So what's this place known for?

I'm convinced that the best traveller's are curious people. You'll notice good and bad characteristics about everywhere you travel but curious people will seek out the best and most interesting things. What do the people like to do? How do they treat each other? What is the area known for? I prefer to ask for recommendations at local gas stations, hotels, or the local dinner.

There is almost always something interesting about the place I'm visiting - not saying they're all equal - some are definitely better than others. But I wouldn't see the good things in most of these places if I didn't look.

I've learned so much from my travels and so a toast...to curiousity.

Ocean Springs Mississippi

I just left Mississippi. I was only in the state for about 24 hours but my general impression was not favorable until I hit the coast. I drove south and passed through a cute little town called Hattiesburg. As far as I can tell, the best part of Mississippi is the Gulf Coast (excluding Biloxi and it's ugly casino's). I crossed the bayou to get to a little town called Ocean Springs. The bayou was dotted with little boats and stilted houses. A beautiful sight in the late afternoon sun.

Ocean Springs has a great little downtown filled with shops, little tea rooms, restaurants, boutique's and local art. Walter Anderson (1903-1965) was a famous artist from the area. His main medium's are watercolor and carved linoleum block prints. His subjects are often animals and aquatic scenes though there's great variety in his work. I couldn't resist buying some prints. My favorite is his portrayl of the Ugly Duckling breaking free and becoming a swan (see picture). He has some beautiful Joy to the World and Noah's Ark prints as well. Check it out at http://www.walterandersonart.com/ .

Health and Image

I don't have cable at my apartment so I never watch tv when I'm home but I catch up when I'm traveling. I can't get over how every single commercial has something to do with image or health. Commercial after commercial flashed on the screen advertising a facial cream to make you look ten years younger, a kitchen counter-cleaner that kills ALL germs, a car that distinguishes you from everyone else, or a diet pill to make you skinny. Even the vaccum cleaner ads are wrapped around killing carpet-mites that can "harm your children". I know these commercials are nothing new but it seems to have intensified recently. Are we really this obsessed with image and health? It's not that we shouldn't care about health and the way we look but no need to take it to the extreme. I hope we're not all buying.

For a good time out in Fort Worth

Walk around the Stockyards. Maybe stop at one of the little bars and/or check out all the little shops.

Go to Joe T. Garcia's. It's the best Southwestern Mexican food I've ever had. You get two options: fajitas or enchiladas. Practically right after you order, the waiter brings you a plate of the house nacho's and tacos. Your main course is served with a plate of rice and refried beans. Order a pitcher of Marguerita to top off the meal. They only take cash or check so be prepared. The patio is beautiful and a little more rowdy (more fun) but it's always a long wait so opt for the indoor seating line if you're famished.

Billy Bob's Texas Honky Tonk. This place seems like a tourist trap and there are things about it that are touristy (Re: the fake mechanical bull you can pose on for professional pictures) but overall, I would say this place is pretty authentic. I could smell cow crap and tobacco the closer I got to entering the building. Billy Bob's features bull riding competitions on Friday and Saturday nights which explains the corral attached to the side of the building. There's usually some sort of live music which can really vary. I saw Three Dog Night and Kevin Fowler on different nights, like I said, it varies. My favorite thing about this bar is the two stepping. You can't miss the floor because it's right under the crystal studded western saddle, Billy Bob's version of the disco ball. In regards to the men, they ask you to dance a lot. Many guys can't dance these days, unless you count some half-ass grinding at the club, so it's nice to run into a crowd of men who know how to dance with a lady. They're also complimentary in an appropriate manner. Again, many men don't know how to say "I think you're pretty" without hitting on you or being creepy. But these laid back boys know how to at least fake polite. I'd like to hope they're genuine.

Fun times in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Invasion of the Space Sucker

You can run into a space sucker at any time and any place. I often run into space suckers in the airport because space suckers travel a lot. Hm, how to describe the space sucker? You're standing in the security line waiting to push your bin through the x-ray machine, when all the sudden you feel your personal space has been invaded, not just invaded, sucked away from you like a vaccum on the living room floor. You turn around and sure enough the person behind you is RIGHT next to you. These people are completely unaware of the unspoken rules of personal space. I find myself thinking, "If you can smell my hair then you're too close!!!" It's not a big deal but it's mildly annoying. I recently ran into a space sucker on my flight out of Houston. The woman was so close that she kept bumping into me. I don't think my shadow is even that close to me. Anyway, as I made my way through the final security check I watched as she was pulled aside for a random full inspection. Peace out space sucker! Although she'll probably enjoy the invasion of her space.

