After the holidays are wrapped up everyone begins to get back into the swing of a normal routine. Before you know it, though, Presidents’ Day weekend springs up out of nowhere–leaving many without plans for the small break. The kids are off school and most of us off work, so why not take advantage of the free time by escaping to a resort not too far from anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic states. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is preparing for the occasion with family-oriented events, activities, and dining experiences.

The Resort is offering two packages for the holiday weekend, a four-night and a five-night available between the 15th and the 19th. Each includes, “luxurious accommodations” as well as a $300 per night Resort Amenity Credit which can be used for food, drinks or activities. Prices vary by number of people and type of room; two adults and two kids in the Chateau Suite Double for the four-night package will cost around $2,820. The resort has planned some great activities for the weekend including ski packages, movie nights, live music, and family games like wheel of fortune and scavenger hunts. A perfect mini-vacation for the long weekend, Nemacoclin is one of Best Weekends’ favorite family resorts and it doesn’t involve the hassle of long flights or costly transportation.

Ellen Studer
Bestweekends.com




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Made up of our finest food connoisseurs, The Best Weekends Advance Team is always on the prowl for new dining experiences and dishes. Setting taste buds tingling this year is the Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner Series 2012 benefiting the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard Foundation is a non-profit organization to promote the culinary arts.  With multiple upcoming events, the Celebrity Chef Tour travels across the country bringing with it the some of the most popular chefs in US. Upon attending one of the events, you will enjoy an extraordinary night of five incredible dishes, fine wines, and Belgian beers. You get to meet the chefs themselves while enjoying some of their most popular dishes and even some new creations. Two of the closest upcoming events premier this February. The first event, held at Morgan's in the desert patio, Palm Desert, CA, will feature celebrity chefs Stephan Pyles, Nancy Silverton, and Jimmy Schmidt. Tickets start at $195 per person. The second is at The Palisades Restaurant in Eggelston, Va, March 30-31 with celebrity chefs: Barton Seaver, Jennifer Carroll, Mike Isabella & Host Chef Shaena Muldoon. If you can’t make it to either of these events, the calender of events has a complete list of upcoming dates. An exciting event for food enthusiasts of all kinds, the Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner Series is definitely one to put on the calender. But be sure to buy your tickets fast because they are flying like the world’s best hotcakes.
Ellen Studer
Bestweekends.com

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Looking to get a tan this winter without the hassle and costs of traveling down south? Tanning booths and spray-tans can only go so far, but surprisingly there is a way to get a natural sun tan right here in New Jersey, in Vernon, NJ, at The Crystal Springs Resort and the Grand Cascades Lodge Biosphere. The $7 million biosphere is the only one of its kind in the US. to use German Foiltec roofing that allows almost all of the sun’s natural rays to pass through. Because of the energy-efficient material, any time of year is perfect for visiting the multi-purpose biosphere. Winter is no longer an obstacle when it comes to getting a tan that will have people wondering what exotic island you visited. The biosphere features a heated indoor free-form pool, spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, an underground aquarium, 140 ft water slide, Grotto-like jacuzzi, cave-themed steam room and sauna, and a tasteful cafe. The complex is filled with tropical vegetation giving visitors the experience of an exotic vacation right in their own backyards. The Crystal Springs Resort draws attraction not only from golfers (t courses) and families, but also those looking to escape, even if just for the day. An incredible experience worth checking out, the biosphere at Crystal Springs is a unique alternative to the orange spray-tan this year.
Ellen Studer
Bestweekends.com


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_The very first historical museum in the nation just so happens to be located in the heart of Charleston, SC, one of Best Weekends’ favorite featured seaside getaways. The Charleston Museum, established in 1773, is still catching the eye of the public with incredible collections and exhibits of American history. In commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, the museum is featuring a collection of exhibits including it’s lobby exhibit, Blasted: Assorted Projectiles and Explosives of the Civil War. It presents an original exhibition of revolutionary artillery shells and small arms projectiles used and created during the war. Some artifacts with the most hype include the rare Quinlivan shot used to penetrate Federal ironclads and the two chambered incendiary shell used by Charleston defense. Blasted will be open until September 10, 2012. Other exhibitions included in the Civil War commemoration are City Under Siege: Charleston in the Civil War and The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls. City Under Siege is an ongoing permanent exhibit that focuses on the time period between South Carolina’s succession to 1865 and features uniforms, firearms, “gunboat china,” the watch of a fallen soldier, and even the prosthesis of Colonel Peter Gaillord who lost his hand in battle on Morris Island. The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls is a traveling exhibit from The South Carolina State Museum that opens April 13 and will run until June 19. It will be on display for the May 13, 150th anniversary of Smalls’ fight to freedom in 1862 on the Confederate vessel, Planter. The Charleston Museum captures the Civil War era in the sesquicentennial collection that brings to life the history of Charleston, SC.
Ellen Studer
Bestweekends.com
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MapQuest Vibe 01/30/2012
 
