Travel Branding: What Happened to Funk & Wagnalls and the Elements of Style?

Oh, hospitality and lifestyle marketers, please learn how to spell. It bugs me to no end when I see foreign languages used incorrectly to try to convey high style, chic something-or-other or to just seem cool. Take, for example, the maddening haircut chain in Manhattan “Amour de Hair.” I would imagine that French grammarians are rolling over in their Pere-Lachaise graves at that one. Then there’s the misspellings of basic words like Caesar when it comes to salads. How many times have you seen Ceasar or even Cesar on the menu? Thankfully there’s spell-check when you need to post something, but sign painters and menu writers need to apply the same discipline. I recently read a review of the Meatpacking District’s Tanuki Tavern by a well-known critic. In the space of four paragraphs, she spelled our favorite of-the-moment overpriced beef slider ingredient as wagyu and waygu. I saw the same error on another menu this week in Brooklyn. What gives? Has spelling gone the way of penmanship?

I feel a little like Jay Leno here, asking for Headlines. But I'd love it if you could send me photos or examples of other irritating names and signage from the travel world.

Restaurant Week Goes International: Cayman Islands Joins In

The Cayman Islands is joining in the discount dining frenzy: Cayman Restaurant Week is scheduled from August 1-8 with prices set for lunch at $15 US or dinner at $25 US. And, happily, for $25 more, select restaurants are adding wine pairings with dinner. Better still, when you reserve online at any of the 21 participating restaurants, you will also be automatically entered each time to "Win a Trip for Two" on any Cayman Airways flight . For more information, info@CaymanRestaurantWeek.com. Can't get enough of that cracked conch!

The Soup Nazi Returns: Seinfeld's Original Inspiration is Back in Original Location

Seinfeld fans and soup lovers rejoiced this week as Soup Kitchen International, now renamed “The Original SoupMan,” re-opened on 55th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan. Al Yeganeh, the soup genius who Seinfeld built his “Soup Nazi” character on, originally opened the one-shop Soup Kitchen International in 1984, but it closed six years ago. Yeganeh then began The Original SoupMan franchise with locations in nine states. The soups are pretty much wonderful, although some can be a bit salty. The seafood soup remains a daily favorite, but be sure to check out the daily specials. And, take no chances: you must follow the original rules, now posted in the restaurant: Pick the soup you want! Have your money ready! Move to the extreme left after ordering! Or, "No soup for you."

If you're not as brave as Elaine and Jerry, the soups are also available online .

Mad Men Season Four: Tomorrow, Let's Have a Toast

Don Draper. Betty Draper. Roger Sterling. Joan Holloway. I have to admit that I can’t wait to see them tomorrow on the premiere of Mad Men, Season Four. I’ve missed them: Don’s mysterious seriousness, Betty’s ice-cold stares, Roger’s know-it-all lechery, and, of course, Joan’s take-charge competence. I’ve been toying with the idea of buying each of Barbie’s new Mad Men collectible dolls. I don’t really understand the concept behind them, but they are interesting. At $74.95 each, I wonder if they come with cocktail mixers, wardrobe changes, and hair stylists.

I’m ready for the smoke-filled offices of the new agency, the new home and life of Don Draper, the vintage ads and TV shows, and the wonderful ending music that recalls the turbulent 60s. I’m so ready.

In the meantime, with thoughts of joining Don and Roger over oysters at The Oyster Bar or drinks at The Roosevelt Hotel, I’ve put together a list of cocktail fixes throughout Manhattan that will get you ready for another season of Mad Men madness.

Temple Bar: The glamorous oak bar in NoHo is known for its extensive drink list peppered with all the classics. Imagine yourself sitting with Don among the beautiful velvet curtains sipping an Old Fashioned or with Peggy Olsen as she tries a Brandy Alexander for the first time. 322 Lafayette St, 212-925-4242

Monkey Bar: Enter the landmark Hotel Elysée (once known as the “easy lay”) where guests like Joe DiMaggio and Marlon Brandon used to stay. Step inside the great piano bar just off the lobby with its iconic monkey mural. You can just picture Roger downing a Manhattan or two before heading for a room upstairs. Hotel Elysée, 60 E 54th St, 212-753-1066

King Cole Bar: Once a bastion of cigar-smoking power brokers or wannabes like Ken Cosgrove, the King Cole Bar in the elegant St. Regis Hotel is the birthplace of the Bloody Mary (known here as the Red Snapper). This classic bar also is known for its famous mural, “Old King Cole” by Maxfield Parrish. St. Regis Hotel, 2 E 55th St, 212-753-4500

