Established in 1809, the Walnut Street Theatre is celebrating its 200^th birthday this year. The theatre features three main stages. The Mainstage itself is the location where many of the theatre’s major productions take place. The Independence Studio on 3 is a smaller, third floor stage where very small productions take place. On the 5^th floor you’ll find Studio 5, another small stage that is rented out to independent artists.

The History of the Walnut Street Theatre

Back in the early 1800’s there was a group known as the Circus of Pepin and Breschard touring the United States. The owners spent a lot of time building their own venues as they traveled up and down the East Coast. They used the venues to feature their own circus but also to show a number of plays and dramas.

When the Walnut Street Theatre was originally founded, in 1809, it was known as The New Circus. In 1811 the owners had a new stage and orchestra pit added to the theatre for use during classical performances and at that time the name was changed to The Olympic.

For a reason that is today unknown, the name of the theatre was changed in 1820 to The Walnut. Only two years later it was changed back to The Olympic but in 1828 the owners changed the name to The Walnut again and the name has stuck ever since.

The Development of the Theatre

The theatre had relatively basic features until the late 1830’s when owners and staff started to add some serious enhancements. Gas footlights were added to the theatre in 1837 and in 1855 The Walnut Street Theatre became the first in the country to install air conditioning. In 1892 the theatre converted to electric lights. The well cared for theatre has been the recipient of continuous upgrades throughout its existence.

Early Performances at the Walnut

The first production ever shown at The Walnut was the 1812 production of The Rivals. It is believed that famous Marquis de Lafayette and then President Thomas Jefferson were in the audience during the first performances.

During the year 1941, the theatre was incorporated into the folds of The Shubert Organization. As part of the chain of theatres under the Shubert name, The Walnut Street Theatre became the site of auditions for several Broadway hits. Auditions for famous shows like A Streetcar Named Desire, Gigi, The Diary of Anne Frank, and several others shows were held on the stage at The Walnut.

The Evolution of the Walnut Street Theatre

The continuous growth and prominent presence of The Walnut Street Theatre earned it a position as a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Only a few years later, in 1969, the theatre was purchased by a non-profit organization who promptly gave ownership to the Walnut Street Theatre Corporation. The theatre went on to form its own performing company in 1983 and the next year established a school where more than 1,200 theatrical students take classes each year.

In 1986 the Walnut Street theatre added the astounding Independence Studio on 3. On this very small stage (possibly on 10 by 10 foot), visitors are treated to small, creative productions that often feature only a few actors and a very limited cast.

Today, the cast and crew at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadephia are proud to offer at least 5 Mainstage productions each season. This season’s hot productions include Oliver!; Red, White and Tuna, and A Christmas Carol, amongst others.

A trip to historic Philadelphia is one everyone should make at least once in his lifetime. Book one of the fabulous hotels in Philadephia, purchase a couple of theatre tickets, and plan an evening out on the town. You won’t regret the decision to visit this fabulous city or the amazing Walnut Street Theatre.

Auto Shanghai

China is on the verge of automotive domination, both from a consumer and manufacturer standpoint. Already the number one car market in the world, the People’s Republic now sits ahead of the U.S. and behind only Japan in automobile production worldwide. With that in mind, the biennial international automobile show held in Shanghai is major.

Bologna Motor Show

As the home of Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini, Maserati and Pagani, the region of Emilia-Romagna is a mecca for motor vehicle enthusiasts. No surprise then that the Bologna Motor Show draws international observers to the historic city every December. Aside from traditional exhibits, the show also features motorcycle and auto races, freestyle motocross, rally cars and stunt displays.

Australian International Motor Show

The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre hosts the Australian International Motor Show every two years. From the confines of spectacular Darling Harbour, the location could not be more choice.

Check out the best hotel deals in Sydney.

North American International Auto Show

The North American International Auto Show is held every January in Detroit, Michigan. While The Motor City economy has taken a serious beatdown of late, the show is still a premier event in the industry and one of the most important in the world. This is where the press and public get first looks at new concept and production vehicles after all, such as the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and 2009 Saab 9-5 Griffin. The presentation of North American Car and Truck of the Year awards also help make the show a big deal.

Paris Motor Show

The first auto show in the world is still highly anticipated every year and the place where many manufacturers unveil new concept cars. The biennial Paris Motor Show, or Mondial de l’Automobile, began in 1898 and is one of the most important events on the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles calendar. The next Paris Motor Show will take place in October 2010.

