, each with plenty of living space, great kitchens, bathrooms, and a lot of fun.

There are several locations from which to rent your Forever Resorts Houseboat. We recently took a trip from the Cottonwood Cove Marina on Lake Mojave. Lake Mojave lies between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam. It’s pretty close to Searchlight Nevada, and an easy drive from Las Vegas.

The houseboat provides a great way for families to spend some quality time together while at the same time experience the wonders of nature. Personal Water Crafts are available to rent for additional fun.

So, what can you expect while on a houseboat? Let’s just say it’s like a big RV on the water. All the comforts of home – maybe just a little smaller, although the kitchen we had was more than adequate to make meals and enjoy them together. There was also a bar-be-que on the deck, which is an added feature to take advantage of. Television sets make being away from civilization a little easier because cell service might not be available on the lake.

Of course, you’ll have to bring your own food supplies, but if you really need them to stock your refrigerator for you, providing on their availability and for an additional fee, they can do that for you. Pots, pans, dishes, utensils, clean linens, toiletries, soaps, toilet paper are included on the boat.

Some models include a hot tub and a wet bar on the top level. And, every houseboat has a slide to expedite your entry into the lake!

While on the houseboat I was thinking about whom, besides families, would really enjoy this experience: school reunions with your close friends, sorority or fraternity getaways, a romantic vacation for two away from the hustle and bustle of the large cities, family reunions, office retreats, etc.

Forever Resorts has an entire fleet at Cottonwood Cove Marina. You can select from one of their 18 houseboats, depending on your finances and group size.

• Two 50-foot Forever
• Two 50-foot XT
• Seven 59-foot Deluxe
• Three 56-foot Getaways
• Three 60-foot Eagle
• 1 70-foot Silver

Before beginning your houseboat vacation, you will be instructed on how to drive, tie up, and enjoy everything there is on your houseboat excursion. You’ll learn how to drive it and when to start looking for a cove to spend the night. Driving the houseboat at night is not allowed. So, when it starts to get dark, simply find a nice little spot and tie up your houseboat. Imagine making s’mores under a star-lit sky. Or sitting on the top deck sipping an evening beverage. Or sitting on the couch reading the latest novel. Or playing monopoly with your friends. Or playing games with your kids. Or watching your kids put on a play. Or…well you get the idea. This is a nice way to reconnect with nature and with your family or friends.

Forever Resorts offers houseboating vacations at several locations in Arizona, Nevada, and California. Go to their website to find the best location for you and your family, friends, or organization. www.Foreverhouseboats.com.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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If you thought there are no educational things to do in Las Vegas, think again. The Luxor hotel is hosting two very different yet very interesting exhibitions.

BODIES

You’ve probably seen photos of the BODIES exhibition, but nothing beats the experience of seeing the real thing. If you have a queasy stomach, think about what it is you are about to see before buying your ticket. Otherwise, BODIES is a great learning experience.

As visitors travel through different rooms, they are exposed to various parts of the human body and get an up close and personal look at the muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive and skeletal systems. The human body is remarkable and seeing it dissected and displayed in this exhibit is something you will never forget. There are plenty of corresponding placards to read to learn about what is being displayed in each room, but nothing beats actually viewing the specimens. This sure beats any high school biology class.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

When visitors enter this exhibition, they will step back in time – back 101 years to the sailing of the Titanic and the sinking of the mighty ship. With over 300 artifacts recovered from the ship and some recreations, this exhibition is truly a look into the lives of the people of the era.

There are recreations of the first and third class cabins, which are like night and day. The elegance of the first class cabin is in direct contrast to the tightness of the third class cabin. The exhibition also recreated the beautiful Grand Staircase. I stood there and imagined how the passengers were dressed and what they were talking about while ascending and descending the stairs during the voyage.
As guests travel through the exhibition, they soon come upon the iceberg and the demise of the luxury liner, and get close to the largest piece of the ship that has been recovered. It is a 25-ton section of the starboard hull and is part of the exhibit. It’s called the “Big Piece” for obvious reasons. After lying on the ocean floor for decades, it had a tumultuous journey while being recovered.

When you purchase your ticket you are given the name and information of one of the passengers and at the end of the tour is a wall with all the names of those who took the fateful voyage. There, you will find out if the person whose name you were given survived or perished.

Both of these exhibitions are interesting in their own right. I suggest you allow at least 30 minutes for each one. Whether you are interested in the human body or the history of the Titanic, you will get your money’s worth here.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

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For over five years Cirque Du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE has been wowing audiences with sights and sounds. After experiencing the show I now know why.

The Beatles provided the soundtrack to a generation and The Beatles LOVE brings a new dimension to many of their songs. The music is only one part of this experience, however. The dancers, acrobats, and visual effects combine with the music for an experience for the eyes and ears. There is so much going on in this theater in the round, that it’s difficult to take it all in.

