Obey the Law!

The United States of America is known for a lot of things, baseball and apple pie come to mind, but for every great idea there are a plethora of…let’s call them strange ideas. The legal system is responsible for some of the more entertaining concepts, and because the states have a large amount of power to govern themselves some pretty hilarious laws emerged.

It is illegal to drive a camel on the highway. Nevada

Idiots may not vote. New Mexico

“Every citizen of the United States, who is over the age of twenty-one years, and has resided in New Mexico twelve months, in the county ninety days, and in the precinct in which he offers to vote thirty days, next preceding the election, except idiots, insane persons and persons convicted of a felonious or infamous crime unless restored to political rights, shall be qualified to vote at all elections for public officers. The legislature may enact laws providing for absentee voting by qualified electors. All school elections shall be held at different times from other elections.”

The legislature passed a law that states that the Arkansas River can rise no higher than to the Main Street bridge in Little Rock. Arkansas

If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle. Florida

“No female shall appear in a bathing suit on any highway within this state unless she be escorted by at least two officers or unless she be armed with a club.” Kentucky

An amendment to the above legislation: “The provisions of this statute shall not apply to females weighing less than 90 pounds nor exceeding 200 pounds, nor shall it apply to female horses.”

It is illegal to use a lasso to catch a fish. Tennessee

A person who has participated in a duel is no longer eligible to become Governor. Pennsylvania

Panhandling and fortune telling are prohibited. Minnesota

“Any of the following are vagrants and are guilty of a misdemeanor:

(4) A person who derives support in whole or in part from begging or as a fortuneteller or similar impostor.”

No one may be arrested on Sunday or on the Fourth of July. Ohio

“No person shall be arrested during a sitting of the Senate or House of Representatives, within the hall where such session is being held, or in any court of justice, during the sitting of such court, or on Sunday, or on the fourth day of July.”

It is illegal to give beer to hospital patients. Massachusetts

“Section 5. Whoever, except under the direction of a physician, gives, sells or delivers alcoholic beverages…to a patient in any hospital who is suffering from inebriety or from the effect of inebriety, or from excessive use of narcotic drugs or from the effect of such use, and whoever has in his possession within the precincts of any hospital any such beverage or drug with intent to convey or deliver it to any such patient, except under direction as aforesaid, shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two months.”

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1. Milk and Honey (134 Eldridge St. New York, NY)

An updated speakeasy, Milk and Honey is a unique experience that should not be missed.  Call ahead for reservations, and be ready for rejection, as the whole place seats just fifteen.  Once in, you will be blown away by their creative and flavorful drink combinations, including the house specialty sidecar.

2. PDT (Please Don’t Tell) (113 St. Marks Place, New York, NY)

PDT, short for Please Don’t Tell, is a super secret lounge that is well worth the effort it takes to discover its location.  The bar is hidden behind a hot dog shop and entered by typing a code onto a payphone.  If they have seating available, a door swings open and, voila, you’re in.  Perfectionist bartenders turnout top flight drinks that will leave you satisfied, if not lighter in the pocket.

3. Greenhouse (150 Varick St., New York, NY)

Greenhouse is one of the first clubs to make environmental consciousness a priority.  Their LEED certified building is bedecked with plant life and psychedelic lighting, turning the dance floor into a couture jungle.  A young crowd and booming electronic beats make Greenhouse the place to be if you’re looking for a boisterous night on the town.

4. Decibel (240 East 9^th St., New York, NY)

This basement sake bar may seem like a dive from the street, but once inside you will find a tightly packed, upbeat community of businessmen and groups of friends.  A no-frills approach fits Decibel perfectly, and you will not be disappointed by their wide range of sake and food selections.  But remember, watch your elbows, as you will probably be sitting almost in your neighbors lap.

5. Provocateur (18 9th Ave., New York, NY)

One of Manhattan’s toughest doors, dress your best and get your Amex ready.  A well-known celebrity watering hole, Provocateur constantly presents top international DJs and serves up all manner of luxuries.  If you are looking for a night of high life, this is the spot for you.

Everyone knows what goes on in Vegas, but in case you have been living in the desert, err… under a rock, here is a (very) brief history lesson. Las Vegas as we know it know was built by the Mob. Don’t worry about the differences between the Cosa Nostra, the Five Families, or any other organizations of crime for now, just know THE Mob had two hands stringing up the bright Vegas lights. Las Vegas, as any self-respecting Mob town should be, is a place to live on the edge of lawfulness. Sin City is the most fitting nick name of all the major cities in the United States, and this Memorial Day weekend there is a plethora of reasons to let your evil conscious win.