Chicago Auto Show

When the Chicago Auto Show overtook Detroit in size and attendance, it was quite a coup. While Detroit is crucial for industry insiders and the worldwide automotive press, Chicago is for the fans. More than 1,000 vehicles typically go on display at the annual event, which has been held more often than any other car show on the planet. With over one million visitors every February at McCormick Place on Lake Michigan, the Chicago Auto Show is indeed massive.

Tokyo Motor Show

As the top car manufacturer in the world, Japan has to have a world class auto show. The capital city is the place for it of course and with Detroit, Frankfurt, Paris and Geneva, the Tokyo Motor Show is part of the industry’s big five. The biennial event held in October and November is a slick affair, with cars, trucks and motorcycles on display. Though not technically in Tokyo proper, the host convention center Makuhari Messe is a mere 40 km away in Chiba City.

International Geneva Motor Show

Geneva is a vital international city, home to countless global associations and trade fairs throughout the year. The International Geneva Motor Show is one of the most important automotive industry events of the year, held every March in the superb Palexpo convention complex. Splashy production car debuts at the 2009 show included the Artega GT, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Aston Martin DBS Volante and Wiesmann MF4-S.

Frankfurt Motor Show

The Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, or Frankfurt Motor Show, is simply the biggest and best in the world. The annual event actually shuttles between Hannover and Frankfurt, with the former dedicated solely to commercial vehicle launches. The passenger vehicles on display every odd-numbered year in Frankfurt then, is the principal draw for the press and public. While the 2009 show was all about electric cars, there were some notable introductions, such as the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and $1.5 million Lamborghini Reventón.

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Everywhere you turn you’ll find a gorgeous church, fascinating museum, quaint piazza, or charming restaurant. The city of Florence was first discovered by well-off travelers during the 1700’s and has been a hot spot for tourists and visitors ever since.

When to Visit Florence

There really isn’t a terribly bad time of year to visit Florence. The weather is similar to those in most other coastal towns in the Northern Hemisphere. If you’d like to avoid stifling hot weather or the freezing cold than you should stick to the Spring and Fall months. Otherwise, you will have no problems finding things to do in Florence year round.

Transportation throughout Florence

First of all, forget traveling throughout Florence by car. The city is full of one-way streets that only regular residents find easy to navigate. Even if you can find your way from place to place you will have a very difficult time finding a place to park. To make things even more confusing, many of the streets in the center of the city are off limits to non-residents without a special driving permit. There are traffic cameras throughout the city and they will catch your license plate and mail you a ticket. Imagine being home from Italy for three months and finding a traffic ticket in the mail!

The city of Florence isn’t astoundingly large so your best bet is to simply explore by foot. Once you find your way to the center of the city you’ll have no problem finding any other attraction you wish to visit.  Most of the main shopping districts, monuments, and museums are within blocks of each other.

In the evening, especially if you plan to go out to dine after dark, you may want to ask for a taxi or see if your hotel in Florence offers some sort of shuttle service.

The only time we recommend driving yourself is if you plan to venture out of Florence to see Tuscany. If this is the case, make sure your rental car has a great GPS system so that you don’t have to worry as much about reading signs, especially if you aren’t fluent in reading Italian.

Finding Florence Tourist Offices

The tourist offices in Florence are commonly referred to as APT. There are two main locations. The first is within the main train station next to the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi. The second is near the Basilica di Santa Croce. The tourist offices are open from 9am until 7pm and the staff will give you any directions you ask for. Maps, on the other hand, are not free – you’ll have to pay if you feel you need one.

Health and Safety in Florence

Florence is one of the safest cities in Italy, with very low instances of violent crime. Most people who visit the city feel safe traveling at any time of the day though that doesn’t mean you should let common sense fly out the window if you are traveling alone at night. Make sure you stick to well-lit, populated areas and you are very unlikely to have a problem.

Try to avoid the train stations, the Santa Maria Novella, and the Santa Croce areas at night. These are the areas in which you’re most likely to run into questionable individuals or rowdy youth groups. Places like the Piazza della Republica and Ponte Vecchio are great places to visit during the evening hours as they are often full of laughing dancing, singing, and music.

