February 28, 2011

Introduction to Jacksonville, Oregon

Introduction to Jacksonville, Oregon


The drive to the historic town of Jacksonville, located about 10 miles from downtown Ashland, passes through some of Oregon's beautiful back country farmland. The first town in America named a National Historic Landmark, Jacksonville delightfully retains its 19th-century charm. Wood and brick buildings dating from the early 1850s line the main street that is now filled with art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. A free map outlining a walking tour of the historical buildings is available in many of the shops, and you can also tour the town on a motorized trolley.

Once a booming gold town--the Gold Rush here began at nearby Daisy Creek in 1851--and prosperous agricultural center, its decline slowly began when the railroad bypassed it in 1883. Now visitors strike gold of sorts in galleries and boutiques that inhabit the town's vintage buildings.



More things to do in Jacksonville, Oregon.

More things to do along Highway 5 in Oregon.


image courtesy of attraction

February 25, 2011

Ayutthaya, Thailand: Thai street vendors in action

Street vendors make green crepes in Thailand.



videos c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

February 15, 2011

Ashland, Oregon: Louie’s Bar and Grill; restaurant review

outdoor dining at Louie’s Bar and Grill in Ashland, Oregon

Louie’s Bar and Grill 

41 N Main St., (541) 482-9701. $.

This simple, dark-wood-paneled pub features matching high tables and a long bar. TVs run continuously. In good weather, creek-side seating in the back at Louie’s Bar and Grill is hard to beat. Service is provided by young, often inexperienced students, but they do tend to be pleasant. Menu choices include a variety of burgers, a few Mexican items (the salmon tacos are very good), and some pub grub ribs and fish & chips.




More information about Ashland.

More things to do in Ashland.

More things to do along Oregon's Highway 5
 
image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

February 12, 2011

Dubai: Burj Al Arab; hotel review

Burj Al Arab  

Jumeirah Beach Rd., +971 4 364 7 111. 28 floors; 202 suites. Infinity pools; health spa.

Billed as “the world’s most luxurious hotel,” the famous Burj Al Arab luxury resort hotel is a standout on the Dubai coastline. It stands on a man-made island 280 metres off shore. The hotel’s 1,053-foot tower is designed to resemble the billowing sail of an Arabian dhow. Known as “The Tower of Arabs,” it is now the world’s second-tallest hotel but was the tallest when it was built in 2000.

view inside Burj Al Arab luxury resort hotel in Dubai
view inside Burj Al Arab luxury resort hotel in Dubai


 
Its interior holds the world’s tallest atrium (more than 180 meters high) and a cascade waterfall with fibre optics. Guests stay in two-level suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea (a curving staircase leads up to the bedroom) and are pampered with over-the-top amenities fit for kings and queens—everything from the juiciest stuffed dates to Bulgari amenities to butler service. The staff-to-suite ratio is 8 to 1. Rooms have phones galore and feature marble bathrooms with real gold faucets and a Jacuzzi tub big enough for a family of four.

 A large fleet of Rolls Royces transfers guests to and from the airport and around town, and guests get complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Water park located just across the street.

Visitors must pass through a guard house and must either be staying at the hotel or have a reservation for a restaurant or meeting. If you’re not staying here, the least expensive option is tea in the Skyview bar at the top (US$80/person plus tip). You’ll be able to see Palm Jumeirah Island from here.


More things to do in Dubai.

More ideas for exploring the Middle East.


image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  

February 9, 2011

Dubai: Take an abra ride across Dubai Creek; things to do

Take an abra ride across Dubai Creek


abra boat crosses Dubai Creek in Dubai
abra boat crosses Dubai Creek in Dubai


The inexpensive traditional way to cross the saltwater Dubai Creek—actually more like a river---is by an abra, or water taxi. These small motorized boats connect Deira side and Bur Dubai side and have been ferrying passengers back and forth for decades.

February 7, 2011

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: San Miguel Shoe store; things to do

San Miguel Shoe store  

Calzada de la Luz #48, 01-415-154-47-02.

Martha Muniz at San Miguel Shoe store in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Martha Muniz at San Miguel Shoe store in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico


For the treacherous, cobblestone streets found here and throughout Mexico, the thick elastic-strapped sandals designed by Martha Muniz are de rigueur. In addition to having sticky soles that grip the cobblestones and sidewalks, they are very comfortable, inexpensive (start at about $25), and even attractive. They come in many colors and several heel heights, but if your foot is larger than U.S. 8 1/2 they will be almost impossible to find here. But fortunately they are also sold at high end shops in the U.S. and on the internet, though it is much more fun to buy them, and wear them, at the source. They make the perfect souvenir.   Martha--the designer and shopkeeper here--is usually made up for prime time and wearing a monotone outfit--Paris Hilton pink, navy blue, black--she is definitely part of the show.



More things to do in San Miguel de Allende.


image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

February 4, 2011

Beautiful travel video depicting Hawaii

Beautiful travel video depicting Hawaii


Interested in photography, Hawaii, beaches--or all of these? Check out this beautiful and interesting new video, which also tells you a little bit about i-Phone apps. Be patient, it takes a while to load but is worth the wait, or hold off and just watch it on your next Hawaiian Air flight (it is part of the entertainment offerings). I've traveled with Doug Peebles and have one of his gorgeous Hawaii photo books on my coffee table.

body boarder walks on gorgeous beach in Hawaii
body boarder walks on gorgeous beach in Hawaii




More photo galleries.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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