Daily Pampering: Ritz-Carlton New Orleans teams up with Harry Connick, Jr. for Mardi Gras

Hold on to your women, men. The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is offering a Mardi Gras package that will make women swoon.

The soulful jazz singer and New Orleans' favorite son teamed up with the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans to offer the "Lundi Gras Ride of a Lifetime" package. Purchasers of this daily pampering prize will ride with Connick Jr. in his Krewe of Orpheus during the parade held the day before Mardi Gras: Monday, Feb. 23.

Here's how it goes down:

You'll get decked out in your best Mardi Gras digs, complete with beads and accessories, and a videographer will document the 12-hour excursion. When you're not on the ride of your life with the New Orleans native, you'll have access to a private limo (which eases any and all concerns about getting lost in the crowd at Mardi Gras).

The package includes a two-night stay in the Ritz-Carlton Suite, one of the most luxurious suites in town overlooking the French Quarter and Canal Street (please adjust your expectations: It's unlikely Harry Connick, Jr. will be staying in the same suite).

The price? A cool $59,500 for two people. We'd bet that for that dough, he might even sing you a little song...

Woman claims Greyhound denied her travel because of burqa

Jacqueline Pasha attempted to travel by Greyhound to Arkansas in December, but she didn't succeed. And Greyhound acknowledges this. The story becomes fuzzy, however, in the details.

Pasha was wearing her burqa when she tried to board the bus. According to Pasha, a staff member at the terminal said she looked scary. Pasha then proceeded to request that she be checked in a room separate from the main area, but the employee (the one who allegedly used the word 'scary' to describe her appearance) wouldn't do it, citing security concerns.

Although Greyhound denies any form of discrimination in this case, Pasha is steadfastly seeking justice. She's lodged a complaint with the Department of Human Rights by the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

"I am shocked that this happened in Chicago," Pasha said. "I am not the only Muslim woman wearing a burqa out here."

I realize that this kind of discrimation is much more widespread than I'd like to believe, but Chicago? Greyhound? Come on! Lets hope this one was a giant miscommunication rather than yet another reason to believe we're not as openminded, as a whole, as we advertise.

Katrina exhibit opens in New Orleans

It was the most catastrophic event in New Orleans history. Hurricane Katrina destroyed large swathes of the city and left hundreds of thousands homeless. Now the Louisiana State Museum has opened an exhibit chronicling the natural disasters that have visited New Orleans, culminating in the most recent and worst.

Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond, a 6,700 square-foot multimedia exhibition, opened this week. The show traces the history of the city's relationship to the elements and explores how such disasters can be averted in the future. Interactive displays show how hurricanes form, why they are so prevalent in the Gulf, and how Katrina broke the levees and caused such widespread destruction.

Many individual stories are told, like that of Ken Ballau, who used his boat to rescue four hundred stranded civilians. His boat is part of the display. Claudio Hemb's jeans are exhibited too. Thinking he was going to die, Hemb wrote his and his wife's names, her phone number in Houston, his social security number and blood type on his pants so his body could be identified and his wife informed.

The museum hopes the exhibit will act as a catharsis for New Orleans residents, as well as educational for the thousands of out-of-towners who visit the museum every year.

Viceroy Snowmass offers ski season bargains

With over 20 inches of snow already on the ground, and more in the forecast soon, luxury ski resort Viceroy Snowmass, located near Aspen, Colorado, is preparing for the ski season ahead. In order to entice both early and late season visitors, the mountain resort is offering a great deal that include pampering both on and off the slopes.

Viceroy has announced that visitors who book three or more nights between November 25 and December 22 of this year, or between January 4 and March 31, 2011, will receive $150 in credit per night of their stay, which can be used for a variety of options during their visit. For instance, those credits can be applied to ski and snowboard rentals, lift tickets, lessons, or even spa treatments. Rooms start at $225 per night and go up to $675 for a luxurious studio lodge.

Viceroy Snowmass opened in November of 2009, creating a new standard for luxury ski resorts in Colorado. In addition to their world class skiing and snowboarding runs, visitors can take part in cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and more. And when visitors are done playing in the mountains, they can rest and recuperate in the 7000 square foot spa and treat themselves to a gourmet meal in one of the resort's fine restaurants, and after dinner they can retire to their comfortable and well equipped rooms. The Viceroy's 173 ski-in/ski-out accommodations include fireplaces, HDTV's, private sundecks, and much, much more.

The Viceroy isn't just a winter destination however, as there are plenty of things to do there all year round. Visit during the warmer months and you'll be treated to some excellent hiking trails, gondola served mountain biking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, paragliding and plenty of other outdoor adventures.