Tipping Etiquette & Payments in Florence

Most restaurants in Florence will include the coperto, or service fee, in your bill. The fee will usually range between 1 and 3 Euros depending on the restaurant you visit. You can add up to 10 Euros in addition to that if you feel as though the wait staff gave you exceptional service. Tipping cab drivers and hotel porters isn’t necessary but is always appreciated, especially if you were given great service or assistance.

Always take a receipt for your purchase from any shop you visit in Florence. A plain clothes police officer may stop you at any time and ask to see proof of payment. They do so to verify not only that you paid for the items at hand but to ensure that the store owner rang it up properly (for tax purposes).

Helpful Italian Phrases

While not necessarily mandatory, it is always helpful to learn at least a few phrases in the local dialect before visiting any foreign country. Here are a few to get you started on your path to Florence:

• Parla Inglese? (Do you speak English?)
• Grazie (Thank you)
• Per Favore or Per Piacere  (Please)
• Ciao (Hello or Goodbye)
• Arrivederci (Goodbye)
• Dov’e…? (Where is…?)
• Gabinetto/Bagno (Lavatory)

The city of Florence is overflowing with incredible artistic attractions and you shouldn’t visit expecting to see everything in one shot. Florence is a place you may find yourself adding to your travel itinerary year after year – and you’ll be just as excited to visit every time!

Individuals from around the country flock to the city streets in the wee hours of the morning hoping to get a great curb-side seat for three hours of balloons, bands, and , for some, 5 seconds of fame on national television.

The History behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Back in the early 1920’s, many of the employees of Macy’s stores were European immigrants. These first-generation immigrants wanted to show how proud they were of their new homeland by throwing a festival similar to what they and their parents would have enjoyed in their home countries.

The first annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on Thanksgiving Day in 1924. The original parade included bands, live animals from the nearby zoo, colorful costumes, floats and – in a tradition that has never died – the last float carrying Santa Claus. More than 250,000 people came out to participate in and watch the parade, making it such a huge success that Macy’s promised to make it an annual event.

The parade evolved over the coming years. Soon the animals from Central Park Zoo were left in peace and were instead replaced with large inflatable versions created by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. In 1928, Macy’s began releasing balloons at the end of the parade, offering special gifts to anyone who found and returned them after they came back down to the ground.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade has gone on without fail every year except for the time period between 1942 and 1944 when the helium and rubber used for the parade became a scarce commodity needed for the war. The parade came back to the streets in 1945, bigger and better than ever before. The parade was regularly broadcast on the radio until, in 1948, it was shown on network television.

Preparing for the Parade

One of the most interesting parts of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is the line of gigantic inflatable balloons that parades down the street. Preparing the balloons for the big day is no easy task and must be carefully done in time for the 9am start time. Balloons are usually inflated the day before the parade at sites surrounding the Museum of Natural History. A gigantic team of volunteers will work together with students from the Stevens Institute of Technology, where the balloons and floats are built, to get the job done.

Every year a new balloon or two is introduced to the parade. Some are brand new concepts while others are redesigned versions of previous balloons. In 2008, for example, Horton the Elephant, Buzz Lightyear, and Smurf were introduced. In 2009 you can expect to see a new Pillsbury Doughboy, a 4^th edition Mickey Mouse, a 3^rd edition Ronald McDonald, and a 2^nd edition Spider-Man balloon – amongst all of the others, of course!

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Entertainment

The balloons are not the only draw, of course. The Thanksgiving Day parade is littered with high school and college marching bands, many of which travel from locations around the country to participate in this special event. While most acts use prerecorded music while lip-syncing their performances, you can be guaranteed that every single marching band to stop in front of the Macy’s store on Broadway and 34^th will be offering an original, live performance.

That’s not to say that the opportunity to see other musical talents isn’t appreciated. In the past, performers like Miley Cyrus, David Archuleta, Inda Menzel, Dolly Parton, the Jonas Brothers, and many others have made appearances. It is rumored that Tiffany Thornton and Keke Palmer will be performing in the 2009 parade.

Other Thanksgiving Day Parades

While it is one of the largest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade certainly isn’t the only parade taking place on Thanksgiving morning. The 6abc-Ikea parade (formerly known as the Gimbels parade and then the Boscov’s Thanksgiving parade), held in Philadelphia, is one of the oldest running parades in the country. There are also major parades in Chicago Illionois, Seattle, Washington, and in several large cities.

