Thursday, June 30, 2011

5 Things to do in Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky is, in my opinion, the most vastly underrated state in the Midwest. It’s full of rich history and unequivocal beauty. They don’t call it the bluegrass for nothin’! Perfectly aged trees dot the most beautiful green sprawling lawns and southern charm (not to be mistaken for country hick) makes for a warm welcome into the state.

In my travels I often hear the question, “You’re from Kentucky? Do they even wear shoes there?” Oh, ha ha, like I’ve never heard that one before. I’m always quick to correct them - “Oh I’m from Louisville (pronounced Loo-A-VUL not Lewis-ville or Looey-ville) and yes, we wear shoes there - very nice ones in fact.” Did you know that Kentucky was named the most stylish state in America? No really, there’s proof, and Esquire magazine said so! But I digress...

If you’re thinking about visiting Louisville there are some things you won’t want to miss. Here’s my advice on what you must do in my favorite city.

1. The Race for the Roses: Louisville gets a lot of attention one very special day of the year. Derby Day. People from all over the world gather at the twin spires, wearing their very best, drinking mint juleps and betting on their favorite horse. Whether you’re partying like a college student in the infield, or classing it up in the stands and catching glimpses of the high rollers in Millionaires Row, there’s always a good time to be had at Derby. It’s certainly a must for anyone looking for “the most exciting two minutes in sports” and, truth be told, some of the best people watching around.

Tip from the local: If you’re out of state and planning to come to Derby, you’ll have to plan in advance! Hotel rooms sell out quick, and the prices rise pretty quickly, but it’s definitely worth every penny and you won’t be short on excitement. If you’re looking to save a buck, stay right across the river in Indiana.

2. 21c: Dubbed by Conde Nast as the #1 hotel in the nation two years in a row, it’s obvious that 21c is Louisville’s newest hot commodity. Unlike most of the architectural boasts of Louisville, the modern art that decorates the hotel transforms it into a hybrid museum and is certainly edgier than most other local sites. Be sure to check out their fabulous restaurant - Proof on Main - and give this modern place a try!

Tip from the local: Even if you can’t cough up the change to stay here, it’s definitely worth a trip. The art exhibits (always changing) are interactive and pretty wild. No charge to come in and look! Make sure you visit the men’s bathroom (ladies, sneak in and look!) and play with the wall art.

3. Bardstown Road: Looking for an eclectic place to spend an afternoon? You’ll find some of the most diverse and unique eateries and shops on this road that stretches several miles. Perfect for thrifting at vintage stores and getting a unique perspective on the culture of Louisville. Although it holds less “southern charm” and more “hippie grunge” it’s definitely an area you won’t want to skip.

Tip from the local: You MUST visit the Old Fashioned Pie Kitchen (of which there are now many) and get a piece of pie with ice cream. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven! Cafe Lou Lou’s - a Louisville favorite - features a huge menu full of the most amazing food you will EVER eat. Really.

4. Cherokee Park: Although I lived in Louisville for most of my life, it wasn’t until I moved back after college that I really enjoyed this park to the fullest. This park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the man who designed the very famous Central Park in New York City. It captures all the beauty of Kentucky in almost 400 acres of land. It features bike paths, running trails, dog parks, a golf course, picnic tables, and large open areas for a myriad of activity. Nature buff or not, this park is a must see! Even if you’re visiting for a short while, it’s worth planning a picnic at this gorgeous spot.

Tip from the local: The houses that line the park are just as lovely and historic as the park itself. If you’re an architecture geek like I am, you’ll enjoy exploring the neighborhoods and beautiful old homes in the area as well. Just drive around a bit and explore!

5. Louisville Science Center: Between field trips as a child, and babysitting duties as a young adult, I’ve been to the Science Center many a time and it NEVER gets old. The exhibits change often and the multi-floor set up offers engaging and educational activities for kids and adults of all ages. Parents and teens won’t get bored - I promise! With an IMAX center, water play station for little ones, and awesome displays and games, there’s always something new to learn and explore.

