Started as a Puritan landing, the port quickly became the hub of the British Colonies along with the center of American education and progressive causes.  Many American families who’ve been here for generations can trace their ancestry back to “Bean Town”.  Other nicknames include “The Hub of the Universe”, “The Cradle of Liberty” and “The Athens of America”.  Among the institutions that are still used today include the universities of Harvard and MIT, Berklee College of Music and Fenway Park, the oldest remaining Major League Ballpark still in service. (Circa 1912)

Many of the famous sites in Boston aren’t as desirable as you’d imagine.  For example, Fenway Park was built before Americans became 6 feet tall.  Therefore, you have no knee room, the fans are a bit intimidating and leaving after the game is a zoo.  But if you are a fan of our national past time, I would imagine it is your duty to visit the green monster.  Plymouth is a good half hour out of town, but don’t bother.  Although it has the historical value of the first colonists that set foot on North America, the entire town has been turned into an outdoor museum.  You will feel a bit of role play as everyone will be dressed in Puritan attire while they speak in a heavy boston-english accent.  But if you want to show your kids some history that they might actually engage in, it serves as a fairly efficient family field trip.

Although it may seem like we are steering you away from the historically famous sites of Boston, this is not the case.  We just feel that as a domestic traveler you will easily be able to find all the information on these staple destinations at the airport, your hotel, or on that internet thing everyone keeps talking about.  Therefore, we spent a weekend in Boston making a conscious effort to really soak in the local culture and sites that long time Bostonians actually spend time at.

Ye Olde Union Oyster House is located at 41-43 Union Street.  Ye Olde is THE OLDEST restaurant in the United States.  It looks as if it’s in mid-sway as you enter the four story colonial building.  Originally a textiles business, the site eventually became a restaurant in 1826.  There are many interesting facts related to the historical site.  Perhaps most surprising, in 1796 Louis Philippe, king of France from 1830-1848, lived in exile on the second floor. He earned his living by teaching French to young ladies before returning to France to become King.  Also, America’s first waitress, Rose Carey, worked there starting in the early 1920s.  Her picture is on the wall on the stairway up to the 2nd floor.  My favorite quirk is the rumor that the toothpick was said to have been popularized by the Oyster House.  On another note, don’t forget to visit the Bull & Finch Pub, better known as the site of the television hit “Cheers”.  To go along with the old restaurant I’ve picked an old hotel.  The Boston Omni Parker House Hotel opened in 1855 and is just one block from the Oyster House.

Another site I recommend visiting is the Samuel Adams Brewery.  With Coors being owned by Molson (Canadian), Miller being owned by SABMiller (South African) before merging with Coors, and Anheuser Busch being owned by InBev (Belgium), Sam Adams is now the largest American owned brewery in the country.  A free guided tour of the brewery demonstrates each step of the beer making process and ends with a sampling of different varieties.

If you travel to Boston to find some insight into the American Revolution take a trip to Fort Point Channel.  Here you will find a museum dedicated to the Boston Tea Party and other revolutionary events.  Many of the exhibits are found on a full size replica of the “Beaver” or the boat the Minutemen hurled the infamous tea from.  For a good stay near all the historical sites and especially the harbor check out The Langham.

This concludes our tour of Boston; hope you had a fine stay.  With all of its history and culture you may now be turned onto spending more of your travel time inside the country.  The United States has a very rich gamut of destinations that any traveler should dive into before seeing the globe.

This stimulus plan will actually put money back into the country by way of federal land revenue.  The government offered three free weekends this summer; the one closing upon us being the last of the three.  There are also free tours and discounts for lodging and hotels within park land.  Because of this, vacationing to National Parks has risen %6 percent in 2009.  With over 300 monuments, parks and recreational areas in the country, we’ve compiled a list of the best National Parks to visit based on the experience, crowds, and accessibility.

Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Yosemite National Park, California

Denali National Park, Alaska

Zion National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Acadia National Park, Maine

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tenn-N.C.

The National Mall, Washington D.C.

