Read more on Omaha World-Herald

With spring right around the corner, it’s time to put away the winter gloves and coats and dust off the sun tan lotion and binoculars. To be sure, there’s nothing like being able to soak up rays and refresh in the swimming pool following one of the most intense winter seasons on record – more than 60% of the U.S. was reportedly blanketed in snow earlier this year. That being said, it’s no surprise travelers are more than ready to hit up picturesque beaches, fine restaurants and lively nightclubs in Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and other spring break hot spots as the weather heats up. Read on for a taste of what awaits you at these meccas for fun, sun and much more.

Party in Miami

Known for its pearly white sand beaches and booming nightlife scene, everything about South Beach oozes fun and vibrancy. Fashion shoots and star-studded events are standard here, thus earning Miami a reputation as an oasis for the fashion forward. Shopping options are endless, from the popular Dolphin Mall in Doral to fine boutiques on Ocean Drive to a wide collection of stylish designer stores in the heart of the Collins Avenue Fashion District. Then there’s scores of chic, Art Deco hotels nestled on South Beach, each within minutes of the city’s hippest attractions. Among them are the trendy Whitelaw Hotel;  Hotel Chelsea, an Art Deco fixture since 1936; the Beach Paradise Hotel, whose design was inspired by Spanish mansions of old; and the Deauville Beach Resort, which over the years has attracted the likes of celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

Let Loose in Los Angeles

I’d be remiss to discuss Los Angeles shopping and nightlife without highlighting Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. The former includes world-famous Rodeo Drive, a shopping district famous for its upscale boutiques and shops. Passing through West Hollywood is the Sunset Strip, an area where colorful and expansive billboards are easy to find, as are various restaurants, nightclubs, and – if you’re lucky enough – a celebrity or two. Like Miami, Los Angeles is a playground for beachgoers as thousands flock to Venice Beach, among the city’s other sizzling beaches, to catch some rays or hang ten. Hotel Angeleno – a Joie de Vivre Hotel – and Hotel Beverly Terrace, two boutique properties in close proximity to Beverly Hills and Hollywood, make great places to unwind after a day of non-stop action in SoCal.

Live it up in Las Vegas

Dazzling lights and an ever-festive ambiance make Las Vegas a popular vacation hot spot year year-round, and spring break is certainly no exception. With scores of famous casinos, towering hotels, fine shops and renowned restaurants, it’s no surprise the city has been dubbed “The Entertainment Capital of the World.” Most of the world-famous Strip’s best shows and attractions are found on the resort properties that line it. Take Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower. Aside from boasting the largest observation tower in the United States, it proves that Florida and California are far from the only places for theme park thrills. Guests can enjoy heart-pounding rides including X-Scream and Insanity, both of which propel you anywhere from 27 to 64 feet over the edge of the Tower. Racing aficionados will love Speed – The Ride, a state-of-the-art rollercoaster at Sahara Hotel and Casino’s Nascar Cafe Entertainment Center.  If your idea of fun involves getting wet, guests should not miss Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, winner of the AAA Four-Diamond Award each year since 1977. The Tank is a $30 million complex featuring a shark tank, private cabanas and an exhilarating 3-story waterslide.

Tour NYC’s Stellar Attractions

Though New York City likely won’t sit atop your list of top beach destinations anytime soon, it nonetheless has enough attractions to keep travelers, no matter their age, well-entertained over the course of spring break. Catch a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, photograph the Statue of Liberty, watch a show on Broadway, tour the Museum of Modern Art, spend an afternoon unwinding at Central Park, or delight your palate at one of Chinatown’s many fine restaurants. Your options for things to do and places to see are endless. Within walking distance of these attractions is the Belvedere Hotel, an Art Deco style hotel that features a state-of-the-art fitness center and popular Rodizio-style steakhouse, Churrascaria Plataforma. Other notable properties include Affinia Shelburne at Lexington Avenue and the Eastgate Tower Hotel in Murray Hill.

Explore Europe

If you’re looking to break out of your usual routine and travel abroad for spring break this year, you’ll find a wealth of fun things to do and landmark attractions to gawk at in Europe. Among travelers’ favorites: the Louvre and always-striking Eiffel Tower in Paris, the historic Coliseum in Rome, and Museumplein, a spacious square along which four museums are set in art-rich Amsterdam. If you’d rather be doing something a bit more lively, each city hosts tons of exciting events year-round and features plenty of nightclubs, shops, restaurants and sporting venues to suit different tastes. Properties to check out include Villa Eugenie and Tonic Hotel Du Louvre, two of Paris’ finest; Hotel Savoy and the Ripa Hotel, two four-star gems in Rome; and Grand Hotel Amrath, a 5-star masterpiece nestled in the historic heart of Amsterdam.

source/photo: http://www.celebfood.com/2008/01/hot-double-date-night-tom-cruise-and.html

There is no better way to spend a weekend or vacation that to spend it dallying around the region during the day and then enjoying evenings of leisurely dining. There are numerous choices of activities and eateries that are sure to please the preference of every visitor.