To learn more about Viceroy Snowmass and to book your visit, click here.

Inside the Hotel Palomar Chicago

Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Chicago opened its 261-room art-themed hotel in March and we've been eager to take a look inside. My food-and-lifestyle writing friend Johnica Reed was recently in Chicago and I sent her on assignment to check out the new digs in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Here's what she found:

Guest rooms

The king-sized rooms are pleasantly decorated in blue and brown hues, complimented with bright accents in the carpet's floral motifs. Each room has a classic Chicago picture on the wall, and comes complete with WiFi access, iHome docking stations, flat-screen TVs and honor bar service.

Living Room

The Palomar Chicago's living room hosts its nightly wine service as way to help guests wind down from a windy day along Michigan Avenue. The hotel's living room space is decorated in the same gold and brown hues used in the guest rooms. In addition to the wine service, the living room comes complete with a fireplace and library, and makes great use of space with its white chandeliers.




The Roof

The talking point of the hotel is the green roof, which helps promote Chicago's city-wide eco-friendly initiative. The rooftop garden (said to be covered with grass and vegetation) wasn't open last week but the deck and pool space was available to guests and we got a great look at the view.


A few steps from the pool and the entire skyline is at your fingertips. The view is quintessential Chicago, and looks to be a lovely spot for sipping cocktails on a hot summer night. Right now, the hotel is hosting a cocktail or continental breakfast promotion for $1 more on your room charge. Choose this promotion and you will receive:

• Deluxe accommodations
• A complimentary continental breakfast – or – a cocktail in the restaurant for each registered guest up to 2 room occupants per day.
• Room rate is the Best Available Rate plus $1.00.

Not a bad way to spend a night (or next morning) in Chicago.

Four Hotels for a Free Lobster Dinner for Two

Nothing goes with summer quite like the cracking of lobster shells (and wearing a bib, even if you're a grown man). You can get a lobster anywhere, but if you're within a few hours of the New England coast, the whole experiences changes dramatically. This summer, four hotels are willing to give you and your guest a free lobster dinner when you stay only one night. Of course, it isn't a lobster dinner without corn on the cob, clam chowder and blueberry pie, all of which you should expect to find on your table, as well.

Rates vary, ranging from $179 to $299, depending on the hotel, but it comes out to a savings of around $150 at each of them. To take advantage of this deal, check out the properties below:

The Sagamore, Lake George, New York (code: LOBSTER)

The Wentworth, New Hampshire (code: LPR)

The Samoset, Maine (code: DATE)

The Harborside Hotel, Bar Harbor, Maine (code: DATE)

American Airlines delays start of Chicago-Beijing flights

Yesterday, American Airlines was scheduled to start a new non-stop route from Chicago O'Hare to Beijing - but a last minute snag has forced them to delay the launch. American had requested a preferential take-off and landing slot from the Chinese Government, but was handed slots for a 2:20am arrival, and a 4:40am departure - making the whole thing pretty useless.

American Airlines is working behind the scenes to negotiate a better schedule, and as of right now, the first Chicago-Beijing flight should leave on Tuesday May 4.

Customers who were supposed to be on the inaugural flight are being offered a full refund or free date change to the later flights. Of course, nobody knows yet whether those dates will stay put, or what the final departure and arrival times are, so keep checking AA.com for updates.

Santa Claus to seals: 5 California sights worth visiting

You already know the Southern California's top tourist attractions by heart. Disneyland. Hollywood. Hearst Castle. Ever wonder what else is out there? Here's five great lesser-known attractions to check out on your next visit to the Golden State.

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
Wildlife is often entertaining, and you will get more than your money's worth (it's free) by making a stop at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Located about seven miles north of San Simeon (site of Hearst Castle) along Highway 1 on the scenic central California coast, the rookery is home to an estimated 15,000 animals, according to Friends of the Elephant Seal.

The seals travel in the open ocean for 8 to 10 months a year, but they head to land at the Rookery to give birth, breed and rest. The site is typically a hive of activity as the animals bark, scratch, crawl, fight, sleep and care for their young. They are funny, sweet and fascinating creatures to watch any time of the year. Parking and entrance to the Rookery is free, and there are plenty of viewpoints from which to enjoy the antics of these strange but wonderful creatures.

Santa Claus Statue
Did you know it's Christmas all year long in Nyeland Acres, California? You might just miss the area's very own jolly old St. Nick, unless you know where to look. While cruising down Highway 101 through this area of Ventura County north of Los Angeles you'll encounter a giant 22-foot tall statue of Santa Claus resting behind wrought-iron gates off the Rice Avenue exit on South Ventura Boulevard.