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Want to get a great seat for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Try to book a New York City hotel room along the parade route so that you can enjoy the floats from the comfort (and warmth of your own room). If that’s not an option you’ll want to hit the streets of New York City as early as possible to ensure you get a seat with great visibility. The closer you are to the Macy’s building the better your odds of seeing live performances (although you’ll also stand a greater chance of getting lots in the crowd). The parade starts at 9am EST.

Not ready to travel to New York City? Join the 44 million other Americans watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade from their living room couches this year. No matter where you are when you watch, this parade is bound to catapult the holiday season into full-swing, bringing warmth and joy into every household.

Southward Car Museum

Run by a charitable trust, the Southward Car Museum is a short drive from Wellington in Otaihanga, on the North Island Kapiti Coast of New Zealand. The former car collection of Sir Len Southward and Lady Vera Southward features over 250 vehicles, from Marlene Dietrich’s Rolls-Royce to crime boss Mickey Cohen’s Cadillac.

Art Car Museum

As much about contemporary art as cars, the Art Car Museum of Houston, Texas is a strange and wonderful place. “Garage Mahal” is a celebration and commentary on contemporary car culture, where artists have free reign to trick out vehicles any way they see fit.

National Car Museum of Iran

If you ever make it to the city of Karaj, home to more than 1.3 million people, check out National Car Museum of Iran. The museum features the classic car collection of the last Shah, left behind after the revolution of 1979.

AutoWorld

Parc du Cinquantenaire in the European Quarter of Brussels provides a cool home for AutoWorld. A vintage car lovers dream, the museum has over 350 vehicles on display.

BMW Museum

Perhaps the most futuristic and avant-garde car museum in the world, the ode to BMW in Olympiapark, Munich is a marvel. If you love the icon brand, this place offers the total experience.

Emirates National Auto Museum

In what is perhaps one of the most opulent personal collections in the world, the Emirates National Auto Museum puts all of Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan’s cars on display. Best to call first before you drive out of Abu Dhabi on the E65 to visit.

California Automobile Museum

More than 160 classic cars inhabit 72,000 square feet of space at the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento. If you have the budget for it, you can even drive away with a vintage vehicle. The museum even has a throwback soda fountain, which takes the nostalgic motif to another level.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

Another German automotive gold standard gets the futuristic treatment in Stuttgart. The magnificent double helix interior contains a bevy of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, old and new, and welcomes almost one million visitors every year.

Porsche Museum

As with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, no expense was too large and no detail too small in the conception of the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. The sports car company spent €100 million on the facility … and it shows.

Galleria Ferrari

While Germany has some fabulous car museums, without a shred of doubt, Italy is up there as well. The home of some of the most desirable car brands in the world has a gem in the Galleria Ferrari, in the Emilia-Romagna town of Maranello.

Check out hotel deals in destinations all over Italy.

Lamborghini Museum

Another veritable hall of fame for high-performance luxury car purists is on hand in the tiny comune of Sant’Agata Bolognese. A recent influx of cash from the Volkswagen Group makes the Lamborghini Factory tour and museum a special treat. Well worth the trip from Bologna.

Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile

As the headquarters of both Fiat and Alfa Romeo, former Winter Games host Torino is a major car city. The Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile is a beautiful piece of architecture for one and has some extremely rare and valuable vehicles on display. For serious car buffs, the museum has a library and documentation center with tens of thousands of items.

Haynes International Motor Museum

The best car museum in England provides lovers of Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Jaguar, not to mention Ferrari and Bugatti, with a place to pay homage.

Cité de l’Automobile

With the most prolific collection of Bugatti vehicles in the world, the Alsace city of Mulhouse has a terrific automotive mecca in the Cité de l’Automobile. Once the private collection of the Schlumpf brothers, both wealthy textile barons, the incredible museum is now a National Heritage site in France. Beyond Bugatti, the collection of 520 cars also features many rare French-made vehicles.

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Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world amongst tourists and despite its exotic allure you don’t need to worry about your trip coming with a huge price tag. Here are a few things you consider if you want to plan a trip to Rome on a budget.

10. Choose the Right Time to Visit

Despite relatively hot weather, tourism in Rome is at its highest during the summer months. Your best options are to visit during the winter and spring months as prices will typically be a lot lower. The winter months will be cold but you most likely won’t encounter any ice or snow. If, however, you want to be in Rome for the Christmas Eve Mass at Vatican square you’ll want to book your hotel in Rome very early.

