Universal Studios Hollywood

In the Transformers movies, the Earth’s population finds itself caught in the middle of an intergalactic power struggle between two groups of alien robots — the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, both of which have the power to physically convert from such common mechanical devices as cars, trucks and planes into robotic warriors.

On May 25, Universal Studios Hollywood will officially debut a thrilling conversion of its own: the transformation of this riveting film franchise into a white-knuckle motion-thrill ride that will drop fans smack-dab into the middle of the action.

Transformers: The Ride — 3D will feature seamless integration of CGI and robotics, as well as one of the most elaborate roaming flight simulator ride systems ever designed. The ambitious mega-attraction tells an original story, developed in collaboration with Michael Bay, the director of all three Transformers movies. The ride’s pioneering, photo-realistic, 3-D effects are being created by Industrial Light & Magic, the Oscar-winning special-effects force behind such acclaimed films as Avatar, Iron Man and Star Wars.

That’s an impressive pedigree, but Universal hasn’t stopped there. Borrowing a page from Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the signature attraction at Universal Orlando Resort’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the ride’s designers have stretched the guest experience far beyond the actual ride by incorporating 20-30 minutes of dynamic storytelling into the queuing line.

Fans will have to wait just a few more weeks to experience the finished attraction. Until then, the latest Transformers movie, Transformers: Dark of the Moon will have to do. Or maybe the video below from Universal Studios will get you psyched!

Looking for a quick bite in the Big Apple? Follow that food truck! We’re talking more than hot dogs and souvlaki here. Think Belgian waffles… Maine lobster… artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches, and much much more--perfect for grab-and-go meals enjoyed alfresco. We’ve listed a few standouts below. Be aware that food trucks rarely stay in one place, though, so follow them on Twitter to see where they’ll be next. And expect long lines during the lunch and dinner rush. The wait will be worth it!

Photo Credit: Wafels & Dinges

WAFELS & DINGES

Fare: These heavenly hot-off-the iron Belgian waffles can be smothered with toppings (aka dinges) of your choice. Did someone say nutella?

Faves: De Throwdown wafel ($6) will change your life! It’s piled with whipped cream and a yummy cinnamon gingerbready spread called spekuloos. Even Bobby Flay couldn’t duplicate this waffle on his Food Network Throwdown show! Craving more toppings? Add another for $1; or for an additional $2 get every topping on the truck, transforming your treat into a “Wafel of Massive Deliciousness.” Besides nutella, spekuloos and whipped cream, choose from bananas, strawberries, walnuts, maple syrup, dulce de leche, and Belgian chocolate fudge. And you thought waffles were just for breakfast?

Follow: www.twitter.com/waffletruck (Watch for tweets promising free stuff when you perform a requested antic while ordering-like hula dancing or singing your favorite Muppet song.)

Photo Credit: Milk Truck

Fare: Around 8 varieties of gooey chewy grilled cheese sandwiches made on hand-cut bread that’s slathered with butter then flattened to perfection on a Panini press. There are shakes and soups too.

Faves: Traditionalists should go for the Milk Truck Classic ($5.75) with aged Wisconsin Gruyere on Levain Pullman Bread, a country-style white from New York’s famous Balthazar bakery. Want more of a New Yawk deli-style flavor? Try the Classic With a Twist ($6.75): Gruyere on Jewish Rye with mustard and pickled onions.

When one cheese just isn’t enough, triple up with the Three Cheese Grilled Cheese ($7.25): Gruyere, New York State Cheddar and Wisconsin Blue on Blue Ribbon Bakery’s Rosemary Pullman bread, topped with carmelized Granny Smith apples.

Follow: www.twitter.com/milktrucknyc

Photo Credit: Korilla BBQ

KORILLA BBQ

Fare: Korean meets Mexican: Top-quality grilled meats and veggies with rice, kimchi and special sauce (mild or hot, your choice) are served in burritos, tacos or bowls. Personalize your pick by choosing from the suggested toppings. Founded by Columbia grad, Edward Song and friends, these guys were featured on the Great Food Truck Race, and word on the street is they’re pretty cute too.

Faves: The Porkinator ($7) combines pulled pork (hormone- and antibiotic-free) with kimchi slaw, salsa, BBQ sauce, Monterey Jack cheese and, if you get it on a burrito, bacon and kimchi fried rice (believe me, you’ll WANT to get it on a burrito). Vegetarians rave about the Tofuture Body Love, with house-made organic tofu, lettuce, cucumber kimchi, and Korilla’s famous sauces and salsas. (If you choose the burrito version, you can get sticky rice too.)

Follow: www.twitter.com/korillabbq

Photo Credit: Red Hook Lobster Pound

RED HOOK LOBSTER POUND

Fare: Fresh-from-Maine lobster. Though pricier than most food trucks (it is lobster, after all), you’ll be in crustacean heaven.

