Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

University of Texas Tower

“Keep Austin Weird” – well, not you in particular, but I figured it appropriate to start my list with the slogan that has been passed around every hipster bar across the capitol city of Texas since it was coined in 2000.

Austin has always been a vibrant mix of personalities.  On Guadalupe Street (known as the ‘The Drag’), which runs alongside University of Texas campus, you’re bound to see an eclectic mix of hipsters, artists, soccer moms, old tie-dye wearing hippies, and Land-Rover-driving frat guys.   In fact, you’ll find this mix almost anywhere you go in Austin.  Also named ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’, Austin is a town with endless character, beautiful scenery, and top-notch people watching.

As a former Austin college student and resident, I’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best things to do during your stay:

1.  Eat Tex-Mex – Seriously, the food is to die for.  Do not, I repeat, do not come to this city on a diet.  Bring an empty belly, ready to be filled with chips and salsa, cheesy enchiladas, and sizzling beef fajitas. Try Maudie’s for brunch, a divey local favorite, or Guero’s on South Congress for dinner.   Be sure to wash down the food with a margarita on the rocks, and then catch a rickshaw into downtown for after-dinner drinks.
2. Barton Springs – Located just outside of downtown on the grounds of Zilker Park, this natural water spring is a recreational favorite on the weekends for all crowds.  Bring a towel, a book, and your bathing suit.  If you decide to hop in for a swim, beware – the temperature of the Springs usually hovers around a chilly 70 degrees!
3. University of Texas Campus – In particular, visit the UT Tower – the most recognized landmark on campus and often lit up in a burnt orange color for sporting and university events.  Observation deck tours are available (reservations recommended).   Be sure to throw a penny into Littlefield Fountain on the South Mall and if you’re there in the fall, don’t miss a football game at Darrell K. Royal Stadium.  (Wear burnt orange and white, the university colors, if you want to participate in the fun as the locals do).
4. Historic 6^th Street – A must-see at night if you’re feeling lively.  Lined with bars, music venues, restaurants, and late-night pizza joints, the heart of this entertainment district is closed off to cars on the weekends and fills up elbow-to-elbow with party-goers after the sun goes down.  If you’re looking for a bit more ‘mature’ crowd, head over a few blocks to 4^th Street.  I’d recommend a drink at Cedar Street Courtyard near 4^th and Lavaca where you’ll often be able to catch a local singer-songwriter on the patio.
5. West Austin “The Hill Country” – A short drive away (20-30 minutes) from the cities’ hustle and bustle lies the Texas Hill Country, a true gem of the Texas landscape.  This area west of Austin is comprised of rolling hills, rivers, mansions, and country clubs.  Make your way to Mount Bonnell lookout point for amazing panoramic views of Lake Austin and 360 Bridge, best seen at sunset.  Then, head over to County Line Bar-B-Q to feast on a platter of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausage.

I realize I may be a bit biased, but Austin is the type of city that truly has it all.  A place that’s classy and funky, edgy and artsy, laid-back while at the same time bustling with character.  It’s weird and amazing, and I’d encourage any of you to give it a whirl for your next vacation.

Hula Dancers at Hawaiian Sunset Luau

When visiting Hawaii many travelers wonder if a luau is on the “must-see” or “must miss” list. For me, it is definitely a must-experience each and every time we visit the islands. The following are my own personal top 5 reasons never to miss a luau when the opportunity presents itself:

5. A Festivus for the Rest of Us – A luau is a wonderful festive gathering. People are generally friendly attending these soirées and I have met many lovely people from around the world when partaking in the luau experience.

4. Music and Dancing – Hearing those distinctive drums and watching the fire dancers just makes me happy.

3. The Sunsets are Breathtaking – The luaus I have attended have had amazing sunsets in full view. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the end of yet another beautiful day in Hawaii.

2. The Mai Tai – Enough said.

1.  When will you ever see a darling baby look as cute as this little girl?

Well, do you luau? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below! (Having trouble viewing Facebook comments? Click here)

“It’s the journey, not the destination.” Repeat that to yourself 3 times, and then listen up while I do my best to convince you that hitting the open road on your next vacation could just very well be the best time of your life.

First, let me say sure, there’s always the option to fly.  You’ll arrive in a few hours and be on your way. That is, after you’ve dealt with airport parking, security, baggage fees, a flight delay, and a guy in the seat next to you that may or may not be coughing up a small kitten. If that sounds like your thing, by all means, check those flight times and pick that perfect itinerary.

If, however, you’re like me and prefer freedom when you travel – to go anywhere, at any time, to do anything – fill up the gas tank, grab a road map, and prepare to go road trippin’.