Tip from the local: The Science Center is right across the street from the Louisville Slugger Bat Museum (another Louisville treasure), so mapping out a day with visits to both will thrill and entertain you. In fact, the area features several museums worth checking out so get ready for a lesson on history, science, sports, or art, depending on your preferences.

Although I no longer reside in Louisville, it holds a dear place in my heart. It will always be the place I call “home” and I take great pride in my city. Nearly everyone who visits boasts of it’s unrecognized beauty and charm and it’s most certainly worth a trip.

Author Bio: Louisvillian at heart, current resident of Indianapolis, and lover of travel. In my day job I write for TravelProducts.com and always try to educate fellow travelers on the importance of good travel accessories! I’m currently planning my honeymoon (to Jamaica- Ya Mon!) and enjoy discussing all the places I’ll travel with my future hubby.

SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation


Animals in need and endangered species around the world will benefit from more than $1 million in grants awarded this year by the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Since its creation eight years ago, the Fund has granted more than $8 million to protect wildlife and wild places.

The Fund approved grants to more than 100 wildlife protection projects including programs to reintroduce endangered cheetahs to the African wild, protect sea turtle nests across the world, educate and connect kids with the ocean, and help restore America’s fragile coasts.

“From big cats to penguins, these species are in dire need of help. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens work to educate and inspire guests to care about the plight of these animals, and these grants from the Fund support our conservation partners working in the field,” said Brad Andrews, president and executive director of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and chief zoological officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Together, we can make a world of difference for these extraordinary species that share our world.”

Highlights of the more than 100 projects and organizations include:

Big Cats in Big Trouble
The big cats of the world are disappearing. There are fewer than 12,000 cheetahs throughout Africa and less than half the number of lions that were there only 50 years ago. The Fund is supporting seven conservation organizations around the world that work to stop the decline of big cats and identify conservation strategies for their future.

• The Dell Cheetah Centre is researching and identifying ways to reintroduce South African cheetahs to the wild.
• The Cheetah Conservation Fund provides field training of cheetah-scat detection dogs to help protect livestock from cheetah predation and educates local youth in Namibia, Africa to learn the importance of cheetahs in their eco-systems and culture.
• Cheetah Outreach is implementing an educational program created to raise awareness of the threats cheetahs face in the wild.
• Cheetah Conservation Botswana is developing methods for assessing cheetah and wild dog populations in the Kalahari region of Botswana, Africa.
• World Wildlife Fund is working to save the critically endangered Sumatran Tiger.
• Ewaso Lion Project is investigating the factors affecting the population dynamics of lions in and around local reserves in northern Kenya.
• WildiZe Foundation addresses the numerous underlying causes for the lion's decline and involves local communities to reduce conflicts leading to the demise of these animals.

Penguins in Crisis
Of the world’s 17 species of penguins, 12 are rapidly declining due to a combination of changing weather patterns, overfishing, pollution and other factors. The Fund is playing a significant role in helping preserve these species, from supporting efforts to hand-raise hundreds of abandoned African penguin chicks to funding research that will help plan effective conservation efforts.

• The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds is introducing hand-reared African penguin chicks into the wild to help stop the species’ decline.
• The Penguin Project is led by researchers at the University of Washington conducting research to plan effective conservation efforts for the Magellanic penguin.

Saving Sea Turtles
All sea turtle species are endangered or threatened. The Fund supports many initiatives that protect sea turtles.

• Sea Turtle, Incorporated protects Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests in South Padre Island, Texas, part of the species’ only nesting beach.
• Fauna & Flora International protects critically endangered leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles on Nicaragua's Pacific coast from poaching.
• Turtle Foundation aims to stop the slaughter of loggerhead turtles on the beaches of Boavista Island, Cape Verde, home to the third-largest loggerhead population in the world.
• C.O.D.E.P.A. is moving hawksbill turtles in El Salvador to protected nesting areas.