You do not need to fly anywhere or drive for endless hours to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Kennebunkport, Maine offers it all and is located just a hundred miles north of Boston and only five hours from New York City. The short distance makes it feasible to come to Kennebunkport, if only to enjoy a day of leisure followed by dinner. At times, just a change of scenery and a few hours to explore a new town is all that is needed to be rejuvenated.

Kennebunkport is a seaside community that has the coastal New England ambiance that one would expect, while also offering an array of diamond star accommodations, endless miles of beaches, eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and museums.

If you love exploring new regions and love the ocean, then you will enjoy spending a day visiting local lighthouses. Kennebunk is home to the Goat Island lighthouse, the last manned lighthouse in Maine, and the next to the last to be automated in the United States. There are at least a half a dozen more within a short driving distance of Kennebunkport.

The majestic Atlantic coastline is best viewed from out on the water, where the visitor can look back at the rugged rocks, and the sights of people walking dogs, flying kites, running and walking along the sand beaches. The region offers numerous excursions which include whale watching, short schooner sailing trips, puffin watches, and sunset cruises.

For those who prefer to enjoy the rich culture of this historic town, a sightseeing tour would be a perfect way to spend the day. The In town Trolley offers 45 minute narrated tours and visits such places as President Bush’s estate, the Franciscan Monastery and Spouting Rock. For a minimal fee, you can purchase a day pass and disembark and board as often as you like throughout the day.

There are also walking tours available. Scattered throughout the village are places to buy steaming lattes, cocoa, and coffee to enjoy while taking in the wonder of seemingly stepping back to the 1600’s. The charm of the quaint brick buildings is not diminished by the 21st Century businesses that dwell within. For those who prefer the more contemporary shopping experience, Dock Square is an excellent place to do outlet shopping. Visitors will not want to bypass the opportunity to enjoy a cone of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, made right in New England.

Many visitors will come to Kennebunkport to enjoy playing golf on one of the many courses in the region. The Cape Arundel Golf Club is favored by former President Bush and offers tee times for visitors and non-members. Webhannet Golf Club is another excellent choice for avid golfers, and is home to regional tournaments.

There are some visitors who desire to enjoy the country setting that surrounds Kennebunkport. A must see is Lightfoot Farms, just outside of town. The farm raises Alpacas, specializing in Peruvian Alpacas. Visitors will enjoy learning about the tradition and rich heritage that accompanies raising alpacas.

Some will define “dallying” as doing nothing more than reading a good book and enjoying time at a Spa. Kennebunkport offers several choices, including The B

Reservations

Many fine dining establishments, if not most, require a reservation. How far in advance largely depends on the popularity of the restaurant and the time of year you will be going. Do not wait until two days before Valentine’s Day to reserve a spot for you and your sweetheart at the city’s finest restaurant. Fine dining establishments in some larger cities like New York, may be booked weeks–even months in advance. When it comes to upscale dining, planning is key.

Dress Code

While making your reservation, be sure to ask if the restaurant has a dress code. Some restaurants still require gentlemen to wear sports jackets and/or ties. With the frequent changes in fashion, however, even some of the most upscale restaurants have relaxed their dress codes.

Napkins

Upon arrival and once seated, it is customary to place your napkin in your lap. If your napkin is a large one, you can fold it in half as you lay it across your lap. When excusing yourself from the table for a moment and once the meal is over, simply fold your napkin loosely and place it either to the left or right of your plate.

Utensils and Place Settings

Don’t let the silverware and drinking glass arsenal intimidate you. Most fine dining establishments serve more than one course. The selection can vary by restaurant, but typically you can expect to see something like soup, bread, salad, your main entree, and a dessert. This assortment of food requires more silverware, plates, and glasses than your typical casual dining setting.

In general, where silverware is concerned, you will work from the outside inward as each new course is brought to the table. As you finish each course, leave the silverware neatly on your dish. Used silverware should never be laid back on the tablecloth. Your wait staff will remove your utensil and serving dish when you finish that course.

Other Pointers

Pass food from the left to the right.
If someone asks you to pass salt or pepper, pass them both together and place them on the table within reach of the person. Do not pass them hand-to-hand.
Butters and dips should be transferred from the serving dish to your own plate before you spread them onto your food.
Bread should not be cut with a knife; it should be broken instead.
When eating soup, dip the soupspoon into the bowl at the edge closest to you and move it away from you into the center. To avoid spilling the soup in your spoon, fill it only 2/3 full. Sip from the edge of your spoon. Don’t slurp. When finishing the soup you may tip the bowl slightly away from you to scoop up the remainder.
When cutting meat or fish, only cut two bites at a time.
If eating something difficult to pierce, like peas, you can use a piece of bread or your knife to help push the items onto your fork, but do not use your fingers.

By planning ahead, following good manners, and keeping the above pointers in mind, you will enjoy a more relaxed and memorable fine dining experience.