For more than 50 years, this SoCal Santa stood atop a candy store in what was then Santa Claus Lane off Highway 101. After the Christmas-themed attraction closed down, Santa's future was in jeopardy. In 2003, Mike Barber, president of Garden Acres Mutual Water Co. in Nyeland Acres, took possession of him, and the 5-ton Saint Nick moved to his new digs. The custom wrought-iron gate has Santa's initials (an "S" and a "C") in it, and he now has company: a snowman and two soldiers. Although the site is opened by appointment only and on special occasions, you can still come to peer at him behind the gates any day of the year for free.

Santa Paula Murals
The quaint Ventura County town of Santa Paula holds a treasure trove of artwork -- all on walls of buildings in the city's downtown. As the city says, you can "enjoy a Walk Through History" by viewing the nine colorful murals as you stroll through town. Santa Paula's rich history in aviation, "black gold," citrus, Chumash Indians, Latino culture and more is represented on the various murals. Best of all: It's free. Visit SantaPaulaMurals.org for more information, including a map with the murals' locations.

Nitt Witt House
Chances are you know about Hearst Castle, the opulent mansion built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst in the central California coast town of San Simeon. But have you ever heard of the "Poor Man's Hearst Castle?" That's the nickname given to the Nitt Witt Ridge home at 881 Hillcrest Drive in Cambria, about 15 minutes away from Hearst's fancy digs.

The Nitt Witt home, built lovingly out of junk, is the product of Arthur Harold Beal, aka "Captain Nitt Witt" or "Der Tinkerpaw." Beginning in 1928, Beal spent 50 years building his "castle," out of such items as toilet bowls, tires, tile, rocks and beer cans. In 1986, the home was named California Historical Landmark No. 939. Today's owners, Michael and Stacey O'Malley, offer tours of the folk art home. Call 805-927-2690.



Fillmore & Western Railway
Residing in the rural town of Fillmore, north of Los Angeles, is a star of huge proportions. He's been in more than 400 TV shows, movies and commercials. "He" is the Fillmore & Western Railway, also known as "The Movie Trains." Just a few of his credits: "Monk," "Seabiscuit," "Criminal Minds," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Walk in the Clouds," "City Slickers II," "Bugsy" and "Fatal Instinct." You can ride the rails on this famous train year-round for a myriad of special excursions, such as murder mystery dinner train rides, the Pumpkinliner Halloween journey and the North Pole Express trip. Visit Fillmore & Western's Web site or call 1-800-773-8724 for ticket reservations. All aboard!

Three all-inclusive vacation packages for summer

The best part of all-inclusive trips is that the thinking is taken out of the equation. Want a second drink? Hell, a second entrée? Go for it! There's no reason not to ... because the bill is already paid. I had my first brush with the all-inclusive concept last summer, and I'm sold on it, especially since I get impatient while waiting for the bill (when the meal's over, I just want to get on with my life). So, I was pretty excited to see a handful of all-inclusive deals come across my desk or this summer.

So, take a look below at what's coming at Vail Resorts, Curtain Bluff and Grand Teton National Park in the next few months. You'll probably find a vacation idea to turn you on and make the coming warmth even better!

1. Vail Resorts Epic Summer Package
Head out to Colorado for this family-oriented package. Everything is covered, from airport pickup to drop-off, with plenty of activities to keep you and the kids busy. You'll also have access to a guide who can show you the best rivers to raft, trails to hike and so on. At $249 a day for adults, you'll pick up a savings of more than 38 percent ... and you won't have to cobble together the itinerary yourself.

2. Grand Adventure Package
If you prefer peace and quiet – not to mention being enveloped by nature – check out Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The Grand Adventure Package includes accommodations at Jackson Lake Lodge, a rafting trip on the Snake River and hiking through Grand Teton National Park. You'll also receive all meals and even more activities, depending on how long your stay is. A four-night package starts at $1,902 for two adults and two kids, with seven nights starting at $3,806.

3. Curtain Bluff in Antigua
Curtain Bluff is an all-inclusive resort, but the deal for the summer can be found in the rate. For a mere $322.50 a night (and up), you can go deep-sea fishing, reef snorkeling or SCUBA diving, among other activities. I'm a big fan of the spa – and the restaurant, skippered by an Alain Ducasse-trained chef.

Taste of Chicago tells vendors from outside Chicago that they are no longer welcome

The yearly "Taste Of Chicago" is one of the highlights of the summer festival season in Chicago - it is when thousands upon thousands brave the overpriced city parking to spend an insane amount of money on fairly mediocre food. In recent years, the assortment of vendors included several restaurants from outside the Chicago city limits - something that has come to an end.