Faves: Lobster rolls are the star here. They come in two distinct styles (each $16): The Maine lobster roll is served cold with mayo; the Connecticut version comes warm on a toasted, buttered bun. The lobster mac & cheese ($10) is deliciously decadent too.

Follow: www.twitter.com/lobstertruckny

RICKSHAW DUMPLING TRUCK

Fare: Delectable little dumplings with Asian dipping sauce make a great mid-day snack. The truck says they’re “totally rad,” and I’d have to agree (though I must admit I’ve rarely met a dumpling I didn’t like). Edamame and side salads are available too, but this place is all about the dumplings!

Faves: They only sell 3 types of dumplings, each one unique. (You get 6 of one kind for $6.) I love the classic Pork & Chinese Chive, served with soy sesame dip, but if you prefer yours spicier order the Chicken & Thai Basil with peanut sauce. My vegetarian friends recommend the Vegetarian Edamame with lemon-sansho dip.

Follow: www.twitter.com/rickshawtruck

Photo Credit: The Treats Truck

THE TREATS TRUCK

Fare: Homemade cookies, cakes and brownies are baked daily by Kim Ima (who refers to herself as owner/baker/driver/eater) and doled out from her environmentally-friendly silver and red truck named Sugar (awww, how cute is that?). As her tagline says, “Treats are good!”

Faves: I tend toward the classics (most between $1 and $3): the oatmeal old-fashioned cookies never fail to make me feel like kid again. But the cran-almond crispy (a new twist on rice crispy treats) is pretty addictive too!

She has daily specials as well (oh how I love the peanut butter and jelly cake sandwich cookies) and seasonal treats, like macaroons for Passover. A percentage of the profits from daily specials goes toward a rotating list of charities, giving you added incentive to order more treats.

Follow: www.twitter.com/thetreatstruck

FOR MORE FOOD TRUCKS: Check out the lot at the World Financial Center in lower Manhattan. Also check out this earlier CityPASS post on Mobile Munchies.

The previous 50 years brought Seattle the iconic Space Needle, futuristic symbol of the 1962 World’s Fair, and global recognition as a Pacific Northwest powerhouse in terms of innovation and culture. What will The Next Fifty bring?

According to organizers of a six-month-long commemorative event, The Next Fifty will bring competitions, performances, exhibitions and interactive learning opportunities for adults and children alike to the grounds of the Seattle Center, another legacy of the 1962 fair. Ongoing events include a community history project collecting individual recollections of the 1962 World’s Fair (add your memories at The Next Fifty.

From opening day on April 21 through October, visitors will be able to peruse an exhibit of memorabilia called Celebrating Century 21, and take walking tours of the historic 74-acre Seattle Center, “an urban park and cultural campus” built to accommodate the fair and provide a lasting gathering place for city residents and visitors. Individual activities will range from public art installations, including the largest exhibition of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly’s work in May, to a month-long science fair at the Pacific Science Center in June, to a 10K run in August, to The Next Fifty Job Fair of the Future in September and a Pacific Northwest Tea Festival in October.

In this 50th anniversary year, a new generation of fair organizers hopes to tap into the memory of civic pride and worldwide enthusiasm that accompanied “Century 21 Exposition.” In 1962, the fair board played to the public’s fascination with Space following the Soviet’s successful launch of Sputnik. Exhibits presented science and dreams of the future as attainable for average folks. More than 10 million people attended the fair, with President John F. Kennedy providing the opening address.

In 2012, the fair board again looks forward, with themes such as global health, sustainability, science and technology, and learning focusing on areas of worldwide significance today. They hope that workshops, expositions and lecture series with experts in various fields will spark community conversations centered on these important topics. Fittingly, the six-month event culminates with an emphasis on civic action.

Rotating exhibits at the International Fountain Pavilion and Next Fifty Plaza will correspond to the various themes. And if you missed Tutankhamun on his journey around the States, you can catch him at his last North American stop when the the Pacific Science Center hosts Tutankhamun: The Golden King and The Great Pharaohs from May 24, 2012 to January 13, 2013 ($12 for CityPASS holders). Local and visiting audiences can enjoy public art displays, theatrical performances, musical entertainment, athletic demonstrations and parades throughout the six months of festivities.

Other highlights from the jam-packed roster of The Next Fifty include AVATAR: The Exhibition, an inside look at the making of James Cameron’s hit movie, a zipline over International Fountain, and a giant Seattle Works rally of volunteers. Additionally, the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) will present a series of free workshops co-hosted by Seattle Public Library, King County Library System and the Seattle Center Foundation exploring the memories, memorabilia and myths of Seattle’s 1962 World’s Fair. “The seminars will teach participants the skills needed to discover, document and distribute the fascinating histories of one of Seattle’s most influential events,” according to The Next Fifty website.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Anderson

Looking for a destination that combines the finest of history, arts, entertainment, sports, public spaces, shopping and cuisine? Check out Philadelphia! The dynamic and culturally diverse “City of Brotherly Love” is also a terrific place to people-watch, look at architecture, or simply sit in an outdoor cafe along one of its green and glorious parks.

