december-2009

THERE’S NOTHING STOPPING YOU
SPECIAL SECTION:
SOUTHWEST
FLORIDA Pg. 33
THE
WISH
LIST
10
LIFE-CHANGING
ADVENTURES Pg. 61
WHAT’S A
NICE GUY LIKE
MATT DAMON
DOING IN A
TOWN LIKE
THIS? Pg. 76
COMPLIMENTARY COPY
2009
DECEMBER

Atlantis: Up close and unforgeable
At Dolphin Cay, get up close with an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin during a Shallow Water
Interaction, experience a Deep Water Swim, or even become a Trainer for a Day. Go behind
the scenes and kiss a California Sea Lion, or better yet, get into the water and play with one.
Snorkel alongside giant manta rays and sharks in the Ruins Lagoon, or become an Aquarist
for the Day and hand-feed stingrays. At Atlantis, an ocean of wonder awaits. Jump in.
800-ATLANTIS | ATLANTIS.COM

It’s easy to find
seashells by
the seashore
in Southwest west
Flor Florida ida.
DECEMBER 2009 CONTENTS
033
“ If you’re hoping to fi nd the granddaddy of conch
shells, this is your place.” (Page 51)
COVER: NATHANIEL GOLDBERG/ART+COMMERCE; THIS PAGE: CONCH: HENRY K T KAISER, ILLUSTRATION
BY SHAW NIELSEN; NEXT PAGE: GOGGLES: CLAIRE BENOIST, SNOWFLAKE: JARED SCHORR
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SPECIAL Battle of the beaches • A look at
the area’s live music scene • Parks, refuges and rehab centers are saving local
wildlife • Dining on fresh regional seafood • Aargh! The lore of local pirates •
Plus, not-to-be-missed attractions, cultural events, fun facts and more.
FEATURES
061 HAVE
DREAMS,
WILL TRAVEL
Climbing a
mountain.
Learning to surf.
Living without
regrets. These 10
stories show that
traveling can make
dreams come true.
076 MATT DAMON:
MR. NICE GUY
The humble
Boston-bred actor
redefi nes what
it means to be a
celebrity.
ISSUE 056
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE

004 CONTENTS
LET’S GO The top 10 mustdos
in Jacksonville 009
This month’s greatest
events 012 The most
stylish goggles for the
slopes 015 Chicago’s top
boutiques 017 NYE in
NYC 018 Party looks
for sunshine and snow 020
The new world of fast
food chains 023 The science
of snow, from puff
balls to needles 024 Jesse
Ventura’s Twin Cities 029
IN EVERY ISSUE:
083 In Business A businessperson’s gift guide
• How to make your BlackBerry work for you •
The real estate market of Winter Park, CO • Secrets of a good business plan 113 GO Guides Discover the
best places to shop, dine and explore in each city we serve. 160 More For You See a list of more than 100
channels available onboard through XM Satellite Radio. Also, look over AirTran Airways’ programs, route
map, clothing and infl ight beverage offerings. 168 Puzzle Pages Crossword and Sudoku
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
www.airtranmagazine.com
EDITORIAL
editorial@airtranmagazine.com
Editor-in-Chief
Orion Ray-Jones
Managing Editor
Brooke Porter
Associate Editor
Marlow Riley
Assistant Editor
Jacqueline Detwiler
Consulting Editor
Luke Boggs
ART
art@airtranmagazine.com
Art Director
Shane Luitjens
Graphic Designers
Tim Vienckowski, Elsie Aldahondo
Photo Editor
Erin Giunta
ADVERTISING
stephen.andrews@ink-publishing.com
For Advertising Inquiries
call toll-free 888-864-1733
Publisher
Steve Andrews
Associate Publisher
Greg Caccavale
Senior Account Managers
Hope Levy, Kevin Collins, Tony Alexander
Account Executive
Becky Behrends
Production Manager
Joe Massey
Production Controller
Grace Rivera
INK
Editorial Director
Michael Keating
Publishing Director
Simon Leslie
Chief Operating Offi cer
Hugh Godsal
Chief Executive
Jeffrey O’Rourke
Online Director
Sal Lababidi
AIRTRAN AIRWAYS
Vice President of Marketing & Sales
Tad Hutcheson
Director of Marketing
Samantha Johnson
go is published on behalf of AirTran
Airways by Ink, 68 Jay Street, Suite 315,
Brooklyn, NY 11201 Tel: 347-294-1220
Fax: 917-591-6247
© Ink All material is strictly copyright and all rights are
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
in whole or part without the prior written permission
of the copyright holder. All prices and data are correct
at the time of publication. Opinions expressed
in Go are not necessarily those of the publisher or
AirTran Airways, and AirTran Airways does not accept
responsibility for advertising content. Any pictures or
transparencies supplied are at the owner’s risk. Any
mention of AirTran Airways or use of the AirTran Airways
logo by any advertiser in this publication does not imply
endorsement of that company or its products or services
by AirTran Airways.

Hacienda del Mar
Dorado, Puerto Rico
INTERNET SPECIAL INTERNET SPECIAL
Rates
starting at
$ 128 .00
per night *
* Plus a 9% added tax and a MINIMUM TWO NIGHT STAY IS REQUIRED. ALL TRAVEL MUST BE COMPLETED BY JANUARY 31, 2010. A two night deposit is required at the time of booking. Cancellations outside
of 14 days prior to arrival will be a full refund. Cancellations inside of 14 days will forfeit deposit. For more info please call 1.800.926.4447 between the hours of 9 AM thru 5 PM EST Monday thru Friday.

SAILING: MARK LEWIS/GETTY IMAGES
CEO’s Letter
Sailing in Key West
SEASON’S GREETINGS AND
THANK YOU FOR FLYING
AIRTRAN AIRWAYS.
For many people, December is one of the busiest times of the year.
There are business and personal goals to achieve, presents to pick
out, holiday events to attend, and family and friends to visit, often in
distant places.
At AirTran Airways, we understand that you have your own unique
reasons for traveling with us, and we want you to know that we appreciate
the opportunity to get you where you’re going—and return you home—in
the comfort of North America’s newest all-Boeing fl eet.
As 2009 comes to a close, AirTran Airways is making our low-cost,
high-value service available to more people in more places across the
United States and beyond. This year, we’ve added new service to Cancun,
Mexico; Allentown/Bethlehem, PA; Asheville, NC; Atlantic City; Branson,
MO; Charleston, WV; and Knoxville, TN. And we’ve increased nonstops
serving Milwaukee and other cities.
This month, we’re continuing to expand our coast-to-coast route map
with new service to three more tropical destinations: Aruba, Key West, and
Nassau, Bahamas. Just in time for winter, we’re also adding more seasonal
nonstops to Florida from Boston, Chicago, Columbus and Pittsburgh.
And that’s not all. In February, AirTran Airways will begin service to
Montego Bay, Jamaica, one of the world’s most beautiful resort destinations.
Many customers have asked us to fl y to Jamaica, and we look forward
to making those wishes come
true starting in February.
Meanwhile, we’ll make it
more convenient and affordable
for Kentucky residents
to visit Florida—and vice
versa—when we begin
nonstop fl ights in February
between our new destination
of Lexington and both
Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale.
Beyond adding cities, we’re
also seeking new ways to
enhance your fl ying experience
on AirTran Airways. And,
just as we’ve long offered
Business Class seating and
complimentary XM Satellite
Radio on every fl ight, we introduced
Gogo Infl ight Internet
access this year across our
entire fl eet of aircraft. Which
means you know you’re going
to be able to stay connected
whenever you fl y with us.
Still looking for a gift or
two? AirTran Airways makes
it easy to please even the
most challenging people on
your holiday list with gift
certifi cates available at www.
airtran.com. And you never
have to worry that the style,
color or size may not be just
right, because an AirTran
Airways gift certifi cate is a
sure fi t for any recipient.
Thank you for the opportunity
to meet your air travel
needs in 2009. On behalf
of all AirTran Airways Crew
Members, I wish you and
yours all the best this holiday
season. We look forward
to welcoming you aboard
another AirTran Airways
fl ight very soon.
Very best holiday wishes,
Bob Fornaro
Chairman, President and CEO
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
007

SPRING INTO JACKSONVILLE
Come to Jacksonville for your next spring
vacation. Take a stroll on our sunny beaches,
shop a variety of fabulous stores, dine at an exquisite
restaurant or enjoy a concert at the symphony.
A vacation in Jacksonville is the perfect place to make
memories with someone special. Book your hotel
package now at visitjacksonville.com.
Book your hotel package now at visitjacksonville.com

THE LIST
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1
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
Let’s Go
009

010 LET’S GO
2 Jacksonville Zoo and
Gardens This combination
zoo and botanical garden
currently spans 92 acres.
Glimpse Komodo dragons (the
largest lizards in the world),
pet stingrays, and breathe in
the scents of exotic blooms.
www.jacksonvillezoo.org 3
Bold City Brewery This familyowned
brewery offers 10 sudsy
selections in its cozy tap room.
Grab a seat and sip a “Mad
Manatee” IPA. www.boldcity
brewery.com 4 TPC Sawgrass
Just 40 minutes from the
Jacksonville International
Airport lies one of the most
heralded golf destinations in
the world. Book a tee time for
The Players Stadium course
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
2 3 4
5 6 7
8 9 10
or Pete Dye’s Valley course
and follow in the footsteps
of pros like Tiger Woods and
Phil Mickelson. www.tpc.com/
sawgrass 5 First Wednesday
Art Walk Peruse downtown
galleries and museums during
this free event, held from 5pm
to 9pm the fi rst Wednesday
of every month. Not in an arty
mood? You can still enjoy live
music, outdoor shopping and
specials at area restaurants.
www.downtownvision.org
6 The Homestead Restaurant
Since the late 1940s, this cozy
eatery has served up Southern
fare in Jacksonville Beach.
As you get your fi ll of the
famous fried chicken, watch
out for ghosts—the place is
rumored to be haunted. www.
homesteadrestaurant.us
7 Jacksonville Symphony
Youth Orchestra Let the
city’s talented youth put
you in the holiday mood. On
Dec. 13, the orchestra will
play yuletide favorites to
delight young and old. www.
jaxyouthorchestra.com 8
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Ask a local where to fi nd
good surf in Jacksonville
Beach, and they’ll point you
to “Hanna Park,” which offers
camping, kayaking, hiking
trails and a killer surfi ng
spot known as “the poles.”
www.bit.ly/jaxhanna 9
Jacksonville Landing This
downtown landmark boasts
shops, bars and restaurants
and more than 1,000 feet of
public dock space on the St.
Johns River. “The Landing”
really comes alive at night,
so catch a public boat to the
dock and check out longtime
hotspots The Twisted Martini
and Maverick’s Rock N’ Honky
Tonk. www.jacksonvilleland
ing.com 10 Biscottis Located
in the charming Avondale
neighborhood, this little
restaurant offers everything
from wasabi-dusted sea scallops
to down-home meatloaf
sandwiches. Don’t miss the
Sunday brunch, often counted
among the best in the city.
www.biscottis.net
—Allison Weiss Entrekin
TPC SAWGRASS 18TH HOLE CLUBHOUSE: TPC SAWGRASS; BICOTTIS: VISIT JACKSONVILLE

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Shands.org

012 LET’S GO
EVENTS
December
DEC
Dec. 4-13
LA Auto Show
LOS ANGELES Teens drove hot rods in the ’50s and
muscle cars in the ’70s—and future ones may drive
vehicles that use human DNA to change shape and color.
At this auto show, check out concept cars in the Youthmobile
2030 design challenge, as well as new vehicle
debuts and alternative-fuel vehicles. There’s even a Kids
Fun Zone to get the next generation behind the wheel.
www.laautoshow.com
Begins s Dec. 1 19
“Cartier r a and A America” r
SAN FRANCISCO D Don’t let the e fact tthey’re
th not for sale
(and no, nno,
you u can’t t try them h on) o stop you from gawking
at these gorgeous r s jewels. je This exhibit at the Legion
of Honor n covers co the House of Cartier from the Belle
Epoque poq
through the 1970s, featuring more than 200
objects, including diamond bracelets worn by Gloria
Swanson in Sunset Boulevard. www.famsf.org
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
A still from God, a DVD installation
by Ragnar Kjartansson, 2007
Begins Dec. 1
“The Reach of Realism”
MIAMI This exhibit at the Museum of
Contemporary Art explores the traditions of
Realism in the modern age through various
media, such as photography and film, and
features a group of international artists,
including Ragnar Kjartansson, Uta Barth,
Xaviera Simmons and Emily Wardill.
www.mocanomi.org
Dec. 11-13
The Second City 50th Festival
CHICAGO Laugh all you want, but comedy is serious
business to Second City. This famous improv theater
is celebrating its 50th birthday with panels, screenings
and a reunion of the cast of the groundbreaking
“SCTV,” featuring appearances by the likes of
Harold Ramis, Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara.
www.secondcity.com
Second City in 1973 (from left): Jim Staahl, Ann Ryerson, David Rasche,
John Candy, Bill Murray, Betty Thomas and Tino Insana
REALISM: RAGNAR KJARTANSSON, COURTESY OF THE ARTIST, LUHRING AUGUSTINE, NEW YORK
AND GALLERI I8, REYKJAVIK; TRIPTYCH: KELLY SULLIVAN; NATIVITY: HORACE HENRY; MUMMERS:
R. KENNEDY FOR GPTMC; ROSE PARADE: PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES

Kieran Jordan, Laura Risk and
Paddy League of Triptych
Jan. 8-9
BCMFest
BOSTON The best way to keep warm in
winter is to keep moving. And there will
be plenty of moving—that is, dancing—
at this energetic festival, which presents
Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton and other
kinds of Celtic music performed by the
likes of Colm O’Brien, Bento Boxty and
Triptych. www.bcmfest.com
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 JAN
Dec. 3-27
Black Nativity
ATLANTA A retelling of the birth of Christ,
Black Nativity was one of the first shows written
by an African-American (poet Langston
Hughes) specifically for Broadway. Performed
at the Southwest Arts Center, this celebration
of gospel music, African dance, poetry and
the Christmas spirit, depicts the story of the
Nativity in the first act, while the second
connects the story to a modern tale of a
contemporary church revival.
www.truecolorstheatre.org
Jan. 7-10
Elvis Presley
Birthday Celebration
MEMPHIS The King of Rock
and Roll’s 75th birthday will
be celebrated at his home,
Graceland. The party includes
special exhibits, conversations
with people who knew him
and an Elvis Birthday Pops
performance by the Memphis
Symphony Orchestra. Who
knows? Maybe the birthday
boy himself will show up.
www.elvis.com
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
Jan. 1-3
Cirque de la Symphonie
MILWAUKEE Sure, classical music
edifies and expands the mind
and all that, but occasionally it
gets a bit boring, what with all
the seated, tuxedo-clad performers.
Cirque de la Symphonie
livens things up with acrobats,
jugglers, strongmen and trapeze
artists flying over your head,
all choreographed to classical
masterpieces played by the
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
www.mso.org
MOVING
FORWARD
Start off 2010 by
sitting back and
watching others
make spectacles
of themselves.
THE FUNNY PARADE:
Th ere’s no telling what the
participants in PHILA-
DELPHIA’S incomparable
Mummers Parade (www.
phillymummers.com) will
come up with—but there
will be “comics” mocking
current events and “fancies”
looking pretty. More than
10,000 ornately costumed
marchers and 18
string bands
(no brass
allowed)
will be
featured.
THE
YOUTHFUL
PARADE: Th e Comerica
Bank New Year’s Parade
(www.comericabankparade.
com) in DALLAS features a
dozen high school marching
bands from around the
country, two university
bands and a contest for
fl oats designed by middle
school students.
THE CLASSIC PARADE:
Th e biggest New
Year’s Day
parade in the
US, the Rose
Parade (www.
tournamentof
roses.com) in
PASADENA, CA, will
present equestrian teams,
marching bands and, of
course, giant fl oats made
of fl owers and natural
materials.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
013

take care of their hearts.’’
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We WellSt Star ar Fou ound ndat atio ion’ n’s Cardiac Comm mmun unit ity y Co C uncil. It’ t s im impo port rtan ant t
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pe peop ople le ttha
hat t ga gave ve me my hea ealt lth, h, and nd mmy
y pe peace of mind.”
If you have heart, you can do just about anything.
Li Living ng well l ta take kes s pl plan anni ning ng. . It ttakes
e per erse s ve v ranc n e.
An A d most of f al all, iit
t ta take kes s he hear ar art. t
Th T at a ’s why hy, ev ever ery y da day, y, aacr
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care of your urs. s
wellstar.org/heart 770-956-STAR
WellStar Cardiac Network includes:
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PHOTOGRAPH BY CLAIRE BENOIST
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DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE

THIS YEAR’S BEST GOLF & GAMING GETAWAY!
From Atlanta to
Biloxi!
GULFPORT GPT
YOUR SPECTACULAR GOLF
VACATION INCLUDES:
Nonstop Business Class airfare from
Atlanta on AirTran Airways
Relax in our big leather seats and enjoy unlimited
drinks with no charge for bags or clubs!
Grand Resort & Casino
the Jack Nicklaus-designed Grand Bear
Golf Course
One of Golf Digest’s top rated resort courses
includes cart & range balls
$299*
ALL FOR THE
UNBELIEVABLY
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OF ONLY
PER
Must book only through
SOUTHERN
SKYWAYS.com
www.SouthernSkyways.com
or call 1-877-235-9768
PERSON
Grand Biloxi Casino Resort
and Spa
Located in the heart of the
Mississippi Gulf Coast, the brand
new, modern 500 room Grand
Biloxi is an ideal destination.
Escape to exciting gaming, fine
dining, championship golf and
the full service Bellissimo Spa
and Salon.
*Southern Skyways flights are scheduled public charters. Seats are limited at the advertised price and capacity controlled for each fare class. Reservations can be made at www.southernskyways.com or by calling (1-877-
235-9768). A convenience fee of $5 per passenger per segment will be assessed on reservations made on the web. Reservations made by calling 1-877-235-9768 will be assessed a convenience fee of $10 per segment, per
passenger. Fares are subject to availability, non-refundable, and subject to change. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $4.50 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each way and Federal
Segment Tax of $3.60 per segment. A segment is defined as one take-off and one landing. Southern Skyways is a d/b/a of Aviation Advantage, Inc. and all flights are Public Charters operated by AirTran Airways or any other
US certificated air carrier. See Tour Participant Agreement for full terms and conditions of travel. Flights are authorized by the US Department of Transportation, PC-09-098.

STREET SCENE
CHICAGO
WHILE BIG department
stores are great for
one-stop shopping—especially
helpful during the
holidays—overlooking
local boutiques is a
mistake. Take it from
Chicago-based personal
shopper Julie Watson, a 16-year fashion
industry veteran. Here, she takes us through
some of her favorite shops on Damen Avenue in
the hip Bucktown neighborhood.
2 APARTMENT NUMBER 9 1804 N DAMEN AVE
“This is probably the best men’s boutique in the
city. It’s a finely edited store, and it carries great
pieces.” www.apartment number9.com
5 P.45 1643 N DAMEN AVE “They pick up
designers that no one else in Chicago carries,
like Abigail Glaum-Lathbury, Jeffrey Monteiro,
Joseph and Shyde.” www.p45.com
BLOG FEED
The Chosen Stew
THERE’S NOTHING
BETTER THAN A
BOWL OF GUMBO IN NEW ORLEANS. BLOGGER CELESTE
UZEE REVEALS WHERE TO FIND THE BEST.
1. CAFÉ RECONCILE “Feel good about eating
the chunky sausage and chicken gumbo at this
nonprofi t café, which trains at-risk youth for
hospitality careers.” www.cafereconcile.org
2. DUNBAR’S CREOLE COOKING “Celestine
Dunbar turns out weekly special gumbos at
this snack bar on Loyola University’s School of
Law campus.” 504-861-5451
W Dickens Ave
W McLean Ave
W Homer St
W Cortland St
W Moffat St
W Churchill St
2
W Willow St
W St. Paul Ave
W Concord Pl
N DAMEN ST
W Dickens Ave
1
W Armitage Ave
W Cortland St
3
4
W Wabansia Ave
5
W North Ave
1 PAVILION
2055 N DAMEN AVE
“Pavilion is a really
unique 20th-century
interior furnishings
store, focusing
on Mid-Century
Modern pieces.”
www.pavilion
antiques.com
3 T-SHIRT DELI 1739 N DAMEN AVE “This
store can put any graphics you want [on a
T-shirt]. When you buy one, they wrap it up like
a sandwich with a sticker on it, and then put it
in a brown bag with a bag of chips. It’s just the
coolest concept.” www.tshirtdeli.com
3. LIL DIZZY’S CAFÉ “Th e legendary Baquet
family of restaurateurs and jazz musicians
ladle up a gumbo brimming with made-inhouse
sausage.” 504-569-8997
4. BON TON CAFÉ “Serving up Cajun food
since 1953, this eatery dishes up a Bayou
Lafourche-style gumbo, with shrimp, crab,
okra and spices.” www.bontoncafe.com
5. COCHON “Chef Donald Link’s pork and
blackeyed-pea gumbo is a riff on the classic
dish. Go native and order a side of horseradish
potato salad." www.cochonrestaurant.com
LET’S GO 017
4 STITCH
1723 N DAMEN
AVE “This is a really
cool non-apparel
boutique. It sells
everything from
Missoni pillows
to interesting
handbags. It’s all
over the place but
has a really great
aesthetic.” www.
stitchchicago.com
Follow Celeste’s
food musings
on her blog,
www.bouillie.
wordpress.com,
named for the
Cajun French
word for, as
she says, “soft,
delicious things
like egg custard
before it gels to
a fi rm texture.”
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE

018 LET’S GO
EXCITEMENT
IT’S GONNA BE A LONG NIGHT
NIGHTLIFE The winter solstice (Dec. 21) falls on a Monday—but don’t let
that stop you from making all those hours of darkness count.
A 1.5 hrs
B 3 hrs
C 9.5 hrs
HOLIDAYS
I ❤ NYE
10am Wake up. It’s New Year’s Eve and you’re in NYC!
Noon
Stop into
Virgil’s
(212-921-
9494) for a
hearty BBQ
lunch—you
won't be
able to leave
your viewing
spot for
food once
you're in.
TIME
PHOENIX
A Watch the sun set behind
Camelback Mountain from
your perch at elements
while dining on American/
Asian cuisine. B Stroll
through the soft glow of
thousands of candles at the
Desert Botanical Garden
during “Las Noches de las
Luminarious." C Above
the city lights in the high
Sonoran Desert, the Four
Seasons Resort Scottsdale
at Troon North is perfect
for stargazing. Th e resort
has wisely outfi tted all of the
suites with telescopes.
2pm
Put on long
underwear,
thick socks,
boots,
gloves, a
coat and
a hat.
Leave your
second pair
of gloves;
it can’t
possibly be
that cold.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
A 1.5 hrs
B 2 hrs
C 2 hrs
D 1 hr
E 4 hrs
F 3 hrs
4pm
Score a
prime
viewing
spot on
Broadway
and 43rd
Street.
5:15pm
You get
hungry.
SAN JUAN
A As soon as darkness
hits, head to the ultra-chic,
red-walled Dragonfl y; try
the seared tuna in green
peppercorn sauce. B Kayak
in Las Croabas Lagoon in
Fajardo (35 miles from San
Juan), a bioluminescent bay.
Th e darker the sky, the better.
C Head back to the city and
check into El San Juan Hotel
& Casino, where you can
gamble in the opulent casino,
D go for a swim, E dance
the night away at Club Brava
and F catch the sunrise from
your oceanfront suite.
STANDING AROUND FOR
EIGHT HOURS TO WATCH
A BALL DROP IS WORTH
EVERY MINUTE.
5:30pm
Luckily,
you remembered
to
pack a
sandwich.
6pm The ball is
lit and raised to
the top of 1 Times
Square, and the
TV networks start
hosting concerts.
10pm
It’s that
cold.
A 1.5 hrs
B 4 hrs
C 4 hrs
D 4 hrs
MIAMI
A Fill up for a long night
of partying by ordering the
Kobe beef at Meat Market,
South Beach’s sexiest steakhouse.
B Hit up the Monday
Night Football Watch Party
at Gulfstream Park Racing
& Casino. C Shake it on
the dance fl oor at Cameo, a
newly reopened megaclub.
D Wind the night down—or
keep it going—at Th e Setai,
the most stylish hotel on
Collins Avenue, where the
sky isn't the only place you'll
see the stars making an
appearance.
11:57pm Collect your
hat and noisemaker. It’s
almost time!
Midnight
Happy New Year!
Those frozen fingers
were more than
worth it. Time to
make reservations
for 2011.
RARITIES
BLUE STREAK
RARE ENOUGH to inspire
its own phrase, a
“blue moon” (which
is the second full
moon in a calendar
month) will appear
for the first time since
2007 on Dec. 31. The
saying “once in a blue
moon” originated
in the 1800s and
signifies any event
that seldom happens,
regardless of its
relation to the period
between legitimate
blue moons—which,
according to the
Farmer’s Almanac,
is roughly every two
and a half years. Here
are a few other such
happenings:
EVERY TWO YEARS:
A Bacardi Gold
Rum comes of age
at Casa Bacardi in
Cantaño, PR.
FOUR TIMES IN 10 YEARS:
The New England
Patriots play in the
Super Bowl.
FOUR TIMES IN 10 YEARS:
Chef Kent Rathbun
of Dallas’ Abacus is
nominated for The
James Beard Foundation’s
best chef in the
Southwest award.
EVERY THREE YEARS: The
Woodmere Triennial
of Contemporary
Photography comes
to Philadelphia’s
Woodmere Art
Museum, on view
through Jan. 3.

020 LET’S GO
1
All-Weather Looks
BEAUTY WHETHER YOU’RE BOUND FOR A WINTER WONDERLAND OR A BALMIER
CLIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, WE’VE GOT YOUR PARTY-PERFECT LOOK.
1
Bobbi Brown
Metallic Long-Wear
Cream Shadow For added
sparkle, dab this longlasting
shadow into the inner
corners of eyes or beneath
lower lashes. $22, www.
bobbibrowncos
metics.com
2
Lipstick Queen
Butterfly Ball Shimmer
Treatment Lipstick in
Goodbye This luscious winecolored
lip topper imparts
just the right amount of
iridescent shimmer. $20,
www.lipstickqueen.
com
COOL LOOK: SILVER CHIC WARM LOOK: GOLD GLAM
“The winter holiday season is all about touches of icy, shimmery
makeup on eyes and lips. It’s a great time to be a little more
glamorous and dramatic,” says makeup artist Bobbi Brown.
• FOR A PARTY-READY LOOK, try a cool-toned smoky eye. Start by
applying silver, lilac or gray metallic shadow to the entire lid. You can do
a sheer wash for a bit of color or layer them for a liquid metal effect.
• NEXT, LINE THE UPPER LID with a charcoal or black liner, extending
the line from the inner to outer corner of the eye.
• FOR ADDED DRAMA, blend shadow along your lower lash line.
Finish the look with mascara.
• PAIR THIS SMOKY LOOK with a deep, iridescent port-colored lip.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
2
3
Benefit One
Hot Minute Rev up a
pale complexion with this
glow-worthy powder. A few
sweeps leave skin looking
radiant, especially under
holiday candlelight. $30,
www.benefitcos
metics.com
3
4
MUD Glow
Cheek Color This
flattering peach shade
flecked with hints of gold
shimmer gives complexions a
not-tan-but-still-sun-kissed
flush. $16.50, http://
shop.mudshop.com
“Metallic earthy tones add shimmer to a sun-kissed look,” says
MUD makeup artist Yvonne Hawker.
• SMOOTH A PALE NEUTRAL SHADE over the entire lid and brow
bone, then add a bit of contrast with a moss green shade. Blend a
shimmering bronze into the crease.
• FOR A HINT OF DEFINITION, use a brown eye pencil just at the lash
line and soften with a brush. Finish with black mascara.
• APPLY POWDER or cream cheek color in a warm bronze shade that
works with your skin tone.
• KEEP THE LIP NEUTRAL with a natural-toned liner. Fill in the lip
and top with shimmering gloss.
4

Very High Tea.
Nowadays you don't have to go to London for a cup
of fine Fortnum's tea. Because on an AirTran
Airways flight, you'll find nothing but the best
of British in our teapots.
To shop for Fortnum's world-famous teas, as well
as business and personal gifts galore, simply visit
www.fortnumandmason.com

Holiday cheers.
For gourmet peanuts, the perfect gift for clients, family, friends—
not to mention you—shop for the best at aboutpeanuts.com.
Get cracking. Log on now.
Brought to you by the peanut growers of the Virginia-Carolinas and the National Peanut Board

ILLUSTRATION BY TIM VIENCKOWSKI
FOOD
FAST FOOD NATION
INTERNATIONAL CHAINS ARE SETTING UP SHOP ON OUR SHORES.
CHAIN/
MASCOT
ORIGIN
LOCATIONS
IN US
SLOGAN
WHAT IT IS
MOST
POPULAR
DISH(ES)
DRINK
Philippines South Africa Guatemala a
Germany UK
26 (Las Vegas, New
York, throughout
California)
Langhap sarap, Tagalog
for “smell-tasty”
McDonald’s of the
Philippines
Yumburger and
palabok, a Filipino
noodle dish
2 (Washington, DC) 54 and counting, in
Phoenix, LA, DC, NYC,
Roswell, GA (outside
Atlanta), Boston,
Chicago, Houston,
Dallas and Miami
World famous flame
grilled peri-peri chicken
Eatery with a menu
based around a spice
from southern Africa
Flame-grilled chicken,
cooked in spicy periperi
sauce with fries
Flavor you can’t
Campero
The world’s largest
Latin chicken chain
Hand-breaded (transfat-free)
fried chicken,
yucca fries and
horchata (cinnamonflavored
milk drink)
Breaking out of its Shell
Forget traditional eggnog—try these festive variations.
SAN JUAN
THE DRINK: Coquito
The Puerto Rican version of
eggnog, it’s made with rum,
egg yolks, coconut milk and
cream, condensed milk, cinnamon,
nutmeg and cloves.
TRY IT AT: Ritz-Carlton Hotel,
San Juan, Puerto Rico (www.
ritzcarlton.com)
MASCOT:
"JOLLIBEE" OL
NEW YORK CITY
MASCOT:
"BARCI"
THE DRINK: Drunken Egg Potion
A twisted take on traditional
egg-based holiday cocktails,
this drink consists of Goldschlager,
bourbon and cognac,
which is then set on fire and
served in an ostrich egg.
TRY IT AT: davidburke &
donatella (www.davidburke
townhouse.com)
MASCOT:
"POLLITO"
WASHINGTON, DC
6 (Washington, DC,
Florida and Texas),
with five more opening
in 2010 (in Boston,
Chicago, NYC and
Miami)
Pizza, Pasta, Salad,
Sexy
Combo pizza/pasta/
salad/coffee/cocktail
joint and hip lounge
Pomodoro fresco e
basilico (housemade
pasta with cherry
tomatoes and fresh
basil)
THE DRINK: Bourbon Eggnog
This special variation of the
classic drink is made with
bourbon, Jamaican rum,
cognac, fresh ground nutmeg,
and assorted holiday spices.
TRY IT AT: Bourbon (www.
bourbondc.com)
3 (Boston);
Washington, DC,
opening next year
positive eating +
positive living
Pan-Asian eatery
serving noodle and
rice dishes
LET’S GO 023
Chicken katzu curry
(deep-fried chicken
breast served with a
light curry sauce and
Japanese-style rice)
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE

024 LET’S GO
SCIENCE
SN W
REPORT
Think every
fl ake is the same?
Dr. Kenneth
G. Libbrecht,
chairman of the
Caltech physics
department and
author of The Art
of the Snowfl ake,
knows better.
1
STELLAR DENDRITES
The science: These
light, lacy flakes form
when the air is around
5 degrees F and humid.
The more moisture
is in the air, the more
intricate the snowflakes.
Best for: Heli-skiing
Why: They form
powder so soft and
fluffy you can sink up
to your waist.
BEST OF Royal Flushes What makes
a restroom a throne room? *
NEEDLES AND PLATES
The science: These
two very different
types of crystals
fall at 23° and 28°F,
respectively, when snow
is wet and sticky.
Best for: Snowball
fights, snowman-making
Why: They form
denser snow that’s
easier to pack.
SHOJI TABUCHI THEATER (BRANSON, MO) / Size: 1,800 square feet /
Ladies’ room: Cut orchids at the granite and onyx sinks • Stained glass • A
ceiling inspired by the 1890s Empire Period / Men’s room: Lion's head sinks
• Black leather chairs • Marble fireplace • Billiard room
2
THE TREMONT
PLAZA HOTEL
(BALTIMORE)
Features: Marble,
columns,
chandeliers,
hand-carved
woodwork
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
3
RADIO CITY
MUSIC HALL
(NEW YORK CITY)
Features: 1930s
architecture, Art
Deco lounge,
cork-covered
walls
4
ZIFFIRINO
RISTORANTE
(LAS VEGAS)
Features:
Murano Glass
chandeliers,
limestone water
fountain
5
DRAKE
HOTEL
(CHICAGO)
Features: Install
makeup
tables in
ladies’ room,
chandeliers
*According to Bestrestroom.com
PUFF BALLS
The science: Many
people mistake these
for giant snowflakes,
but they’re actually large
globs of semi-wet crystals
that accumulate in
the air and fall together.
Best for: Catching on
your tongue
Why: These slowerfalling,
bigger chunks
are easy to catch.
NEWS FLASH
GRAUPEL
The science: When
snowflakes fall through
clouds, sometimes they
hit the supercooled
water droplets in them.
Droplets then freeze to
the snow crystals, creating
flakes that look like they
have been dipped in sand.
Best for: Sledding
Why: It’s very slick, so
you will fly on this stuff.
Last month marked the opening of
the fi rst phase of New Orleans’ National WWII
Museum’s (www.nationalww2museum.org) $300
million expansion, which will quadruple the size
of the museum upon its completion in 2015.
Check out the Victory Theater, which off ers a
4-D cinematic experience.
Miami has two
hot hotels opening this month: The avant-garde
Vikram Chatwal Hotel’s Dream South Beach
(www.vikramchatwalhotels.com) will feature a
restaurant run by Michelin-rated chef Geoff rey
Zakarian and a glass-enclosed rooftop lounge.
Built completely with fl oor-to-ceiling windows, the
stunning Tempo Miami Hotel (www.tempomiami.
rockresorts.com) is located in a soaring 67-story
landmark building—the city’s tallest residential
structure. The Walt Disney Family Museum
(www.waltdisney.org) recently opened its doors in
San Francisco. Drawings, storyboards, fi lm clips,
art, photographs and cameras tell the story of Walt
Disney and his family (both real and imaginary).
ILLUSTRATIONS BY JARED SCHORR

026 LET’S GO
Karen Stripling at
The Georgia Dome
GEORGIA ON HER MIND
CREW CUTS ATLANTA NATIVE KAREN STRIPLING SEEKS OUT FAMILY
ACTIVITIES THAT EMBODY THE TRUE SPIRIT OF HER HOMETOWN.
Atlanta is a city with a spirit all its
own. Just ask Karen Stripling: Born
at downtown’s Grady Memorial
Hospital, the AirTran Airways customer
service manager is now raising her own
kids in the Big Peach—and using her extensive
local knowledge to fi nd the best Atlanta activities
for her family.
Not surprisingly, Stripling has an
abundance of hometown pride. She
oft en visits Centennial Olympic
Park (www.centennialpark.com) so
her two daughters can see where the
world gathered for the 1996 summer
games. She has also introduced
them to Atlanta’s important role in
the Civil Rights movement. “I take
everyone to Th e King Center (www.
thekingcenter.org),” she says. “It helps keep
me grounded.”
Stripling’s love for Atlanta extends to the
local sports teams as well. “We’re huge Falcons,
Th rashers and Hawks fans,” she says. “Whenever
we can get out and root for the home team,
we go.” Stripling and her husband of 22 years
also enjoy cheering for their alma mater, the
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Centennial Olympic Park
University of Georgia Bulldogs, in nearby
Athens. “We met at UGA during the Herschel
Walker, Dominique Wilkins and Vince Dooley
days,” she says.
Atlanta is well known for its focus on the
arts, and Stripling is always looking for ways
to expose her daughters to culture. Th ey oft en
attend shows at the opulent 1920s-era Fox
Th eatre (www.foxtheatre.org) where
they’ve seen performances of Th e
Color Purple and Th e Nutcracker.
And at the Southwest Art Center
(www.fultonarts.org), they see plays
and take music, dance and painting
classes. “It’s a great facility right in our
neighborhood,” Stripling says.
Apart from history, sports and
art, there is one more thing Stripling
wants her kids to know: Locals are good to
one another. “We do a lot of volunteer work
together,” she says. Th is month, they are volunteering
with CHRIS Kids (www.chriskids.org),
which provides resources for strug-
gling children and teens in Atlanta.
To Stripling, improving the city is as
important as enjoying it. —Sarah Gleim
PERSONNEL PICKS
Name: Karen Stripling
Position: Customer
Service Manager
Favorite thing about
Atlanta: “The Southern
charm. Everybody here
treats you like family.”
Best spot for date
night: “Landon’s
Restaurant & Bar (www.
landonsrestaurant.com;
404-472-2424) has live
jazz on the weekends,
and Executive Chef
Donald Wilson makes
the best smoked
salmon in town.”
Coolest mixed-use
development: “Atlantic
Station (www.atlantic
station.com) is like a
city within a city. We
can eat, shop and go to
the movies.”
Best outing for teens:
Philips Arena (www.
philipsarena.com) is
a major tour stop for
many pop artists. Karen
recently attended a
Beyoncé show with
her daughter Alexandria.
“We had a ball,”
she says.
TO LEARN more about what to do, where
to eat and where to shop in Atlanta, turn to
page 117 in the Go Guides.
TOP: TERRI HANSON; BOTTOM: CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

026 LET’S GO
Karen Stripling at
The Georgia Dome
GEORGIA ON HER MIND
CREW CUTS ATLANTA NATIVE KAREN STRIPLING SEEKS OUT FAMILY
ACTIVITIES THAT EMBODY THE TRUE SPIRIT OF HER HOMETOWN.
Atlanta is a city with a spirit all its
own. Just ask Karen Stripling: Born
at downtown’s Grady Memorial
Hospital, the AirTran Airways customer
service manager is now raising her own
kids in the Big Peach—and using her extensive
local knowledge to fi nd the best Atlanta activities
for her family.
Not surprisingly, Stripling has an
abundance of hometown pride. She
oft en visits Centennial Olympic
Park (www.centennialpark.com) so
her two daughters can see where the
world gathered for the 1996 summer
games. She has also introduced
them to Atlanta’s important role in
the Civil Rights movement. “I take
everyone to Th e King Center (www.
thekingcenter.org),” she says. “It helps keep
me grounded.”
Stripling’s love for Atlanta extends to the
local sports teams as well. “We’re huge Falcons,
Th rashers and Hawks fans,” she says. “Whenever
we can get out and root for the home team,
we go.” Stripling and her husband of 22 years
also enjoy cheering for their alma mater, the
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Centennial Olympic Park
University of Georgia Bulldogs, in nearby
Athens. “We met at UGA during the Herschel
Walker, Dominique Wilkins and Vince Dooley
days,” she says.
Atlanta is well known for its focus on the
arts, and Stripling is always looking for ways
to expose her daughters to culture. Th ey oft en
attend shows at the opulent 1920s-era Fox
Th eatre (www.foxtheatre.org) where
they’ve seen performances of Th e
Color Purple and Th e Nutcracker.
And at the Southwest Art Center
(www.fultonarts.org), they see plays
and take music, dance and painting
classes. “It’s a great facility right in our
neighborhood,” Stripling says.
Apart from history, sports and
art, there is one more thing Stripling
wants her kids to know: Locals are good to
one another. “We do a lot of volunteer work
together,” she says. Th is month, they are volunteering
with CHRIS Kids (www.chriskids.org),
which provides resources for strug-
gling children and teens in Atlanta.
To Stripling, improving the city is as
important as enjoying it. —Sarah Gleim
PERSONNEL PICKS
Name: Karen Stripling
Position: Customer
Service Manager
Favorite thing about
Atlanta: “The Southern
charm. Everybody here
treats you like family.”
Best spot for date
night: “Landon’s
Restaurant & Bar (www.
landonsrestaurant.com;
404-472-2424) has live
jazz on the weekends,
and Executive Chef
Donald Wilson makes
the best smoked
salmon in town.”
Coolest mixed-use
development: “Atlantic
Station (www.atlantic
station.com) is like a
city within a city. We
can eat, shop and go to
the movies.”
Best outing for teens:
Philips Arena (www.
philipsarena.com) is
a major tour stop for
many pop artists. Karen
recently attended a
Beyoncé show with
her daughter Alexandria.
“We had a ball,”
she says.
TO LEARN more about what to do, where
to eat and where to shop in Atlanta, turn to
page 117 in the Go Guides.
TOP: TERRI HANSON; BOTTOM: CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

Reaching out to children
with food and hope.
Throughout the year, Georgia-Pacific
employees join with Feed the Children
to distribute food and simple necessities
like Angel Soft ® bath tissue and Sparkle ®
paper towels to families in need. Last
year, two million pounds of paper
products and tons of food were donated
to families across 40 states. It’s one small
way to make the world a better place,
starting in our own backyard.
GP.com
© 2009 Georgia-Pacifi c LLC. All rights reserved.

HOME TURF
HOME BODY
Before he was a professional wrestler and the Governor
of Minnesota, Jesse “The Body” Ventura was just a boy
growing up in the Twin Cities.
Not many people can claim to have a resume that includes stints as a Navy
SEAL, professional wrestler, actor, author, Harvard instructor, TV show
host and state governor—let alone boast high levels of success in each
career. But Jesse Ventura can. And through his every iteration, he remains
opinionated, outspoken, provocative and cerebral. His latest job is head truth seeker in
the new TruTV series “Conspiracy Th eories,” which debuts this month.
Born in Minneapolis as James Janos, Ventura grew up just two blocks from the
Mississippi River, fi shing for carp and staying out late on summer nights. Aft er professionally
wrestling in the 1970s and ’80s, he entered the world of politics in 1990 when
he was elected mayor of Brooklyn Park, MN. In 1998, he surprised the nation when he
was elected Minnesota’s governor.
While Ventura spends a lot of time surfi ng in Mexico, he’s back home in a suburb of
the Twin Cities for much of the year—although he doesn’t stay out so late anymore.
How do you spend most of your time in the Twin Cities? “I train. You can only ride
waves when they’re available, so I work out on the elliptical machine, run a marathon
a week, lift light weights and do a balance workout. And I play golf. Golf is like surfi ng
in that you play against the course, and ultimately, against yourself. And there’s a fl ow,
like surfi ng, where you’re relaxed but focused.”
What are some of your favorite memories of growing up here? “Hanging
out by the river all day. My father introduced me to the river; it’s a piece of
wild country in the center of the city. And Lake Street has always been a slice
of life in Minneapolis. It’s 11 miles long, straight and fl at with a stoplight
every three blocks or so. [I remember] cruising up and down in the ’60s.”
Growing up, how did the people in each city of the Twin
Cities compare? “Th e diff erence was night and day between
Minneapolis and St. Paul. We were baldies, they were
greasers. We shaved our heads and wore wing tips and
shopped at Dayton’s Northbriar Shop. What changed
all that and brought us together—and the whole world
together—was Th e Beatles. Aft er February of 1964,
everyone wanted to dress like them and wear our hair
like them. I remember kids were sent home from school
the very next day for wearing their bangs combed
straight down like Th e Beatles. I think their music was
the single greatest force for change in the world.”
LET’S GO
029

030 LET’S GO
OPPOSITE PAGE: JEREMY FREEMAN; THIS PAGE: JAX CAFE: PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY
What is it like being such a well-known public fi gure?
“As governor, you tend to make a stir when you go out, so I
had chefs make whatever we wanted in privacy. And when
I came back from Harvard in the summer of ’05, I brought
[the salon] Hairpolice (www.hairpolice.com) at Lyn-Lake
a picture of Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow and they gave
me dreads and a braided beard. I rode my chopper all over
the Twin Cities and no one knew who I was. Th at gave me
complete freedom and anonymity.”
If you wanted to take someone on an eating and
drinking tour of the Twin Cities, where would you take
them? “Keys Café (www.keyscafe.com; 612-339-6399)
for breakfast. For lunch, Matt’s Bar (www.mattsbar.com;
612-722-7072) on Cedar Avenue has the best Juicy Lucys
(a cheeseburger with the cheese inside the meat patty). Jax
Café (www.jaxcafe.com; 612-789-7297) up in Northeast
and Th e St. Paul Grill (www.stpaulgrill.com; 651-224-
7455) are great for dinner. Th e Minneapolis warehouse
district has always been the place for nightlife. But my
favorite bar, hands down, is Schooner Tavern (www.
schoonertavern.com) at 27th and Lake, right across from
the police precinct. Guys have been known to come in
standing up and leave lying down. I took my wife there on
our fi rst date.”
What would surprise visitors about Minnesota? “How
golf-crazy we are. Every little town and municipality has
a golf course. When Tiger Woods came to Hazeltine
National Golf Club (in Chaska, southwest of the Twin
Cities; www.hngc.com), he was getting 30,000 fans at a
practice round. I went out and played that day at TPC
Twin Cities (www.tpctwincities.com) in Blaine and had
the course to myself.”
Switching gears, are there any conspiracy theories
in Minnesota? “We’ve shot some footage here, but no,
nothing based in Minnesota. Yet.”— Sarah Barker
TO LEARN more about what to do, where to eat and where to
shop in Minneapolis/St. Paul, turn to page 142 in the Go Guides.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
“My father
introduced
me to the river;
it’s a piece of
wild country in
the center of
the city.”
(Above) Mississippi
River (below) Crab
cakes from Jax Café

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Try them for yourself risk free. When you fly, the
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There’s a seat to the beach waiting for you.
There are some places where the sun feels warmer. The tropical songs sound better. And umbrella drinks taste better.
That’s why AirTran Airways has announced new service to the sunny beaches of Key West, Nassau, Montego Bay and
Aruba.* Book at airtran.com for our lowest fares, XM Satellite Radio and an affordable Business Class on
every flight. Go. There’s nothing stopping you. ®
En español, 1-877-581-9842
*Caribbean region pending government approval. ©2009 XM Satellite Radio Inc. ©AirTran Airways 2009

RICHARD CUMMINS/PHOTOLIBRARY
Naples Pier
Southwest Florida
035 IN BRIEF Fun facts, tidbits and news you can use.
SPECIAL
037 QUINTESSENTIAL A guide to the area’s must-see attractions.
038 STATE FARE Taste the region’s freshest seafood, from trigger fish to sheephead.
040 THE KEY OF SEA Musicians are flocking to Southwest Florida for the beachfront
gigs and the sunshine.
042 OUR TOWN These four remarkable locals have made an impact on the region.
045 WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (PROTECTED) Safe havens for Florida’s animals.
048 TREASURE ISLANDS Pirates left their mark on local landmarks.
051 BATTLE OF THE BEACHES Finding the best beach along Florida’s southwest coast.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
033

Southwest Florida
International Airport
Gateway to Fort Myers and Florida’s Gulf Coast
The moment you step off the plane – You will know you are in paradise!
AirTran Airways has 12 nonstop destinations to Southwest Florida International Airport and
connections from more than 60 cities throughout the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Southwest Florida International Airport offers world-class facilities and amenities and is centrally
located for easy access to Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, Greater Naples, Marco Island, the
Everglades, Charlotte Harbor, the Gulf Islands and other points along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

KAYAK: THE LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU; FOSA: NAPLES ZOO
IN BRIEF
DID YOU KNOW?
The Ochopee Post
Office, located on
the Tamiami Trail
near Everglades
City (76 miles from
RSW airport), is the
smallest post office
in the US, large
enough for just one
postal worker.
Art News
MARCO ISLAND:
Instead of letting retail
spaces at Marco Island’s
Esplanade shopping and
dining complex sit vacant,
property managers
formed a partnership with
local arts organizations
to allow artists to use
them as studio spaces.
Now, shoppers can watch
painters in action and
purchase works on-site.
FT. MYERS: When
four-time discus gold
medalist Al Oerter retired,
he pursued his other
passion: art. Before he
passed away in 2007, the
athlete-turned-painter
organized “Art of the
Olympians,” a traveling
exhibit of works by former
Olympians, which will find
a permanent home next
year in Ft. Myers.
16
hours it takes sand
sculptor John Gowdy
to create his works at
Marco Island Marriott
Resort, Golf Club &
Spa. He’ll be in town
Dec. 18-19 for the
island’s music festival.
BY TTHE
TTHE
NUMBERS NUMMB
BERS
2
number of fosa at the Naples Zoo, the only zoo in the
southeastern US to house the rare Madagascar predator.
374
circumference (in
feet) of the largest
banyan tree at the
Edison & Ford Winter
Estates in Ft. Myers.
The tree is also the
largest specimen in
the continental US.
SW FLORIDA FLO LO LORID RID RI RID RI RID R RID R RID RI RID RRID R RID R RID R ID D DDA
AS A AS A AS A AS A AAS A AS A AS A AS A AS A AS A AS A AS A AS AAS A AS A SPECIAL S
S PE PEC PE PEC PE PEC PE PEC PE PEC PE EC ECIAL
190
length (in miles) of
the Great Calusa
Blueway Paddling
Trail. Located in and
around Ft. Myers, it
has areas for firsttimers,
families and
advanced paddlers.
Roald Roal RoaldB d Bradstock, Bradst d tock,
k Jump
SEEING GHOSTS The elusive ghost orchid is the main attraction at
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, the native orchid capital of
the US. The endangered flower is the subject of Susan Orlean’s book
The Orchid Thief and the film Adaptation.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
035

Share a midnight snack of mango grouper.
Feel the warm Gulf breezes wash over you. It’s moments like this that you’ll savor for a lifetime.
Visit fortmyers-sanibel.com for a free traveler’s guide.
The Real Deal
Great resorts, exceptional value!
SunStream offers a collection of unique condominium-style
hotels and resorts in Southwest Florida.
SunStream is proud to introduce Cape Coral’s newest luxury resort, The Resort at MarinaVillage!
*Proud members of the Florida Green Lodging Program.