According to the organizers, all vendors were told back in 2007 that participants had to be Chicago based, and they had a three year grace period to comply. For the 2010 lineup, five suburban vendors have been dropped, and the Taste is going back to its "roots" of only allowing Chicago based firms to sell their goods.

One of the city Aldermen even suggested that the city grant preferential treatment to Chicago residents for seating at the Pritzker music pavilion. Apparently he was "fed up with suburbanites who park their fannies in the Pritzker Pavillion's 4,000 seats and on the lawn".

Well, there really isn't any better way to tell tourists that they are not welcome, and I'm sure many of those suburbanites and tourists wouldn't mind spending their money at other festivals. Take for example the fantastic Summerfest in Milwaukee, where in my opinion the variety of food is much better than that on offer at the Taste Of Chicago.

Have you ever been to Taste Of Chicago? What did you think of it?

A rooftop bar in New York without the pricey pretension

In New York, a rooftop lounge is one of the more coveted pieces of real estate. Combined with incomparable city views, the price of a cocktail in many rooftop bars can actually be less than admission to the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock. Unfortunately, most of the city's rooftop bars require VIP connections or are uncomfortably jam-packed.

One alternative to the madness is mad46, the Roosevelt Hotel's rooftop bar, which is kicking off its third summer season with a newly renovated interior space that opens right onto the terrace. Best of all, there's no cover or minimum charge -- a refreshing change when compared to other pricey skyscraper lounges in the neighborhood. If space is available, reservations are accepted for groups of any size, and there's no requirement to order bottle service. All of this helps to make the 19th-floor lounge an unexpected (and overlooked) treat amid all the office buildings in midtown Manhattan.

Cocktails range from $12 to $16, but look out for fun promotions, such as "When it rains, we pour" -- a clever name for when mad46 bartenders hand out half-priced drink specials as long as the rain lasts. This could be a real money-saver in the summer, when thunderstorms can be brief but thoroughly drenching. Plus, the rooftop bar has retractable awnings and a cozy interior lounge, so you won't have to cancel your plans if the forecast calls for some sprinkles.

Check www.mad46.com for other promotions, which may include Martini Mondays (possibly with manicures), Tequila Tuesdays, and sunset movie nights on Wednesdays.

Details: mad46 is on the 19th floor of the Roosevelt Hotel; enter on W. 46th Street at Madison Avenue. The rooftop bar is open in April from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays; the full summer season begins in May with hours extended until midnight on Mondays to Fridays and until 2 a.m. on Saturdays. Hotel guests generally will receive priority if there's a line, though reservations are the best way to nab a spot. Right now, www.theroosevelthotel.com is showing packages starting at $169 per night.

Five of Hawaii's hidden gems

While millions of visitors flock to Hawaii's fabled golden shores, there are a number of sights around the state that are well-off the typical tourist map - and well worth a visit when in town.

Papohaku Beach, Moloka'i
Stoically occupying the west end of the island of Moloka'i, Papohaku Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches in the state of Hawaii, minus all of the crowds. Nearly three miles long and 100 yards wide, a day with more than 6 people is a crowded day at Papohaku. Visitors can gaze across the Kaiwi channel towards neighboring Oahu, its one million residents and crowded beaches merely an afterthought in this isolated corner of paradise. While campers must obtain a state permit for the campground, casual visits to this expanse of sand are free of charge.

Mo'okini Heiau, birthplace of King Kamehameha, Hawai'i
The first person to unite the Hawaiian Islands under a single system of rule, the journey of the revered King Kamehameha the Great began on this windswept pastureland out on Upolu Point. Set just outside of the sprawling Mo'okini heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple erected in 480 A.D. to Ku., the Hawaiian God of War, a small sign marks where Kamehameha was born in 1858. The sight is reachable via the Upolu airport road, though the final two miles to the heiau are on an uneven dirt road, and four-wheel drive is highly recommended if the road is wet or muddy. Hiking is a good backup option. Free admission.

The "Blue Room", Kaua'i
Tucked away in the verdant jungles of northern Kaua'i, the "Blue Room" is a fresh-water pool that perfectly catches the sunlight, illuminating an exquisite shade of blue to the cold waters within. Located a short walk up a narrow, muddy trail, the combination of the lush green rainforest, vibrantly colored tropical flowers, and ice-blue water inside of the cave create a hidden treasure on Kaua'i that is literally minutes off of the normally beaten path. Free Admission.

