Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A Brief Walk In History- Willoughby, OH Revisited

"Willoughby, next stop, Willoughby". This famous quote from a Twilight Zone episode makes reference to an actual place in Ohio, although not one in the same. Many, many, many years ago, when I was a very young mischievous boy, Willoughby was a favorite stomping ground of mine. My aunt and uncle, who I visited often, lived there on a typical suburban street called Chestnut Hill Drive near Willo Plaza. Anyone familiar with Willoughby, then and now, knows of Willo Plaza. Chestnut Hill was a fitting name for their street because, and this shouldn't surprise you, it was built on a hill. The house they lived in was at the bottom of it. Ideal setup for a kid looking for exitement.

We spent many a summer day traversing that hill with our simply built go-karts dreaming of speed records and seeing whose would travel the farthest. Mishaps and crashes were common. We would recount in full detail our experience and near brushes with death. Their backyard was our Cleveland Stadium. We would compete in homerun derby with a wiffle ball or pick up teams to play a quick nine. If you hit it over the roof of the house it was an automatic homerun. When not outside, my cousin Gary and I spent numerous hours crashing model trains into structures we would build across the tracks and fighting battles with tiny plastic soldiers and rubber bands. Sometimes my uncle would put me to work cutting their grass. I almost got my feet cut off one time when the bolt holding the blade on sheared. The huge gash in the grass was the only evidence at which I could point to confirm my harrowing encounter.

Back when, Willoughby was also home to a well known celebrity who every Friday night put on a fake beard and mustache, horn-rimmed sunglasses with a missing lens, blew up things with firecrackers, told everyone to turn blue, and asked the question, "Whose that knocking on my phone." His name was Ghoulardi and he hosted a show that played reruns of scary movies. The house he lived in was old, secluded, and overgrown with bushes and trees. The perfect edifice for a haunting. The house is no longer there, but the story still lingers for those who remember.

"How sweet it is." My Uncle Glen's favorite saying. He was fun loving and still is. Always a ham for the cameras and a prankster. My Aunt Marge was a quiet, hard working mother of two who put up with having a nephew around making a mess and eating their food. My cousin Sandy to this day tells of an outragous story, a pure fabrication that I have no recollection of, where she accuses me of throwing her Raggedy Ann Doll into a lake we vacationed at for many years in Canada. All a part of the memories, real or imagined.

My aunt and uncle no longer live in Willoughby and the city has morphed with time. Some years later, my son lived there for a period of time. We would walk to the main street of old Willoughby to look in the shop windows and visit a place where you could have a glass of wine and a snack. The aged cannon was still there in front of the old school and the sled riding hills were still in use. Willo Plaza expanded and the old, ever popular putt-putt course we played at has long disappeared. Next time you visit the Cleveland area remember the name Willoughby and this story. It's to the east, next to Mentor. If not, enjoy your visit to "The North Coast", home of "The Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame" only twenty-five minutes from Willoughby. Here are some links on Willoughby and Cleveland attractions.
 
Accommodations-Cleveland
Internationally Renowned Cleveland Museum of Art
Summer fun-Famous Cedar Point Amusement Park-Roller Coaster Capital of the World

Monday, December 20, 2010

Romantic Getaways Charleston Style-Light The Fires

There is a chill in the air and the fires are ablaze in Charleston. There is nothing more soothing to the body and soul than to be wrapped in a blanket of warmth from the glowing ambers and aroma of burning wood accompanied by the synchronized popping and crackling. Add to that a special someone and the scene is set for a romantic interlude. Ah, less we not forget some necessary complimentary components of a Marilyn Merlot or Cuvée Sublime to lubricate the path to passion accented by a plate of almonds, some decadent buttery foie gras, mouth watering raw oysters sucked right out of their shells, or asparagus.