Clubs: Oh to be a promoter in Sin City must be a very busy lifestyle with so much going on! This weekend A-Trak, who won the DMC World DJ Championship in 1997 at the tender age of 15, making him the youngest champion ever, kicks off his exclusive residency at the Wynn hotel in XS. Deadmou5 will bring his progressive electro/house sound to XS as well when he spins later in the weekend. Other big shows to go to are Drake at the Hard Rock’s Rehab, and the legendary Tiesto at Wet Republic inside the MGM Grand.

Pool Parties: They are EVERYWHERE this weekend! Just go find one, seriously, it’s that easy.

Living on the Edge: Sure, you can potentially loose your retirement plan at the craps table, or squander your kids college fund playing blackjack, but if you want to really prove your worth then go swim with 30 plus sharks in the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. If the thrill of possibly being eaten alive isn’t your thing then you are probably more into the idea of plugging to your death in a spectacular show. Luck for you there are two ways to get yourself a Darwin Award in Las Vegas; zip-line under the lights through Fremont Street, or bungie jump 108 stories off of the Stratosphere Tower.

Whatever choices you make in Las Vegas you are going to have a good time. It’s not a suggestion, or even a requirement, it is an official mandate from the city.

Providence, RI rests on historic land. Because it is one of the first established cities in the US the streets are narrow, the automobile hadn’t been invented yet, and slightly chaotic. When you are in this city you take in American history with literally every breath. The capital and most populated city of Rhode Island will charm at every turn. Here are just a few reasons so many people are going to visit Providence this Memorial Day.

Natural Beauty: The Providence Harbor and neighboring city Warwick (where you’ll be flying into) are home to some of the best-kept coastlines on the East coast. The 1,200-acre park system has some of the most beautiful urban landscapes in the entire country. Via the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau,

Nationally recognized for its outstanding design, WaterPlace Park is the focal point of Providence’s revitalized downtown. This four-acre urban park surrounding a tidal basin features an amphitheater, landscaped terraces, boat landings, a clock tower and an outstanding restaurant. The river is edged by cobble-stoned pedestrian walkways, park benches, trees and flowering plants.

A series of Venetian bridges connects downtown Providence to the city’s historic East Side. From here you can ride a water taxi down Providence’s redesigned rivers, stroll the scenic riverwalk, or idle in the gazebo and enjoy the view.

Big Blue Bug: Nibbles Woodaway is the world’s largest terminate, and he makes his home in Providence, RI. You might be surprised at how popular the biggest blue bug on Earth could be, but he is a big hit! Nibbles has been seen on such television shows as The Daily Show, The Opera Show, Family Guy, and the film Dumb and Dumber. I bet you are starting to reconsider your first thoughts of disgust aren’t you?

Always Be Informed: One of the coolest things about this old little city is how they have embraced new technology while staying true to their historic roots. In case you need to find something fun going on in the city you can just check out the official Providence, RI Twitter feed @ProvidenceRI. There you will find updates about local happenings, and even get personal responses to your inquires about the city!

With Memorial Day right around the corner many people are planning their extended weekends right now. Over the next 7 days we will be spotlighting some of the most popular destinations US travelers choose to unofficially kick off Summer. Chicago and Las Vegas come out as the big winners here, each with two spots in the top 11. So without further ado, here’s the top 10 list of Memorial Day travel destinations!

Use the links below to find great hotel deals in your destination of choice!

1. Chicago, IL. (River North Area)
2. Seattle, WA. (Downtown/Pike Place)
3. Las Vegas, NV. (Strip North)
4. New York City, NY. (Midtown West)
5. Chicago, IL. (Millennium Park/The Loop)
6. Las Vegas, NV. (South Strip)
7. Providence, RI. (Downtown)
8. London, UK. (Westminster)
9. San Diego, CA. (Downtown & Harbor Island)
10. New Orleans, LA. (French Quarter)
11. Miami, FL. (Downtown)

This beach is known as “the Jewel of San Diego” - and for good reason! This beach community offers scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing and even golf.  There is also lots of shopping and many fine dining options. This beach is ideal for an active family.


 

2. Malibu Lagoon, CA

This lagoon is located where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean and this magnificent beach has even inspired Beach Boys songs and beach-blanket movies. This popular surf destination has rock reef formations that are great for exploring marine life. This beach also offers natural trails to hike through and a 700 foot pier that is a favorite of locals and tourists.