BOTANICAL GARDEN: JONELL MODYS; CONCIERGE: NAPLES MARCO ISLAND EVERGLADES CVB
QUINTESSENTIAL
Food Fests
MULLET FESTIVAL
Goodland
(on Marco Island)
Jan. 29-31
Don’t expect to see long
hair in the back and
short in the front—this
annual event is all about
the fish. The highlight is
the Buzzard Lope Queen
contest, during which
women dress and dance
like buzzards to compete
for the crown.
EVERGLADES
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Everglades City
Feb. 5-7
Chow down on stone crab
claws, fresh Gulf shrimp,
grouper and much
more while you enjoy
music, arts, crafts and
rides. www.everglades
seafoodfestival.com
CHILD’S
PLAY
Now That’s Service
Naples’ Third Street South
concierge is the only concierge
in the country that is right
on the street—so make sure
to take advantage of the
information he or she can
provide. Here, Susan Becker
reveals a few of her favorite
Third Street South activities:
FOR A BITE TO EAT: At the farmers market, which takes place
every Saturday from 7:30am to 11:30am, you can pick up fresh
fruits and vegetables, pastries, pastas, sauces, cheeses, fresh crab
and more.
FOR A BIT OF HISTORY: Visit the Naples Backyard History mini
museum (239-594-2978), where you can learn the history of Naples.
FOR AN UPSCALE SHOPPING SPREE: Marissa Collections (www.
marissacollections.com) provides individualized, personal service to
women in the market for brands like Oscar de la Renta and Michael
Kors. Men looking for beach-y styles should visit the flagship store for
Relax by Tommy Bahama (239-213-1683).
SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
TREATS
TO 3THREE
TRY
Famed pastry chef Norman
Love turned his passion
for sweets into one of the
country’s top artisan chocolate
companies. Don’t leave the Ft.
Myers shop without
Love’s Lovesfav Love’s favorites: fav
KEY KEY LIME LIME L SHELL SHELL
(made (made (madew
wwith
ww
with fresh fresh key key
lime lime me juice)
TAHITIAN TAHIT IT ITIAN CARAMEL CARAMEL
(milk ( ( ilkch ilkchocolate chocolate ol t fill filled filled d
with ith caramel) caramel)
WHITE HHITE CHRISTM CHRISTMAS
HRISTMAS
d
(blend dofha dofh of hazelnut l praline
and cinnamon
ganache )
Last month, the Naples Botanical Garden (www.naplesgarden.org) debuted a brand-new children’s
garden (in addition to Brazilian, Caribbean, Asian and Florida gardens; an African garden is still to come).
Complete with a spouting fountain, climbable fire tower and DIY water pump, the garden encourages
youngsters to interact with their surroundings. (And don’t miss the gumbo-limbo plant; it’s nicknamed
the “tourist” plant because the bark turns red and peels.)
LET THERE BE LIGHT For a dose of holiday
spirit, head to the Edison & Ford Winter
Estates (www.efwefla.org). During Edison
& Ford Holiday Nights (Dec. 11 to Jan. 2),
the historic buildings, interiors and gardens
are decorated for the season and millions
of colored bulbs light up the grounds.
Other highlights include live holiday music
and star fields made from projected laser
lights—which the inventor of the light
bulb would have appreciated.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
037

038
SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
State Fare
The culinary traditions in Southwest
Florida are inspired by international
flavors and fresh, local seafood.
BY CHIARA ASSI
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Southwest Florida is the home of authentic
Floridian food: light, seafood-centric fare that’s
a unique blend of Southern, South American,
European and Caribbean cuisines.
Peter Tierney, owner of The Bay House in
Naples, is a pioneer of the cuisine. He creates
dishes using hand-picked produce from the
inland town of Immokalee, fresh shrimp from Ft. Myers Beach
and local fish including trigger fish and sheephead. “This area
South of Broad salad made with fried
green tomatoes from The Bay House
(inset) Deep fried scallops from
Randy’s Fishmarket
offers great seafood that goes beyond the
usual tuna or grouper,” he says. “Take
sheephead. They feed on barnacles, so
their flesh is flavorful and
firm, perfect for frying.”
Dust a filet with Everglades
seasoning—a salt
and pepper substitute that
contains papain, a natural
tenderizer that comes
from papayas—and fry
it up with a side of green
tomatoes and you’ve got
a version of traditional
Southern comfort food
with a distinctly tropical bent.
Unique preparations of shellfish are
another hallmark of the region. Richard
Miller, executive chef at Randy’s Fishmarket
in Naples, deep fries scallops and
serves local stone crabs the way Florida
fishermen eat them: cold. “Fishermen
cook them as soon as they catch them,
when they are still on the boat, to preserve
their sweet flavor. We serve them just
as you’d eat them on the dock,” he says.
Tierney is more enamored with Florida
spiny lobster—a crustacean smaller than
the Maine version that’s also sweeter
and more tender. He gives it a distinctly
Southwest Florida flavor by stuffing it
with lump crab and Gulf shrimp and
topping it with a citrusy buerre blanc.
Together, these two chefs—along
with a handful of others along the gulf
coast—are popularizing a cuisine that they
hope will become as big as Southwestern
and Californian. With simple, local and
flavorful being the biggest buzzwords in
food these days, chances are it won’t be
too long.
FARE TRACKER
CHECK OUT REPRESENTATIVE FLORIDIAN DISHES AT THESE QUINTESSENTIAL RESTAURANTS.
THE BAY HOUSE
www.bayhousenaples.com;
239-591-3837
Florida-remixed Southern dishes
like blue crab hush puppies make
up the menu at this riverside
mansion.
RANDY’S FISHMARKET
www.randysfishmarketrestaurant.
com; 239-593-5555
Locally caught stone crabs are just
the beginning: Miller’s menu also
includes favorites like fried gator
bites and conch fritters.
BUFFALO CHIPS
www.buffalochipsrestaurant.tv;
239-947-1000
This Bonita Springs institution is
what Old Florida is all about: fried
green tomatoes, beer in mason jars
and waitresses who call you “hon.”
BAY HOUSE: SHANE LUITJENS

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CCT-278 GO In-Flight.indd 1 11/6/09 1:38:33 PM

040
SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
THE KEY OF SEA
BEACHFRONT GIGS AND BEAUTIFUL WEATHER HAVE CREATED
A LIVELY MUSIC SCENE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
BY LIBBY MCMILLAN
Southwest Florida’s balmy winters
attract more than birds and
Northerners. Over the years,
its warm weather and relaxed
lifestyle have drawn an extensive
collection of world-class
rockers, including Aerosmith
and AC/DC members who live
by the sea when not touring
the world.
Most of the area’s musicians, though, earn
a living by playing locally. And with such a
wellspring of talent, it’s easy to see anyone
from a jazz great or former Motown
crooner to a garage band at the local pub.
“This place is like a vortex,” says
vocalist and producer Ryan Kida, whose
restaurant Yabo (www.yaborestaurant.
com; 239-225-9226) hosts weekly performances.
“There are a lot of big names who
live here. There is the potential of being
discovered, and you can get lots of publicity.
That’s inspiring to other musicians.”
Singer-songwriter Danny Morgan is
one musician who was drawn to the Ft.
Myers sunshine. He moved from Cincinnati
more than 25 years ago, and since
then, has created a beachy-style of music
that’s become synonymous with Sanibel
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
(clockwise from left): Danny Morgan at
Casa Ybel Resort; David C. Johnson at The
Grill Room; Thursdays on Third
and Captiva islands. These days, Morgan’s
dreamy gigs include the pool bar at Casa
Ybel Resort (www.casaybelresort.com;
239-472-3145) on Sanibel Island and an
excursion boat from Captiva Cruises
(www.captivacruises.com), where he
conjures up the coconut smell of sunscreen
with southwest Florida-themed lyrics and
laidback melodies.
Other local legends include rock
band Both Hands and the bluesy Captiva
Band, two groups that perform regularly
at the tiny restaurant Jacaranda (www.
jacarandaonsanibel.com; 239-472-1771),
and David C. Johnson of the Neville
Brothers, who regularly belts out funky
grooves at the piano bar at The Grill
Room (239-390-9081). Even hotel
lounge acts in Ft. Myers are a cut above:
Pop-funk duo Heather Brooks and Mike
Rogers—who once rocked the bars in New
York—perform at the modern lobby bar
at downtown’s new Hotel Indigo (www.
hotelindigo.com; 239-337-3446).
Although the musicians—and their
favorite venues—range from slick to
beachy, their reasons for staying in
Southwest Florida all hinge on a common
theme: “You meet a lot of really nice
people, and with all the resorts and restaurants,
there’s plenty of work,” Morgan says.
MUSIC AL FRESCO
ENJOY SOUTHWEST FLORI-
DA’S FANTASTIC WEATHER
AT THESE OUTDOOR GIGS.
THURSDAYS ON THIRD
Jazz, rock, folk and steel drum
bands play at these once-amonth
concerts among the
restaurants and shops on tony
Third Street in Naples.
www.thirdstreetsouth.com
BELL TOWER SHOPS
The free Friday night concerts in
this shopping center courtyard
feature everything from rock to
bluegrass. Stake out a spot near
the fountain.
www.thebelltowershops.com
GULF COAST TOWN CENTER
Latin music, pop and jazz are
performed at a dedicated stage
here. Bring a lawn chair or watch
from the surrounding cafés.
www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com

Historic Homes • Edison’s Laboratory • Museum
Tropical Gardens
Open Daily Year Round 9 to 5:30
Winner of the
National Trust for Historic Preservation Stewardship of a Historic Site
2350 McGregor egor
Blvd. • Fort Myers, FL 33901 • 239.334.7419 • www.efwefla.org
More than just the sun
shines at Lily & Co.
JEWELRY GALLERY
520 TARPON BAY ROAD
SANIBEL, FL 33957
239-472-2888
LILYJEWELERS.COM

042
SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
Myra Janco Daniels
FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF THE PHIL-
HARMONIC CENTER FOR THE ARTS
PERFORMANCES SEEN IN HER LIFE: AT LEAST 8,000
Why do you feel at home in Southwest Florida? “I had always
been interested in the arts. I studied classical dance and music
and performed as a symphony percussionist. When we moved to
Florida, I found that many people shared my hunger for the arts.”
This passion must have been inspiring as you worked to create
the Philharmonic Center for the Arts. What was that journey
like? “We began fundraising to support our orchestra in 1983,
which led to the building of the Philharmonic Center, which is
not only home to the orchestra, but also presents world-class
dance, music, opera and comedy. In 2000, we opened the Naples
Museum of Art on our campus, making this the most
comprehensive cultural facility in South Florida.”
What restaurant would you recommend
for a pre-show meal? “My favorite place to
dine before performances is The Dome at
the Naples Museum of Art.”
Randy Wayne White
AUTHOR
NEXT DOC FORD BOOK: DEEP
SHADOW (MARCH 2010)
Why did you set your series, featuring marine
biologist Doc Ford and his sidekick Tomlinson,
in Southwest Florida? “I was a fishing guide for many
years and live on Pine Island in an old house built on the
remnants of a shell mound. Decades of life on the water have
brought me as close as a person can be to the sights, sounds and
rhythm of the sea and life on the mangrove coast. Southwest
Florida is a quirky, strange, powerful, subtle, delicate character.
When writing about two people in Florida, you are really writing
about three characters.”
Tell us about Doc Ford’s Sanibel Island Rum Bar and Grille,
which was named for your main character. Do you ever go
there? “A 2004 hurricane destroyed my home, so restaurants and
bars became the places I wrote. Doc Ford’s Sanibel Island Rum
Bar and Grille was one of just a few places on the island that had
power. I spent hours there in the aftermath of the storm, writing.”
What do you order when you’re there? “I order the Yucatan
shrimp, taquitos and regular swordfish special. The menu is full
of the flavor of Central America.”
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Our
Town
These four distinguished
locals feel connected to
Southwest Florida.
BY KELLY MERRITT
Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw
PRESIDENT OF FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
FAVORITE PART OF CAMPUS: THE NEW SOLAR POND
Southwest Florida has a keen interest in preserving the
environment. How does the university fit into these efforts?
“The school is committed to environmental sustainability, for
buildings, grounds, operations and even in our curriculum.
All of us—students, faculty and staff—are constantly striving
to be good stewards of Florida’s unique ecosystem. We also
have extensive programs in environmental science and
environmental engineering.”
What is the one place all out-of-town guests should see? “For
first-time Naples visitors, a must-see is the Naples Botanical
Gardens. The newly designed gardens are breathtaking and can
provide many hours of botanical splendor.”
What local restaurants would you recommend?
“I’d tell visitors to head to one of the
many beaches in Southwest Florida for a
grouper sandwich or stone crab claws.
These are our area’s specialties, and they
are so good!”
Isabel Pozo Polo
CHEF/CO-OWNER
OF IM TAPAS RESTAURANT
BEST WINE/FOOD PAIRING AT HER
RESTAURANT: CHEESE BOARD WITH A
GLASS OF SINGLE VINEYARD MOSCAT
You’re known for transforming traditional Spanish tapas into
your own unique creations. What are some of your secrets?
“Taking liberties with traditional Spanish cuisine requires using
superior ingredients and applying modern cooking methods to
the style of the cuisine. For example, I travel to Miami to pick up
the chorizo I prefer to use in our sparkling cider chorizo dish.
And instead of using plain cream, I use béchamel sauce and salt
cod in our traditional croquettes. Also, many of the recipes on
the menu are from my mother Hilda Polo.”
What was the vision for the restaurant? “The culture of Spain
revolves so much around food and people speaking to each other
at the table. Part of my purpose at IM Tapas is to educate people
in the art of eating. My partner Mary and I both believe food is
an art to be enjoyed in a convivial setting, just as it is in Spain.”
What is your favorite dish? “Lubina a la Plancha, which is a
whole Mediterranean sea bass we serve de-boned and paired
with a Fulget Albariño wine.”

DANIELS, BRADSHAW, POLO: SHANE LUITJENS; WHITE: WENDY WEBB
SW FLORIDA SPECIAL 043

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The Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of islands
and mangrove islets off the coast of Southwest
Florida. Located on the northern end is the
110,000-acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine
Research Reserve, which protects one of the
country’s few remaining mangrove forests.
(inset) Owls at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Where
the Wild Th ings
Are (Protected)
With its plethora of parks, refuges and animal rehab
centers, Southwestern Florida provides a safe haven
for the creatures that call the area home.
BY CHELLE KOSTER WALTON
ON THE TOWN: SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
Fish that look like freckled bats? A
big pink bird that eats with a spoon?
Elephant cousins that live underwater
and eat 300 pounds of seaweed a day?
Mother Nature certainly is creative.
Equally astounding as the polkadot
batfish, roseate spoonbill, lovable
manatee and other magnificent
creatures that populate Southwest
Florida are the efforts that local
wildlife lovers, refuges, preserves, parks, and rehab and
education centers are making to protect them and their
precious habitats.
Delicately balanced on the brink of the Florida Everglades
and its fragile environment, the Ft. Myers and Naples
area is dedicated to the prolongation of species struggling
to survive. Some preserves, such as the Florida Panther
National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/floridapanther)
outside of Naples and Manatee Park (www.leeparks.org) in
Ft. Myers concentrate on specific endangered species.
At Florida Panther, 26,400 acres of habitat have been set
aside by the federal government to accommodate the long
range required by the eponymous subspecies of cougar,
whose numbers have steadily dwindled to between 80 and
100. While visitors won’t spot a panther (they’re dangerous
and mostly nocturnal), they can safely explore its habitat.
Manatee Park, on the other hand, practically guarantees
sightings during the winter, when the spud-shaped, prehistoric
mammals migrate into warm waters to feed. From the
fresh waterway’s overlook, you can watch them swim, and
if you kayak into the Orange River, you may even catch one
scratching its back on the bottom of the vessel.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
045

046
SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
Although the polka-dot
batfish is something
of a mascot at
Rookery Bay
Environmental
Learning Center
(www.rookerybay.
org) in south Naples, the 110,000
water-ribboned acres of the Rookery Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve that
surround it host other rare creatures as
well, including alligators, crocodiles, bald
eagles, and Atlantic green and Ridley
sea turtles.
Begin your visit at the interactive
learning center, where an exaggerated
model of the batfish
greets you and a
giant white ibis and
mosquito loom
from the ceiling.
A brand-new
pedestrian bridge
from the center’s second floor connects
to a trail with interpretative signage.
Visitors can also join a guided two-hour
kayak tour into the mangrove forest to
learn more about local flora, manatees,
alligators and the flocks of birds that
justify the reserve as a stop on the Great
Florida Birding Trail, a 2,000-mile,
self-guided highway trail that unifies 489
birding sites throughout Florida. (It also
hosts an annual birding festival, which
will take place Jan. 15-18.)
Another stop on the Great Florida
Birding Trail is Corkscrew Swamp
Sanctuary (www.corkscrew.audubon.
org) about 20 miles northeast of Naples.
The 13,000-acre preserve is particularly
known for its nesting colony of threatened
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
(below) Corkscrew Swamp
Sanctuary (insets, from top)
White egrets; polka-dot batfish
wood storks, which generally nest between November and March. Other critters include
alligators, bobcats, deer, limpkins, bald eagles and some 220 bird species. Stop in the Blair
Audubon Center for a dramatic introduction to the swamp and to learn its secrets, then
hike the 2.25-mile boardwalk.
Also known as a key Florida birding destination, J.N. “Ding” Darling National
Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/dingdarling) encompasses more than 6,400 acres
on Sanibel Island, plus a complex of offshore rookeries accessible only by boat. Its
trademark bird, the roseate spoonbill, hangs around all year, but in greater numbers
during the winter. In fall, flocks of white pelicans arrive, along with other snowbirds
such as the great blue heron, reddish egret, osprey and a number of sweet-singing
warblers. The refuge offers tram, boat and kayak tours, as well as kayak rentals, and
visitors can also drive, bike or hike the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, where birds feed roadside
at low tide.
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (www.crowclinic.org), also on Sanibel
Island, is an entirely different bird. Forty years old, CROW was one of the first rehab
facilities of its kind in the state. Its new Healing Winds Visitor Education Center opened
last January to educate the public about the more than 4,000 patients it sees each year.
Because such facilities don’t allow visitors to watch procedures directly, a Critter Cam in
the center gives people a chance to see what’s going on with the patients, while hands-on
exhibits and videos explain the facility’s important work on birds, turtles, squirrels,
Lee County VCB/www.FortMyersSanibel.com

accoons, rabbits, and all the local
creatures who may have been injured in
car accidents, from fish hooks, by falling
from nests or have become orphaned.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at
the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s
Nature Center (www.conservancy.org) in
Naples does similar work, handling more
than 2,400 patients each year with the
ultimate goal of releasing them back into
the wild. Those in no condition to survive
on their own take up residence in the
Wildlife Pavilion, where visitors can visit
pelicans, egrets, black bears, deer and
gopher tortoises.
Blessed with its role as a rest stop along
the bird migration flyway and its agreeable
climate, Southwest Florida is not only a
haven for wild things, but also for those
who want to see them where they live.
And thanks to the efforts of the numerous
parks, refuges and nature centers, these
animals have a better chance to survive.
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048
ON THE TOWN: SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
ISLANDS
CRUISED THE GULF
OF MEXICO LEFT
THEIR NAMES ALL
OVER SOUTHWEST
FLORIDA. BUT IS
THERE ANY GOLD?
BY Y MAR MA MAR MA MAR MA MAR MA MAR AR AARY
Y YW Y YW Y YW Y YW Y YW Y YW Y YW Y W WWW
W WW W WWOZN
OZN OZ OZN OZ OZN OZ OZN OZ OZN IAK IAKK IAK IA IAK AK AKK AK AKK AK A
Local sports teams and dozens of restauaurants are named after them, but three ree
hundred years ago, pirates colored more ore
than Southwest Florida’s uniforms and storefronts: They
splashed the seas with red and left gold d along the shores. They
even had colorful names, like Black Caesar and Calico Jack
Rackham. Based on the heavily trafficked Gulf of Mexico,
these two—along with the infamous Gasparilla—pillaged and plundered merchant
ships along Florida’s west coast, and they were as unwanted as the black
plague.
Today, most of the real-life stories of these buccaneers have disappeared.
And the boisterous spirit of the pirate era usually only comes to life during
themed festivals. Nonetheless, while the
islands around Ft. Myers may or may not
actually conceal buried treasure, they are
littered with the legacies of the pirates
themselves. Many are even named after
the notorious marauders who made their
homes in the area.
Lover’s Key, for instance, is not named
for the honeymooners who flock to its
beach bungalows, but rather for two
pirate lovebirds—the aforementioned
Rackham and Anne Bonny—who landed
on the island after a sailing mishap. “The
two drifted there in 1718 after a storm
broke their ship’s mainmast,” says James
F. Kaserman, co-author of Pirates of
Southwest Florida: Fact and Legend. The
would-be couple cavorted around the
island while the crew repaired the ship,
and and before long, they had fallen for each
other. “They had the classic love story,”
Kaserman says.
Captiva Island, meanwhile, was
marked by a more sinister tale. Two pirates
who took the name Black Caesar—one
born in the 16th century, the other nearly
a hundred years later—are rumored to
have imprisoned their female captives on
the island, which was adjacent to their
bases of operations on Sanibel.
Rumors of gold surround Gasparilla
Island named for the Ft. Myers area’s most
notorious pirate inhabitant. The infamous
Gasparilla, whose real name was purportedly
Jose Gaspar, is said to have amassed his
ill-gotten fortune in nearly 40 years at sea.
Then, after coming out of retirement for
one last raid, he reportedly leapt overboard
during an ambush by the US Navy, abandoning
his massive cache on the island.
These days, Gasparilla’s namesake
isle is home to more shells than swashbucklers,
but it still draws a few pirate
enthusiasts. As for the existence of the
pirate himself, Kaserman is skeptical.
Anne Bonny BONNY: BRIDGEMAN ARCHIVE

Pieces of 8 Pirate Cruise
PLAYING PIRATE
Put on your trusty tricorn
and shoulder your parrot:
It’s a pirate’s life at these
themed attractions.
PIECES OF EIGHT
PIRATE CRUISE
These daily cruises—which
take place on a 65-foot
replica of a Spanish Galleon—feature
games and
historical lectures from a
crew in full pirate regalia.
www.piecesofeight.com
SMUGGLERS COVE
ADVENTURE GOLF
The obstacles at this
putt-putt course echo those
the pirates of Southwest
Florida may have faced, from
shipwrecks to live alligators.
www.smugglersgolf.com
“Gasparilla is dashing and
romantic,” he says, “but no
evidence among Spanish records
proves he ever actually existed.”
While that may dull some of
the excitement among treasure
hunters, it doesn’t mean the
pirates have abandoned South
Florida. Whether the men
themselves actually existed or
not, the legends of Calico Jack,
Black Caesar and Gasparilla
remain as dark as ever. And
when it comes to pirates,
reputation is everything.
Tour the islands on a
Scoot Coupe
BEACH ACCESSORIES & SKATE SHOP
Bicycles • Beach Chairs
Umbrellas • Joggers • Wagons
Body & Skim Boards
Motor Scooters Hobie Sailboats
Surfboard Rentals
Parasailing & Waverunner Rentals
Banana Boat Rides & Windsurfi ng
Waverunner Excursions
Fishing • Shelling
Snorkeling • Sightseeing
OPEN EVERY DAY BY 9 AM
239-472-1296 • WWW.YOLO-JIMS.COM • 239-472-9656 • 11534 ANDY ROSSE LANE • CAPTIVA

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PURESTOCK/PHOTOLIBRARY
BATTLE
THE
SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF THE SUNSHINE
STATE HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN AS
“FLORIDA’S FLORIDA.” IT’S WHERE THE
NATIVES VACATION—AND IT’S LARGELY
BECAUSE OF THE BEACHES. THE COAST
IS LINED WITH BARRIER ISLANDS AND
IMMENSE SANDBARS, SOME LEFT ALONE
FOR NATURE LOVERS TO ENJOY AND
OTHERS BUILT UP FOR ACTION
AND FUN. BUT WHICH
BEACH IS BEST?
Cayo Costa
State Park
Hardcore nature lovers
must visit this park,
which remains pristine
because it’s accessible
only by the African
Queen-like ferry that
departs from a Pine
Island marina. If you’re
hoping to find the
granddaddy of conch
shells, this is your place.
Pitch a tent if you like,
and stay overnight. But
beware of mosquitoes
during the summer
and fall, which are even
more haunting than
the island’s historic
cemetery.
BY AD HUDLER
BEACH KEY: YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S OUT THERE
SHELLING FOOD ROMANTIC CROWDED RELATIVELY Y
SECLUDED
OF THE
BEACHES
KAYAK/
CANOE /
RENTALS
GOOD
BIRDING
GOOD
WILDLIFE
WATCHING
SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
FAMILY
FRIENDLY
EASE OF
ACCESS
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
051

052
SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
Ft. Myers Beach
Ft. Myers Beach
This is southwest Florida’s college spring-break hub. Go to see everyone from
hand-holding retirees to a tattooed woman wearing a boa (constrictor!) around
her neck. Families with small children like the gradually sloping beach, the nearby
restaurants and all the rental beach toys—this is perfect choice for the can’t-sit-still
crowd. And if you’re wondering about the brownish color of the sand and water, it’s
because of the nearby Caloosahatchee River.
Tigertail Beach
Despite its Cancun-like urban skyline, this
Marco Island beach offers one of the area’s
most natural coastal settings. Due to shifting
sand over the years, a lagoon of sorts
has formed between the mainland and
gulf-front beach, creating a remarkable
bird sanctuary. Don’t be surprised to find
yourself surrounded by a flock of pinkplumaged
roseate spoonbills or a living
blanket of tiny fiddler crabs, scurrying to
get out of your way. One problem:
Because the lagoon supports
wildlife, you must walk around
it, and by the time you get to
the beach you might want to
nap instead of bird-watch.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Lovers Key
Carl E. Johnson
State Park
Florida’s award-winning state parks
have a wholesome feel to them, and this
one is no exception. It comes complete
with a lean-to snack shack (Hurricane
Charley’s) right on the beach, and
you can kayak, bike or hike the trails
outlined with signs explaining the
island’s flora and fauna, which you are
almost guaranteed to encounter.
(Overheard on a recent trip:
“Honey, don’t sit on that
rock! It’s got four feet—and
it’s moving!)
Tigertail Beach on Marco Island
Shell It
Like It Is
Southwest Florida is one of the world’s top
shelling spots—it’s even home to The Bailey-
Matthews Shell Museum (www.shellmuseum.
org) on Sanibel Island. Hit the beach early for
the best shelling, but there is one caveat: It’s
against the law to take live shells (distinguishable
by a grayish blob-like creature inside).
Here are a few
types you may find:
OLIVE: Shaped
like
a piece ece of roll rolled
pastry dough, g it has
a coating that’s as
smooth and shiny
as the fruit that
shares its name.
GIANT HEART
COCKLE: Used as
ashtrays by locals,
this common shell
is usually found
intact, despite its
larger size.
LIGHTNING WHELK:
Delicate and long,
these shells were
revered by the
Calusa Indians who
lived here long ago.
SCALLOP: Made
famous in the Shell
Oil sign, these
range in size and
color, from magenta
to burnt orange
to ivory.
FLORIDA FIGHTING
CONCH: You’ll
mostly see baby
versions of this sea
snail, though larger
ones can be found
on remote beaches.
COQUINA: The size
and shape of a child’s
fingernail, these
colorful mollusks are
best enjoyed alive.
After a wave recedes,
watch the coquinas’
gelatinous legs pop
out of the shells and hurriedly dig their
way to safety beneath the sand.
FT. MYERS: DAVID NEVALA/AURORA PHOTOS/CORBIS; ILLUSTRATIONS: ANDREW DEGRAFF

Photo by Florida Aerial Services, Inc. Tampa
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Minutes to Beach and Shopping
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web: www.coveinnnaples.com
900 Broad A
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With a second home on Sanibel or Captiva island in
beautiful Southwest Florida, your playground encompasses
one of the world’s best shelling beaches, wildlife sanctuaries,
miles of biking paths and the Gulf of Mexico. Few residents,
no traffic lights, and a calm pace of life. And with airports
nearby, you can get anywhere in a New York minute.
Let us show you the way!
Relax. You’re preferred.
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800-805-0168 • www.RoyalShellSales.com
For big family fun, or just one-on-one.
For a romantic weekend for two, or a vacation for the whole
family, experience the best of Naples at The Inn on Fifth. Firstclass
accommodations in downtown Naples, surrounded by the
area’s favorite beaches, attractions, restaurants, shops and more.
699 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
Toll Free: 888-403-8778 Phone: 239-403-8777
For reservations, rates and information on packages, visit www.innonfifth.com.
®

054
SW FLORIDA SPECIAL
Barefoot
Beach Preserve
On many days, the gopher
tortoises outnumber
humans at this beach. This is
partly because of the species’
thriving population and
partly because few people even
know about this place. To get
there, beachgoers must drive
through a gated community.
Don’t be discouraged by the
gauntlet of “PRIVATE DRIVE-
WAY! NO TRESPASSING
ALLOWED!” signs; you’re
allowed to be there. You will
be rewarded with a shell-filled,
un-peopled setting.
Bowman’s Beach
This Sanibel Island beach
requires a short hike through
a forest and over a long bridge,
but the journey only makes
it feel even more Robinson-
Crusoe remote. For some
reason, Europeans seem to
prefer this beach for au naturel
suntanning, but rangers do a
good job of keeping everyone
in their Speedos.
Vanderbilt Beach
Because most Southwest
Florida beaches are in natural
settings, it can be hard to
find good food and libations.
One exception is this Naples
beach. The historic-looking
building with the twin turrets
is The Ritz-Carlton, and the
restaurant and bar in the
hotel’s beach pavilion are
open to the public. Vanderbilt
also has an adjacent parking
garage, which makes it a good
choice for families schlepping
a vanload of beach gear.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Sanibel Island Causeway
If you want something more laidback
and even closer to the water, park
your car directly on the beaches that
line the Sanibel Island Causeway, a
favored spot for the jet-ski crowd.
Don’t be intimidated by the lack of
tourists. The Florida natives are the
perfect people to show you just how
fun local beaches can be.
Clam Pass Beach Park
This beach in Naples is accessible via a tram ride
through a shaded mangrove forest, but you might
want to walk it so you can watch the herons and
egrets feeding on crabs. Try to be at the pass
during the change of tides; kids and adults alike
will delight in the sensation of water rushing from
bay to gulf. But wait! Where did mom go? Tired of
sun and sand, she was last seen walking down the
street to the nearby Waterside Shops for a sale at
Nordstrom.

CLAM PASS: SHANE LUITJENS; ILLUSTRATIONS: ANDREW DEGRAFF
Palm Reader
Only this far south in Florida do tropical palms
truly thrive. And Ft. Myers, aka the City of Palms,
got its nickname because long-time winter resident
Thomas Edison planted the first of the royal
palms that line the stately McGregor Boulevard.
It It’s just one of many
va varieties you’ll see as
yyou
explore.
COCONUT: This
tree has irregularly
curved trunks, and
clusters of green,
unripe-but-heavy
coconuts near the
top—so you’d best
not park the rental
car beneath one.
SABAL: Florida’s
state tree, it grows
wild, often in
clumps, just about
everywhere. Hearts
of palm come from
the sabal.
ROYAL: These regal
and straight trees
have thick trunks
that look like they’re
covered in smooth
concrete. They
are often planted
in lines along
sidewalks.
BISMARCK:
B
Squatty S and broad
shouldered, sh this
tree tre has immense,
pale, pal silvery-green
fronds fron that give it an
alien appearance.
It’s of often used as a
centerpiece cente in yards.
FOXTAIL: One look
at the fronds and
you’ll see where this
tree gets its name.
Common in Naplesarea
medians, this
type has a pencilstraight
trunk.
The Garden.
Cultivate your senses.
Children’s Garden / Brazilian Garden / Caribbean Garden / Butterfly House / Preserve & Trails
4820 BAYSHORE DRIVE, NAPLES, FL 34112 / 877.433.1874
WWW.NAPLESGARDEN.ORG

DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
ADVERTORIAL
REAL ESTATE REPORT:
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
CURRENT CONDITIONS MAKE THIS THE PERFECT TIME TO BUY
The real estate market in Southwest Florida is both
dynamic and diverse. Within a 50 mile stretch from
Cape Coral to Marco Island, you can find glamour
and sophistication in Naples or the charm of Old
Florida on the islands
of Sanibel and Captiva. Ask anyone
who’s been there and they’ll tell you
that this is an ideal part of the country,
whether you’re seeking a second home
or retirement.
Like the rest of the country, real estate
in Southwest Florida has seen a slump, but
perhaps not as bad as most other areas.
Not only are there still plenty of people
in the market, but current values are
excellent and prime property is available
at prices significantly lower than they were
just a few years ago.
The Resort at MarinaVillage, a Grosse Point Development project, is Cape
Coral’s only luxury waterfront resort.
Casa Del Rio, offered by the Taranto Team at Coldwell Banker, is a magical setting in paradise.
We spoke with several respected professionals in the
area to get a sense of the market conditions and the available
opportunities. Specializing in estate homes, the team of Lauren and
Michael Taranto with Coldwell Banker Previews agree that 2010 is
shaping up to be a good year. They’ve
been winning awards as a top sales
team in the organization since 2001 and
specialize in luxury real estate. Lauren
agrees that the area has recently seen
an increase in interest and activity,
which is certainly good news since
Southwest Florida is about to go into
its prime season.
Royal Shell Preferred Properties has
been a leader in the rental and sales of
island real estate on Sanibel and Captiva
for years. It is a full-service company
that can also take care of your vacation

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATION OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND D TTO
TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION
718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY DEVELOPER TO BUYER OR LESSEE. OFFERED BY GROSSE POINTE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC. DEVELOPERS OF THE RESIDENCES AT BELL TOWER ER PPARK,
PARK, TARPON POINT MARINA AND PALMAS
DEL SOL. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL OF OUR FINE COMMUNITIES, PLEASE CALL 239-437-5007 OR VISIT ONLINE AT GPDEVELOPMENT.COM. BROCHURE, WEB SITE AND ANY MARKETING MATERIALS ALS
PRESENTED ARE NOT LEGAL DOCUMENTS.
DESCRIPTIONS, PHOTOS, DRAWINGS AND ARTIST RENDERINGS ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS OFFERING IS MADE ONLY BY THE PRO PROSPECTUS OSPECTUS FOR THE CONDOMINIUM AND NO
STATEMENT SHOULD BE RELIED UPON IF NOT MADE IN THE PROSPECTUS. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL, OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY, THE CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN STATES WHERE SUCH H OOFFER
OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE.
PRICES, FLOOR PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PROPERTIES OR INTEREST DESCRIBED HEREIN ARE NOT REGISTERED WITH THE GOVERNMENTS OF ANY STATE TATTE
OUTSIDE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THIS
ADVERTISEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO ANY RESIDENTS OF NJ, CT, HI, ID, IL OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE PROHIBITED, UNLESS THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN REGISTERED OR EXEMPTIONS XEMMPTIONS
ARE AVAILABLE. RENDERINGS ARE
ARTIST CONCEPTION. PRICES AND SPECIFICATION S SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY BY GROSSE POINTE REALTY, LLC. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. © 2010 GROSSE POINTE NTE E DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC.
… a Southwest Florida vacation destination where you
can stay a night, a week or forever. That’s The Resort at
MarinaVillage Residence Club at Tarpon Point Marina in
Cape Coral. This new waterfront resort and full-service hotel
offers homeownership opportunities in 1/12th options at a
fraction of the cost of a traditional home. These are spacious,
two- and three-bedroom, fully furnished luxury homes. Truly
the smartest way to own a vacation home on south Florida’s
Gulf Coast!
• Pools, shopping, dining, boating, housekeeping, room
service, concierge and valet
• First-class services and exceptional resort amenities
• 175-slip marina with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico
• Buy only the time you can actually use
• Homeowners enjoy four, seven-day weeks during “high”
or “low” season
• Access to 2,400 resorts in 75 countries with Interval
International’s vacation exchange
• Daily boat shuttle to and from Fort Myers Beach
Now Open!
Fractional Ownership From $74,000
www.ImagineMarinaVillage.com/GoMag/
239. 541.5025 | 800.446.3641
5951 Silver King Boulevard | Cape Coral, Florida 33914
Sales & Information Center
Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Sun. Noon to 5 p.m.
Broker Participation Welcome!
Cape Coral
FLORIDA
Veterans Pkwy.
Pelican Blvd.
Santa Barbara Blvd.
Cape Coral Pkwy.
El Dorado Pkwy.
tRose Garden Rd.
Del Prado Blvd.

ADVERTORIAL
rental needs. Broker Don Deluca notes that the islands attract a very special kind of visitor,
someone who appreciates no traffic lights, no high-rises and an abundance of nature. He notes
that it is a case of supply and demand, and when it comes to these two pristine islands, supply is
definitely limited and demand remains high.
VIP Realty Group, which has been selling island real estate for more than 30 years,
has offices throughout Southwest Florida. One of its top agents, Karen Bell, has 24 years of
experience specializing in Sanibel and Captiva island homes. Karen has also seen an increase in
activity since August, and notes that prices have stabilized. There is a good amount of inventory
available and prices are still excellent. She notes that if you’ve been thinking about a move like
this, now is definitely the time to start looking.
Some of the best deals may be high-rise developments, which present wonderful second
home opportunities or carefree retirement living. One fabulous development is The Resort at
MarinaVillage, located within Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral. The resort is perched on the
edge of the Caloosahatchee River and offers 18 stories of sweeping views of the river, San Carlos
Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. Residences ranging from studios to three-bedrooms are
available and fractional ownership beginning at just $74,000 is an option. The resort offers a full
array of amenities, and what isn’t on-site is certainly close by.
Another development fronting the Caloosahatchee River is the North Star Yacht Club in
North Ft. Myers. The two 12-story towers feature two- and three-bedroom residences
with six different floor plans and all the resort amenities you would expect, with prices starting
at just $229,000.
All in all, the outlook for home sales in Southwest Florida seems bright. Inventory is good,
which means that you should be able to find your dream home, whether it be a second home
or a place to retire. Prices have stabilized but remain low, so you may be able to get a place you
couldn’t previously afford and have it appreciate nicely. In real estate, timing is everything, and
now may just be the perfect time to buy, especially in Southwest Florida.
© Daniel Newcomb Architectural Photography
One of the most romantic places to live is where your heart sings in harmony with nature.
Casa Del Rio is a stunning riverfront property of 1.8 acres with views of aqua blue waters, white
birds and painted skies. The design team searched the world and created a masterpiece of Mizner
Spanish design and historical accuracy. The property includes the 13,000-square-foot main house,
2 guest houses, court yards, outside leisure rooms and motor courts. Whether you are a writer,
artist, musician, actor or gourmet chef, this home will inspire you. $12,999,000.
Lauren Taranto | Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate | Cell: 239.572.3078 | casadelrio.com
Mellow Yellow is a beautiful gulf to bay home on Captiva
with pool, dock and guest house offered by Royal Shell
Preferred Properties.
Perfectly located on Captiva Drive, this beautiful gulf to bay
home is offered by Karen Bell of VIP Realty Group.
CASA DEL RIO
©2009 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By NRT LLC.