Cirque Du Soleil is known for recruiting the best dancers and acrobats. Just watching their amazing talent is awesome, and when that is combined with the songs from the Beatles, well, you have a very special show. But even if you are not a fan of the Fab Four, this is a show that will excite you. There are acrobatic maneuvers overhead, dancing and acrobatic movements on the stage, and images projected on screens. It’s mesmerizing and I kept wondering how bodies could bend and move like the performers’ incredibly fit physiques. If only I had kept up my dance lessons when I was young maybe I could move like them. Well, maybe not! These performers are the cream of the crop.

Sometimes I found myself watching the psychedelic images on the screens and listening to the music. Then something on stage would catch my eye and I would turn my focus there. But then an acrobat would descend from above and, well, you get the picture. There is always something fascinating going on, no one could be bored in this show.

As the show progresses, various scenes relating to the music are played out on the stage. The costumes and the hairstyles took me back to the 60s and 70s. It was literally a flashback to what many people recall as “the good old days.”

And, if you sit close to the stage, you might get an interactive experience with the performers. But no matter where you are seated, you will get the full effects of the show.

Aerial performances, freestyle dance, psychedelic images, and the intense energy of the amazing performers create an experience that enhances the songs most of us know by heart and embraces some of the characters created by the Beatles: Eleanor Rigby, Father McKenzie, Lady Madonna, Nowhere Man, The Walrus, and Sergeant Pepper. These characters come to life on stage surrounded by the sights and sounds of Cirque Du Soleil.

The Beatles’ LOVE at The Mirage in Las Vegas is an amazing experience. Yes, it is an experience not just a show. After all, all you need is love, and that is what the performers put into this extravaganza.
For more information, visit their website,

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

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If you’re in the Las Vegas area, for a different perspective on Southern Nevada why not get away from the hustle and bustle of the activities of the city and head for the Colorado River? No, I’m not talking about a white water – and white knuckle – rafting experience. The Forever Resorts Company offers a peaceful motor-assisted rafting trip that gives visitors a unique perspective of Hoover Dam and the Colorado River. There are a couple tour options to select.

Our unique tour began at the base of Hoover Dam, where we got a great viewpoint of the dynamic of this impressive building achievement. The raft is comfortable and the tour guides are knowledgeable about every twist and turn of the river. One note: if you don’t want to get a little wet, sit at the rear of the boat. Children are welcome on these tours. Those under 12 are required to wear life vests for a little more security.

On the tour rafters learn some of the history of this area of the world, and especially the history of the building of the Dam. The dam was built to tame the Colorado River and supply water to other areas of the Southwest. Building the structure and keeping tabs on the river were not easy, as you’ll discover.

Black Canyon straddles the borders of Nevada and Arizona. While rafting down the river, the history of the flora and fauna are also discussed, as is the geology of this part of the country. Floods and other natural occurrences have shaped not only the river, but also the landscape of the earth, and being down on the water is an interesting way to see the changes that took place over the history of the planet.

Hidden coves, quiet beaches, and the wonders of Mother Nature combine to make this rafting experience something to remember. Because of the nature of nature itself, every trip is different. Water levels and other occurrences may make it impossible for the raft to access certain areas, but that’s just part of the experience. And, if you do get to Emerald Cave, you will definitely be impressed with what Mother Nature has created. It’s as though she illuminated the water in this cave with emerald green lights.

Willow Beach is where our rafting tour ended. It’s known as “The gateway to the Black Canyon of the Colorado River.” This section of the river, which is between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam, creates Lake Mohave, a fun lake for boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Willow Beach Marina offers plenty of rental equipment for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the lake. Transportation back to the departure point is provided.

The next time you are in Las Vegas, check out the Black Canyon Adventures. They have several options and boxed lunches are often included. This is a fun experience for families and couples, and a great way to spend a day. Or, if you only have a short time available but still want to see the dam from a new perspective, their “postcard” tour is less than an hour, and you’ll still have some interesting stories and photos to show your friends.

For more information, visit www.BlackCanyonAdventures.com or www.ForeverResosrts.com.

• Full-day tours depart daily from the Hacienda Hotel on Highway 93, just outside historic Boulder City approximately 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
• Postcard tours depart daily from the Hacienda Hotel
• Black Canyon River Adventure Tour
  Adult (16 years & older): $92
  Child (13-15 years): $87
  Child (5-12 years): $58
• Postcard Tour: $35 per person (all ages)
• Round-trip transportation from your hotel: $49 per person

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is huge. Let’s face it, it is gigantic. And it is filled with a variety of theme parks, things to do and see, and places to stay. Every resort on the vast property is unique and offers guests a special experience. The Grand Floridian can only be described as simple elegance.

The Grand Floridian is one of three resorts served by the monorail transportation system, making it easily accessible to everything on the property. That’s not to say that you can simply hop on the monorail and ride it to wherever you want. Unfortunately, the monorail system, although it is a true transportation system, does not access every nook and cranny on the property, but it does provide access to the other transportations systems that serve Walt Disney World.

