december 11, 2009
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Jan Gets a Blog!
I realized one of my long-time goals and launched my Girl on the Go blog covering travel-related news, events in Atlanta and relationships. Check out other blogs from travelgirl contributors here.
Santa Paws is Coming
Grab your favorite four-legged friend and head to a Kimpton Hotel for a photo with Santa on Dec. 12 and 19 from 2 to 4 pm. The event is free and open to the public but you do need to register and take your own camera. Participating hotels include: FireSky Resort & Spa, Scottsdale; Hotel Palomar Westwood, Los Angeles; Hotel Solamar; Sir Francis Drake Hotel, San Francisco; Cypress Hotel ,Cupertino, CA; Sky Hotel, Aspen; Hotel Monaco, Denver; EPIC Hotel, Miami; Vero Beach Hotel & Spa Vero Beach, FL; Hotel Palomar, Atlanta; Hotel Allegro, Chicago; Hotel Monaco Baltimore; Hotel Marlowe, Boston; Ink48, New York; Vintage Plaza, Portland, OR: Hotel Palomar, Philadelphia; Hotel Palomar, Dallas; Hotel Monaco, Salt Lake City; Hotel Monaco, Alexandria, VA; Hotel Monaco and Hotel Helix, DC; and Hotel Monaco, Seattle, www.kimpton.com
Atlanta's New
Holiday Tradition
Although you generally don't think of heading to Atlanta for ice-skating, this southern city now has two outdoor rinks during the holiday season. In addition to the one in Centennial Olympic Park, the gorgeous new St. Regis has added the Astor Holiday Ice Skating Rink at the Pool Piazza where skaters can enjoy hot cocoa and s'mores around the outdoor fireplaces. The cost is $30 an hour for adults and $15 an hour for children under 16, which includes skate rental. www.starwoodhotels.com
BYOB
Your own buzz saw that is, for the 16th Annual Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise in Alberta January 22-24. Twelve teams of two carvers each from around the world will compete by transforming 15 blocks of ice, each 300 pounds, into ice sculptures in just three days. The Lake Louise Inn is also hosting teams in the "One Carver, One Hour, One Block" competition. All sculptures remain on view through March. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is offering an Ice Magic Celebration Package starting at $380 that includes breakfast and a special reception on January 23. Visit www.fairmont.com/lakelouise and for more information on the Ice Magic Festival, visit: www.banfflakelouise.com/events-and-festivals/festivals
A Wintry Raft Ride
No need to wait for summer if you visit Wilderness at the Smokies, the southeast's largest indoor and outdoor water park, which has just opened Runaway Canyon. Grab the whole family for this five-story enclosed waterslide where you'll twist and turn through water curtains, do 360-degree loops and drop a total of about 60 feet. The water resort also has a wave pool, surf rider and hot tubs. www.wildernessatthesmokies.com/.
Spare Soles
What a brilliant idea! I love these adorable little flats that fold up and fit in a great little pouch that doubles as a clutch or evening bag. The flats come in seven colors and are even washable. They are perfect for travel or to throw in your bag for parties and dancing when there just isn't enough wine to overcome the pain of twirling and twisting in a pair of stilettos. And get this girls, they are only $25 to $29 – perfect for gifts for your BFFs. Do yourself and your feet a favor and grab a pair for yourself. www.sparesoles.com/index.