These shoes
are made
for walk-ins.
No reservations? No worries!
Sanibel and Captiva’s largest, most respected
source for spacious rental condos and homes has
a perfect island vacation place ready for you.
Just call us when you land.
(239) 472-9111 • (800) 656-9111
www.RoyalShell.com
1547 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel Island, Florida 33957
15050 Captiva Drive • Captiva Island, Florida 33924
SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS, FLORIDA
®
AND THE
VIP Realty
Group, Inc.
Second Home.
First Love.
Enjoy many happy returns
to the most outstanding
value in fort myers, on the
southwest florida waterfront.
from only $ 229,900.
Come see us while you’re in Fort Myers!
Sales Center & Models Open Daily | 239.995.8200
3420 Hancock Bridge Parkway, North Fort Myers, Florida 33903
NorthStarYachtClub.com
An Unrivaled Lifestyle.
Directions from I-75: Take exit 138 west onto Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Make a
right turn onto Monroe Street, followed by a quick left onto Main Street. Merge onto
US 41 North. After crossing the bridge, make a left onto Hancock Bridge Parkway.
EXCLUSIVE SALES & MARKETING
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT
NOTICE. CONTACT AGENT FOR DETAILS.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.”
Henry David Thoreau passed away before the first commercial airplane took flight, but his words have
never rung truer. Today, a New Orleans flatlander can hop on a plane in order to climb a 14,000-foot
mountain in Denver, and a California native can fly more than 2,500 miles to Washington, DC, to fight
for the rights of foster children. These 10 stories show how travel can make dreams come true. If only
Thoreau had the chance to fly across the country—who knows where he would have gone.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY SHAW NIELSEN
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
061
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE

062
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
LIFEIN THE
FAST
LANE
BY ORION RAY-JONES
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAM POLCER
“What do you want to
be when you grow up?”
Like many eager-to-please six-year-olds, I was quick to
tell adults that I wanted to be the president someday. But
when I was with other kids, zipping our Hot Wheels through
intricately constructed obstacle courses, I could be honest: I
wanted to be a racecar driver. Twenty-five years later, armed
with a plane ticket and pair of stylish new driving shoes,
it was time to make that dream come true.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009

HAVE DREAMS, DREAM AM AMS, S , WWILL
TRAVEL
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
063

064
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
Car racing attracts the type of hypercompetitive
people who can’t stand second
place, and I’m no exception—I even get
upset when I’m passed on the highway. For
this reason, I enroll at Skip Barber Racing,
a nationwide school that has been teaching
speed freaks to drive freakishly fast for 34
years. The school offers an MX-5 racecar
program, and I figure that as I drive a 1994
street model of this poor man’s sports car,
better known as a Mazda Miata, I might
have a head start on my fellow students. In
another ploy to head straight to the top of
the class, I have signed up for classes at the
legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
The 52-year-old track is set a couple
hours south of California’s Bay Area in
a parched valley not far from Monterey.
Famous for its rollercoaster-like Turn
8—called the “Corkscrew”—the raceway
is one of the stars of televised motorsports.
I have watched dozens of races (in vintage
racecars, Le Mans cars, even MX-5s) take
place on its 2.2 miles of narrow asphalt.
More importantly, I have logged more
hours than an adult should admit navigating
virtual cars around the road course on
an otherwise unused Playstation. I can close
my eyes and recite every bump and corner,
and I haven’t even been there yet.
With a ghost-like purr, my
rented Prius climbs the hill
leading to the entrance of
the park. At the crest, I get
my first glimpse of the sprawling course.
Awash in fog rolled in off the ocean and lit
by early morning sun, the gunmetal grey of
the asphalt is highlighted by freshly painted
red and white curbs. Despite a restless night
of day-before-Christmas anticipation, I am
now fully awake.
After getting fitted for a firesuit and
helmet, I get to know my competition fellow
students, who range from a 19-year-old who
has been saving up for months to take this
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
first step toward a racing career to a 56-yearold
lawyer with a passion for anything with
a motor in it. Of the six of us, I’m the only
one without experience; others have karted,
autocrossed or lapped racetracks.
Class starts with a quick lecture, complete
with mantras like “squealing tires are
happy tires.” During a brief introduction to
the cars we will be driving, my palms begin
to sweat. These souped-up sports cars look
nothing like my cushy Miata. Before I know
it, I’m squeezing through the roll cage,
“Dukes of Hazzard”-style. In the racing seat,
tightly strapped in with a five-point harness,
helmet and gloves on, I begin to really feel
the part.
The first lesson is on an autocross
track—a huge parking lot with a winding
trail made from fluorescent orange traffic
cones. The sound of the engine roaring to
life like an angry beast is music to my ears.
An instructor named Jeff sits beside me,
calling out urgent commands as I bring
the car up to speed. “Gas.” “Break.” “Full
power!” he shouts in a Texan twang through
a helmet-mounted radio. The tires sound
happy, and I’m ecstatic, pushing the car to
its limits. And the best part? I seem to be
one of the fastest.
Next, it’s time to venture onto the
renowned raceway’s doglegged straightaway
to learn how to brake and downshift.
Braking like a racer is easy enough—stomp
on the pedal as hard as you can before the
anti-lock brakes kick in. The pads stop the
car in a fraction of the distance of my Miata,
throwing my torso into the seatbelts and my
helmet-weighted head forward—a feeling
as fulfilling as the compression into the seat
provided by the zippy acceleration.
Here’s the hard part: When you’re
braking in a racecar, you’re not just braking.
While the intense deceleration is happening,
you also have to downshift a couple of gears
and tap the throttle with the heel of your
right foot to prevent the wheels from locking
up. The notorious “heel-toe” technique
provides me with my first failures. It’s like

patting my head and rubbing my tummy
while dancing the waltz and tango simultaneously.
A cacophony of transmission and
engine noises screams out from under the
hood as I miss gears or over-rev the engine.
The instructor gives me a feeble thumbs-up
when I manage to get from third to first
without torturing the car. Suddenly, I don’t
feel like an honors student anymore.
But before I know it, I’m driving on one
of the world’s greatest road courses. The first
time jetting down the Corkscrew, a combination
of two tight turns that abruptly drops
you down a 60-foot hill, is as thrilling as
any Cedar Park ride. At the end of each lap,
instructors positioned in various corners
give feedback through a walkie-talkie, telling
me how to better attack the track. With the
exception of the slow-speed corners, which
require the dreaded heel-toe technique, I
feel fast, like I was born to do this.
Back on the stop-and-go streets of New
York City, I fancy myself a pretty impressive
driver. I love the chaos of slaloming my
Miata down Second Avenue with a stampeding
herd of taxis that has little regard for
turn signals or the lines that divide lanes.
But this is infinitely more thrilling. Requiring
a fighter pilot’s concentration, driving
on the edge leaves barely enough capacity
to appreciate the bright California sky, the
magnificently traffic-free tarmac and the
wind rushing under my helmet’s visor.
Over the next couple of days, I continue
to learn the secrets of driving
fast. I also learn that I had better
hang on to my day job. It seems
that I have miscalculated my classmates.
The aspiring young racer, Jesse Guerra, has
a natural touch that propels him to the top
of the class while I languish near the rear.
No matter—with every passing lesson, my
competitive fire dims, replaced by a growing
sense of camaraderie. Between sessions,
we trade stories of on-track mishaps and
off-road adventures. I’m not even upset
when Jesse passes me; his beaming smile
afterwards is impossible to begrudge.
The instructors pass our entire class,
and armed with a diploma and a newfound
addiction to the thrill of a racecar, I leave
California eager to continue chasing my
checkered-patterned boyhood dreams. Yes,
it’s finally time to grow up.
I DREAM
OF DISNEY
BY JONATHAN AND LAUNI WALKER
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL 065
Orlando is one of the most popular tourist
destinations in the world, but our family’s trip
held special meaning for us: It was to see our
5-year-old son Eli’s wish to visit Walt Disney
World Resort come true.
Eli was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 3, and
he’s undergone chemotherapy treatment for the past two
years. He also developed a serious nerve disorder last fall,
but we received much brighter news that same week from
the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Eli’s wish was being granted.
Eli had a blast, enjoying the rides as many times as
he wanted. He rode e his favorite
rollercoaster 11 times!
He also ate ice cream
every day and met
many of his favorite
characters, giving
him great memories.
It was a wonderful
trip not only for Eli,
but also for our family.
It was sunshine
in these dark, rainy
clouds of cancer.
You can help kids like
Eli reach their dreams
by b donating A+ Rewards
credits c to the Make-A-
Wish W Foundation. To
learn le how, visit www.
wish.org w or www.aplus
rewards.com.
re
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE

066 HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
SNAPSHOTS
FROM
SEDONA
BY DIANE BAIR
PHOTOGRAPH BY GREG NIKAS
Going through a rough patch that included his dad’s death and his
own bout with cancer, Greg Nikas—my friend and a photographer
from Newburyport, MA—had put his dreams of traveling to
the gorgeous red-rock landscape of Sedona, AZ, on hold.
“I’d never seen the desert before, and was drawn to the
purity and starkness of the landscape. I’d seen photos of
Sedona, and I had this crazy kind of visceral, emotional
reaction. I wanted to experience that, and feel that, in person,” Nikas says. “The
purity of light there is a photographer’s dream. It really brings out the colors of
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
the rock formations. The combination
of that pure light and intense
color is really magical.”
When his birthday approached, I
invited him to go to a wine festival in
Boston. “Diane advised me to pack
hiking boots and my camera,” Nikas
recalls. “She told me we would be
stomping the grapes.”

I lied. I drove past the festival to the airport, and steered my mystified companion to
a flight bound for Phoenix. At the gate, I whipped out a brochure for Sedona, and said,
“Surprise!” “It was such an emotional moment, I immediately started crying,” Nikas says.
We drove 120 miles from Phoenix to Sedona and hiked up a butte with a 360-degree
vantage point, where Nikas shot a stunning panorama of the famous rock formations. The
next morning, we took a hot air balloon ride.
“The aerial views of the sunrise over Sedona were some of my best shots of the trip. It
was magnificent, way beyond my expectations,” Nikas says. “It invigorated me as an artist.
It was truly unforgettable.”
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
067

068
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
TRAVEL
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
FOR
CHANGE
BY DANIEL HEIMPEL
Three years ago, I
volunteered as a lacrosse
coach at a rough South
Los Angeles high school.
Among the players
was a 16-year-old boy
named Chris, who had
an anger in him that
ran in stark opposition
to his otherwise happy,
confident demeanor.
Concerned, I asked him about his parents
and he said that he lived in a group
home. After visiting him there, I wrote
a story about Chris’ experience in foster
care for LA Weekly. I have been a mentor
to Chris ever since, and knowing him
has opened my eyes to the failings of the
foster care system. As a journalist, I have
written scores of stories on the subject,
but that wasn’t enough. So I traveled to
Washington, DC, to live my dream: meet
with lawmakers and advocates to present

PARAMOUNT/COURTESY EVERETT COLLECTION
my plan to make the system better
for more than 500,000 children who
live in care.
In the Capitol building, I met
with Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
as other members of Congress
and their corteges rushed past to
a session on health care reform.
McDermott, stately under a head
of steely gray hair, listened carefully
as I explained how I wanted to use
local TV, print and web media to
see the federal bill he submitted
implemented on the state level. The
law, the Fostering Connections to
Success and Increasing Adoptions
Act of 2008, marks the most sweeping
reform to foster care in the
past 30 years. “The media can be
proactive and certainly can promote
advocacy,” he said. He shared his
advice, and I felt honored that a
man who had done so much for
kids was supportive in my effort to
do the same.
My second meeting was with
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA),
who was joined by Betty Krupa
and Jetaine Hart, both former
foster youths who first met the
senator through the Congressional
Coalition on Adoption Institute’s
foster youth internship program.
When asked how she felt about the
general state of foster care reform,
Landrieu said, “This is solvable.
That is what is so maddening.” I
told her about my plan, and she
promised to help.
In the months after meeting
with Landrieu and McDermott,
their aides helped me develop my
plan and put me in contact with the
people I would eventually partner
with to make it a reality. I left DC
invigorated, knowing that I was one
step closer to making a difference in
children’s lives.
9 : That’s
the highlights of the Best Day Ever with my very own
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL 069
the number of times Ferris played
hooky. It’s also the number of times I
watched Ferris Bueller’s Day Off when
it was released in 1986. For me, that
fictional day in Chicago represents the
ultimate celebration of life, and a few
months ago, I got a chance to re-create
Cameron (my best friend Brian).
Things began at 24 feet per second. That was the
speed of the elevator launching us to the sky deck of
the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower. In the movie, the trio
leans against the glass to take in a view of the city they’d
conquer that day, but we stepped out onto The Ledge, the
new glass-floored balcony that boasts an unobstructed
view to the street 1,353 feet below.
The Art Institute of
Chicago was the next stop;
we imitated the characters’
contemplative poses as
we perused the Gauguins,
Van Goghs and antiquities.
Next, we sped north to
the Wrigley Field, where
a sunny day game with a
Chicago-style hot dog is
more of a religious experience
than a sporting one.
THE BEST
DAY EVER
BY NICK BURRY
We solemnly chanted at the
visiting team: “Hey battah,
battah, battah, suhwing…”
While Ferris lived with
the constant threat of
Principal Rooney, we were
dogged by time. (Squeezing a city’s worth of activities into
a school day must require a rich father’s Ferrari.) When
we reached N. Lincoln Avenue, all that was left of the Von
Steuben Parade was a sprinkling of confetti and some
discarded novelty-sized German flags. We sprinted 15
blocks up the middle of the street towards the faint sound
of an oompah band and arrived, breathless, to catch the tail
end of the parade. I was too winded to leap atop a float and
belt out my rendition of “Danke Schoen.”
It was a lot to absorb in just one day, but as Ferris
teaches us: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and
look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE

070
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
I never understood why
my father liked Westerns.
Growing up, there always seemed to be horses galloping
across the TV screen. I spent countless hours sitting
on the couch with my dad, bored silly by the sight of
dust and ten-gallon hats. Something rubbed off, though,
instilling in me a fascination with film in general and,
eventually, a deep appreciation of those oaters that he’d
loved since his own childhood.
The great director John Ford captured Monument
Valley’s cinematic
beauty, and for
generations of
Americans, the
region is the Old
West. And 18 years
ago, my parents
decided to spend
spring break in
Arizona. I was a
17-year-old with
a girlfriend and
a freshly minted
HOW THE
WEST WAS
WON BY SHAUN BRADY
driver’s license. A
cross-country trek
in the back seat of
a station wagon to
see an enormous
hole in the ground,
bracketed by my
two annoying younger brothers, my parents droning on
in the front, might just have inspired me to jump over
the edge.
So I stayed behind, and it took half my lifetime to
finally make the journey. The trip was something that
had been pushing its way to the front of my mind as I
plan my wedding and prepare to start my own family in
Philadelphia, not far from where I grew up in Wilmington,
DE. While it would have been impossible to retake
that original vacation, my fiancée and I could certainly
retrace and expand upon their steps—and experience
them in ways that define our own relationship.
My venture into the mythic place that is the Grand
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Canyon was the culmination of
a whirlwind tour of northern
Arizona, which served as a tacit
admission that I’ve grown to
resemble my parents.
To get there, we passed through
a staggering array of landscapes,
from the desert cacti that edge
right up to Phoenix’s suburbs to
Sedona’s towering red rock formations,
from sparse sagebrush to
pine-covered mountains. Having
grown up on the East Coast, where
nature is as domesticated as a toy
poodle, it was stunning to see the
balance between civilization and
the environment.
That contrast was surely more
attractive to me than it would have
been to my folks, who likely stuck
close to the guardrails, whereas
I ventured closer to the edge. But
staring down into that majestic
abyss, I saw it as much through
my parents’ eyes as my own, and
realized those perspectives aren’t
vastly different.
At the end of The Searchers,
Ford’s masterpiece, John Wayne
turns away from the comforts of
domesticity, framed by an open
doorway as he heads back towards
Monument Valley and, symbolically,
the Wild West.
My fiancée and I, however, will
soon be walking through that door.
And I wouldn’t be surprised to see,
as I so often did in my father’s
house, Monument Valley’s landscapes
playing on the television.

A FLATLANDER’S
FIRST
CLIMB
BY PABLEAUX JOHNSON
“Poh-lay, poh-lay…”
My uncle’s words rang out from over my shoulder as I concentrated on the road ahead, my boots
crunching on sharp granite pebbles cracked by prehistoric glaciers. Our path up was pretty clear: zigzag
up the steep switchback trail, past an abandoned miner’s hut and up the rocky northbound ridge of Mt.
Sherman, one of Colorado’s “fourteeners”—a group of 54 peaks that rise above 14,000 feet.
We hit the trail at daybreak, planning to reach the peak by mid-morning, in case an early-season
snowstorm scuttled our day. Even though it was the end of summer, when you’re taking a weekend stroll
above 10,000 feet, you’ve got to watch the skies.
“Poh-lay, poh-lay…”
My uncle Fred, a resident of Boulder, has been climbing the Rockies for most of his adult life; at last
count, he’d climbed 41 “fourteeners.” He planted the seed for this climb of ours a solid 20 years before
on a weekend visit during a college break, when we hiked up Boulder’s stunning Flatirons. Fred mentioned
that my performance “wasn’t bad for a flatlander,” and invited me to climb a few “easy fourteeners”
under his tutelage.
From then on, the Rockies loomed on the periphery of my imagination. Fred eagerly repeated his
offer at every reunion. He thrilled me with tales of other family members cresting various fourteeners—
from cousins my age to his 8-year-old grandson. At long last, I was ready to take my turn.
Fred’s constant training mantra for novice climbers (“Poh-lay, poh-lay…”) is a Swahili phrase
meaning “Slowly, slowly…” that he learned trekking up Tanzania’s legendary Mount Kilimanjaro. A snail’s
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
pace is the safest way for any
beginner to climb—the better
to avoid altitude sickness,
exhaustion or a career-ending
ankle sprain. The words quickly
became my cerebral soundtrack
as we slogged up the steep
incline. By midmorning we could
barely see the aspens glowing
gold among the lodgepole pines
below. We ascended into a
bleak grey boulderscape with
increasingly cloudy skies. If
all went well, we’d be up to the
peak and back at the trailhead
by noon.
As we passed the trail’s
various visual markers, I could
feel my thighs burn and my
heartbeat quicken. After an
hour in thin mountain air, my
lungs were desperate for more
oxygen. Having started the day
above the treeline, we chugged
upward on the increasingly
rocky trail.
During a quick water break,
the weather took a decidedly
unwelcoming turn. On the final
ridge approach, the frigid wind
gusted to 20 miles per hour as
the season’s first snowstorm
made its entrance. A rogue cloud
appeared and blasted flurries
in a way I’d never seen before:
falling up. Not a good sign.
We kept going, confident
we could reach the top—400
yards away—in an hour. I tried
to ignore the fact that I couldn’t
feel my fingers and that we
would still need to trek 3 miles
back downhill.
The winds howled. Snow
stuck to our clothes and faces,
then turned to a thin layer of
ice. With about 200 yards to go,
Fred reconsidered the situation,
deciding it was better to
respect the mountain and not
get hammered on the trail. I
remembered something that a
fellow hiker had mentioned. “I
only made it up halfway my first
time,” he said. “The bright side
of not summiting is that you
have an excuse to come back.”
And “C’mon back, c’mon
back” became my mantra as I
picked my way down the ridge.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
071

072 HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
SURFER
GIRL
BY BROOKE PORTER
Forget “Für Elise.” One of the first
songs I learned to play on the piano
was “Surfin’ Safari” by the Beach Boys.
After that, I moved on to “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl” and
“California Girls.” I was a 6-year-old girl growing up in
Los Angeles, after all.
Those early days of music lessons instilled in me a
BASE BASE BASE BASE BASE BASE BASEBALL BALL L : NI NICK NI
NI CK L LLAHAM
AHAM AHA /////
GETT GETT GETT GETT GETT GETT GET Y YIM YIMAGES IM AGES
GES

Yankee Stadium
desire to bring those lyrics to life. And, growing up just
minutes from the beach, the chance to live that laidback
surfer lifestyle was there—but I never reached out and
grabbed it because school, work and basketball (my
calling at the time) got in the way.
During my last years in high school, a constant
reminder of what I was missing was my friend Kristine.
She had the same responsibilities as I did, but she still
FIELDS
Some people divide
their lives according
to places they’ve
lived. Not me. My
personal timeline
follows my evolution
as a baseball
fan. There were the Detroit Tigers
Days, when I sat on my dad’s lap and
watched games in a smoky bar, and
the Cincinnati Reds Years, when my
college boyfriend introduced me
to “Charlie Hustle” (aka Pete Rose)
and explained the intricacies of the
ground rule double. And, finally,
OF
DREAMS
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
BY DIANE BAIR
the Boston Red Sox Era, when I
became a member of the Fenway
Faithful—before they won the World
Series in ’03.
Is it any wonder that my dream
trip revolved around baseball?
My fantasy was to visit the most
beloved major league ballparks in
the country—the parks I’d been
hearing about since I was a little girl
trying out for Little League. They’re
not the newest ballparks (except
Yankee Stadium). I wanted to revisit
baseball’s age of innocence—and,
maybe, my own.
managed to wake up before school to catch the best waves.
And to add insult to injury, she had the look: long-legged,
blonde and tan year-round (the exact opposite of me). I
remember going with her to a bonfire on the beach, meeting
all her carefree friends and thinking, “Man, I really don’t
belong here—but I still could do this every night.”
Ten years later, I still hadn’t been to another bonfire.
I still hadn’t surfed. (And I still wasn’t tall, blonde or
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
073

074
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
My first stop was Baltimore’s Oriole Park at
Camden Yards, where my beloved BoSox were playing
the Orioles. I approached the arched brick entrance
with the same thrill I felt when I caught my first fly
ball. Modeled after the classic baseball parks (although
it opened in 1992), Camden Yards may be the most
beautiful place to see a major league game.
The asymmetrical playing field, natural grass
turf and quaint clock tower recall the early 20th
century. The beer is cheap (by ballpark standards),
the food is good (especially Boog’s BBQ) and the
usher didn’t mind when I traded up from my cheap
seat. (But you feel like you’re part of the action even
out in left field.)
Next up: the new Yankee Stadium. Opened in
April 2009, the $1.5 billion stadium in the Bronx is
across the street from the old 1923 ballpark, where
Babe Ruth crushed the first home run. If Oriole Park
is a celebration of baseball, this place is an ode to the
Yankees, with a museum and a soaring Great Hall
adorned with images of Yankees greats.
The team paid homage to their iconic old ballpark
by replicating its rooftop frieze and arched entryway,
but they upped the “wow” factor with luxury seating, a
high-def scoreboard, high-end restaurants and even a
martini bar.
My tour de baseball continued at Wrigley Field,
home of the Chicago Cubs. I arrived at the ballpark in
a lousy mood after a long-distance argument with a
friend, but it only took about 20 seconds for the place
to put a smile on my face. Maybe it was the little boy
sitting next to me at his first-ever ball game, waving
his foam bear claw glove, or maybe it was the smell
of the jalapeños on his nachos (nachos, deep-dish
pizza and Old Style beer seem to be the meal of choice
at Wrigley Field.) Or maybe it was the Midwestern
friendliness. The happiness reached fever pitch when
Derrek Lee hit a home run that put two on the board
for the Cubs in the bottom of the fourth.
It’s easy to be charmed by this ivy-bedecked 1914
tan.) But it was still something I wanted. So
with the melody of “Surfer Girl” in my head,
I boarded a plane bound for Florida. Destination:
Cocoa Beach, the hometown of world
champion surfer Kelly Slater.
My first lesson took place on a cloudless,
unseasonably humid day. Matt, my instructor
from the Cocoa Beach Surf Company, is a
local by way of Oahu who says he was “born on a
surfboard.” After going over a few safety rules (look out
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
stadium, the second
oldest in the majors.
The scoreboard, built
in 1937, is original, so
score-by-innings and
pitcher’s numbers are
changed by hand. At
the end of the game,
everybody sings
along to the late Steve
Goodman’s “Go, Cubs,
Go,” and a flag is flown
atop the scoreboard
bearing a “W” or “L” to
let commuters know if
The writer at Fenway Park
their beloved team has won or lost.
My next stop was Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Confession: I had
visited this park before, with an old boyfriend. Decked out in matching
Dodger Blue tees, we had a swell time—until we broke up, in the stadium
parking lot. (I don’t blame the Dodgers—although my not-so-secret crush on
Mike Piazza didn’t help matters.) I wanted to revisit the scene, and sitting atop
Chavez Ravine, with views of the San Gabriel Mountains, all was forgiven.
Dodger Stadium is an American classic. Get there soon: Owner Frank
McCourt has announced plans to renovate it in time for the park’s 50th
anniversary in 2012. The seats (circa 1970) are a bit saggy, the restrooms
grim and the JumboTron positively ancient—but this stadium is shabby in an
appealing way.
United by their love for the Boys in Blue, Dodger fans are wildly
enthusiastic, tossing beach balls (smuggled in purses) and downing grilled
Dodger Dogs, Gordon Biersch garlic fries and chocolate malts (the best meal
I sampled on my trip). Add those glorious views and legendary announcer
Vin Scully calling the plays, and I was in baseball heaven.
Finally, back home in Boston, I paid my respects to Fenway Park. The
oldest park in the majors (built in 1912), Fenway is always a joy. It’s quirky, intimate
and endearing—a place any true baseball fan should see. Yes, the seats are
cramped, but the fans are the most passionate in the majors and the energy is
fierce. What’s not to like about a place where fans all rise to sing Neil Diamond’s
“Sweet Caroline”? Out-of-towners always ask when we plan to tear down this
antique stadium and build a fancy modern one. The answer: “Nevah!”
for jellyfish and stingrays, among them), he
shows me where to place my hands on the rail
(the side of the board) and how to jump up.
After a few successful attempts on dry land,
we head for the water.
The next 40 minutes go something like
this: lay down on board, wait for wave, get
a push from Matt, attempt to stand, topple off
board, choke on salt water, rinse, repeat. As I look
at my pruned hands and try to shake what feels like a

Do you remember the first person
that made you realize the opposite
sex wasn’t just something
you wanted to avoid on the
playground, but rather something
special that could make your
heart jump? The first time I saw
Mark, I was about 10 years old, shunted into
the basement to play with the other kids
while the grown-ups partied upstairs.
It took me almost 20 years to get
that boy.
After awkward adolescent encounters
and losing each other in the shuffle of college,
Mark moved to LA from our hometown
in Baltimore. Despite emails and one date
over the holidays, I felt like that ship had
sailed. He stayed in California for almost a
decade, and people don’t start a whole life
on another coast and then leave it. Right?
But Mark did come back, and finally the
shyness, the distance, the other boyfriends
and girlfriends were gone; it was
our time to turn a childhood crush into an
adult love. But there was a chasm between
us: nine years spent in places I’d never
seen with people I’d never met. I knew that
the boy had become the man of my dreams,
but I felt lost not knowing what happened
in between.
Thus, we found ourselves last fall in a
rented convertible, driving away from LAX
in heavy traffic on to Pacific Coast Highway.
The 80-degree sun baked our skin as we
wound through Malibu and north toward
El Capitán State Beach in Santa Barbara,
JOURNEY
OF THE
HEART
BY CHRISTIANNA
RISTIANNA
MCCAUSLAND USLAND
gallon of ocean out of my ears, I start to think I should
have pursued my other lifelong dream instead (reading
every book ever written). And even when I finally do ride
a wave or two, I feel like it’s just beginner’s luck.
After waking up with sore ribs from laying on the
board and bruises on my legs from falling off of it, I’m a
bit nervous going into day two. This time, my instructor
is Corey from the Ron Jon Surf School, a Cocoa Beach
native and son of the school’s founder, Craig Carroll.
Once again, I’m in good hands.
Mark’s favorite place to camp when he lived
in California. fornia.
When hen we started dating, I’d given up
camping. ng. Mark asked me to give it another
shot. We went last spring and the result
was a laughable debacle on the Atlantic
Ocean shore when severe storms practically
blew the tent away—with us inside—and
we ended up sleeping in the back of his
truck. This time, our campsite was on a bluff
overlooking the placid ocean waters.
I finally understood what Mark wanted
to give me when we camped back east: his
version of romance. Never one to go in for
getaways to chic hotels, Mark swept a girl
off her feet with champagne, a bonfire and
the stars over the ocean.
We headed back to LA early the next
day to spend time with Mark’s friends. I
felt like I was plugged into a museum audio
tour as he pointed out his favorite coffee
shop or where he listened to live blues
and jazz. At breakfast at Baja Sharkeez on
Hermosa Beach’s pier plaza, the surfers he
HAVE DREAMS, WILL TRAVEL
remembered had been replaced by partying
Millennials. I expected Mark would feel this
change was bittersweet, but all he said was,
“People here come and go. That’s LA.”
I realized that Mark’s LA is one of
sandy feet and taco shacks, and to him,
waterfront property is the marina in San
Pedro where he kept his sailboat. I looked
at the frieze of palm trees against the
night sky and thought of the trees changing
color back home and wondered why
anyone would want to leave this place.
Unsolicited, Mark said, “I’m glad we came
here. I’m glad you saw this. This was my
past. Home is my future.”
I learned through this trip that Mark
is someone who does things deliberately,
in his own time—a time to surf, to stare at
stars, to take the long way home so you can
trace the coast. When it was time to spread
his wings, he went to LA. When it was time
to be closer to family, he returned home—
where there was a girl who’d waited for him
for almost 20 years. It was finally her time.
The surf gods must have imparted me with some
skills overnight, because I was unstoppable. Every time
a wave came, I was up on the board and riding it to the
sand—beaming from ear to ear the whole way. I even
graduated to paddling into the waves by myself, without
getting a push (although Corey still had to yell “Paddle,
paddle, paddle… stand up!”). Despite being in the
water, for a brief moment I was transported back to that
bonfire, only this time I wasn’t an outsider—pale skin,
brown hair and short legs notwithstanding.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
075

BY BRET LOVE
PHOTOGRAPHS BY NATHANIEL GOLDBERG
Nice Guy
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AR.
076 COVER STORY
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009

NATH
ATH
ATH
NATH
ATH
NATH
NATH
NATH
NATH
ATH
NATH
NATH
NATH
ATH
TH
NATH
TH
ATH
TH
TH
NATH
ATH
ATH
NATH
NATH
TH
ATH
NATH
TH
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NATH
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AT
AT
NAT
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DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
077
COVER STORY

078
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
When Whe you live your dayto-day
to-d existence surrounded
by a phalanx of agents, assistants,
publicists, pub managers, wardrobe consultants
tant and hangers-on constantly catering to
your you every whim, and you’re unable to shop at the
grocery groc store without being hounded by hordes of
paparazzi pap documenting your every move, it’s easy to
lose that real-world perspective. Whether the change
manifests man itself in the form of an inflated sense of selfimportance,
imp a retreat to the escape offered by drugs
and alcohol or simply the raising of the protective walls
required req to keep one’s private life private, fame inexorably
rab alters a celeb’s life… and not always for the better.
When W Matt Damon emerged from relative obscurity with his Oscarwinning
winn breakthrough as co-writer and star of 1997’s Good Will Hunting, he
seemed seem like the kind of guy you’d hate to see fall prey to the pitfalls of fame.
While Whi longtime BFF Ben Affleck already exhibited flashes of the smarmy
charm char that would come to define him for the next decade, Damon came
across acro as the shy, unassuming Boston boy-next-door, with a broad grin and
an aw-shucks a demeanor. He seemed like he’d be more comfortable mowing
the the neighbor’s lawn than getting all gussied up for a red carpet premiere,
and and talking about himself seemed to rank somewhere just above having a
root canal on his list of enjoyable activities.
“I found myself getting more publicly shy when the gala events and big
crowds crow started,” Damon says. “Some people embrace it, but to me it’s not
worth wor enough to risk my private life being public. I’m not being a monk. I
live my life. But it’s not cost-effective for paparazzi to follow us when they
can only get one boring picture of us walking down the street. I feel like
I have ha an unspoken deal: I won’t do anything publicly interesting if they
agree agr not to follow me.”
Yet, for all his caution with the tabloids, Damon never comes across
as eexcessively
guarded and never exhibits any hint that there might be
skeletons ske lurking in his psychological closet. In interviews over the past
12 years, he’s proven himself intelligent (he dropped out of Harvard in his
senior sen year to pursue his acting career) and forthright, with a self-deprecating
cat sense of humor.
For some celebrities such humility looks like an affectation they cast
aside asi once the interview is over, but Damon’s down-to-earth nature seems
genuine. gen “I feel like somebody’s going to show up and say, ‘OK, put that
down dow and get the hell out of here! Who let you in here? You know you’re
not no supposed to be in here making movies! Go get a job!’” he says. “I definitely
nit feel like the shoe might drop at any time.”
Such sentiments may be explained by the fact that Damon was nearly
28 years old by the time Good Will Hunting and Saving Private Ryan
vaulted vau him onto Hollywood’s A-list. But you can trace the deeper roots of
his his character back to his childhood in Boston. Damon’s parents divorced
when wh he was three. He and his older brother Kyle moved to Cambridge

NATHANIEL GOLDBERG/ART+COMMERCE
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
079

080
with their mother, Nancy, a college
professor of early-childhood education.
As a result, the boys grew up in a six-family
co-op where the do-it-yourself ethos reigned:
If something in the house broke, someone would
go to the library, find a how-to book and learn to fix
it. Of course, everything didn’t always end up working
perfectly, but it taught Damon not only the value of hard
work, but also to appreciate the mastery that comes from
years of honing a craft.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Damon admires those who have taken
decades to refine the tools of their trade. “The careers that I look
to for inspiration are guys like [George] Clooney and Clint Eastwood,
who are acting, writing, directing and doing it all on their
own terms,” he says. “I love everything about making movies. I love
writing and acting, and I really want to direct, so
I’ve been taking these last 12 years to carefully study
these great directors I’ve been working with. It’s so
hard to have a long career in this business, so I just
want to be smart about the work that I’m doing and
try to have integrity about the choices I make.”
Damon’s enthusiasm for philanthropy was also
instilled at an early age. The actor recounts how
he got an allowance of $5 a week, and his mother,
who was involved in many charities, inspired him
to send money to causes he cared about. In recent
years, the father of two (with Argentina-born wife
Luciana Barroso) has worked with organizations
such as oneXone and Water.org to find clean water
for children of Third World nations, and has taken
recent trips to Africa, Haiti and India to research
his pet cause.
“Look, I’d much rather people were listening to
politicians than actors,” he says. “But the politicians
aren’t talking about this, you know? Every 15 seconds
a child dies because of a lack of clean water and
sanitation. You can read about extreme poverty and
possible solutions, but it’s really powerful when you
meet the people and listen to their stories.”
From other celebrities, such earnestness might
provoke eye rolling, but with Damon it’s a component
of his appeal. It’s why we rooted for Will
Hunting to overcome his rough ‘n’ tumble roots.
It’s why we wanted the soldiers to save Private
James Francis Ryan. It’s why we cheer every
time Jason Bourne kills a would-be assassin.
And it’s a big reason why directors
such as Steven Soderbergh (whom he’s
worked with on five films), Gus Van
Sant (three), Francis Ford Coppola
(three) and Paul Greengrass
(three and counting) line up
to work with him again and
again. Because, even after
12 years in the glare of
MATT
DAMON
ON…
… ROBERT DENIRO:
“Bob was just insistent on absolute
naturalism and realism. He’s
a student of human behavior. It’s
all details with Bob. I’ve never
seen an actor as famous as him
walk into a room and do what he
does: He just absolutely disappears
and watches everything.”
… ANGELINA JOLIE:
“There would be 25 to 50 photographers
waiting just because
she’s in the building. That would
just eat away at me, but [she and
Brad] just leave it behind them.
You get so caught up in all this
celebrity stuff and you forget
that she’s an incredible actress. I
don’t know how she handles that
stuff. I definitely couldn’t do it.”
… MARTIN SCORSESE:
“It was like the dream of all
dreams. ‘Hey, did you hear
Martin Scorsese is directing a
movie about Boston?’ For me,
that was it. [The Departed] was a
really easy yes for me.”
… BEN AFFLECK:
“We can do a movie that we act
in, or I act in and he directs, or
we co-direct, or we co-write and
co-direct. We both put our heads
down and worked pretty hard in
this last 10 years, so hopefully
the next 10 years will be about
doing better work and doing
more together.”
the Hollywood spotlight, Damon remains one of the most sincere
guys you’ll ever meet. Just don’t expect him to own up to it.
“I don’t hold myself to some higher standard of behavior,” he
says. “You don’t have to do a lot to be seen as nice. I guess some
people must be such rampant [jerks] that people are amazed when
you say hello. I don’t know why people like me, and I don’t know if I
want to know. That might be the kiss of death. I’d rather people not
know a lot about me and just go see the movies.”
And there will soon be many more to see. First up is this month’s
Invictus, director Clint Eastwood’s look at the early days of Nelson
Mandela’s presidency, when he championed South Africa’s rugby
team’s bid to win the 1995 Rugby Union World Cup as a way to
unite his apartheid-torn country. The film features Damon as South
African Springboks captain Francois Pienaar, who recognized the
significance of the competition and ultimately helped Mandela
(Morgan Freeman) bring the nation together
through the universal language of sport. Given the
uplifting nature of the story and Eastwood’s exem-
plary record as a director (three Oscar nominations
in the last five years), the film has been picked by
quite a few pundits as a possible Oscar favorite.
In March, Damon re-teams with Bourne Ultimatum
director Greengrass for Green Zone, a thriller
about CIA agents on the hunt for weapons of mass
destruction, and a foreign journalist following their
mission. He also has The Adjustment Bureau and
Eastwood’s Hereafter scheduled for later in 2010. But
the biggest news is a fourth Jason Bourne project,
currently scheduled for a 2011 release.
“It’s very hard to make a good sequel,” he says
when asked about the four years between Bourne
films. “But we’re really serious about trying to get
the script right. The only thing more disappointing
than not having another one of these movies
would be to make one that isn’t good. Everyone
would say, ‘They should’ve quit after three,’ and
we’d feel that way, too.”
Holding out for quality rather than making
the quick cash-grab has made Damon one of
Hollywood’s most successful actors. In the last
five years alone, his movies have earned 11 Oscar
nominations between them and he has appeared
in five films that made more than $100 million at
the box office. But the 39-year-old actor seems less
concerned with popularity than he is with making
movies he can be proud of.
“It’s still hard to wrap my brain around the
idea that I’m a public figure,” he says. “It’s a byproduct
of getting the best material and working
with the best people. I want to work as hard as I
can, and I don’t want to let people down. The best
I could do would be to look back and say, ‘I don’t
have any regrets. I tried my best.’ I always try my
best, and I think that’s probably the most valuable
thing I’ve learned.”

NATHANIEL GOLDBERG/ART+COMMERCE
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
081

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hills of Napa during those long nights at the office. It’s got
chrome alloy wheels, real rubber tires and its own “super glide”
mouse pad. $47; www.motormouse.us.com
PONG
Being tied to a smartphone all day comes
with a few concerns—some researchers
believe the electromagnetic radiation the
devices produce may be harmful. Pong, the
first scientifically proven radiation reduction
case for iPhones, has been tested by FCCcertified
labs, and its “ladder” construction
moves radiation through the case and away
from the user. $60; www.pongresearch.com
083

084 BUSINESS
THE CLOSING BELL BY JACK GUINAN
TOP FIVE
HOME RUNS
SEATTLE 30.98%
In many parts of the
country, it’s a great time
to invest in a new home.
According to Forbes.com,
prices in these
cities are likely to
rise between
2009 and 2014:
SAN FRANCISCO 26.51%
PITTSBURGH 22.1%
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
BOSTON 20.44%
DETROIT 19.96%
A MATTER OF
INVESTMENT
CHOICEAN
Go with your gut. Trust your instincts.
If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
People hear these kinds of instructions
all the time, but Michael J. Mauboussin,
author of Think Twice: Harnessing the Power
of Counterintuition, doesn’t buy these axioms.
“Good quality decision making is a rare
thing,” says Mauboussin, whose book outlines
decision-making biases and the ways in
which initial decisions can be faulty. “What
seems to separate the people who are more successful
in business and investing is not so much
their analytical skills, but how they approach
their problems.”
EXPERT
TEACHES THE VALUE
OF SECOND-GUESSING
YOURSELF
KEEP A DECISION JOURNAL
“Every time you face a consequential decision—professional or personal—write
down why you made the decision and what your rationale was. Humans have
this tendency called ‘hindsight bias,’ which is that once we know the answer [to a
problem] we tend to think we knew more about the event before it happened. The
journal gives you concrete feedback in your own handwriting and helps you to
calibrate and improve your decision making over time.”
PERFORM A PREMORTEM
“Everyone is used to the idea of a postmortem,
where you reflect back on a decision that went
badly, then recreate the circumstances and try
to figure out what went wrong. In a premortem,
you imagine a future decision and
how the decision might go badly, and you
look at what you can change beforehand.”
QUESTION INCENTIVES
“Ask a very simple question when you’re
making a decision: What’s motivating the
people on the other side of this decision?
What are the incentives for these people
and are their incentives aligned with
certain behaviors that may not be good
for decision making?”
Michael J. Mauboussin
MAUBOUSSIN OUTLINES THREE WAYS THAT YOU CAN
IMPROVE YOUR DECISION-MAKING CAPABILITIES:
ILLUSTRATION BY TIM VIENCKOWSKI

Say “I do...”
and we will do the rest
Photo credit Jason Spruill
Imagine exchanging your vows overlooking Lake Oconee with a beautiful sunset. Every step of the way, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee is dedicated to making your big
day magical and memorable. From bridal luncheons to rehearsal dinners to the reception, Cuscowilla makes each and every experience especially customized for you.
Ideally located just 70 miles east of Atlanta in the middle of Georgia’s Lake Country. Amenities include 146 rooms, award winning golf couse, restaurants, biking
and boating.
Photo credit W. Scott Chester
Photo credit Eric Little

RELAX. REJOICE. REJUVENATE.
Plan a getaway to the Hyatt Resorts in the Caribbean and experience uniquely inspired
destinations designed to rejuvenate your soul and replenish your spirit. Book the
Three For Free offer this fall at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino, Hyatt Key
West Resort and Spa or Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, and
enjoy tremendous savings. For a limited time, enjoy a free room night, free breakfast
and a free upgrade. For reservations or more information, call 800 55 HYATT or visit
caribbean.hyatt.com.
Offer valid through 3/31/10 at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino and Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa, and valid 1/19/10 to 3/31/10 at Hyatt
Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina. All hotel reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance by calling 800 55 HYATT.
Minimum three-night length of stay required. Free night deducted at time of checkout. Offer includes free room upgrade and daily breakfast for two.
Offer does not include tax or service charges. Free night is not combinable with Family Plan rooms. No refunds for any unused portion of offer. Offer
is not valid with groups/conventions and may not be combined with other promotional offers. Additional guests may be subject to additional hotel
charges. Promotional blackout periods may apply due to seasonal periods or special events; normal arrival/departure restrictions apply. Hyatt reserves
the right to alter or withdraw this program at any time without notice. The trademarks HYATT and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation.
©2009 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.
Gateway to the
Blue Ridge Mountains
Tallulah Falls, GA
The 55-room Lodge
and Conference Center
combines the amenities
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comfort and technology of an upscale brand hotel.
Located adjacent to Tallulah Gorge State Park, the Lodge
offers a choice of guest rooms or suites with either two
queen or one king bed. The Lodge is located on U.S. 441
North between Cornelia and Clayton, Georgia, and is
a perfect location for personal
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Enjoy Key West’s
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For details call 888-844-1118 or visit
www.KeyWestDoubletree.com/sss

TECHNOLOGY
Make Your
Smartphone Smarter
CUSTOMIZE YOUR BLACKBERRY WITH APPS THAT
MAKE BUSINESS TRAVEL A BREEZE.
BY LEE GIMPEL ILLUSTRATION BY TRAY BUTLER
Research In Motion, the company
behind the BlackBerry, may not
have invented email-on-the-go,
but its devices have become the
symbol of mobile office communication.
Despite a host of PDA offerings from other
brands, BlackBerry models have persisted
as a business productivity favorite. So how
do you get the most out of one?
If you work for a big company and
were assigned a device, you will typically
have little freedom to customize it. If you
are allowed to adjust your device, load
the free App World (www.blackberry.com/
appworld/download). This is a gateway
to RIM’s nascent application marketplace,
which includes more than 3,000 apps.
If you’re heading to a conference,
try loading the free DUB Contact Card
app to exchange information with others
without needing to pass out passé paper
business cards. With the push of a button,
it sends your contact info and a LinkedIn
invite to the recipient’s device. Beyond
the traditional fields, you can include
more contemporary data such as social
networks, a blog link or a Twitter handle.
Traveling for work may include
meetings over meals and drinks, and
keeping track of expenses doesn’t have to
be a time-consuming process. For $14.99,
Exgis Time and Expense Pro tracks and
plots time, expenses and vehicle
mileage entries against clients, projects
and locations.
If you find yourself answering the
BUSINESS
phone only to find that it’s telemarketing
or spam calls and texts, look into
an app like Phone Spam Blocker (free)
that puts the kibosh on such calls. The
program tracks and blocks thousands of
pesky phone numbers; it also updates its
blacklist daily and lets you report irksome
numbers from your phone.
To accept credit card payments
using your device, try BlackCard Mobile
Credit Card Terminal ($9.99), which will
make you a mobile storefront. It’s even
commission-free. In order to use the
app, you’ll need a data connection and
an Authorize.net or PayPal PayFlowPro
merchant account.
And if your handy handheld goes
missing (maybe you left it at the restaurant
or bar?), you’ll feel better if you’ve
purchased Roblock Anti Theft Recovery
($9.99). If your smartphone has GPS
capabilities, it can pinpoint the device on
a map; if not, you’ll get an approximate
location via cell tower coordinates. You
can also recover your contacts from a lost
BlackBerry or remotely wipe your data
from the phone if you think it may have
been stolen.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
087

Welcome to Hyatt Place
Hyatt Place combines style and innovation to create a
completely new hotel experience. The spacious
guestrooms are stylishly furnished with a Hyatt Grand
Bed, Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper, 42" flat-panel HDTV
and an in-room refrigerator. You’ll also enjoy free Wi-Fi,
complimentary continental breakfast, and freshly prepared
food served 24/7.
® Atlanta/Buckhead.
888 HYATT HP (888 492 8847)
HyattPlaceBuckhead.com
Hyatt Place Atlanta/Buckhead
3242 Peachtree Road NE • Atlanta, GA 30305
404 869 6161
The trademark HYATT and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. © 2009 Hyatt Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Enjoy a quality hotel room at a
discount hotel price. We are located
1 mile from the Philadelphia Airport
We offer:
F Local & Long Distance calls
R 24 Hrs Shuttle Service
E Wireless Internet
E Continental Breakfast
Show your (valid) ticket & get $5 OFF
215-492-0700
www.microtelinn.com
OWNED AND
OPERATED BY

Fraser Crossing and Founders Pointe.
WINTER PARK RESORT (2)
A MOUNTAIN
OF OPPORTUNITY
BY LARRY OLMSTED
Back in 1939, the City of
Denver purchased a former
railroad construction camp
less than 70 miles away and
turned it into a “winter park” to make
up for the dearth of downhill slopes
within city limits. For most of the
70 years since, Winter Park has been
known as a day skier’s mountain—but
recent changes have attracted a new
rush of people, as Colorado’s third
largest ski area is quickly being transformed
into one of the nation’s largest
destination ski resorts.
In 2002, Winter Park partnered
with ski resort giant Intrawest, owner of
IS WINTER PARK THE NEXT VAIL?
major resorts like Steamboat and Copper
Mountain in Colorado. In exchange
for development rights, Intrawest did
what the city could not do: bring the
mountain up to the standards of its
Rocky Mountain rivals. In just seven
years, the company has invested nearly
$50 million in skiing improvements,
including four new lifts, 10 trails and
grooming equipment, as well as a
brand-new pedestrian base village
with shops, restaurants, bars, condos,
an ice skating rink and, for summer,
the nation’s premier mountain biking
facilities. “We are among the 10 largest
ski resorts in the country, in both size
and number of skier visits, but what
we lacked was a village,” says Gary
DeFrange, Winter Park’s president and
COO. “We were just a ski hill. Now we
are a destination resort.”
As a result, Winter Park is getting
an influx of second-home owners
BUSINESS 089
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE

090
BUSINESS
leaping at the opportunity to acquire prime
ski-area real estate at a fraction of what
other Colorado resorts command. And,
according to Lance Gutersohn, owner of Re/
Max Peak to Peak Realty and board president
of the Winter Park/Fraser Chamber
of Commerce, more than 90% of the new
residential offerings in the surrounding area
are second homes. This growth has already
had the trickle down effect of creating more
restaurants, nightlife establishments and
non-ski activities, and at least a thousand
more residences are planned for development.
If you’re in the market, here are some
things to consider before you buy:
PROS: Winter Park is the closest major
ski resort to Denver, and is served by train
from the city’s Union Station. There is
excellent variety of terrain, including the
Mary Jane ski area, widely regarded as
one of the best bump skiing venues in the
nation. Winter Park is family friendly and
has reliable snowfall, and there are preapproved
plans with the National Forest
WINTER PARK PRICES
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL GET
FOR YOUR MONEY
DELUXE: At the base of Mary Jane is
Bridger’s Cache, an enclave of 20 lots for
custom ski-in/ski-out homes, which local realtor
Lance Gutersohn says are the crème de la
crème of the area. Sites begin at just less than
$1 million; homes are less than $3 million.
MODERATE: The nicest offerings at
Intrawest’s new base area are the slopeside
Lofts of Winter Park Village, luxury condos
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Service for a third ski mountain should
new residents crowd the resort.
CONS: The Village of Winter Park is
nearly 2 miles from the ski resort. That’s
not far, but Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and
Telluride are right in town. And, while tourism
infrastructure is growing quickly, the
area is still behind in terms of the quantity
of restaurants, shopping and nightlife. At
present, the Winter Park name lacks the
international recognition and glamour of,
say, Aspen, which affects real estate values.
BY COMPARISON: Winter Park is often
listed among the nation’s top 10 ski resorts,
but prices are much lower than at rivals,
especially in the popular west-of-Denver
corridor. Home prices in Winter Park’s
“We were
just a ski hill.
Now we are
a destination
resort.”
above the retail storefronts and restaurants.
Finished with hardwood floors, granite
counters, stainless-steel appliances, large
balconies and fireplaces, the units are first
rate but relatively affordable. A two-level,
three-bedroom, 1,070-square-foot unit runs
about $700,000.
BARE BONES: Before the new village was
built, the main base area’s option was the Iron
Grand County average $450,105; a new
two-bedroom ski-in/ski-out condo in the
base village is around $350,000. In adjacent
Summit County (home to Breckenridge,
Copper Mountain and Keystone), the average
home price is $817,798, and in Aspen,
it’s more than $5 million. Snowmass,
Aspen’s less expensive mountain, just built
a large new pedestrian base village, where
studios begin at $535,000.
INCOME POTENTIAL: Because the ski
resort has very little hotel lodging, the base
area condos serve as de facto overnight
accommodations; occupancy rates run
high in ski season and on summer weekends.
Any of the new village condos can be
placed under the resort’s rental management
to generate income when not in use.
Whether or not Winter Park will join the
prestigious ranks of Aspen, Vail and company
remains to be seen—but, based on
its recent growth, it definitely has all the
ingredients of a world-class resort.
Horse condominium complex; while about 30
years old, it’s still slopeside. A 413-squarefoot
studio goes for about $145,000.
OFF THE MOUNTAIN: The growth of
the ski resort has led to several nearby
developments, the largest of which is
Grand Park, a 1,700-acre community at the
north end of Winter Park. It has its own
village underway and the first two phases
of a 30-year master plan are now open. A
brand-new, 2,300-square-foot, four-bedroom
home meeting Colorado’s “Built Green”
certification costs $549,000.
The latest additions to Winter Park’s base area are the
twin condo buildings of Fraser Crossing and Founders
Pointe, where a fully furnished, 1,075-square-foot,
two-bedroom, two-bath condo (shown here) can be
purchased for about $350,000.
WINTER PARK RESORT (2)

