Get Outside in Vegas

Sometimes when I'm working at an event that takes place at one of the casino/event centers in Las Vegas, I almost feel like a prisoner. The event and conference space is connected to the hotel and colleagues and clients often just want to meet at restaurants or bars located on the property and there's even shopping and entertainment to be had without ever having to step out the door. Trying to just get outside for the few minutes that I might find myself with is nearly impossible - I know I, (and probably you), don't have time to wait in the cab line to try to get out somewhere and feel the sun on my face and it makes me crazy!

Finally, last time I was staying and working at Mandalay Bay, I found that if I made my way to the lower floor (pool level) I could get outside and there was a walkway that lead down a lovely path lined with palm trees all the way to the conference center. Prior to finding this piece of heaven, I would make the almost 1/2 mile hike inside the dark casino halls, over an indoor "bridge" which was lined (cruelly) with large windows that allowed me to see, but not experience,the beautiful, sunny skies. Finding the path that let me do that same walk outdoors felt like a great little secret way to start and end my long days otherwise spent in the sunless caverns of the event center and evenings at restaurants located in the hotel.

So, next time your event/meeting takes place inside the windowless depths of a Vegas casino,and you don't have a lot of time to try to get outside, take a look and see if you can find your own "secret passage" that lets you get outside, get in a little walk and breath a little fresh air.

If you've found your own great little secret walks (indoor or out) at any of the casinos, please let me know!

A Taste of the "Mini-Apple"

Because I travel from Minneapolis to other cities, I forget that some of you might be traveling to Minneapolis and want to know of some fun, interesting things there are to do here. So if you're business travels bring you to the "Mini - Apple"  Here are three things that you can do if you find yourself with an hour or two.

 1) Walk the skyways - According to Wikipedia, "Minneapolis skyways connect various buildings in 69 full city blocks over 11 miles of downtown Minneapolis, enabling people to walk in climate controlled comfort year-round."  (Great news especially if you're here in the winter!)
It's not only just kind of fun to wander through the skyways from building to building, but there are restaurants and shops throughout these passages as well.

2) Wander down Nicollet Mall - Nicollet Mall is 11 blocks that run through the heart of downtown Minneapolis with shops and restaurants for every taste. Take in a few shops and then stop and head up to the "rooftop lawn" (weather permitting) at Brit's Pub for a pint.

3) Walk along the Mississippi - Yep, "The Big Muddy" runs right through downtown Minneapolis (it's why Minneapolis was know as the flour mill capital of the world and how it got its nickname "Mill City") There's a great walking path all along the Mississippi - and depending on where you go, you'll see the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, the Stone Arch Bridge, St Anthony Falls, and many other landmarks. If you get a nice day/evening and can get there, the Riverfront is a fantastic way to get out of the hotel for a stroll and some fresh air

Enjoy Minneapolis if you come!

Orlando - Who Knew?

Like many business travelers (especially those of us that do lots of trade shows and conferences), I end up in Orlando a lot!  I've always kind of thought of the area as a cultural wasteland (chain restaurants and Disney-themed and other touristy shops) So last time I was there, I thought that I'd do something different and I headed downtown Orlando. What a great surprise! I found a fantastic restaurant (Kasa Restaurant and Bar) on Orange Street, got a taste of the local nightlife and actually made my way back over one afternoon to the quaint neighborhood of  South Eola. This historic downtown neighborhood was a complete surprise to me with cobblestone streets (historical - not Disney-made), large shade trees dripping with Spanish Moss and bungalow homes. The best part of the area was Lake Eola Park where a fantastic Farmer's Market was underway, locals were gathering to do yoga in the large lawn, and swans swam in the lovely lake which was ringed by a .9 mile walking path that included small gardens, a swan boat rental dock, and several sculptures.
It was such a delightful surprise (I love it when that happens!) You'd better believe that next time I'm in Orlando for a conference or convention and I find myself with a little extra time, I'll be heading downtown to visit Lake Eola Park, or explore another new, interesting Orlando neighborhood.

Have you ever explored downtown Orlando?

Faves:Farmer's Market at Lake Eola Park
Restaurant: Kasa
Area - Lake Eola Park

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.

Just Like Marrekech

I just recently visited NYC and found a fabulous little Moroccan restaurant called Zerza. It's tucked away on Sixth Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues which is a street that I'd recalled in years past, had been mostly made up of Indian restaurants of which there are still quite a few. But Zerza caught my attention. With it's enticing aromas (I love Moroccan food!) and cozy atmosphere I was transported back to Marrakech - a place I had the great fortune to visit back in 2010 - as soon as I walked through the door. With advice from the people at the table next to us (New Yorkers are the best!)I ordered the braised short rib with prunes and almonds and was not disappointed. The meat fell off the bone and the lovely sauce was to die for. We finished off dinner with some fig ice cream which was heavenly. One of the best things about this place, aside from the delicious food, is that the background music is truly in the background and there is not one TV in the place! If you're ever near the East Village (or are willing to take a ride down there) I highly recommend Zerza - You won't be disappointed. Zerza Moroccan/Mediterranean Restaurant 320 East Sixth Street New York, NY 10003 212-529-8250 My Faves: Braised Short Rib Cozy Atmosphere and No TV!!