USA Travel Guide

Without too much protest, we decided to throw First Night Alexandria out there before Boston, but not even a week later we decided it just wouldn’t be right to pass up the original. First Night Boston is where this unusual New Year’s Eve tradition got started.

Thirty-three years ago, in fact. In 1976, a small group of Boston artists and performers came together to do New Year’s Eve a little different. Rather than with black-out binge drinking, they had the controversial idea of celebrating with music and art in an alcohol-free, family-friendly environment. Sacrilege, maybe, but a hit nonetheless.

There are now more than 200 First Night events held every New Year’s Eve around the globe. We may well get to more of them, but today we’re all about First Night Boston, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve events in Boston.

The name’s a bit of a misnomer. For one, this isn’t the “first” night at all; it’s the last night of the year. And second, First Night Boston has gotten so big that “night” doesn’t really describe it either. Activities kick-off as early as one o’clock in the afternoon, and you can bet they keep the show stages bouncing all the way through midnight.

Kid-aimed programming fills the Hynes Convention Center at the FedEx Family Festival, starting at 1:00. Family comedy, storytelling, music and circus entertainment make up the eleven-hour bill. Throughout the afternoon, locations all over Boston will host special events, from tours at the Harbor to Fluxusignment 57: A Bicycle Powered Shadow Puppet Theatre at Boston Common. (Never seen such a thing, but I’d definitely put it on my list).

Choose your activities wisely and head for the Hynes Convention Center at 5:30 for the Grand Procession. This annual parade has been a part of First Night Boston since the beginning, and this year’s theme – “Earth, Air, Fire, Water (and Dragons)” – promises to be awesome (because of the dragons).

With evening officially upon you, the most fascinating acts, and the crowds to watch them, will be out in full force. Believe me, these Bostonians don’t need drugs and alcohol to get a little weird. Along with the poetry slams and jazz groups you’d expect, you’ll also find stuff like Aesthetic Evidence, a (and I quote) “partially-scripted, partially-improvised element-themed audio-visual environment, inspired by spoken human voice recordings.” There’s also a Shakespeare cabaret act, so that sounds good.

In classic First Night fashion, First Night Boston ends in fireworks. The skies of Boston Harbor with flash and pop as a kaleidoscopic canvas of skittering stars dances overhead. (And for you sissies who can’t stay up that late, there’s a 7:00 p.m. show, too).

There’s so much more to do at First Night Boston than you reasonably can, so take the time to study the schedule, consider venues and transportation and plan your night. While it can be fun to just walk around and see what you find, most groups will have more luck with a game plan. View schedule and other information here.

The only bummer is that it costs a lot of money to put on that much entertainment, and the sponsors just can’t cover it all. Gain access to all First Night events with the purchase of the 2010 First Night Boston Badge for $18 per person, on sale now either online or at dozens of retail stores throughout the Northeast. View badge information here.

For hotels in Boston, we often stay at the Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill. It’s a great part of town – lots to see and do – and considering that the rates are always surprisingly low. There’s even more incentive now, because the hotel is offering a “Boston New Year’s Eve Package” featuring two badges to First Night Boston along with accommodations and breakfast. Done and done.

Have fun at New Year’s Eve in Boston, Massachusetts.

The ever-lazy editorial staff at USA Travel Guide will be enjoying a little holiday rest today and tomorrow. We figured you needed a break from Steven’s ramblings as much as we do.

Regularly scheduled programming will return on Monday, November 30.

Thanks and have a great Thanksgiving.

I know Thanksgiving is just a day away, but forgive me if we skip a little ahead to talk about one of the biggest Christmas events in the nation. In fact, some of the fun has already begun.

A Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland is a rockin’ Christmas-themed celebration of all things Nashville: music, family, food and plenty of good friends. Not just one event, the Gaylord Opryland’s Country Christmas is a month-long extravaganza of hotly-anticipated shows, musicals, rides, play areas and more.

Before you have a chance to take one step into a theatre, expect to be gob-smacked by holiday cheer. The famous, to say nothing of humongous, Gaylord Opryland Resort is decked roof to hall with millions of sparkling lights, joined with no less care by thousands of classic Christmas decorations. Simply walking the grounds is a holiday treat in itself (and don’t worry, you won’t be the only one).