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If you want funding for a startup, you need a business
plan that will wow investors.
BY KAREN LELAND ILLUSTRATIONS BY KALI CIESEMIER
f you’ve ever seen an episode of
“Shark Tank” on ABC, during which
entrepreneurs pitch their businesses
to multimillionaire tycoons in an
effort to get investment money, you know
that trying to convince someone to give
you funding to make your business idea
a reality is no easy task. In fact, it can be
downright frightening.
The journey from emerging start-up
to runaway success will likely include a
visit to a venture capitalist, and the most
important asset you can bring to the
table is a well-prepared business plan.
BUSINESS 093

094
BUSINESS
“For a business
plan to succeed,
you need to
show that you
have more than
just [a creation];
you need to
demonstrate an
understanding
of the market
you’re in.”
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
VCs spend their days poring over hundreds
of these plans, so who better
to give advice on how to write one?
Here, they explain how to create a
plan that will make investors sit up
and take notice.
SHOWCASE NOT ONLY YOUR
IDEA, BUT ALSO YOUR TALENT.
According to Howard Hartenbaum, a
general partner at Menlo Park, CA-based
August Capital, one of the most important
elements in a good business plan is a description
of the strengths and relevant experience
of the management team in the industries in
which the company is trying to compete. “A
good business plan should not just feature one
guy with a good idea, but a group of people
who all have different skill sets that relate to
the company they want to start,” Hartenbaum
says. “For a business plan to succeed, you
need to show that you have more than just [a
creation]; you need to demonstrate an understanding
of the market you’re in.”
Hartenbaum points to Skype (a company
he invested in as a VC) as a prime example.
The Skype founders, Niklas Zennström and
Janus Friis, had worked together previously at
a company called Tele2, a European telecom
operator. Zennström ran the international
business development for years, and between
them, they knew all about the telecom industry.
Their business plan outlined how they
had previously designed a consumer product
called Kazaa, a peer-to-peer music service.
“As soon as I saw their backgrounds in
the business plan, I was willing to meet them
immediately,” Hartenbaum says. “At the time
I met them, Kazaa was the most downloaded
piece of consumer software in history. Now,
they wanted to build this new company called
Skype, based on the same peer-to-peer software
model. I wanted to meet with them just
to hear what they had to say.”
Brian Hill and Dee Power, who run a
management consulting and research firm
specializing in business planning, conducted a
survey that asked 300 venture capitalists what
makes them decide to invest in or decline a
particular project. “One of the biggest mistakes
they mentioned the entrepreneur making was
not going far enough in explaining why the
particular management team they had put
together would be successful,” Power says.
USE A BOTTOM-UP FINANCIAL MODEL.
Michael Gurau, a managing general partner
at Clear Venture Partners, says that a
good business plan has two sections: a narrative
one (which explains the company,
management team, etc.) and a financial one.
“One place where entrepreneurs miss the
mark is by writing the financial segment of
the plan from a top-down perspective,” Gurau
says. “Most of the plans that come across my
desk start by telling me the overall market size
in a given sector and what share of that market
the new venture plans to capture over a fiveyear
period.”
The problem with this type of financial
analysis is that it lacks the detailed set of
assumptions necessary to convince a VC that
the entrepreneur knows what it will really
take to make the proposed venture profitable.
Power’s research has shown that many entrepreneurs
tend to be overly simplistic in the
financial assumptions they make about a project.
“An entrepreneur will put in their business
plan that there are 15 million people in a given
market, and that if we can just sell 10% of them,
we will make a fortune,” she says.
Instead, Gurau advises business owners
to write the financial part of their plan from
a bottom-up point of view. “Your financials
need to come from a detailed set of assumptions,”
he says. For example: How many sales
will each salesperson have to make per year to
make your revenue goals? How many meetings
will it take each salesperson before they
close a sale? What percentage of these sales
will be at full price?
Gurau says that by researching and
making a detailed set of assumptions in
such areas as sales, operations, support and
marketing, the entrepreneur is able to tell
the VC how the business can succeed—line
item by line item. Gurau recalls a company
he invested in, Nanocomp Technologies out

of Concord, NH: “The entrepreneur had
been a VP in charge of a business unit at
a large corporation, so he understood the
requirements of [a good plan]. His plan
contained about 100 well-considered
financial assumptions.”
STATE A PRECISE PROBLEM OR NEED
AND OFFER A SPECIFIC SOLUTION.
According to Powers, “The number
one mistake we found in our research was
that many plans don’t clearly make the case
as to why a business makes sense.” Hartenbaum
points out that the problem has to
be large or significant enough to create a
business around.
For example, Google’s pitch to investors
positioned the problem as an explosion in
the amount of information available on the
internet with no way for the average person
to search for or retrieve it. We all know
what their solution was. And in the case of
eBay, Hartenbaum says, “The problem was
a common one: You have stuff sitting in
your garage that you don’t want, and some
guy four states over does.” eBay was able
to offer a solution by allowing anyone to
sell almost anything to anyone else without
going anywhere.
Hartenbaum, who reads 20 proposals
a day, says many of them don’t get right to
the point of what the problem is and what
they are going to do about it. “There is way
too much throat clearing. Just state what
it is you are proposing to do, early on,” he
says. Again pointing to Skype’s business
plan as a model, Hartenbaum says they
put their proposition in a nutshell as “a
free voice software application that uses
peer-to-peer technology to enable consumers
to make phone calls for free over
the internet.”
As with most things, a well-puttogether
business plan requires research,
effort and energy. Just remember that
putting in the investment of your time on
the front end could earn you funding on
the back end. It’s not called sweat equity
for nothing.
®
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at Kennesaw State University
Master of Science in Conflict Management
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Less stress in a
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MODERN LUXURY MEETS
CLASSIC KEY WEST CHARM.
Choose either of these incredible Key West resorts, and
receive breakfast for two,* plus earn up to $200** in
credits toward fantastic resort activities such as Dining,
Spa Treatments, Beach Rentals, Water Sports and more.
Make your reservation today for travel by March 31st
by calling 888-202-5719, and request the “AirTran
Escape” promotion. Visit CasaMarinaResort.com and
ReachResort.com for more information on these Key
West properties.
Offer valid at participating hotels and resorts for stays between 11/15/09 and 3/31/10 and subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.
Additional restrictions do apply. For a list of participating hotels and full terms and conditions, visit http://www.hiltonluxury.com/escape.
*Breakfast valid for two adults, plus any additional paid adults in the same room, for designated resort restaurants only and excludes in-room dining.
** Activity Credits are earned per room, per stay. A US $50 credit is earned after each second consecutive night for each booked room up to a US $200
credit maximum. Credit can be applied towards hotel charges except room rate, corresponding taxes, gratuities and resort fees.
©2009 Hilton Worldwide

BUSINESS
Reduce, Reuse,
Repurpose
BY CINDY KLINGER
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
When Richard Friedman of
Carpenter & Company Inc.
first thought about transforming
an old jail into
a luxury hotel, he wasn’t sure it would be
financially feasible. But something in his gut
told him to forge ahead. It’s a good thing he
did, because Boston’s former Charles Street
Jail, now The Liberty Hotel, is a successful
and stunning example of the power of adaptive
reuse.
Listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, the old jail contains the bulk of the
hotel’s public spaces, and most of the rooms are
in a new tower. First built in 1851, the repurposed
granite structure retains many vestiges
of the building’s former life: Wrought-iron bars
in the restaurant CLINK remind diners of its
punitive past, and Alibi, the first-floor bar,
Many hotel developers are breathing new life into historic
properties instead of building from the ground up. Here’s why.
(left) Historic rendering of Charles Street Jail;
(right) The exterior of the Liberty Hotel
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
097

098
PHOTO CREDIT TK - REMOVE IF EMPTY
BUSINESS
(Opposite page) Historic rendering
of the Charles Street Jail
(This page) The Liberty Hotel
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
is lined with photos of former inmates. Even the jail’s catwalks were left
in place, though they now host fashion shows instead of prison guards.
“[A historic building] is an irreplaceable asset. You can’t reproduce
it. The jail was such an exciting project that I spent quite a bit of money
and went through a whole series of developmental concepts before it
was finally penciled out,” Friedman says. “I always knew the jail was the
Super Bowl of development.”
Creating adaptive reuse hotels like The Liberty Hotel is a trend that
is sweeping the hospitality industry. “Older and historic buildings are
incredibly adaptable for uses other than what they were originally built
for,” says Adrian Scott Fine, director of the Center for State and Local
Policy at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
According to Mitchell Korbey, a land use attorney at Herrick, Feinstein,
LLP, most zoning plans allow hotels to be located in commercial
zones, but prohibit them in residential zones, which makes old ware-
“[A historic building] is an irreplaceable asset. You can’t
reproduce it. The jail was such an exciting project that
I spent quite a bit of money and went through a whole
series of developmental concepts before it was finally
penciled out. I always knew the jail was the Super Bowl
of development.” —Richard Friedman, Carpenter & Company Inc.
houses or other business buildings easy targets for adaptive reuse hotel
projects. (The Liberty Hotel, for example, is located in a commercial area
of the prominent Beacon Hill district of Boston.) He also notes that cities
typically encourage hotel conversions because they support tourism.
Developers and owners are becoming increasingly aware of the
advantages of working with historically significant properties, especially
in high-barrier-to-entry markets, says Thierry Roch, executive director
of Historic Hotels of America. Financial incentives, like local, state and
federal tax credits, abatements, loans and grants, as well as environmental
sustainability and a niche in the property’s marketability, make them
attractive projects.
Although the total cost of a project might be just as expensive as
constructing a building from the ground up, historic preservation
tax credits can reduce the development costs of adaptive reuse projects,
making them more financially viable. In addition to restorations
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE

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100
BUSINESS
and renovations, potential dangers like asbestos must be
addressed as well—all of which add costs. There are also
interior code requirements, like putting operable windows
in every guestroom. But the developer can sell the historic
preservation and new market tax credits (often given to
hotels opening in emerging neighborhoods or areas being
gentrified) before the project is completed. Milwaukee’s
Iron Horse Hotel, built in a converted Berger Bedding
Company warehouse, cost $28 million, but developer Tim
“Recently, we
came out with a
statement that
the greenest
building is a
building that’s
already here.”
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Dixon of Dixon Development was able to bring the total
down to $19 million this way.
Another way to keep costs down in the long run is to
preserve the architecture of a historic building. Dixon’s project,
a Harley-themed hotel located near the Harley-Davidson
Museum, involved a total exterior restoration; the hotel also
recycled some old wood flooring to create new benches and
other accents. “I watched developer after developer disrespect
[a] building and come up with a trendy look,” Dixon says.
What does the future hold for the trend of historic buildingsturned-hotels?
Here’s a peek at a few adaptive-reuse hotels
that have opened recently or will open soon.
THE AMES HOTEL, which opened
last month, is located in Boston’s
first skyscraper, the headquarters
for the Ames family’s agricultural
tool company. The 114-room
hotel has Richardsonian and
Romanesque features and offers
a glimpse into the building’s
history with an original staircase
and lobby mosaic.
www.ameshotel.com
THE CHATWAL NEW YORK,
opening in spring 2010, will be
a five-star hotel in Manhattan’s
theater district. The hotel is
located in the former Stanford
White building, which was originally
a space for America’s first
professional theatrical society,
the Lambs Club. The building,
completed in 1905, embodies the
Empire Art Deco design movement.
www.thechatwalny.com
Lancaster, PA, will welcome the
CORK FACTORY HOTEL, a luxury
boutique property that was once
the Armstrong cork factory, this
March. The 75-room hotel will
feature cork wallpaper in the
lobby and public restrooms, old
Armstrong Cork ads and artifacts,
as well as a restaurant called Cork
& Cap. www.corkfactoryhotel.com
PHOTO CREDIT TK - REMOVE IF EMPTY

“It looked good for 20 minutes, but after
a couple of years, that building became
outdated. I would rather respect a building
that’s been around for 100 years and work
within the context of that building and
its neighborhood—the longevity of your
investment is forever.”
Adaptive reuse hotels also have an edge
when it comes to sustainability. According
to Fine, statistics show that building construction
consumes 40% of the energy and
raw material used in the global economy
each year. “Recently, we came out with a
statement that the greenest building is a
building that’s already here,” he says. It’s
more eco-friendly to retrofit an existing
building, making it more energy efficient,
than to tear it down and build a “greener”
one in its place. Building reuse preserves
the energy it takes to manufacture and
transport building materials, and also
reduces the demand for new construction.
While being eco-friendly can make
a property more marketable, Roch says
that adaptive reuse hotels have an edge
for other reasons. Ones that offer an
over-the-top experience can attract those
looking for a unique hotel. For example,
those with a penchant for flying would
jump at the chance to stay in a converted
1968 Sikorsky HH37 Sea King Pelican
helicopter—complete with a bar and
entertainment center—at Winvian, a
resort in Litchfield Hills, CT, that’s comprised
of 19 themed cottages.
And at the Craddock Terry Hotel, a
former shoe factory in Lynchburg, VA, an
array of shoes are sprinkled throughout
the building, including individual wooden
ones hanging on each of the 44 guestroom
doors and red high-heel pumps that can be
seen from the highway. “I think it’s a different
concept… so the general public is kind
of taken with it,” says Jackie Gorman, sales
manager for Craddock Terry. “We’ve had
world travelers say this is one of the best
hotels they’ve ever stayed in, and I think
it’s because it was something they weren’t
expecting and it’s got a story to it.”
2 O 1 O
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Exposition
Charleston, South Carolina
February 12-14, 2010
Featured Artist: Luke Frazier
120 Fine Artists ❖ 350 Nature and Conservation Exhibitors
Outdoor Outfitters/Guides ❖ Retriever Demos
Shows by Jack Hanna
DockDogs ® Competitions ❖ Kids Activities
www.sewe.com ❖ (843) 723-1748

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
WHEN IT COMES TO A FRANCHISE, THE
BUILT-IN BRAND CAN LEAD TO SUCCESS.
In these very challenging times, many
businesses are having difficulties.
Unfortunately, the ones faring the
worst are the independently owned
small businesses. But one category of
business that seems to have weathered
the storm better than the rest is
franchises. And there’s a good reason for
this—it’s called branding.
With a franchise, whether it’s selling
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parts, you can go into the same store
coast to coast and get the same quality
product at roughly the same price. Those
who are struggling in today’s economy,
especially the middle class, are looking
to spend their money at places that offer
consistent quality and value—and that’s
exactly what you find in a franchise.
As our economy recovers in 2010,
everyone will see an improvement
in their business, but it should be
especially strong for franchises. From a
business opportunity standpoint, now
would be the perfect time to invest in a
franchise. The middle class will continue
to look to them to fulfill whatever needs
they may have. In addition, franchisors
have territories to develop at attractive
buy-in prices and financing is becoming
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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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Tiffany at the
Morse
The Morse Museum houses
the world’s most comprehensive
collection of works by Louis
Comfort Tiffany, including his art
glass, leaded-glass windows and
lamps, and 1893 chapel interior.
445 north park avenue winter park, florida 32789
(407) 645-5311 www.morsemuseum.org
CHARLESTON
EVENTS 2009
December 7: Radio City
Christmas Spectacular
starring the Rockettes
Experience the wonder of precision
choreography in this holiday show.
Charleston Civic Center
www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com
December 9: Cirque
Dreams Illumination
Marvel at world-class acrobats and
balance artists.
Clay Center
www.theclaycenter.org
Want more? www.charlestonwv.com
1.800.733.5469 / 304.344.5075
December 11: B. E. Taylor
Christmas Concert
Don’t miss internationally known
Contemporary Christian artist B.E. Taylor,
as he brings his sell-out holiday show to
Charleston this season.
Municipal Auditorium
www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com
Decmeber 19: The Nutcracker
Celebrate the holidays with an uplifting
classic as The Charleston Ballet and the
West Virginia Symphony present the
enchanting story of The Nutcracker.
Clay Center
www.wvsymphony.org

denver • detroit • flint • ft. laud
akron/cantonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn • aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllento oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
oooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
ww •••••••••••••••••••••••• aruba • ashe
buffaallo/ne
baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllltttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttimmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmoreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ••••••••••••••••••• bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbblllllllllllllllllllllloominggggggggggggggggggggggggggggton/norrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllllll •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbossssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssston • brranson • ei
agaraa
• cancun • cha
derdale aallee • ft.
da
aall
ft my
m ers • harrisburg • houston • indianapolis • jackso oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonville • kansas
Akron/Canton 114
Allentown 114
Aruba 114
Asheville 117
Atlanta 117
Atlantic City 118
Baltimore 120
Bloomington/Normal 121
Boston 121
Branson 122
Buffalo/Niagara 122
Cancun 122
Charleston, WV 124
Charlotte 124
Chicago 126
Columbus 127
Dallas/Ft. Worth 127
Dayton 128
Denver 128
Detroit 129
Flint 130
Looking for The Nutcracker in Atlanta, the best
shaved ice in Miami or top-notch piña coladas in San
Antonio? Look no further: Our local writers give you
the scoop on the best shops, sights and eateries in
every AirTran Airways destination. (And if you want to
share your insider knowledge, send recommendations
to editorial@airtranmagazine.com. Your hometown
faves might show up in our next issue.)
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss • meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeemphisssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• miaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaami ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• millllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaukeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ••••••••••••••••• mmmmmmminnneapolis/st. paul • moline/quad cities nassau • new orleans • new york city
Ft. Lauderdale 130
Ft. Myers 131
Harrisburg 131
Houston 132
Indianapolis 133
Jacksonville 134
Kansas City 134
Key West 136
Knoxville 136
Las Vegas 136
Los Angeles 138
Memphis 139
Miami 140
Milwaukee 141
Minneapolis/St. Paul 142
Moline/Quad Cities 142
Nassau 143
New Orleans 143
New York City 144
Newport News/Williamsburg 145
Orlando 147
RESTAURANT GUIDE $=Less than $20; $$ =$20-$30; $$$=$30-$45; $$$$ =$45–$75; $$$$$=More than $75
Prices are for appetizer, entrée and dessert for one person
Pensacola 148
Philadelphia 148
Phoenix 149
Pittsburgh 150
Portland 151
Raleigh/Durham 151
Richmond 152
Rochester 152
St. Louis 153
San Antonio 153
San Francisco 154
San Juan 155
Sarasota/Bradenton 156
Seattle 156
Tampa 156
Washington, DC 157
West Palm Beach 158
White Plains 159
Wichita 159
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
113

114
Akron/Canton
OHIO
GO SHOP
NOTO
51 E Market St, Akron • 330-990-4724
www.zelionoto.com
You’ll feel like a movie star while wearing
fl oaty skirts and relaxed tunics from
this popular boutique: Its name, loosely
translated, means “famous” in Italian.
GO SEE
HOLIDAY LANTERN TOURS
At Hale Farm and Village
2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath • 330-666-3711
www.wrhs.org/index.php/hale
On a tour of this Civil War-era historic village,
you’ll see six vignettes from the 1860s, all
featuring families celebrating the holidays in
19th-century style. Reservations are required.
Dec. 4-5, 11-12 and 18-23.
GO EAT
3 BROTHERS CORNER TAVERN
7192 Fulton Rd, Canton • 330-833-8333
www.3brostavern.com
Sporty and family-oriented, this nouveau
tavern is a great spot to catch up with friends
over a giant platter of Bases Loaded Fries, with
honey bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions and
sour cream. $$
GO PARTY
750ML WINES
2287 W Market St, Akron • 330-794-5754
www.750mlwines.com
At this trendy bar and boutique, you can
sample wines while you warm up by the
fi replace. Visit on a weekend to try the
featured fl ight for $7.50 to $12.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
LAKE METROPARKS
52 miles north of Akron
Painesville, OH • 440-639-7275
www.lakemetroparks.com
Visit this park system on the shores of Lake
Erie to snowshoe and cross-country ski, then
turn your attention to the sky in a stargazing
session: The park is offering them on Dec. 12
and 13 in celebration of the International Year
of Astronomy.
FUN FACT!
Abolitionist John Brown grew up in nearby
Hudson, OH, a town that was known for its
anti-slavery views.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Allentown
PENNSYLVANIA
GO SHOP
SAGE
2845 Center Valley Pkwy, Center Valley
610-798-7900
Popular brands like Free People, 7 for All
Mankind, Michael Stars and Ed Hardy fi ll the
racks at this women’s apparel store. Complete
your new outfi t with a great pair of shoes:
Sage stocks close to 400 different styles.
GO SEE
AMERICA ON WHEELS MUSEUM
5 N Front St, Allentown • 610-432-4200
www.americaonwheels.org
With the American transportation industry
hanging in the balance, it’s the perfect
time to learn about its past. From Indy cars
to original Mack trucks, the historically
signifi cant vehicles in this museum’s galleries
offer insight into the ways Americans
get around.
GO EAT
SWEET MEMORIES
180 Main St, Emmaus • 610-967-0296
If you’re thinking of planning a girls’ day out,
make sure your itinerary includes a stop at
this charming café. Peeking in the pastry case
usually ends with empty plates and crumbs.
You can’t go wrong with the delicious coconut
cream cake. $
GO PARTY
SILK LOUNGE
812 W Hamilton St, Allentown • 610-433-7777
www.thebrewworks.com
Visit this hot dance club for “Free-4-All”
Fridays, when DJ Synystr spins cutting-edge
tunes and projects videos on two 6-foot
screens. Great beer specials and $4 cosmos
make the party recession-friendly.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
JIM THORPE, PA
35 miles northwest of Allentown
www.jimthorpepa.com
This retreat village in the Pocono Mountains
is named after the Olympian. Although the
namesake athlete never set foot in the town,
it’s rife with opportunities for outdoor sport.
FUN FACT!
The Lehigh Valley is home to one of the
country’s largest freshwater scuba diving
facilities, the 100-acre Dutch Springs.
Aruba
— Kristin Lindsey — Lisa Gotto — Liliana Erasmus
GO SHOP
RENAISSANCE MALL
L.G. Smith Blvd 82, Oranjestad • 297-582-4622
www.shoprenaissancearuba.com
Chocoholics can satisfy their sweet teeth
with Belgian pralines, fashionistas can pick
up designer accessories, and epicureans
will delight in the best Cuban cigars at this
shopping mall. (Note: It remains illegal to
bring Cuban cigars into the US.)
GO SEE
ARUBA ALOE
Pitastraat 115, Hato • 297-588-3222
www.arubaaloe.com
This museum, factory and store is a must-visit
for anyone interested in Aruba’s history as the
world’s largest exporter of aloe vera. Take the
tour to travel through fi elds of cactuses and
learn how to harvest the sun-relief gel.
GO EAT
PAPIAMENTO
Washington 61, Noord • 297-586-4544
www.papiamentorestaurant.com
This restaurant is located in an authentic
Aruban manor. Visit the wine vault to pick a
bottle—just make sure it pairs well with the Caribbean
shrimp served on a sizzling stone. $$$
GO PARTY
CAFÉ REMBRANDT
Palm Beach 55, Noord • 297-5864747
www.rembrandtaruba.com
At this “brown” café (a traditional Dutch pub),
you can get in touch with Aruba’s colonial
past. Order a beer or fresh coffee and frikandel
(fried sausage), and enjoy the music from live
local performances.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
JAMANOTA HILL
5.9 miles east of Aeropuerto Internacional
Reina Beatrix • In Arikok National Park, San
Fuego • 297-585-1234
Climb the highest point in Aruba to get the
best view on the island. Afterward, hike or bike
your way to forgotten gold mines and cunucu
(traditional Aruban plantations) while you
listen to the singing of trupial birds.
FUN FACT!
Because some Aruba locals still consider wild
iguanas a delicacy, the government has placed
them on a protected species list.
www.ec.edu

Some say
Enjoy a fully equipped oceanfront suite
for the cost of a hotel room!
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Divi Resorts is a collection of 9 resorts on 6 beautiful Caribbean Islands:
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$99 rate valid for travel thru Dec 24, 2009. Rates from $179 for travel Jan 1 thru Jan 30, 2010. Offer is subject to availability and may be discontinued at any time.

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Asheville
NORTH CAROLINA
— Josh Flaccavento
GO SHOP
HARVEST RECORDS
415 Haywood Rd • 828-258-2999
www.harvest-records.com
You just might fi nd a local band rocking out next
to the racks at this music shop, the windows
of which are plastered with fl yers. You’re sure
to fi nd something you like among the carefully
curated albums.
GO SEE
THE SANTALAND DIARIES
At Asheville Community Theatre
35 E Grove St • 828-254-1320
www.ashevilletheater.org
This adaptation of a David Sedaris essay
pokes fun at the commercialization of
Christmas, the neurosis of holiday shoppers
and the author himself. Dec. 10-19.
GO EAT
WEST END BAKERY & CAFÉ
757 Haywood Rd • 828-252-9378
www.onhaywood.com/westendbakery
The cinnamon rolls here might be the best in
all of Appalachia. Order a couple and have a
seat among the locals—you’re bound to meet
somebody cool at this community centerpiece.
Afterward, pick up a fresh loaf for lunchtime
sandwiches. $$
GO PARTY
THE BOILER ROOM
11 Grove St • 828-252-2838
www.thegrovehouse.com
While it’s not the only club to inhabit the
building at 11 Grove St., The Boiler Room rocks
harder than any other place in town, attracting
local talent like Lecivius, Kings of Prussia and
Iam Somnus.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
HISTORIC ABINGDON, VA
112 miles northeast of Asheville
www.abingdon.com
This quaint farming town offers fi ne dining at
restaurants like Peppermill, well-known plays
at the Barter Theatre and a Saturday morning
farmers market with great deals on organic,
locally grown food.
FUN FACT!
At 175,000 square feet, the Biltmore house
is more than three times as large as the
White House.
Atlanta
GEORGIA
— Bret Love
GO SHOP
AZTEC JEWELERS
2156 Henderson Mill Rd • 770-934-2900
www.aztecjewelers.com
A Northlake area fi xture for more than three
decades, Aztec specializes in Native American
jewelry, with styles ranging from simple
beadwork to exquisite sterling silver and
turquoise fi ligree.
BOOGALOOS
246 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur
404-373-3237
www.boogaloosboutique.com
Fall is the ideal time to undertake a makeover.
Get started at this hip boutique, which features
women’s clothing from BCBG Generation,
Liquid and French Connection, plus Spanx for
underneath and jewelry to top it off.
DONNA VAN GOGHS
1651 McLendon Ave • 404-370-1003
www.donnavangoghs.com
This quirky shop specializes in “art for all
y’all,” which translates into paintings by area
artists and crafts like skateboards and
drink coasters emblazoned with photos of
local landmarks.
GREENE’S FINE FOODS
141 E Trinity Pl, Decatur • 404-378-2001
www.greenesfi nefoods.com
Whether you pronounce it “pee-can” or
“pe-kahn,” you must eat this nut before you
leave town. Visit Greene’s to fi nd them honeyroasted,
salted, chocolate-covered or praline.
MEDITATING MANTIS
1025 Canton St, Roswell • 770-645-6936
www.meditatingmantis.com
This wellness-promoting bookstore and
gift shop offers candles, cards and holistic
supplements, plus a variety of classes,
including meditation, tarot and ghost hunting.
MUSE SALON AND SPA
4620 Kimball Bridge Rd, Alpharetta
678-393-2214
www.musesalonandspa.com
If you’re in town for a special event, stock up
on products from names like Kerastase and
Shu Uemura at this boutique salon.
GO SEE
THE NUTCRACKER
At The Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St NE • 404-881-2100
www.foxtheatre.org
The Atlanta Ballet’s take on Tchaikovsky’s
beloved classic has been an Atlanta holiday
tradition for decades. Or, check out the onenight-only
“Nutty Nutcracker” parody (Dec.
20), which has featured Scooby Doo and
Austin Powers in past years. Dec. 11-27.
DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN
At Hyatt Regency
265 Peachtree St NE • 404-577-1234
www.downtowncountdown.net
Now in its sixth year, this New Year’s Eve
party is arguably the most extravagant
in the city, with a huge buffet, open bar,
concerts by national bands and half a dozen
party rooms.
PEACH DROP
50 Upper Alabama St SW • 404-523-2311
www.peachdrop.com
The biggest New Year’s Eve ball drop in the
Southeast, the Peach Drop attracts more than
100,000 revelers for 16 hours of fun. This
year’s event will include a performance by
country superstar Julianne Hough.
HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS
At Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave West NW • 404-223-4412
www.centennialpark.com
For this holiday event, the 21-acre Centennial
Park is transformed into a winter wonderland,
with millions of twinkling lights and the city’s
only outdoor ice skating rink. Through Jan. 3
(open on Christmas Day).
MARGARET MITCHELL HOUSE
990 Peachtree St • 404-249-7015
www.margaretmitchellhouse.com
This historic home of the Gone With the Wind
author offers guided tours of the rooms where
the book was written, an exhibition on the fi lm
and memorabilia from Mitchell’s life, as well as
creative writing classes.
STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS
At Stone Mountain Park
Hwy 78 E, Stone Mountain • 770-498-5690
www.stonemountainpark.com
This family-friendly celebration of the
season turns Stone Mountain into a holiday
wonderland, with millions of lights, nightly
parades, live shows and a special laser event.
Through Dec. 30.
GO EAT
DADDY D’Z
264 Memorial Dr • 404-222-0206
www.daddydz.com
Funky and fun, this down-home, Chicago-style
barbecue joint hosts live blues on weekend
CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
117

118
Atlanta CONT’D
GEORGIA
nights, which mixes well with the tender
spare ribs, chicken quarters and legendary
chopped pork. $
YOREKA!
At The Prado • 5590 Roswell Rd NE, Sandy
Springs • 404-459-9123
www.yoreka.com
With an rotating roster of frozen yogurt fl avors
(at under 20 calories per ounce) and more
than 15 toppings (from fresh fruits to Fruity
Pebbles), you can eat a healthy snack here
every day and never get bored. $
SHOGUN JAPANESE
STEAK & SUSHI BAR
3420 Buford Dr, Buford • 678-541-6000
www.shogunatl.com
Tucked alongside the Mall of Georgia, this
Japanese joint is a combination sushi bar and
hibachi show. Order the shrimp and a round of
sake for the best results. $$
VINGENZO’S
105 E Main St, Woodstock • 770-924-9133
www.vingenzos.com
Despite this Neapolitan-style restaurant’s
snazzy style, the prices are low enough for
an entire family meal. Bring the brood for
sopressata pizza baked in a wood-burning
oven. $$
SPICE MARKET
188 14th St • 404-549-5450
www.spicemarketatlanta.com
The Atlanta location of Chef Jean-Georges
Vongerichten’s paean to Southeast Asian
street cuisine has impressive desserts. Try
the Thai Jewels and Fruits, featuring jackfruit,
mangoes, papaya and candied water chestnuts
over young coconut crushed ice. $$$
CRAFT ATLANTA
3376 Peachtree Rd • 404-995-7580
www.craftrestaurant.com
Chef Tom Colicchio’s fi rst Atlanta endeavor
occupies a dramatic two-story space. Score
an upstairs table to taste dishes like diver
scallops with mushroom jus and beef short
ribs with root vegetables. $$$$
GO PARTY
11 STORIES
At The Glenn Hotel
110 Marietta St NW • 404-469-0700
www.glennhotel.com
This chill rooftop lounge affords panoramic
views of the Atlanta skyline, with a verdant
herb garden and DJs spinning cool tunes
throughout the night.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
LIFE NIGHTCLUB
1789 Cheshire Bridge Rd • 404-593-2272
www.clublifeatlanta.com
This posh super-club aims to draw an upscale
Buckhead crowd with its swanky décor, stateof-the-art
sound and lights, fashion shows and
star-powered soirées.
CW MIDTOWN MUSIC COMPLEX
1374 W Peachtree St • 404-885-1365
www.cwmidtownmusiccomplex.com
Three different venues sit under one roof at
CW: The mid-sized Center Stage features bigname
rock and hip-hop concerts, and the more
intimate Vinyl and The Loft attract the best in
local and up-and-coming national talent.
RÍ RÁ IRISH PUB
1080 Peachtree St NE • 404-477-1700
www.rira.com
Constructed entirely out of salvaged Irish pub
material dating back to the 1800s, Rí Rá is so
genuine it practically bleeds Guinness. Live music
makes it feel like a trip to the Emerald Isle.
LAUGHING SKULL LOUNGE
At The Vortex Bar & Grill
878 Peachtree St NE • 877-523-3288
www.vortexcomedy.com
The city’s newest (and tiniest) comedy club
attracts nationally known comedians such as
Jimmy Dore, Hal Sparks and Maria Bamford,
but gives local up-and-coming comics a shot
with regular open-mic nights.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY
90 miles north of Atlanta
241 Depot St, Blue Ridge • 706-632-8724
www.brscenic.com
Atlanta may not get much in the way of fresh
powder, but the North Georgia Mountains
often do. See it on a four-hour train ride
starting at the historic depot in Blue Ridge.
ETOWAH INDIAN MOUNDS
43 miles northeast of Atlanta • 813 Indian
Mounds Rd, Cartersville • 770-387-3747
www.gastateparks.org/info/etowah
Containing six historic earthen mounds, a
plaza and a defensive ditch created by Native
Americans who lived between 1000 and
1550AD, this archaeological site is a great
place to look back on early American history.
FUN FACT!
Atlanta’s Capitol Dome is covered in 43 oz.
of gold mined from Dahlonega, GA, the site of
America’s fi rst gold rush.
Atlantic City
NEW JERSEY
GO SHOP
IRELAND AND OLD LACE
615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville • 609-404-4777
www.irelandandoldlace.com
If you’ve got an Ireland lover on your holiday
list, pick up everything from Irish crystal to authentic
rugby shirts at this store, where more
than 90% of the items are imported straight
from the Emerald Isle.
GO SEE
IMMERSION SPA
At The Water Club at Borgata
1 Renaissance Way • 800-800-8817
www.thewaterclubhotel.com/spa
Before you hit the casino tables, loosen
those muscles with a four-hand massage or
oxygenating facial at this luxurious, two-story
spa boasting 360-degree water views.
GO EAT
IZAKAYA
At Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
1 Borgata Way • 866-692-6742
www.theborgata.com
This modern Japanese eatery with a lounge-y
vibe serves perfect sharing plates, including a
tuna pizza with cucumber and caviar as well as
lobster gyoza with hijiki, chili and truffl e. $$$$
GO PARTY
DUSK
At Caesars Atlantic City
2100 Pacifi c Ave • 609-345-3875
www.duskac.com
With all the models, athletes and celebrities
in attendance at this hot club, you may end up
staying at Dusk ’til dawn.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE
38 miles south of Atlantic City
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor
609-368-1211
www.wetlandsinstitute.org
This environmental institute—far from the
bright lights of the strip, but still close to the
tony 96th Street shopping center—doesn’t
offer fully guided tours in the winter, but
visitors are free to explore on their own.
FUN FACT!
— Bill Sokolic
All the streets in the original game of
Monopoly are in Atlantic City except for Marvin
Gardens in nearby Margate.

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120
Baltimore
MARYLAND
— Jenn Plum Auvil
GO SHOP
AMARYLLIS
612 Exeter St • 410-576-7622
www.amaryllisjewelry.com
The handcrafted jewelry items at this Harbor
East shop are like miniature pieces of art.
Funky semi-precious baubles from Patricia
Locke and silver necklaces from J & I are
destined to be conversation pieces when
dangling from your ears or neck.
AMUSE
1623 Thames St • 410-342-5000
www.amusetoys.com
Even Santa’s elves would be impressed with
the selection at this family-owned Fells Point
toyshop. It stocks wooden toys, building sets,
pretend play items and furry friends from
Manhattan Toy, HABA, Melissa & Doug and
Calico Critters.
BIN 604
604 S Exeter St • 410-576-0444
www.bin604.com
Good, cheap wine is always in season,
but during the holiday season, a couple of
nice bottles can turn a holiday dinner into
something to remember. Check out this store’s
Bargain Bin for tasty tipples under $12.
SIDESHOW
800 Key Hwy • 443-872-4926
www.sideshowbaltimore.com
In keeping with the American Visionary Art
Museum’s magical vibe, the books (500 Tattoo
Designs), jewelry (bug pendants) and toys
(gnarly nose sets) at this museum shop are
exotic and just a bit weird.
GO SEE
B&O RAILROAD MUSEUM
901 W Pratt St • 410-752-2490
www.borail.org
Pint-sized Thomas the Tank Engine afi cionados
and their secretly train-obsessed parents will
love the historical collection here. It contains
locomotives and historic buildings that date
back to the very beginning of rail travel.
HOWARD PETERS
RAWLINGS CONSERVATORY
AND BOTANIC GARDENS
At Druid Hill Park • 410-396-0008
www.baltimoreconservatory.org
A stroll through the rooms here is like a trip
around the globe. You can consort with wild
orchids in the orchid room, cool succulents in
the desert room and giant jewel-toned fl owers
in the tropics room.
Visitusatstevenson.edu to learn more.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
HAMPDEN’S 34TH ST
34th St and Keswick Rd • No phone
www.christmasstreet.com
In addition to thousands of lights and moving
displays, this dazzling spectacle features a
Christmas tree made out of hub caps and an
appearance by Baby New Year at midnight on
New Year’s Eve. Through Jan. 1.
THE STOOP EXTREME
HOLIDAY SHOW
At CENTERSTAGE
700 N Calvert St • 410-332-0033
www.stoopstorytelling.com
At this event organized by a storytelling group,
seven speakers take the stage for seven
minutes apiece to regale the audience with
their best and most horrifi c holiday stories.
Dec. 14.
TOP OF THE WORLD
OBSERVATION LEVEL
401 E Pratt St • 410-837-8439
www.viewbaltimore.org
Check out the view of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
from the 27th fl oor of the World Trade Center,
the world’s tallest pentagonal building. The
observation deck offers a 360-degree view of
downtown and beyond.
GO EAT
TALARA
615 President St • 410-528-9883
www.talarabaltimore.com
At this lively Nuevo Latino tapas and ceviche
bar, cool your taste buds from the spice of the
Fire and Ice ceviche (with habaneros and prickly
pear granita) with a sweet mango mojito. $$
AMBASSADOR DINING ROOM
3811 Canterbury Rd • 410-366-1484
www.ambassadordining.com
Local college students and professionals come
to this eatery for the unbeatable buffet lunch,
but once night falls, the elegant dining room
promises a romantic meal and some delicious
curries. $$
BLUE HILL TAVERN
938 S Conkling St • 443-388-9363
www.bluehilltavern.com
You’ll fi nd all the steakhouse staples at this
contemporary eatery: a Delmonico steak with
fi ngerling potatoes, chateaubriand for two and
a vegetarian riff on beef Wellington. $$$
WOODBERRY KITCHEN
2010 Clipper Park Rd, No. 126 • 410-464-8000
www.woodberrykitchen.com
The farm-to-table fare here is based on classic
Chesapeake recipes, oyster stew and baked
clams. Enjoy a spruced-up version of your
favorite—the crab pot comes with sherry,
cream cheese and toasts—at a rustic table in
the dining room. $$$
ALDO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO
306 S High St • 410-727-0700
www.aldositaly.com
Make sure to order the decadent Tournedos
Rossini at this incredibly fancy restaurant.
The decadent dish includes fi let mignon
topped with foie gras, black truffl e and porcini
mushrooms. $$$$$
GO PARTY
BREWER’S ART
1106 N Charles St • 410-547-6925
www.thebrewersart.com
The eclectic upstairs bar and nook-fi lled
basement here are equally cozy once the
Baltimore weather starts to cool down. Order
the St. Festivus house beer, which is brewed
on the premises—it’s a seasonal favorite.
BLUE AGAVE
1032 Light St • 410-576-3938
www.blueagaverestaurant.com
Sure you’re heard of fl ights of wine, but
tequila? That just sounds dangerous.
Don’t be scared: The fl ights here come with
three half shots, and they’re meant for sipping,
not shooting.
HON BAR
1102 W 36th St • 410-243-1230
www.cafehon.com
You’re not likely to fi nd any old school Baltimore
Hons with beehive hairdos imbibing at
this Hampden watering hole, but that’s okay:
There’s a great beer selection, friendly neighborhood
vibe and live music.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
FREDERICK, MD
50 miles west of Baltimore
www.fredericktourism.org
Stop into this small town for some old time-y
fun. The area is studded with farms, wineries,
covered bridges and orchards, and the shops
on Market Street look like something out of a
Rockwell painting.
FUN FACT!
Baltimore’s Washington Monument may
be smaller in size, but it’s 55 years older
than the more well-known obelisk in
Washington, DC.