21 Club: Famous for its Prohibition-era speakeasy status, this restaurant has attracted every president since FDR (except George W. Bush) to dine or imbibe. Come for a martini just like James Bond in 007 or try New York Magazine’s recommendation, a Southside, the rum and mint cocktail invented here. 21 W 52nd St, 212-582-7200

Campbell Apartment: This luxurious lounge in Grand Central Terminal will surely bring you back to another era. The space, once used as an office for New York financier John Campbell, still exudes the same sleek, refinement with its low lighting, rich woodwork and beamed ceiling. We’d recommend the Prohibition Punch for aptly named Pete Campbell. 15 Vanderbilt Ave, 212-953-0409

Bemelmans Bar: Some things never go out of style. Tommy Rowles has been the bartender here for 51 years and has even poured bourbon on the rocks for President Truman. Live piano music, enchanting murals of animals by Ludwig Bemelmans of Eloise fame, plus formally dressed waiters make this an Upper East Side landmark. The perfectly chilled and poured martini comes in a shaker with enough liquor for a potent drink and a half, and the banquettes are perfect for cuddling. The Carlyle Hotel, 35 E 76th St, 212-744-1600

The Blue Bar at the Algonquin: Once the hot spot for literary geniuses like Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley, The Blue Bar is filled with Al Hirschfield’s artwork depicting a variety of Broadway shows. The cozy bar with its blue upholstery is known for its Algonquin Cocktail, a mix of whiskey, dry vermouth, and pineapple juice. It’s reputed that the literary ghosts of times past will even sit with you to provide inspiration and absorb the black-tie service. The Algonquin Hotel, 59 W 44th St, 212-840-6800

Sardi’s: Since 1921, this legendary restaurant known for the celebrity caricatures adorning its walls has served as the spot to head to before or after theater. It’s also a favorite rendezvous spot for Don Draper and his lady friends like the sultry Mrs. Barrett. To behave like a true “mad man,” book a table on Thursdays and Fridays for jazz and cabaret and skip the cocktail; a bottle of Dom Perignon is more in keeping with the mood. 234 W 44th St, 212-221-8440

The Oak Bar at the Plaza: Originally filling the entire Oak Room restaurant space in the Plaza Hotel, the Oak Bar was conceived as a men’s-only enclave when it opened in 1907. Now restored to its original glory surrounded by impressive “frozen in time” murals, the bar serves up a Classic Sidecar to enjoy with a menu of bar items until the wee hours. Plaza Hotel, 10 Central Park South, 212-758-7777

And, if you're in Times Square (Broadway between 46th and 47th streets) tomorrow night, here's the schedule of the free festivities AMC is planning for you:

7pm Last Mad Man Standing Trivia

7:30pm Mad Men Rules

8pm Mad Men Costume Contest

9pm Season Four World Premiere Screening

More US Restaurant Weeks: East Coast Foodies Get Ready to Reserve

Providence: There are only 2 days left to eat at some of Rhode Island’s best restaurants for under $30! Providence Restaurant Weeks are coming to an end on July 24. More than 90 restaurants are offering a three-course lunch for just $12.95 and a three-course dinner for $29.95. Certain restaurants also have two-for-one deals. Acclaimed restaurants include Pot au Feu and Rue de l’Espoir (two of my favorites from my Brown U days), New Rivers and CAV Restaurant and Antiques. Reservations are required. Visit http://www.goprovidence.com/RestaurantWeek/ for more information and to make reservations.

Boston: Restaurant Week Boston® returns on August 15-22 and 22-27. The 10th annual Restaurant Week boasts more than 200 participating restaurants throughout Boston, Cambridge and neighboring suburbs. I’m delighted to see some of my all-time favorites on the list: Cambridge’s Rialto, B&G Oysters in the South End, and the historic Union Oyster House. Lunch and dinner options include 2-course lunches for $15.10, 3-course lunches for $20.10 and 3-course dinners for $33.10. Prices exclude beverages, tax and tip. Among the many cuisines that Boston’s Restaurant Week has to offer are fine French, Argentinean and Italian fares. The city is encouraging the use of locally grown ingredients and will be recognizing restaurants that use these ingredients in their menus. For more information, visit http://www.bostonusa.com/visit/restaurantweek.