Along with more than a dozen smaller attractions – the beautiful Christmas tree, holiday shopping, Santa Clause, and the play area – A Country Christmas boasts four ticketed events. These always draw the most attention. 

• Radio City Christmas Spectacular feat. The Rockettes – The iconic New York City showcase comes to the Grand Ole Opry House in the heart of Nashville. The sheer spectacle is worth the cost of admission alone. Learn more.
• General Jackson Showboat – The year-round showboat is debuting two Christmas programs this season for midday and evening cruises. Check out fiddle virtuoso Tim Watson’s Tennessee Christmas. Learn more.
• Louise Mandrell’s “Joy to the World” Dinner & Show – Country music star Louise Mandrell puts on a riveting concert while you enjoy a holiday feast. Learn more.
• ICE! –  2 million pounds of ice went into this breathtaking ice sculpture garden. Kids love this one, especially with the Peanuts theme, and so will you. Learn more.

The only humbug in this bunch is that not a one of them is inexpensive. However, you can usually save some scratch by choosing the right hotel and not getting carried away with too many of A Country Christmas’ paid attractions.

We say skip the resort prices and stay cozy near the airport. The Holiday Inn Nashville Airport Hotel always proves a refreshing choice for us. The complimentary airport shuttle and free parking help, too. Learn about this Nashville hotel.

A Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Resort runs now through early January, though hours and schedules of individual attractions will vary. Follow any of the links above to learn more about it and order tickets.

Have fun this holiday season!

It took a group of yuppie Bostonian artists to take something as wholesome as drinking oneself into mild dementia on New Year’s Eve and try to replace it with art. No drinking, no awkward hugs, no upended Jeeps. Believe it or not, people still got behind it.

That was 1976 in Boston, and ever since, these “First Night” celebrations have been springing up all over. The gist: ditch the drink and celebrate the coming of the New Year with incredible performances by local and regional artists instead. Music is a must, along with magic, performance art, dancing, live comedy, kid-friendly showcases and just about anything else you can put on a stage that doesn’t involve removing one’s clothes.

If you’re like me and subscribe to the belief that you don’t have to get hammered to have fun, First Night just might be your scene. Major events are now hosted throughout the country (find links here), but today we’d like to zero in on one of our favorites: First Night Alexandria.

Why Alexandria? For starters, we like the town itself. Just minutes from D.C., Alexandria, Virginia is an odd meld of quaint history and modern affluence, something no more apparent than up the main tourist drag along King Street. Second, show for show, venue for venue, Alexandria puts on a fabulous First Night. Let’s talk specifics.

First Night Alexandria will be held on December 31, 2009 in Alexandria’s Old Town (along King Street) at 19 venues stretching from the Torpedo Art Factory on the Potomac to the George Washington Masonic Memorial. In just five hours, more than 100 acts will hit the stage and light up the night with rock and roll, storytelling, stand-up comedy, dance and karaoke (plus plenty of other chances for audience participation). These are joined by classic festival fun like face-painting, clowning, variety show and all the eating you can handle. View the schedules here.

As the turn of the hour draws near, join the throngs of people headed west to the George Washington Masonic Memorial. When the clock strikes midnight, join in the celebration with a song and a dazzling fireworks display. You just might find yourself having a good time without a single Jäger shot.

Again, First Night Alexandria takes place this December 31. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. No one can stop you from walking up and down King Street, but to access the venues you will have to purchase a badge. Adult badges cost $15 when purchased online before December 23. Children 12 and under are admitted free with adult wearing a badge. First Night Alexandria is an alcohol-free event. BYOB is not allowed. Learn more.

Work off the buzz of that flashy finale with a lazy walk back to your hotel room. Both of our recommendations are within walking distance of King Street, but give you a few blocks’ peace from the madness. 

• Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria Hotel
• Holiday Inn Alexandria – Historic District 

Have a fun, safe and surprisingly memorable New Year’s Eve in Alexandria, Virginia.

We got such a great response back in June when we covered the Body Art Expo in Pomona, California, that for next year we wanted to be ahead the game. The sensational tattoo, body art and lifestyle convention is hitting the road in 2010 with four major destinations on the tour. Time it right and be in Pomona, San Francisco, Houston or Chicago for an unforgettable show.