9. Plan to Walk

While Rome’s public transportation systems are easy to use, you’ll find that most of the attractions you want to see during the day are within walking distance of most hotels. Your best bet is to plan some walking tours and to save a few dollars for a taxi if you find yourself out and about during the evening hours.

8. Read about Rome’s History

As silly as it sounds you should read a book about the history of Rome before you embark on your journey. Knowing about the things you’re seeing in advance will make your trip far more valuable than spending a ton of money on souvenir books or guided tours and will give you a leg up when it comes to some of the free sites you may encounter from the outside alone.

7. Visit the Catacombs

Take a day to step outside of the main city and visit the Catacombs. They’re not the most talked about attraction but they’re definitely worth seeing. On the way you’ll get to see some of the old viaducts you learned about in grade school, too!

6. Appreciate Rome’s Style

Fashion and architecture are huge in Rome but you don’t need to spend a lot of money to appreciate either. Visit the Via del Corso to check out some of the hottest new styles, take a few pictures, and limit your spending to whatever you can conjure up during a window shopping session. Those high fashions are great to look at but you really don’t need to take anything home.

5. Visit a Tourist Office

Visit a tourist office for the most accurate and reliable information available when it comes to Rome’s attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The main office can be found at Piazza della Repubblica atVia Parigi5 and another can be found within the Fiumicino Airport near International Arrivals. There are others around the city as well. Can’t make it to a tourist office? Ask your hotel concierge for tips on what to do and see as well.

4. Look for Discounts

Some major cities sell tourist passes that allow you to get discounted admission to most of the area’s major museums. This type of program doesn’t really exist in Rome but if you ask in the tourist office they’ll be able to tell you about any available specials. Senior citizens should not expect to receive discounts, especially if they aren’t European citizens. Students with an International Student Identity Card can receive discounts at tons of different attractions, in restaurants, an even on transportation lines.

3. Look for Standing Room

If you’re headed into a bar or café for a simple snack or refreshing drink you should head towards the bar and just stand while you enjoy your break. The prices for food and drink will automatically be higher if you sit down at a table and allow a waiter to serve you. The same applies to small cafes during the lunch rush – you can save as much as $15 per meal standing instead of sitting down.

2. Eat at a Trattoria

If you don’t want to stand while eating, make sure you visit a local trattoria. Local trattorias aren’t designed as tourist traps. You won’t feel rushed or overcharged and the owner, who is probably the chef as well, will probably come out to say hello. Eating in a local restaurant is one of the best ways to experience a true Italian meal.

1. Visit Free Sites

There aren’t as many free sights to see in Rome as you might wish for but there are a few and you’ll be able to fit them into your itinerary if you plan carefully. The Vatican Museums, for example, are free in the morning on the last Sunday of the month. The Basilica, Bernini’s Colonnade, and the Papal Tombs are free as well. Head towards the tourist office near St. Peter’s and you may be able to catch a free tour offered by a local religious group.

Ready to embark on your journey throughout Rome? Pack some good walking shoes and hit the road. This is one trip you’ll always remember!

Yet for all of Hamburg’s achievements, one can’t help but feel that tourism levels are not where they should be for a German city of this stature. Sure, millions visit Hamburg every year, but where does that rank in comparison to Munich or small towns with a dense concentration of sights, such as Weimar, Bamberg, Calw and Quedlinburg? At the end of the day, perhaps all that matters is that Hamburg has these ten must-see attractions.

10. St. Nikolai’s Church

A Gothic Revival masterpiece, St. Nikolai’s Church stands out on the Hamburg skyline. Though mostly in ruins, the tallest structure in the world for a brief two year period from 1874 to 1876 is still majestic.

9. Kunsthalle Hamburg

The Kunsthalle Hamburg encompasses three connected buildings near the shores of Inner Alster Lake. With a vast collection that spans over seven hundred years of European art, the museum is world class.

8. Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg

A massive late 19th century brick warehouse is the ideal home for the Internationales Maritimes Museum. A vital landmark in the ambitious HafenCity quarter of Hamburg, the private museum has over 36,000 items on display in a space of 12,000 square km.