Bloomington/Normal
ILLINOIS
— Mary Ann Ford
GO SHOP
A. RENÉE
306 N Center St, Bloomington • 309-827-3524
www.arenee.com
This shop is a good place to end a day of
shopping: If there’s anyone left on your list,
you can treat him or her to wines, chocolates
or gourmet food gift baskets.
GO SEE
MADRIGAL DINNERS 2009
At Illinois State University Alumni Center
1101 N Main St, Normal • 309-438-2535
Eat, drink and be merry at this 54th annual
Illinois State University School of Music
and School of Theater event. It features
traditional and contemporary madrigal-style
singing from various university choirs.
Dec. 10-12.
GO EAT
JOE’S STATION HOUSE PIZZA PUB
305 N Veterans Pkwy, Normal • 309-452-5637
The hearty helpings at this sports-themed pub
are great for families or groups of friends. Try
the specialty Sicilian-style pizza or the Italian
beef roll (a calzone-style sandwich with Italian
beef and mozzarella). $
GO PARTY
MR. BEEZ’
At the Parke Hotel
1413 Leslie Dr, Bloomington • 309-662-4300
www.parkehotel.com
Catch the “buzz” at this pub with nightly
drink specials, happy hour appetizers and
weekend entertainment. If you’re in the
mood to talk, get a table by the waterfall on
the patio.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
LINCOLN HOME
67 miles southwest of Bloomington
426 S Seventh St, Springfi eld • 217-492-4241
www.nps.gov/LIHO
Get in on the celebration of the bicentennial
of President Lincoln’s birth by visiting the
restored four-block neighborhood he called
home for 17 years.
FUN FACT!
Chicago may be known as the Windy City, but
Twin Groves Wind Farm outside Bloomington
powers approximately 60,000 homes with
Central Illinois wind energy.
Boston
MASSACHUSETTS
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
—Diane Bair & Pamela Wright
GO SHOP
ACQUIRE
61 Salem St • 857-362-7380
www.acquireboutique.com
Find the perfect gift to bring back home at this
tiny, well-edited shop. The unusual offerings
include hand-sewn decorative birdhouses,
vintage seltzer bottles and coasters embedded
with stones.
FILTHY RICH
402 Hanover St • 857-366-4620
www.fi lthyrichofboston.com
Do you covet the earrings Cameron Diaz wore
at the Emmys, or Vivien Leigh’s emeralds
from Gone with the Wind? Get budget-friendly
look-alikes, which could fool the most avid US
Weekly reader, here.
KOO DE KIR
65 Chestnut St • 617-723-8111
www.koodekir.com
A perennial on “Best of Boston” lists, Koo is
stocked with splurge-worthy home accessories
and witty fi nds, like a rollerskate doorstop and
a silk-screened carryall that reads, “I refuse to
participate in a recession.”
GO SEE
BOSTON BALLET’S
THE NUTCRACKER
539 Washington St • 617-695-6950
www.bostonballet.org
This holiday favorite features the most skilled
dancers in the already talent-packed Boston
Ballet. Little ones will be awed by the giant
tree and dancing snowfl akes. Through Dec. 27.
JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL
LIBRARY & MUSEUM
Columbia Point • 617-514-1600
www.jfklibrary.org
A stark white I.M. Pei-designed building is
home to a museum that pays tribute to the
former president. News footage of Kennedy’s
assassination plays continuously, and exhibits
feature everything from artifacts from the Cuban
missile crisis to Jackie’s famous wardrobe.
ANNUAL BOSTON TEA
PARTY REENACTMENT
At Old South Meeting House
310 Washington St • 617-482-6439
www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org
Back in 1773, 5,000 colonists met at the Old
South Meeting House to decide the fate of
342 chests of you-know-what. Join historical
re-enactors and experience this key moment in
US history. Dec. 13.
GO EAT
CHURCH
69 Kilmarnock St • 617-236-7600
www.churchofboston.com
This contemporary-gothic-themed eatery has a
Sunday brunch that attracts saints and sinners
alike. Try the Huevos Rancheros del Diablo
(with chorizo, roasted salsa and pepper jack
cheese), washed down with a selection from
the “Demon Slayer” cocktail list. $
PIZZERIA REGINA
11 Thatcher St • 617-227-0765
www.reginapizzeria.com
This award-winning pizza joint opened in the
North End in 1926 and has outlasted dozens of
trendy pizzerias, thanks to its perfectly cheesy,
brick oven-baked, thin-crust pies. The basic
large cheese is a pizza purist’s delight. $$
NO. 9 PARK
9 Park St • 617-742-9991
www.no9park.com
Cuisine sorceress Barbara Lynch has created
one of the best, if unlikeliest, dishes in all the
land: prune-fi lled gnocchi with foie gras and
toasted almonds. $$$$
GO PARTY
DICK’S BEANTOWN COMEDY VAULT
124 Boylston St • 800-401-2221
www.dickdoherty.com
Just a warning: This is one of those “intimate”
comedy spaces, so if you’re not careful, you
could end up inside a sketch. Stop in to catch
pro comics like Kevin Knox and Jim Lauletta.
PRECINCT
70 Union Sq, Somerville • 617-623-9211
The best in local live music has found a home
here. The subterranean space, bathed in red
light, hosts roots-rock-pop, reggae, pure funk,
and anything else that’s local.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
ROCKPORT, MA
43 miles northeast of Boston
www.rockportusa.com
Bundle up and stroll the streets of this beautiful
seaside village. Make sure to check out Motif
#1—a fi shing shack on Bearskin Neck wharf—
which the city claims is the most popular
building in America to paint.
FUN FACT!
Boston’s iconic 60-foot-by-60-foot CITGO sign
has withstood fi ve hurricanes.
Accelerated Online
Master’s Degrees in
Forensic Studies and Science
100 Campus Circle, Owings Mills, MD
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
121

122
Branson
MISSOURI
GO SHOP
TATMAN’S FINE JEWELRY BOUTIQUE
2800 W Hwy 76, Suite 210 • 417-336-9888
www.tatmansfi nejewelry.com
For inexpensive, fi ne jewelry, the trunk
showings at Tatman’s really can’t be beat.
Even if you’ve already got what you want,
you can bring in your pieces to be resized
or altered.
GO SEE
VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM
1250 W Hwy 76 • 417-336-2300
www.veteransmemorialbranson.com
This tribute to American veterans includes
artifacts from World Wars I and II, Korea,
Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm, as well
as the world’s largest war memorial, a 15-ton
bronze sculpture by artist Fred Hoppe.
GO EAT
CANTINA LAREDO
1001 Branson Landing • 417-334-6062
www.cantinalaredo.com
This waterside cantina provides a great view
of the nightly water and fi re show at the
Branson Landing fountain. Sip a pomegranate
margarita, and if you start feeling peckish,
order the Fiesta Grill, which comes with
shrimp, ribs, quail, beef and chicken fajitas. $$
GO PARTY
BAR LOUIE
801 Branson Landing Blvd • 417-336-2700
www.restaurants-america.com/barlouie
After a hearty dinner at Cantina Laredo, head
down the block to the biggest balcony bar on
Branson Landing. Once you’re there, order a
signature Louie Cosmo, with Belvedere Citrus,
lime juice, white cranberry juice and a splash
of cane sugar.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
DISCOVERY CENTER OF SPRINGFIELD
45 miles north of Branson, 438 E St. Louis St,
Springfi eld, MO • 417-862-9910
www.discoverycenter.org
This hands-on science center provides exciting
experiments for kids of all ages. Highlights
include the interactive ChromoZone Lab,
where kids can check out their own DNA.
FUN FACT!
More than 4 million Christmas lights brighten
Silver Dollar City’s square during the holidays.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Buff alo/Niagara
NEW YORK
— Carol S. Harris — Jana Eisenberg — Israel Urbina
GO SHOP
NEW BUFFALO GRAPHICS
1417 Hertel Ave • 716-885-5188
www.newbuffalographics.com
Local artist Michael Morgulis’ colorful T-shirts,
hats and prints feature iconic images of
buffalos so locals and visitors can show
off their Buffalo pride. Pick up one of his
“community music” shirts featuring the
animals as music notes for a holiday gift.
GO SEE
FORGOTTEN BUFFALO TOURS
Downtown Buffalo • 716-833-5211
www.forgottenbuffalo.com
These tours ($40 per person), which include
meals and transportation, shed light on the
original inhabitants of multicultural Buffalo
and what they ate (like beef on weck). This
month’s tour is “A Polish Tavern Christmas”
(Dec. 19).
GO EAT
EUROPA BISTRO
484 Elmwood Ave • 716-884-1100
www.europabuffalo.com
Never heard of bigos (Polish hunter’s stew) or
rindsrouladen (sliced beef topped with bacon,
onion and pickles)? That’s okay: The staff at
this cozy bistro will help you fi gure out which
one to try. $$
GO PARTY
HUTCH’S
1375 Delaware Ave • 716-885-0074
www.hutchsrestaurant.com
At this high-end restaurant and sports bar, get
started with a scotch or something from the
wine list. If you get hungry while watching the
game, you can always order a few top-notch
small plates.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
ELLICOTTVILLE, NY
52 miles southeast of Buffalo
www.ellicottvilleny.com
This funky ski community is a lovely drive from
Buffalo. It features two ski resorts, Holiday
Valley and Holimont, and is extensively
decorated this time of year.
FUN FACT!
Buffalo’s native son Harold Arlen (born Hyman
Arluck) composed The Wizard of Oz classic
“Over the Rainbow.”
LAND, FIRST CLASS.
417-239-1900
www.keetercenter.edu
ONLY TWO QUICK MILES SOUTH OF BRANSON.
Cancun
MEXICO
GO SHOP
XBAAL
Ave Luis Echeverría at Ave Alfredo V. Bonfi l
+52 998-882-1235
www.xbaal.com.mx
This clothing and accessories store was
created after a hurricane to help provide
income for working women. Look for ombré
dresses and gauzy beachwear.
GO SEE
AQUAWORLD
Blvd Kukulcan km 15.2 • +52 998-848-8327
www.aquaworld.com.mx
Get out on the water with equipment from
this outfi tter conveniently located in the
center of the hotel zone. It offers private and
shared fi shing boat charters, dive trips and
equipment, parasailing excursions and even
dinner cruises with Mexican beer.
GO EAT
EL RINCÓN DEL VINO
Calle Alcatraces 29 • +52 998-865-4200
With a large wine cellar featuring international
bottles, excellent Spanish food and live singers
on weekends, this off-the-beaten-path
party spot is a wonderful place to fi nd out how
real Cancunenses get down.
GO PARTY
THE CITY CANCUN
Blvd Kukulcan km 9 • +52 998-848-8380
www.thecitycancun.com
This entertainment center claims to be the
largest in Latin America, with a capacity for
more than 5,000 people. Big name stars and
DJs, like Fergie, Akon, Tiësto and Sasha have
been known to grace the stage.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
CROCOCUN ZOO
36 kilometers south of Cancun • Fed Rt
Cancun-Tulum km 31 • +52 998-850-3719
www.crococunzoo.com
You’re sure to see a lot of animals on your
trip to Cancun, but if you want to be able to
touch them, you would do well to stop at this
crocodile farm and zoo. It allows visitors to
hold and even feed native guacamayas, spider
monkeys, snakes, deer and crocodiles.
FUN FACT!
Cancun is a very young city. Prior to 1974, it
was just jungle and sand.
H I S T O R I C L O D G I NG AND
F I N E D I N I N G

Not Your Average Sports Bar
www.DolceGroup.com

124
Charleston
WEST VIRGINIA
GO SHOP
TAYLOR BOOKS
226 Capitol St • 304-342-1461
www.taylorbooks.com
Enjoy a fresh, homemade scone and a
latte while you browse at this independent
bookstore, café, art gallery and gift boutique.
You can listen to live music while you shop on
Friday and Saturday nights.
GO SEE
“LOST KINGDOMS OF THE NILE”
At Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of
West Virginia • 1 Clay Sq • 304-561-3570
www.theclaycenter.org
More than 200 objects from the royal tombs of
el Kurru, Nuri and Meroë—including ancient
Nubian art, customary funeral items, weapons,
and sarcophagi—are featured in this traveling
exhibit. Through April 11.
GO EAT
BLUEGRASS KITCHEN
1600 Washington St E • 304-346-2871
www.bluegrasswv.com
The handsomely restored dining room at this
vegetarian-friendly restaurant features exposed
brick walls, where works by local artists
are displayed. Order the enchiladas, or if you’re
a meat-eater, the bourbon trout and grits. $$
GO PARTY
THE EMPTY GLASS
410 Elizabeth St • 304-345-9893
www.emptyglass.com
Original live music “from all over the planet” is
the hallmark of this nightspot in Charleston’s
historic East End. Stop in this month for a
show from The Fox Hunt (Dec. 10) and the 69
Fingers Third Annual Christmas Party (Dec. 25)
GO DAY-TRIPPING
TAMARACK
62 miles southeast of Charleston, WV
1 Tamarack Park, Beckley, WV • 304-256-6843
www.tamarackwv.com
Get all your holiday shopping done at this West
Virginia-only handcraft and fi ne art center.
When your wallet has had enough, watch resident
artisans at work and enjoy regional cuisine
from the chefs at The Greenbrier.
FUN FACT!
The fi rst brick-paved road in the world was laid
in Charleston in 1870.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Charlotte
NORTH CAROLINA
— Sheila McEntee — John Bordsen
GO SHOP
DAVIDSON CHOCOLATE COMPANY
610 Jetton St., Davidson • 704 896-7245
www.davidsonchocolate.com
Life in the tony Lake Norman area can be
sweet—especially at this store specializing
in handcrafted goodies. The truffl es come in
dozens of fl avors, from amaretto to hot chili.
MADDI’S GALLERY
1530 East Blvd • 704-332-0007
www.maddisgallery.com
Search among the handmade regional
and national items at this gallery and you
might catch a pot looking back at you.
Don’t freak out: They’re called “face jugs”—
urns and ewers with cartoony faces worked
into the sides—and they are a Catawba
Valley specialty.
PAPER TWIST
6401 Morrison Blvd • 704-366-3100
www.shoppapertwist.com
Your holiday wrapping should look as good as
the gifts inside, and this South Park-area boutique
carries classy wrapping paper, ribbons
and gift bags, and even offers gift-wrapping
classes, to make sure that’s the case.
GO SEE
SKATING AT THE GREEN
401 S Tryon St • 704-944-1627
www.wbtholidayonice.com
Locals love this popular outdoor skating
rink surrounded by New South skyscrapers.
Take a few turns around the rink, and then
grab a post-skating meal at one of the many
nearby eateries.
MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL
At Bank of America Stadium • 1900 W
Morehead St, Charlotte • 800-618-8149
www.meinekecarcarebowl.com
This relative newcomer to the college football
bowl lineup—it was initiated in 2002—is
spectacularly popular, most likely due to its
location in the NCAA-crazed Carolinas. In it,
the No. 3 Big East team faces No. 5 or 6 from
the ACC at the home fi eld of the Carolina
Panthers. Dec. 26.
DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN
6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont
704-825-4490
www.dsbg.org
This 380-acre horticultural compound in
Belmont celebrates the holidays with a lights
display, plus a “Christmas tree” in the Great
Hall made out of 300 orchids.
GO EAT
BUBBA’S BARBECUE
4400 Sunset Rd • 704-393-2000
www.bubbasbarbecue.com
This barbecue shack is famed for Eastern
Carolina-style sauce (vinegar-, not tomatobased)
and great prices, whether you like your
meat on a bun ($9 for a plate) or on the bone
(a pound of ribs is $15). $
BASIL THAI
210 N Church St • 704-332-7212
www.eatatbasil.com
Two brothers who moved to the US to escape
turmoil in Cambodia hit it big with this
restaurant. It offers fare that’s just familiar
enough to make exotic eating easy. Try the
deep-fried duck in red curry sauce. $$
AQUAVINA
435 S Tryon St • 704-377-9911
www.aquavina.com
This super-fresh seafood place offers
steakhouse-style appetizers, like Crab Three
Ways (blue crab cake, snow crab cobbler and
soft-shell crab with brioche toast points) that
are almost big enough to make a meal. $$$
GO PARTY
PREVUE
2909 N Davidson St • 704-375-3747
www.prevuemusichall.com
Twentysomethings looking for an alternative
to the pricier uptown scene love this NoDa live
music club for half-priced martinis and wine
and free food on Wednesdays.
TYBER CREEK PUB
1933 South Blvd • 704 343-2727
www.tybercreek.com
This dark South End pub opened long before
the area became trendy, and it still thrives by
remaining low-key and locally owned. Settle in
for a $3 pint of Guinness, available all day.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
YADKIN VALLEY WINERIES
80 miles northwest of Charlotte
www.visitncwine.com
Wine-making has taken root in the Yadkin
River Valley in a big way: More than a dozen
wineries, large and small, modest and slick,
offer tours, samples and cases to bring home.
FUN FACT!
More than 60% of the Charlotte workforce
commutes to work in less than 30 minutes.

©2009 AirTran Airways and Aircell LLC. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Emailing season’s greetings
Shopping online for last-minute gifts
Wi-Fi on every fl ight.

126
Chicago
ILLINOIS
— Rod O’Connor
GO SHOP
CHRISTKINDLMARKET
50 W Washington St • 312-494-2175
www.christkindlmarket.com
A holiday shopping trip in Chicago should
always include a stop at this German-inspired
Christmas market, which features vendors who
hand-blow glass ornaments and make cuckoo
clocks. Make sure to take a break for some
schnitzel and a cup of hot wine.
FRANKIE’S ON THE PARK
2322 N Clark St • 773-248-0400
www.frankiesonthepark.com
Lincoln Park shoppers with tweens in tow can
browse two fl oors worth of clothing for ages
8 to 18, and then let the kiddies personalize
their duds with iron-ons at the “graffi ti bar.”
STRANGE CARGO
3448 N Clark St • 773-327-8090
www.strangecargo.com
Super-cool custom T-shirts are the main
reason to visit this kitschy Wrigleyville store.
It also boasts a huge selection of Vans and
Chuck Taylors, if you’re in the market for
hip sneaks.
THE WHITE ATTIC
5225 N Clark St • 773-907-9800
www.thewhiteattic.com
The reinvented vintage pieces—many
refi nished with bright or unexpected paint
colors—and a “lamp bar” with 100 different
fabric options make furniture shopping at this
store way more fun.
GO SEE
DUSABLE MUSEUM OF
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
740 E 56th Pl • 773-947-0600
www.dusablemuseum.org
Named after the Haitian fur trader who was
the fi rst permanent settler in Chicago, this
institution interprets the African-American
experience through thought-provoking
exhibits such as the ongoing “Red, White,
Blue & Black: A History of Blacks in the
Armed Forces.”
NATIONAL ITALIAN-AMERICAN
SPORTS HALL OF FAME
1431 W Taylor St • 312-226-5566
www.niashf.org
After you check out the staggering amount
of sports memorabilia from the likes of Joe
DiMaggio and Dan Marino at this museum,
visit the attached shop to buy holiday gifts for
sports fans.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
THE SNOW QUEEN
At Victory Gardens Theater
2433 N Lincoln Ave • 773-871-3000
www.victorygardens.org
This rendition of the Hans Christian Andersen
tale about a girl searching for her lost friend—
complete with puppets and a live band—has
become a wintertime tradition. Through Dec. 27.
THE ORIENTAL INSTITUTE
1155 E 58th St • 773-702-9514
www.oi.uchicago.edu
This archeology and history museum from the
University of Chicago showcases priceless
artifacts from digs in Egypt, Israel, Turkey and
other Near East countries—many found by the
school’s real-life Indiana Jones types.
SHEDD AQUARIUM
1200 S Lake Shore Dr • 312-939-2438
www.sheddaquarium.org
After a nine-month renovation, the re-opened
Oceanarium at the Shedd brings beluga
whales, sea lions and penguins back to the
world’s largest indoor marine mammal pavilion.
GO EAT
SUNRISE CAFÉ
2012 W Chicago Ave • 773-276-8290
This comfortable Ukie Village breakfast spot
does just about everything right. Start your day
with excellent huevos rancheros, corned beef
hash or breakfast tacos. Make sure to get there
early—it closes at 3pm. $
SPACCA NAPOLI
1769 W Sunnyside • 773-878-2420
www.spaccanapolipizzeria.com
The pies at this pizzeria are so good, they kickstarted
a thin-crust craze in the home of deep
dish. Traditional fl avors like basil, tomato and
fresh mozzarella really hit the spot. $$
BACCHANALIA
2413 S Oakley Ave • 773-254-6555
www.bacchanaliachicago.com
Those craving real-deal Italian will feel right at
home at this family joint in Chicago’s Heart of
Italy neighborhood. Order the baked clams or
chicken Vesuvio and a bottle of wine, and get
talking. It’s okay if you use your hands. $$$
SOL DE MEXICO
3018 N Cicero Ave • 773-282-4119
www.soldemexicochicago.com
Tucked away on an industrial stretch in the
Belmont Cragin neighborhood, this colorful
storefront eatery specializes in traditional
Mexican dishes, like lamb in spicy mole negro
and house-made fl an. $$$
Voted #1 By Citysearch.com Readers
ALINEA
1723 N Halsted • 312-867-0110
www.alinearestaurant.com
Chicago’s most celebrated culinary star, Grant
Achatz, unveils aggressively creative meals
incorporating mind- and palate-bending
concepts like dehydrated caulifl ower fl orets
and Wagyu beef with powdered A-1. $$$$$
GO PARTY
44TH WARD DINNER PARTY
3542 N Halsted St • 773-857-2911
www.the44thward.com
A crowd fl ocks to this eclectic lounge to
chomp on build-your-own grilled-cheese
sandwiches, get silly in the vintage photo
booth and sample signature cocktails like the
Midwest Manhattan (Templeton rye, sweet
vermouth, bitters).
DISTRICT
170 W Ontario St • 312-337-3477
www.districtbarchicago.com
Don’t let the bookshelves throw you off
your game—this bar is more jock than nerd.
Forty fl at screens telecast every sporting
contest imaginable, and elevated appetizers
like crab dip with fried wontons garner plenty
of high fi ves.
LOUIE’S PUB
1659 W North Ave • 773-227-7947
www.louiespub.com
Come to this pub for the cozy vibe and stay for
the killer karaoke. Six monitors display lyrics
so the entire room can sing along.
ROOTSTOCK WINE & BEER BAR
954 N California Ave • 773-292-1616
www.rootstockbar.com
This shabby-chic bar and its hipster Humboldt
Park location match as perfectly as its beer
and cheese pairings. Factor in an approachable
wine list, with many pours under $10, and
this is one destination worth the cab fare.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
PARK RIDGE, IL
17 miles northwest of Chicago
www.parkridge.us
The best reason to visit this quaint Near North
suburb—the former home of Hillary Clinton—
is the landmark Pickwick Theater, an Art Deco
movie house in the heart of downtown.
FUN FACT!
The Sears Tower was offi cially renamed The
Willis Tower last July.
NO COVER
16 W. Ontario St. 312-640-1000

Columbus
OHIO
GO SHOP
BLACK MARKET
2579 N High St • 614-263-9266
www.anti-label.com
Columbus’ own Kelli Martin—from “Project
Runway” season fi ve—mixes her edgy AntiLabel
fashions with vintage pieces at this store
in the Short North. Look for super-destroyed,
acid-washed jeans and prim ruffl ed jackets.
GO SEE
DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS
At Ohio Village
1982 Velma Ave • 800-686-6124
www.ohiohistory.org
Dressed up to look like an 1860s town, Ohio
Village brings Dickens’ famous story to life,
through interactions with Scrooge and Tiny
Tim. Charles Dickens himself will pop into the
“Dickens of a Dinner.” Dec. 11-12, 18-20.
GO EAT
SCHMIDT’S RESTAURANT UND
SAUSAGE HAUS
240 E Kossuth St • 614-444-6808
www.schmidthaus.com
Follow the oompah music to the sizzling brats
and tender schnitzels at this German Village
institution. When you’ve had enough, take
a walk down to the affi liated Fudge Haus for
Belgian chocolate cherry amaretto candy. $$
GO PARTY
SHADOWBOX
164 Easton Town Center • 614-416-7625
www.shadowboxcabaret.com
Pre-order some pub grub and a pitcher of
the house cocktail (“The Freak”) and grab
a table for a night of in-your-face sketch
comedy, live theater or rock ‘n’ roll.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
KALAHARI RESORT
124 miles north of Columbus • 7000 Kalahari
Dr, Sandusky • 877-525-2427
www.KalahariResorts.com
Even if you don’t book a room at this safarithemed
resort, you can still check out zebras,
antelopes, kangaroos and African pygmy goats
at its Safari Adventures animal park.
FUN FACT!
— Betsa Marsh
The Columbus area is home to the headquarters
of both Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie
& Fitch.
Dallas/Ft. Worth
TEXAS
— Amy Anderson
GO SHOP
DESIGN LEGACY
141 Glass St, Dallas • 214-748-5118
www.design-legacy.com
Innovative design and a sense of humor are
the hallmarks of this unique home store. You’ll
fi nd everything from antique circus memorabilia
to furniture made out of natural minerals.
KACKY & CARL
2722 Routh St, Dallas • 214-295-4486
www.kackyandcarl.com
Taking up an entire two-story house, this chic
boutique has plenty of room for funky antique
furniture, hard-to-fi nd clothing lines and
vintage estate pieces.
M.L. LEDDY’S
2455 N Main St, Ft. Worth • 817-624-3149
www.leddys.com
Here in Texas, men can get away with wearing
cowboy boots with suits. If you’d like to try it
yourself, pick up some boots at this Ft. Worth
institution. You can also get hats and belts, if
you’re too yella to go the whole way.
TART PASTRY BOUTIQUE AND STUDIO
5219 W Lovers Ln, Dallas • 469-335-8919
www.tartbakerydallas.com
Owned by a pastry chef and her graphic
designer buddy, Tart creates treats for the eyes
as well as the taste buds. The shop carries
custom cakes and miniature goodies galore.
GO SEE
RADIO CITY
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
At NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie • 1001 Performance
Place, Grand Prairie • 972-647-5700
www.nokiatheatredfw.com
You don’t have to be in New York City to
experience this Christmas tradition. The world
famous Radio City Rockettes put on quite a
show, with their signature high kicks, precision
choreography and numbers like “New York at
Christmas.” Dec. 10-30.
RED CARPET NEW YEAR’S EVE:
A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS
At Bass Performance Hall
525 Commerce St • 817-665-6000
www.fwsymphony.org
Spend an evening with the Fort Worth
Symphony Orchestra recreating all the
glamour and glitz of classic movies. The
themes from fi lms like Gone with the Wind,
Lawrence of Arabia and The Lord of the Rings
trilogy will be performed, along with a tribute
to composer John Williams. Dec. 31.
SID RICHARDSON MUSEUM
309 Main St, Ft Worth • 817-332-6554
www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org
Legendary Texas oilman and philanthropist Sid
Richardson collected more than 100 paintings
by artists who captured the romance and
ruggedness of the Old West. Works by Frederic
Remington, Charles M. Russell and the like are
on display here.
DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER
5938 Skillman St, Dallas • 214-740-0051
www.dct.org
Visit Santa in puppet form at Santa’s Holiday
for Strings, presented by the Kathy Burks
Theatre of Puppetry Arts. Through Dec. 22.
MUSEUM OF THE
AMERICAN RAILROAD
1105 Washington St, Dallas • 214-428-0101
www.dallasrailwaymuseum.com
Check out the complete collection of pre-World
War II passenger train cars, as well as classic
Pullman sleeping cars, cabooses, diesel and
electric locomotives and even an old-timey
railway post offi ce car.
GO EAT
ASIAN MINT
11617 N Central Expy • 214-363-6655
www.asianmint.com
This Asian-fusion café and dessert/coffee bar
features a Thai dessert sampler with coconut
custard, coconut ice cream and sticky rice. It
pairs well with a hot cup of coffee. $$
MAGUIRE’S REGIONAL CUISINE
17552 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas · 972-818-0068
www.maguiresdallas.com
Soothing lines set the stage for international
versions of American classics, like lemon pepper
sea bass with pesto risotto and Moroccan
lamb chops in a tamarind-mint crust. $$$
OLENJACK’S GRILLE
770 Rd to Six Flags E, Arlington • 817-226-2600
www.olenjacksgrille.com
By adding Texas fl air to Southern comfort food,
Chef Brian Olenjack has created a high-end, yet
accessible menu. Try the shrimp and grits with
bacon and mustard greens or ancho pulled
pork with cumin-scented potato chips. $$$
THE PORCH
2912 N Henderson Ave • 214-828-2916
www.theporchrestaurant.com
In the trendy Knox-Henderson area, this eatery
offers indoor and outdoor seating areas and
a gourmet burgers-and-brisket menu. Cap off
your meal with a satisfying apple cobbler. $$$
CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
127

128
Dallas/Ft. Worth CONT’D
TEXAS
BIJOUX
5450 W Lovers Ln • 214-350-6100
www.bijouxrestaurant.com
This high-end French restaurant from Chef
Scott Gottlich offers three- to nine-course prixfi
xe dinners featuring such dishes as day boat
scallops with mascarpone polenta, pancetta
and smoked tomato. $$$$$
GO PARTY
GHOSTBAR
At the W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences,
2440 Victory Park Ln, Ste 3300, Dallas
214-720-9909
www.n9negroup.com
Located atop the hotel, this chic rooftop
lounge has to-die-for views and a signature
glass-bottomed “ghost deck” suspended over
the edge of the building.
LIFT
2404 Cedar Springs Rd • 214-468-0050
www.lift-dallas.com
A contemporary discotheque bathed in neon
light, this club features DJs for dancers, bottle
service for drinkers and enclosed cabanas for
VIPs who need a little privacy.
LIZARD LOUNGE
2424 Swiss Ave • 214-826-4768
www.thelizardlounge.com
For classic industrial, retro and hip-hop
mixes, this dance club offers endless variety.
Visit on Sundays for “The Church,” a goth
and techno celebration that will bring you to
your knees.
BILLY BOB’S TEXAS
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft. Worth • 817-624-7117
www.billybobstexas.com
The largest honky tonk on earth (originally
built in 1910 as an open-air cattle barn)
attracts cowboys from all over to ride live bulls
and dance under the revolving “disco saddle.”
GO DAY-TRIPPING
WINSTAR WORLD CASINO
81 miles north of Dallas
Thackerville, OK • 580-276-4229
www.winstarworldcasino.com
This casino offers a fun evening of gaming
and food. Bring some play money for slots,
blackjack, poker and off-track betting, and
grab a bite at the Stone Ranch Steakhouse.
FUN FACT!
Dallas City Hall makes an appearance in the
1987 fi lm Robocop.
Dayton
OHIO
GO SHOP
NATIONAL CITY
SECOND STREET MARKET
600 E Second St •937-228-2088
Featuring more than 40 vendors, this market
offers an assortment of exotic and gourmet
foods as well as great fabric gifts, fl owers,
handbags and jewelry.
GO SEE
DAYTON ART INSTITUTE
456 Belmonte Park N • 937-223-5277
www.daytonartinstitute.org
In celebration of its 90th anniversary,
the Dayton Art Institute presents “90
Treasures,” a display of 90 pieces from its
impressively varied permanent collection,
which contains more than 25,000 objects.
Through Dec. 31.
GO EAT
JAY’S SEAFOOD
225 E Sixth St • 937-222-2892
www.jays.com
This intimate restaurant in Dayton’s historic
Oregon District offers fresh Atlantic salmon,
thick cuts of fi let mignon and plump fried
shrimp. Top off your feast with Jay’s original
chocolate mousse. $$$
GO PARTY
PACCHIA
410 E Fifth St • 937-341-5050
www.pacchia.com
Whether you’re in the mood for top-notch
food or a night of live music, classy Pacchia
fi ts the bill. This cozy venue nestled in the
Oregon District—locally voted the best place
in Dayton to take a fi rst date—is the perfect
spot to unwind.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
JEFFERSONVILLE OUTLET MALL
38 miles east of Dayton • 8000 Factory Shops
Blvd, Jeffersonville • 800-746-7644
www.primeoutlets.com
Find Christmas bargains from some of
the leading names in men’s and women’s
apparel and home furnishings at this
sprawling outlet center.
FUN FACT!
Our guest registry reads like a history book.
Welcome to a place where history makes its home - The
Adolphus. Experience the unabashed splendor of the
grandest hotel in Dallas and make a little history yourself.
For reservations, call 800.221.9083 or visit hoteladolphus.com.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson
on “The Simpsons,” grew up in the Dayton
suburb of Kettering.
Denver
COLORADO
— Russell Florence, Jr. — Lori Midson
GO SHOP
NPR (NEVER PAY RETAIL) SAMPLES
7800 E Iliff Ave • 303-695-9596
www.nprsamples.com
At this fashionable sample shop, major
designers showcase one-of-a-kind pieces
priced just a fraction above wholesale price,
which means you can snag duds from names
like Alberto Makali and Marc Aurel for much
less than you would pay elsewhere.
URBAN LIFESTYLE
1720 Wazee St • 303-572-7900
www.myurbanlifestyle.com
Shopping at this terrifi cally hip, colorful home
furnishings boutique always turns up all sorts
of must-haves—Alessi teapots, hard-to-fi nd
travel books and Iitalia Aarne cocktail glasses,
for example.
WILDERNESS EXCHANGE UNLIMITED
2401 15th St • 303-964-0708
www.wildernessexchangeunlimited.com
Stocked with an impressive selection of gear
for camping, hiking and rock-climbing, this
store offers new merchandise as well as barely
used second-hand stuff. Ask the enthusiastic
staff for advice on local adventures.
GO SEE
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
At Ellie Caulkins Opera House
14th and Curtis sts • 303-837-8888
www.coloradoballet.org
Most ballet lovers will tell you it all started
with a trip to The Nutcracker. Bring your kids
to this production, complete with a beautiful
Sugar Plum Fairy, stunning costumes and live
music. Through Dec. 27.
DENVER ZOO LIGHTS
At Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St • 303-376-4800
www.denverzoo.org
Every year during the holidays, the Denver Zoo
transforms its animal kingdom into a land of
twinkling animals. Strands of bulbs illuminate
hundreds of twisting, bending and animated
animal sculptures. Through Jan. 4.
BOONDOCKS FUN CENTER
11425 Community Center Dr, Northglenn
720-977-8000
www.boondocksfuncenter.com
Fun for kids of all ages (and their adult
companions, too), Boondocks offers a
veritable carnival of indoor and outdoor
attractions, including miniature golf, laser tag,
go-karts and bumper boats.
Dallas
1321 Commerce Street • Downtown

GO EAT
BIKER JIM’S GOURMET DOGS
16th St Mall at Arapahoe St
www.bikerjimsdogs.com
For the best hot dogs in the Mile High City,
head to this cart and ask for Jim Pittenger’s
Alaskan reindeer, elk, buffalo or wild boar
sausages topped with cream cheese. $
LOHI STEAKBAR
3200 Tejon St • 303-927-6334
www.lohisteakbar.com
Overseen by star chef Sean Kelly, this
neighborhood steakhouse in the trendy
Highland area is a local favorite for pub fare
like steak frites and freshly ground burgers.
Also don’t miss the fantastic cocktails (try
the caviar martini) concocted by Denver’s top
mixologists. $$$
BUCHI CAFÉ CUBANO
2651 W 38th Avenue • 303-458-1328
This tiny storefront cafe is known far and wide
for its ridiculously good café con leche. Order
one after having a traditional Cuban sandwich
for lunch. $$
GO PARTY
THE HORSESHOE LOUNGE
414 E 20th Ave • 303-832-1180
www.thehorseshoelounge.com
While you can’t actually play horseshoes at
this convivial bar, you can lounge on the retro
sofas, dance along to rockabilly, knock back
well-mixed cocktails and play all sorts of cool
bar games.
LANCER LOUNGE
233 E Seventh Ave • 303-831-8989
The object of every local barfl y’s affections,
this iconic watering hole is a mellow spot
to savor strong drinks and sway to jukeboxselected
tunes.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
OLD COLORADO CITY
76 miles south of Denver
www.shopoldcoloradocity.com
The oldest town in the Pikes Peak Region
is a tree-studded community whose main
drag is home to an interesting collection
of shops, restaurants, bars, art galleries
and museums.
FUN FACT!
Colorado has the most fi t residents in the US,
with the nation’s lowest obesity rate of 18.9%.
Detroit
MICHIGAN
If you’re looking at this
banner so are your clients
To advertise in call our
sales team at 888-864-1732
— Ellen Piligian
GO SHOP
BUREAU OF URBAN LIVING
460 W Canfi eld St • 313-833-9336
www.bureauliving.com
Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure,
you’re bound to fi nd something useful
at this urban general store. It stocks picture
frames and candles to beautify your house and
note pads to help keep you organized.
CATCHING FIREFLIES
3117 W 12 Mile Rd, Berkley • 248-336-2030
www.catchingfi refl ies.com
This whimsical boutique promises to brighten
your day with sundries that include bamboo
fl ower salad servers, soy candles and
bracelets that read “Enjoy the moment.”
PINK PUMP
150 W Maple, Birmingham • 248-593-5313
www.shoppinkpump.com
Start a day of shopping in downtown
Birmingham with something everybody loves
to buy: shoes. There’s plenty to covet at this
boutique, from chic Via Spiga pumps to girlie
Betsey Johnson wedges.
GO SEE
“AVEDON FASHION
PHOTOGRAPHS 1944-2000”
At The Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave • 313-833-7900
www.dia.org
You’ll be ready to strike a pose after a stroll
through this comprehensive study of famed
fashion photographer Richard Avedon’s work.
Gaze at his iconic prints from the last 50 years,
as well as never-before-seen material that was
released solely for the exhibit.
HOLIDAY WALK
AT MEADOW BROOK HALL
At Oakland University campus • 2200 N
Squirrel Rd, Rochester Hills • 248-364-6200
www.oakland.edu/mbh
This 110-room mansion will be aglow for
the holiday season. Learn about the historic
artwork and architecture, then bring the
little ones to meet Santa at Knole Cottage, a
3/4-scale playhouse. Dec. 12-13.
HOLIDAY NIGHTS
IN GREENFIELD VILLAGE
20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn • 313-982-6001
www.thehenryford.org
You’ll think you landed in a vintage Christmas
card at this holiday village, which features
candlelit paths, carriage and Model T rides, ice
skating and Santa with live reindeer.
GO EAT
THE DAKOTA INN RATHSKELLER
17324 John R. St • 313-867-9722
www.dakota-inn.com
The fi lling German-style potato pancakes
at this Detroit institution (open since 1933)
are perfect for warming you up on a cold
Michigan night. If it’s extra frigid, order the
schweinefl eisch schnitzel, breaded pork
cutlets served with hot German potato salad. $
LOCCINO ITALIAN GRILL & BAR
5600 Crooks Rd, Troy • 248-813-0700
www.loccino.com
This new family restaurant serves an awardwinning
chicken piccata with capers and
mushrooms in lemon-wine sauce, among other
tasty, classic Italian dishes. $$
DETROIT FISH MARKET
1435 Randolph St • 313-963-3003
www.detroitfi shmarket.com
This restaurant is so serious about freshness
that the menu is based on what’s available
each day. If you like spice, try the New Orleans
seafood gumbo. $$$
GO PARTY
ECLIPZ LOUNGE
555 E Lafayette Blvd • 888-771-4386
www.greektowncasino.com
Located inside the Greektown Casino, this
lounge is close to the action, but high above
the town. Order a specialty cocktail (like a
chocolate cream martini) and pick a spot near
the 60-foot glass windows.
SMALL’S
10339 Conant, Hamtramck • 313-873-1117
www.smallsbardetroit.com
Sidle up to the Art Deco bar here for a cold
brew to go with some of the top talent in the
area. When the bands aren’t around, pick your
favorite tunes from the top-notch jukebox.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
FRANKENMUTH, MI
85 miles north of Detroit
www.frankenmuth.org
Winter is the perfect time to visit Michigan’s
Little Bavaria, where Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
stocks must-have decorations and the
Bavarian Inn offers pretzel-rolling classes.
FUN FACT!
Ed Lowe, inventor of Kitty Litter-brand cat litter,
grew up in the Detroit suburb of Cassopolis.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
129

130
Flint
MICHIGAN
GO SHOP
CARRIAGETOWN ANTIQUE CENTER
503 Garland St • 810-238-1444
www.carriagetownantiquecenter.com
Whether you’re looking for a piece of your
childhood or a piece of your grandparents’,
this two-story warehouse has probably got it.
Get lost in time in racks of vintage clothing and
trunks of jewelry and holiday decorations.
GO SEE
ANNIE
At The Whiting Theater
1241 East Kearsley St • 810-237-7333
www.thewhiting.com
Take a break from your hard-knock life to
bring the kids to this classic musical. Adorable
orphan Annie will knock your socks off,
and (for better or worse) you’ll be singing
“Tomorrow” for days. Two performances (2pm
and 7pm), Dec. 13.
GO EAT
GRAND TRAVERSE PIE COMPANY
2350 S Center Rd, Burton • 810-742-9743
www.gtpie.com/location/burton
This bakery has the best pie in town (mountain
berry and Grand Traverse cherry crumb are
local favorites), but it also serves excellent
quiches and homemade potpies. $
GO PARTY
JOE & LEWIE’S PENALTY BOX
2400 Owen Rd, Fenton • 810-750-6200
If you know the difference between high
sticking and hat tricking, this hockey-themed
sports bar is the place for you. Order one of
the 20 beers on tap and grumble at the refs on
the big screen. (They’re all blind, anyway.)
GO DAY-TRIPPING
MICHIGAN STATE CAPITOL
58 miles southwest of Flint
100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing • 517-373-2353
This beautifully restored structure, fi rst built in
1879, is best known for its Victorian artwork.
Tours are offered every half hour on weekdays;
pay special attention to the designs on walls
and ceilings.
FUN FACT!
Flint residents paint birthday notifi cations,
death announcements and community
protests on “The Rock,” located at 12th Street
and Hammerberg Road.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Ft. Lauderdale
FLORIDA
— Eileen Button — Jill Barton
GO SHOP
BEAR AND BIRD
BOUTIQUE AND GALLERY
4566 N University Dr, Lauderhill
954-748-0181
www.bearandbird.com
This formerly empty loft space has been transformed
into an eclectic boutique, where handmade
jewelry and original artwork, including
individually signed and numbered silkscreen
prints, glow in the airy surroundings.
COUTURE EXCHANGE
2939 N Federal Hwy • 954-565-4348
www.couture-exchange.com
Fashionistas know to hit this boutique for
top label pieces at second-hand prices. Pair
a vintage Versace dress with a Chanel tote,
Prada shoes and movie-star-sized sunglasses.
PINK GHOST
21 W Las Olas Blvd • 954-616-1304
www.pinkghost.net
Bring the kids or be one yourself at this playful
shop fi lled with gadgets and quirky toys.
Regular art shows here are as inspired as the
merchandise, which includes plush green
Uglydolls and Veggiesomething fi gures.
GO SEE
OCEANDANCE 2009
At Hollywood Beach • 954-921-3274
www.visithollywoodfl .com
Hollywood, FL, rings in the New Year
with this two-day celebration featuring free
dance troupe performances on a seaside
stage. The New Year’s Eve countdown ends
with an extravagant fi reworks display.
Dec. 30-31.
WINTERFEST BOAT PARADE
Intracoastal Waterway and New River
www.winterfestparade.com
More than 100 bauble-bedecked boats wind
through Broward County’s waterways during
this South Florida-style holiday parade. The
“fl oats” are often extremely creative, featuring
fl ashing lights, Santa DJs and dance parties.
Dec. 12.
“GLACKENS AS ILLUSTRATOR”
At Museum of Art | Ft Lauderdale
1 E Las Olas Blvd • 954-525-5500
www.moafl nsu.org
This exhibit showcases selections from
the museum’s vast collection of works by
American painter William Glackens, known
for his illustrations of city life. Through
May 3.
GO EAT
BRAVO! GOURMET SANDWICH
2925 NE 6th Ave • 954-533-4350
www.bravosandwich.com
This tiny storefront churns out authentic
Peruvian sandwiches overstuffed with juicy
meats and fl avorful sauces, like a rocoto
pepper and olive purée. The chicharron (crispy
pork) sandwich is a local favorite. $
GALANGA THAI KITCHEN & SUSHI BAR
2389 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors • 954-202-0000
www.galangarestaurant.com
Creative sushi rolls and tasty Asian-fusion
dishes, like crispy duck with tamarind and
chili sauce, keep this chic place bustling on
weekends. $$$$
CAFÉ MARTARANO
3343 E Oakland Park Blvd • 954-561-2554
www.cafemartorano.com
According to local lore, even Madonna had to
wait for a table at this tony restaurant, where
the decadent meatballs, pastas and gourmet
Philly cheesesteaks have earned a loyal following
among locals and celebrities alike. $$$$$
GO PARTY
AMERICA’S BACKYARD
100 SW Third Ave • 954-727-0950
www.myamericasbackyard.com
This spot kicks up the standard backyard pool
party with a menu full of hot dogs and hamburgers,
a tequila bar and dance parties that
go on until way after your neighbors’ bedtime.
LIVING ROOM
300 SW First Ave • 888-992-7555
www.livingroomnightclub.com
Clubgoers might wonder if they’ve died and
gone to heaven at this waterfront hotspot,
which features a Zen meditation garden and a
loft with fl oating beds.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
ROOKERY BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE
RESEARCH RESERVE
110 miles west of Ft. Lauderdale
300 Tower Rd, Naples • 239-417-6310
www.rookerybay.org
You’ll fi nd 110,000 acres of coastal land at this
Marco Island reserve, including pristine mangrove
forests, good for kayaking and canoeing,
FUN FACT!
Ft. Lauderdale has more than 300 miles of
navigable waterways.

Ft. Myers
FLORIDA
— Libby McMillan
GO SHOP
FRIDAY’S CHILD
2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel • 239-472-9500
www.TGIFchild.com
This charming new children’s boutique
promises “clothes as cool as your kids,” as
well as a thorough selection of cool games,
toys, puzzles and make-believe sets.
THE BAIT BOX
1041 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island
239-472-1618
www.thebaitbox.com
Ralph Woodring—whose mom was a fi shing
legend in the islands— owns this shop near
the causeway. It sells everything from bait to
charter tarpon trips, but advice is free.
CHRIST-CENTERED BOOKS AND MUSIC
4650 S Cleveland Ave • 239-936-2433
www.shopchristcentered.com
Christians looking for religious holiday gifts
should stop by this store to stock up on
inspirational books, music and décor items.
GO SEE
EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES
2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
239-334-7419
www.efwefl a.org
This is the ideal time of year to visit the twin
estates on the beautiful Caloosahatchee
River.Just imagine Edison hard at work in his
laboratory or out strolling with his friend.
CHAPEL BY THE SEA
11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva Island
239-472-1646
In addition to being a beautiful wedding
location, Captiva Island’s beachfront chapel
is an interesting place to visit. Originally built
in 1901 as a schoolhouse, it sits next to a
cemetery where early settlers are buried.
CALUSA NATURE CENTER
AND PLANETARIUM
3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers • 239-275-3435
www.calusanature.com
Hikers and walkers can explore one of the
three nature trails at Southwest Florida’s
enduring natural history museum, which also
features a butterfl y aviary.
GO EAT
FARMER’S MARKET
2736 Edison Ave • 239-334-1687
www.farmersmarketrestaurant.com
Got an inexplicable hankering for ham hocks,
grits, fried catfi sh, collard greens, fried okra
or corn fritters? This spot will take care of it.
After all, the folks here have been “putting the
South in your mouth” for some 50 years. $
OVER EASY CAFÉ
630 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel Island
239-472-2625
www.overeasycafesanibel.com
This adorable breakfast hangout is housed in
a white building with a traditional Southern
porch. Stop in for the egg Reuben, a Thousand
Island-topped bagel with corned beef, a fried
egg and Swiss cheese. $$
UNIVERSITY GRILL
7790 Cypress Lake Dr • 239-437-4377
www.prawnbroker.com
Voted one of the top three business lunches
in Ft. Myers and Naples by Gulfshore Life this
year, this restaurant delivers a delicious Cuban
press sandwich. Those with heartier appetites
should try the black and blue sirloin steak.
GO PARTY
LAUGH-IN COMEDY CAFE
8595 College Pkwy • 239-479-5233
www.laughincomedycafe.com
It may be friendly and local, but this club offers
up some pretty hilarious comic talent. Visit
this month to check out the yuks from Marvin
Lee and Terry Comeaux (Nov. 13 and 14) and
Rob Holloway (Nov. 27 and 28).
BISTRO 41
13499 S Cleveland Ave • 239-466-4141
www.bistro41.com
Area professionals nosh and socialize at this
popular restaurant’s bar. You’re sure to enjoy
a relaxing time (and great food if you’re so
inclined) in the capable hands of a friendly,
highly competent staff.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
SANIBEL THRILLER
At Sanibel Marina • 634 N Yachtsman Dr,
Sanibel Isalnd • 239-472-2328
www.sanibelthriller.com
This 55-foot motor yacht circumnavigates
Sanibel and Captiva islands while riders look
for wildlife and learn historic trivia from tour
guides. Dolphins are attracted to the boat, so
be sure to have your camera ready.
FUN FACT!
The word “hatchee” (as in Ft. Myers’
Caloosahatchee River) means “stream” in the
Choctaw language.
Harrisburg
PENNSYLVANIA
— Christine Conard Shultz
GO SHOP
STRAWBERRY SQUARE
Second and Walnut sts • 717-255-1020
www.strawberrysquare.com
Kids don’t always enjoy a long day of holiday
shopping, but they’ll love the three-story,
clanging, clanking, ball-dropping kinetic clock
at this shopping center.
GO SEE
CHRISTKINDLESMARKT
At Stoudts Pub & Brewery • 717-484-4386
www.stoudtsbeer.com
This Christmas festival features family-friendly
holiday entertainment, including visits from
Christmas heroes and villains (St. Nicholas,
Ruprecht and Saint Lucia, for instance) and
traditional Swedish and German holiday foods.
Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
GO EAT
PASSAGE TO INDIA
525 S Front St • 717-233-1202
www.eatingpa.com/passage.html
You can get chicken vindaloo at most Indian
restaurants, but you can only get it at a table
overlooking the Susquehanna River here.
Order a spicy mango lassi (yogurt-based drink)
to go with it. $$
GO PARTY
HARRISBURG HARDWARE BAR
236 N Second St • 717-221-0530
www.myspace.com/hardwarebar
This tool-themed bar draws a huge
twentysomething crowd with rocking party
bands and a barber chair you can take shots
in. Check it out on Thursdays, when drinks are
just 50 cents.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
LANCASTER COUNTY
40 miles southeast of Harrisburg
www.padutchcountry.com
Late fall is the perfect time to visit the
oldest Amish settlement in the US: The
leaves are falling; beautiful, handmade gifts
abound; and the plain lifestyle of Lancaster
County’s inhabitants seems all the more
enticing with the rest of the nation in a
buying frenzy.
FUN FACT!
Does golfing, shelling, fishing, diving, island
cruising and simply relaxing on one of the last
tropical islands in the US pique your interest?
Come play in the sun ~ Sanibel Island Style
Call for our low Summer Rates
800.533.4486
www.seashellsofsanibel.com
Pennsylvania was the fi rst state to list its
website on a license plate.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
131

132
Houston
TEXAS
— JoAnn Takasaki
GO SHOP
DIMENSIONS
6100 Westheimer Rd • 713-780-8564
www.dimensions6100.com
Get an entire new look this season without
breaking the bank. Dimensions boasts
10,000 glorious square feet of clothing and
accessories, along with a helpful, friendly
sales staff ready to help dress a woman
impeccably from head-to-toe.
HANSON GALLERIES
1101 Uptown Park Blvd • 713-552-1242
www.hansongalleries.com
Finely crafted pieces—from glasswork and
jewelry to furniture and sculpture—grace the
Uptown Park location of this all-American
art store, voted a “Top Retailer of American
Crafts” by NICHE 10 years in a row.
NAN’S GAMES & COMICS TOO
2011 SW Fwy 59 • 713-520-8700
Kids can spend hours poring over the games
and toys at this outstanding fantasy shop. It
carries everything from Pokemon cards to The
Lord of the Rings swords.
NEW LIVING
6111 Kirby Dr • 713-521-1921
www.newliving.net
Whether you’re ready for a full-scale home
remodel or just want to pick up some new
eco-friendly cleaning supplies, visit this
green building and home store, which stocks
everything from recycled glass countertops to
Farmhouse soy candles.
GO SEE
DISCOVERY GREEN
Avenida de las Americas and Lamar St
713-400-7336
www.discoverygreen.com
Early winter is a fantastic time to enjoy the outdoors
in Houston. Throughout the month, this
park in downtown Houston offers free music,
zumba and even writing workshops to make
your time out-of-doors even more enjoyable.
CELEBREMOS EL NIÑO
A MEXICAN BAROQUE CHRISTMAS
At Christ Church Cathedral
1117 Texas Ave • 713-432-1744
www.houstonearlymusic.org
At this annual event, The Rose Ensemble—
which features singers, drummers and players
of traditional instruments like viola da gamba
and vihuela da mano—will perform early
Christmas songs from the cathedrals of Puebla
and Mexico City. Dec. 13.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
LIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS
Woodland Heights
www.woodland-heights.org/events/lith
Gather friends and family and head for this
historic district to see the homes lit up for the
holidays, as well as live bands and a parade.
Plan to park and walk the streets, which will be
closed to cars. Dec. 12.
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON
5401 Caroline • 713-942-8000
www.hmh.org
While holocaust museums aren’t always
the happiest of afternoon activities, the “A
Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and
the Jewish People” is defi nitely worth checking
out. Through 2010.
GO EAT
BB’S CAJUN CAFÉ
2710 Montrose Blvd • 713-524-4499
www.bbscajuncafe.com
Tex-Mex meets Cajun at this all-day po’ boy
and daiquiri shop. Try the Tex-Cajun Virgin
fries: With cheese, gravy and roast beef,
they may sound a little strange, but they’re
delicious. $
RAIA’S ITALIAN MARKET
4500 Washington Ave • 713-861-1042
www.raiasitalianmarket.com
Order the $6.95 three-item lunch (specials
change daily) at this down-home Italian eatery
serving classic pizza, pasta and meat dishes.
Make sure to pick up charcuterie, cheeses and
wine for later. $
CEDAR CREEK
1034 W 20th St • 713-808-9623
www.cedarcreekcafebargrill.com
When Texas nights get a mite chilly, locals
know to cozy up to the Cedar Creek fi repit with
a cowboy-style sampler platter (fried pickles,
wings and fried armadillo meat). $$
CHARIVARI RESTAURANT
2521 Bagby St • 713-521-7231
www.charivarirest.com
Finely prepared pan-European cuisine at
this cozy restaurant includes perfect wiener
schnitzel, dry-aged char-grilled ribeye and a
truly wonderful Mediterranean seafood platter
for two. Start with the superb garlic cream
soup. $$$$
VOICE
220 Main St • 832-667-4470
www.hotelicon.com/voice-restaurant
This fancy American restaurant, where diners
sit in high-backed leather armchairs, offers
QualityPedalCars.com
Growing up has never been so much fun!
dishes like butter-poached Maine lobster
with pasta pearls and Kurobuta pork loin with
rutabaga purée. $$$$$
GO PARTY
ARMADILLO PALACE
5015 Kirby Dr • 713-526-9700
www.thearmadillopalace.com
Squeeze into those pressed Wranglers, pull
on those boots and ask the bartender for a
Lone Star Lager to wet your whistle. With live
Texas music, dominoes and a whiskey bar, it’s
always a good time to scoot a boot.
DEAN’S CREDIT CLOTHING
315 Fairview St • 713-807-0301
www.myspace.com/deanscreditclothing
This chic new midtown location of the popular
bar and clothing store has patio seating for
people-watching, live music and a happy hour
from 5pm to 9pm. Plus, you don’t have to
remember to bring a jacket: If you get cold,
you can just buy one.
DOWNING STREET PUB
2549 Kirby St • 713-523-2291
www.downingstreetpub.com
Slip out of work or a conference early and
enjoy a long evening at this classic pub. After
your eyes adjust in the walk-in humidor,
select a fi ne cigar to have with a 21-year old
Auchentoshan scotch. Home offi ce made of
fi ne mahogany not included.
SALUD! WINERY
3939 Montrose Blvd • 713-522-8282
www.saludwinery.com
One of Houston’s fi nest wine bars, Salud!
offers an extensive selection of wines from
around the world. If you have time, take a
wine education class or learn to make and
label your own special blend.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
BIG THICKET NATIONAL PRESERVE
88 miles northeast of Houston • 6044 FM 420
Rd, Kountze, TX • 409-951-6725
www.nps.gov/bith
This“biological crossroads” of America
encompasses diverse ecosystems and
wildlife. Explore sprawling savannahs,
swamps, plains, deserts and forests by boat or
bike or on foot.
FUN FACT!
The fi ve-time Academy Award-winning movie
Terms of Endearment was partly fi lmed in
Houston’s Heights neighborhood.