Choosing from all that Philadelphia has to offer is a little bit like deciding on lunch at its famous Reading Terminal Market—a lot to choose from, and much depends on what satisfies your appetite on that particular day. It's easiest to break down what to do into a fistful of agendas.

Founded in 1682 by William Penn, the city and its residents make no secret of being proud of its heritage. After all, this is where the first Constitutional Congress was held, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and a temporary capital of the United States. To appreciate its past (and begin your contemporary visit), start in “Olde City,” where you can tour Independence Hall (a national historic park), see the Liberty Bell, and take in National Constitution Center. Elfreth's Alley, one of the oldest continually-inhabited streets in America, is just a stroll away, as is Ben Franklin's grave and homesite.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Anderson

If this is your first time in Philadelphia, think about hopping on a double-decker from the Phila Trolley Tour and Big Bus Company to acquire the lay of the land. Tours depart from Independence Hall; you also get on/off privileges aboard either kind of bus for a full 24 hours, with easy pick-up and drop-off at 21 conveniently-located stops (all of the CityPASS attractions except for the Aquarium).

Worth a stop for grown-ups (and off the beaten path from Center City) is Eastern State Penitentiary, a captivating-yet-crumbling “living ruin.” You won't soon forget this close (maybe too close?) look at what happened to the bad guys of yore, with plenty of informative tidbits, including the legend that Al Capone's “luxurious” cell was haunted!

From a bus or trolley, you'll also have a chance to see the many terrific neighborhoods that give Philadelphia such richness — Chinatown, South Street, Antique Row, just to name a few—as well as discover what areas you'd like to return to.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Anderson

Don't miss ogling City Hall, the nation's largest stone building, topped by William Penn himself. [Photo #2] Then head toward the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the pleasant walk from Love Park (JFK Plaza) to The Franklin Institute. It's one of those places where you can lose yourself in every interactive space. So is the Academy of Natural Sciences, right nearby. It doesn't seem to matter what you're interested in—dinosaurs or dioramas, aeronautics, seashells or constellations—there's something for everyone. Both also offer affordable upgrades to CityPASS holders (I especially like the Butterflies! exhibit at ANS).

Keep walking up the Parkway and you'll see the Rodin Museum; farther up the way sits the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Even if an art museum isn't your thing, jog up the steps, Rocky style—and don't miss the statue of Philly's most famous (fictional) fighter that sits along the museum's grassy exterior. Stroll around the building to check out another two dozen more statues—a perfect pastime on a nice day.

Traveling with your family and want some kid-friendly fun? Go to the Philadelphia Zoo (you will definitely want to catch the Trolley to this one), the Adventure Aquarium on Camden's waterfront (located a short ferry ride across the Delaware from Penn's Landing), or the Please Touch Museum (in Memorial Hall at Fairmount Park, north of the Art Museum). All three sites offer state-of-the-art hands-on experiences, designed to stimulate and educate the curious of all ages.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Anderson

Is all this sightseeing making you hungry? Well, no matter what you like to eat or how much you want to spend, yummy treats abound. Ethnic street-front choices are numerous—some affordable, some at a splurge. Many famous fine-dining restaurateurs, including Stephen Starr, Jose Garces, and Georges Perrier, all call Philadelphia home.

For something simple, pick up picnic goodies at an upscale deli like DiBruno's or at America's oldest outdoor market—the Italian Market, on South 9th Street. Or, also in the Italian neighborhood, snag an iconic cheese-steak sandwich. The two most famous vendors, Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, vie for attention within a stone's throw of each other. Be sure to see the “rock and roll wall of fame” painted on a nearby wall.

Such murals, popping up where you least expect them to be, are definitely a big part of Philadelphia's public art scene. Feeling energetic? You can stroll the circuit of 17 of the most famous of them on a route called the Mural Mile.

Love ballet or the opera? Want to see the latest high-powered show? World-class concert and theater opportunities are centered on the Avenue of the Arts. Big-name contemporary stars often perform at Lincoln Financial Field, part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, home to Philly's professional sports teams (the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, and Wings). All of these venues are known for being super fan friendly and are within walking distance of a SEPTA train station.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Anderson

Want something a little more dynamic? Participate, along with 50,000 others, in the 10-mile-long Blue Cross Broad Street Run or other competitive charity event; stop by the colorful (and constantly changing) Magic Gardens on South Street; snag tickets to the World Cafe radio program, aired on NPR and taped live near the University of Pennsylvania campus; or consider renting a bike to enjoy the best of either (or both) of Philly's beautiful riverfront areas.