 

3. Santa Monica Pier, CA

This must-see attraction offers fun and games for the whole family. Take a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel, or stroll along the miles of surrounding beaches and coastal mountains. This beach is located in Santa Monica, just west of Los Angeles at the end of historic Route 66. Make sure to walk further south down this beach to the Venice Boardwalk for unique arts and crafts and a lively crowd.


 

4. Coopers Beach, NY

This is the main beach in Southampton, New York. Off in the distance are historic mansions and fine dinning, but what draws us to this beach is the clear – and clean – water and the safety that the beach provides to its visitors is a unique feature. This family-friendly destination is great for those looking for a fashionable beach getaway.




5. Crissy Field, CA

This beach is a true marvel.  This broad, pleasant and beautiful beach was once an old military airfield, but now is the epicenter for family picnics, people-watching and offers majestic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. The East beach remains popular for windsurfers and kite surfers, and the good afternoon breeze makes for good sailing. This beach offers up so much more than just lounging around on the sand.


 

6. Waikiki Beach, Oahu

This two mile stretch of coast boasts some of the best family beach activities. Besides the clear and warm waters, this beach offers swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and surfing. This year-round destination has been a family favorite for years, and we don’t see that changing any time soon.


 

7. Wailea Beach, Maui

This beach is located on the South Shore of Maui and boasts clear blue waters and golden-sand beaches. This beach is protected on both ends by large black lava points, making these calm waters ideal for swimming. A paved walkway winds between the luxury resorts and restaurants, but as you stroll be on the look out for rare native plants. This beach is also ideal of whale watching December through April.


 

8. Easton’s Beach, RI

The beach is a favorite of tourists and locals since it is home to tournaments and events in the summer months. This long and narrow beach is ideal for walking and the boardwalk offers concession stands and a carousel.


 

9. Big Bay State Park, WI

This 1.5 mile beach has campgrounds, picnic areas and more than 7 miles of hiking and nature trails with incredible views of Lake Superior. These calm waters are great for swimming and fishing, too. �


 

10. Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, MA

Mineral-stained sandstone cliffs rise from Lake Superior and make for extraordinary views. There is a lot to discover here and you can catch a boat tour to be sure you see all the great sights. This is also a popular camping destination, but reservations must be made in advance.

1. Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa

This resort is unique in its authentic Mediterranean design and has some of the best modern cuisine and delicious comfort foods in the area. Sedona is known for its exploration of the Soul, and this resort can help you do just that with their outstanding spa services and tranquil environment.

2. Amara Resort and Spa

Find the best value in Sedona at this hotel that offers an ideal creek-side location and picturesque Red Rock views. This resort is also famous for its incredibly comfortable beds, exquisite dining at Hundred Rox restaurant and is home to the only saltwater pool in Sedona.

3. The Orchards Inn of Sedona

When you stay at this hotel you’ll wake up to the beautiful Red Rocks right outside your window. This hotel has newly remodeled rooms with custom designed dark oak furniture, leather upholstered headboards and over-sized framed mirrors to reflect the views of the Red Rocks you can see from every room. The location is also ideal because it is perched upon a hillside overlooking the majestic views of Sedona and is also close to Main Street in Uptown Sedona that has some of the cities best shopping and dining.

4. Adobe Grand Villas

This hotel has been rated one of the best hotels for its unique villas that have living rooms and bathroom fireplaces, cascading waterfall showers, jetted whirpool tubs and design themes ranging from rustic to mountain to formal.

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5. Adobe Hacienda Bed & Breakfast

This hotel is the premier choice among Sedona Bed & Breakfast Inns since no detail has been overlooked here. You can relax on your patio with views of the Red Rocks, enjoy a glass of wine in front of your in-room fireplace, soak in your private whirpool tub or walk up to one of the finest restaurants in Sedona, Cucina Rustica.

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6. Desert Rose Bed and Breakfast

This Bed & Breakfast offers world-class luxury and amenities at an affordable price. This hotel is 15 miles from Sedona, but no more than 10 miles from 4 wineries.  The hotel is on 1.5 acres of lush green gardens, stone paths and tranquil gardens to help you relax and unwind.

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7. Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa

This hotel is just minutes away from shopping, dining and over 40 art galleries, as well as over 200 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails in the Sedona desert. This hotel has 219 rooms and suites, each with a fireplace, private balcony and private patios. If you’re interested in playing golf you’ll love to stay here to play the 18-hole Championship Golf Course set among the beautiful Red Rocks.

