Category: Bucket List

Arlington, Texas: A Premier Destination for Any Type of Traveler

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

Ask anyone outside of Texas if they’ve heard of Arlington, and they might think you’re talking about the city near Washington, D.C. Located 20 miles west of Dallas, the city of Arlington has worked hard and used a lot of resources to gain the respect it deserves. It offers amazing experiences for all types of travelers.

Family Fun

untitled1

Image by Chad Zandi via Trover.com

As a kid growing up in Texas, Arlington was my Disneyland. Back when family road trips were still a thing, my parents piled my brother and me into the back seat of our sedan and drove 400 miles north for a fun-filled weekend in Arlington. We stayed in one of the many IHG hotels near Six Flags Over Texas and had a great time at the amusement park. It was my first experience with adult rides.

I still remember the rush of adrenaline as I spotted the outline of the Texas Giant off into the distance. At the time, it was the largest wooden roller coaster in the world. Six Flags remains a popular facility today, with rides, characters, and shows.

Sports Fanatic

untitled2

Image by Tiffany Allington via Trover.com

Arlington is where both the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers play. If you’re a baseball or football fan, Arlington is your mecca. The ultra-modern AT&T Stadium has been the home of the Cowboys since 2009. Metroplex residents know the stadium as The Death Star or one of a few other choice nicknames. If you want to ask somewhere where to find the stadium, have them point you in the direction of Jerry’s World.

Just across the massive parking lot is Globe Life Park. I still refer to it by its original name, The Ballpark in Arlington. It’s a classic structure that reminds you of baseball stadiums of the past. Every seat in the house is fantastic, and you can get game day seats for under $30 for most games. If you happen to plan your trip on a dollar hot dog day, you’ll be in baseball heaven. Both parks offer in-depth tours on non-game days, too.

Business Minded

Nestled between the two iconic sports stadiums is the Arlington Convention Center. With a massive 30,000-square-foot Grand Hall and another 40,000 square feet of exhibition space and meeting rooms, the convention center offers you plenty of options and amenities for meetings of five to 500.

It’s not all business when business travelers go to Arlington, though. If you need a team-building exercise, book a lane or 10 at Alley Cats or race at K1 Speed and beat the tar out of your boss with no guilt. For refreshments, you have to check out Arlington’s first locally owned brewery. The pretzel bites and pale ales are amazing at Division Brewery.

With its rapid growth and proximity to two major cities and a major international airport, Arlington, Texas, is on its way to becoming a household name. No matter what type traveler you are or what kind of trip you’re planning, Arlington has something for you.

 

5 Historical Attractions in Birmingham

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

Founded in 1871 as part of the post-Civil War Reconstruction efforts, Birmingham is a cornerstone of American history. Explore these five attractions to learn about Birmingham’s historical impact, which still affects our society today.

Civil Rights Institute

alabama

Image by Bill Dillard via Trover.com

Located in the Civil Rights District, a beautiful area of town with hotels and restaurants, the Civil Rights Institute chronicles the course of the Civil Rights movement from 1950 to 1960. This interactive museum offers informative, haunting exhibits about the country’s struggles from segregation to integration. The many displays use life-size models, historic recordings, and multimedia features to show how the battles of the past are relevant today. Museum tickets cost $15, and discounts are available for children and seniors.

Jazz Museum

Also in the Civil Rights District is the Jazz Hall of Fame. From the early days of boogie-woogie to the latest jazz fusion, you can explore how jazz is woven into all musical genres, including hip hop, alternative, and rock. The Jazz Hall of Fame is also dedicated to nurturing future musicians. It offers classes and seminars for jazz enthusiasts of all ages. Nothing brings the world together like music.

Baptist Church

church

Image by Jennifer Hott-Greenway via Trover.com

Don’t miss your chance to visit the 16th Street Baptist Church in the Civil Rights District. Established in 1873, this was the first African-American church in Alabama. It was the central meeting place for leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, and in May 1963, the church was the starting point for marches and demonstrations. The church is best known as the site of the bombing that killed four little African-American girls. The tragedy led to a massive backlash and sparked the passing of the Civil Rights Bill of 1963.