If your craving for history hasn't yet been satisfied, consider a side trip to Valley Forge, where George Washington wintered during the Revolutionary War, or rent a car and drive the Amish countryside to one of the most important Civil War battlefields, Gettysburg National Military Park.

If you're looking for a captivating destination, consider Philadelphia. And ask yourself, “Why stay only a weekend?” With so many wonderful things to do and see (and your CityPASS booklet lasts a full nine days), consider extending your visit!

Across the United States, and really the whole world, there are aquariums with all sorts of amazing exhibits that capture the imagination and educate us on the beauties and wonders of aquatic life. Whether you're fascinated by coral, sharks, or colorful tropical fish you can be sure to see and learn amazing things at the world's aquariums.

The graphic below shares some facts and figures about some of the accredited aquariums in the world, as well as highlights of some of the most famous aquariums in the US and abroad. In the comments, share with us one of your favorite aquarium adventures!

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Aquariums - Facts and Figures

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Annual Survey Results (Updated September 21, 2011)

• 225 accredited zoos and aquariums in 7 countries
• Breakdown (combination of both zoos and aquariums for each country):
  • United States - 214
  • Canada - 5
  • Mexico - 2
  • Bermuda - 1
  • Bahamas - 1
  • Argentina - 1
  • Hong Kong - 1

Types of Accredited Institutions

• 142 zoos
• 37 aquariums
• 9 both zoos and aquariums
• 19 safari and theme parks
• 15 science and nature centers
• 2 aviaries
• 1 butterfly house
• 54% non-profit
• 35% public
• 11% for-profit

Animals in AZA-Accredited Institutions

• 751,931 animals
• 6,000 species
• 1,000 threatened or endangered species

Aquarium Highlights in the US

Aquarium of the Bay

• Non-profit marine nature center affiliated with The Bay Institute
• Opened in 1996
• Over 600,000 people visit the Aquarium each year
• Over 20,000 aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay and nearby waters live in Aquarium of the Bay
• Home to a wide variety of sharks, including seven-gill sharks, which reach lengths over 10 feet
• Features two signature tunnel tanks with moving walkways that total 300 feet in length

New England Aquarium

• Global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation founded in 1969
• 30,000 animals and 70 exhibits representing unique habitats worldwide
• 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank, 130 species and 850 animals, highlighting coral reef conservation
• 1.3 million visitors annualy

Seattle Aquarium

• Opened in 1977 and expanded 18,000 square feet by 2007
• The major exhibits are: Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Pacific Coral Reef, Puget Sound Fish and Dome Room, Puget Sound Orcas Family Activity Center, Marine Mammals
• 800,000 people visit annually

Shedd Aquarium

• Was incorporated on February 11, 1924
• Houses more than 32,500 animals
• Approximately 2 million guests visit every year
• Has the oldest animal in a public aquarium in the world, an Australian lungfish named Granddad
• Features beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Alaskan sea otters and harbor seals in a re-creation of a Pacific Northwest coastal environment

Georgia Aquarium

• World's largest aquarium with more than 10 million gallons of water and more aquatic life than any other
• The aquarium was opened November 23, 2005
• 3.6 million guests visited in the first year
• Approximately 40% of the reef wall in Tropical Diver Gallery presented by Southwest Airlines is live coral and is predicted to be 100% live in the next 5-10 years
• In the Aquarium's life support systems there are: 506 pumps using over 5,500 horsepower to move more than 300,000 gallons of water every minute

Adventure Aquarium

• Opened its doors in May 2005
• Serves over 800,000 visitors every year
• Featuring nearly 200,000 square feet of space and over 2 million gallons of water
• Has 8,500 animals
• Offers numerous hands-on experiences including the Stingray Beach Club, where you can touch and hand-feed gentle and curious stingrays
• Guests can also visit: African penguins, a shark in the 40-foot suspended shark tunnel, 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit

Downtown Aquarium - Houston

• There are over 200 species of aquatic life at the Downtown Aquarium Houston
• The tank is almost 200,000 gallons
• Shark Tank is the largest exhibit and can be viewed on the Shark Voyager Train Ride

Steinhart Aquarium

• Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences is the oldest scientific institution in the West (founded in 1853)
• Average of 1 million people come and visit annually
• One of the most biodiverse and interactive aquariums with 38,000 animals representing more than 900 separate species
• Main Exhibits Include:
  • The Coral Reef Tank exhibit houses a broad range of aquatic life from the coral reefs and mangroves of the Philippines
  • Rainforests of the World exhibit is contained within a glass dome that is 90 feet tall
  • California Coast exhibits a wide variety of native birds, fish, and invertebrates
• The Coral Reef tank is the second largest living coral reef display in the world, measures 12,000 square feet and holds 212,000 gallons of water
• Natural systems are used to purify nitrate wastes, ensuring that aquarium water can be recycled

