Here’s an interesting study that arrives just in time for what is Opening Day for most teams in Major League Baseball. A new study from FlashPicks ranked all 30 MLB ballparks based on the overall number of Instagram hashtags, to determine which stadium is the most picturesque. I do quibble a bit with the methodology, as the teams that attract the most fans, which is are usually the biggest cities, are likely to have the most social media tags. I’m biased as I’ve been a San Francisco Giants fan since I was six, but the Giants’ stadium is hands down Read more
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Hilton Hotels is constantly adding new properties, and fixing up existing ones. Here are some highlights for the next few months. The debut of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in Japan and Costa Rica, with Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique opening in April A new all-inclusive resort inspired by the Taino culture, Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, will open in June in the Dominican Republic Hilton’s first luxury hotel in the heart of Paris will arrive with Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts this spring I’m also excited about Read more
Lots of Canadian airline news to share this morning, including more great ways to get to Europe, a new dining option at Montreal Trudeau Airport, and possibly new ways to explore the Caribbean and Mexico. With the Canada-USA tariff war still carrying on, Canadians seem to be increasingly avoiding trips to the United States. Air Canada has started trimming routes to some U.S. destinations, including Florida, New Orleans and Kansas City, and now it seems WestJet is following suit. SimpleFlying says WestJet will go from eight to 11 flights per week for its Toronto-Dublin and Toronto-Edinburgh flights, but didn’t list Read more
Fine dining with inventive menus. A fabulous, Beatle-themed garden display. And a memorable kayak ride with one of the most engaging tour guides I’ve ever encountered. I recently spent two days bopping around Sarasota, Florida, enjoying craft cocktails, checking out fabulous, white-sand beaches and poking my head into casual, boutique shops. There was some damage to the region from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton last year. But almost all businesses and hotels are up and running, and I don’t think I saw a single damaged property in more than 48 hours in the city. Here’s a look at some great Read more
It’s mid-morning on a lovely February day in Bradenton, Florida. I’m kayaking through the tranquil Robinson Preserve in the northwest corner of the city, sliding past deep green mangrove forests dotted with majestic blue herons and brilliant white ibis. I’ve lucked into a morning paddle with Ranger Randy West from Kayak Jack’s. We get to talking as we roll along, and West tells me he used to be a professional volleyball player. Among his opponents over the years was Karch Kiraly, the legendary U.S. volleyballer and two-time gold medallist often considered the finest man to play the game. “I earned just Read more