8. L’Auberge de Sedona

This exclusive hotel offers breathtaking Red Rock vistas, creekside tranquility and some of the best dining in Sedona. The staff is impeccable and is ready to cater to your every need. A stay at this hotel will help you relax, reconnect and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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9. Las Posadas of Sedona

This luxury bed and breakfast inn offers spacious suites and fine amenities. They serve up a three-course gourmet breakfast, in-room massages, spa packages and available specials. Each room has relaxing amenitiesthat include luxury bedding, two-sided fireplace and Aveda bath products. This is a true gem and a stay you won’t soon forget.

10. Southwest Inn at Sedona

This boutique lodging offers upscale amenities and personal attention to their guests. They’ve also won “Best Place to Stay in Sedona” 3 years in a row and are the #2 most popular hotel to stay at in Sedona, according to our online bookings. This Inn is the closest to the famous Cathedral Rock Vortex, and a scenic 2-hour drive to the Grand Canyon. They cater to couples looking for a romantic getaway, single travelers, families and seniors with their wide variety of amenities and nearby attractions.

Chicago, Illinois: The Skydeck at Willis (formerly Sears) Tower. The world’s fifth tallest building (1,451 feet; 1,730 including antenna) boasts killer views of Chicago’s “Gold Coast” skyline along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. From the top you can see up to 50 miles and four states. Step out, if you dare, onto the “The Ledge”—a brilliantly designed and reinforced glass bay that juts out 4.3 feet from the building.

Denver Colorado: The Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The view is free from adjacent City Park, but this world-class museum brims with interactive edu-tainment and exhibits from Saturn’s moon Titan to totem poles. The outdoor Anschutz Family Sky Terrace offers the fab photo op of the downtown skyline silhouetted against the snowcapped Rockies, while the glass-enclosed Leprino Family Atrium—straddling three floors linked by architectural rings symbolizing the natural world’s circles, orbits, and cycles—oozes cushy sophistication. You can see 120 miles of mountains, including more than 200 named peaks: 32 soar above 13,000 feet, topped by “fourteener” Mt. Evans.

Las Vegas, Nevada: Top of the Stratosphere. The Strat rises 1,149 feet: the tallest structure west of the Mississippi. Unlike hipper-than-thou rooftop bars like Mix (THE Hotel at Mandalay Bay) and GhostBar (The Palms), there’s no steel-hand-on-velvet-rope door policy and the panoramas encompass not only the Strip’s surreal Top-40 International Architectural Hits but downtown (Glitter Gulch). There’s the obligatory observation deck and fancy restaurant, but three thrill rides elevate the cool factor, including X-Scream (a giant teeter-totter) and Big Shot (thrusting passengers straight up 160 feet at 45MPH—over 4 Gs). Though not that terrifying, locals quip you should have your chiropractor on speed dial.

Los Angeles, California: Griffith Observatory. Even the other kinds of stars come out to play at this handsomely designed working planetarium/astronomic facility nestling like a celebrity-owned mansion amid lush landscaping in Griffith Park. Free public telescopes are available for stargazing most evenings, but even by day the city views out to the Pacific and around the coastal mountains redefine stellar, thanks to its lofty 1,134-foot perch on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood.

New Orleans, Louisiana: Café du Monde. Though a local joke runs that the best Big Easy view is from any barstool, we prefer this institution revered for its downy beignets. It sits smack dab in the middle of the French Quarter by the mighty Mississippi. You can drink in river views with the strong chicory-laced coffee at the patio, which percolates with character and characters 24/7.

New York, New York: Top of the Rock. The Top of the Rock Observation Deck crowns Rockefeller Center’s GE Building, straddling the 67th-70th floors. Unlike the even more iconic (and crowded) Empire State Building, glass panels rather than wire mesh guarantee unobstructed views of the city from Harlem to Wall Street, as well as the Hudson and East Rivers and other landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. You can combine the deck with a tour of the 1933 Art Deco masterpiece for a discount.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Duquesne Incline & Observation Platform. Built in the 1870s, one of America’s few remaining funicular railways ascends to the stylish Mount Washington neighborhood in red cable car chugging like the little engine that could. From the summit observation deck, sightseers discover why Steel City is considered a shining example of urban renewal. The Allegheny and Monongahela rivers converge to form the Ohio, the watery troika ringing downtown’s glittering Golden Triangle with landmark skyscrapers and 15 modernistic bridges, all lit up like Christmas trees at night.