SeaWorld San Diego

• SeaWorld San Diego opened March 21, 1964
• Now with 4 million visitors each year
• Spread across 189 acres on beautiful Mission Bay Park
• Features more than 5,700 fishes representing 434 species from The Great Barrier Reef of Australia to The Amazon River of Brazil
• Aquarium de la Mer features hundreds of tropical, cold-water fish, and local species of the waters in Southern California like rockfish, wolf eel, and Pacific giant octopus
• World of the Sea Aquarium showcases tropical, California and game fish plus white sea bass

Aquariums Around the World

Oceanario de Lisbos

• Lisbon's newest and most modern quarter of Parque das Nacoes
• This centerpiece was opened in 1998 and now has 1 million visitors every year
• Inhabited by over 16,000 plants and animals that represent over 450 distinct species
• Some activities include:
  • Fish Market - merge past and present and ensure the future holds a sustainable use of the oceans
  • Sleeping with the Sharks - most sharks are not dangerous to humans and therefore an excellent companion for the night

Sydney Aquarium

• First opened in 1988
• Between 55-60% of all visitors are from overseas
• Over 1 million guests visit annually
• Has an impressive 4,000 square meters of exhibit space
• There are 650 species and 11,000 Australian aquatic animals

Underwater World - Singapore

• The aquarium first opened its doors in 1991
• There are more than 1.4 million visitors coming in each year
• Located on Sentosa Island
• A unique and famous oceanarium showcasing some 2,500 marine animals from 250 species from around the regions of Asia

Source:

• http://www.aza.org/zoo-aquarium-statistics/
• http://www.neaq.org/about_us/index.php
• http://www.seattleaquarium.org/npos/Pages/SeattleAquariumSociety.aspx
• http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/science-updates/camden-nj-adventure-aquarium-partners-with-coastal-america
• http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston/visitorInfo.asp
• http://houston.citysearch.com/profile/35820045/houston_tx/downtown_aquarium.html
• http://www.san-francisco.world-guides.com/museums.html
• http://www.destination360.com/europe/portugal/lisbon-oceanarium
• http://www.oceanario.pt/cms/1190
• http://www.oceanario.pt/cms/1185
• http://www.indexoz.com/sydney/aquarium/facts.html
• http://www.aquariumz.org/asia+index.htm
• http://www.wwf.sg/news_stories/?14130/Underwater-World-Singapore-and-WWF-make-a-splash-for-marine-conservation

The first Disney property I ever stayed at was the Disneyland Hotel. It was also the property we chose when we took our three-year-old niece on her first trip to Disneyland in 2002. We have tons of photos of her at the hotel — smiling in front of the statue of Mickey Mouse, riding the elevators (she was living in a town that didn’t have many such fancy contraptions, so, for her, this was as much fun as Disneyland itself), splashing around in the Neverland pool, and, of course, eating lots of meals at Goofy’s Kitchen.

So, I was slightly apprehensive when I learned that Disney was planning a remodel of its now 57-year-old landmark property. What if the hotel looked so different that it no longer brought back memories of my childhood visits to Disneyland … or reminiscences of the many trips that followed with our nieces and nephew?

I never should have worried. Disney, as usual, did it right.

“The hotel is so important to the park’s history,” says John Mauro, Walt Disney Imagineering Development Manager. “We know guests have an emotional connection to it. We wanted to be really respectful of that.”

Mission accomplished. The renovation of the hotel, which was completed just a few months ago, showcases a terrific blend of nostalgia, contemporary comforts, and luxuries accented by Disney storytelling.

Among the highlights:

• Beautifully remodeled guest rooms that feature such Disney touches as headboards carved with a representation of Sleeping Beauty Castle. And, as if that wasn’t cool enough, just flick a switch and the castle lights up, providing you with a musical bedtime light show.
• In addition to the Mickey Mouse Penthouse, guests can now personalize their stay, choosing from the Pirates of the Caribbean, Fairy Tale, Big Thunder and Adventureland suites, all with wonderful Disney touches.
• The Monorail Pool, where two huge water slides (the larger of the two is 26 feet high and 187 feet long) send guests zipping through replicated monorail cars before dropping them into the splash pool below. The pool also offers the Minnie Spa outdoor hot tub.
• Nearby, the four-foot-deep D-Ticket Pool — perfect for families with smaller children — boasts tiles that resemble the historic ticket books used in the early days of the Disneyland Resort.
• Tangaroa Terrace – Casual Dining Island (pool area, between the Monorail Slide and the D-Ticket Pool): This Polynesian-themed eatery features tiki torches and South Seas music. Signature items include French toast with warm banana-caramel sauce and the 1/3-pound Hawaiian cheeseburger with teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar: Inspired by the Jungle Cruise, Trader Sam’s is named for the “head” salesman passengers see during the Jungle Cruise ride. The bar features many of the exotic wares Sam has collected over the years. Serving appetizers, lunch and dinner.

