How fitting that I’m flying into New York’s Kennedy Airport today from my weeks of traveling in Europe.  There is something about flying over that city to come back to the United States that evokes a sense of pride and patriotism.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty has always served as a tangible reminder to me of what independence and liberty is truly about.

Enjoy your 4th of July!

Photo credit: laverrue @flickr

World in Focus – Travel photography contest open to professionals and amateurs.  Maybe you could win that grand prize – a 10 day safari in Tanzania.

AAA Travel Views – I found myself nodding in agreement as the author explained that he wasn’t a typical Branson visitor, but he made an exception for Paul Revere & the Raiders.  Since they were a band from my teen years, I can relate.

Intelligent Travel – It’s winter down under, and Vivid Sydney is a cultural extravaganza designed to turn the city into a canvas of light and sound.

The Amsterdam Guide – When’s the best time to visit Amsterdam?  Any time!  And here’s why.

Blisstree – Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that many people fall in love with when they have it in Paris.  Here’s how you can recreate it at home – and it’s not that difficult.

My Melange – A tantalizing review of Tazza d’Oro in Rome reminds me that it’s only 18 days till I leave for Italy.

The New York City Traveler – A tour New York’s famous Zabar’s, a great spot to pick up treats for a picnic.  I haven’t been there for quite some time, but this took me back.

Traveling Mamas – Exploring a city that I’ve not been to — Sedona, Arizona.  Lots of great suggestions on how to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of this area.

Well, think again!  And with that slogan, the TriBeCa Film Festival gets ready for its annual run, April 22nd through May 3rd.

Founded in 2001 by Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal, the festival was an attempt to revitalize a neighborhood that was laid low as a result of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.  The first festival was held in 2002, and even with only four months of planning, it was a critical, financial, and public success.  Since then it has grown in what it offers, attendance, and a variety of partnerships, and today it is one of the premiere film festivals.

Depending on your availability and interests, there are several ways to take in the festival:

• Consider buying a pass or ticket package.  These range in price from $225-400, and combine tickets to several films (10-20) and other admissions.
• Check the listing of films, show times, and theater locations of films that you’d like to see, and order tickets online, by phone at (866) 941-FEST (3378), or at ticket outlets.  Have several back up choices in case your first choices aren’t available.  Single tickets go on sale April 14th for American Express Card members only, on April 19th for downtown residents (proof required), and on April 20th for the general public.
• Get a discount ticket package.  On sale April 14th, these offer some great values for film lovers.  Priced $39-100.
• If you in the “biz” or are a film lover with some coin, there are also a number of VIP packages available.

Other festival events include:

• Sports Film Festival (in partnership with ESPN)
• Shorts Section
• World Narrative Competition
• World Documentary Competition
• Discovery Section (featuring new talent in cinema)
• Encounters (narrative features and documentaries)
• Showcase (10 international films)
• Spotlight (award winners and acclaimed filmmakers)
• Midnight (horror genre)
• Restored/Rediscovered (rarely screen or newly restored films)
• and lots of community events

What are you waiting for?  Download the 2009 Film Guide, and plan to be a participant at this year’s TriBeCa Film Festival!

Photo credit: SXC

Forbes Magazine recently announced its list of America’s Top Ten Most Popular Tourist Attractions.

I know that the phrase “tourist attraction” can be a turn off to many people, but don’t let that label get in the way.  These are some sights worth seeing.

New York New York on the Las Vegas Strip

Here’s the list:

1. Times Square – New York City
2. Las Vegas Strip – Las Vegas, Nevada
3. National Mall & Memorial Parks – Washington DC
4. Faneuil Hall – Boston, Massachusetts
5. Disney World’s Magic Kingdom – Buena Vista, Florida
6. Disneyland Park – Anaheim, California
7. Fisherman’s Wharf/Golden Gate National Recreation Area – San Francisco, California
8. Niagara Falls – New York
9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee and North Carolina
10. Navy Pier – Chicago, Illinois

I’ve been to nine of the destinations on the list, although officially I was on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.  Same falls, different perspective and country, so I’m counting it.

