may 15, 2009

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.

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Disney Channel Stars Take to
the Seas

Set sail with your favorite characters from the Disney Channel this summer during three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas from July 9 to August 2. The stars will be at onboard parties and join guests for Q&A and autograph sessions. Some scheduled so far are Tiffany Thornton from “Sonny With A Chance” (July 9 & 12), Nicole Anderson “JONAS” (July 9 & 12), Jason Earles from “Hannah Montana” (July 16 & 19), Mitchel Musso from “Hannah Montana” (July 19), Jason Dolley from “Hatching Pete” (July 23 & 26), Debby Ryan from “The Suite Life on Deck” (July 30) and Alyson Stoner from “Camp Rock” (Aug. 2). Rates start at $679 a person. For more stars and updates check www.disneycruise.com/summeratsea.

One Last Hell Raising

Hotel Preston in Nashville welcomes bachelorettes with their Before the Wedding Bells package. Sip champagne during a limo ride, engage in a bachelorette scavenger hunt or learn a few new moves at the Goddess a Go-Go pole dance fitness class. The package for 8 includes two rooms and is $640. Oh and no worries about the next day -  a late check-out is part of the deal. www.hotelpreston.com

The Crown Reopens

For the first time since 9/11, the crown of the Statue of Liberty will be opened on July 4. The base and pedestal reopened in 2004, but the crown had remained closed due to a concern over security risk. Only 10 people at a time will be able to navigate up the 168-step staircase, with just about 30 people per hour being able to make the trip. Tickets will be assigned by a lottery system, with details to come from the National Park Service. Check for updates www.nps.gov/stli/
Several hotels have specials in celebration – The Ritz-Carlton New York is offering a "Liberty for All" package that includes two ferry tickets, breakfast a accommodations in a Harbor View room with an in-room telescope. www.ritzcarlton.com

See NYC – for Free!

The Alliance for Downtown New York is offering tons of activities for free this summer, including the River to River Festival, a summer-long festival that kicks off May 31. (www.rivertorivernyc.com) Take a free 90-minute guided walking tour of Lower Manhattan every Thursday and Saturday at noon. The Downtown Connection bus offers free service from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and free bikes are available from May 13 to September 30 during specific time periods (www.downtownny.com). Several public spaces also offer free wireless – check the site for locations: http://www.downtownny.com/discover/wifi/.

pick of the week

I'm not a golfer and didn't realize that dirty balls can mess up your putt. But now avid golfers don't have to worry either – if they take along this new waterproof back pocket towel from ruletwentyone. One side is waterproof while the other is a bamboo terry layer that you dampen before you hit the links. And when you're done, just toss it in the washer. $10 at www.ruletwentyone.com