Thankfully, Goofy’s Kitchen and Mickey’s brass statue are still there. And Mickey’s giant sorcerer’s hat, which marks the entrance to Downtown Disney, remains intact. Oh, and the memories are still there too — along with lots of new memories waiting to be made.

Typical Cross Street, West 20th Street, looking East. ©Iwan Baan, 2009

I’ve always had a thing for gardens that bloom in unexpected places. Growing up in an apartment in the Bronx, I watched my green-thumb dad transform our ugly urban windows into welcoming little landscapes--painting the wrought iron window guards white to resemble picket fences and placing flower boxes with geraniums on every sill.

All it took was a little vision and a few plants to turn a bleak backdrop into a glorious green space. It’s the same principle that New York City’s High Line park (www.thehighline.org) was designed on, and why it’s become one of my favorite urban retreats.

Open since 2009, the High Line park is built on an abandoned old elevated railway, 30 feet above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Freight trains ran here from 1934 to 1980, but in the years after the High Line railway closed, the tracks and the black steel structure that supported them were considered an eyesore and slated for demolition.

However in 1999, neighborhood residents Joshua David and Robert Hammond formed “Friends of the High Line,” a community organization devoted to preserving and transforming the historic railway into a space that the public could enjoy. It took a decade to make it happen, but today the High Line has become one of New York’s great green treasures.

Wildflowers and Killer Views

Before its makeover, the High Line was overgrown with weeds and wildflowers. Now there’s a flat path for strolling, flanked by grasses, shrubs, trees and perennials--many of them native to New York. Instead of removing the tracks completely, landscape architects selectively worked them back into the park’s design, and replanted some of the very same wildflowers that grew so rampantly before. The result is a park that looks so natural and organic, you’ll find it hard to believe that it hasn’t been here all along.

Radial Bench, a long wooden bench curves with the pathway for an entire city block, between West 28th and West 29th Streets, looking South. ©Iwan Baan, 2011

The High Line runs mostly along Tenth Avenue, from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District through Chelsea to W. 30th Street. (It will eventually continue on to W. 34th Street, once expansion plans are completed.) You access it by staircases and elevators located sporadically along the way.

One of the things I love best about the High Line is how it puts you above the city’s traffic and hustle bustle, while still keeping you very connected to the neighborhoods it weaves through. And then, of course, there are the views. The southern portion looks out over the Hudson River, at one point offering a cool glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. As you walk along, you’ll pass awesome architecture--like the Frank Gehry-designed IAC building, and the Chrysler and Empire Street Buildings in the distance. The narrow northern part snakes between apartments (see if you can spot the whimsical portraits of people waving in some of the windows).

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

There are entrances to the High Line every few blocks, but I prefer starting at the beginning at the Gansevoort Stair and walking north. (If you follow my lead, just be sure to stop at the Tenth Avenue Square viewing stand at W. 17th Street, where I want you to turn around to face south so you don’t miss the awesome view of the Statue of Liberty.) If your feet are up to the challenge, I suggest walking all the way to the end of the High Line on W. 30th Street, then doubling back and exiting around W. 23rd Street, or continuing on downtown to where you started. (It’s a good entrée to exploring the West Village, just a few blocks away from the Gansevoort Stair). There are benches and grandstands for resting all along the High Line.

Take your time, and notice how the High Line changes as you stroll. It was built in 2 sections (the first, from Gansevoort to W. 20th Street; the second from W. 20th to W. 30th), and each has a distinct vibe. The blooms will vary too, according to season. I’ve walked the High Line in spring, summer, fall and winter; by day and in the evening light. And every time, the experience feels fresh and new.

Sundeck Water Feature and Preserve, between West 14th Street and West 15th Street, looking South. ©Iwan Baan, 2009

My favorite High Line spots

• The Diller-von Furstenberg Sundeck (between W. 14th & W. 15th Streets): A gift from IAC chairman Barry Diller and his wife designer Diane von Furstenberg, who are big supporters of the High Line, this relaxing area has wooden lounge chairs and a soothing waterscape built into the sidewalk. It’s a great place to hang at sunset!
• The Tenth Avenue Square (at W. 17th Street): Stand here and face south to spot the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.
• Still Life with Landscape (Model for a Habitat) Sculpture (between W. 20th & W. 21st Streets): More commonly referred to as the “bird condos” by fans, this striking steel and wood art installation by Sarah Sze provides haven for birds, ladybugs and butterflies.
• 23rd Street Lawn & Seating Steps (between W. 22nd & W. 23rd Streets): I love how the steps blend in with the brick wall and its vintage painted advertisement. And I could sit on this lawn for hours! This is my go-to meeting place for catching up with friends in warm weather.
• The Philip A. and Lisa Maria Falcone Flyover (between W. 25th and W. 26th Streets): Here, the pathway narrows and raises up another 8 feet, lifting you above the vegetation and transporting you through a canopy of sumac and magnolia trees. In the summer, it feels like you’re walking through a forest.