Paliku Cabin, Maui
While thousands of visitors annually make the pre-dawn pilgrimage to witness the sunrise from the summit of Maui's Haleakala Volcano, few venture down into the intricate network of hiking trails that line the crater floor of Haleakala National Park. Aside from the alien landscape and multi-hued cinder cones exploding from the nearby trails, there are three well maintained cabins inside of the crater that are available for public use, the most stunning of which is Paliku. This quaint cabin at 6,300 ft features an exquisitely lush landscape, and wild nene geese patrol the mist-shrouded hillside. Cabins in the park can be reserved at https://fhnp.org/wcr for a fee of $75/night.

Kaunolu Fishing VIllage, Lana'i
Little more than a rocky outcropping at the base of towering sea cliffs, this National Historic Landmark was once the site of a thriving village that was the recreation center of royalty. A favorite fishing spot of Kamehameha, Kaunolu also features "Kahekili's Leap", a spot from which warriors would throw themselves off of a 60 ft. cliff into the bay below to prove their valor. Exceptionally remote, Trilogy Excursions offers snorkeling trips to Kaunolu and the southwestern coastline of Lana'i. ($150/day)

The W Hollywood recants and allows guests to jump the line for its pool

There's been a resolution of sorts for the recent kerfluffle at the W Hollywood hotel, which I wrote about two weeks ago. I found out first-hand that guests are not always permitted to use its gorgeous and enviably situated rooftop pool, despite the high room rates they pay.

The scandal made news around the Web, including at The Economist, which proclaimed itself "horrified" about the revelations here on Gadling. (It was indeed a proud day for me: I also got The Economist to repeat my coinage, "douche-tastic.")

The newly opened hotel hasn't broken things off with the Las Vegas promoter, Drai's, which runs its nightspot and organizes the Sunday "pool party" that guests have been told they're not cool enough for. But as a mea culpa for the unwanted attention, the W Hollywood is bending the rules.
The hotel's general manager, Jim McPartlin, personally wrote me a note apologizing for the policy. "It is inexcusable, and I can assure you that I have taken measures to ensure it does not happen again," he told me. "Opening a hotel can be a challenge, but developing a strong service culture is something I practice with my team each day."

His new measures supersede the statement he issued for my first report on the original doucheitude. McPartlin said:

"Recognizing that most people check out by noon on Sunday and check in after 3 pm, we altered the start time of the pool party to 2:00 as opposed to 10 am. Further, hotel guests have front of line status. These two actions seemed to have cleared up our issues, and I will continue to monitor this very carefully."

Well, maybe it clears things up. It's not truly a pure resolution if guests are still required to queue up for space at their own pool, particularly if the available space is being taken up by hordes of off-the-street scenesters wearing fedoras with board shorts and jiggling their bikinis as they dance on the sun chairs.

However, the new front-of-the-line policy is now consistent with a number of other hip L.A. hotels' clubby pool areas, where hotel guests are permitted to join the doucheteria as space permits.

Last summer, I wrote about a similar situation at the newish SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, where hotel guests may still be treated like beggars at the feast, but at least they're allowed in.

The guest entry situation at L.A. hotels' pools may not be ideal, but at least now you can't argue that the W's policy isn't consistent with its equally misguided competition. Guests may now use the pool, provided they get there really early and don't mind cigarette ash floating past them.

I also contacted Drai's, the promoter that populates the W pool for the Sunday parties, for its policy. It sent me a copy of McPartlin's original response, now obsolete, but never issued me one of its own.

I also wrote about what you can do as a consumer if your hotel denies you the amenities you were promised. That post went up at our sister site about your money, WalletPop.com.

Would I go back to the W Hollywood? My Speedos aren't in a permanent twist, and between the lines, I'm getting the picture that the service goals of the hotel's management are at direct odds with the too-cool-for-the-pool objectives of its contracted partner, Drai's. I'd give the place the benefit of the doubt, chalk the disaster up to opening turbulence, and risk it again. But I'd steer clear of the pool on Sundays.

White Collar Travel: Hotel Behavior Honed by Habit

Spend enough time on the road, and your instinct takes over. Soldiers would liken it to their training kicking in. unlike the warriors who protect our way of life, the business traveler's reflex isn't intentional. Rather, it evolves from experience and is honed by habit. After a while, you're "always on" ... which is what you want. When a networking opportunity arises – or you get the chance to pick up some competitive intelligence – you want to be ready to pounce.

A friend of mine was headed to Washington, D.C. a few years ago and invited me to tag along. I was involved with a small consulting company at that point and was between projects (which is code for: "I needed one"), so I dashed off with him for a few days. Taking advantage of the status I had with Hilton, I got us a suite on the club level, where we dropped our bags before heading to the lounge.

