Month: December 2016

5 Must-See Attractions on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

My first beach experience occurred in Virginia Beach. We booked a long weekend in a beautiful hotel with a view of the beach. As a fearless 4-year-old coming off my first season of swim lessons, I wiggled out of my father’s lap and sprinted toward the surf. I got chest-deep before learning a valuable lesson. Jellyfish are not a toddler’s friend. The only thing that made me feel better was the boardwalk. Safe from the sand and surf, the boardwalk became the best part of my beach vacation.

Concerts

During the summer months, the boardwalk is a mecca for entertainment, with four separate oceanfront stages along the three-mile boardwalk. One night a magician dazzles you with his hand tricks. The next evening, you can catch an Ella Fitzgerald tribute performance. The boardwalk features jazz singers, rock bands, and soulful crooners from the United States and Canada.

If you’re looking for your big break, book a set on a Virginia Beach Boardwalk stage. You’ll find new and up-and-coming local artists, too.

Fishing Pier

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Image via Trover.com by Rodney K

My father is an avid leisure fisherman, so one of my earliest memories of the boardwalk is of fishing off the pier. I hooked a whopper on my first visit but almost got pulled off the side. I was a legend on that 1,000-foot pier that day. It’s a popular spot, and if you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent it from the tackle shop.

Outdoor Dining

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Image via Trover.com by Vicki Samborski

Restaurants pepper the boardwalk, from quick eats to fine dining. As you might guess, the most popular options slant toward seafood, but the cuisines are as diverse as the patrons. You can find Italian, Greek, and Irish food and even a traditional steakhouse here. All offer outdoor dining with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Boardwalk dining offers fantastic people-watching opportunities, too.

Festivals

There’s nothing like a festival to highlight the best of a place. Because the Virginia Beach Boardwalk has a lot of highlights, you can find festivals and celebrations scheduled all year long. Virginia Beach Restaurant Week allows you to sample the area’s many culinary offerings. On the Fourth of July, you’ll see one of the best fireworks shows in the United States. In winter, the Holiday Lights event offers breathtaking Christmas displays that you’ll have to see to believe.

King Neptune 

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Image via Trover.com by Pravin Mistry

The 24-foot, 12-ton bronze statue of Neptune towers over the entrance to the Neptune Festival Park. The city commissioned artist Paul DiPasquale to create this unique and powerful structure of the Roman god of the sea with a triton in his hand. It’s a popular photo op on the boardwalk, so be prepared for a big crowd.

In 2010, Travel & Leisure named the Virginia Beach Boardwalk one of America’s best boardwalks. In 2016, USA Today bestowed honors on the oceanfront in its best-of list. If it weren’t for the boardwalk, I might have never returned to the beach. Can you blame me?

If you want a beach vacation but aren’t a fan of the beach itself, check out the interesting sights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. You won’t even miss the water!

Eating in Hyogo: More Than Beef

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

I’m not above booking a vacation focused on food, since that would take care of two items on my bucket list in one blow. There’s nothing like going somewhere new and tasting the local specialties. That’s why you have to partake in the local claim to fame, Kobe beef, when you visit Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture. Kobe isn’t just about the beef, though.

Hotel Restaurants in Kobe

fixedw_large_4x2Image by Taiichi Sugimoto via Trover.com

I’ve discovered that hotels have some of the best dining options in a new city, at least in Europe and Asia. In Kobe, staying at a noted hotel like the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is ideal for overwhelmed culinary travelers. Located across the footbridge from Shin-Kobe Rail Station, the hotel sits amidst colorful foliage and the hiking trails of the Rokko Mountains. The hotel houses seven restaurants, giving you the opportunity to sample a variety of cuisines all in one place.

American Cuisine in Kobe

Most modern cities who welcome foreigners have at least one American dining option. For new travelers, it might seem crazy to eat food you can get at home and waste an opportunity to partake in the local culture. Seasoned travelers understand that a little slice of home can go a long way, though. At Nailey’s Grill in Kobe, crowds line up for the exceptional burgers and nachos. This spot is also known for its salads.