Boston Common Photo credit: http://buckinghambostonapartments.com/

By the time spring rolls around in New England, residents are beyond ready to put away their galoshes, parkas and ice scrapers in favor of running shoes, light jackets and sunny smiles.

I can attest to the severity of the winters. I had a paper route one winter in Cambridge, Mass., delivering the now-deceased Boston Herald Traveler. I used my bike when the sidewalks weren't coated with ice, but most of that miserable season, I trudged in snow before daylight, or tried and keep the papers dry in the icy rain using plastic sheeting whipped about in the wind. Now before you start to roll your eyes, expecting me to spin a yarn about cutting wood for the pot bellied stove, let's move on to what a visitor can expect when spring raises its glorious head in Boston.

The first thing I recommend for a perfect weekend is to get a sense of the city by boat. One of the consensus favorites is the Duck Boat Tour, a fleet of crazy, converted World War II war machines that drive through historic sites in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, downtown Boston and the North End ... until they splash down into the Charles River for a 30 minute cruise. Folks quack like hell since some get a little wet, and the kids get plastic duck bills to wear. The guides keep things lively with quips and plenty of 'tude, which is what you'd expect in Beantown. It's best to reserve a ride online, or tickets are available inside the Museum of Science after the gift shop, inside the Prudential Center across from Barnes and Noble and in the Whale Watch Booth at the New England Aquarium.

Whale Watch Photo credit: Ashley Schaffert, http://whalewatch.neaq.org/

Boston is one of the nation's top sports towns, so taking in a game is a must. I'm a diehard Celtics fan and if they're in town, my preference is to watch the "Big Three" with Rajon Rondo work some magic on the famous parquet floor. But it is inside, and if the Celts aren't driving to the NBA Finals, Boston's sports fans gravitate to Fenway Park in the spring to watch the Red Sox. Few venues capture the romance of the game as this brick-faced stadium. It also has the Green Monster, a manual scoreboard and narrow seats ... although they didn't seem so small when I was 12.

If you're looking for a great place to eat with a nightlife scene and fun music, check out Lucky's Lounge — a swinging hipster lounge straight out of the '50s. It gets pretty crowded after work and the swing gets down when Motown, funk and blues bands take the stage.

The next day, make sure you get an appreciation for the area's history by taking the Freedom Trail, either on a guided tour or download a map and hike it on your own. Our family followed the map for part of the trail and visited the places we all learned about in school: From Boston Commons, the Boston Massacre site and Paul Revere's Old North Church (where Sarah Palin famously and erroneously said that Mr. Revere warned the "British that they weren't gonna be takin' away our arms by ringing those bells ...") — to Bunker Hill and, my favorite, the USS Constitution. It's quite a distance, so take it piecemeal if necessary.

Fenway Park

Do not leave town without visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, one of Boston's CityPASS' premier attractions. Last year, the museum opened its Art of the Americas wing — doubling the number of objects it can display from the museum’s vast collection, including several large-scale masterpieces not displayed for decades. Running through August, its special Paper Zoo” brings together prints, drawings, and photographs of the animal kingdom dating from about 1500 to the present. It features some 30–40 works by Rembrandt, Audubon, Picasso, and others, and will delight both children and adults.

Another perfect weekend favorite of mine is another Boston CityPASS stop: Harvard Museum of Natural History, mostly because I'm a sucker for dinosaurs. Located at the oldest university in America, the child-friendly museum features dinosaurs (a 42-foot Kronosaurus, and one of the first Triceratops ever discovered), meteorites, gemstones, and hundreds of animals around the globe. The main feature of the museum is its impressive Glass Flowers collection, which was started in 1886 and took over five decades to complete. Dazzling, intricate and botanically precise, more than 3,000 glass flowers comprise the museum’s signature exhibit.

While you're at Harvard, you might was well take a Harvard Tour, which are freewheeling and fun. Harvard's graduates include Sam Adams, John Hancock and John Adams. That dude from The Social Network, Mark Zuckerberg, also went to Harvard, except that instead of graduating, he left early to go be a billionaire running Facebook.

Lizzy's Homemade Ice Cream - Harvard Square

Boston CityPASS can be purchased online at citypass.com or at any of the Boston CityPASS attractions. It is valid for nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.

Reading Terminal Market sign in Philadelphia
Photo credit: Bruce Anderson / http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:12th_Arch.jpg

Giant handmade pretzels? Tender baby-back ribs? A traditional Philly cheesesteak?