Indianapolis
INDIANA
— Susan Dawson
GO SHOP
BARBARA’S NEW BEGINNINGS
20 W Pine St, Zionsville • 317-733-4100
www.barbarasnewbeginnings.com
Most women don’t wear the correct bra size.
Find out if you’re among the majority by
getting an expert fi tting from this specialty
lingerie shop, which carries plus sizes, inbetween
sizes and post-mastectomy bras.
EITELJORG MUSEUM STORE
500 W Washington St • 317-275-1300
www.eiteljorg.org
If you have Native American or Western art
lovers on your holiday gift list, stop here to
purchase pottery, art, silver and turquoise
jewelry or even some buffalo jerky. There’s no
need to pay museum admission to enter, but
after you browse for a few minutes, you may
want to see the museum’s collection after all.
NICOLE-TAYLOR’S PASTA & MARKET
1134 E 54 St • 317-257-7374
Chef Tony Hanslits operates this pasta market
that sells everything from whole-wheat rigatoni
to red pepper tagliatelle. But nobody likes
bare pasta: Pick up housemade mozzarella,
imported parmagiano-reggiano and artisan
sauces, too.
THE SECRET INGREDIENT
5631 N Illinois St • 317-253-6632
www.thesecretingredient.us
This independent boutique stocks clothing
and accessories for women in need of
fashionable but age-appropriate casual
clothes and eveningwear. Brightly colored
designs by Alberto Makali, Cartise and Kunky’s
are among the selections.
GO SEE
CARTER’S TOY MUSEUM
91 S Main St • 317-773-1650
www.carterstoymuseum.com
If modern toys and games are too high-tech
for your taste, check out the antique fun in this
Zionsville museum. Ride in a classic bumper
car or play an old arcade game, then grab an
ice cream cone at the soda fountain.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
At Indiana Repertory Theatre
140 W Washington St • 317-635-5252
www.indianarep.com
Visit with Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and
the three ghosts of Christmas at this annual
holiday production from one of the leading
professional theaters in the country.
Through Dec. 27.
SOLDIERS & SAILORS MONUMENT
1 Monument Circle • 317-232-7615
www.in.gov/iwm
This 284-foot statue in the heart of downtown
Indy pays tribute to our military, and each
December it’s dubbed the “world’s largest
Christmas tree” when lights are twisted
around it.
GARFIELD CONSERVATORY
& SUNKEN GARDEN
2505 Conservatory Dr •317-327-7183
www.garfi eldgardensconservatory.org
Some parks aren’t very welcoming in the
colder months, but this 136-acre city park
includes a conservatory with 10,000 square
feet of plants that’s open year-round. Braver
souls can head out to see the mystical Sunken
Garden covered in snow.
“DILLINGER!”
At the Indiana State Library
315 W Ohio St • 317-232-3675
www.in.gov/library/index.htm
Increased interest in the life and times of John
Dillinger—due to the recent movie Public Enemies—prompted
state library offi cials to give
the Hoosier bank robber and his gang their due.
Visitors can see offi cial documents, photos and
news accounts from the criminal’s era.
GO EAT
COUNTRY KITCHEN
1831 N College Ave • 317-926-4476
www.countrykitchensoulfood.com
Order the fried chicken with a glass of Nell’s
Secret Lemonade, which is served in a bell jar,
at this soul food diner. $
PATTIES OF JAMAICA
5172 Allisonville Rd • 317-253-4006
Forget about winter with a warm island delight
at this tiny eatery. Flaky beef patties, rice and
peas and goat curry are staples. $
LORENZANO’S
7153 Southeastern Ave • 317-353-6105
www.lorenzanos.com
This family-owned restaurant specializes in
recipes passed down through the generations.
Popular dishes include the lasagna and the
perfect-for-winter Italian stew. $$
ZEST!
1134 E 54 St • 317-466-1853
www.zestexcitingfood.com
Breakfasts here (like crème brûlée french toast)
are so good, they’re served all day. Lunch and
dinner are also available, but it’s awfully hard
to get past that fi rst menu page. $$
THE EAGLE’S NEST
At Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
1 S Capitol Ave • 317-616-6170
www.indianapolis.hyatt.com
From the 21st fl oor of the Hyatt, Indiana’s only
revolving restaurant provides the fanciest of
menus, with dishes like pork osso buco and
white asparagus and scallop soup. $$$$
GO PARTY
BROCKWAY PUBLIC HOUSE
12525 Old Meridian St, Carmel
317-669-8080
www.myspace.com/brockwaypub
This friendly tavern hosts Tuesday night Dublin
Pub sessions, in which local musicians stop by
to play pipes and fi ddles. Order a pint or an Irish
whiskey and let the festivities keep you warm.
THE CABARET
At the Connoisseur Room
127 E Ohio St • 317-294-7005
www.thecabaret.org
You’ll fi nd a huge range of music styles in
this caberet series held in a small, old-timey
venue. Cheese plates, desserts and fl avored
martinis are available.
CHATHAM TAP
719 Massachusetts Ave • 317-917-8425
www.chathamtap.com
This popular lunch spot welcomes a different
crowd after the sun goes down. Sports fans—
particularly those who like soccer—head here
to watch a game, grab a pint and chat.
RADIO RADIO
1119 E Prospect St • 317-955-0995
www.futureshock.net/radioframeset.html
Live music lovers will fall for this concert venue
in historic Fountain Square. It’s got a retrolounge
atmosphere, but high-tech acoustics.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
AUBURN CORD DUESENBERG
AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
140 miles northeast of Indianapolis
1600 S Wayne St, Auburn • 260-925-1444
www.automobilemuseum.org
MSNBC called this spot one of the top 10
“Gearhead Destinations in the United States”
for its collection of more than 120 cars dating
from 1894 to 1999. The six main galleries
include one dedicated to Indiana vehicles.
FUN FACT!
Indianapolis was named Indiana’s capital in
1825. Before that, it was in the city of Corydon.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
133

134
Jacksonville
FLORIDA
GO SHOP
AVONLEA ANTIQUE MALL
8101 Phillips Hwy • 904-636-8785
www.avonleamall.com
Pick through other people’s former treasures to
fi nd one of your own in the more than 200 stalls
here. Once you’re loaded down with presents,
stop at the Olde Florida Café for snacks.
GO SEE
THE GATOR BOWL
At Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
1 Gator Bowl Blvd • 904-798-1700
www.gatorbowl.com
This is not a mere football game. The New
Year’s Day event features a 5K run, a parade,
several pep rallies and a huge fi reworks
extravaganza. Jan. 1.
GO EAT
THE WINE CELLAR
1314 Prudential Dr • 904-398-8989
www.winecellarjax.com
This casual French bistro is celebrating its 35th
anniversary. Get in the party spirit with an order
of pan-seared colossal scallops with pear and
sun-dried tomato relish, and dine underneath
the sprawling oaks on the patio. Bring a jacket:
It may be Florida, but it still gets chilly. $$
GO PARTY
O’BROTHERS IRISH PUB
1521 Margaret St • 904-854-9300
www.obrothers.food.offi celive.com
Got out of work at six and missed happy hour
again? Visit this pub from 10pm to close for
“late-night happy hour,” when you can grab an
O’burger and pair it with a pint of imported or
craft brew for a reduced price.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
HISTORIC ST. AUGUSTINE
40 miles southeast of Jacksonville
www.ci.st-augustine.fl .us
Visit the nation’s oldest city to explore colonial
architecture, shop for trinkets and fi nd out
what coquina is (hint: the walls of Castillo de
San Marcos are made out of it). This month,
the city will be decorated with lights as part of
its Nights of Lights Festival.
FUN FACT!
The six-story Dyal-Upchurch building,
constructed in 1901, was Jacksonville’s fi rst
high-rise building
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Kansas City
MISSOURI
— Lilla Ross — Mary Bloch
GO SHOP
CAROLLO’S ITALIAN GROCERY DELI
9 E Third St • 816-474-1860
Barrels of olives, display cases of salami
and shelves of imported products entice
shoppers strolling through the City Market
into this little Italian grocery. If you go at
lunchtime, treat yourself to a grilled Italian
sausage sandwich.
MCLAIN’S BAKERY
7422 Wornall Rd • 816-333-6562
www.mclainsbakery.com
Even if you don’t have a cake-worthy
occasion coming up, stop by this bakery for
one of their famous “chocolate cup cookies.”
They’re a lot like grandma’s thumbprint
cookies, only fi lled with rich chocolatebuttercream
icing.
MLB DESIGNS
4725 Wyandot St • 816-531-3133
Everything for the home, from table linens and
lamps to club chairs and sofa fabrics can be
found at this contemporary design boutique.
Marie Smith, MLB’s talented owner, is also
available to apply her unique fl air to custom
decorating projects.
GO SEE
THE NATIONAL WORLD
WAR ONE MUSEUM
100 W 26th St • 816-784-1918
www.theworldwar.org
This interactive museum provides a powerful
and emotional experience. It features an
impressive collection of weaponry and
uniforms, as well as poignant postcards from
the front.
“CHOCOLATE THE EXHIBITION”
At Union Station Kansas City
30 W Pershing • 816-460-2020
www.unionstation.org
A fun family stop in a train station-cumshopping
center, this exhibition teaches
kids about the origins, culture, science and
production of chocolate. Through Jan. 3.
TOY & MINIATURE
MUSEUM OF KANSAS CITY
5235 Oak St • 816-333-2055
www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org
Kids of all ages embrace the whimsical nature
of these fascinating toys and miniatures,
which range from dollhouses to trains and
automobiles. It’s also got one of the largest
marble collections in the world, with one
million marbles.
GO EAT
STARKER’S RESTAURANT
201 W 47th St • 816-753-3565
www.starkersrestaurant.com
There’s no prettier perch from which to view
holiday lights and horse drawn carriages than
this restaurant, which features contemporary
American dishes like fried green tomatoes with
shrimp and creole rémoulade. $$$$
AVENUES BISTRO
338 W 63rd St • 816-333-5700
www.avenuesbistro.com
This popular neighborhood spot offers Pan-
European specialties ranging from short-rib
stroganoff to schnitzel. During happy hour, $5
tapas bring in bargain seekers. $$$
CAFÉ PROVENCE
3936 W 69th Ter, Prairie Village, KS
913-384-5998
www.kcconcept.com/cafeprovence
Though it’s located in an outdoor mall, this
cozy bistro has plenty of charm to match its
country French cuisine. Order the mussels,
escargots and French onion soup. $$$
GO PARTY
15 TWENTY
1520 Grand • 816-216-6880
www.15twenty.com
This hot new club offers bottle service, a
rooftop bar that overlooks downtown and a
substantial menu of contemporary tapas. It
also features a VIP membership that includes
discounted limo rental.
MANIFESTO
1924 Main St • 816-536-1325
Though Prohibition is long past, you’ll need
to knock on an alley door for entry to this
speakeasy. The well-conceived cocktails beat a
plain old glass of whiskey any day.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
JAMESPORT, MO
84 miles northwest of Kansas City
www.Jamesport-mo.com
Get a taste of the simple life with a visit to this
quaint Amish community. Pick through the
wares in antique shops, explore country stores
and order snacks at old-fashioned bakeries, all
run by Amish families.
FUN FACT!
Famous outlaw Jesse James was born just
north of Kansas City in Kearney, MO.

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136
Key West
FLORIDA
— Josie Gulliksen
GO SHOP
FAST BUCK FREDDIE’S
500 Duval St • 305-294-2007
www.fastbuckfreddies.com
Famous for its outlandish window displays,
Fast Buck’s (as it’s known by locals) stocks
everything from tropical apparel and patio
furniture to dinnerware, kids’ stuff and Key
West souvenirs.
GO SEE
KEY WEST BUTTERFLY GARDEN &
NATURE CONSERVATORY
1316 Duval St • 305-296-2988
www.keywestbutterfl y.com
This lush hothouse is home to more than
50 species of butterfl ies. They fl utter and
fl oat around visitors enjoying the tropical
landscape, which includes enchanting
waterfalls, a gazebo, goldfi sh-fi lled ponds and
whimsical cross bridges.
GO EAT
EL SIBONEY RESTAURANT
900 Catherine St • 305-296-4184
www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com
The décor here is low-key, but the food is
outstanding: Traditional Cuban favorites like
fried pork chunks, palomilla steak, roast beef
and a classic Cuban sandwich are among the
best around. $$
GO PARTY
GREEN PARROT BAR
601 Whitehead St • 305-294-6133
www.greenparrot.com
An open-air spot with great live music on
weekends and most weeknights, this beachy
bar has Key West Ale on tap, cheap cocktails
and plenty of locals to meet.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
BIG PINE KAYAK ADVENTURE
32 miles northeast of Key West
US Hwy 1 on Big Pine Key • 305-872-7474
www.keyskayaktours.com
Paddle out with nature guide Captain Bill
Keogh for an adventure through marshes
studded with thick mangroves and fi lled with a
rich diversity of wildlife. You may run into great
white herons, Key Deer or—gulp—
a gator.
FUN FACT!
Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Knoxville
TENNESSEE
— Rose Kennedy
GO SHOP
HANSON GALLERY
5607 Kingston Pike • 865-584-6097
www.hansongallery.com
Fine crafts from regionally and nationally
acclaimed artists at this shop include East
Tennessee landscapes from Robert Batey,
horse sculptures from Jeri Hollister and
even kaleidoscopes.
GO SEE
THE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
900 Neyland Dr • 865-524-9411
www.threeriversrambler.com
Take a 90-minute trip along the Tennessee
River on this train. Rides come complete
with cookies, a visit from Santa and
storytelling. Reservations are required.
Dec. 4-22.
GO EAT
TRIO CAFÉ
13 Market Square • 865-246-2270
www.trio-cafe.net
Custom salads are the specialty here, and
with 30 different salad components, you can
really pile it on. There are also delicious grilled
salmon, panini and stuffed croissants for
heartier eaters. $$
GO PARTY
COTTON EYED JOE
11220 Outlet Dr • 865-675-4563
www.cottoneyedjoe.com
Put on your dancin’ boots to mingle with urban
cowboys at this real country club, named after
a classic line dancing song. There’s even a
mechanical bull.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM OF THE SMOKIES
40 miles southeast of Knoxville
Gatlinburg, TN • 865-430-8808
www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com
There are more fi sh in this aquarium than
there are people living in the entire town of
Gatlinburg. Meet some of them in exhibits
that let you pet stingrays and ogle “Lethal
Weapons” (electric eels and blue ring octopus)
from the safe side of the glass.
FUN FACT!
University of Tennessee Lady Vols coach Pat
Summitt is the all-time winningest Division 1
basketball coach in NCAA history.
Las Vegas
NEVADA
— Michael Toole
GO SHOP
BOOK MAGICIAN
220 W Charleston Blvd • 702-384-5838
This little bookstore has been offering a fi ne
selection of hard-to-fi nd books for nearly 30
years. It has an especially thorough inventory
of movie- and theater-related titles.
GAMBLER’S GENERAL STORE
800 S Main St • 702-382-9903
www.gamblersgeneralstore.com
The largest gambling-specifi c store in the
world offers everything from casino-quality
equipment to specialty cards. Pick up poker
chips with the Vegas logo and offi cial Bicycle
cards for your next poker party.
JONES EASTERN
EUROPEAN FOOD & WINE
3650 S Jones Blvd • 702-367-4345
Pop in here for delicious sulaguni (smoked
cheese from the republic of Georgia),
Bulgarian roasted eggplants, Lebanese
sausage, Czech beers like Gambrinus and
some of the cheapest Nutella in town.
MAIN STREET ANTIQUES
800 S Main St • 702-382-1882
www.mainstreetantiqueslv.com
This antique shop stocks more than chairs
and clocks: It’s loaded with material from the
gaming industry’s yesteryear, including old
school one-armed bandit games from long
vanished casinos.
GO SEE
FIRST FRIDAY
Downtown Arts District • 702-384-0092
www.fi rstfriday-lasvegas.org
During this monthly neighborhood block party,
art galleries, antique stores and retro clothing
shops in the art district stay open late. Even if
you just stick to the streets, you’re sure to come
upon a few ice sculptors and fi re breathers.
THE ROLLER COASTER
At New York New York Hotel and Casin0
3790 Las Vegas Blvd S • 702-740-6969
www.nynyhotelcasino.com
The ride may only last two minutes, but with
most of that time spent dangling upside down
over the Strip, it’s worth it. For an additional
price, purchase photos of yourself, complete
with the frightened expressions you made.
FOUNTAINS OF BELLAGIO
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd
www.bellagio.com
At this 10-acre Lake Como replica, watch the
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138
Las Vegas CONT’D
NEVADA
the water dance (up to 24 stories in the air) to a
soundtrack of Broadway show tunes and opera.
KÀ
At MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
3799 S Las Vegas Blvd S • 702-531-2000
www.mgmgrand.com
Although it has the hallmarks of other Cirque
shows—great athleticism, eye-popping
wardrobe, amazing lighting—this production’s
story line about Egyptian twins reuniting after
a long separation is uniquely compelling.
LAS VEGAS ART MUSEUM
9600 W Sahara Ave • 702-360-8000
www.lasvegasartmuseum.org
This contemporary art museum manages to
combine the avant-garde with the accessible,
offering thought-provoking exhibitions of
works by Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Gehry and
Kaz Oshiro.
GO EAT
SHERIDAN’S FROZEN CUSTARD
10385 A Eastern Ave • 702-944-9616
www.sheridansfrozencustard.com
Rich and fi lling (and topped with fresh fruit),
a custard from Sheridan’s is one of the best
ways to end a night on the town. Don’t leave
without a cone of Mango Dango (vanilla
custard with mangos, pecans and cherries). $
TOGOSHI RAMEN
NOODLE HOUSE
855 E Twain Ave • 702-737-7003
Ramen noodles have gone upscale, leaving the
reliable dorm-room staple in the dust. Get in on
the fad at this noodle bar, which features bowls
of the stuff tricked out with pork and veggies. $
THE OMELET HOUSE
2160 W Charleston Blvd • 702-384-6868
www.omelethouse.net
Not surprisingly, this 30-year-old Las Vegas
institution is a major destination for omelet
addicts. Signature breakfasts include the Bugsy
Siegel omelet, with chunks of beef in Italian red
sauce, sour cream and jack cheese. $$
RINCON CATRACHO
4110 S Maryland Pkwy • 702-699-9579
People all over the valley swear that this is the
best place to pick up Central American grub. Go
for breakfast and order the baleadas, a Honduran
breakfast burrito with fried beans, cheese,
eggs, sausage and zesty sour cream. $$
JOSETTE’S BISTRO
4983 W Flamingo Rd • 702 227-4575
www.josettesbistro.com
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
The cuisine at this spot—like French onion
soup and fried brie—is delicious enough to
perfect a date or take your mind off a bad day
at the slots. $$$
GO PARTY
THE ARTISAN LOUNGE
1501 W Sahara Ave • 702-214-4000
www.theartisanhotel.com/lounge.php
This hard-to-fi nd, old-school hotel bar
is arty and gothic, and great for a glass of
wine and some people watching. Stop by on
Thursdays to listen to acid jazz.
THE COMEDY STOP
At the Tropicana Hotel
3801 S Las Vegas Blvd • 702-739-2222
www.comedystop.com
Even though this comedy lounge promotes
heavily, with discount coupons and fl iers
fl oating around the Strip, it’s a favorite among
locals for up-and-coming comics.
FOUNDATION ROOM
At House of Blues Las Vegas • 702-632-7614
www.houseofblues.com
The unbeatable view of the Strip and the
energetic scene here draw a massive crowd.
Become a member to enjoy special benefi ts
like tapas nights, dinner and wine parties, and
exclusive shows.
POGO’S TAVERN
2103 N Decatur Blvd • 702-646-9735
Though it’s a little out of the way, Pogo’s is
like a piece of Las Vegas lounge history. Grab
a seat in one of the vinyl booths, order a beer
and settle in for the Friday weekly jazz jam,
when terrifi c jazz musicians entertain barfl ies
for free.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
RHYOLITE
125 miles northwest of Las Vegas
www.rhyolitesite.com
Like many ghost towns, this one from the early
1900s offers some wonderfully strange
photo opportunities, like Tom Kelly’s bottle
house, which is made almost entirely out of
classic Adolphus Busch bottles and antique
medicine containers.
FUN FACT!
In 1966, Howard Hughes moved into the
Desert Inn Hotel, stayed for longer than he had
booked, and was asked to leave by the hotel
management. Two years later, he bought the
property.
Los Angeles
CALIFORNIA
— Daniel Heimpel
GO SHOP
BOOK SOUP
8818 W Sunset Blvd • 310-659-3110
www.booksoup.com
It’s astonishing how many books are crammed
into this bookshop. After you’ve found what
you’re looking for, check to see if there’s a
scheduled reading coming up; they’re held
almost every day.
LIVE! ON SUNSET
8801 W Sunset Blvd • 310-360-1660
www.liveonsunset.com
In LA, what you wear can make a signifi cant
fi rst impression before you even open your
mouth. Pick up duds that say you’re in-theknow,
like trendy dresses and harem pants, at
this hot store with a DJ booth and lounge.
SOOLIP PAPERIE & PRESS
8646 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood
310-360-0545
www.soolip.com
Stock up on fi ne paper, brocade invitations,
frayed leather journals and even fi ling supplies
at this fl agship stationery store.
THE TRAVELER’S BOOKCASE
8375 W Third St • 323-655-0575
www.travelbooks.com
This tiny bookstore carries a wide array of
books, maps and information on places as farfl
ung as Tunisia and as close as Hollywood.
GO SEE
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
562-590-3100
www.aquariumofpacifi c.org
This ocean-specifi c aquarium is strictly
dedicated to the mighty Pacifi c. You can see
animals from Baja, the frigid Northwest and
even the Pacifi c tropics.
GRIFFITH PARK
4730 Crystal Springs Dr • 323-913-4688
www.lacity.org
This is one of the largest urban parks in the
country—big enough to accommodate a zoo,
an equestrian center and four golf courses.
KNOTT’S BERRY FARM
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park • 714-220-5200
www.knotts.com
This venerable old theme park—it was
America’s fi rst—has some heart-stopping new
rides. The latest, which opened in 2008, is a
Western-themed roller coaster called the
Pony Express.

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART
628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach • 562-437-1689
www.molaa.com
Founded in 1996, this museum is dedicated to
modern and contemporary Latin American art.
It houses more than 1,000 works, including
paintings, photographs and sculptures from
artists in 20 Latin American countries.
RUNYON CANYON PARK
2000 N Fuller Ave • 323-666-5046
Hikers and nature lovers fl ock to this usually
dry and dusty canyon in the winter, when the
foliage is a verdant green. Keep an eye out
for (D-list) celebs; Kathy Griffi n has been
seen here.
GO EAT
PINCHES TACOS
8200 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
323-650-0614
www.pinchestacos.com
This taco stand is a natural starting or ending
point for Sunset Strip weekend revelers. Order
a shrimp burrito and you’ll have plenty of fuel
to last the night. $
VIBRATO GRILL
2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Bel Air
310-474-9400
www.vibratogrilljazz.com
Set high in the Bel Air Hills, this steakhouse
is nondescript from the outside, but a delight
within. Classic décor, romantic lighting, tasty
steaks and great live jazz make this the perfect
fi rst-date spot. $$$$
SOOT BUL GUI RIM TWO
233 S Vermont Ave • 213-365-9992
With all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue
and endless kimchee-based side dishes for
just $16.99, this place is often packed
with Koreatown locals. Try the gopchang
(careful, it’s intestines) if you’re feeling
adventurous. $$
E. BALDI
375 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills • 310-248-2633
www.ebaldi.com
One of a handful of Italian restaurants on
popular Canon Drive, E. Baldi stands out for
its simple plates. The tuna carpaccio is a great
starter before moving on to gnocchi with
cherry tomatoes and lobster. $$$
SUSHI IKE
6051 Hollywood Blvd Ste 105 • 323-856-9972
This is the kind of place Angelinos often
drive past everyday without knowing what
they are missing. It’s an authentic sushi
spot that serves unbelievably fresh fi sh,
as well as an extremely cheap omakase
option. $$$
GO PARTY
VILLA LOUNGE
8623 Melrose Ave • 310-289-8623
www.villalounge.com
Tiny and unassuming, Villa is a must-stop
for those who don’t want to leave LA without
seeing a star. You’re likely to stumble across
the likes of Paris Hilton, Leonardo DiCaprio
and Drew Barrymore—if you can get past the
velvet ropes fi rst.
JONES
7205 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
323-850-1726
This scene-y dive-bar-cum-Italian-eatery is
popular with the “future actors” that live in
surrounding West Hollywood. The contours
of the long bar make it an easy place for
people-watching.
KEYCLUB
9039 W Sunset Blvd • 310-274-5800
www.keyclub.com
This mid-sized venue is the primary haunt
of Hollywood’s soon-to-be-famous rockers.
Devoted fans head here to enjoy great mixed
drinks, discover the latest act and rock out on
the sweaty dance fl oor.
SUNSET TROCADERO LOUNGE
8280 W Sunset Blvd • 323-856-1079
This is one of the more laidback Sunset Strip
bars. Pick up a martini and some snacks and
watch the masses stroll down the street from
the patio.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
MT. BALDY SKI LIFTS
45 miles northeast of Los Angeles
Mt. Baldy Road, Mt. Baldy • 909-982-0800
www.mtbaldy.com
It’s hard to believe that snow-capped
mountains can be found so close to the beach
(which may explain why Southern California is
home to so many combination surf/ski bums).
This small resort has 26 runs spanning three
mountains and 800 acres. While there are four
easy (green) runs, the rest are geared more for
experienced skiers.
FUN FACT!
Los Angeles County is the largest county in the
United States based on its population of close
to 10 million.
Memphis
TENNESSEE
20% OFF
T HE B EST DEAL IN LOS A NGELES
Close to Beaches – Shopping – LAX Airport
Valid for stays through March 31, 2010. Use promo code Z83 for special rates.
— Mary Helen Tibbs
GO SHOP
A FITTING PLACE
6150 Poplar Ave • 901-683-0210
When local ladies want to slip into something
special, they head to this East Memphis
lingerie specialist. Expert staff members
do the measuring, then present customers
with options that range from lacy and chic to
comfortable everyday wear.
REBECCA RIVALTO INTERIORS
579 N McLean Blvd • 901-726-4965
www.rebeccarivaltointeriors.com
Loaded with gifts for any occasion, this knickknack
and design store has some of the most
unique items in Memphis. Don’t miss the cozy
pajamas and carry-on luggage, all in vibrant
colors and prints.
KING FURS & JEWELRY
4568 Poplar Ave • 901-767-5464
www.kingfursandfi nejewelry.com
From mink to beaver to softer-than-imaginable
leather, the selections at this store will keep
you warm in the harshest winter weather.
While you’re there, don’t miss the bling from
designers such as Bixby, Hildago and Oliva.
You’ll leave feeling like royalty.
GO SEE
THE RIVER INN OF HARBOR TOWN
50 Harbor Town Sq • 901-260-3333
www.riverinnmemphis.com
Designed like a classic riverside town, with
window boxes and wrought-iron lamp posts,
this neighborhood has blossomed to include
its own restaurants, shops and this boutique
hotel. Stop by the hotel’s terrace late in the
day and have a cocktail while the sun sets
over the Mississippi River.
ZOO LIGHTS
2000 Prentiss Pl • 901-276-9453
www.memphiszoo.org
See the Memphis Zoo like you’ve never seen
it before, with more than a million lights,
live reindeer and even a snowy entrance. Try
your hand at a cookie-stacking contest, get
a picture with Santa and enjoy horse-drawn
carriage tours thought the zoo.
NATIONAL ORNAMENTAL
METAL MUSEUM
374 Metal Museum Dr • 901-774-6380
www.metalmuseum.org
Art isn’t just on display at the Metal
Museum—it’s also made here. After you check
out the sculptures and other designs on
permanent display, make your way
CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE
6161 W Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
888-689-3031
www.laxcourtyard.com
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
139

140
Memphis CONT’D
TENNESSEE
back to the “Smithy,” where you can watch
sculptors and blacksmiths at work.
GO EAT
BRYANT’S BBQ & BREAKFAST
3965 Summer Ave • 901-324-7494
www.bryantsbreakfast.com
Specialties at this country cafeteria include
delicious gravy, thick-cut bacon and
homemade biscuits so fl uffy you’d swear they
could fl oat off the plate. You’ll leave satisfi ed,
and, more than likely, ready for a nap. $
FORMOSA
6685 Quince Rd • 901-753-9898
Consistently voted one of the best Asian restaurants
in town by readers of Memphis, this
spot serves up fresh Mandarin, Szechwan, and
Hunan cuisine. The spring rolls are to-die-for;
make sure to get more than one order. $
GO PARTY
MARY’S
405 N Cleveland Ave • 901-725-7334
www.marysmemphis.com
This huge club has three giant rooms—one
each for dancing, dining and sports—and one
of the friendliest staffs in town. It also offers
great deals: $2 margaritas on Mondays, $3
well liquor drinks on Sundays and $1.25 drafts
every day until 10pm.
THE HI-TONE CAFÉ
1913 Poplar Ave • 901-278-8663
www.hitonememphis.com
Boasting live local and touring bands nearly
every night and a small yet impressive menu
of specialty pizzas, Hi-Tone is defi nitely one of
Memphis’ top indie venues.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
SPRINGDALE, AR
330 miles northwest of Memphis
www.springdale.com
Visitors to the Natural State can ride a
restored railcar through the scenic Boston
Mountain range, ice-skate at the Jones Center
for Families and get a leg up on area history at
the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History.
FUN FACT!
In the 1950s, a local man opened a business
on the once-bustling Lamar Avenue with a
very curious slogan: “Where You Won’t Get
Bit.” No, it wasn’t a petting zoo, but rather
an appliance store owned by a man named
Herbert Bittman.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Miami
FLORIDA
— Dinkinish O’Connor
GO SHOP
IMAGINE
3252 NE First Ave • 305-704-8246
www.imaginegiftsco.com
Your environmentally friendly pals will love
their holiday presents even more if you wrap
them in eco-friendly paper from this store. You
can even fi ll their packages with the shop’s
natural soy candles and earth-friendly gifts.
BROWNES AND CO.
841 Lincoln Rd • 305-538-7544
www.brownesbeauty.com
An Old World-style apothecary in the Lincoln
Road shopping district,this cypress-paneled
beauty shop stocks sweet-smelling hair, skin
and bath products from around the world, as
well as gorgeous cosmetics from Nars.
STYLE LAB MIAMI
5580 NE Fourth Ct • 305-756-1010
www.udstylelab.com
This boutique is a great shopping spot for
funky men and women. It carries cool stuff for
him (messenger bags, global accessories),
new clothes for her (shirt dresses and graphic
tees) and even funky home accessories
(Buddha soap and fossil ice trays).
GO SEE
RENT
At The Jackie Gleason Theater
1700 Washington Ave • 305-673-7300
www.fi llmoremb.com
If you didn’t get to see the musical Rent before
it left Broadway in 2008, it’s not too late. You
can still take the trip to the tenements of
New York City, staged in one of Miami’s most
celebrated theaters. Through Dec. 13.
THE NUTCRACKER
At The Broward Center for Performing Arts and
Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 NE Biscayne Blvd • 305-949-6722
www.miamicityballet.org
Miami City Ballet’s interpretation of the George
Balanchine classic features breathtaking
costumes and magical theatrical effects.
Dec. 11-13 (Broward Center) and Dec. 18-23
(Adrienne Arsht Center).
SANTA’S ENCHANTED FOREST
7900 SW 40th St • 305-559-9689
www.santasenchantedforest.com/santas
Billed as the world’s largest Christmas theme
park, this free carnival features more than 100
attractions, including a petting zoo, a 92-foottall
Christmas tree, two rollercoasters, a magic
show and puppeteers.
GO EAT
RASPADOS LOLY’S
10404 W Flagler St • 305-227-0488
www.raspadoslolys.com
Looking for a treat that’s more adventurous
than ice cream? Order a Latin American-style
shaved ice with crumbled pound cake and
dulce de leche at this family-run sweet shop. $
SAINT CITY COFFEE SHOP
9302 NW 22nd Ave • 305-693-3877
They say the farther south you go in Florida,
the more Northern the food gets. Don’t tell that
to this take-out-only barbecue joint, where the
meat rivals the best in the panhandle. $
AREA 31
At the EPIC Hotel
270 Biscayne Blvd • 305-424-5234
www.area31restaurant.com
This restaurant is named after the fi shing
region from which it procures its seafood, so
you can expect the selection of crudos—there
are six varieties—to be incredibly fresh. $$$$
GO PARTY
D’VINE HOOKAH LOUNGE
445 Lincoln Rd •305-674-8525
www.dvinelounge.com
This wine and hookah lounge goes a step
beyond normal cheese pairings. Pair your
bottle selection with a hookah featuring an
interesting fl avor, like watermelon.
THE DILIDO BEACH CLUB
At The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
1 Lincoln Rd • 786-276-4000
www.ritzcarlton.com
At this beachfront lounge, hookahs are free,
rum cocktails are wallet-friendly and “Top
Chef” season fi ve contender Jeff McInnis is
behind the grill.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
47 miles southwest of Miami
www.nps.gov/ever
Whether you stumble upon an endangered
Florida panther or a former missile base
hidden in the center of the swamp, your tour
through the largest subtropical wilderness in
the US is bound to yield some surprises.
FUN FACT!
Miami-based pharmacist and former military
aviator Benjamin Greene invented the fi rst
widely used sunscreen.
©2009 Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Bud Light® Lime Flavored Beer, St. Louis, MO

Milwaukee
WISCONSIN
— Jeanette Hurt
GO SHOP
GOO GOO GAA GAA
18905 W Capital Dr, Brookfi eld • 262-790-6890
www.googoogaagaa.com
If you’re shopping for a baby shower, you’ll
go ga-ga over this spot. It boasts a wide
array of nursery accessories (including baby
chandeliers), retro-inspired baby clothes and
the softest bedding around.
LARRY’S MARKET
8737 N Deerwood Dr • 414-355-9650
www.larrysmarket.com
Stock up on artisan Wisconsin products and
imported goodies at this gourmet grocery,
which sells rich coffee beans, creamy cheese
spreads and pre-made desserts, as well as
accoutrements like fondue pots, caviar spoons
and cheese knives.
LUCI BOUTIQUE
532 Water St • 414-226-0114
www.luciboutique.com
Clai Green, founder of Milwaukee’s Fred
boutique, just opened up this new store,
bringing her hip fashion sense to the historic
Third Ward. Fancy dresses in curve-fl attering
shapes are the specialty.
MOLLY MAGRUDER
330 Main St, Racine • 262-898-9080
This sleek little boutique has always offered
a great selection of clothes, handbags and
shoes, but just recently, it added a line of
upscale consignment clothes. The pieces are
so well cared for that you can’t tell the resale
from the new stuff, except by the severely
slashed prices.
GO SEE
SLICE OF ICE
At Red Arrow Park
920 E Water St • 414-289-8791
www.county.milwaukee.gov/RedArrow11930
Nothing quite captures the season like iceskating
outdoors, and the best place to lace up
a pair of skates around here is Red Arrow Park.
Rent a pair for $6, and when you’re done, grab a
cup of hot cocoa at a nearby coffee shop.
“AMERICAN STORY”
At the John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Ave, Sheboygan
920-458-6144
www.jmkac.org
What does it mean to be an American? Find out
at this exhibition, which explores the diversity
of American art through painting, sculpture and
installation projects. Through Dec. 30.
GREAT LAKES DISTILLERY
616 W Virginia St • 414-431-8683
www.greatlakesdistillery.com
Tours of the oldest distillery in the state—
surprisingly, it opened in 2006—just got even
better. Due to a change in the law, it can now
offer samples of its award-winning gin and
citrus- and honey-fl avored vodka. After you’re
done tasting, pick up some artisan brandy for
post holiday-dinner drinks.
A GRAND AVENUE CHRISTMAS
At the Pabst Mansion
2000 W Wisconsin Ave • 414-931-0808
www.pabstmansion.com
Captain Frederick Pabst and his family lived
in this grand mansion, where they rang in the
holidays with style. Every year, the mansion
is transformed by dozens of local designers—
each one gets a room—during this spectacular
event. Through Jan. 11.
GO EAT
HONEYPIE CAFÉ
2643 S Kinnickinnic Ave • 414-489-7437
www.honeypiecafe.com
The Davenport at this hip eatery takes the
post-holiday turkey sandwich to new heights
with toasted bread, cranberry mustard,
horseradish mashed potatoes, caramelized
onions, tomatoes and bacon, all smothered in
a gruyère cream sauce. $$
SAN DONG EXPRESS
220 W Layton Ave • 414-744-3399
San Dong isn’t much to look at—but the food
more than makes up for it. This hole-inthe-wall
Chinese restaurant is known for its
homemade noodle dishes. Try the woo dong
(seafood soup over noodles). $
POLONEZ RESTAURANT
4016 S Packard Ave, St Francis
414-482-0080
www.foodspot.com/Clients/WI/StFrancis/
PolonezRestaurant
This South Side Polish restaurant features
some of the best pierogis, potato pancakes
and golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls) in
Wisconsin. Everything is made from scratch,
including the slow-cooked soups. $$$
OSTERIA DEL MONDO
1028 E Juneau Ave • 414-291-3770
www.getosteria.com
Order the veal saltimbocca at this
sophisticated Italian restaurant. Tender and
juicy, it’s served with sage, prosciutto, fresh
spinach and gnocchi in a white wine veal
reduction. $$$$
GO PARTY
BRYANT’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE
1579 S 9th St • 414-383-2620
www.bryantscocktaillounge.com
Trendy new bars across the nation may be
reviving the art of the pre-Prohibition cocktail,
but this bar never stopped serving them in the
fi rst place. The talented bartenders can make
around 450 cocktails. But rather than order
them by name, just select a favorite liquor or
desired fl avor and they’ll create something
for you.
FAT ABBEY BIER CAFÉ
134 E Juneau Ave • 414-755-0333
www.fatabbey.com
The folks who own Café Hollander and
Trocadero opened this new beer lovers’
haven, with 24 taps and another 50 brews in
bottles or cans. The emphasis is on ales and
lagers from Belgium and the Netherlands,
but you can also fi nd some fi ne, local
craft beers.
LEMON LOUNGE
2846 N Oakland Ave • 414-915-3300
It’s easy to get cozy in this 300-square-foot bar
attached to the Miramar Theater. Chic and fun,
it’s the perfect spot for a post-show martini.
Order a lemon drop, the house specialty.
TWO BAR
722 E Burleigh St • 414-372-7880
www.artbar-riverwest.com
Can’t decide whether to go out for drinks or
stay in with your honey? Head to this bar,
where the staff is so okay with PDA that
they’ve stocked the jukebox with love songs
and will bring drinks like the Love Potion No. 9
back to your private booth.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
MAGIC QUEST
118 miles northwest of Milwaukee • At Great
Wolf Lodge • 1400 Great Wolf Dr, Wisconsin
Dells • 608-253-2222
www.greatwolf.com
Get in touch with your inner Harry Potter
at the Dells’ newest attraction. With your
trusty, computer-chip-enhanced magic
wand, you’ll be able to open magic chests,
light sconces, animate creatures and
accumulate gold.
FUN FACT!
Public Enemies, last summer’s blockbuster
about John Dillinger, was partially fi lmed at the
Milwaukee County Historical Society Building.
SHOP FROM YOUR SEAT
Marcus gift cards are valid at Marcus Hotels, Restaurants, Spas and Theatres.
SPECIAL OFFER | Purchase $100 in Marcus Restaurants and WELL Spa gift cards
and receive a $25 bonus certificate FREE!
MARCUSGIFTCARDS.COM
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
141

142
Minneapolis/St. Paul
MINNESOTA
GO SHOP
COOKS OF CROCUS HILL
877 Grand Ave, St. Paul • 651-228-1333
www.cooksofcrocushill.com
High-end cookware, cool gadgets and the
latest cookbooks are among the stock at this
locally owned kitchen boutique. If time allows,
take an evening culinary course in the upstairs
educational center.
BACHMAN’S
6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis
612-861-8818
www.bachmans.com
This local fl orist chain houses much more
than just fresh cut fl owers. Its ever-expanding
boutique section has become one of the best
gift stores in the metro area. A few of the locations,
including this fl agship Lyndale Avenue
store, are offi cial Vera Bradley retailers.
QUAIL RIDGE TRADING COMPANY, LTD.
10504 France Ave S, Bloomington
952-881-1117
www.quailridgetrading.com
A recent visit to this eclectic store found
artisan jewelry, hand-painted canvases,
kitschy character slippers, whimsical lamps
and fl irty cocktail dresses.
GO SEE
THE AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE
2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis • 612-871-4907
www.americanswedishinst.org
If the closest you’ve gotten to Swedish culture
is the meatball counter at IKEA, step inside
this majestic mansion to see galleries full
of authentic Scandinavian art while being
warmed by 11 kakelugnar (Swedish porcelain
tile stoves).
HOLIDAZZLE PARADE
At Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis • 612-376-7669
www.holidazzle.com
At 6:30pm on Thursdays through Sundays
during the holiday season, lighted fl oats and
holiday characters parade through town in the
city’s offi cial holiday parade. If you need to
warm up, stake out a spot in the fully heated
tent. Through Dec. 21.
NICOLLET MALL
Between Washington Ave and 13th St,
Minneapolis
Shoppers adore this cobblestoned pedestrian
mall in downtown Minneapolis. Large
department stores are interspersed with chic
boutiques, some of the city’s fi nest restaurants
and local works of sculpture.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
GO EAT
QUANG
2719 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis
612-870-4739
www.quangrestaurant.com
Had enough stuffi ng? Visit one of the city’s
best-loved Vietnamese restaurants for giant
plates of caramelized lemongrass chicken that
are legendary. $
JOSEPH’S GRILL
140 South Wabasha, St. Paul • 651-222-2435
www.josephsgrill.com
This local favorite is one part American bistro
and one part classic supper club. Hearty portions
of sandwiches, pasta and burgers are
available anytime, with steaks, chops and fi sh
in the evening. $$$
SEA CHANGE RESTAURANT AND BAR
818 S Second St, Minneapolis • 612-225-6499
www.seachangempls.com
Renowned chef Tim McKee opened his latest
venture at the Guthrie Theater to rave reviews.
His ambitious menu focuses on sustainable
seafood, like chilled littleneck clams and scallops
with citrus, oregano and cucumber. $$$$
GO PARTY
CC CLUB
2600 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis
612-874-7226
Named one of the best dive bars in Minneapolis
by websites like Thriftyhipster.com, this
gritty hole-in-the-wall sports a diverse crowd,
strong drinks and witty servers.
GASTHOF ZUR GEMÜTLICHKEIT &
MARIO’S KELLER BAR
2300 University Ave, NE • 612-781-3860
www.gasthofzg.com
Germans really know how to throw a party. See
for yourself with a giant boot of beer and some
raucous polka music at this “guest house.”
GO DAY-TRIPPING
AFTON ALPS
32 miles southeast of Minneapolis
Afton • 651-436-5245
www.aftonalps.com
Strap on some skis or rent a snowtube
and hurtle down the rolling hills at this fun
mountain getaway. Beginners can take lessons
at the ski and snowboard school.
FUN FACT!
Minnesota’s offi cial state grain is wild rice.
Moline/Quad Cities
ILLINOIS/IOWA
— Elizabeth Kephart Reisinger — Lee Nelson
GO SHOP
QUAD CITIES GIFTS & SOUVENIRS
1601 River Dr, Moline • 309-277-0937
Looking for a Quad Cities souvenir to show
off back home? Pick one up here, where the
goods include T-shirts, hats, local snacks,
books and handmade soaps.
GO SEE
“A LEGACY FOR IOWA”
At the Figge Art Museum, 225 W Second St,
Davenport • 563-326-7804
www.art-dma.org
This exhibition—subtitled “Pollock’s Mural
and Modern Masterworks from the University
of Iowa Museum of Art”—features fi ne 20thcentury
American and European paintings
(from artists like Picasso and Jackson Pollock)
in rooms overlooking the Mississippi River.
GO EAT
THE MACHINE SHED
7250 Northwest Blvd, Davenport
563-391-2427
www.machineshed.com
Named “The Best Breakfast in America” by the
Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise” series, this
homey local chain bakes its huge cinnamon
rolls from scratch and serves an unbeatable
hash brown skillet. $$
GO PARTY
RIVER MUSIC EXPERIENCE
129 N Main St, Davenport • 563-326-1333
www.rivermusicexperience.org
The live music at this historic building is
infused with traditional American folk style.
Stop in to hear the best of blues, jazz, rock ‘n’
roll, country and Cajun music.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
PORT BYRON, IL
16 miles northeast of Moline
www.portbyronil.com
With a population of just 1,600, this adorable
historic town is nestled on a bend in the Mississippi
River. Quaint restaurants with river views,
antique stores and friendly residents make it a
great place to spend the day—or a weekend.
FUN FACT!
People scoffed at Davenport native Otto
Frederick Rohwedder’s invention for 16 years
before it fi nally caught on, but the joke’s on
them: The man invented sliced bread.