San Francisco, California: Coit Tower. Though imbibing at Top of the Mark is another tourist itinerary mainstay, it’s impossible to ignore this 1933 Art Deco beauty crowning Telegraph Hill. Avoid the only road up (often clogged with parking near-impossible). Instead climb the steep Filbert Steps: landscaped stairways and footpaths emanating from various directions. Zoning regulations ensure unimpeded 360-degree panoramas from the tower base, but take the elevator in the conical Coit for the really eye-popping look: Alcatraz, the Golden Gate, the Bay Bridge, Transamerica Building, Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob and Russian Hills, Lombard Street (itself in/famous for its zigzag of tight hairpin turns). The interior is just as magnificent, with dozens of 1930s WPA murals by local artists depicting various neighborhoods and daily scenes.

Seattle, Washington: The Space Needle. Opened in 1962 at the height of the architectural world’s futuristic fever, this 605-foot-tall civic symbol of progress showcases why eco-centric Seattle’s nicknamed the Emerald City. Views from the 520-foot Observation Deck encompass Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island, and Mount Rainier, with the distinctive skyline poking up amid the green spaces like manmade weeds. We can’t resist mentioning one revolving restaurant, so order a Lunar Orbiter at SkyCity. The Needle anchors Seattle Center, embracing the equally must-see Pacific Science Center and über-cool Experience Music Project.

Top Ten West Coast Fall Destinations:

La Jolla:  La Jolla is located in an upscale corner of San Diego, includes high-end shops, sandstone formations and famous coves, known as the children’s pool but also popular with seals.  The town is also home of the University of California at San Diego and giant sea cliffs are very popular among photographers and hikers.

La Jolla Website                                                                  

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Hotel Del Coronado:  The red-roofed Hotel del Coronado, which dates to the 19th century, stands a few miles from downtown San Diego.  Since it was first built more than 120 years ago, the Hotel del Coronado has been a beacon of grandeur and refinement among vacation destinations in Southern California and the world. With its iconic red-shingled roof adding a dash of majestic color to the dazzling azure Pacific coastline, The Del stands as the definitive example of what a luxury resort should be.

Del Coronado Website

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Ragged Point:  Ragged Point, in Monterey County about 15 miles north of Hearst Castle, is a southern neighbor of Big Sur, and home to the food, lodgings, great flower-framed views and often-expensive gas at the Ragged Point Inn.  Ragged point is the halfway point in between San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Nestled within the Los Padres National Forest, it is a secluded gem in the heart of the California coastline.

Ragged Point Website

El Capitan State Beach: El Capitan State Beach, north of Santa Barbara, features about 140 campsites and a three-mile hiking or biking trail to Refugio State Beach to the north.  You don’t have to camp if you prefer to book a hotel Santa Barbara just a few miles down the Pacific Coast Highway.  The beach is beautiful, quiet and close to the famous wine country and small beach towns of the Central California coast.

California State Parks Website

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Monterey:  Monterey was once capital of California, but lately it gets more attention for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which opened in 1984 and displays about 550 species of marine plants and animals, including this shark.  Monterey has great Italian food, great scenery, wildlife, and can provide endless sightseeing that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Website

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Cavallo Point:  Sometimes the simplest things are the most sublime. At a new national park lodge called Cavallo Point, a porch, a rocking chair and a view combine to become profoundly inspiring. This vast, peaceful spot near Sausalito was once Ft. Baker, a military post built in the early 1900s to protect San Francisco Bay.

Golden Gate Bridge Website

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Gold Beach: The roadside scenery in Gold Beach, Ore., includes the cool mural work on Tsunami Willie’s.  Gold Beach is an Oregon coast town near the California border.  It is famous for its seafood as the yearly Dungeness crab harvest brings many tourists to check out the catch.  The ocean is beautiful and not too cold as the town is laced with a number of bridges.

Gold Beach Website

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Portland:  Portland, Oregon is the most progressive city on the west coast.  With its green attitude, free Wi-Fi and city of bridges, many have picked up and moved across the country to settle down in this brewpub haven.  During the summer Portland is warm and is a great place to fish, bike ride and have some good food.

City of Portland Website

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Ilwaco: Ilwaco sits near the south end of Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, and the China Beach Retreat sits at water’s edge with a view of Cape Disappointment.  A great place to take a dog, go fishing, boating, camping, and just a couple hours from Portland or Seattle.

China Beach Retreat Website

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Deception Pass State Park:  A soaring bridge, a state park and deep green water make Deception Pass, between Whidbey and Anacortes islands, Wash., a popular stop for drivers and kayakers alike.  The pass is the narrow in which water comes into Puget Sound.  This beautiful strait usually is covered in fog, with beautiful hiking trails that look down on downtown Seattle.

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