The Body Art Expo is a lot of things. It’s a raucous party, it’s a get-together with friends old and new, and it’s a celebration of a culture that goes beyond skin, heritage and upbringing. But most importantly, it’s a place to meet more than 300 tattoo artists from renowned studios all over the nation. Talk to them, watch them work, and finally see what they can do for you.

You don’t have to get a tattoo, or even have one, to enjoy the Body Art Expo. You can kill lots of time simply admiring the artwork, whether it’s pinned up in an artist display or it’s walking around on the back of a scantily-clad female (who tend to show up in droves).

Extracurricular entertainment is non-stop. Concerts, live demonstrations, food, drink, dancing and a full host of contests keep the hall buzzing all day. Tattoo contests you expect – they reward 19 categories – but that’s really just the beginning. There’s a fashion contest, hot stud contest, hot babe contest, “win a tattoo” contest and all kinds of prize giveaways for you less competitive types.

Prices for the 2010 expos haven’t been listed. The 2009 tickets cost $50 for three days, $25 for 1 day, so expect something like that. Each event runs from Friday to Sunday with one, two, and three-day passes available. Of course, all dates, prices and whatnot are subject to change. Learn more here.

There are four conventions in the first half of 2010. Below you’ll find the date and address information, along with hotel recommendations by USA Travel Guide:

Body Art Expo in Pomona, California
January 22-24, 2010
Pomona Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA, 91768
Hotels: Radisson Suites Covina Hotel

Body Art Expo in San Francisco, California
March 19-21, 2010
Cow Palace
2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA, 94104
Hotels: Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel
           Holiday Inn Express Fisherman’s Wharf

Body Art Expo in Houston, Texas
May 21-23, 2010
Reliant Center
One Reliant Park, Houston, TX, 77054
Hotels: Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown Hotel

Body Art Expo in Chicago, Illinois
June 25-27, 2010
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611
Hotels: Silversmith Hotel & Suites | Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Magnificent Mile

As the events draw nearer, we’ll probably be back for a follow-up blog, but for those of you who have to set your vacation days early in the year, keep the Body Art Expo in mind. Have a great time!

Walking through an art museum – let’s say the Fresno Met – you’ll inevitably run into a gallery or two that you just don’t get. Maybe it’s a random jumble of black and red squiggles, maybe it’s a post-modern sculpture of a teddy bear wearing a sombrero eating a giant chicken, maybe you’re positive that you’re kid could do that.

Whatever it is, you can’t fight the feeling that this is only art because someone somewhere said it was art. That can be a fun intellectual challenge, but today I thought we’d look at something genuine. Here’s a museum that you can really get a feel for.

The Legion of Valor Museum is Fresno, California is like a hall of fame you never want to have to get in to. It represents the efforts of men and women driven beyond their limits, beyond what any country can reasonably ask of its citizens, beyond, as they say, the call of duty. The museum celebrates the lives and sacrifices of U.S. Armed Forces Medal of Honor and Cross recipients.

As they say on their Web site, “Membership is not achieved by birth, social position, political appointment, wealth [or] academic achievement…” Only extraordinary heroism in the line of duty, or “gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life … against an enemy of the United States,” can earn a soldier, sailor, airman or marine a spot in this illustrious legion.

Well, when you put it like that, it’s no wonder the Legion of Valor Museum carries such an absorbing sense of reverence. The museum displays are donated largely by the medal recipients themselves. Framed citations, historic plaques, official letters, newspaper articles, stunning murals and one-of-a-kind photographs place you inside the stories of the heroes.

These pieces are joined by hundreds of authentic military artifacts – cannons, vintage rifles, a naval searchlight, uniforms from several eras, commissioned statues and munitions among them. It’s a provocative military museum and honorable celebration of some of the nation’s finest patriots all in one.

It’s also completely free to visit. The Legion of Valor Museum is open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., no admission required (though donations certainly go to a good cause). Learn more.

Less than half a mile from the museum, the Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown Hotel offers a choice downtown location and sublime accommodations to go with. We almost always stay here when traveling through Fresno.

Have fun!

Note: One thing I forgot to mention is how gorgeous the building is. Some of the galleries feel a little cluttered, but in the grand expanses (like the lobby pictured above), there’s a soaring, magnanimous quality to it.

If I’d only had the time, I would have included this afternoon’s West Los Angeles attraction in USA Travel Guide’s Halloween coverage. I don’t care who’s buried below, there will always be something creepy about visiting a cemetery for fun.