Washington, DC: The 16th biannual Washington, DC Restaurant Week will take place August 16-22 and will feature over 200 of the area’s finest restaurants. From seafood to Italian, there’s a little something for everyone. Top restaurants include Dino and Bourbon Steak Restaurant. Guests can choose between 3-course lunch and dinner meals, priced $20.10 and $35.10, respectively. Beverages, tax and tip excluded. Online reservations are available. Visit http://washington.org/restaurantwk/ for more information.

New York: Restaurant Week has been extended through September 6. So, all of you who have escaped the heat to the Hamptons or Fire Island, will still have a chance to enjoy some meals from the city’s top toques. Click on http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek for details.

Philadelphia: Check out Philadelphia’s Center City District Restaurant Week from September 12-17 and 19-24. More than 100 restaurants will offer a 3-course lunch for $20 and a 3-course dinner for $35, alcohol, tax and tip not included. Top participating chefs include Georges Perrier of Le-Bec Fin (where I celebrated my graduation from Wharton!) and Douglas Rodriguez of Alma de Cuba Restaurant. Reservations are required. Visit http://www.centercityphila.org/life/RestaurantWeek.php for more information and to make reservations.

Restaurant Weeks Throughout US Offer Fantastic Foodie Deals

New York City: The second week of NYC Restaurant Week is here! Partake in fine dining at more than 275 restaurants throughout the city from July 12-25. Check out Nobu, Blue Water Grill, The River Café and The Central Park Boathouse. Choose either a 3-course prix-fixe lunch for $24.07 or a 3-course dinner for $35 (drinks, tax and tip excluded, as well as Saturdays). American Express is offering a $15 statement credit when you use your eligible, registered American Express card at 3 or more participating restaurants.

The NYC Restaurant Week Truck will make another appearance this year in partnership with Hot Bread Kitchen, a nonprofit organization. The Restaurant Week will donate $1 from each $6 soup purchase to Hot Bread Kitchen. The truck’s daily schedule and menu will be available online. For more information, visit http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

Charlotte: Charlotte Restaurant Week, the “Queen’s Feast,” takes place now through July 25. More than 88 restaurants are participating including Noble’s, Carpe Diem, Dressler’s, M5 and The Liberty. Indulge in a meal fit for royalty for just $30 (tax and tip excluded) and receive suggested wine pairings for an impeccable dining experience. Reservations are recommended and can be made online. For more information, visit http://www.charlotterestaurantweek.com/.

Atlanta: Atlanta’s Restaurant Week will take place in the Downtown Dining District from July 26-August 8. The city sets its restaurant week apart from the rest by incorporating a signature cocktail; this year’s cocktail is the Bacardi® Torched Cherry Blossom (see below for ingredients and directions to recreate the signature drink), created by W Hotel Atlanta Downtown’s DRINKSHOP. The multicultural cuisine at Atlanta’s Restaurant Week includes that of traditional steak houses, seafood restaurants, Irish pubs and Mexican cantinas. Choose a 3-course meal at any of the 26 participating restaurants for a price of either $25 or $35. No coupon, voucher or reservation needed.

Bacardi® Torched Cherry Blossom Ingredients:
2 oz. Bacardi® Torched Cherry™
1/2 oz. Martini & Rossi dry vermouth
1/2 oz. Martini & Rossi sweet vermouth
1/4 oz. Cherry Heering
1 dash angostura bitters

Directions:Stir over ice; strain into a martini glass or over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with orange peel and cherry.For more information, visit http://www.atlantadowntown.com/fun/restaurant-week.

Houston: Houston Restaurant Week returns from August 1-21, and will continue to contribute 100% of donations to the Houston Food Bank. Established in 2003, this Restaurant Week has already raised $356,000! This year, 108 restaurants are participating in the event. Several renowned chefs will be in attendance including Chef Robert Del Grande of RDG+Bar Annie, Chefs Richard Knight and James Silk of Feast, Chef Scott Tycer of Gravitas, and Haven’s Chef Randy Evans. A 3-course gourmet meal and a $5 donation for the Houston Food Bank is included in the $35 this year (drinks, tax and tip excluded). Select restaurants will also offer two-course lunch menus for $20, donating $3 of each lunch sold to the Houston Food Bank as well. Reservations are required. For more information, visit http://www.houstonrestaurantweek.com/.

Miami: Miami Spice Restaurant Month will take place from August 1-September 30 at the Fountainbleau Miami Beach Resort. This micro-Restaurant Week event consists of four restaurants from the resort including Gotham Steak, Hakkasan, Scarpetta and American Café Vida. Top chefs include Chef Alfred Portale of Gotham Steak. Indulge in a 3-course meal for $35 or in a family-style dim sum lunch at Hakkasan for $22. Restaurant patrons will receive discounted parking. Visit http://www.fontainebleau.com/ for more information.