One Ocean
When the ocean’s health is compromised, so is the health of both animals and humans. No matter where people live, the ocean is a life support system and provides much of the food, water and oxygen needed to survive. The Fund is supporting several initiatives that will help preserve or restore oceans and fragile coasts for future generations.

• The University of Florida is one of the key research partners for SeaWorld’s Rising Tide, a program that will provide a sustainable tropical fish population and decrease the dependency on coral reef collections for home aquariums.
• Restore America's Estuaries preserves and restores coastal estuaries. The Fund’s grant will help restoration efforts in Florida and Texas.
• Brevard Zoo, located in Central Florida, restores oyster beds on Florida’s east coast.
• The Ocean Foundation’s Ocean Connectors gives school children in San Diego and Mexico the opportunity to witness and learn about marine life firsthand.

For more information on the Fund, visit www.swbg-conservationfund.org.

How Exciting Indian Wildlife Tour Is

India is famous for its affluent bio diversity and offers enthusiasts number of possibilities to explore. In order to experience the adventure of Indian wildlife, Indian wildlife tour is the best way. There is plethora of options available to organize an exciting wildlife tour in India. These wildlife tours are specifically planned for wildlife sightseeing of India. Indian wildlife tour takes you through beautiful surroundings of graceful flora and fauna. One of the integral parts of Indian wildlife tours is the Indian Tiger safari. Under this package you will be thrilled to have a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger and Asiatic Lion.

Few of the rare animal species in India comprise the following :

The Royal Bengal Tiger: Royal Bengal Tiger is specifically seen in grassland spreads and rainforests in countries like India, Bangladesh, Burma, China and many more. Tiger belongs to Felidae family. There is something extraordinary about Tiger which attracts people to have a glimpse of this symbol of Royalty.

Asiatic Lion: The Asiatic Lion is commonly found in the famous Gir forests in Gujarat. It is amongst five cats. Other four cats include The Royal Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, snow leopard and Indian leopard.

The Indian Elephant: The great Indian Elephant is generally found in dry deciduous forests, grasslands, evergreen forests and humid deciduous forests. Known for its huge size, elephant is said to have gracious nature.

Cobra: The Indian Cobra is normally seen in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It is an Inhabitant of Indian sub continent. Birds, frogs, toads, rodents and other snake species are some of the common prays of Cobra. Its venom is quite prevailing.

Rhinoceros: Rhinoceros are known for their huge body built. These Rhinos are famous in grasslands of Himalayan foothills and Nepal’s Terai area.

For all animal lovers, there are many popular wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks in India. These sanctuaries are adventure lover’s paradise. Ranthambore national Park, Corbett National Park, Sariska Tiger reserve and Bandhavgarh national park are some of the famous forest reserves in India.

Jim Corbett national park: This park is popular for Tiger reserve and was named after author/photographer, Jim Corbett. Jim Corbett played a vital role in establishing this famous park. The park was set up in 1936with name Hailey National park and is one of the oldest National Parks of India. It is situated in the state of Uttarakhand. The park is known for its rich flora and fauna. The flora includes some rare species of plants like Shisham, Chir, Laldu and Sal adding charm to the beauty of surroundings. The fauna consists of animal breeds such as Chital, Gharial, Bengal Tigers and Elephants, to name a few.

Ranthambore National Park: Ranthambore National park is spread in a huge area of 400 sq. Km. If love to experience the charming aura of nature along with some thrill than Ranthambore is the place to be. You can visit the park any time between November and May. The forest is surrounded by Vindhya and Aravali hills. Feel the excitement by looking at a roaming tiger. The famous Ranthambore fort is situated in the middle of the park and adds to the mystery and beauty of area.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Escape To Hard Rock Hotel Tampa


Enjoy these wonderful events at Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa

1. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts play at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, July 13th, Doors 9PM, Concert 10PM, Standing Room Only, $45 general admission.
Tickets on sale now! Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Rock Shop.
More info