The creep factor certainly hasn’t kept people away from the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, though. The famous cemetery in the LA suburb of Westwood (near UCLA) welcomes gaggles of camera-groping gawkers every day. Why do they come? Well, to idolize dead celebrities, of course.

The unassuming and actually quite small cemetery managed to remain of little note for over sixty years before landing, or should we say earthing, one big blonde bombshell that changed the whole scene. Since the burial of Marilyn Monroe at Westwood Village in 1962, a cavalcade of stars has been dying to get one of these coveted plots.*

If this grim star search tickles your interest, head to Westwood Memorial and see the final resting place of some of the biggest film, TV, radio, literature and music personalities of all time. There are more than 150 classic Hollywood names strewn about the grave markers, but on the shortlist of we-all-knows you’ll find Natalie Wood, Roy Orbison, Jack Lemmon, Don Knotts, George C. Scott, Eva Gabor, Bob Crane, Donna Reed and the recently lost Farrah Fawcett. Consult a more complete list.

Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery is located on Glendon Avenue in Westwood, California, near Wilshire Boulevard, but you’ll have to enter from Glendon. It can be a little tricky to find, so consult a map before you go.

If you plan to add Westwood Village to your next LA visit, you can actually stay affordably nearby. We like the new Holiday Inn Express Century City Hotel. A lot of industry types come through the area, so the quality of the accommodations will be a pleasant surprise. Get one of the two-story loft suites for something different (wrought-iron spiral staircase!). About a mile from the cemetery.

Ready to celebrate the celebridead? Have fun!

*Ba dum pshh!

There’s nothing sadder than a golfer with frozen balls. Grab your clubs and head some place warm for the winter, some place where the bright green beauty of summer never goes out of style, some place like Cocoa Beach, Florida on the Space Coast.

The golf courses of Cocoa Beach and surrounding areas welcome golfers novice-to-pro for serene and scenic outings at any time of year. What’s more, the average green fees aren’t as pricey as you’ll find even a little bit south near the Palm Beaches or Miami. For Florida golf vacations, winter or summer, it really can’t be beat.

Here are a few favorite Cocoa Beach golf courses:

Cocoa Beach Country Club
5000 Tom Warriner Boulevard
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
321-868-3361 | Web site

Beset on all sides by the inky blue Banana River, the Cocoa Beach Country Club provides some of the best aerials in the industry. It also provides a great game of golf. A trio of 9-hole courses challenge your long game and twitch skills as sand and water hazards wraps their way into nearly every hole. If you time it right, you can even see a shuttle take to the sky from Cape Canaveral.

Favorite Course: River Course

Viera East Golf Club
2300 Clubhouse Drive
Viera, FL 32955
321-639-6500 | Web site

The smooth, beguiling slopes of the Viera East’s 18 holes hide a subtle challenge that seems to reward more experienced players. Designed by architect Jon Lee, Viera East offers equals chances to power through the ball and hone that chip shot. The game proceeds well over 18 holes, the design growing only more robust as you reach the latter half of the course. Spotted with towering palms, Viera East offers a fresh and, most importantly, fun game of golf.

Turtle Creek Golf Club
1279 Admiralty Boulevard
Rockledge, FL 32955
321-632-2520 | Web site

Few golf courses in Florida offer more varied play than the 18-hole course at Turtle Creek Golf Club. Unlike the others, the course at Turtle Creek is heavily wooded, winding tirelessly – dogleg after dogleg – through dense clusters of trees stemmed only by amoeboid water hazards. Counting your wedges, you could have 10-12 irons in your bag. Turtle Creek finally gives you a chance to use them.

Stay and Play
There are just three of our favorites. There are dozens more golf courses in Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast, courses attuned to every level of play and right for every budget. (But really, start with these three, and we’re sure you’ll be satisfied.)

Heading in? One of our favorite Cocoa Beach hotels is the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort. This surprisingly affordable property is located just minutes from the Cocoa Beach Country Club, and just a few miles more to our other suggestions. Plus, if you don’t get enough sun out on the course, you can walk to the beach.

Have fun golfing the Space Coast!

Your town may not be straddled with snow yet, but you know it’s coming. What you may not know is that while you waste a gallon of gas every morning “warming up” the car, there’s a place in this country where the people still look forward to weekend trips to the water park. In fact, they do it all winter.