Again, I had no business plans for this jaunt. But, one of the other people in the lounge atop the Hilton Embassy Row turned to me and asked those four fecund words: "What do you do?" Forgetting my friend, I went from elevator pitch to the intricacies of my company's style to a friendly game of "mine is bigger" (confession: his was) – standard fare among itinerant white collar folk. It ended with the swapping of cards, though we never spoke to each other again (and knew that we wouldn't).
It didn't matter that the effort would lead to nothing – I'd suspected the outcome from the start, and I'm sure he did, too. I wound up in character because I couldn't help it. This one-time trip offered little potential, but my response was driven by years of making connections. If I'd been on a long-term project, I might have seen the guy again in the lounge the next week. Maybe some business would have come from it.

And, my case is not unique. My mentor from an early consulting job once cut himself off mid-sentence when he heard someone at another table mention a competitor's name. He listened intently for a few minutes before continuing with what he was saying. On planes, of course, we all talk, poke and prod to find a new client or get a sense of what the competition is up to.

The frequent business traveler, after a while, surrenders to the job – sometimes to a caricature of it. It's only recognized as an occupational hazard years after you've given up the life, usually. Until then, it's like a heartbeat – something the mind-body duality does for you.

16 great farmers' markets

Farmers' markets are not only a great way to sample a community's natural bounty, they're also a unique setting to experience its culture. While each farmers' market is different, a really good farmers' market brings a sense of community to the cities and municipalities where they operate. Wondering where you can experience some of the freshest produce, tastiest snacks and friendliest people across the country? Check out our picks for 16 of our favorites below.

Saint Louis - Soulard Farmer's Market
The Soulard Farmers Market began in St. Louis in 1779, making it the oldest continuously operating farmers market west of the Mississippi. In addition to the fresh fruit, produce, baked goods and flowers, the market includes a craft and flea market in the two wings of an old train terminal. A bit "Old World" in atmosphere, shoppers can buy live chickens, barter with vendors and enjoy a festive, energetic atmosphere all year round.

Indianapolis - Indianapolis City Market
The Indianapolis City Market was built in 1886 and today includes an arts market on Saturday, a farmers' market on Wednesdays, cooking classes and ethnic theme events that may focus on the foods of Asia one week or the spices of the Middle East the next. The common thread through it all is that homegrown goodness of corn, tomatoes and other produce from the soil of Indiana.

Madison, Wisconsin
The Madison Wisconsin Farmers Market fills the grounds of the state capitol building and draws a huge crowd to the pedestrian-only mall and shops nearby. Fresh produce is only part of the fun. One Saturday, Wisconsin's famous dairy cows may be on display; at other times there might be an iron man competition underway. Since it's the state capitol, don't be surprised if you're asked to sign a petition or happen to see an up-and-coming politician working the crowd.

Kansas City - City Market
Kansas City's City Market overflows with activity weekend mornings all year when as many as 10,000 people have been known to shop for produce and bedding plants one more, artwork on another and bargains from the community garage sale another weekend morning. Valet service is available for big purchases. Some of the city's most prosperous farm-to-table restaurants have found a naturally successful home here.

Des Moines, Iowa
All products sold at the Des Moines Farmers Market must be grown within the state of Iowa and that means 160 or more booths carrying the freshest produce grown in some of the world's best farmland. There are also hand-made items, such as dried flower arrangements, seed murals and wheat weaving. A miniature train for children is a standard fixture and most Saturday mornings, you'll find musicians, clowns or dance troupes performing.

Woodstock, Illinois
Voted the best farmers market in the state of Illinois in 2008, the Woodstock Farmers Market could easily be called a "producers market" because everything must be grown, raised or made by the seller. Located on the town square of this historic community, shoppers are accompanied by folk music performed live from a nearby gazebo on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

Holland, Michigan
The Holland Michigan Farmers Market literally overflows with blueberries, cherries, strawberries and other fresh fruit from the fields of western Michigan. The market also carries farm fresh cheese, eggs, herbs and spices. In the craft area, handmade furniture is an unexpected treat. But just wandering the aisles, munching on freshly baked Danish and feeling the breeze from Lake Michigan is a treat in itself.

Columbus, Ohio - North Market
Columbus Ohio's North Market comes with its own kitchen and James Beard-award winning chef to prepare meals right on the spot from items bought at the market. In addition to fresh dairy products, including ice cream, and prepared foods from international vendors, the North Market sells just the right utensils and cookware to bring any meal together.

Lincoln, Nebraska - Historic Haymarket
The Historic Haymarket in Lincoln, Nebraska was originally a place where livestock and produce were sold in the state capitol, but now it is the site of the trendiest restaurants and retail outlets in the city. Every Saturday morning from May to October, the activity jumps another notch when more than 200 of the Midwest's best farmers bring their produce. It's also the best place in the city for Kolaches and coffee.