For more specific information on the national parks, visit the parks and services website.  Also for a direct link to the list of 100 parks that are offering free admission click here.

National Independence Day Parade – Washington D.C.

If you’re into large crowds then viva the July 4th with the masses and head to D.C. for the largest annual 4^th of July parade in the country.  Every year, Washington D.C. fittingly sets off Independence Day with a bang that’s highlighted by a parade of elaborate floats stretching down Constitution Avenue.  With more than 25 bands and 400,000–yes 400,000 spectators, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in entertainment.  Plus, this celebration has the all day factor.

Why travel somewhere else for just two hours of fireworks?

After you’ve scoped out the parade explore the sights and museums then head over to the Capitol Building where the National Symphony Orchestra will perform to the tune of the largest televised fireworks exhibition in the country.

Plan to arrive the night before to prep for the crowds and plan to stay for at least two nights to recover from the fun.  Don’t rent a car, the streets will all be closed off and driving in the district is hell anyway.  Take a taxi and book a hotel somewhere close by, like the Hilton Garden Inn on 14^th street; this will give you a mere 5 block walk down to Constitution Avenue.  There is no better reminder of diversity in America, than this 4th of July fiesta. Whether, you like to Fiesta, Partay, or Petit Fete…come to DC, for the ultimate Partay.

1. Boston Harborfest – Boston Massachusetts

20 years ago, Boston Harborfest began as a humble festival with 30 events.  Today, the 7 day celebration has grown to more than 20 concentrated events and is considered “THE” national Independence Day celebration in the country.  The Boston Harborfest showcases the Maritime and Colonial vale of the revolution.  Critics have heralded it as one of the best family celebrations to attend because of its vast array of booths, activities and entertainment.  Events take place in the historic district and on the waterfront but the main events held exclusively on Boston’s City Hall Plaza.  Because of its colonial heritage, the festival trumpets, the austere aura of archaic American culture that has fizzled out over the last couple centuries.  The immersion into colonial Americana is completely outfitted with opulent revolutionary war costumes. Tours  reenact the American revolution regularly.  I guarantee the 4th of July will move up a notch on your top 3 holiday places to celebrate list. Otherwise, send me an email and tell me why YOUR local holiday celebration takes the cake.

1. Summerfest  09’ – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Welcome to the self proclaimed “World’s Largest Music Festival”.  Summerfest begins the week prior to the 4th and is the culmination of events and concerts that ushers in summer. This cornucopious music-fest is one of the best annual music event on the planet.  If you don’t believe us, you might listen to the Guinness Book of World Records, that has made the same proclamation about Summerfest, the event has comedy acts, shopping vendors and of course, fireworks.  Known as the “Big Gig”, Summerfest takes place in Henry Maier Festival Park and has been an annual tradition since 1968.  Everyone who is a real musician has taken part, including the Grateful Dead, Sting, Prince and Eric Clapton, all whom have graced the main stage at this ultimate celebration.  The 11 day playbill featuring over 700 bands that culminates  in the the ultimate fireworks show on the 4^th of July.  If you’ve been looking for something more than your standard-issue snap, crackle and pop fireworks show, then Summerfest 09′ may just be your calling.

1. Macy’s Firework Celebration – New York, New York

40,000 shells at a rate of 1,200 explosions per minute is a lot of sparkle that is a kaleidoscope you must see to appreciate.  Take a gander at some of the photos and see if you can wrap your head around the cacophony of colors crackling in the summer sky of New York City.  Save this piece of endless summer memory for your scrapbook and experience the ultimate July 4th fireworks bonanza, and try to attend Macy’s Fireworks show and parade on the Hudson River.

This global event is complete with NBC coverage, featuring international performers and the ultimate in fireworks. Besides, it’s New York, and everybody needs a good excuse to get away to the Big Apple. If you are looking for a crowd then New York is the place to be–fireworks or not.  The show sets the Manhattan skyline ablaze as skyscrapers reflect and intensify the explosions overhead and the familiar smell of summer sulfur fills the night sky.