_While browsing the USA Today’s travel section I came across an article that introduced a new product by MapQuest that I had never heard of and of course had to look into. The program is called MapQuest Vibe and is designed to introduce a place or neighborhood from a new point of view. When you enter the site you are prompted to enter a town; I first entered my own hometown and was amazed by the amount of information that was dug up on my one square mile town including an excerpt from Wikipedia. The site presents restaurants/bars, shopping, activities, local services, beauty/spa, heath/med., and lodging/travel as separate categories that pinpoint each point of interest on a map and rank the establishments by how “hip” they are. Users are encouraged to rate places they know to help keep up with “what’s hot” and “what’s not.” Each place is offered with a short description and occasional photo; only sometimes is more information available. Because the program is still fairly new, it does yet hold as much detailed information on each location as it could. I then searched a Best Weekends’ favorite, New Hope, PA, I was shown 30 restaurants. Zoubi (one of our highest rated New Hope dining locations) was ranked second on the list just below El Taco Loco.        
In comparison, Google offers a similarly designed and longer established Google Places. Google Places runs on a purely user-built database. Business owners and town residents are encouraged to enter descriptions and locations of their favorite places. The locations of points of interest are not categorized and are not nicely pinned on the map, but Google Places does have a more descriptive and in-depth info page for each. This includes pictures, directions, and ratings taken from other travel sites. The site has the vast database it needs to blow MapQuest Vibe off the charts but the layout and design are holding it back without doubt. Overall, MapQuest Vibe is one to keep an eye on in the rising market of destination overview websites in 2012.
Ellen Studer
Bestweekends.com



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Best Travel Apps 01/26/2012
 
_ I’ve recently been on the hunt for more useful applications for both smart-phones and tablets that will come in handy when it comes to travel, dining, and things to do. Because of the high demand, this particular type of app is swamping the app store and made weeding out the bad from the good a difficult task. After downloading and testing out over 15 new applications, I’ve got it narrowed down to a select few that are nothing less than genius. New apps like these are coming out every day so to keep up, the Best Weekends Advance Team is always checking the app store’s newest favorites for innovative ways stay up to date on the latest travel trends and deals on our computers, smart-phones, tablets, and e-readers.

Wenzani- This is an app that found just the right balance between social-networking and trusted guide. Along the lines of a twitter-like layout, Wenzani has a system of “followers” and “followees” that allows you to keep tabs on experts, friends, and businesses that interest you. These trusted sources offer suggestions, advice, and pictures about their experiences from local dining to city sightseeing. You can even ask friends for advice and get their real-time responses and when you visit a new exhibit or check out a new hotel, post your recommendation and thoughts for your “followers” to see.

LonelyPlanet- An encyclopedia of all things travel, this app is a complete guide to many of the major cities in the world. For instance, choose to check out New York, NY and you are handed everything from a detailed background to maps on a silver platter. Pick up useful information about the neighborhoods, things to do, and even the practicalities of getting around with the click of a button. The best part about this app is how thorough the information is. Though only a handful of cities are offered, extensive research and attention to detail are evident.

Jetsetter- An app that will leave you drooling at spectacular dream vacations for deals that you won't find anywhere else, Jetsetter is an innovative tool that promotes some of the worlds greatest trips at the greatest prices.  Browse the constantly changing featured trips for one that might just be what you are looking for, and the vacation packages change by the day so its first come, first served. When you find a trip that’s right for you, snatch up the dates with a couple clicks of a button or put it on hold for up to 72 hours. Even check out reviews on the dream getaways from experts and travelers alike.

Matchbook - This app is surprisingly easy to use, has a simple design, and gets the job done with little effort. Directed at creating a virtual “must remember” list, this app allows you to bookmark bars, restaurants, and shops and leave notes about key features that you liked or disliked. You can also view the bookmarks of others to checkout places that might be worth stopping by. Another cool feature is “walking by”, which allows you to quickly note a place that you caught at a glimpse and would like to return to later.

Ellen Studer
BestWeekends.com


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_ Valentine’s day is just around the corner and reservations are already being placed for that romantic weekend. Many will find themselves in an upscale restaurant at a dinner for two, or possibly on a weekend escape to a quiet hotel. Because Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, the weekend previous is prime-time for travel plans. Bestweekends.com highlights some of the most romantic getaways at the Jersey Shore, ideal for an extraordinary holiday weekend.

Set on a beautiful old property in the heart of Spring Lake, The Chateau Inn & Suites is just blocks from the beach and steps from Potter Park. The Chateau is frequented by celebrities escaping to the Shore and it's not hard to see why. A warm and inviting lobby, charming suites and an amazing breakfast are perfect for couples in search of a romantic stay away from home. The Chateau even offers romantic packages like the “Special Evening” of chocolate dipped strawberries, rose petals, and champagne.