Little Rock, Arkansas - River Market
As polished as any supermarket, the Little Rock Arkansas River Market, located in the historic Quapaw Quarter, is a year-round destination for ethnic cuisine, entertainment and in the summer months, some of Arkansas' famous tomatoes and watermelons. Something is always happening at the adjacent park overlooking the Arkansas River, and just a few blocks from the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library.

-- The above was written by Diana Lambdin Meyer, Seed contributor


Washington D.C. - Eastern Market
Casualty of a fire that ripped through the stalls in April of 2007, the historical Eastern Market has made a comeback and continues to serve meats, poultry, breads and gourmet goodies throughout the week in the South Hall, where many employees of nearby Capitol Hill migrate for lunch. On the weekends, stalls extend to the surrounding outdoor areas and offer antiques, crafts, photography, handmade jewelry and other collectibles. On our last visit, we purchased some vintage fruit labels and stocked up on distinctive greeting cards for less than a dollar apiece.

Santa Monica, California - Virginia Avenue Park
There are several markets that sprout up over the course of the week in this beach city. The best is the Saturday one in Virginia Avenue Park where weekly appearances are made by local restaurateurs featuring the best of their menus.
New York, NY - Union Square Greenmarket
One of the best markets in New York City is the Union Square Farmer's Market, which extends the length of the west side of the square. Stalls are filled with local fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, poultry, fish, spices... just about anything you can imagine. At the tail end, you'll find tables with artists selling their wares. We picked up some local goat cheese and wine, plus a hilarious comic-book version of the Grimm brother tales, handed to us directly by the author.

Chicago, IL - French Market
Inspired by European markets, the French Market was recently developed as an effort to promote community in the city. It's located adjacent to the Ogilvie Transportation Center. The vendors sell delicious pastries and prepared foods as well as produce, meats, cheese and seafood. Grab some mussels and delicious Sicilian sandwiches before hopping on a train to the Chicago suburbs. Make sure to stop by Chicago's world-renowned Green City Market while you're in town.

-- The above was written by M. Fuchsloch, Seed contributor

Portland, OR - Portland State University
Portland has long relished in its status as one of the country's most eco-conscious, sophisticated food cities, and the town's wealth of farmer's markets certainly doesn't disappoint. Each Saturday the shoppers of Portland flock to the grounds of Portland State University, home to Portland's biggest and most famous of the city's six recognized downtown markets.

San Francisco, CA - Ferry Building and Plaza
No list of farmers markets could be complete without mentioning this titan of the food world. Ground zero for the birth of slow food and much of the current revolution in local, organic eating sweeping the nation, San Francisco and the Bay Area is king and its historic Ferry Building and nearby Plaza Farmer's Market is the capital building. Stop by for delicious favorites like locally produced cheeses, more mushrooms than you've ever seen and some tasty gelato.

Hotel Economics: Hotels plan growth as global economy recovers

Is the hotel industry ready for a rebound? Based on the recent news of expansions and new properties from global hotel groups, it seems the hospitality industry is poised for a pristine few years.

InterContinental Hotel Group is continuing on its quest to keep the title of 'world's largest hotel operator', recently announcing a global expansion that would increase the amount of its hotel rooms around the world by nearly one-third in the next three to four years. InterContinental, which owns various hotel brands including Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge and Candlewood Suites, currently operates more than 4,400 hotels and has 1,400 more in the pipeline, the majority of which will open in Europe.

The hotel group's expansion means more hotels, but also more jobs. More than 100,000 jobs worldwide will be created in the InterContinental family. In the UK, where InterContinental plans to set up at least 36 new hotels, the hotel will hire an additional 3,500 employees to service the new properties, according to a statement from the hotel company in The Scotsman. In addition, the paper reports the InterContinental is putting plans in place for Scotland's first five-star InterContinental-branded hotel.

InterContinental's expansion isn't the first we've heard about. JW Marriott announced plans to build 40 hotels in India by 2013; Kimpton and Hyatt are opening various hotels throughout the U.S. and earlier this year, Ritz-Carlton President Simon Cooper gave us some insight into new hotels emerging in Asia and the Middle East. But the question remains: can the hotels sell the rooms? According to a recent study of hotel room prices in Europe from trivago, more rooms are already selling for increased rates, which means more travelers are loosening their purse strings.
The study shows the average price of hotels in Europe has increased 12 percent from March to April 2010, the highest point since October 2009.

What's this mean for hotels? The travel industry stays afloat due to basic supply-and-demand principles. Based on these numbers, the demand for hotel rooms has risen causing hotel operators to raise their rates - a good sign for a rebounding economy.