We must warn you about the patriotic themed scores that will trumpet in the background, bringing flashbacks to emotional movie moments, which has brought many to tears. You won’t catch me crying, but, if we run into each other, I will have a box of tissues ready for you.

The best views for this year will be between the 23^rd and 59^th blocks of Manhattan’s west side.  These public spots will fill up quick so get there early to snag a good patch of real estate.

New York City parking guru “Gridlock Sam” says the best viewing area will probably be south of 42nd Street along the pier by the Circle Line. Other prime West Side public viewing spots include:

Dewitt Clinton Park (Access from 11^th Avenue)

Pier 54 (Limited access from 14^th St.)

Pier 84 (Limited Access from 44^th St.)

Needing a more upscale location to enjoy the show?  There are plenty of premier venues  in up for grabs.  Try the Chandelier Room at the new W Hotel in Hoboken (New Jersey).  If you’re feeling really ambitious the 86^th Floor Observatory at the Empire State Building is selling tickets for $125 dollars per person.  And our third pick would have to be the Hudson Terrace located off the west side highway (621 West 42^nd St.) for $125 dollars you can get an all you can eat gourmet buffet and for $75 dollars more you get a private cabana for 15 to watch the show in private (ish) luxury.

Check out some of the top 10 4th of July hot spots!

1. Boston

2. Cape Cod, Marthas Vinyard, Nantucket

3. Chicago

4. Mount Rushmore

5. Philadelphia

6. Queen Mary 2 (docked in Long Beach, CA)

7. San Diego

8. San Juan Island

9. U.S. Virgin Islands

10. Washington D.C.

When arriving in Los Angeles be sure to pick up an L.A. Weekly.  This newspaper highlights many L.A. events: music venues, art expos, movies, photo galleries, you name it.  To find events closest to you, search the “West L.A.” section of the paper.  L.A. is a great place to visit, not so much to live, which makes it the perfect staycation.

Once you’ve found a place to stay, ask around or get a map and you’ll be able to find the Santa Monica Airport.  There are some traveling tips that I brush over because you’ve got the benefit of the doubt, I mean, you ARE a travel guru if you are reading this.  There are plenty of places to eat around the area, but go to The Hump on the top floor of the main airport building.  It is an amazing sushi joint and you’ll most likely see a celebrity while you dine there.  After your meal, head across the street (Airport Avenue) and look for some hangers.  These hangers will look small and old, because they have been turned into art galleries.  On every night of the week there is usually an exhibition or opening, and they are usually free.  Star Gazing, art gallery, and good sushi, do I ever let you down?

This may become repetitive after a night or two, so here are some more local favorites in West L.A. that my tickle your fancy.  Venice beach is a local attraction with great street food, street performers and lots of African culture.  There are over 50 market stands spanning from jewelry, art and all sorts of apparel.  The drum circle is on Sunday nights, so if you like ethnic music and empanadas be sure not to miss it.  If you are looking for some higher end shopping with the Venice vibe head over to The 3^rd street promenade in Santa Monica.  Located three blocks from the beach, the outdoor mall is filled with street performers; I especially encourage you to check out the flamenco guitarists that performs nightly.  Around the corner on 2^nd street are many of the hottest clubs in Santa Monica, and one block further is a beautiful cliff park overlooking the sunset.  Anyone who says you can’t stay on the beach during your entire visit in L.A. is wrong.  Hope it goes well. Safe travels until next week’s celebrity rundown. Ciao’

Before secluding yourself in one of the cubbies of Charleston (which we will get too soon), make sure you check out the historical downtown attractions.  Downtown Charleston has established itself as the cultural capitol of the south and is renowned for being a living museum.  Some specific attractions besides the colonial houses and plantations are a plethora of natural and cultural sites unique to Charleston.  The Battery, also known as White Point Gardens, is a historic park running along the Ashley and Cooper rivers.  It is filled with statues, memorials and original cannons from the civil war.  Also from here, if you have your camera with you, there is a great unobstructed view of Fort Sumter, The Pinckney Castle and Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse.  If you choose to stay downtown I suggest taking shelter at one of the old renovated inns.  These are a handful of old colonial and plantation style buildings that have been restored and turned into bed and breakfast type Inns without losing the privacy of an intimate hotel.