The small town of Manasquan is home to another destination favorite, The Inn on Main. Located in the heart of town and overlooking Main Street’s many shops and boutiques, the rooms are beautifully decorated and luxurious with pillow top beds and fireplaces in each room. Enjoy dinner at hot new BYOB, Firefly and it will be a night you won't soon forget.

For those looking to make the night a truly special occasion, dinner at the #1 Zagat rated restaurant in New Jersey, Restaurant Nicholas, is right on our doorstep in Red Bank.  Spectacular food, amazing service and an elegant setting make this a memorable experience. Tables for this fabulous dining experience are hard to come by though, so if you do plan on making Restaurant Nicholas your Valentine’s Day choice, be sure to make reservations far in advance.

Ellen Studer
bestweekends.com

 

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When it comes to catching some of the best deals around, online resources are the fastest and sometimes easiest ways to save those extra few bucks. Because the Internet has become such a universal tool and is so widely recognized, it is updated almost immediately with the most current information around. Lucky for us, this applies to those last minute travel arrangements that are known to be hard to book and even harder save on.

Thankfully, etravelbid.com has come to the rescue. Whether you need flights for a business trip into Chicago or a golf outing in PebbleBeach, etravelbid.com swoops in and snatches up the best unpublished rates on business or first class seats. President Albert G. Thomas of International Travel Systems, Inc., the mother-corporation of etravelbid.com, prides his company on it’s exclusivity to industry leaders. Because of this, flights that you find through etravelbid.com are, for the most part, high in quality and experience rating.

When you first enter the site, you are prompted to enter your travel information (dates, airline preference, etc.). You are then directed to a page confirming that your request was received; email response will include the lowest negotiated prices for your trip. The site then shows you upcoming deals and exclusive discounts of flights with departure locations nearest you so that you can plan for your next big adventure. Helpful, and budget friendly, this site is a great place to make your round trip, one way, or around the world flights a whole lot better.

Ellen Studer

Bestweekends.com
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_It’s that time of year again when all of the ratings are in and “top 100 of 2011” lists premier in travel magazines and newspapers across the board. Conde Nast Magazine printed this year’s “top 100 travel experiences of the year” and Bestweekends.com hits on six of these superb hotels and resorts.
#7. Elysian Hotel - Chicago, IL
A city gem, the Elysian Hotel is much deserving of its high rank because of the careful attention to detail and extraordinarily personal staff service.
#37. The Peninsula - Chicago, IL
Between the remarkably up-to-date technology, room amenities, and high quality dining, it’s no wonder Conde Nast features this luxury hotel year after year.
#58. Lodge at Pebble Beach - Pebble Beach, CA
A golfer’s paradise, the incredible view and dining of the Lodge at Pebble Beach is featured repeatedly by travel magazines, and with good reason.
#64. Fearrington House Inn - Pittsboro, NC
A dream getaway to artists and avid readers alike, the Fearrington House Inn is most well known for its unbelievable gardens and impeccably well-kept grounds.
#77. Keswick Hall at Monticello - Charelottesville, VA
Staying at the Keswick Hall at Monticello is comparable to being dropped on a villa in Tuscany; Conde Nast was sure not to overlook this invitingly unique hotel.
#84. Elliot Hotel - Boston, MA
A home away from home, this family owned “suite” hotel features personal accommodations that are second to none and puts to shame many family suites.

Ellen Studer
Bestweekends.com



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_ An iPhone update is in order; the young application Hotel Tonight is a must-have for travelers, businessmen, and families alike. A recent owner of the app, I am impressed by the newbie’s ability to quickly and efficiently navigate the hotel world. Hotel Tonight is a program designed to make same-night hotel room reservations at the best rates possible.

A pioneer of it’s kind, the app plays off of hotels’ desire to occupy as many rooms possible and negotiates prices accordingly. As stated by USA Today, Hotel Tonight bests competing hotel-booking websites three out of four times. A setback to the virtual tool, hotels from only 13 major cities are recognized and included in the search. This is due to Hotel Tonight’s relatively new status, though, as application users grow exponentially, so is the hotel database.

One unique feature of the app is hotel classification as hip, budget, boutique, classic, elegant, modern, and basic. Ratings, occasionally snagged from Yelp and Trip Advisor, are also available but could use improvement as the program grows larger. Impressive visuals such as pictures in hotel profiles as well as maps with detailed directions raise the bar to rising competitors. Oh, and did I mention it’s free?

Do yourself a favor and download this life-saving app, or you could be stuck curling up in the airport terminal for long and uncomfortable night.

Ellen Studer
Bestweekends.com

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