That place is Orlando, Florida, and the park is Wet ‘n Wild Orlando. Head across state, head across country – do what you must to get a taste of winter water park fun.

Wet ‘n Wild’s industry claim to fame is that it is the nation’s first water park, opened in 1977 by SeaWorld-founder George Millay. The park’s visitor claim to fame is that after 30 years it’s still one of the best. State-of-the-art thrill rides and low-tech excursions blend with no-nonsense décor that’s all about getting in the water and having your kind of fun.

Lounge or leap, you’ll find it at Wet ‘n Wild Orlando: 

• Brain Wash – on the extreme end of things, Brain Wash sends you and a friend shuttling down a 53-foot drop into massive funnel
• The Bomb Bay – nothing beats the suspense of waiting for the trap door beneath you to swing open, unleashing you on a 76-foot drop
• The Black Hole – the classic dark ride is dark no more, this redesigned tube ride wows you with color and sound
• Disco H20 – speaking of color and sound, the unusual tube ride is like a trip back 70s
• Lazy River – just wouldn’t be a water park without one
• Wave Pool – ditto (and this one is humongous)
• Kids’ Park – along with typical kid park antics, this section features miniature version of some of the larger rides, very cool

From September to March, certain rides may be closed for annual maintenance, call ahead to avoid disappointment

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando is one of the few water parks in the nation open year-round. There’s really nothing like enjoying a lazy cruise around the river on Christmas Day, and don’t worry, during the cooler months the water attractions are heated. At the moment, they’re offering a nice deal, “Buy One Get 2009 Free”, meaning each ticket grants unlimited access for the rest of 2009. Feel free to go nuts!

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando is part of the Universal family of parks which also includes Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Combo packs featuring all three parks are also available. Learn more about Wet ‘n Wild Orlando.

You could walk to Wet ‘n Wild from today’s hotel. The Holiday Inn Orlando International Drive Resort is located just a quarter-mile from the water park is currently running awesome off-season rates.

Have fun!

Note: The hardest part of writing about Wet ‘n Wild? Remembering where to put the apostrophe.

Head to Solvang, California to celebrate the Christmas season this year, and you might feel like you’ve stumbled half-way across the world. Fact is, you’re only about 100 miles out from Los Angeles. But then, that’s Solvang for ya.

In a grand holiday tradition loved by locals and tourists alike, Solvang, California, “The Danish Capital of America”, will deck its streets in shimmering seasonal regalia in anticipation of another busy Christmas. They call it the Julefest Celebration, and it’s one of our favorite choices for doing something a little different for the holidays.

Solvang Julefest 2009
Solvang’s harmonious hamlet is a sight to see at any time of year, but that holiday magic is not without its special something. Everything from the quaint Danish-style houses and streetlamps to the famous windmill will be done up glittering white lights, and you can bet there will be music in the air.

In fact, the theme of Solvang Julefest 2009 is “Village of Music”, and they’re making good with free concerts, street performers, carolers, holiday musicals, and a whole lot more courtesy of the annual Julefest Parade on Saturday, December 5.

The lights go up November 20 along with daily open houses at a number of the shops (Julefest is an awesome place to find that unexpected Christmas gift). Major events are held on weekends in December, all completely free. December 4 and 5 bring the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Julefest Parade – dancing, vintage cars, animals, Santa. Stop in the second weekend to attend the Nativity Pageant on December 12, and show up early to guarantee seats.

Holiday cheer with a decidedly Danish twist, all free events and a splendid shopping opportunity, that sounds like a good time in Solvang to me. While Solvang’s Web site gets its act together, view this press release for more details.

Of course you can stay on-site (find general Solvang info here), but we find a day or two of Solvang more than enough, even in December. We like to stay in the far more coastal Santa Barbara, about 35-45 miles out from Solvang depending on how you drive. Transportation options from Santa Barbara to Solvang are plentiful. See here.

Consider a stay at the Holiday Inn Santa Barbara Hotel – Goleta. We’ve recommended the property in the past for a good location and always-fresh accommodations, and right now they’re running a buy 2 nights get 1 free special. Not too shabby for a quick Santa Barbara getaway.

Have fun!

Note: Julefest comes from the Danish word “Jul”, which means Christmas or, more specifically, “Yule”. Jul is celebrated in Denmark beginning on the Advent.