After you’ve become comfortable with the where-abouts of everything, you don’t necessarily have to stay downtown.  The barrier islands resorts of Seabrook and Kiawah are located 22 miles south of Charleston and offer a quiet place to stay if the downtown nightlife isn’t your style.  Because South Carolina is probably a staycation for you and your family, you probably have a means of transportation to and from the city.  If not however, there is a transit line that takes people from the islands to and from downtown Charleston.  20 minutes from Charleston is the Isles of Palms barrier island.  Here lies the Wild Dunes Resort; surrounded by two PGA golf courses and the finest resort facilities in the Charleston area, this, if you have the money, is the place to go.  The antithesis of this vibe would be driving 15 miles south of Charleston to Folly Beach which is the oldest and original Charleston beach resort.

“Flowertown in the Pines” or Summerville is the historic jewel of the Charleston area.  If you follow the water inland this is where you will find over 700 historic buildings.  Here you can learn all about the southern culture and history of the south.  Although the nightlife is in Charleston, during the day Summerville is a good place to wind down while you recover for your next night on the town.  Don’t forget to enjoy the local food and crafts which include fresh seafood markets and basket weaving vendors.  I hope you come back and check out the next two destinations in our Summer Coast series as we will travel south towards Hilton Head Island and Savannah Georgia.  Safe travels from all of us at Hotel Reservations.com

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, his debut book, was followed by a television offer.  Bourdain went on to write two more books and produce the food network series “A Cook’s Tour” before landing his Emmy nominated show No Reservations.  In its fifth season, No Reservations travels the world seeking out the not so popularized eating havens of today.  Like our gonzo journalists here at HotelReservations.com, Tony seeks out the cheapest and best experiences before the rest of the world has caught on.  He secretly works for us…:)

The first episode of this season airs July 13^th in Chile.  But in relevance to our endeavors, check out the 3^rd episode which comes out on July 27^th on Travel Channel.  This episode will check out some great culinary staycations to help you become the ultimate connoisseur of underground U.S. culture.  Tony will be traveling to Baltimore, Detroit and Buffalo.  Although you may be imagining a grey cloud hovering over these cities known for traffic and crime, these blue collar cities of the U.S. invoke a culture and vibe that cannot be re-created by resorts or newly booming cities.

Food, art, architecture and personality are aspects that take years to develop in a dense city.  This is certainly why everyone loves to travel to Europe; there is a vibe and culture of honesty that surrounds you when you walk along cobblestones.  When a new resort is opened up most of the attractions are new, and have been put there just to attract tourism.  When you step into Buffalo or Detroit, the food and places of entertainment have survived years of bad economies and emigration.  This honing of a city is what gives the bricks the same dark hue that you see in the shops of European towns.  So please, go check it out before the episode airs so you are ahead of the curve.  Catch a ballgame, eat some American pastime and catch some local music.  I don’t have to tell you how cheap it is to visit these cities, you already know.  Safe Travels until next time.

westgate hotel myrtle beach oceanside

Today being the first official day of summer, let’s start our staycations on the Atlantic summer coast.  Our first destination is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Myrtle Beach is annually one of the top ten tourist destinations in the continental U.S.  With over 14 million visitors a year, there are plenty of accommodations and activities waiting for you to take advantage of.  With over 60 miles of sandy beaches there is plenty of room for you and your family to find a plot of land at this popular destination.  Myrtle Beach accommodates every part of the family. There are Golf courses nearby, designated resort areas for the children, beach service for the ladies and a very active club and party scene for those traveling during the twilight of their youth.  Myrtle Beach is famous for being a college getaway spot, but because the community stretches so far down the coast the high energy is never overwhelming.  We’ll visit three other destinations this week to jump start the summer season.  So come back and get your calendars ready before these summer hot spots are all booked up.  Safe Travels from all of us at Hotel Reservations.com.