Great Expectations

It's all about expectations. If I'm paying for an upscale hotel then I expect an on-time wake up call, quality fitness center, and free toothpaste from the front desk. I wouldn't expect the same things at a country travelodge. Don't get me wrong, I love the dingy motel experience but I'd like to expect it.

My favorite hotels:

Best hotel lobby-The Fairmont San Francisco, CA - Think Great Gatsby. The lobby is all marble and filled with palm trees. Grab a bamboo chair at the lounge and order their famous mint julep.

Best view - The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, CA - The Top of the Mark restaurant offers a 360 degree view of San Francisco. Take a map, pick a window and see the sights from the 19th floor. The brunch is outstanding. Also, they have a live band and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. This is not the place to talk because the music is obnoxiously loud.

Best hotel for a quiet relaxing getaway - The Biltmore Phoenix, AZ - Designed by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright, this hotel features extensive perfectly landscaped grounds dotted by various small pools and outside bars. I'm always impressed by this peaceful resort and by the Biltmore staff. They'll take your order and serve you at the lounge chair of your choice.

Best hotel Concierge and staff- The Adolphus Dallas, TX (picture, the tapestries are on loan from the Met) - Even the bell boys are outstanding. They noticed I went out for coffee every morning and offered to make the run for me and deliver it to my room at my designated time. I preferred to go out for coffee, but the offer was impressive. This hotel is one of my all-time favorite's. It's a great blend of Texan culture and European charm with lot's of dark wood, chandelier's and mirror's. It's only a few blocks from the flagship Nieman Marcus, in case you feel like looking at things you can't afford.

Best location for designer shopping- The Drake Chicago, IL - It sits at the start of Michigan Avenue, need I say more?

Best location for boutique shopping - The Riverside Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Walk out the front door and you're right in the middle of Las Olas Boulevard with a range of dining and boutique's galore.

Best hotel to spot a politician - The Mayflower Washington, DC - Politicians from the left and right frequent this hotel and often put visiting family members up here. Hang out at the hotel cafe and bar for best odds.

Best hotel for entertainment- Bellagio Las Vegas, NV - A stay at the Bellagio puts you at a prime spot on the strip with access to all Vegas has to offer including shows, a top-shelf dance club, and the iconic Bellagio fountains.

Best hotel for the wild west expereience- El Tovar Grand Canyon, AZ - My first thought was, "I left the animal skins draped over the pack horse". It's very old west but you're right on the Canyon and it's certainly historic.

Best hotel restaurant- Four Seasons Boston, MA - It's considered one of the best restaurants in Boston which is pretty impressive for a hotel. Order some seafood.

Best gardens- Marriott Plaza San Antonio, TX - There are multiple courtyards in this hotel and one large courtyard where you'll find the pool, fitness house and several flowering walkways. It's close to the San Antonio Riverwalk and the Alamo. One of my favorite things about this hotel is that you'll run into beautiful free roaming pheasants and peacocks in the lobby, gardens, and courtyards. Maybe it's my six-year-old attention span but I thought this was fantastic!

Best haunt- The Boulderado Boulder, CO - This victorian style hotel (seriously, lot's of floral) is famous for several different haunting stories. The most widely circulated is of a woman dressed in white who reportedly appears around the top floors of the hotel, often near the elevator where she plunged to her death. Rooms 302 and 304 are supposedly haunted by a couple who committed suicide together. I didn't notice anything, but it felt kinda creepy.

I'd like to stay at Trump Tower in Chicago and the Plaza in NYC. Most unlikely.

A Statement Piece

Isn't it incredible that a simple pair of shoes can make you feel like a million bucks? You know what I'm talking about, right? I'm not talking about your comfort pieces/everyday things. I'm talking about the statement piece. Maybe it's an antique brooch from your grandmother or a brightly colored scarf that brightens the cold winter day or a pair of 3 inch stilleto's that make your legs look amazing or a knock'em dead eye-shadow palette. Whatever it may be, it's unique and nothing can ruin your day when you're rocking it.

I have a statement necklace that answers this description. It's a rather large diamond/crystal encrusted flower with a dark green emerald center. It drapes around my neck at the perfect place, held by three strands of golden pearls. I won't tell you where I got it, but I'll just say that it looks more expensive that it actually cost. This necklace makes me feel confident, more than that, it makes me feel powerful, attractive, and unstoppable.

A few months ago, I wore it to a cocktail party in Manhattan. At the end of the evening an older gentleman came over to compliment me on the necklace. I felt the usual rush that comes when someone else recognizes my beautiful necklace, but this was more, because shortly after I learned that the man was the son of Harry Winston, one of the most famous jewelers in the World. I'm sure he knew the diamonds were fake but he obviously liked it regardless.

Like I said, it's a damn fine necklace. Cheers to the simple things.