Everyone knows the benefits of raw oysters as an aphrodisiac being very high in zinc. They were the favorites of both Cleopatra and Casanova, who ate 50 raw oysters every day. Asparagus is a member of the Lily family. It "stirs up lust in man and woman," wrote English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper in the 17th century. In 19th-century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of the risque' spears at their prenuptial dinner. The aroma of almonds supposedly arouses passion in females. Alexandre Dumas slurped on almond soup every night before slinking off to his mistress. Buttery foie gras is associated with fine living and sought the world over.

Two other fruits you might consider are the voluptuous avacado and shapely banana. Avacados have been associated with male sexuality. The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl," or "testicle tree." The Spanish found avocados so obscenely sexy, that Catholic priests forbade them to their parishioners. Bananas contain chelating minerals and the bromelain enzyme and are said to enhance the male libido. Central Americans drink the sap of the red banana as an aphrodisiac.

Now to the wine selection. Marilyn Merlot may sound ficticious, but it is a bottle of wine named after Marilyn Monroe. If you owned a bottle of the 1985 stock, you'd be laughing all the way to the bank. You could peddle that particular collector’s item for about $3,000. The Blonde Bombshell's Velvet Collection features a “peel and peek” label. Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime is a sweet sparkler from the champagne family. A bottle of the bubbly goes for $38. You may have your own preferences for such occassions. You got to go with what works for you, but at least give the aforementioned suggestions a try.

Here is a list of hotels and resorts in Charleston featuring specials and packages for romantic getaways. Click on the hotel link to check out what their package offers.

Two Meeting Street Inn                          The Cottages on Charleston Harbor
The Mills House Hotel                            Wentworth Mansion
Kings Courtyard Inn                               John Rutledge House Inn
Kiawa Resort                                         Wild Dunes Isle of Palms
Francis Marion Hotel                             Charleston Harbor Resort
Radisson Hotel Charleston Airport        Woodlands Inn and Resort Summerville

Vacation Rick Travel
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

When The Weather Outside Gets Frightfully Cold-Charleston Winter Events

When it gets cold in Charleston, like it has been this week with nighttime temps dipping into the teens and day time highs barely reaching 40, there isn't much to do in the way of outdoor activity. Beach and coats don't make good postcards. Fishing rods and gloves are not compatable. A walk in the open air Old Market isn't as appealing. A stroll along the Battery with the waves crashing the waterfront from the nippy brisk wind loses its nostalgia. A carriage ride through the historic French Quarter loses some of its luster. Even the nighttime ghostly tours leaves you with a chill in more ways than one. There is no snow. You can't ski, tobbagan, or sled ride. You can't make a snow fort with the kids and then destroy it with a snowball fight. Which brings me to a subtle fact that only Northeners can appreciate, snow makes the cold more fun, and when it's cold here, it's just cold. So, what do you do in Charleston when the temperature takes a dip?

You can wait until it warms up because it will surely do that. Cold snaps don't last for long, although this year they have come early and have lasted longer. In the meantime, here are some of the things on tap during these chillier months.
 