When you enter the main building, you find yourself in old Florida by way of this beautiful Victorian style resort. It is an opulent lobby, but also friendly. It’s Walt Disney World, after all. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship hotel of Walt Disney World. It is located on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, which provides another access to WDW by way of boats, plus guests can rent boats for pleasure.

There are plenty of restaurants, both grand and simple, so whatever you want you can find at the resort. We sampled the Gasparilla Grill, which is perfect for families who want a good, tasty meal but don’t want an opulent setting. This place is simple and handy and offers plenty of food for even the most finicky eater. Of course, there are other options for dining if you are in the mood for something fancier.

Child-care is available at the resort, as well as laundry facilities, a playground, activity center and swimming.

Senses Spa

When in Rome – or I should say when in the Grand Floridian – guests should get pampered at the Senses Spa. This is a wonderful and relaxing way to spend a day or just a few hours. I know kids will want to get back to the parks, but there’s something to be said for some R&R in a spa. Princesses get pampered just like Cinderella, Snow White, and Sophia. VIP treatment isn’t reserved for Ariel and Jasmine. Your little princess will enjoy the special Princess Pedicures and Magical Manicures (ages 4-12), and everyone, even older princesses, receive a bottle of their nail polish in the color of their choice to take home.

But Senses isn’t only for little ones. Parents, grandparents, and everyone deserve a little pampering, and that is exactly what this place specializes in. After enjoying days at The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Animal Kingdom, your feet are probably tired and your shoulders are sore from carrying all your newly acquired treasures. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage, and maybe some time in a hot tub or sauna? This is just the place to unwind and gear up for a return trip to the parks.

Renew, Relax, and Imagine are the three themes of the spa. Whether you experience a massage, facial, or mani/pedi, these three themes follow through in your treatment. Don’t take my word for it. Try it yourself. While there, I met some locals who came to the resort specifically for some treatments.

Afternoon Tea

Make a date with your little princess for a special Princess afternoon tea. It’s a fun way to spend some mother/daughter time while enjoying finger sandwiches and pastries, and, of course, tea. What afternoon tea would be complete without that? And it’s all served on fine china. It is something Mrs. Potts would approve of.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is definitely a quiet and elegant retreat from the hectic theme parks. Guests of all ages can enjoy the offerings of this quiet, laid-back resort, which is only a minutes away from the highly charged activates of Walt Disney World.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

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Ketchikan, Alaska is “The Salmon Capitol of the World.” It lies five hundred miles north of Seattle at the foot of the Tongass Rainforest. Needless to say it is damp here, with an average precipitation of about 160 inches of what they call “liquid sunshine.” Ketchikan is the fourth largest city in the state, which isn’t saying too much, since the population here is about 8,000 in an area approximately 1,744 square miles. This is a very picturesque town and the people are friendly.

Ketchikan gets a lot of tourism, as it is one of the main stops on a majority of cruise ships, but the main industry is fishing. Lumber used to be strong here, but the pulp mill closed in the late 1990s.

The town is unique. It’s built into hills and propped by wooden pilings. There are boardwalks and wooden staircases, cute wooden buildings, and totem poles throughout the city. Just walking around you’ll definitely want to shoot dozens of photos of this scenic city. It’s adorable. It actually looks like a picture postcard. If you remember the old television show Here Come the Brides, you could picture those characters residing in this place.

A creek runs through a part of the town and at the right time of year you can see the salmon swimming. Ketchikan has a colorful past, but just looking at it today it is colorful in another way. In the past, pirates, bootleggers, prostitutes and various other interesting and colorful people called this their home.

Today’s residents are friendly and enjoy visitors. The town is eagerly searching for others to move to the location. This is the first stop on the “Alaska Marine Highway System,” therefore oftentimes people refer to the town as the “First City.” As with all tourist locations on the cruise circuit, they do have their share of shops. You can find jewelry and other collectibles here, but also stop into the Ketchi-Candy shop for some mouthwatering chocolate.

There is a Totem Heritage Center Museum and a Totem Park and Carving Center where they have contests. And speaking of totems, Ketchikan is the home of the most totem poles in the United States. They’re sprinkled throughout the town. Keep your eyes open.

If you think being in this cold, damp place makes for a boring life, think again. There are plenty of cultural activities and events happening here throughout the year. Yes, this is a real hoppin’ place with plenty of festivals for residents and visitors to enjoy. In February they have the “Festival of the North,” in April is the “Celebration of the Sea,” in June is the “King of Kings Salmon Derby,” and May and June is the “Little League Salmon Derby.” They have a Fourth of July Timber Carnival, and August is the time to go blue with their “Blueberry Arts Festival.” Blueberry pie, anyone? November is the “Winter Arts Fair,” and December the “Festival of Lights.” So you see, this isn’t only a place to visit in the summer. It’s a year-round destination, providing you like wet, cold weather. But hey, this is Alaska. And, it’s beautiful here.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook