The Best of New York City

December 15, 2008 by Allison Davis  
Filed under Metropolitan, New, New York City - NY

New York City is the largest city in the United States. The New York metropolitan area ranks among the world’s most populous urban areas. It is a leading global city, exerting a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, and entertainment. The city is also an important center for international affairs, hosting the United Nations headquarters.

Located in the city are some of the world’s best restaurants, bars, museums, parks, along with some of the best entertainment sectors you will ever find.

Search through New York 10 to find the best that the city has to offer.  Click here to visit The New York 10.

A Walk Through Lubbock, TX

December 14, 2008 by Allison Davis  
Filed under Featured Cities, Lubbock - Texas, New

A city that has been brought into the national spotlight these past few months is Lubbock, TX.  This city is home to Texas Tech University, who’s football team performance has resulted in dramatically increasing the number of visitors to this pleasant city.

Lubbock is home to some of the best restaurants, neighborhoods and family destinations in the West Texas region and is thriving despite the downturn in the economy.

To find the best that the Lubbock has to offer, click here.

History, Technology and Beauty… Austin, TX

December 13, 2008 by Allison Davis  
Filed under Austin - TX, Metropolitan, New

Austin is home to some of the world’s largest technology firms, yet it remains one of the more traditionally styled cities in the South.  Stunning architecture and modern innovations make this a great city to live and to visit.

Austin was selected as the No. 1 Best Big City in “Best Places to Live” by Money magazine in 2006, and the “Greenest City in America” by MSN. Also, according to CNN Headline News and travel and leisure Austin ranks #2 on the list of cities with the best people referring to the personalities and attributes of the citizens. Austin was also voted America’s #1 College Town by the Travel Channel.

Click here to find the best that Austin, TX has to offer.

A Desert Oasis - Scottsdale, Arizona

December 10, 2008 by Allison Davis  
Filed under Metropolitan, New, Scottsdale - AZ

scottsdalefeature

Few cities in the US match Scottsdale’s arid climate and scenic beauty, which is why it may be the latest hotspot for athletes and celebrities.  Many people think of Scottsdale as purely a resort city, however you will find that this city has much to offer even the most hard-to-please individual.

From the nightlife of Old Town to the rolling golf course links of Desert Ridge, Scottsdale has something for everyone.  To find the very best that the city has to offer, visit its page at:

Scottsdale10.Cityspur.com

Experience Real Beauty Under The Sea

December 9, 2008 by Allison Davis  
Filed under Premium Listings

Ever thought of swimming under extremely crystal clear waters while observing the most incredible marine species that inhabit the Earth?  Stop dreaming and visit a spectacular paradise considered one of the top places in the world for diving. Cancun offers some of the best natural landscapes and the highest quality in resources to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Cancun’s coastline is located in front of the Great Mesoamerican Reef, a system extending 450 miles all the way from Punta Nizuc to the Bay of Islands in Honduras. This reef system is home to 100 coral species, 350 mollusks, and 164 species of reef dwelling fish, sea turtles, crocodiles, lemon sharks, dolphins and manatees, among other exotic creatures. The best news is that you don’t have to travel many hours since there are between ten to 12 coral reefs, some of which are located at only 45 minutes from the shore.

Cancun offers a wide variety of scuba diving centers offering the best in training and equipment for both novice and experienced divers. There are more than 25 fully-equipped water sports centers and marinas that operate under strict environmental standards to avoid any harm to marine life. Also, several hotels offer scuba diving courses to guests in areas of extremely shallow waters. One of the greatest advantages of Cancun is that water depth reaches a maximum of 100ft.

In Cancun, tourists can choose between open water diving and have the opportunity to explore sunken vessels- like the famous C58- or dive along natural caverns and cenotes (sink holes), characteristic of the state of Quintana Roo.

Punta Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos allow for a close encounter with marine creatures such as tropical fish, sea monkeys, grouper fish, parrotfish and invertebrates like jelly fish, crabs, lobsters and octopus. Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos is particularly attractive because the coral reef is located very close to the shore, keeping the waters calm and shallow. Those who want to experience the peaceful mood of a fishing village can visit Holbox Island, Contoy and Isla Mujeres, all of which combine tropical life with the charm of virgin white sand beaches and the Mayan heritage. Visitors can interact with nature through activities like bird, crocodile and turtle watching as well as swimming with whale sharks, dolphins and manatees.

A Dream Destination in Hawaii

December 9, 2008 by Allison Davis  
Filed under Premium Listings

Halekulani, one of the world’s finest and most acclaimed luxury resorts, will soon unveil “The Orchid Suite at Halekulani,” a pioneering and transformative concept that will transcend the traditional hotel suite model, just as “The Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani” did when it debuted in 2005. A residential ambiance that represents a confluence of a contemporary aesthetic and the casually elegant sensibility for which Halekulani has come to be renowned, The Orchid Suite at Halekulani, embodies the ethereal qualities of the property’s iconic Cattleya Orchid, and a spaciousness that is both airy and languid, as well as intimate and inspiring.

The Orchid Suite at Halekulani, which will debut this December 20th, is an exemplification of Halekulani’s property-wide renewal initiative leading up to Halekulani’s 25th Anniversary in 2009, and one of the three iconic suites that will comprise “The Premier Suites at Halekulani.” Catering to the myriad lifestyles of the hotel’s international clientele, who keep coming back to Halekulani because of its uniquely gracious and individualized service, The Premier Suites at Halekulani encompass the newly redesigned Royal Suite, the iconic Vera Wang Suite and the soon to be unveiled Orchid Suite, each of which has a distinct aesthetic and sensibility and individually tailored experiential amenity programs. The Royal Suite is simple, classical and regal. The décor of this 4,066 square foot suite celebrates the various Pacific and Asian cultures that are a part of today’s Hawaiian culture. The 2,135 square foot Vera Wang Suite, personally designed by the suite’s namesake, exudes a casual elegance and sensuality. Vera Wang’s home, gift, bath and accessories collection are paired with rare furnishings from Hawaii, the Pacific and Asia to create a stylish and sophisticated respite.

The Orchid Suite embodies three of Halekulani’s elemental values: Wellness (mind, body and spirit), Connoisseur (fine cuisine) and Masterworks (the arts). Inspired by the calming and enveloping Pacific Ocean, The Orchid Suite will feature an exclusive Sea of Life Wellness Program designed by award-winning SpaHalekulani featuring treatments and therapies inspired by renewing properties of the sea. For epicurean connoisseurs, The Orchid Suite will feature a full-service Sub-Zero Wolf kitchen with interactive cooking experiences by Halekulani Chefs, daily market deliveries and a select La Mer menu of the finest in European cuisine. To perpetuate the Masterworks brand element, Halekulani will unveil an exciting new partnership in the near future as well as the Art in Motion luxury automobile program.

The Orchid Suite, as part of The Premier Suites at Halekulani, embodies the cultural and gracious personal service legacy that is the personification of Halekulani,” said Peter Shaindlin, Chief Operating Officer of Halekulani Corporation. “Based upon the unprecedented success of the Vera Wang Suite, we saw an opportunity and a need to create a collection of iconic suites for our guests who want the best and will accept nothing less. Each of the three suites which comprise The Premier Suites at Halekulani offer distinctly different ambiances and experiential amenities that cater to the individual lifestyles of our international clientele.”

Guests of the 2,365 square foot Orchid Suite will experience superlative design elements, carefully orchestrated to provide privacy while maintaining the exceptional standards and experiences for which Halekulani has come to be known. Set apart from the historic Main Building, the Orchid Suite will be situated facing the Pacific Ocean with doors opening onto a private lawn with panoramic views of Waikiki Beach. The interiors have been artfully designed in calming tones so as not to compete with the dramatic and vibrant Hawaiian views. The master suite will afford guests with a spectacular view of Diamond Head while the en-suite master bath equipped with steam shower and deep steeping tub, will offer private views of the garden.