After a morning spent touring a mere fraction of Philadelphia’s 3,500 public murals, our feet were tired and our stomachs were rumbling. The murals had been a visual feast, but, by 1 o’clock, we were ready for a feast of a different kind: one that most definitely involved some hands-on, interactive elements.

Our only problem was deciding to lunch at the historic Reading Terminal Market, where the extensive, aromatic choices left us waffling (no pun intended) for another 45 minutes over which food stalls to visit.

Pretzel dogs from Miller's Twist'
Photo credit: Deborah Wakefield

Ultimately, we decided that a divide-and-conquer strategy might work best. We’d separate, purchase some items, and meet back at our lunch table to share the spoils. I went for the Cajun chicken Alfredo (anything with Alfredo sauce is A-O.K. in my book) from Beck’s Cajun Café, Jeanne returned with pretzel dogs from Miller’s Twist, and Lauren scored the mother lode: a Philly cheesesteak from Spataro’s Cheesesteaks and a grapefruit-sized apple dumpling from the Dutch Eating Place. Best of all: None of us had spent more than $10 on lunch.

We spent the next hour sampling and people-watching at the busy market, which was originally opened by the Reading Railroad in 1892. At that time, the market sat below the tracks of the railroad’s massive train shed and was touted as the greatest food market in the world. And, in our book, it definitely rates in the top 10, alongside Pike Place Market in Seattle and the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto.

Domenic Spataro with his grill man at Spataro’s Cheesesteaks.
Photo credit: Carolyn Wyman

We worked off our lunch as we ambled about the market, watching a young Pennsylvania Dutch woman twist dough into giant pretzels and trying to decide if a better take-home souvenir would be handcrafted jewelry from Amazulu, a jar of golden honey from Bee Natural, or handmade soaps and skin-care items from Terralyn: Bath, Body, Spirit. Yet again, we were stymied by too many good choices.

The market, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2012, is open daily. And for those who want to know the fascinating stories behind such Philly food favorites as cheesesteaks, hoagies and pretzels — as well as the history of the Reading Terminal Market itself — there is the Taste of Philly Food Tour, a 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tours every Wednesday and Saturday. Tours are $15.95 for adults, $8.95 for kids 7-11, and free for those age 6 or younger. Reservations are required; call (215) 545-8007 for more information.

Photo credit: http://www.visithoustontexas.com/

1. It’s Affordable
Recently, both Budget Travel and SmarterTravel.com named Houston as a top bargain destination, thanks to reasonable hotel rates and lower-than-average restaurant meal costs. Another savings factor cited by Budget Travel magazine: Houston CityPASS, which shaves 46 percent off the combined cost to visit five top attractions: Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium and Houston Museum of Natural Science, as well as two option tickets that give visitors a choice between the Houston Zoo and The Health Museum, and between the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and The Children’s Museum of Houston.

2. The Food is Great
In 2011, Southern Living magazine named Houston one of the “Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South; the year before, Esquire ranked Houston No. 4 on its list of “Top Culinary Destinations in the U.S.” and The New York Times noted that the city has “one of the most satisfying food scenes in the country.” That’s thanks to an influx of celebrity chefs cooking up a range of eats that span the gastronomical gamut, from Tex-Mex to Vietnamese. One of the city’s hottest dining districts is Lower Westheimer, which will welcome half a dozen new restaurants in 2012.

Photo credit: http://elrealtexmex.com/

3. The Museums are Cool
Among the best are the Houston Museum of Natural Science, whose expansive new Paleontology Hall is scheduled to open in summer 2012; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with a stunning outdoor sculpture garden and an indoor collection of some 64,000 works of art that span the globe and the centuries; the Children’s Museum of Houston, named the No. 1 children’s museum by Parents magazine (2011) and one of the top 12 by Forbes (2012); and The Health Museum, where visitors can embark on a larger-than-life walking tour through the human body.

4. Surf and Turf Animal Exhibits
Many cities have an outstanding zoo or a stellar aquarium. Houston has both. So, whether you prefer your animals with fins or feet or something in between, you’re covered. Not to be missed are the Houston Zoo’s The African Forest exhibit, which debuted in 2010 and is home to chimpanzees, rhinos, kudu, giraffes and ostriches; and the Downtown Aquarium’s Underwater Shipwreck exhibit, which allows guests to step inside the hull of a 17th century sunken galleon and look out at a diversity of species the ocean world has to offer.

Photo credit: http://www.spacecenterpress.org/photos

5. It’s Still Out of this World
Where else can a visitor catch a glimpse of an astronaut training for an upcoming mission? Few places in America spark such excitement in adults and children as Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The center displays spacecraft, spacesuits and other artifacts illustrating our nation’s most important chapters in space exploration, and looks to the future with the Saturn V Complex at Rocket Park.

Whether you're looking for an exciting weekend getaway or embarking on a family friendly adventure, you'll find something for everyone in Houston. Spring is a great time to travel to Houston!