7. Hamburg State Opera

A vital opera company not just in Germany, but Europe, the Hamburg State Opera dates back to 1678. Because of World War Two air raids, the current facility was built relatively recently, in 1955, yet has won “Opera House of the Year” twice by the monthly magazine Opernwelt.

6. Alter Botanischer Garten Hamburg

Though signs for the botanical garden of Hamburg may read Schaugewächshaus or Tropengewächshäuser, the verdant confines of the park are easy to spot. The immense and completely free of charge facility is almost two hundred years old and features five distinct sections.

5. Helms-Museum

Metro Hamburg has been a boon to archaeologists over the decades, with countless cultural artifacts unearthed. If you want to see the best of them, head to the splendid Helms-Museum, where exhibits cover the Paleolithic to the Medieval Era.

4. Thalia Theater

Even if your German needs work, there’s no need to dismiss the Thalia Theater from your Hamburg itinerary. The fabulous state theater is one of the most important in the country and puts on a diverse line-up of plays every season.

3. Deutsches Schauspielhaus

More culture is on tap in Hamburg at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus. The lynchpin of the old St. Georg quarter of the city, the gorgeous theater provides Hamburg with yet another gem. Check out a performance if you can, as the ensemble is excellent. If not, the Schauspielhaus also has a fine restaurant and bar.

2. HSH Nordbank Arena

For top-flight Bundesliga action, head to HSH Nordbank Arena to catch Hamburger Sport-Verein. With a capacity in excess of 57,000 spectators, the UEFA Elite Stadium is a suitable home for one of the best and most consistent clubs in Germany.

1. Fischmarkt

The immense port of Hamburg is a tourist attraction for a variety of reasons. The St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, or landing bridges, draw a fair number of onlookers, as do several other features of the port that display obvious signs of superior civil engineering. One place you have to visit in Hamburg’s port however, is the fischmarkt. Get here early to catch all the frenetic fishmonger action.

Check out superb hotel rates in Hamburg.

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So what are you waiting for? Play “Pillow Fight Club” NOW!

Millions of Americans will take a long weekend to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, take an extended weekend trip, or simply start preparations for the next holiday. What about those who want to enjoy an entire week away from home, though? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving vacation destinations for you to consider!

10. Hawaii, United States

The Hawaiian Islands are a perfect warm-weather option for anyone who wants to get away from the chilly fall or winter air. The islands, especially Big Island, are great for kids so there’s no reason to hesitate about bringing the entire family with you, either. Spend your Thanksgiving week surfing, water skiing, dancing, and enjoying all there is about Hawaiian culture.

9. Paris, France

No one said you had to stay in the country during your Thanksgiving vacation. Why not take a trip to Paris, enjoy the sights, and dine on some authentic French cuisine? It may not be a homemade turkey dinner but we’re pretty sure you won’t mind what you end up with.

8. Denver, Colorado

Want to get a sneak peak at the winter white stuff? Head to Denver, Colorado for a week of skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Most of the area’s hottest ski resorts open for the season in November, including Copper Mountain, Aspen, and Vail. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to visit – cold enough to ski but not so cold you find yourself wishing you’d stayed indoors.

7. San Diego, California

Do you live in an area that’s already a bit chillier than you like? Consider heading towards the west coast to spend a week in sunny San Diego. While there you’ll have the chance to participate in the Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival in between trips to other local favorites like Sea World or the San Diego Zoo. This is an excellent Thanksgiving vacation destination for those of you who want to travel with the family this year, too!

6. Brussels, Belgium

Head towards the capital of Belgium for an incredible Thanksgiving week vacation you’ll never forget. The city is full of incredible cobblestone streets, historic squares, palaces, museums, and decadent restaurants. The flight from the United States is about 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to rest on the way there and back.

5. Whistler, British Colombia, Canada

Head on up towards Whistler to spend the Thanksgiving holiday snuggled up by the fire in between trips down the slopes. As the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is bound to be buzzing with activity but you’ll have a better chance of booking a Whistler hotel room now than you will right after the New Year. Besides, when the Olympics begin you can tell all of your friends you were just there!

4. Disney World, Florida

The gang in Disney World is always ready to celebrate and Thanksgiving is no exception. Mickey and the gang will dress as pilgrims, extend their holiday hours, serve special meals, and host a number of fun Thanksgiving-themed parades. Disney is, of course, and incredible place to spend an entire week and the costs of hotel rooms in Orlando or Disney itself may be a bit less than they will be during the Christmas rush.