Nassau
BAHAMAS
GO SHOP
THE LINEN SHOP
Bay St W • 242-322-4266
In the heart of the Bay Street entertainment
area, this charming green shop carries
everything from pretty shells and sand dollars
to extra soft linens and high-end island
décor items.
GO SEE
PIRATES OF NASSAU
George St • 242-356-3759
www.pirates-of-nassau.com
Dare to go back to a time when treasurehungry
pirates lurked around the islands of
the Bahamas. You’ll learn the history of the
real pirates of the Caribbean aboard a replica
of the pirate ship Revenge.
GO EAT
LUCIANO’S OF CHICAGO
E Bay St • 242-323-7770
www.lucianosnassau.com
This restaurant’s Old World charm stems from
its former life as a colonial home. Big windows
showcase the picturesque sea outside
for diners indulging in Italian classics and
exquisite conch cakes. $$
GO PARTY
SEÑOR FROGS
At British Colonial Centre of Commerce
1 Bay St • 242-323-1777
www.senorfrogs.com/bahamas
Built at the edge of the sea, Señor Frogs could
not be more perfect for a fi esta. It’s a laidback
place with fun drinks, delectable Mexican
snacks and music that will keep you on the
dance fl oor.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS
3 miles northeast of Nassau (by ferry)
Blue Lagoon Island • 242-363-1003
www.dolphinencounters.com
At this bottlenose dolphin habitat, you can
swim with the friendly sea creatures or just
watch them do funny tricks. Afterward, kick
back with a cold glass of coconut water.
FUN FACT!
— Michelle Petty
In the wake of the Revolutionary War, some
British loyalists who left America settled
in Nassau, forever changing the town’s
architecture by building colonial-style homes.
New Orleans
LOUISIANA
— Richard Meeks
GO SHOP
LE PETIT SOLDIER SHOP
528 Royal St • 504-523-7741
This offbeat store attracts history fanatics with
signature toy soldiers dressed in Confederate
and Union colors. Those with deeper pockets
might want to take a look at rare German
helmets from World War II.
TRASHY DIVA
839 Chartres St • 504-581-4555
www.trashydiva.com
The name of this shop belies its classy stock,
which includes vintage clothing, retro footwear
and fashions from local designers.
YIA YIA’S ATTIC
230 Polk St • 504-488-9396
Grandma won’t let you into the attic to poke
around? One visit to this store and you might
be able to surmise what’s up there. This neighborly
Lakeview enclave offers a multitude of
knickknacks, quilts and historical treasures.
GO SEE
CHRISTMAS CANDELIGHT TOUR
At Nottoway Plantation
LA 1, White Castle • 225-545-2730
www.nottoway.com
Step back in time on a tour (complete with a
glass of bubbly and costumed guides) of one
of the South’s most stately plantations and
see the rooms in their best light. Every Sunday
and Wednesday this month.
STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ
2 Canal St • 800-987-9852
www.steamboatnatchez.com
This paddleboat hosts several types of events,
including an evening jazz cruise, but all
tours feature an educational narrative that
discusses the river’s history and importance to
international commerce.
MIRACLE ON FULTON STREET
Fulton and Poydras sts • 504-533-6522
This Harrah’s New Orleans event features
hourly faux snowfalls, Santa’s Retail Shop, live
entertainment and special holiday menus at
restaurants on Fulton Street. Don’t miss the gingerbread
display at the hotel. Through Jan. 3.
GO EAT
KOZ’S
515 Harrison Ave • 504-484-0841
www.kozcooks.com
Visit this Cajun joint for traditional New
Orleans po’ boys served with a helping of
Crescent City commentary from its gregarious
owner. Don’t pass up the Will’s Chamber of
Horror sandwich, which includes roast beef,
turkey, ham, cheese, Creole mustard, Italian
dressing and mayo. $
MAT AND NADDIE’S
937 Leonidas St • 504-861-9600
www.matandnaddies.com
When the weather cooperates, the patio at
this funky café offers a unique view of the
Mississippi River levee. Don’t leave without
trying the shrimp and crawfi sh croquettes and
the grilled jerk pork tenderloin. $$$
GALATOIRE’S RESTAURANT
209 Bourbon St • 504-525-2021
www.galatoires.com
The traditional New Orleans réveillon dinner
originated in the mid-1800s when French
families celebrated a late night “awakening”
on both Christmas and New Year’s Eves. Try it
at Galatoire’s beginning Dec. 1. $$$$$
GO PARTY
THE BLUE ROOM
At the Roosevelt New Orleans
123 Baronne St • 504-648-1200
www.therooseveltneworleans.com
Once the Grand Dame of the city’s nightlife
scene, this nightclub re-opened its doors
this year for the fi rst time since being closed
because of Hurricane Katrina. Make sure you
dress for the occasion.
DINO’S BAR & GRILL
1128 Tchoupitoulas St • 504-558-0900
Young and old alike fl ock to this popular
Warehouse District watering hole on Friday
nights to hear the Yat Pack, a group of local
musicians that named themselves after a
common New Orleansian term for “native.”
GO DAY-TRIPPING
BAY ST. LOUIS, MS
62 miles northeast of New Orleans
www.baysaintlouiscity.com
An artist’s hamlet that sits on the Gulf of
Mexico, this hospitable Southern town
offers plenty of artsy diversions, including a
nationally renowned second Saturday art walk.
FUN FACT!
Who exactly is buried in the tomb marked
Marie Laveau? It’s actually the queen of
voodoo’s sister-in-law, who had the same
name. The real voodoo queen is buried at St.
Louis Cemetery #1.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
143

144
New York
NEW YORK
— Jacqueline Detwiler
GO SHOP
BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES
162 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn • 718-486-6464
www.brooklynindustries.com
Stop by the original location of this clothing
retailer for T-shirts, jackets and skinny jeans
with serious street cred. Cropped coats and
signature Brooklyn hoodies are very popular.
THE LIBRARY SHOP
At The New York Public Library
455 Fifth Ave • 212-930-0687
www.thelibraryshop.org
Like a cross between a bookstore and a museum
shop, this conservatory of curiosities offers
old maps, reading guides, miniature subway
trains and NYC manhole cover cuffl inks.
LE LABO
233 Elizabeth St • 212-219-2230
www.lelabofragrances.com
What with too-sweet scents and pushy
salespeople, buying perfume in a department
store can be a headache-inducing experience.
Try something different at this scent lab, where
every perfume is hand-mixed.
LOVESONG 422
441 E Ninth St • 212-533-5683
www.shoplovesong.com
This store is something many New York
shoppers once considered apocryphal: a chic
boutique in which most items are priced below
$100. Recent fi nds include vintage-inspired
dresses, hot jeans and perfect fall boots.
MCNALLY JACKSON BOOKS
52 Prince St • 212-274-1160
www.mcnallyjackson.com/index.php/fi ction
Even if you don’t take part in the regular book
clubs and Gotham Writers’ Workshops, you
can’t help but fi nd a new favorite among the
artfully curated novels at this bookshop.
UNION SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET
14th St and Fourth Ave • 212-460-1200
Around the holidays, the artists that normally
populate this avant garde city square—along
with many others from out of town—erect
dozens of red-and-white striped tents to hawk
handmade trinkets, ornaments and T-shirts.
Through Dec. 24.
GO SEE
BIKRAM YOGA NYC
143 W 72nd St• 866-964-2692
www.bikramyoganyc.com
If you’re looking for a quick way to warm up in
the winter weather, you can’t do much better
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
than a 90-minute class at this hot yoga studio.
No matter how frightful the weather gets
outside, the classroom is always a balmy
105 degrees.
SUNSHINE CINEMA
143 E Houston St • 212-330-8182
www.landmarktheatres.com
This forum for art-house fl icks offers stadiumstyle
seating, a glass annex with gorgeous city
views and gourmet popcorn with eight different
seasonings. The movies are pretty good, too.
“TIM BURTON”
At MoMA • 11 W 53rd St • 212-708-9400
www.moma.org
Puppets, drawings, fi lms and various ephemera
from the twisted mind of one of Hollywood’s
most popular cartoonists will be on display at
this special retrospective, along with several
never-before-seen pieces.
AVENUE Q
At New World Stages
340 W 50th St • 646-871-1730
www.avenueq.com
If you thought you missed this slightly risqué
musical—about a muppet who moves to the
big city—when it closed last summer, don’t
fret: The Rent-“Sesame Street” hybrid is now
playing off-Broadway.
WOLLMAN RINK
In Central Park • East Side between 62nd and
63rd sts • 212-439-6900
Skip the line at Rockefeller Center and head to
this rink under the trees in Central Park. You’ll
have more room to move around, and you may
even see some stars.
GO EAT
ELIZABETH
265 Elizabeth St • 212-334-2426
www.elizabethny.com
This trendy monochromatic restaurant is
located on a cool-but-underrated street. The
fully covered back porch is a great spot for
enjoying the juicy watermelon and feta salad
and pretending it’s summer. $$$
PROSPERITY DUMPLING
46 Eldridge St • 212-343-0683
If the holiday shopping has you tearing up
when you peer into your wallet, stop at this
Chinatown standby for 10 perfectly formed
pork dumplings for just $2. $
ROLF’S BAR AND RESTAURANT
281 Third Ave • 212-477-4750
You may have heard of a Bavarian Christmas,
but you haven’t really seen it until you’ve
enjoyed a smoked brat and sauerkraut in this
ornament-festooned German restaurant. It’s so
fabulously gaudy that people often stare from
across the street. $$
BHATTI
100 Lexington Ave • 212-683-4228
www.bhattinyc.com
When it comes to great Indian food, the
tenderness of the lamb is often the battle
in which the war for supremacy is won. Rest
assured that the rogan josh (lamb curry) at
this cozy date spot will fall apart the minute it
touches your fork. $$
’INOTECA, VINO,
CUCINA E LIQUORI BAR
323 Third Ave • 212-683-3035
www.inotecanyc.com
This Italian taverna-style wine bar has just
been enlisted to provide the room service at
next door’s Marcel at Gramercy Hotel, and it’s
easy to see why: The artisan cheese plates and
rustic charcuterie sandwiches are perfect for
a romantic dinner—whether it’s in the dining
room or your own private hideaway. $$$
ORGANIKA
89 Seventh Ave S • 212-414-1900
On the trendiest stretch of Seventh Avenue,
this tiny Village restaurant offers a break from
the exorbitant prices and high calorie counts of
its neighbors’s menus. Try the chewy gnocchi,
or ask about the daily specials, which often
include delicious seafood carpaccios. $$$
GO PARTY
123 BURGER SHOT BEER
738 10th Ave • 212-315-0123
www.123burgershotbeer.com
It’s safe to say you won’t be recommending
this joint to that “fi nancially independent”
friend of yours, but if you know anyone among
the legions of the recently laid off, you should
defi nitely inform them of the $1 burgers, $2
shots and $3 beers at this bar. Or bring them
with you—’tis the season, after all.
CAMPBELL APARTMENT
In Grand Central Terminal
15 Vanderbilt Ave • 212-953-0409
www.hospitalityholdings.com
The former offi ce of one John W. Campbell,
fi nancier and railroad magnate, this
mahogany, turn-of-the-century-style bar
(complete with a stone fi replace) inside Grand
Central will make you feel classier than Audrey
Hepburn. What should you order? Why, a
Manhattan, of course.

CLOVER CLUB
210 Smith St • 718-855-7939
www.cloverclubny.com
One of the newest cocktail emporiums
to hit the city, this Brooklyn outpost is so
popular it was named the world’s best new
cocktail bar at the Tales of the Cocktail
convention in 2009. Celebrate your trip to the
outer boroughs with a Queens Park Swizzle, a
deconstructed mojito snowcone with a dash
of bitters.
DOUBLE DOWN SALOON
14 Ave A • 212-982-0543
www.doubledownsaloon.com
This Lower East Side incarnation of the
notorious Las Vegas bar is a real dive. Get into
the spirit with a round of pool, a pinball game
and a pint of domestic brew under the graffi tistyle
murals.
CAFETERIA
119 Seventh Ave • 212-414-1717
www.cafeteriagroup.com
By day, this Chelsea restaurant masquerades
as a trendy diner, but come 4am, it morphs
into an after-hours nightspot, complete with
celebrities (Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher
were recently spotted), artisan macaroni and
cheese and impromptu dance parties.
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
70 N Sixth St, Brooklyn • 718-384-4586
www.publicassemblynyc.com
This warehouse-style bar hosts parties that
are exactly the way you want Brooklyn parties
to be: super-hip, poseur-free and in a pseudowarehouse.
Visit on Dec. 12 for Play It Loud,
a pumping, early-’90s house-inspired dance
party featuring Doug Gomez, Darshan Jesrani
and Son of Sound.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
WARWICK VALLEY WINERY
AND DISTILLERY
67 miles northeast of NYC, 114 Little York Rd,
Warwick, NY • 845-258-4858
www.wvwinery.com
The home of Doc’s Draft hard ciders and
American Fruits eau de vie, this cidery/winery/
distillery celebrates fall with live music and
cozy fi res in its tasting room, which was once
an apple packing house.
FUN FACT!
John Hertz, who founded New York’s Yellow
Cab Company, chose yellow because he had
read a study that said it was the easiest color
to see.
Newport News/
Williamsburg
VIRGINIA
— Wayne Dawkins
GO SHOP
LAND OF LAPIS
At City Center at Oyster Point
701 Town Center Dr • 757-596-5274
www.oysterpointonline.com
With a wide variety of Afghan imports (and a
smattering of Turkish and Indian goods), this is
a delightful winter shopping destination. The
authentic lapis lazuli jewelry is stunning.
THE RUNNER’S SOURCE
10355A Warwick Blvd • 757-223-4970
www.therunnerssource.com
Both fi rst-time runners and long-time champions
will fi nd something handy at this shop. In
addition to custom-fi t expertise, the staff has
extensive knowledge of local trails.
VICCELLIO GOLDSMITH
325 Water St, Yorktown • 757-890-2162
www.viccelliogoldsmith.com
Precious metal craftsman J. Henry Viccellio’s
fi ne jewelry line features locally inspired
items, like a Jamestown locket engraved with
an image of arriving ships.
GO SEE
LEE HALL MANSION
163 Yorktown Rd, Newport News • 757-888-3371
www.leehall.org
One of the few surviving antebellum
mansions in this part of Virginia, this former
home of planter Richard Decauter Lee includes
hundreds of artifacts from the old South.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
At Peninsula Community Theatre • 10251
Warwick Blvd, Newport News • 757-595-5728
www.pctlive.org
This heartwarming holiday comedy tells the
story of a fi nancially struggling couple trying to
put on a church Christmas pageant after casting
the inventively awful Herdman kids. Dec. 4-20.
MACARTHUR MEMORIAL
Bank St & City Hall Ave, Norfolk • 757-441-2965
www.macarthurmemorial.org
Norfolk’s stately 19th-century City Hall houses
a rotunda (the fi nal resting place of General and
Mrs. MacArthur), as well as galleries dedicated
to Americans who served in the armed forces
from the Civil War through the Korean War.
GO EAT
COUNTY GRILL & SMOKEHOUSE
26 E Mercury Blvd, Hampton • 757-723-0600
www.countygrill.net
This restaurant is so serious about getting
your ribs right, the tables come equipped
with six regional barbecue sauces, including
Memphis, Kansas City and East Carolina. $$
MARY HELEN’S RESTAURANT
87 Lincoln St, Hampton • 757-728-9050
www.maryhelens.com
Local favorites at this Southern and Creole
kitchen include gumbo, jambalaya and red
beans and sausage over white rice. If you can’t
decide, go for the buffet, which includes fried
chicken, cornbread and sweet tea. $$
FAT CANARY
410 Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg
757-229-3333
www.fatcanarywilliamsburg.com
“Canary” actually refers to wine—old ships
used to pick up wine in the Canary Islands—
and there’s certainly a lot of it here. Pair
a bottle with a selection from the eclectic
seasonal menu, which has included dishes
like seared foie gras with hazelnut toast and
blackberries. $$$
GO PARTY
GRANBY THEATER
421 Granby St, Norfolk • 757-961-7208
www.granbytheater.com
If you want a nightclub experience inspired by
the superclubs of South Beach and New York,
stop by the Saturday night “Premiere” dance
party. A giant video screen shows music videos
and DJs spin remixes until close.
AMERICAN THEATRE
125 E Mellen St, Hampton • 757-722-2787
www.hamptonarts.net
If clubs aren’t your thing, have a cultured night
out with a concert or show. The Shoemaker
& The Christmas Elves (Dec. 12) and A Gospel
Christmas with The Holmes Brothers (Dec. 18)
are on the schedule this month.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC MUSEUM
166 miles south of Newport News • 59200
Museum Dr, Hatteras, NC • 252-986-2995
www.graveyardoftheatlantic.com
This museum draws nautical history buffs
with exhibits on piracy, 19th-century
shipwrecks and the technology used to
recover the USS Monitor.
FUN FACT!
The Chesapeake Bay includes two of the
six major North Atlantic US ports: Norfolk
and Baltimore.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
145

This world is worlds apart
Waldorf Astoria Orlando represents the arrival of a new world of grace and
grandeur in Orlando. Surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World® Theme
Parks, the resort features legendary Waldorf Astoria food and beverage icons
such as Peacock Alley®, Oscar’s® and Bull & Bear® Steakhouse. Outdoor facilities
boast a formal zero-entry pool, plus a signature pool with private cabanas,
overlooking the Rees Jones-designed Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, WA Kids
children’s program, Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain® and executive fitness club.
With dedicated elegant service traditions of the world’s grand hotels,
the new Waldorf Astoria Orlando is an amazing world unto its own.
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, Florida 32821 USA | www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com | +1.407.597.5500

Orlando
FLORIDA
— Lisa Roberts
GO SHOP
AUDUBON PARK COMMUNITY MARKET
In front of Stardust Video & Coffee
1842 E Winter Park Rd
www.apmarket.wordpress.com
This Wednesday evening market is practically
a party in a parking lot: Shop for fresh veggies
and herbs, homemade hot sauce, hand-cut
soaps, clothing and crafts while listening to
local musicians and speakers.
THE COLLECTION BRIDAL
301 N Park Ave, Winter Park • 407-740-6003
www.thecollectionbridal.com
Discerning brides shop here for headpieces,
veils and dresses from names like Vera Wang
and Reem Acra, but even single women go for
the cocktail and special occasion dresses.
DUVAL STREET TRADERS
At Gaylord Palms Resort • 6000 W Osceola
Pkwy, Kissimmee • 407-586-1322
www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms
Crammed with items reminiscent of Key West
and its laidback lifestyle, this shop offers
a little bit of the islands for inland home
decorators. Shoppers will fi nd whimsically
painted patio items and tropical sculptures.
FLAG WORLD
728 Virginia Dr, Orlando • 407-895-9245
www.afl agworld.com
No matter what kind of fl ag you’re in the market
for—Old glory, a sports banner or a custom
design—this shop carries it. It also has historic
American, French and British fl ags.
HOUNDS & KITTIES
144 Lake Ave, Maitland • 407-637-2919
This pet market is all about healthy vittles
for Fido and Fluffy. Besides bags and cans of
healthy food, there’s a display of homemade
cookies for customers to take home.
THE ISLAND CLOTHING STORE
At Universal CityWalk
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando • 407-363-8000
Walk the walk on an Orlando vacation by
outfi tting the family in the right attire. Choose
from designer labels like Tommy Bahama
and Lilly Pulitzer, or just pick up beach-ready
jewelry and accessories.
GO SEE
GRAVES GOLF ACADEMY
AT EAGLE CREEK
10350 Emerson Lake Blvd • 866-377-2316
www.moenormangolf.com
Let this school’s instructors work the kinks out
of your game before you take on the course’s
Scottish-style bunkers. Players learn the
philosophies of Canada’s Moe Norman, who
perfected a single-axis swing.
SANFORD MUSEUM
520 E First St, Sanford • 407-688-5198
www.sanfordfl .gov/Museum.aspx
Visit this historical museum to learn about
Sanford’s journey from 19th-century frontier
town to prosperous center of commerce
and agriculture. Among the collection is a
Timucuan dugout canoe that is more than
1,000 years old.
LITTLE WOMEN
At Icehouse Theatre
1100 N Unser St, Mt. Dora • 352-383-4616
www.icehousetheatre.com
One of Central Florida’s most-respected
troupes, The Mount Dora Theatre Company,
will be performing Louisa May Alcott’s classic
about the trials and tribulations of the Alcott
family. Through Dec. 13.
ORLANDO CITRUS PARADE
Downtown Orlando • 407-423-2476
www.fcsports.com
Enjoy bands, fl oats and holiday characters
during this parade, which salutes the college
teams facing off in the Champs Sports Bowl
(Dec. 29) and Capital One Bowl (Jan. 1), both
at Orlando’s Citrus Bowl Stadium. Dec. 30.
THE CITRUS TOWER
141 N US Hwy 27, Clermont • 352-394-4061
www.citrustower.com
Soaring 500 feet above sea level, the
observation deck of this tower offers a grand
view of the rolling towns and citrus fi elds of
the eight-county area.
BOGGY CREEK AIRBOAT RIDES
2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee
407-344-9550
www.bcairboats.com
Check out Florida’s landscapes and wildlife
while skimming through the swamps of
Osceola County in an airboat that reaches up
to 45mph. Choose from three different rides,
including a one-hour nighttime experience.
GO EAT
TASTY WOK
1246 E Colonial Dr • 407-896-8988
This diminutive Cantonese eatery, which
occupies a corner lot in Orlando’s Asian
district, is a top spot for inexpensive Chinese
food. Locals love it for scallion pancakes,
roasted duck and noodle bowls. $
MAMA B’S GIANT SUBS
692 N Orange Ave • 407-422-7353
Mama has fed downtowners for decades. Stop
in for subs with generous portions of meat and
creamy chicken salad. Mama wouldn’t want
you going hungry. $
KIKU JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
6939 Old Hwy 441, Mt. Dora • 352-385-2888
www.kikusteakhouse.com
This hibachi-style restaurant is the new kid on
the block, but its delicious chicken, steak and
veggie preparations are winning a loyal following.
There’s a dedicated sushi bar, too. $$$
PORTOBELLO COUNTRY
ITALIAN TRATTORIA
At Downtown Disney • 1650 E Buena Vista Dr,
Lake Buena Vista • 407-934-8888
www.portobellorestaurant.com
Executive Chef Steven Richard’s cuisine conjures
up visions of sun-saturated hillsides in
Italy with crusty breads, sun-dried tomatoes,
fl avorful olive oils and pungent cheeses. $$$
OCEAN PRIME
7339 W Sand Lake Rd • 407-781-4880
www.ocean-prime.com
This classy establishment knows presentation
is everything, from the dining room ambience
to artfully garnished plates. Chef’s specialties
include seared tuna, Chilean sea bass and
jumbo lump crab cakes. $$$$
SPANISH RIVER GRILL
737 E Third Ave, New Smyrna Beach
386-424-6991
www.spanishriver-nsb.com
Latin food here is served with just the slightest
modern accent. Specialties include such
dishes as Portuguese pan roast, with steamed
clams, scallops and pork in a seafood tomato
broth. $$$$
GO PARTY
CENTRAL STATION ROCK BAR
100 E Central Blvd, Orlando • 407-426-8336
For twentysomethings looking for a hangout,
this place will fi t like your favorite vintage
T-shirt—it’s comfy and casual. There are also
drink specials most nights and video games, karaoke
and live music Fridays through Sundays.
CUBA LIBRE
9101 International Dr, Orlando • 407-226-1600
www.cubalibrerestaurant.com
Part restaurant, part lounge, this nightspot
offers two fl oors on which to dance, snack and
sip mixed drinks. Visit on a Saturday to dance
to hip-hop, Top 40, R&B and Latin beats.
CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
147

148
Orlando CONT’D
FLORIDA
DUNGEON LOUNGE
12287 University Blvd • 407-454-4622
www.dungeonlounge.com
This VIP martini bar is a rare animal in East
Orlando, which has a heavy concentration
of UCF students. Dark and castle-themed, it
features martinis with names like Battle Ax
(raspberry vodka, Razzmatazz liqueur and
pineapple juice).
FRANK’S PLACE
146 N Clarke Rd, Ocoee • 407-291-8330
This retail mall sports pub features great bar
games—pool, darts, video—in an easy-toaccess
setting. In between rounds, check out
the beer memorabilia on the walls, or chill out
in front of a TV tuned to the big game.
GARAGE BAR
At Rt 46 Entertainment District
4316 W St Rd 46, Sanford • 407-268-4646
www.route-46.com
The vintage automobile décor here is so
involved, visiting gearheads might think
they’ve died and gone to heaven. But décor
aside, this is a great place to hang out, watch
the SPEED Channel or listen to live music.
LIZZY MCCORMACK’S IRISH PUB
55 N Orange Ave, Orlando • 407-426-8007
www.lizzymccormacks.com
No-fuss and low pretention is how this Irish
pub likes to keep it. You’ll fi nd plenty of time to
relax during “Orlando’s longest happy hour,”
from 2pm to 8pm.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
DAYTONA KARTWEEK
52 miles northeast of Orlando • At Daytona
Speedway • 1801 W International Speedway
Blvd, Daytona Beach • 386-254-2700
www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Come scout out the future stars of auto racing
during this family-friendly series, which hosts
sprint and endurance kart events. Dec. 28-30.
ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
150 miles north of Orlando • 12087 SW US
Hwy 27, Fort White • 386-497-4690
www.fl oridastateparks.org
Tubers clog the spring run here all the way
through early September, but visitors this
month may fi nd themselves almost alone at this
popular park. Take advantage of the peace by
booking a canoe trip.
FUN FACT!
Walt Disney World covers 40 square miles—
the size of San Francisco or two Manhattans.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Pensacola
FLORIDA
— Shannon Cothran
GO SHOP
A&J MUGS
24 N Palafox St • 850-434-2203
www.ajmugs.com
While this store offers far more than mugs, it’s
the military coffee cups and beer steins that
really draw customers. If you love dogs, make
sure to meet the several rescued ones that run
loose inside (we’re not really sure how that
works out with all the porcelain).
GO SEE
WINTERFEST PERFORMANCE TOURS
Government and Palafox sts
www.pensacolawinterfest.org
Every weekend in December, trolleys and double-decker
buses ferry passengers to a series
of holiday performances during a 45-minute
trip through historic downtown Pensacola.
GO EAT
THE GLOBAL GRILL
27 S Palafox Pl • 850-469-9966
www.dineglobalgrill.com
As you might expect from the name, the tapas
plates here showcase foods from around the
world. Try the Roma tomatoes with feta cheese
and olives if you’re feeling Italian, or a tempura
salmon roll for a taste of the Far East. $$$
GO PARTY
SEVILLE QUARTER
130 E Government St • 850-435-0543
www.rosies.com
This place bills itself as Pensacola’s premier
entertainment and dining complex, and it
really has cornered the market on partying:
There are seven places to have fun, including a
billiards bar and a New Orleans-style pub.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA
56 miles east of Pensacola
www.downtownfairhope.com
You may feel like you’re in a Disney movie at
this perfect getaway for a rainy fall day. The
little town is fi lled with block upon block of
cheery boutiques, bookstores, coffee shops
and restaurants.
FUN FACT!
Pensacola Beach’s white sand is sometimes
called “singing sand” because it’s so soft
that it makes humming noises when you walk
on it.
Philadelphia
PENNSYLVANIA
— Pam George
GO SHOP
PIAZZA AT SCHMIDTS
Second St & Germantown Ave • 215-467-4600
www.atthepiazza.com
This newly opened shopping center boasts
34 retailers, including Suite 79, a design and
photography co-op, and Amberella Sugary &
Sweet, a combination art gallery and boutique.
GREENABLE
126 Market St • 215-922-6066
www.greenable.net
If you’re looking for responsible building
solutions for your home, visit this green DIY
market, which sells eco-friendly countertops,
cabinetry, paint, appliances and fl ooring.
SMAK PARLOUR
219 Market St • 215-625-4551
www.smakparlour.com
This boutique refl ects its designer owners’
love of anything “vintage-inspired, girly, fun
and fl irty.” Stop in for wearable Barbie dollstyle
fashions.
SWEET JANE VINTAGE AND RECORDS
1742 E Passyunk Ave • 215-339-0882
www.myspace.com/ilovesweetjane
You like vinyl; she likes vintage clothing. Find
them both at this combination record shop
and boutique, where even the new stuff, like
Os Os Clothing from locals Bethany Santos
and Carly Frank, is retro-inspired.
GO SEE
CHEMICAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION
315 Chestnut St • 215-925-2222
www.chemheritage.org
This must-see science museum attracts
chemistry nerds from all over the country.
Check out the “Making Modernity” exhibit to
fi nd out how chemistry has affected our lives
in unexpected ways.
MUMMERS PARADE
Broad and Walnut sts • 215-336-3050
www.phillymummers.com
This New Year’s Day parade is unlike anything
you’ve ever seen. A tradition since the 1800s,
it features more than 10,000 men and women
in brilliant, ornate costumes who mock current
political and social themes, dance, perform
with props and play instruments. Jan. 1.
HOLIDAY CONCERTS
At The Kimmel Center
260 S Broad St • 215-893-1999
www.philorch.org
This month, the Philadelphia Orchestra takes
CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE

a break from performing epic symphonies to
present two holiday classics: Handel’s Messiah
(Dec. 13) and The Glorious Sound of Christmas
(Dec. 17-19).
OLIVER!
At Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut St • 215-574-3550
www.walnutstreettheatre.org
See this classic musical in a theater that is so
historic it was actually open during Charles
Dickens’ lifetime. Before the show, take a
walk through the venue itself, which was once
owned by John Wilkes Booth’s brother, Edwin.
Through Jan. 10.
YARDS BREWING COMPANY
901 N Delaware Ave • 215-634-2600
www.yardsbrewing.com
Free tours are available on Saturdays at
Philly’s fi rst 100% wind-powered brewery.
Stop in to try the Philadelphia Pale Ale, named
one of the best pale ales in the country by The
New York Times.
GO EAT
JAMAICAN JERK HUT
1436 South St • 215-545-8644
www.jamaicanjerkhutinc.com
This Caribbean-fl avored BYOB—outfi tted with
a tiki-style counter—is a great place to shake
off the chill of winter weather. Try a jerk platter,
served with rice, peas, Jamaican cabbage and
fried plantains. $
TARTES
225 Arch St • 215-625-2510
This little pink jewel box in Old City is revered
for its delicate confections, which include
carrot cake, chocolate chip cookies and
delectable pastries and tarts. $
BIBOU
1009 S Eighth St • 215-965-8290
www.biboubyob.com
Pierre Calmels—an alum of the city’s famed
Le Bec-Fin—and his wife Charlotte have
dedicated this new BYOB in South Philly to
seasonal ingredients prepared with French
fl air, resulting in dishes like fl uffy foie gras and
garlicky escargot. $$$
LEILA CAFE
401 S 13th St • 267-319-1903
www.leilacafe.com
Billed as Center City’s “most authentic” Middle
Eastern restaurant, this new eatery is owned
by two Middle Eastern friends, who banded
together to sell potent coffee, creamy hummus
and crispy balls of falafel. $$$
GO PARTY
THE BLOCKLEY POURHOUSE
3801 Chestnut St • 215-222-1234
www.theblockley.com
As a restaurant, The Blockley is all about American
pub fare, but as a music venue, its offerings
range from live acoustic acts to DJs to pluggedin
bands. The beer list is equally diverse.
JOHNNY BRENDA’S
1201 N Frankford Ave • 215-739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com
If you love good beer and live music, you’ll
really appreciate Johnny Brenda’s, which was
hip before its Fishtown neighborhood was
even on the cultural map.
THE PIANO BAR
1939 Arch St • 215-563-4704
www.pianobarat20thandarch.com
Practice your show tunes and brush up on
your Top 40 lyrics at this piano bar, which is all
about audience participation. Request a song
online before you go, and your favorite pianist
will learn it.
THE SECRET KARAOKE ROOM
3945 Chestnut St • 215-386-1072
www.distritorestaurant.com
As if Distrito (a modern Mexican restaurant)
weren’t cool enough—with a Volkswagon you
can dine in and a wall of Mexican wrestler
masks—the place also has a “secret” karaoke
room, hidden behind a bookcase at the
hostess stand.
VINO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
1001 N Second St •215-923-2014
www.vinorestaurantlounge.com
This new, sophisticated wine bar in the equally
new Piazza at the Schmidts—an open-air plaza
and mixed-use development—is outfi tted with
leather sofas and a DJ playing an eclectic mix
of music.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
THE POCONO MOUNTAINS
115 miles north of Philadelphia
www.800poconos.com
Whether you get around on skis or a snowboard,
the winter weather is the draw here:
The area’s skiing industry dates back to 1946,
and the moderate hills are great for beginners.
FUN FACT!
The organ in the Grand Court of the Wannamaker
Building is the largest operational pipe
organ in the world.
Phoenix
ARIZONA
— Karen Werner
GO SHOP
ARIZONA HIKING SHACK
11649 N Cave Creek Rd • 602-944-7723
www.hikingshack.com
Wanna repel off Camelback Mountain?
Scale the Praying Monk? The Shack has you
covered with all the equipment—and expert
advice—a hiker, climber or caver could ever
need. So give thanks for the cooler weather
and get outside.
GRAND TOUR
7134 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale • 480-990-8687
www.thegrandtourhome.com
A trip to this home accessories store can feel
like a world tour. Stop in for French tableware,
Moroccan lanterns and cushions made from
international vintage textiles.
REVLON OUTLET STORE
1402 S 40th Ave, Phoenix • 602-352-2800
Tucked in the back of the Revlon warehouse
is a dinky little room that doles out serious
bargains. You’ll discover great deals on
current products as well as discontinued
merchandise—some of which goes for under
a dollar.
GO SEE
CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER
21170 N 83rd Ave, Peoria • 623-322-2001
www.azchallenger.org
Kids and adults alike can fl y simulated fl ight
missions, where they become fl ight crew
members, mission controllers and scientists,
at this space-focused learning center. Don’t
forget to stop in the gift center for some
astronaut ice cream on your way out.
PUEBLO GRANDE MUSEUM
INDIAN MARKET
At South Mountain Park
10919 S Central Blvd • 602-495-0901
www.phoenix.gov/PUEBLO/market.html
Close to 450 Native American artisans will
gather for this 31st annual event, which
will feature traditional foods and music and
a breathtaking assortment of paintings,
sculptures, jewelry, pottery and baskets.
Dec. 12-13.
THE NUTCRACKER
At Symphony Hall
75 N Second St • 602-381-1096
www.balletaz.org
There may not be snow on the ground, but this
holiday tradition brings a magical snowstorm
to town, complete with international candies
and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Dec. 11-27.
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DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
149

150
Phoenix CONT’D
ARIZONA
GO EAT
LEE’S SANDWICHES
1901 W Warner Rd, Chandler • 480-855-1778
www.leessandwiches.com
When the French brought the baguette to
Southeast Asia, the banh mi—or Vietnamese
sandwich—was born. Lee’s bakes its own
crunchy loaves, then fi lls them with grilled pork,
cilantro, pickled carrot and daikon radish. $
STAX BURGER BISTRO
4400 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale
480-946-4222
A little larger than sliders, the burgers at Stax
are offered with a choice of “meats,” which can
include beef, buffalo, lamb, ostrich, kangaroo,
antelope, turkey, salmon and veggie patties.$$
ZINC BISTRO
15034 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale
480-603-0922
www.zincbistroaz.com
This charming French restaurant along the
sidewalks of Kierland Commons offers a
delicious steak au poivre with fries as well as
a nouveau mac and cheese (with smoked ham,
mimolette and parmasan). $$$$
GO PARTY
PEPIN RESTAURANTE ESPAÑOL
7363 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale
480-990-9026
www.pepinrestaurant.com
This Spanish restaurant transforms into a
nightclub on weekend nights. Local fl amenco
and salsa dancers burn up the dance fl oor, and
novices can take tango lessons on Sundays.
PHX NIGHTCLUB
122 E Washington St • 602-258-1830
www.phxnightclub.com
Co-owned by the Minnesota Vikings’ Bobby
Wade—who went to a local high school—this
contemporary club lends an urban vibe to the
city center. Check out their club hit cover band.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
OATMAN HOTEL
220 miles east of Phoenix
181 Main St, Oatman • 928-768-4408
Clark Gable and Carol Lombard honeymooned
here in 1939, but that’s not this hotel’s only
claim to fame. It’s also reputed to be haunted.
FUN FACT!
The average Phoenix visitor is 50 years old and
stays for 4.6 nights.
Pittsburgh
PENNSYLVANIA
If you’re looking at this
banner so are your clients
To advertise in call our
sales team at 888-864-1732
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
— Andy Mulkerin
GO SHOP
AVALON EXCHANGE
5858 Forbes Ave • 412-421-2911
www.avalonexchange.com
This Squirrel Hill store is the fl agship of a small
but growing chain of vintage consignment
shops in town. There are always some gems to
be found among the racks of duds discarded
by the city’s young and fashionable.
E.B. PEPPER
5411 Walnut St • 412-683-3815
www.ebpepper.net
One of the ’burgh’s best-known boutiques, e.b.
Pepper carries women’s clothing from the most
exclusive national designers, including jeans
from 7 For All Mankind, dresses from Three
Dots and coats from Alice + Olivia.
LE MIX
1102 S Braddock Ave • 412-241-5800
Antique and arty are the buzzwords at this shop
in the Regent Square business district. Expect
to fi nd all manner of housewares, furniture and
collectibles, including old costume jewelry.
GO SEE
MONONGAHELA INCLINE
E Carson St • 412-361-0873
The Mon is the older of the two funiculars
in Pittsburgh—in fact, it’s the oldest incline
system in the US. Operated by Port Authority
Transit, it takes you between Station Square’s
shops and the top of Mount Washington.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
At Heinz Field, North Shore Dr • 412-323-1200
www.steelers.com
A trip to Pittsburgh isn’t complete without taking
in a Steelers game. This month, watch the
Super Bowl champions play the Raiders (Dec.
6), Packers (Dec. 20) and Ravens (Dec. 27).
HARTWOOD ACRES
CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
200 Hartwood Acres, Indiana Twp
412-767-9200
This massive annual event decorates a
county park with thousands of twinkling lights.
With a charitable donation, visitors can drive
through festive scenes made of animatronic
LED displays.
GO EAT
SPAK BROTHERS PIZZA AND MORE
5107 Penn Ave • 412-362-7725
www.spakbrothers.com
This tiny pizza and sandwich joint is perfect for
those who like the traditional American greasy
spoon—and it’s particularly good at converting
meat dishes to tasty vegetarian options. $
TANA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE
5929 Baum Blvd • 412-665-2770
www.tanaethiopiancuisine.com
Tana blends traditional Ethiopian fare—stews
you scoop up with injera (fl at bread)—with
contemporary fl air (like weekly jazz shows).
For the best experience, craft a vegetarian
platter with split peas in tumeric sauce and
cabbage and carrots in garlic. $$
AUGUST HENRY’S CITY SALOON
946 Penn Ave • 412-765-3270
www.augusthenrys.com
The half-pound Angus beef burgers at this downtown
saloon can satisfy the most kingly of appetites.
One of them by itself will keep you sated
through a meeting at the David L. Lawrence
Convention Center across the street. $$$
GO PARTY
AVA LOUNGE
126 S Highland Ave • 412-363-8277
www.shadowlounge.net
The other half of the venerable Shadow
Lounge, this bar was founded in 2007 for
those who’d rather relax than jump around
when taking in some tunes. The weekly
Monday night jazz and jam session, called
Interval, is a favorite among younger patrons.
SOUTH SIDE 86
1825 E Carson St • 412-390-1910
Formerly known as The Locker Room, this
sports bar is almost as famous among
Pittsburgh fans as its owner, Steelers receiver
Hines Ward. The drink specials are plenty:
Thursday nights feature 86-cent Coors Light.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
OGLEBAY RESORT
AND CONFERENCE CENTER
58 miles southwest of Pittsburgh
465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV • 800-624-6988
www.oglebay-resort.com
The holidays are the perfect time to visit this
West Virginia resort. This month it features
The Winter Festival of Lights, a huge drive-thru
display of lighted scenes, and a village of small
stores to augment your holiday shopping.
FUN FACT!
The “Mr. Yuk” poison warning sticker was
invented by the Poison Center at Pittsburgh’s
Children’s Hospital in 1971.