Flowertown Players-Theatre on the Square in Summerville-Presenting Same Time, Next Year a Romantic Comedy for ages 18 and up.-January 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 PM, January 16, 23 and 30 at 2 PM.-Purchase tickets
Dock Street Theater-"America's First Theatre" presents A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas December 3 - 19, 2010. Charleston Stage's acclaimed original adaptation magically returns with a wonderful story of Scrooge and his Christmas Eve encounter with three ghoulish spectres. With colorful period costumes, stunning Christmas card sets, magical special effects and scores of actors, singers, dancers and musicians.-Purchase tickets
Footlight Theater-"White Christmas"  by Irving Berlin playing December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 8 PM; December 5, 12 (sold out), and 19 at 3 PM. This brand new musical shines with classic Berlin hits like "Blue Skies," "How Deep is the Ocean?" and, of course, the unforgettable title song, "White Christmas."-Purchase tickets
North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Center-Charleston Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker Dec 17 at 7:30 PM and Dec 18 at 3:00 PM. Charleston Ballet Theatre unwraps its glittering holiday treat with performances that have become the centerpiece of holiday tradition for families throughout the region. Adult tickets are $45.00, $40.00, $35.00, and $25.00. Children 2-12 tickets are $35.00, $30.00, $25.00, and $15.-Purchase tickets
Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker is the one performance this season you shouldn’t miss! Tickets are $88.50, $68.50, $48.50, $38.50, & $28.50 plus applicable fees. Limited Premium Seating and VIP seating avaiable.-Purchase tickets
Holiday Festival of Lights-James Island County Park hosts November 12, 2010-January 2, 2011. Your journey begins with a 3-mile drive through millions of sparkling lights and hundreds of light displays. They also offer a marshmallow roast and a 54 passenger train ride through the park to view the lights. To tour the lights in your car is $10/car and if you'd like you can ride the train around the lake for approximately $2/person and children under 2 are free if they sit in the lap of an adult.
South Carolina Aquarium- Learn all about the animals that call the ocean home at the South Carolina Aquarium. Here there are a large number of hands on exhibits that include information on both ocean animals, and those that call the beach home. Learn in the discovery lab, and then watch a movie about the creatures of the Amazon.-(843) 720-1990
Southern Comfort Lowcountry Blues Bash-21st annual Lowcountry Blues Bash 12 days, 25+ venues, 50+ acts Bars, restaurants, hotels, many all-ages venues. Blues performances day & night. Reasonable cover charges and many free shows. February 3-13, 2011 Metro Charleston, South Carolina.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival-Selected By the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event. January 30, 2011, Boone Hall Plantation.(843) 577-4030
The 26th Annual Charleston Boat Show at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex held January 21-23, 2011. Boats and water equipment from 30 of the most popular dealers in America.
Southeastern Tourism Society-Charleston Wildlife Exposition-When: February 18 - 20, 2011. Where: Charleston, South Carolina. What: The largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation, SEWE offers something for everyone.-Purchase tickets
Old City Jail-Good stories and a great tour located at 21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC. Bulldog Tours is located at 40 North Market St, Charleston, SC or call 843-722-8687

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Dream Voyage Aboard Disney's Newest Ship-Disney Dream

The Disney Dream, the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line, will be taking to the seas with its 4,000 passengers for the first time Jan. 26, 2011. The Maiden Voyage is almost booked to capacity. The next available cruise date is Jan. 30, 2011, but cabin reservations are going fast. This is only the beginning. Disney Cruise Line is building a fourth cruise liner with its Maiden Voyage set for April, 2012. Disney Fantasy is accepting reservations now so you can be aboard for the first of its many voyages.

Disney Dream's contruction began in March 2009 at a world-renowned German shipyard in Papenburg. Don't know where Papenburg is? It is in the upper northwest corner of Germany on the river Ems bordering the Netherlands. The ship reflects the glamour of the golden age of cruising during the 1930's. Although that means nothing to the little ones, the adults will appreciate the elegance and sophistication that was a part of the era incorporated into the ships decor. Comparing the Dream to its sister ships, Wonder and Magic, it is approximately 40% larger. Total number of beds on the Disney Dream is 5007, 1,900 more than Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder. All that additional space makes Disney Dream two decks taller and over 150 feet longer.

There is something for everyone onboard. An adults-only entertainment area called The District is home to 5 distinct lounges and nightclubs. Kids clubs, activity centers for tweens and teens, and a plethora of unique interactive programs and wondrously themed immersive spaces, musical live shows, first-run films, Digital 3-D movies and fun-filled family deck parties are all a part of the experience. To top it off, and your kids are going to love this, Disney Dream features the first water coaster at sea called "The AquaDuck". A 4-deck drop from the top of the ship that safely carries its riders over the side of the ship and back. How's that for a thrill. Not for the faint at heart or those who have a fear of heights.

So, grab those mouse ears and brush up on your Disney characters, your in for a wild ride of "can you buy me this Dad" and "let's go Mom" and "smile for the camera". At least you won't be worried about how much the food costs or trying to figure out what's left on your dining plan because it is all inclusive.