2. Comedy Night with Greg Warren as seen on the CBS Late-Late Show. July 17th. Dinner and a Show at 9PM. Free Admission. More info


3. Cruise into Summer Giveaway. Win up to $10,000 or a cruise to the Caribbean. Drawings every hour from 10AM ­ 4PM every Wednesday in July.
Players earn entries from 7am July 1st to 3:45pm July 27th. Entries are earned on a promotional basis and there is no limit to the number of entries a participant can earn. One (1) electronic entry will be awarded to Player¹s Club cardholders for each increment of fifty (50) points earned based on recorded machine play. Player¹s Club cardholders may be awarded additional entries through machine play and other special offers. Participants may swipe his/her card once per day for their free entry. You must be a Seminole Player¹s Club cardholder in order to participate in this promotion. Player¹s Club cards are free to all visitors 21 and older. Winner must be present to win. More info

4. Earn $150 Gas Card Deal for Poker Players. Exclusively for poker players.
Weekly drawing, every Sunday ­ Thursday in July. Accumulate 20 hours of live action play in a one week period and get a $150 gas card. Players are able to redeem one gas card per week, with a maximum of four over four weeks.
Must be 18 years of age to play and a Seminole Player¹s Club member.
Promotional time is between 12:01am Sunday ­ Thursday from July 3rd to July 28th. More info

5. Toys of Summer Giveaway. Win a Boat, A pair of Jet skis with trailer, a Can-Am Spyder, a Motorcycle, $25,000 cash or $10,000 cash bonus, plus a chance to pick again. Drawings every hour from 1PM ­ 9PM for $1,000 every Tuesday in July. Grand prize drawings at 9:30. Players earn entries from 7AM July 1st ­ 9:15PM July 26th. One (1) electronic entry will be awarded to Player¹s Club cardholders for each increment of fifty (50) points earned based on recorded machine play. You must be a Seminole Player¹s Club cardholder in order to participate in this promotion. Player¹s Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif cards are free to all visitors 21 and older. Winner must be present to win.
More Info

6. Gas Money Promotion. Win $500 gas cards, a mystery car, or up to $2,000 in cash. Drawings will be between 12PM ­ 2PM & 5PM ­ 7PM on July 17th for the $500 gas cards. Grand prize drawing will held at 3PM & 8PM on July 17th for the mystery car and $2,000 cash. Promotion runs 7AM July 1st to 7:45PM July 17th. One (1) electronic entry will be awarded to Player¹s Club Cardholders for each increment of 50 points earned based on recorded machine play. Player¹s Club cardholders may be awarded additional entries through other special offers. Entries are earned on a promotional basis and there is no limit on the number of entries participants can earn. You must be a Seminole Player¹s Club cardholder in order to participate in this promotion.
Player¹s Club cards are free to all visitors 21 and older.
More info

7. 40th Anniversary Memorabilia Tour (Date: TBD). Features memorabilia from the world¹s greatest rock legends and icons to take guests through some of the most memorable years in rock history. Hard Rock has chosen the top 40 most iconic pieces of music memorabilia, including clothes and instruments, from its collection. Honoring the lives and legends of rock¹s greatest, like Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and John Lennon, as well as today¹s hottest artists, including Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg and Katy Perry.

Items from legendary artists on display include: Buddy Holly¹s signature glasses, Michael Jackson¹s unforgettable jacket worn in the video for ³Beat It², the wedding dress worn by Madonna on the cover of her controversial ³Like a Virgin² album, Jimi Hendrix¹s custom Flying V, Ray Charles¹ Braille Playboy Magazine, Johnny Cash¹s handmade Grammer guitar and much more, Memorabilia from today¹s top contemporary artists will also be on tour, from the dress worn by Katy Perry when she famously dove on a birthday cake; and a feathered jacket worn by Brandon Flowers of The Killers; to Justin Bieber¹s skateboard; and a coat worn by Snoop Dogg in the movie ³Starsky & Hutch.² More info

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