The living room was designed to resemble a luxurious beach cottage, an homage to the original days of Halekulani, with indoor/outdoor alfresco dining and a spacious lanai, idyllic for day or evening lounging. The entertainment room will also serve as a private study or family room.

The Premier Suites at Halekulani, including the Orchid Suite, will offer guests a new and extraordinary amenity program called “ART IN MOTION.” Guests of the three luxury suites will be offered keys to a collection of unparalleled exotic automobiles, once again redefining international hospitality standards. The extraordinary fleet features a brand new Maserati GranTurismo and Bentley Continental GTC. Guests may experience these cars first hand or with a personal driver, all complimentary with a stay in one of the Premier Suites at Halekulani.

Continuing Halekulani’s tradition of gracious hospitality and personalized service, all suites in the Premier Collection will feature the following complimentary services: Butler Service, Customized Culinary Programs, Personal Concierge and VIP privileges with the hotel’s “For You Everything, Program” offering complimentary access to the Honolulu Symphony, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Contemporary Museum of Arts Honolulu and the Shang-Ri La Estate, among others.

Discover Las Vegas

December 6, 2008 by Allison Davis  
Filed under Featured Cities, Las Vegas - NV, New

Las Vegas has recently enjoyed an enormous boom both in population and in tourism. The urban area has grown outward so quickly that it is beginning to run into Bureau of Land Management holdings along its edges, increasing land values enough that medium- and high-density development is beginning to occur closer to the core. As a reflection of the city’s rapid growing population, the new Chinatown of Las Vegas was constructed in the early 1990s on Spring Mountain Road. Chinatown initially consisted of only one large shopping center complex, but the area was recently expanded for new shopping centers that contain various Asian businesses.

With the Strip expansion in the 1990s, the downtown area (which has maintained an old Las Vegas feel) began to suffer. The city made a concerted effort to turn around the fortunes of downtown. The Fremont Street Experience (FSE) was built in an effort to draw tourists back to the area and has proven to be popular in that regard. The multi-level Neonopolis, complete with 11 theaters (managed by Galaxy Theaters, Inc.), was built to offer more retail opportunity and services. Many highrise condo projects have also been underway as downtown is transforming into a livable neighborhood. Other promising signs emerged for the area. The city had successfully lured the Internal Revenue Service operations from the far west of the city to a new downtown building that opened in April 2005. The IRS move is expected to create a greater demand for additional businesses in the area, especially in the daytime hours.

Explore the city of Las Vegas on The Vegas 10!

Find the Best of Honolulu, Hawaii

December 6, 2008 by Allison Davis  
Filed under Featured Cities, Honolulu - Hawaii, New

Enjoy the best of town and country of Honolulu. Enjoy the excitement of world class hotels, dining and shopping. Explore historic Honolulu’s royal palaces, museums, and art galleries. Discover the legendary North Shore’s rustic surf towns, local crafts, and famous beaches. Find outdoor adventure along the Windward Coast’s green mountains and blue waters. Visit Oahu and find the island paradise you have been looking for.

To find out the best restaurants, golf courses and resorts in Honolulu, please visit:

honolulu10.cityspur.com

The Best of Bloomington, Indiana

Bloomington has a rich theater culture, and is home to several professional theater companies, including Broadway Entertainment Company & Cardinal Stage Company. Bloomington also has several community and amateur theaters which include Monroe County Civic Theater as well as the Indiana University Dept. of Theatrical Arts.

Bloomington has been named a Tree City for more than 20 years.  Bloomington is also famous for its rock quarries which residents have been known to use as swimming holes.

Bloomington is the home to Indiana University. Established in 1820, IU has approximately 40,000 students and is the original and largest campus of the Indiana University system. In 1991, Thomas Gaines, a landscape artist, published a book, The Campus As a Work of Art, in which he named the Bloomington University campus one of the five most beautiful in America. Most of the campus buildings are built of Indiana limestone.

To discover the best of Bloomington, click here.