Disney Dream is scheduled to sail to Bremerhaven, where shipbuilder Meyer Werft will officially deliver the ship to Disney on Dec. 9. Final supplies will be loaded, and the remaining crew members will board the ship before it sets sail for its home in Port Canaveral, Fla. The ship is scheduled to arrive just after the New Year.
 
3 Night Bahamas from $372 Disney Dream
4 Night Bahamas from $628 Disney Dream
Slide show pictures of ships features. Disney Dream
Complete list of cruise dates and itineraries. Disney Cruise Lines
7 Night Eastern Caribbean Disney Adventure from $1,099 Disney Fantasy
7 Night Western Caribbean Disney Adventure from $1,099 Disney Fantasy

Check out everything Disney at Vacation Rick Travel.


Thursday, December 2, 2010

Tips On Protecting Your Homes Water Pipes From The Big Freeze

The other day I was out on the golf course enjoying the warm Charleston sunshine. Once in awhile you cross paths with other golfers going from fairway to fairway at which time you engage in some small talk. As our foursome walked past another group dressed in windbreakers and sweaters one of them said, "Northeners", at which we inquired, "Why do you say so?" "Who else would be wearing shorts and shirts on a cold day," he replied. My companion golphers all chuckled a bit and as we walked to the next tee we looked at each other and said, "Southeners."

Yes, I am a northener from the snow belt area of Ohio, but I have lived in the Charleston area for over five years now. The coldest I saw it get since moving here was 24 degrees, and that was the nighttime low. Where I am from 24 degrees, if you are lucky, is usually the high for the day, and sometimes there were days where the high for the day was 10 degrees below zero. We would travel south to get a break from the winter cold and snow, quite often the Charleston area. It was during these brief respites from winter I acquired a liking for Charleston and its history. I am somewhat of a Civil War enthusiast and here you are smack dab in the middle of it. Charleston is quite unique as cities go.

Here's a little bit of irony when it comes to southern living. Homes in mild winter climates are especially vulnerable to frozen pipes. Why you may ask? Because they tend to have plumbing in exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces and other unheated or unprotected areas. Already this week nighttime temperatures have dropped down into the 20's. So, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the pipes in your home.

1) Wrap pipes with foam or fiberglass insulation.
2) Consider wrapping pipes with heat tapes or cables that use a small amount of electricity.
3) Seal openings in exterior walls where unprotected piping is exposed to cold air.
4) Disconnect garden hoses and place insulated covers over outdoor faucets. Irrigation pipes above ground should be insulated and taped and valves drained of water or insulated with a cover.
5) Another option, install inside shut-off valves for outdoor faucets and drain water from pipes.
6) Turn on faucets to a very slow drip to relieve pressure in the pipe. Both hot and cold-water lines should be open.
7) Leave cabinet doors open to let warmer room air get to the pipes under kitchen and bath sinks.
8) Set your thermostat above 55 degrees when you are away during cold months.

Thinking of getting away from the cold this winter? Here are some great deals for you to check out on popular destinations with warm climates.

Holiday Sale: Save up to 30%! - Expires 12/27/10
Bahamas Deals: Travel and Save! - Expires 2/28/11
Travel Jamaica for Less! - Expires 2/28/11
hotels.com Weekly Last Minute Deal! San Diego from $33! Travel by December 3, 2010
hotels.com Weekly Last Minute Deal! Orlando from $24! Travel by December 1, 2010
Las Vegas Hotels from $36! Book by December 31, 2010
Bahamas $300 Instant Air Credit on Vacation Packages! ends 12/14
New Years Eve Specials! Up to 51% off Hotels! ends 12/5
Save up to 42% Universal Orlando Resort - Experience The World of Harry Potter!
Atlantis - Paradise Island, Bahamas up to $400 Instant Air Credit
AirTran Fall sale from $44 one way! ends 12/9
Virgin America U.S. Flight Sale from $39 one-way! ends 12/6