Like choosing chocolate or caramel, your road tripping options are pure win-win. All you need to decide is who’s coming with (if anyone at all), and in which direction to start heading. To make things really complicated (note the sarcasm), you might also want to pick some tunes to set the mood for the trip. Personally, I’d select some good ol’ Grateful Dead for a solo trip through the national parks of the Northwest, rock an 80’s playlist for a trip with a friend through Southern California, or pump some Willie and Waylon driving through the Smoky Mountains with the fam.

Are you following me now? These decisions are FUN.  Not to mention, limitless. Why always go left when this time you can go right? Take some time to explore the way that you want to do it.  If you want to go see the House of Mud like Clarke W. Griswald in the movie ‘Vacation’, go see the House of Mud! If you’re dying to see the great peaks of the Grand Tetons, make the drive to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and see the Tetons. If along the way to the Tetons you decide that you’d rather stop in Montana to camp under the stars, then by all means, stop in Montana and camp under the stars!

Enjoy the freedom of the open road.  Share some quality laughs with your family. Blast your favorite song with the windows open. Get out and take a goofy picture in front of the Grand Canyon. I guarantee you it will be worth it.

What are your summer road trip plans? Tell us in the Facebook comments below. (having trouble viewing comments? click here)

One of the greatest cities to visit during the summer is Seattle. The weather is comfortable and warm, the seafood is to die for and the activities are endless. Traveling to Seattle during the winter however can be a different story. The cloud cover that most travelers want to avoid on vacations is ever present and that cloud cover usually brings with it the daily drizzle. Choosing the best activities for this weather can be difficult, but to make planning easier I’ve picked out some fun places to explore, even in the company of rain.

1. The Bainbridge Ferry

These large, slow moving ferries offer you the opportunity to see west facing Seattle, which is a spectacular view (see above). If you don’t want to brave the rainy outdoor decks, you can view the beautiful scenery from the indoor window seating. The ride to Bainbridge is only 30 minutes and gives you just enough time to see some of the surrounding Islands as well. Tickets for the ferry are inexpensive and lunch on Bainbridge is oysterific.

2. Alki Beach

On a day that is cloudy but not rainy head on over to Alki Beach in West Seattle. If you’re a brunch fan like me, stop in for some crab and eggs at Salty’s, a waterfront restaurant. Salty’s is well known for its seafood and great views of downtown. Afterwards, work off brunch by taking a stroll down Alki where you’ll find rocky and sandy beaches, docks and friendly locals. Don’t be afraid to stop into one of the tiny restaurants or bars along the way for a mid afternoon drink. You’re on vacation after all!

3. SAM – The Seattle Art Museum

The SAM is located on 1^st avenue in downtown Seattle. It is right next to the Puget Sound and countless stores and restaurants. The SAM is easy to find, just look for the 3 story tall man on 1^st “hammering” away at his next masterpiece. After touring the museum, you have Pike Place Market within walking distance. If it is especially rainy that day, you can opt to check out the market’s lower levels where there are cozy restaurants and quirky shops.

*For great food at Pike Place visit: Place Pigalle, Maximilien, or Etta’s for lunch.

While there is much more to do in Seattle, the rain can at times motivate you to do nothing more than hunker down in your hotel room. Hopefully this list will help get your ideas flowing and put that newly purchased rain jacket to good use! For more cool ways to explore the city, check out Gray Line Seattle Tours.

What are your favorite activities to do in the rain? Share in the Facebook comments below!
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City Lights Bookstore, San Francisco - Photo credit: Flickr Gary Soup

Without starting a coastal civil war, the West Coast is by far the best coast for bookstores. Laid back and socially conscious, these temples of knowledge are the perfect places to browse for reading material during your next vacation. So take a stroll through these bookstore aisles and stop to smell the sweet literature.

The Elliot Bay Book Company – Seattle, Washington

Seattle has some of the best coffee in the country as well as some of the worst rain. Put these two things together and you have the ideal situation for ducking into a cozy bookstore and browsing for a book for your West Coast trip. The commander-in-chief of the Seattle scene is the Elliot Bay Book Company. This book selling pioneer recently moved to the hipster neighborhood of Capital Hill and occupies an incredible new space with artistically arranged books. With weekly readings and cedar wood shelves, this is the perfect place to hang out in your best Gortex rain jacket, soy milk latte in hand.

