Gridskipper : The Worldwide Travel Blog

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Where to catch the fireworks in NYC [Metromix]
Tighter immigration laws means England may not be known for Indian food for long [Jaunted]
Crisis psychologists to counsel Naples on its trash problem [Spiegel]
Bedford Avenue to be car free for 4 days, hipsters rejoice [Gothamist]
Oregon man to attempt 4th of July flight in law chair flown by balloons [MSNBC]
Finding a bit of Australia in Sonoma, California [NYT]

> Food —

Nothing compliments 4th of July celebrations like BBQ. Fortunately, Concierge.com has done the legwork and narrowed down the US’ best BBQ joints for you. Top picks include South Carolina’s Po Pigs Bo-B-Q, Harold’s in Atlanta and NYC’s own Plataforma Churrascaria. [MSNBC]

> Sports —

Watch out Donald, looks like someone else is getting in on the luxury golf game. “The Indoor Golf Arena, an 18,000 square meter indoor golfing facility, is set to open its doors in the Netherlands in 2010, making it the largest facility of its kind in the world.” Take that Dubai. [LI]

Thursday, July 3, 2008

sightseeing

New York's Urban Beaches

new%20york%20urban%20beaches.jpg During the summer, weekends in New York City are sort of dead. With people hopping the jitney to the Hamptons or off to the Jersey shore for the weekend, you'd think that the city was a landlocked desert. Not so! You can enjoy seaside fun even in the heart of the city, and not just at perennial favorite Water Taxi Beach. The travel time is minimal, and there's no need to join an annoying house share with people you will inevitably grow to hate. Oh, who are you kidding ... you already hate them.

Continue reading "New York's Urban Beaches"

> Meanwhile in the Hamptons —

Just in time for the long weekend, indie fashion mavens Refinery 29 have narrowed down the best pit stops the Hamptons has to offer. Yigal Azrouel, Tauk and Screaming Mimi’s all make the sartorial cut, while eateries like Donna Karan’s Tutto Il Giorno and outdoor-fireplace-equipped Sole East come highly-recommended. [Refinery29]

> Meanwhile in Paris —

Lynn Yaeger books it to Paris for the weekend. No, she wasn’t looking to embark on her own “36-hours in,” rather she wanted to see first hand the goods – think Dinh Van-approved silver cobblestones - on display at a number of Parisian shops honoring the 40th anniversary of the legendary Mai 68 protests. [VV]

hangover observations

Wheels Up: FAA, Frankfurt Royalty & The 4th

A $73 million vertical bridge opens in Jerusalem, causes controversy [Globorati]
Feds crack down on FAA inefficiency and faulty inspection policies [AP]
In Frankfurt, a restaurant of royal proportions [CNT]
BBtv gets free reign on Virgin American plane [BoingBoing]
Finding serenity in Massachusetts [NYT]
US military to open airspace to relieve Independence Day congestion [CNN]

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

hotels

Meanwhile in Atlantic City

Atlantic City's new hotel, the Chelsea, is showing its first signs of life! The pink neon signs out front and on top of the new hotel were up-and-running as of last night. The non-gaming boutique hotel, which officially opens August 1st, is boardwalk-adjacent and will house two restaurants overseen by Stephen Starr, nightlife courtesy of the boys behind NYC's Beatrice Inn, as well as a 15,000 square-foot rooftop pool. The countdown begins...

hangover observations

Jetcetera: Virtual Waterfalls, LA Villas & Berlin's Smoking Ban

Niagra Falls uses virtual waterfalls to attract tourists… huh? [MSNBC]
Beijing’s Park Hyatt will open in time for Olympics [HC]
German officials say not enough manpower to enforce smoking ban in Berlin [Spiegel]
Everything you need to know about 4th of July NYC-style [GOAG]

> Planes —

Don’t be fooled by airlines' a la carte pricing. “Fresh indignities roll in on a weekly basis: You pay to check your bag, eat a soggy sandwich, get more legroom, pick your seat, fly your pet, talk to a real person.” Looks like all those $50 surcharges are increasingly likely… [SFG]

top

The Russian Billionaire's Guide to London

chmpagne%20cork%20main.jpg Ever since baby-faced oil swindler Roman Abramovich traded Moscow for Mayfair in 2003, a red tide of Russian super-rich have been making London their home. Belgravia estate agents have gleefully rubbed their hands raw as Russian bidding wars pile tens of millions onto already obscenely-priced luxury mansions, and obsequious Knightsbridge jewelers are now employing Russian-speaking staff to help part these newcomers from their cash. So if a prospective billionaire settler, fresh off his Lear jet, asks you to show him around town for a day (money no object of course), what are you going to do? Here's a sample itinerary you might try, costing a paltry sum northwards of twenty thousand pounds for the day.

Continue reading "The Russian Billionaire's Guide to London"

> Meanwhile in Denmark —

According to a recent study on global wellbeing, Denmark is the happiest country in the world. Colombia, Canada, Puerto Rico and Iceland meanwhile all landed in the top 10, while “the United States – the world’s richest nation – ranked 16th among 97 countries.” [CNN]

> Planes —

Imagine a world in which all airline offenses (forgetting reading material, laughing out loud at an in-flight movie, and, god forbid, extending your arm or torso beyond your armrest) cost fifty dollars. That’s right. Any and all transgressions: fifty dollars. Sadly, it’s not that hard… [New Yorker]

> Meanwhile in the Hamptons —

FYI Montauk is so not part of the Hamptons. A tipster set the following to our inbox: “Many locals that live and work year-round in Montauk do not consider this town as part of the ‘East Hampton Scene’ nor the Hamptons. Montauk is know for Attractions and Entertainment… This is for all ‘new yorkers,’ if you did not come for this reason please stay home. Especially guests, visitors, at the Surflodge.com/Montauk.” Ouch. Looks like guests at Sam Talbot’s new spot aren’t exactly charming the locals…

Wheels Up: Goddesses, Guns & Brewery Tours

Been there done that? Send your photos to the Guardian [Guardian]
Even Nepalese goddesses like watching HBO [Gadling]
Riding this city just got a little easier [Thrillist]
Atlanta thinks carrying concealed weapons in an airport ok [NYT]
DC’s metro to stay open late for Independence Day [Dcist]
Touring the world’s ten best breweries [Forbes]