The only attraction on the list that I haven’t been to is the Great Smoky Mountains.  I haven’t traveled much in the south, so have missed many of the great spots in that part of the country.

How many of these attractions have you seen?

Photo credit:  personal collection

Nobody throws a party like New York City, so if you are anywhere in the area you’ll want to catch the 35th annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.

The Parade emphasizes diversity and family as it brings together the myriad economic, ethnic, social, sexual, and racial components of New York City.  Even the NYC Police Department has recognized the Parade for its contribution in making Halloween a safe event, bringing together the community in a creative and playful way.

The parade queues up at 6th Avenue, south of Spring and North of Canal, between 6:30-8 pm. The parade begins 7 pm and proceeds up 6th from Spring to 21st Street.  Thousands of costumed revelers will join in with puppets, bands, dancers and artists.  Anyone in costumed is invited to join in.

Don’t even think about driving to the Parade; take the subway.  The streets are most crowded between Bleeker and 14th Street; so if that’s the viewing spot you want, get there early.  There are lots of great viewing opportunities along the entire Parade route.

The parade is a favorite of residents and visitors, adults and families, and attracts approximately two million people.  Add in television viewers (NY 1 airing it, 8-9:30 pm), and this event will reach over four million people.  Now that’s a Halloween party!

Photo credit:  Flickr:  skeletons, costumed participants

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  Although you’ll find C.O. Bigelow products sold in other stores, there’s nothing like visiting the original store in Greenwich Village.

Founded in 1838, C.O.Bigelow’s is the oldest continually operating apothecary-pharmacy in the country.  That’s 170 years!

C.O. Bigelow’s is located at 414 Avenue of the Americas (between 8th & 9th Street) in Greenwich Village.  It’s is accessible by subway (West 4th or Christopher stop) and the PATH (9th Street).

The store still fills prescriptions at the back of the store, but as you work you way back there you’ll pass through goodies galore.  There’s a focus on homeopathic products and remedies, along with hard-to-find and specialty cosmetic lines.  You can find something for your body here, whether that’s inside or out, and they have a great assortment of products perfect to pack for your travels.

Here is a sampling of what you’ll find:  hair and body products, shaving creams and accessories, fragrances, specialized toothpastes, baby care, and all sorts of wonderful accessories and gifts.  Bigelow’s also has their own product line, many made from recipes that are generations old.  Their Rose Salve (pictured above) is one of the store’s best selling items, and it’s touted as a remedy for everything from chapped lips to diaper rash.

You can find a sampling of their specialized products available for purchase online, and while that’s nice – it’s nothing like spending quality time milling about the store.

Photo credit:  C.O. Bigelow

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This matchbook is one that I found in the back of a drawer, but still one that brought back some fond memories.  It’s from a restaurant that no longer exists, Citarella, the Restaurant, although it’s parent company still remains in business as a terrific venue for gourmet shopping and food, including take out.

The restaurant was located at 1240 Sixth Avenue (corner of 49th) near Rockefeller Center in New York City.

My experience there occurred on a layover one Christmas Eve.  Working, and being away from home, on a holiday is never a fun event, but you make the most of it by finding some place special to stop off.  That year, Citarella was the place for my celebration away from home.

As I sit today and try to figure out the specifics, all I can remember was stopping in for a glass of champagne to toast the holiday season, and then heading over to Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue to watch the holiday events.

I’m not certain when the restaurant closed, but as an alternative for today, check out Citarella’s gourmet markets at various locations around NYC.

Photo credit: personal collection

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The Manhattan skyline is one of the most recognizable in the world.  Whether view from an airplane as you are flying in, from Central Park, the top of the Empire State Building, or from a downtown ferry, the New York architecture is some of the most photographed around.

This photo was taken while on a ferry ride out to see the Statue of Liberty.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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