Chinese Cuisine in Kobe

fixedw_large_4x1Image by Restu Lestari via Trover.com

Unsurprisingly, you’ll find a lot of Chinese influence in Japan. Located in the center of the city, Kobe’s Chinatown is one of three named Chinatown districts in Japan. Centuries ago, Chinese merchants settled near the busy port of Kobe, and Nankinmachi was born. Over the years, Kobe’s Chinese cuisine has evolved, but you can find steamed buns, dim sum, dumplings, and specialties from most regions of China here.

French Cuisine in Kobe

French culture is popular throughout Japan, and top French chefs like Joel Robuchon and Pierre Gagnaire have restaurants in Japan. As a result, some Japanese chefs have taken classic French cuisine and given it their own unique twist. In Kobe, Tatsuya Kishimoto opened Au Bec Fan. Here you can find beef bourguignon, crème brûlée, and other classic French dishes, but with a Japanese spin.

Kobe Beef in Kobe

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I’ve had Kobe beef in China, and it’s unbelievable. I imagine that trying this famous dish in the spot where it was first created will be quite a different experience, though. The manufacturing standards for this type of beef are strictly enforced, and not every type of beef can be Kobe beef. Most local establishments have a Kobe beef option on the menu, but some restaurants serve nothing but this delicate meat. Ask your hotel to recommend the best place to enjoy Kobe beef on your budget.

Kobe is a beautiful city with great food. Take the three-hour bullet train from Tokyo or the 15-minute train ride from Osaka, and experience the city’s cuisine in all it forms. Try it all, including the beef.

 

Four Tips to get the Most out of Your Trip to Doha Cith, Qatar

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

When traveling overseas, organization is key, especially when going to an exciting, bustling place like Doha City, Qatar. Experiencing a strange city, exposing yourself to new cultures, and navigating a new place where few speak English can intimidate even the seasoned traveler. Do your research and follow these tips to get the most out of your trip to Qatar.

Pick a Hotel

fixedw_large_4xImage provided by Jan Venter via Trover.com.

Picking the right hotel can go a long way in dictating the type of experience you have while in Qatar. It may be common sense, but it’s the most important tip. A well-known hotel in a great location is the starting point for each day’s adventures. The InterConinental Doha is conveniently located in the heart of the city. The hotel staff is another valuable resource for tips on what attractions to see or the best places to eat. Traveling in Qatar is a culture shock for most people. A comfortable hotel will feel like an oasis: a place to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of seeing the sights.

Create an Itinerary, but Be Flexible

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No visit to Doha City is complete without spending a day in Sooq-Waqif. A fully restored marketplace, it boasts great shopping and dining. Plan to go early to see the merchants set up and make reservations at one of the many well-known restaurants for a traditional Qatar meal. While exploring, you might lose yourself in the labyrinth of vendor shops. This is where the flexibility comes in. When you need a break, take a seat at one of the outdoor cafe and observe the people and architecture. Not much of historical Qatar exist outside of Sooq-Waqif, so enjoy it.

Visit a Museum

I know what you’re going to say: museums are boring. But trust me. Put at least one culturally significant museum on your travel to-do list. In Doha City, the Qatar National Museum will give you an overview of what makes this city so unique all under one roof. A visit to a museum has another significant benefit in Qatar. Most are air conditioned, which provides a necessary reprieve from the desert-like temperatures outside.

Try Everything, but at Your Own Risk

kabsaImage provided by Jamal Tariq via Wikimedia Commons.

I’m an adventurous eater, but I won’t eat something too out there while on vacation. Nothing spoils a great adventure like an upset stomach. And you don’t want to spend your vacation in a hospital. Look at stuff, smell it. If you have an iron stomach or feel like the cuisine is part of experiencing the culture, then by all means, dive in and try some of the local delicacies like Machbous (mutton or chicken dish topped with basmati rice, pine nuts, and raisins) and Mathrooba (a chicken dish with creamy butter porridge). Stick to dishes served at popular restaurants and at the hotel; leave the street vendors to the locals.

Follow these tips, and enjoy your trip to the amazing country of Qatar. It only takes a little planning to have the vacation of a lifetime.