Trivago reports that most European cities have experienced price growths of 10 to 20 percent, and in popular tourist destination cities such as Rome, Barcelona and Istanbul, prices rose by as much as 42 percent. Additionally, occupancy in the three- and four-star hotels - which make up the majority of the properties in the InterContinental Hotel Group - rose 2.7 percent in Scotland, against increases of 3.8 percent in regional UK, 3.7 percent in England and 9 percent in Wales.

If the numbers continue to increase across the pond, the InterContinental and other hotel groups could be right on target with their global expansions.

Take a custom fly fishing excursion in Colorado this summer

Anglers looking for a unique fly fishing experience will have some amazing new options later this year when The Little Nell, the famous upscale resort located in Aspen, Colorado, begins offering custom guided fishing tours. Visitors will gain access to the Roaring Fork Valley and its Gold Medal waters, including the Frying Pan, Colorado, and Crystal Rivers, which are well known for having the best trout fishing anywhere in the U.S.

These custom guided tours offer a wide array of exciting and unusual options. For instance, multi-day excursions are available, including overnight camping in the pristine Colorado backcountry, some of which is only accessible by horseback. Additionally, the resort's on site equipment shop is the only retail outlet in the U.S. that exclusively sells the legendary tackle from Hardy of England, giving anglers a chance to rent or buy gear from one of the most renowned brands in the sport.

The resort's Director of Fly Fishing (Yes, that's his real title. How cool is that?), David Doerr has worked closely with the Aspen Trout Guides to build an extensive selection of options that can cater to any angler's needs. These top guides, which include former Olympic skier turned pro angler Andy Mill, know all the best places to catch trophy fish and the best ways to put you in position to do just that.

If you're interested in booking your own custom fishing experience with the Little Nell, you can do so on the resorts website or by calling (970) 920-4600.

InterContinental opens new hotel at Walt Disney World

Families, couples, school groups and friends of all ages will have another hotel option for the next Walt Disney World vacation in Orlando, Florida. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) opened a new 14-storey, 323-room Holiday Inn in Orlando.

The hotel is located on Hotel Plaza Boulevard in the Walt Disney World Resort grounds and offers free transportation to theme parks, access to area golf courses and advance reservations at restaurants. All rooms are equipped with 32-inch televisions, complimentary wireless Internet access and an electronic safe.

This new Disney hotel is part of IHG's global $1 billion rebranding of its hotels. More than 1,800 hotels have been relaunched around the world during IHG's revamp of the Holiday Inn brand.

Starwood bets on Hollywood allure

What do you do when lenders take over two of your hotels, as your coping with the worst recession in seven decades? Well, if you're Starwood Hotels, you make a $350 million bet with a single property from your W line. The hotel opened on January 15, 2010, and it's banking on the reputation of Los Angeles as the center of the entertainment world. Located on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the new W Hotel hopes to attract star-struck tourists who want to get up close and personal with the movie industry.

The only problem is that fewer and fewer people are heading out to Los Angeles, which is putting a bit of a squeeze on the new property. There's an opportunity hidden in the situation, however. Carlos Becil, W's North American vice president, says, "When we come out of this down cycle we'll own the upswing with all these newer hotels," Becil said to Bloomberg News.

The financial crisis has been particularly hard on the W chain. The W San Diego was taken back by its lenders after Sunstone Hotel Investors, which had owned the property, couldn't get the terms of its $65 million securitized mortgage changed. The W New York Union Square was bought by Dubai World in 2006. Well, it missed a payment, which wound up pushing the property onto the auction block back in December. Dubai World also has an intestine the W Washington, D.C., a loan on which is 30 days delinquent. The debt servicer and borrower are working on a solution.

Indianapolis prepares for March Madness with new hotel rooms, vacation packages

Indianapolis is getting ready to host a pair of the NCAA basketball games by opening up more than 600 new hotel rooms.

According to Fox59, a local Indianapolis station, The Courtyard at Marriott, SpringHill Suites and Fairfield Inn are now open and booking guests. The new hotels are within walking distance from the stadium and new convention center, which will host the Final Four games.

The games take place March 14 through April 5 and Indianapolis hosts the Men's Final Four April 3-5. Final Four tickets are on sale now starting at $410 and reaching as high as $3400. GoTickets.com is offering Final Four travel packages starting at $1,025 per person for three nights. The March Madness package includes three nights at the Hampton Inn Indianapolis South, tickets to the games, round-trip gameday transfers and shuttle service to Hoop City.

Indianapolis has suffered its drop in tourism dollars and is hoping the Final Four brings more travelers to the Midwest city -- thanks to the addition of new hotel rooms, there's plenty of room for basketball fans from around the nation.