Baltimore: This year’s Baltimore Restaurant Week is set for August 13-22. The city uses this event as a way to encourage exploration of its dynamic neighborhoods, including Little Italy, Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Canton and the Inner Harbor. Top chefs include Gertrude’s Chef John Shields, who has written several cookbooks and has a TV show on PBS. The prix fixe rates are $20.10 and $35.10 for lunch and dinner, respectively. Discounted parking at city-owned parking garages is also available for restaurant week patrons. For more information, visit http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/.

Arizona: This year’s Arizona Restaurant Week takes place in Tucson and Phoenix from September 18-26. New this year is the gluten-free menu option, as well as an additional price point. Prices are either $29 or $39 per person, and $19 per person in Tucson only. Drinks, tax and tip are additional. More than 100 restaurants are participating, and certain restaurants offer a complimentary cocktail with your meal. For more information, visit http://www.arizonarestaurantweek.com/.

Fort Lauderdale: Dine Out Lauderdale is scheduled for October 1- November 11, with more than 35 restaurants showing off their cuisine and tropical surroundings. Affectionately referred to by patrons as “LauderLicious,” the program offers a 3-course menu for $35. Sample participants include The Capital Grille, Cantena Laredo Gourmet Mexican Food, and Galanga Thai Kitchen and Sushi Bar. Visit http://www.sunny.org/dineout/ for more information.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles’ Restaurant Week, DineLA, is back and ready to prove that L.A. is one of the premier dining destinations in the world. Celebrate the city’s varied cuisines during separate weeks: October 3-8 and October 10-15, and take your pick from over 200 dynamic restaurants with adventurous dishes. Top chefs include Betty Fraser of Grub and the Bravo TV show Top Chef, Chef Jason Travi of Fraiche (named by the Frank Bruni of the New York Times as one of the country’s best non-New York City restaurants), and John Sedlar of Rivera. DineLA offers several meal options for lunch and dinner: Lunch Deluxe dining- $16, Premiere dining- $22, Fine dining- $28; Dinner Deluxe dining- $26, Premiere dining- $34, Fine dining- $44 (Alcohol, tax and tip excluded in all lunch and dinner options). For more information, visit http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/dining/restaurantweek/aapart2010.html.

Long Island, NY: The 5th annual Long Island Restaurant Week is scheduled for November 7-14. Inspired by the Hamptons Restaurant Week, which will return April 3-11, 2011, Long Island Restaurant Week allows visitors to check out the approximately 80 participating restaurants in Nassau County, Suffolk County and East End. Enjoy a 3-course prix fixe meals for $19.95 or $24.95 (drinks, tax and tip excluded). View, Mirabelle Restaurant and The Gulf Coast Kitchen by Robbin Haas at Montauk Yacht Club are just a few of the participating restaurants. For more information, visit http://www.longislandrestaurantweek.com/.

Kids' Fishing Contest in Brooklyn - July 14-18

Here's a great family event that the kids will adore: fishing in Prospect Park. From 10am - 4pm, each day from July 14-18, kids 15 and under will learn how to cast and catch-and-release fish (dads can help, too). This year's contest -- the 63rd sponsored by Macy’s -- has a new location lakeside at Park Drive and Wellhouse drive shoreline. The best entrance is at Vanderbilt Street and Prospect Park Southwest. All equipment is provided free, or you can bring your own.

Aspen: The Place for Summer Music

The heat wave we have been experiencing has me thinking of cool Colorado mountains and Aspen. Set among the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, Aspen is an exciting city with a small-town charm. Summer may be the slow season in Aspen, but the city is absolutely irresistible at this time, with temperatures averaging in the seventies and hotel packages that are too hard to ignore.