Powell’s Books – Portland, Oregon

Books, books and more books! Known for it’s giant selection of gently used (and therefore more affordable) books, the odds are that you will likely leave Powell’s Books with an armful of books about Rick Steve’s European adventures or the complete Lonely Planet series. The flagship store carries over one million titles and is a bargain hunter’s dream. While the interior of the building is not exactly inspiring, the literary selection is worth the visit. This will be the best place to snag your copy of the new Portlandia guidebook when it comes out in November 2012. Cannot wait.

City Lights – San Francisco, California

Located in the Italian neighborhood of North Beach in San Francisco, City Lights is a small, unassuming storefront where the cream of the Beatnik crop used to gather and be cool. And when I say cool, I mean write amazingly creative works that shattered the dominant assumptions of their generation. Today this San Francisco bookstore deserves a special kudos for keeping the anti-establishment vibe alive. An independent publisher with an impressive stock of politically progressive and worldly literature, this is a damn good bookstore. The cherry on top? Upstairs there is a complete collection of works by all of the Beatnik generation poets. Cool man, cool.

Forgetting for a moment the actual sport of football, the forthcoming Super Bowl 46  also happens to serve as (yet another…) battleground for the everlasting debate. Chicken or egg, yin or yang, Boston or New York?

Technically, the Patriots are in Foxborough and the Giants are in Jersey – however, who doesn’t love the chance to beat a dead horse (only figuratively, obviously) and discuss the merits of these two nor’east rivals. This blogger actually doesn’t have a whole lot of loyalty either way, so we’ll just present the facts, ma’am:

• Food: (because it’s my favorite topic) – New York, pizza…clearly. Boston, what? Boston cream pie? Boston baked beans?  Point NYC.

• Traffic: In a painstakingly nonscientific and randomly chosen study, Travel+Leisure told me that New York’s traffic is second in the world only to Mexico City. Although one could argue that the population differences should be factored in…but then I got bored, so point Boston.

• Average Hotel Cost:  NYC, $194 – Boston, $154. Some might call that negligible. I, on the other hand, like $40. So, point Boston.

• Libation-Friendly Culture: I mean, it’s the Super Bowl, right? As rated here, Boston didn’t even make the cut, so….point NYC.

If you, like me, are a math whiz, you’ve noticed that we’ve got ourselves a tie. How about this – visit both, and make up your own mind!

On a recent visit to my favorite Midwest city, a Chicago native and fellow lover of fancy cocktails mentioned a new spot cashing in on the growing speakeasy trend, The Violet Hour in Wicker Park. Always up for some Sunday afternoon imbibing, and because the trip also included the incredible tacos at Big Star across the street, I and five of my fellow 20-somethings piled into a Honda. Our Chucks, hoodies and inappropriate giggling were sure signs that we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

Full of pork belly and dulce de leche milkshakes, we had to scan the facades on Damien for a moment to find the entrance to the Violet Hour. Hidden away in true too-hot-to-trot-hotspot fashion, we finally made our way into the door and through a maze of purple curtains into the extremely darkly lit bar area. After being (politely?) asked to silence our cell phones, we squished into a massive plush booth and held the table candle over the cocktail menu to make our selections. This might be a good time to note that the matchbook covers were nicer than any purse I’ve ever owned.

Although we were a bit put off by the slightly terrifying swank factor of the joint, the cocktails were absolutely delicious, surprisingly not outrageously expensive, and named with panache –  can I pour anyone an Oldest Living Confederate Widow?

All in all, I wouldn’t call The Violet Hour pretentious, exactly…well I sort of just did, but it’s definitely worth a stop for an above-par cocktail and a good story. Just don’t wear your Chucks.

Seattle is surrounded by salty oceans, clear lakes and mountains of fresh seafood. While the city is perhaps better known for coffee mega-chains and constant precipitation, Seattle is also famous as one of the best places to eat seafood in the United States. No trip to Seattle would be complete without sampling the local delicacies such as salmon, crab, shrimp, oysters and mussels. Of course, this is Seattle, meaning that adjectives like wild, sustainable and locally-grown should paramount your dining decision-making. You can ask the waitstaff how the fish was caught or if it was raised or farmed, but please people, let’s not get as ridiculous as Portlandia.

Here are my recommendations for sustainably delicious seafood in Seattle.

The Walrus and the Carpenter

Since opening its doors last year, this gourmet oyster bar has attracted a mixture of foodies and hipsters, making it the new darling of Seattle’s restaurant scene. The Walrus and the Carpenter offers an array of perfectly shucked oysters that are harvested locally to minimize carbon footprint and maximize flavor. Drinks are also regionally focused with Washington wine parings and neighborhood microbrews, creating an enchanting Northwest atmosphere for visitors and residents alike.