3. New York City, New York

If you head towards New York you will, of course, have a chance to see the incredible Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade (a tradition since the 1920’s) but there is a lot more to see and do while you’re in the Big Apple.  Visit the Central Park Zoo, stroll the city’s numerous museums, dine in a few stunning restaurants, and take in a show or two. You could easily spend an entire week exploring.

2. Chicago, Illinois

A trip to Chicago isn’t out of the question. You’ll find plenty of amazing attractions in the Windy City and the cost may even end up being a bit less than a trip to New York City. There are plenty of theaters, museums, and outdoor attractions to enjoy as well as a cool Thanksgiving Parade that doesn’t really rival New York’s but certainly gives it a run for it’s money!

1. Plymouth, Massachusetts

Why not take a trip down memory lane (albiet, not your own memory) and take a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts during the week of Thanksgiving? While you’re there you’ll have a chance to see Plymouth Rock, the Plymouth Plantatino, and a stunning replica of the Mayflower. There are dozens of incredible historic attractions to keep you busy in Plymouth and you’ll have no trouble finding an incredible place to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner.

You deserve a break. Take some time off from work, pack your bags, and hit the road for a week of fun, excitement, and relaxation you’ll be thankful you took!

While Vilnius is the European Capital of Culture for 2009, Lithuania has many other fine destinations to explore. Check out what else the Baltic Sea state has to offer.

Kaunas

With over 350,000 people, Kaunas is second only to Vilnius in population. The city was the capital of Lithuania in the interwar period and sits at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers. Points of interest in Kaunas include Pazaislis monastery and church.

Perhaps the best example of Baroque architecture in the country, the monastery complex dates back to the late 17th century and hosts a popular classical music festival every summer.

Though Kaunas is full of historic monuments, one of the most prominent landmarks in the city was built relatively recently. Completed in 2005, Christ’s Resurrection Church is a magnificent representation of Functionalism architecture and offers supreme views of Kaunas.

Strategically located where the Neris and Nemunas meet, Gothic Kaunas Castle was built in the mid-14th century. Though more than two-thirds of the castle is in ruins today, it still forms a vital tourist attraction and hosts many events throughout the year. Thankfully, restoration plans are underway.

Discover great hotel deals in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Klaipeda

The only port city in Lithuania is a marvelous destination. As a gateway to resorts on the Baltic Sea, Kursiu Nerija National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Spit, Klaipeda is first-rate. While nearby towns like Nida, once home to Thomas Mann, offer wonderful escape, take the time to explore the city of 240,000 people.

While a new crop of skyscrapers have put Klaipeda on the map, the best attractions for tourists remain in the old city center. A former domain of the Teutonic Order, Memelburg Castle dates back to the 13th century. Iron Age hill forts still stand on the shores of the Smiltele River and the city has a notable and massive maritime and sea museum built into a former fortress.

Palanga

After Klaipeda, Palanga is a logical next stop on your Lithuania itinerary. The Baltic Sea resort town is the most popular summer holiday destination in the entire country, famous for swaths of idyllic coastline. While gorgeous summer weather and 18 km of sandy shores draw the interest of most, Palanga has other points of interest as well.

The awesome, Neo-Renaissance Tyszkiewicz Palace for one, is a marvel. Built in the very late 19th century for a prominent noble family, the palace complex is home to two of the best attractions in Lithuania: Palanga Amber Museum and Palanga Botanical Garden.

Seaside Regional Park protects over 12,300 acres of land and sea that spans from Old Palanga to Klaipeda. A haven of biodiversity, the park has vital cultural monuments to explore as well, via horseback, bicycle or on foot.

Of course, no visit to Palanga is complete without a walk on the pier. At close to 500 m, the Baltic Sea promenade is a phenomenal place to stroll and mingle with locals and visitors alike. A first-rate congregation spot in Palanga, if ever there was one.

Just outside of Palanga proper, the small resort town of Sventoji beckons. Smack on the border of Latvia, the community is a major base of archaeological excavation, with a treasure trove of artifacts that date back to 3,000 B.C. A hill in Sventoji is also a hub of Baltic Pagan worship, with eleven folk sculptures to represent various gods. A good place to visit come vernal equinox or summer solstice.

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