Now that Aspen Food & Wine is over, my favorite reason to visit Aspen during the summer is for the Aspen Music Festival and School. The festival, spanning a period of eight magical weeks from July 1 - August 22, invites attendees to enjoy more than 350 musical events. Whether you love the opera or prefer more contemporary music, the AMFS offers something for everyone. Certain event tickets such as for the Piano Master Class ($25) or the Aspen Chamber Symphony concerts ($75) do need to be purchased; however, attendees can enjoy many free events as well. A full list of events is jam-packed; some highlights include:

JULY:

• 7/13: A Baroque Evening with Nicholas McGegan ($65)


• 7/15, 7/17, 7/19: 2010 Opera Benefit—The Barber of Seville in Aspen (Black-tie evening with dinner at Caribou Club and premiere seats at the opening night performance--$150 for concert and intermission reception; $1,000 for tickets, cocktails, and dinner)


• 7/24: Season Benefit: Dinner on Stage with Audra McDonald ($150 for reception and concert; $750 for reception, concert, and dinner; $1,000 for premium dinner and concert seats)

AUGUST:

• 7/31, 8/2, 8/4: Aspen Opera Theater Center performs Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro ($82)


• 8/5: Special Event with Jean Yves Thibaudet, piano ($65)


• 8/7: Special Event with Sharon Isbin, guitar, and the Aspen Concert Orchestra ($65)


• 8/19, 8/21: Aspen Opera Theater Center performs John Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles ($50)

After a day of exploring the musical and outdoor best of Aspen, treat yourself to accommodations for a king or queen at the St. Regis Aspen . The property recently was placed on the prestigious 2010 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and is located at the base of Aspen Mountain within walking distance to Aspen’s top restaurants and shops. Whether indulging in an Oxygen treatment or the “Extreme Tranquility” body treatment at the world-class Remède Spa or dining at the hotel’s on-site gourmet restaurant, travelers are sure to feel bathed in luxury. Service is nonpareil as are the delicious trail mix and chocolates left in your guest room each day. The hotel will assist visitors in enjoying the Aspen area’s wonderful outdoor activities including hiking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning, horseback riding and paragliding. The St. Regis Aspen's “SunSational Savings” package includes a complimentary third night accommodation, a $50 resort credit per stay, and a complimentary upgrade at check-in. Valid through December 16, 2010. Use promo code ZS3. A second possibility, The “Family Time in Paradise” package includes connecting rooms or a suite (subject to availability) and a $50 resort credit per day. Kids 12 and under can also eat and drink for free. Valid through December 16, 2010. Use promo code LYF. 315 East Dean Street, 970-920-3300, 888-454-9005

Other hotels in Aspen are offering great rates for the Aspen Music Festival and School:

The Gant: The Gant offers guests with lovely one, two, or three bedroom condominiums. The hotel has been listed as a “Top 50 Ski Hotel” by Condé Nast Traveler. The Gant’s “Aspen Music Festival Special” runs through August 21, 2010 and includes accommodations in a one bedroom condo for 4 nights and a three-event festival pass. The rates range from $661-$1,013 for double occupancy, which reflects a 20% discount for each room night. 610 West End Street, 1-800-549-0535

Hotel Aspen: Located right on Main Street, Hotel Aspen is a welcoming place for travelers to stay, with 45 modernly designed guestrooms. The hotel’s “Aspen Music Festival Package” runs through August 22, 2010 and includes a deluxe king bedroom for 4 nights and a three-event pass to the Aspen Music Festival. The rate for the package is $660, which reflects a 15% discount for each room night. 110 West Main St, 1-800-527-7369

Free Bastille Day Celebration In New York -- July 11

There's a French block party celebrating Bastille Day (and French and American friendship) today on 60th Street, between Fifth and Lexington aves) from 12-6. It's three days before the actual holiday, but c'est la vie. It's a beautiful day for a fete:

Highlights include:

Raffle Prizes: Drawings will take place at 2pm, 3:30pm and 4:30pm on the Main Stage (corner of Park and 60^th). The grand prize is a getaway trip for two to Paris, and other great prizes in the categories of travel, lifestyle, beauty and shopping, and food and drink will be drawn.

Tastings: The Bordeaux Wine Council will be sponsoring a wine and cheese tasting at the FIAF Gallery (22 E. 60^th) from 12-5:30 with cheese provided by Lactalis Deli and beer in the FIAL Lobby courtesy of Kronenbourg.

Street Entertainment: Feel as if you’re standing on the streets of Paris with the live mime act (12-6), accordion music (1-5 ), the “Tour de France” race with stationary road bikes (12-6), the “Garcons de Café” race (competitors dressed as waiters carrying trays; 12-1), and the Citroën Car Show (1-6).

Live Performances: Get a taste of different French musical genres with performances by Pierre de Gaillande, Les Sans Culottes, and Malika Zarra. The performances will take place on the Main Stage from 12-6 pm.

Kids’ Activities: Les enfants will love the lawn bowling tournament, face painting, arts and crafts, festival booths, can-can dancers, and more.