Flight Museum

A short drive from the city you’ll find the largest aviation museum in the South. The 75,000-square-foot facility houses aircrafts, photos, and artifacts depicting the history of flight. You can sit in a World War II fighter jet or a modern-day A-12 Blackbird. The museum also explores the history of military flight, with exhibits from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Tuskegee Airmen. Museum tickets cost $7, but all military personnel and their families can enter for free.

Sports Hall of Fame

Sports and athletes are as influential today as they were in the past. At the Sports Hall of Fame, you can learn more about Alabama’s contributions to the world of sports. The museum has over 5,000 pieces of memorabilia from athletes who were born in Alabama, attended school in Alabama, or otherwise impacted sports in Alabama. This organization also encourages higher education by offering sports awards and scholarships to local high school athletes.

On some vacations, you plan for relaxation, and on others, you plan to learn something. Birmingham, Alabama, might not be the sexiest of vacation spots, but the city’s importance to the development of the South is clear in its historical sites. A visit to these places will give you a historical perspective on the social climate of our country today.

 

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

fixedw_large_4xImage by Yuh via Trover.com

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

fixedw_large_4x1Image provided by Lisa Hoy via Trover.com.

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.

 

4 New York Locations that Inspire

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

Image provided by Vincent Ramundo via Trover.com.

As a writer, I’m always looking for inspiration. Something outside of myself that gets the writing muse speaking. Every year, I fly to New York, book a hotel with easy access to the subway, and explore. I don’t have to go far to find several spots that offer inspiration.

The Park

Image provided by Jen Jahaira Andrade via Trover.com.

No matter the season, Central Park is inspiration overload. If you’re into nature, the park is the greenest spot in all of Manhattan. I get lost in the quiet winding trails, only a few feet away from the noise of the city. In the fall, the leaves change from a brilliant green to a pumpkin orange, a picturesque scene accented by the bright blue sky. Rent a boat and take a row around the Reservoir. Animal lovers can rent a horse at the stables or, if you prefer your horses stationary, take a ride on the merry-go-round. Walk your dog or join a pickup game of soccer on the Great Lawn. I usually find a bench or a rock, with my journal and a good book, and take it all in.

The Other Park

Image provided by Esther Levy via Trover.com.

I call Bryant Park the other park because while it’s not the second biggest, it’s the most inspiring. This 9-acre patch of land in Midtown Manhattan transforms itself depending on the time of year. In the winter, check out the craft vendors peddling their kiosks to the tourists looking to take a little part of Manhattan home with them. In February and September, designers, models, and fashion lovers take over the park for New York Fashion Week. Showing in Bryant Park means you have arrived in the fashion world, and what could be more inspiring than that. I love the springtime the best. I grab some food at one of the food kiosks, find a table, and settle in for an afternoon of people watching.

The Bridge

Image provided by Kristen Sarra via Trover.com.

The Brooklyn Bridge has been the setting of pivotal moments in not one, but two of my novels. It’s been used in movies and television shows as a metaphorical background to separate people and bring people together. Why is this bridge so inspiring? It connects two boroughs with vastly different vibes. While Manhattan is button up suits and intensity, Brooklyn is hipster skinny jeans and laid back comfort. Both offer their own inspiration, but standing in the middle of the bridge, taking in the tall, menacing buildings on one side and the shorter, historic structures on the other — the Brooklyn Bridge inspires.

The Building

Image provided by Stills ‘n’ stories via Trover.com.

I’m not sure why the FlatIron Building speaks to me, but I’m not alone. Maybe it’s the location: Fifth Avenue, 22nd Street, and Broadway. It’s a convergence of creativity and money. Or maybe its triangular shape and the French and Italian Renaissance influences in the 22-story structure. What ever it is, it sparks my creative juices like no other building on the planet. If the outside isn’t inspiration enough, its tenants are creative types such as book publishers, literary agents, and some of the most famous fashion designers in the world.

Nothing like a change of scenery to jump-start inspiration. A quick trip to New York, immersing yourself into the city’s landscape, will give you inspiration in abundance for when you return home.