Elliott´s Oyster House

More than just oysters, Elliott’s offers a rainbow of perfectly prepared coho and sockeye salmon as well as succulent Dungeness and king crab. Located on the downtown waterfront next to plenty of tourist traps, Elliott’s is a hidden gem among the drudge. The scenery is amazing, and as you look out over the sunset on the Puget Sound you will be reminded why the environment is so valuable. A champion of sustainability, Elliot’s composts all organic food waste (including shells) and supports local non-profits to ensure the long-term health of natural resources in the Pacific Northwest. Frequent charity events combine excellent seafood and giving back to the community.

Your Kitchen

If you have access to cooking facilities and feel like taking a culinary adventure, then make your own seafood feast! Accompany your meal with white wine and sourdough bread for a true Seattle meal.

When shopping for seafood, nothing is more eco-friendly than buying directly from the source. At Ballard’s Fisherman’s Terminal you can select your in-season fish, crab and shrimp right from the docks. Pike Place Market also has a variety of local seafood vendors, but shop around because it can be overpriced on the main drag of the market. Another option is head to PCC Natural Markets, the local grocer that will offer you the most sustainable, humanely treated piece of salmon from your dreams.

Whichever option you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Bon appétit!

For more information on Seattle, please check out our Seattle tours.

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Perusing an exhibit at Art Basel Miami Beach 2010

Even if you’re not the type to paint, sculpt, mold, design or collect the world’s great modern art, you can be part of the planet’s most stylish art crowd by visiting Miami Beach in December, for the return of the Art Basel festival.

This year Miami marks 10 years of the major art confab, quickly rising in prominence in the art world as the leading showcase for artists in the Americas. The show is the sister of Art Basel in Switzerland (thus the name), the granddaddy of art festivals held every June since 1970.

Art Basel Miami Beach 2010

This year, Miami Beach will be swarmed with thousands of creators, collectors and aficionados alike from Dec. 1-4, and more than 260 galleries and 2,000-plus artists will be decking out the Miami Beach Convention Center. You can visit the festival’s website HERE.

If you’ve ever had the chance to walk the halls of a great art festival, like the Art Basel shows, you know how entertaining they can be – even if art’s not your bag, necessarily. It’s fun to cruise booth to booth and seek what suits your specific eye. There is no right or wrong, just preference, and it’s terrifically entertaining to play critic for a day.

Head hunting at Art Basel Miami Beach 2010

Even if you can’t make it to the convention floor itself, this year there is a cool public art component as well. The festival is pairing with a local museum to transform popular Collins Park into a huge public art space, and a massive outdoor display at the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center will be showing modern video art productions sure to dazzle.

When I was in kindergarten, I was introduced to Neil Armstrong and the moon landing. Fascinated by the thought that people could touch the night sky’s glowing orb, I decided to do the same. Now, you may think that (like many children) I was inspired to become an astronaut or a bespectacled rocket scientist, but you would be wrong.

All I wanted was to go to the moon on vacation. My first urge to travel came as the firm desire to board a white rocket, listen to a count down and jet off to the chill with the man in the moon–only to return a few weeks later, a little enlightened (excuse the pun).

I approached my father and queried about the practicality of fulfilling this objective during the forthcoming school holidays. My father looked up from the electronic device that he was rewiring and, grinning, told me to invite a friend for the journey.

When the elation of these words subsided, I was beset by an onslaught of concern because I was only allowed to invite one friend. Struck with the conundrum of choosing between Ely (the cute girl) and Billy (the best friend), I spent an entire evening staring at the glow-in-the-dark stars glued to my ceiling.

The morning’s car drive to school was a quiet affair. Sleep deprivation and the uncertainty of an unmade mind combined to render me mute. Mom and dad were accustomed to my weird streaks, so they didn’t question today’s vow of silence. As the car came to a stop I was given the usual sendoff of a sloppy kiss and a random motivational pearl.

I walked into school and approached Ely requesting that she join me on my space traveling adventure. My request was immediately met by a perplexed pause and then manic laughter… It turned out that space travel wasn’t really something that anyone else saw as a distinct possibility.

Years later…

In 2002 when Mark Shuttleworth became the first self-financed African space tourist, I had a quiet giggle to myself. His achievements were a small nod to the idle musings of a snot-nosed kindergartener.

Today…

Only the super rich can visit space, or book tickets to go to the moon – but hope is not lost. Space centers throughout the United States currently offer fantastic opportunities for members of the public to experience the weightlessness of space travel. The best part about the space center is that it’s affordable enough for everyone–meaning that you won’t have to choose between the best friend and the cute girl!