Free Broadway Shows This July and August in NYC: Broadway in Bryant Park Starts Today

It's Broadway for free in Bryant Park on Thursdays in July and August. Escape the office, pack your lunch and a blanket and head to Bryant Park for one of my favorite free New York City events, “Broadway in Bryant Park.” Each weekly concert features songs and performances from four-five Broadway favorites and lasts approximately one hour from 12:30pm - 1:30pm.

Check out this summer’s schedule:

• Thursday, July 8- STOMP, Promises, Promises, In the Heights, Nunsense
• Thursday, July 15- Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliot, Memphis, South Pacific, Radio City Christmas Spectacular
• Thursday, July 22- Chicago, A Little Night Music, Falling for Eve, Rock of Ages
• Thursday, July 29- The Lion King, The Addams Family, Wicked, Next to Normal
• Thursday, August 5- Avenue Q, Fela!, Million Dollar Quartet, Freestyle Love Supreme, The Fantasticks
• Thursday, August 12- Mamma Mia, American Idiot, La Cage Aux Folles, West Side Story, Mary Poppins

Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library between 40^th and 42^nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The nearest subway stops are 42^nd Street/Bryant Park (F, V, B, or D trains) and 5^th Avenue (7 train).

If you still have time, grab a book from the Bryant Park "Reading Room," a cart behind the library where you can borrow a book free.

Foursquare Education: New Words to Add to the Social Media Lexicon

Every day I learn more about Foursquare. Maybe I'm just in the "slow group," but today I learned that there are also "conceptual" checkins, not just actual location-based checkins.

Here's what I was told by a close friend of mine when I questioned him about numerous people checking into Heatpocalypse today:

"Once in a while people check into conceptual 'events' rather than venues...sometimes, they're real, like the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. Other times they're not really. Last winter, during the multiple blizzards, the term snowpocalypse was used to describe what seemed like the end of the world... many folks used 4sq to checkin and say they were a part of it when the blizzard hit. Someone decided that this heat wave was the summer equivalent of the blizzard and named it the heatpocalypse... so, of course, people on 4sq decided they wanted to checkin as well."

Thanks, Dave. I learn something new (and possibly useful) every day.

Outdoor Dance Lessons and a Concert for $17: Midsummer Night Swing Comes to Lincoln Center

Want to Texas Two-Step? Learn a mean Jitterbug? Get some Bollywood tips? Lincoln Center presents their annual Midsummer Night Swing, this year in Damrosch Park. You don't need a partner. Just put on some dancing shoes, buy a $17 ticket and you'll get a professional dance lesson to get you on your way for dancing to some fabulous live music. Last night was music by the Time Jumpers as we two-stepped our way around the dance floor. Coming up: Bollywood, the Hustle, Swing, Lindy Hop.... I can't wait. The program ends July 17. Will you be my partner?

Here's some footage from last night's Country event (no, I'm not in it!):

The Pines Lodge: Let the Kids Be Cowboys this Summer in Beaver Creek

Colorado's Pine Lodge has a deal this summer for the entire family: Come to beautiful Beaver Creek in the Rocky Mountains for a "Buckaroo Adventure." Offered from July 1-August 23, this package saves you 20% over published prices, starting at $530 per night and includes two nights' accommodations, four VIP tickets to the Beaver Creek Rodeo (Thursday nights only), and a scenic chairlift ride and mountaintop picnic lunch for four. Everyone will love the rodeo's team roping, bull riding, barrel racing, and calf scramble. BBQ, sushi and other dining choices are offered, too. Rates are based on a two-night minimum stay for a family of four and must include a Thursday night stay.

For information or to book, visit http://www.rockresorts.com/ or call 866-605-ROCK (7625). Pine Lodge is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts. The 60-room resorts offers a seemingly endless choice of activities including hiking, mountain and road biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and golf.

Drinks to Celebrate the Fourth of July: Bill's Bar & Burgers

I'm packing up for Boston ("shipping up to Boston" as the Dropkick Murphys and Jonathan Papelbon would say), or rather for Swampscott and Marblehead on the North Shore, and this drink made me think about going home for the Fourth of July.

In honor of our great nation’s Independence, Bill’s Bar & Burger is featuring a frosty Apple Pie Milkshake. For more bang, add a shot of your favorite booze like Calvados or vodka.

I'll be visiting Bill's again soon to evaluate their Classic burger for my upcoming review on All New York of best burgers in NYC. Stay tuned! Bill's is located at 22 Ninth Avenue, New York City.