Discover Atlanta - At the Airport?

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport is huge and most people consider it just a hub to get to their next destination. However, if you want to (or if you're stranded and looking for something to do), you can actually walk the entire length of the concourse underground (where you typically catch the trains)- which I recently did. I found three delightful things in doing this: 1) It's very quiet and can be relatively quick as there are moving sidewalks and very few people (quite a departure from the chaos going on just above your head in the main concourses) 2) Whether you use the moving sidewalks or not (as I generally don't), you can actually get a little walking workout. Which is nice if you've been sitting in a meeting all day and are getting ready to board a plane and sit for several more hours. 3) There are some interesting and beautiful art and history installations between several of the concourses. Even if you don't take the entire pedestrian walkway, consider walking between a couple of the concourses to see some of these exhibits. - Between the terminal and concourse A is a permanent collection of twenty contemporary stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. This collection debuted in 2001 and is one of the largest publicly owned and exhibited collections of its kind. - Between concourses B and C you can take a "Walk Through Atlanta History" According to the website this is a multi-media installation that provides a glimpse into the rich history of the City of Atlanta. Approaching from Concourse B your journey starts with a section devoted to the Native Peoples who lived here for thousands of years, progresses through six key time periods, and ends with Atlanta’s entry onto the global stage. These are just two examples of interesting exhibitions that you can find at the Hartsfield-Jackson airport - So, if you're ever stranded or are not literally "running" to catch your flight, take a look at the website (offered free) ,type "art" or "Atlanta history" into the search box and go on a treasure hunt to find the permanent and rotating art exhbitt that this airport has to offer.

Havana in Chicago

Just returned from a biz trip in Chicago and found a new restaurant (Havana) that I think is perfect for the business traveller dining solo or a spot to take colleagues or customers that want something a little different than the many tourist spots in the magnificent mile area. Havana is a small restaurant on Clark (easy to walk to from many of the hotels in the area)that specializes in, what they call, Cuban and Pan-Latin inspired food and drinks, and I could tell that the place catered more to the local neighborhood and regular patrons than the tourists that were just steps away at the always crowded, 1-2 hour wait, Frontera Grill. The food was very good and the attentive and friendly waitress told me that they're known for their great Mojitos (which I didn't try but assume they're probably good)But it was the atmosphere of the place that won me over. They offer some outdoor seating right on busy Clark Street, but I suggest sitting inside. The dark wooden bar, tables and booths are warm and inviting and the ceiling fans give the place a decidedly tropical feel. All the while, soft Cuban music plays in the background, never overpowering the conversation I was having dinner with my colleague (Admittedly, we were there quite early on a Saturday evening, so I assume it does get much louder once the live music that they promote on their website starts - which could also be fun) All in all, Havana is a restaurant that I'll keep on my list for when I'm in the Windy City. I love finding these little "hidden" gems. Menu: Reasonably priced Cuban and Pan-Latin inspired food and drinks Havana 412 N. Clark Street Chicago IL 60654 Phone 312-644-1900

Miami Beach: A Quiet Walk in a Busy City

Amid the chaos of club music pouring out of every door and the sun-baked tourists walking up and down the beach and in and out of the shops and restaurants on Lincoln Road is the Holocaust Memorial. Located not far off that bustling road, directly behind the convention center at 1933-1945 Meridian Avenue, this quiet oasis with sculptures, photographs and a reflecting pool, offers a destination that you can walk through and pause at to reflect on this poignant moment in history. According to the website, the four-story bronze arm tattooed with a number from Auschwitz rising from the earth and stretching toward the heavens, represents those who died in concentration camps thinking that no one would care or remember.  If you're in town on business and find yourself with a few minutes between meetings or dinner, make your way to this quiet and beautiful memorial. It's open 9 a.m. to sundown daily and there is no charge for admission.