Portland
MAINE
GO SHOP
LIFE IS GOOD
428 Fore St • 207-253-5048
www.lifeisgood.com
If you like funky, happy “Life is Good” gear,
you won’t want to miss this Old Port shop,
packed with hats, organic cotton T-shirts,
boxers, tote bags and even dog gear with the
optimistic slogan.
GO SEE
PORTLAND PIRATES
At Cumberland County Civic Center
94 Free St • 207-828-4665
www.portlandpirates.com
Don’t let the cold outside stop you from
spending a few hours in a room full of ice
cheering on Maine’s American Hockey League
team. This month’s games take place Dec. 4, 5,
18, 19, 26 and 31.
GO EAT
THE CORNER ROOM
110 Exchange St • 207-879-4747
www.thefrontroomrestaurant.com
This affordable restaurant from Chef Harding
Smith, who also runs the popular Front Room
and Grill Room, focuses on light, rustic Italian
food, from simply topped pizzas (prosciutto
and arugula) to handmade pastas. $$$
GO PARTY
ÚNA
505 Fore St • 207-828-0300
www.unawinebar.com
This chic little lounge calls itself a wine
bar, but it also offers cocktails— such as
the acai-blueberry cosmopolitan, with infused
vodka, white cranberry and lime juice—
any of which is sure to take the chill off a
winter evening.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
CAMDEN, ME
86 miles northeast of Portland
www.camdenme.org
With quaint harbors, brisk hiking trails and
stores in century-old brick buildings, Camden
makes a nice day trip any time of year. Want
to linger? Enjoy a cozy room and an amazing
gourmet dinner at The Hartstone Inn.
FUN FACT!
Ninety percent of Maine’s land is covered
by forest.
Raleigh/Durham
NORTH CAROLINA
— Linda Fullerton — Margot Carmichael Lester
GO SHOP
FATHER & SON ANTIQUES
107 W Hargett St, Raleigh • 919-832-3030
www.swankarama.com
The well-stocked retro inventory here includes
Mid-Century Modern furnishings (such as
designs from Eames and Herman Miller),
period art accessories and vintage clothing.
OX & RABBIT SODA AND SUNDRIES
732 9th St, Durham • 919-286-7850
Part old-time soda fountain (try the Co-Cola
with a shot of raspberry syrup), part hipster
accessory shop, this place is just plain fun.
UPTOWN NATURE
At Carr Mill Mall
200 N Greensboro St, Carrboro • 919-969-0995
From an amazing array of soy and beeswax
candles to racks of 100% organic cotton
clothing, you’ll fi nd items to dress your home,
garden and self at this eco-friendly retailer.
GO SEE
DINOSAUR TRAIL
At Museum of Life + Science
433 Murray Avenue, Durham • 919-220-5429
www.ncmls.org/dinosaurs
Venture back to the Late Cretaceous period as
you stroll the half-mile forest path lined with
life-sized dinosaurs—including a 65-foot-long
Alamosaurus—then dig for marine fossils at
this cool exhibit.
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
At The Carolina Inn
211 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill • 800-962-8519
www.carolinainn.com
This month, the halls of this historic hotel are
decked in North Carolina-crafted decorations
inspired by the yuletide tune “The Twelve
Days of Christmas.” Come for a tour or attend
one of the many special events, including a
gingerbread house competition.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
2 E South St, Raleigh • 919-831-6936
www.theatreinthepark.com
Written by, directed by and starring Ira
David Wood III, this original musical comedy
adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic
premiered in 1974. Expect lots and lots of
singing. Dec. 8-16.
GO EAT
YE OLDE WAFFLE SHOP
173 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill • 919-929-9192
Those hunting for a hearty breakfast need
DECEMBER 11-20
MERRILL MERRIL M AUDITORIUM
PORTLAND, POORTLA
MAINE
Robert Ro ober Moody, conductor
Dancing Santas Festive singalongs
Yuletide favorites
Celebrate the season with New England’s favorite ite holiday show! Organ Prelude
Festival of Trees
look no further than Chapel Hill’s main drag. A
slightly more authentic version of those Waffl e
Houses by the freeways, this spot is low on
décor, but high on fl avorful waffl es. Don’t let
the line scare you; it moves pretty fast. $
ALADDIN’S EATERY
6325 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh
919-878-7690
www.aladdinseatery.com
A wide array of Middle Eastern fare and even
some Lebanese wines make up the menu at
this attractively designed North Raleigh eatery.
Order the tabouli—it’s delicious. $$
SUSHI LOVE
2812 Erwin Rd, Durham • 919-309-2401
www.sushilove.org
Whether you’ve got a yen for plain fi sh or new
combinations—like the Blue Devil Roll, named
after nearby Duke University—you’ll fi nd
something to love at this popular sushi joint.
Those who eschew raw fi sh might like the
tempura and Mongolian-style dishes. $$
GO PARTY
ABBEY ROAD TAVERN & GRILL
1195 W Chatham St, Cary • 919-481-4434
www.abbeyroadgrill.net
If you totally dig those mop-topped lads from
Liverpool, stop by this hotspot, which offers
draft beer, sports games on TV and even a
selection of burgers named after Beatles band
members (and Yoko).
OSCAR’S Q AND BAR
At Timberlyne Shopping Center • 1129 Weaver
Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill • 919-929-9388
Ten regulation billiards tables host local
players looking for a good time, but you don’t
have to be a pool shark to like this joint: There
are foosball tables and videogames as well.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
REYNOLDA HOUSE MUSEUM OF
AMERICAN ART
11o miles east of Raleigh
2250 Reynolda Rd • 336-758-5150
www.reynoldahouse.org
Tour the historic home of R.J. Reynolds
Tobacco Company’s founder . In addition to an
incredible collection of American Art, there are
greenhouses, gardens and a museum shop.
FUN FACT!
Sir Walter Raleigh, the explorer for whom
Raleigh is named, was beheaded after a failed
expedition to fi nd El Dorado.
®
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
151

152
Richmond
VIRGINIA
— Christina Couch
GO SHOP
THE BIZARRE BAZAAR’S 34TH
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
600 E Laburnum Ave • 804-673-7015
www.thebizarrebazaar.com
Once a year, the Richmond Raceway
transforms into an enormous market featuring
more than 475 vendors. The selection ranges
from ornaments, children’s toys and holiday
foods to designer sportswear, pewter gifts and
antique furniture. Dec. 2-6.
OPENHOUSE
5807 Patterson Ave • 804-288-5807
www.openhouse-richmond.com
This home store carries several emerging
brands—like LoooLo, Dermond Peterson and
Diana Fayt—that shoppers will be hardpressed
to fi nd anywhere else.
PHILOSOPHIE
3132 W Cary St • 804-355-3102
Nestled in the heart of one of Richmond’s
oldest shopping districts, this women’s
clothing store carries classic pieces and fancy
accessories that usually outlast the
overnight trends.
GO SEE
THE BYRD THEATRE
2908 West Cary St • 804-353-9911
www.byrdtheatre.com
People don’t come to The Byrd for the
latest blockbuster release; they fl ock to
this authentic second-run 1920s theater
(complete with a full balcony, a chandelier and
concession stand attendants in classy black
dresses) for the experience. And much like the
old days, the tickets cost a mere $1.99.
FUNNY BONE
11800 W Broad St • 804-521-8900
www.richmondfunnybone.com
One of the few comedy clubs in the area,
Funny Bone has hosted such national talents
as DL Hughley, Tony Rock, Mark Curry and
Josh Blue (of “Last Comic Standing”). Order
something from the full bar and food menu,
and prepare to laugh the night away.
GALLERY 5800
5800 Grove Ave • 804-285-0774
www.gallery5800.com
Located on the second fl oor of a frame shop,
this tiny, intimate gallery feels more like a
design-forward home than an offi cial gallery.
The collection ranges from oil landscape
paintings and prints to artisan furniture and
glass works.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
GO EAT
CAFÉ OLE
2 N Sixth St • 804-225-8226
Serving up Mexican food and California-style
burritos for more than 15 years, this café is
a favorite among the business lunch crowd,
particularly those with big appetites. Come
hungry: Portions are huge. $
CAFÉ GUTENBERG
1700 E Main St • 804-497-5000
www.cafegutenberg.com
Thanks to a recent makeover, this spot no
longer has to split its space between novels
and food. The newer, larger version has even
added a vegetarian-friendly menu that features
locally grown ingredients. $$
KOBE JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI
19 S 13th St • 804-643-8080
www.kobesteakandsushi.com
Ladies who can maneuver their high heels
through Shockoe Slip’s cobblestone streets
will be rewarded with a top-notch Japanese
meal at this hibachi-style restaurant. For a
special night, order the surf and turf. $$$
GO PARTY
BANDITO’S BURRITO LOUNGE
2905 Patterson Ave • 804-354-9999
www.banditosburritolounge.com
Packed with dancing college students,
Bandito’s is also home to weekly Texas hold-
’em tournaments and regular DJ nights.
MULLIGAN’S SPORTS GRILLE
1323 W Main St • 804-353-8686
This classic sports bar features weekly karaoke
and Texas hold-’em nights as well as the
occasional live band. Sports junkies can get
their fi x on the bar’s fl at-screen TVs.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY MUSEUM
80 miles southwest of Richmond
103 Main St, Smithfi eld • 757-356-1223
This very local history museum is home to
a delightful collection of items, including
Native American artifacts, a miniature Colonial
plantation house and an entire exhibit devoted
exclusively to ham.
FUN FACT!
Author Patricia Cornwell, who set many
of her crime novels in Richmond, based
fi ctional heroine Kay Scarpetta on a real-life
medical examiner from the area.
Rochester
NEW YORK
— Elizabeth Forbes
GO SHOP
CRAFT COMPANY NO. 6
785 University Ave • 585-473-3413
www.craftcompany.com
This converted fi rehouse—the former home
of engine company no. 6—abounds with
artisan-made objects to decorate home and
body, whether folksy (colorfully painted Sticks
furnishings), sleek (sinuous metal menorahs)
or chic (Somers Randolph’s silver jewelry).
GO SEE
DOWNSTAIRS CABARET THEATRE
20 Windsor St • 585-325-4370
www.downstairscabaret.com
On any given night, this eclectic venue
might host a highly toasted revue, country
music band, one-man (or -woman) show or
performance on its way to or from Broadway.
GO EAT
SALENA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
302 N Goodman St • 585-256-5980
www.salenas.com
Locals fl ock to this brightly painted restaurant
for the authentic Mexican fare. Start with the
guacamole before moving on to a burrito; like
many of the menu items, it features a madefrom-scratch,
hand-rolled fl our tortilla. $$
GO PARTY
LIQUID
169 St Paul St • 585-325-5710
www.liquidnightspot.com
With pulsating lights, thumping urban beats,
drink specials, two busy dance fl oors and large
screens streaming live footage of club patrons,
we’re not sure what more this nightclub could
possibly offer.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART
88 miles east of Rochester
401 Harrison St, Syracuse • 315-474-6064
www.everson.org
Although it’s known for its American
collections, the Everson has a show on tour
from Wales this fall. “Turner to Cézanne”
showcases works from masters such as Corot,
Monet, Renoir and van Gogh.
FUN FACT!
Future anarchist Emma Goldman spent her
young life in Rochester as a sweatshop worker
and unhappy bride.
©2009 Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Bud Light® Lime Flavored Beer, St. Louis, MO

St. Louis
MISSOURI
GO SHOP
DESIGNS BY ELISE
1771 S McKnight Rd, Ladue • 314-495-5876
www.eliselandy.com
For a cool twist on the traditional holiday
jewelry gift, stop in here and pick up some
“party pearls” for that special someone. The
colorful, fl irty designs make them way more
fun than your grandma’s pearls.
MAIN STREET BOOKS
307 S Main St, St. Charles • 636-949-0105
www.mainstreetbooks.net
Located on historic Main Street in St. Charles,
this charming independent bookstore was
recently nominated as the best bookstore in
the US in Nickelodeon’s Parents’ Picks Awards.
MORIS FASHIONS
26 Maryland Plz • 314-361-6800
www.morisfashions.com
Two Uptown fellas founded this store in 2005
and have fl ourished by catering to St. Louis’s
fashionable set. They gather sleek men’s
garments from not only the East and West
coasts, but Europe as well.
GO SEE
WINTER WONDERLAND AT TILLES PARK
9551 Litzsinger Rd • 314-615-5000
www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/tilles.html
If you’re looking for some really old-fashioned
holiday fun, get yourself to Tilles Park
for a horse and carriage ride through the
spectacular Winter Wonderland. This annual
tradition features more than one million
lights, which illuminate one of the area’s most
beautiful parks.
PURINA FARMS
200 Checkerboard Dr, Gray Summit
314-982-3232
www.purina.com/purina-farms
The St. Louis area is home to Purina, and the
company offers a novel tourist attraction:
Purina Farms, where visitors can pet barnyard
farm animals, see a 20-foot-tall cat house and
watch dog obedience performances. Hay rides
are also available.
SHELDON ART GALLERIES
3648 Washington Blvd • 314-533-9900
www.thesheldon.org
This gallery complex features more than 7,000
square feet of space for rotating exhibitions
of painting, printmaking, photography,
architecture, sculpture, jazz history and
children’s art. In the evenings, it turns into a
concert venue.
GO EAT
BIG ED’S CHILI MAC’S DINER
510 Pine St • 314-421-9040
The weather in St. Louis is starting to get
chilly, so get yourself to Big Ed’s for a heaping
bowl of the area’s best chili mac (for non-
Midwesterners, that’s chili-topped spaghetti).$
EL SCORCHO
7356 Manchester Rd, Maplewood
314-644-5566
www.elscorcho.info
This deep South-style roadhouse offers the
best Tex-Mex in the area. A bar offering a
variety of tequilas sets the stage for zesty
espinachas (tangy spinach dip) and pepperjack
cheese dip. $$
KEMOLL’S
#1 Metropolitan Sq • 314-421-0555
www.kemolls.com
In addition to its fi ne Continental dishes (beef
tenderloin in cognac sauce, rack of lamb,
lobster tails), this spot boasts a stunning view
of the riverfront, including the Arch. $$$$
GO PARTY
POPS BLUE MOON
5249 Pattison Ave • 314-776-4200
www.popsbluemoon.com
This dive bar hosts live bands every day of the
week. The musical styles are so wide-ranging,
you’re better off asking what genres it doesn’t
offer (new pop country and heavy metal).
PJ’S TAVERN
127 W Jefferson • 314-966-2001
www.pjsandjeffersons.com
A classic post-work, happy hour tavern, this bar
serves great draft beers—they’ve got eight on
tap—in a casual room full of giant fl at-screen
TVs. It’s like your living room, only better.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
KIMMSWICK, MO
25 miles south of St. Louis
www.gokimmswick.com
Named one of the “Top 100 Small Town
Getaways” by Midwest Living, this spot offers
a chance to step back into the 19th century.
Make sure to visit the Anheuser Estate, the
former summer home of Frederick Anheuser.
FUN FACT!
Redd Foxx, the late comedian who starred in
“Sanford and Son,” was born in St. Louis. He’s
honored on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
San Antonio
— Kevin Mitchell — Erin Aparicio
TEXAS
GO SHOP
SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS BOOKSTORE
6701 San José Dr • 210-932-1001
www.nps.gov/saan
Hidden in the midst of San Antonio’s sprawling
Mission San José, this bookstore offers a
glimpse into American colonial life. Goods
include cookbooks, biographies and history
texts, as well as traditional art from around
Latin America.
LONE STAR MERCANTILE IN LA VILLITA
418 Villita St, Bldg 200 • 210-223-4199
www.lavillita.com
As one of the largest and nicest San Antonio
memorabilia shops, the Mercantile has more
than enough Texas pride to fi ll a stocking. Stop
in for ornaments, salsas, cowboy night lights,
Alamo mugs and T-shirts.
PEARL FARMER’S MARKET
200 E Grayson St • 210-212-7260
www.pearlfarmersmarket.com
Stop by Sol y Luna for some monkey bread
(a version of a sticky bun) for breakfast and
browse the wide selection of fresh produce,
baked goods, grass-fed meats, nuts and
honey. All the vendors live within a 150-mile
radius of the city.
GO SEE
SEAWORLD’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
10500 Sea World Dr • 800-700-7786
www.seaworld.com
Ring in the season with special holidaythemed
shows, like the comedic Sea Lions
Deck the Halls and the Polar Express 4-D
Experience, while the park is fi lled with lights
and holiday cheer. Through Dec. 31.
DISNEY’S THE LION KING
At the Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St • 210-226-3333
www.majesticempire.com
Travel to the African savannah during this
live musical adaptation of the popular Disney
fi lm, which features Oscar Award-winning
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Dec. 9
through Jan. 3.
FORD HOLIDAY BOAT CAROLING
At the San Antonio River Walk • 210-227-4262
www.paseodelrio.org
Join in the singing at this long-standing
tradition, during which carolers—ranging from
bell choirs to Latino ensembles—serenade
visitors along the River Walk from boats.
Songs begin at 6:30pm and end at 9:45pm
daily. Through Dec. 20.
CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
153

154
San Antonio CONT’D
TEXAS
GO EAT
GREEN VEGETARIAN
CUISINE AND COFFEE
1017 N Flores St • 210-320-5865
www.greensanantonio.com
Try the Neatloaf (with peppers, onions, tomatoes
and bread crumbs) at this all-vegetarian
restaurant housed in a restored 1890s building.
It even hosts a free, live opera the fi rst Sunday
of each month (Jan. 3). $
GUENTHER HOUSE
205 E Guenther St • 210-227-1061
www.guentherhouse.com
These days, the stately former home of the Pioneer
Flour Mills’ founding family serves breakfast
and lunch to visitors. Stop in for the strawberry
waffl es or champagne chicken enchiladas. $
TEXAS LAND AND CATTLE
201 N St Mary’s St • 210-222-2263
www.txlc.com
In the Texas ranch tradition, most of the food here
is mesquite-grilled or wood-roasted. As a result,
the barbecue scent wafting out of the kitchen is
enough to set mouths watering all by itself. $$$
GO PARTY
THE COAST
2831 NW Loop 410 • 210-344-1000
www.thecoastsa.com
Spend the night dancing on sand and drinking
piña coladas at this club just outside of the
loop. Top 40 hits keep the dance fl oor moving,
and the spacious porch is great for loungers.
RIVERCENTER COMEDY CLUB
849 E Commerce St • 210-229-1420
www.rivercentercomedyclub.com
Up-and-coming Texas talent and big name
comedians from across the country entertain
here. Past headliners include Drew Carey,
Carlos Mencia and George Lopez.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
THE EXOTIC RESORT ZOO
60 miles north of San Antonio
235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City • 830-868-4357
www.zooexotics.com
Take a Hill Country safari at this 137-acre zoo.
Many animals crowd around the tour train to
eat from the hands of visitors.
FUN FACT!
The San Antonio River was given its name by a
Spanish priest who camped at the river on the
feast day of St. Anthony.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
San Francisco
CALIFORNIA
— Josh Krist
GO SHOP
CALLOU DESIGNS
101 Pierce St • 415-678-9446
www.calloudesigns.com
Colorful tops and dresses and sleek men’s club
shirts make this little boutique a must-visit
for fashionistas shopping in the Lower Haight.
The staff will even put together party outfi ts as
part of the shop’s custom design service.
CREATIVITY EXPLORED
3245 16th St • 415-863-2108
www.creativityexplored.org
This unique art gallery displays the creations
of developmentally disabled adults, whose
notecards, paintings, drawings and sculptures
range from funky to traditional. Creative takes
on local landmarks sell fast.
ROLO ON MARKET
2351 Market St • 415-431-4545
www.rolo.com
In the heart of the Castro, this high-end
boutique is where super-hip guys go for
designer clothes—like duds from Nice
Collective and Earnest Sewn—at decent
prices. Come ready to search and you’re sure
to fi nd something impressive.
GO SEE
MUSEUM OF
THE AFRICAN DIASPORA
685 Mission St • 415-358-7200
www.moadsf.org
Those interested in the historical culture of
the African peoples will enjoy this new
museum, which features exhibits on
traditional celebrations, music, culinary
traditions and adornment.
“COLORS OF CHRISTMAS”
At Davies Symphony Hall
201 Van Ness Ave • 415-864-6000
www.sfsymphony.org
Although Symphony Hall draws major musical
artists from around the world throughout its
season, this event is arguably the best. Listen
to Christmas hits and pop classics in a venue
draped with wreaths and lights. Dec. 14-16.
HOLIDAY ICE RINK
At Union Square • 415-781-2688
www.unionsquareicerink.com
This seasonal ice rink in the epicenter
of holiday shopping—Union Square—is
surrounded by glittering light-bedecked
stores. You’ll feel like a character in a holiday
romantic comedy after just a couple of turns
around the ice.
GO EAT
METRO CAFFE
247 Fillmore St • 415-621-9536
www.metrocaffe.com
Just because you’re in San Francisco doesn’t
mean all you want to eat is healthy, Californiastyle
fare. Instead, try a juicy Philly cheese
steak or burger here, with a side of delicious
golden onion rings. $
THE CITRUS CLUB
1790 Haight St • 415-387-6366
www.citrusclubsf.com
Belly up to the bar to watch the chefs create
sizzling sauces to cover Thai noodles topped
with peanuts, shrimp, tofu, chicken or veggies.
Start with the garlic edamame. $$
PLUTO’S
627 Irving St • 415-753-8867
www.plutosfreshfood.com
The Inner Sunset location of this local institution
offers salads, sandwiches and meat plates with
a healthy California touch. Best of all, it serves
Thanksgiving-style stuffi ng year-round. $$
GO PARTY
PHONE BOOTH
1398 S Van Ness Ave • 415-648-4683
This local bar transforms into a serious scene
on weekend nights, with excellent drinks and
friendly bartenders. If you come during happy
hour (3pm to 7pm), grab some fresh, free
popcorn before it disappears.
BEAUTY BAR
2299 Mission St • 415-285-0323
www.beautybar.com
Imagine a beauty parlor where, as soon as
work hours are over, the customers get up
to dance and the stylists get to work making
drinks. That’s pretty much what you’ll fi nd
here. There’s even a manicurist on duty.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
EAST BAY, CA
16 miles east of San Francisco
www.oaklandcvb.com
Visit the Hangar One distillery in Alameda, see
Jack London’s log cabin in Oakland, and then
head to Berkeley for an evening of fun near the
famous college campus.
FUN FACT!
San Francisco is named after St. Francis
of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and
protecting nature.
Detail, José de Mota (active 1710-1728), New Spain, Our Lady of Joys, 1711, Oil on canvas, 78 3/4 x 66 7/8 inches, Collection of Casa Jesuita
de San Ignacio, Parras, Coahuila [CNCA-DGSMPC]
This exhibit was originally organized by the “Mandato Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso. ” The “Mandato Antiguo Colegio de San
Ildefonso” receives financial support and is composed of the “Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM),” the “Consejo Nacional
para la Cultura y las Artes (CNCA)”, and the “Gobierno del Distrito Federal (GDF). ” The organizers, and museum participants, express
their deepest appreciation to CNCA, the UNAM, the INAH, and the INBA for their generous collaboration. Furthermore, the organizers
recognize the valuable support provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art, which is dedicated to promoting the exploration,
understanding, and enjoyment of the visual arts of the United States for national and international audiences. By recognizing the importance
of experiencing original works of art, the foundation provides opportunities for interaction and study, beginning with the introduction
and growth of its own art collection in Chicago. To continue the cross-cultural dialogue over American Art, the foundation supports and
collaborates on innovative exhibitions, as well as investigative and educational programs. Inherent in these activities is the conviction that
art has the potential, at the same time, to distinguish and unite cultures. *Additional support for the project came from the United States
Embassy in Mexico, and the UNAM-PAPYT.
This exhibition has been made possible locally by generous grants from the Goldsbury Foundation, the
William and Salomé Scanlan Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Additional support came from Myfe White Moore.

San Juan
PUERTO RICO
GO SHOP
ABITTO
1124 Ashford Ave, Condado • 787-724-0303
Look no further than this hip unisex boutique
for some of the hottest warm-weather
clothing and accessories by Mossimo, Dolce
& Gabbana and Iceberg. There’s also an
impressive selection of shoes for men and
designer sunglasses.
HIP HOP
1124 Ashford Ave, Condado • 787-722-6081
www.go2hiphop.com
With brands like Kipling, Volcom, Juicy
Couture and Paul Frank, this store is a
must-visit if you have pre-teens on your gift
list. Grownups tend to appreciate the jazzy
handbag and tote selection.
MI PEQUEÑO SAN JUAN
107 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan • 787-977-1636
www.mipequenosanjuan.com
You can’t help but fall for this shop’s handpainted
replicas of the charming and colorful
façades, doorways and balconies of Old
San Juan. Watching the in-house artists
create them is almost as much fun as taking
one home, and they’ll even personalize them
for you.
GO SEE
FORT SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO
501 Calle Norzagaray • 787-729-6960
www.nps.gov/saju
This massive, ancient fort overlooking San
Juan Bay is part of the San Juan World Heritage
Site; construction on the building started more
than 450 years ago, and it took more than 250
years to complete.
MUSEO DEL NIÑO
150 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan • 787-722-3791
www.museodelninopr.org
This museum is chock-full of interactive
exhibits, imagination-provoking play areas and
creativity stations for kids, from toddlers to
teens. Special weekend events promote learning
and the arts.
UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Hwy 1 at Rd 847, Rio Piedras • 787-758-9957
www.upr.edu
Escape winter in this exotic urban oasis, which
is covered with more than 30,000 indigenous
fl owers and plants, including heliconias,
palms and trees used by the Taino Indians.
Also on the grounds are several ponds, a
sculpture garden, wild parrots and iguanas.
— Joanne Curcio Quiñones — Brian Ries
GO EAT
KASALTA
1966 McLeary Ave • 787-727-7340
www.kasalta.com
This cafeteria is famous for its bold coffee,
pastries and savory Spanish dishes, and its
communal seating is known for stimulating
conversation and creating new friendships. $
AJILI MOJILI
1052 Ashford Ave, Condado • 787-725-9195
www.hdmdesigns.com/ajili/main.htm
This popular restaurant is named after one of
San Juan’s signature sauces, so you can expect
the fare to be fl avorful. Don’t leave without trying
the mofongo (mashed, fried green plantains
with seafood or meat). $$$
AL DENTE
309 Recinto Sur, Old San Juan • 787-723-7303
www.aldentepr.com
This stylish Italian bistro is popular for
its handmade pastas (try the veal-stuffed
tortellini) and decadent desserts. Enjoy the fall
weather with outdoor café seating. $$$
GO PARTY
N LOUNGE
At Normandie Hotel • 499 Ave Munoz Riviera
787-729-2929
www.normandiepr.com
Hipsters of all ages gather at this stylish
modern lounge in the art deco Normandie
hotel to mingle and dance. The terrace is an
ideal spot for imbibing cocktails and enjoying
the balmy Caribbean breeze.
PLAZA DEL MERCADO DE SANTURCE
Calle Dos Hermanos at Calle Capitol
787-723-8022
Every Friday and Saturday evening, this urban
farmers market turns into a giant outdoor
block party, where Sanjuaneros gather to
celebrate the weekend.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
RIO CAMUY CAVE PARK
97 miles west of San Juan
www.parquesnacionalespr.com
This 268-acre park offers a glimpse into
an unbelievable tropical cave system, with
cathedral-like caverns that were carved out by
the Camuy River more than 1 million years ago.
FUN FACT!
Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since the
Jones-Shafroth Act was passed in 1917.
80 YEARS AND STILL GROWING STRONG.
CA’ D’ZAN l MUSEUM OF ART l HISTORIC ASOLO THEATER l CIRCUS MUSEUM
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
941.359.5700 WWW.RINGLING.ORG
Open 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Wednesdays until 8:00 p.m.
Advance Tickets Available 941.358.3180
Sarasota/Bradenton
FLORIDA
GO SHOP
HOME RESOURCE
741 Central Ave, Sarasota • 941-366-6690
www.homeresource.com
This small-town shop carries big-city furniture,
from Knoll to Herman Miller. Young and old
interested in modern décor head here to outfi t
their high-rise condos and beachfront pads.
PICKLES AND PONYTAILS
1821 Hillview St, Sarasota • 941-953-2024
www.picklesandponytails.com
Moms who are into matching mother-daughter
ensembles and pregnant women who need a
tailored look will love this Southside Village
shop. It stocks adorable fashions from lines
like Baby LuLu and Peppertoes.
ATOMIC HOLIDAY BAZAAR
At Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
801 N Tamiami Tr • 941-954-4165
www.atomicholidaybazaar.com
This isn’t your grandmothers’ craft show: In
place of fusty afghans, it features handcrafted
gifts for a modern crowd, like wearable punk
art and candle holders made out of Dia de
Los Muertos-style skulls. Live rockabilly and
fashion shows round out the event. Dec. 12-13.
GO SEE
SARASOTA SEASON OF SCULPTURE
240 S Pineapple Ave • 941-366-7767
www.seasonofsculpture.com
This annual festival (which runs through
May) brings large-scale public sculpture to
the scenic Sarasota bayfront. This year’s
exhibit features works from Peter Voulkos,
Magdelena Abakanowicz, Robert Ressler and
David E. Davis.
THE JOHN AND MABLE
RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART
5401 Bayshore Rd • 941-359-5700
www.ringling.org
Although he’s known mostly for his Greatest
Show on Earth, John Ringling was also a
consummate collector of art. The museum
hosts his collection, which includes the largest
collection of full-scale Rubens paintings
outside of Europe.
VILLAGE OF THE ARTS
1015 12th Ave W, Bradenton • 941-747-8056
www.villageofthearts.com
This quaint Bradenton outpost is home to
restaurants, shops and galleries in the heart
of the old city. Most of the businesses are
housed in converted 1920s bungalows, with
colorful updates.
CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
155

156
Sarasota/
Bradenton CONT’D
FLORIDA
GO EAT
LUCKY STAR
4462 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton • 941-794-3198
This Chinese restaurant offers classic dishes
and a delightful dim sum brunch. Try the salt
and pepper calamari. $
CAFÉ EPICURE
1298 Palm Ave • 941-366-5648
www.sarasota-italian.com/_epicure/e-main.htm
This spot serves casual Italian fare, from
simple pressed sandwiches to house-made
lasagna. To continue your Italian-themed
dining experience, stop at Jolly Gelato next
door for a pistachio gelato. $$
CHUTNEY’S
1944 Hillview St • 941-954-4444
www.chutneysetc.com
It’s diffi cult to pigeonhole Chutney’s cuisine,
since the menu is stocked with dishes from
all over the Mediterranean, India and the
Caribbean. Let your waiter guide you, or just
order the blazing vindaloo curry. $$
GO PARTY
CABANA INN
2525 S Tamiami Trail • 941-955-0195
This humble spot attached to an old motel
attracts an amazing crowd for its live music
and karaoke. Visiting celebrities have been
known to belt out a tune or two.
EVIE’S TAVERN
1989 Ringling Blvd • 941-955-3843
www.eviesonline.com
With a massive bar area below and cozy
private loft spaces above, Evie’s attracts
both dancers and loungers. There are other
bars in the area, but everyone usually ends
up here.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
ROSA FIORELLI WINERY
20 miles northeast of Sarasota • 4250 County
Road 675, Bradenton • 941-322-0976
www.fi orelliwinery.com
Owners Rosa and Antonio Fiorelli brought
their Sicilian winemaking tradition with them
to Manatee County, where they produce an
award-winning muscadine dessert wine from
just 10 acres of grapes.
FUN FACT!
Sir John Hamilton Gillespie created one of
the fi rst two US golf courses in Sarasota
in 1886.
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Seattle
WASHINGTON
— Adem Tepedelen
GO SHOP
WORLD SPICE MERCHANTS
1509 Western Ave • 206-682-7274
www.worldspice.com
Stepping into this shop is like strolling into
an Old World apothecary, but with an even better
scent. Purchase exotic pure spices,
like grains of paradise, or choose a blend:
you’ll never buy those little supermarket
packets again.
GO SEE
THE WING LUKE ASIAN MUSEUM
719 S King St • 206-623-5124
www.wingluke.org
If the weather isn’t ideal for a stroll through
the International District, spend an afternoon
here learning about the fascinating
history, culture and art of the Asian Pacifi c
American community.
GO EAT
SPRING HILL
4437 California Ave SW • 206-935-1075
www.springhillnorthwest.com
The young and vibrant West Seattle
neighborhood has become a destination for
casual fi ne dining, and this cozy restaurant
leads the pack. Feast on local Northwest
seafood. $$$$
GO PARTY
TINI BIGS
100 Denny Way • 206-284-0931
www.tinibigs.com
You’ll fi nd more than martinis on the
classic-meets-cutting-edge drink menu now
that renowned Canadian mixologist Jamie
Boudreau is behind Tini’s award-winning
bar. Try the Cinnamon Paloma, with tequila,
cinnamon, grapefruit and soda.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
SNOQUALMIE FALLS
30 miles east of Seattle
Snoqualmie • 425-985-6906
www.snoqualmiefalls.com
These falls are most dramatic in the winter
when the Snoqualmie River is engorged with
rainwater. The two-acre park offers a hiking
trail and views from both above and below.
FUN FACT!
Seattle boasts the highest percentage of
library card-holders in the country.
Tampa
FLORIDA
— Susan Barnes
GO SHOP
THE PINK PETTICOAT
1625 W Snow Circle • 813-253-2244
www.thepinkpetticoat.com
Indulge your feminine side at this intimate
boutique tucked away in Old Hyde Park
Village. It features high-end lingerie, pajamas
and even yoga outfi ts to suit every taste.
SILVER EDGE
At Centro Ybor Mall, 1600 E Eighth Ave, Ybor
City • 813-242-6290
This boutique in Ybor City stocks so much
silver, you’re almost guaranteed to fi nd the
perfect piece for someone on your shopping
list. Handcrafted silver items and white gold
pieces tend to be particularly well loved.
TOFFEE TO GO
4318 W El Prado Blvd • 866-863-3332
Forget chocolate—toffee is the perfect midshopping
snack. Try the milk chocolate almond
fl avor with sweet creamery butter. Fudge has
nothing on the specialty here.
GO SEE
THE NUTCRACKER
At Ruth Eckerd Hall • 1111 N McMullen Booth
Rd, Clearwater • 727-791-7400
www.rutheckerdhall.com
Most cities host a version of The Nutcracker
every year, but not many feature one
performed by the Moscow Classical Ballet,
whose members are trained in the ballet’s
home country: The classic was fi rst performed
in St. Petersburg, Russia, more than 100 years
ago. Dec. 19-20.
“TARPON TALES AND SPORT
FISHING IN EARLY FLORIDA”
At Henry B. Plant Museum
401 W Kennedy Blvd • 813-254-1891
www.plantmuseum.com
The sport of tarpon fi shing, a favorite among
Florida anglers, is documented in this exhibit
featuring vintage photographs, rods, reels,
lures and tackle from the late 1800s through
the 1930s. Through Dec. 27.
WONDERLAND
At Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
1010 N W.C. MacInnes Pl • 800-955-1045
www.tbpac.org
Be among the fi rst to see this modernized
Alice in Wonderland at its world premiere
in Tampa. Can Alice defeat the Queen of
Hearts and restore balance to a chaotic
Wonderland? You’ll have to see it to fi nd out.
Through Jan. 3.

GO EAT
CUSTOM CREATIONS CAFÉ & BAKERY
2606 W Hillsborough Ave • 813-234-3755
www.cafe-bakery.com
Stop by the renovated Pickford’s Sundries
shop for a traditional cream soda from the
soda fountain and a healthy dose of fun. $
LEAFY GREENS CAFÉ
1431 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
727-289-7087
www.leafygreenscafe.com
Raw and vegan dishes make up the menu here,
but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a
fl avorless meal. Thai, Italian and Asian spices
ensure that even the healthiest of plates will
have your mouth watering. $$
SIX TABLES TAMPA
4267 Henderson Blvd • 813-207-0527
www.sixtablestampa.com
Three-fi gures sounds like a lot to spend on a
dinner for one, but at this French restaurant,
the price is worth it. Have the six-course
prix fi xe dinner, which has included roasted
duckling and lobster bisque. $$$$$
GO PARTY
BEAKS OLD FLORIDA
2451 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
727-321-9100
www.beaksoldfl orida.com
Warm up your vocal cords before you head to
this bar on a Wednesday: It’s open mic night,
and the locals can get a little wild.
THE BUNGALOW TAMPA
2202 W Kennedy Blvd • 813-253-3663
www.bungalowtampa.com
Catch Monday night football or watch the Lightning
take the ice on one of this bar’s dozen
fl at-screen TVs. Order a draft beer and surf-and
turf-sliders and you’re set for the game.
GO DAY TRIPPING
SAFETY HARBOR, FL
23 miles west of Tampa
www.safetyharbor.com
When visiting this small town, make sure to
stop by the Espiritu Santo mineral springs,
which Hernando de Soto accidentally found
while looking for the fountain of youth.
FUN FACT!
In 2009, North Beach at Fort De Soto (south of
Clearwater) was named the top beach in the
US by TripAdvisor.com.
Washington, DC
DULLES/REAGAN
— Tony Ware
GO SHOP
THE HOUR
1015 King St • 703-224-4687
www.thehourshop.com
Any cocktail afi cionado worth his or her
artisan margarita salt will want to pour praise
on this new boutique, which specializes
in vintage and contemporary home bar
accessories, including glassware, shakers,
jiggers and muddlers. Your plastic cup days
are over.
THE CURIOUS GRAPE
4056 Campbell Ave • 703-671-8700
www.curiousgrape.com
This bazaar’s indulgent aisles overfl ow
with local and international boutique
cheeses, single-origin chocolates and wines
from every major region in the world. The
friendly staff can inform decisions about
pairing and sharing.
SASSANOVA
7134 Bethesda Ln • 301-654-7403
www.sassanova.com
When it comes to tending to the indie and
designer fashion needs of Washington’s wellheeled
women, entrepreneurial duo Sarah
and Sassy know a thing or three. Indeed, three
is the magic number for the pair’s shoe and
handbag empire, as this third location opened
just last summer on Bethesda Row.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
HALL OF FAME STORE
1600 Fedex Way, Landover • 301-276-6680
http://shop.redskins.com
Located in the offi cial stadium of the football
team, this store stocks the gear you need to
look your Sunday best, which around here
means anything with a giant Redskins logo.
REDEEM
1734 14th St NW • 202-332-7447
www.redeemus.com
This highly regarded outpost for urban apparel
has maintained a balance of grit and glamour
by importing small-run, edgy labels like Gentle
Fawn, Religion and Tankus.
BIG PLANET COMICS
4908 Fairmont Ave • 301-654-6856
www.bigplanetcomics.com
This local chain offers monthly comics and
collected editions from every major publisher,
across all genres and appropriate for every
age range. The space is always well-organized,
and the staff will happily let you in on which
critically acclaimed graphic novel will become
next year’s multiplex blockbuster.
GO SEE
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF
THE AMERICAN INDIAN
Fourth St & Independence Ave SW
202-633-1000
www.nmai.si.edu
While celebrating Thanksgiving, it’s important
not to forget those who lived here fi rst. Intentionally
built facing the rising sun, this museum
on the National Mall has a collection of more
than 800,000 works of historical signifi cance to
the various Native American Nations.
KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL
Daniel French Dr and Independence Ave NW
202-426-6841
www.nps.gov/kowa
Come Veterans Day, pay your respects to those
who fought for Korea’s freedom. This squad of
19 stainless-steel soldiers fl anks a black granite
wall sandblasted with photographic images, as
well as a Pool of Remembrance.
IMAGINATION STAGE
4908 Auburn Ave • 301-280-1660
www.imaginationstage.org
The home of a multidisciplinary theater arts
organization for young people, this state-ofthe-art
facility features a year-round schedule
of professional productions. Visit this month to
see Disney’s Mulan (through Jan. 10).
SPY IN THE CITY
At the International Spy Museum
800 F St NW • 202-393-7798
www.spymuseum.org/spyinthecity
For those who really like a puzzle, this interactive
spy museum offers a tour in which personal
Geo-COBRA GPS units lead wannabe secret
agents around the District to trace hidden
signals, break codes and see historic sights.
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF THE MARINE CORPS
18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 877-635-1775
www.usmcmuseum.org
This 135-acre site full of interactive, immersive
exhibits honors members of the Marine Corps.
The striking design of the museum’s soaring
atrium evokes the fl ag-raisers at Iwo Jima.
PRESIDENT’S PARK SOUTH
1100 Ohio Dr SW • 202-208-1631
www.nps.gov/whho
This 52-acre park south of the White House
includes several memorials (for the Boy Scouts
and Second Division, among others) and the
Zero Milestone, intended to be the initial point
from which all road distances in the US should
be reckoned when it was built.
CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
157

158
Washington, DC CONT’D
DULLES/REAGAN
GO EAT
BOCCATO GELATO & ESPRESSO
2719 Wilson Blvd • 703-869-6522
www.bocatto.net
Coffee lovers have spilled the beans, so
to speak, about this Clarendon gelateria:
It features coffee from renowned Portland
roasters Stumptown. Visit now for perfectly
pulled espresso. $
SOMETHING SWEET
3706 Macomb St NW • 202-364-2525
www.somethingsweetdc.com
With rack upon rack of moist, spongy cupcakes,
along with sundaes, milkshakes and
chipwiches (any fl avor of ice cream sandwiched
between two cookies), this shop is
always a great idea. $
KORA
2250-B Crystal Dr • 571-431-7090
www.korarestaurant.com
In a spacious dining room cast in warm
neutrals, a team led by Chef Morou Ouattara
coordinates the production of handmade
pastas, rustic Italian entrées and pizzas baked
in a wood-burning oven. $$
LILIT CAFÉ
7921 Old Georgetown Rd • 301-654-5454
www.lilitcafe.com
This market features a Mediterranean-inspired
menu of panini, pizza and gelato. But what
really sets it apart for many locals is the
extensive selection of gluten-free alternatives,
including a case of desserts. $
JACKSON’S ROASTING & CARVING CO.
933 N Quincy St • 703-312-1073
www.jacksonsfamous.com
Slow roasted and beer-braised hunks of
turkey, ham or brisket are carved to order, and
served in thick stacks on every sandwich. $
GO PARTY
ROOM 11
3234 11th St NW • 202-332-3234
www.room11dc.com
This intimate wine bar offers two dozen wines
for under $12 a glass, including eight dessert
varieties to go with the pastry selection from
bakery Paisley Fig.
PIZZERIA PARADISO
2003 P St NW • 202-223-1245
www.eatyourpizza.com
As part of a move to a larger location, the
Dupont Circle branch of this pizzeria has
expanded its bar to more closely mirror its
Georgetown’s Birreria Paradiso. What this
means is that it now offers 12 rotating craft
drafts, English-style cask ale and at least
150 bottled varieties.
THE ST. REGIS BAR
923 16th St NW • 202-638-2626
www.stregis.com/washingtondc
Adorned in plush purple velvet and Kenya
black marble, this cocktail lounge for
sensualists serves luxurious libations, like the
St. Regis, with rum, tequila, orange juice and
cranberry juice and champagne.
POV
515 15th Street NW • 202-661-2400
www.starwoodhotels.com
The freshly christened W Hotel Washington offers
striking views of the monuments and White
House from its new lounge and terrace, which
feature seasonal craft cocktails conceived by
New York’s legendary Sasha Petraske.
LITTLE MISS WHISKEY’S
GOLDEN DOLLAR
1104 H St NE
A two-story bar from the fi ne folks behind
Jimmy Valentine’s Lonely Hearts Club, this
unmarked, unlisted Atlas District townhouse
is nondescript from the outside, but harbors
a bordello-like interior, in which hip socialites
sip craft beers and dance to DJed tracks.
RELIC
4936 Fairmont Ave • 301-656-1209
www.relicinbethesda.com
If a rodeo afterparty hosted by Louis XV
sounds like your kind of thing, then this tapas
lounge may be where you want to hold court.
Plates and cocktails are served in rooms fi lled
with ornate chandeliers, photos of royalty and
bar stools topped with saddles.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
EASTON, MD
70 miles east of Washington, DC
www.eastonmd.org
This charming small town is a year-round destination
for fans of Colonial and Victorian architecture,
but the winter months host several
arts events, including this month’s First Night
Talbot, an alcohol-free art festival. (Dec. 31).
FUN FACT!
If you’re looking at this
banner so are your clients
To advertise in call our
sales team at 888-864-1732
GO MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Before succumbing to the elements in 2002,
Maryland’s Wye Oak was the largest living
example of a white oak tree in the nation.
At its end, the 460-some-year-old tree had a
crown spread that covered a third of an acre.
West Palm Beach
FLORIDA
— Jeff Fleet
GO SHOP
FUN TO FINE JEWELRY
460 S Rosemary Ave • 561-805-9998
www.funtofi nejewelry.com
This jewelry boutique caters to both sexes.
Women will love the line of interchangeable
beaded bracelets from Tedora of Italy, and men
will go for Edward Mirell’s line of titanium and
cable dog tags.
COTTAGE CACHE
12000 SE Dixie Hwy, Hobe Sound
772-285-5045
www.cottagecache.com
At this spot, you’ll fi nd home accessories,
garden décor, shabby chic items, vintage
furniture and custom-made objets d’art, as
well as kids’ clothes and gift items.
MYSTIQUE CREATED GEMS
250 Worth Ave, Palm Beach • 800-778-0080
www.mystiquegems.com
This store specializes in beautiful and inexpensive
gold and platinum jewelry fi tted with the
fi nest cubic zirconium stones. There are more
than 1,000 styles from which to choose.
GO SEE
FESTIVAL OF TREES
At Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
253 Barcelona Rd • 561-832-5328
www.ansg.org
On select weekends, this enchanting sculpture
garden is fi lled with more than 25 evergreens
adorned with various themes from around
the world. The purchase of food and cocktails
benefi ts garden and community outreach
programs. Dec. 4-6 and 10-13.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHIMPS
2003 Lion Country Safari Rd • 561-793-1084
www.lioncountrysafari.com
This safari-style zoo has one of the coolest
holiday traditions around: Every year, the
chimps receive and unwrap holiday gifts while
visitors watch. It’s a nice way to spend the day
with the family and see how animals can enjoy
the holidays, too. Dec. 17.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF POLO
AND HALL OF FAME
9011 Lake Worth Rd, Lake Worth
561-969-3210
www.polomuseum.com
Winter is polo season in Florida, so now’s the
best time to stop into the museum dedicated
to this 2,600-year-old sport. It’s home to
an extensive collection of images, trophies,
videos and memorabilia.

GO EAT
BOSTON’S ON THE BEACH
40 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach • 561-278-3364
www.bostonsonthebeach.com
Order the signature basket—fried shrimp,
chicken fi ngers and onion rings—at this
beach bar and enjoy it with a round of frozen
daiquiris. $$
TAVERNA OPA
700 S Rosemary Ave • 561-820-0002
www.opapalmbeach.com
The food here is so authentic, you’ll feel like you
accidentally boarded a plane to the Greek Isles.
Order the sausage and crispy zucchini, and
keep your eyes peeled for belly dancers. $$$
III FORKS
4645 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens
561-630-3660
www.3forks.com
With thick cuts of beef, fresh fi sh and buttery
lobster, this spot is the apotheosis of the
steakhouse form. Pair your entrée with something
from the 3,000-bottle wine cellar. $$$$
GO PARTY
CLUB SAFARI
4000 RCA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens
561-622-7024
www.clubsafaripbg.com
This Aztec-themed nightclub has brought fl air
bartending and great house and hip-hop music
to South Florida for 17 years. Keep an eye out
for Rob Husted’s bartending tricks.
TRYST
4 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach • 561-921-0201
www.trystdelray.com
On Sunday afternoons, the best seat in the
house here is on the patio, next to live jazz,
blues and island bands. Order a brew from the
long list, and get ready to relax.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
42 miles west of West Palm Beach
www.lakeokeechobee.org
The second largest freshwater lake entirely
within the continental US, Okeechobee is
best known for its fi shing. You could land a
largemouth bass, crappie or blue gill.
FUN FACT!
Palm Beach County, at 1,971 square miles, is
larger than both Rhode Island and Delaware
(individually).
White Plains
NEW YORK
GO SHOP
SIREN BOUTIQUE
224 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck
914-777-2122
www.sirenboutique.com
Located near the bustling harbor, this boutique
stocks clothes and accessories with a fun,
trendy edge. Its selection of glamorous coats
will get you through the winter fashionably.
GO SEE
“A FAIRY TALE HOLIDAY”
At Lyndhurst Mansion
635 S Broadway, Tarrytown • 914-631-4481
www.lyndhurst.org
Weekends in December, guests have a rare
opportunity to see this historic building at
night. Visit the mansion’s enchanting rooms,
lavishly festooned with holiday décor, while
enjoying live music and mulled cider.
GO EAT
CITY LIMITS DINER
200 Central Ave • 914-686-9000
www.citylimitsdiner.com
Although it’s called a diner, the comfort food
menu has been updated to include housesmoked
salmon and artisan French toast made
from Challah rolls. $$$
GO PARTY
JAMES JOYCE PUBLIC
HOUSE & RESTAURANT
166B Mamaroneck Ave • 914-397-1077
www.jamesjoycerestaurant.com
This cozy pub is a perfect refuge on a chilly
day. Stop in for a pint—there are 15 on tap—
and a bite of comfort food, and cheer on your
favorite team.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM
93 miles north of White Plains • 351
Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT • 860-247-0998
www.marktwainhouse.org
The unusual architecture of Twain’s home
amuses and delights, and its museum wing
features fascinating manuscripts, artifacts
and exhibitions. Lively Hartford offers dining
and shopping opportunities nearby.
FUN FACT!
Westchester
a destination for all seasons
White Plains has nine sites on the National
Register of Historic Places, including its
Armory and the Jacob Purdy House.
Wichita
KANSAS
— Kristin Gorski — Sarah McIntosh
GO SHOP
AL’S OLD & NEW BOOK STORE
1710 W Douglas Ave • 316-264-8763
www.alsoldbooks.com
For the last 50 years, this local favorite has
drawn book lovers ready to discover great
new reads. Even if your tastes run more
toward hard-to-fi nd or out-of-print books,
stop in: Classics are easy to locate in the wellorganized
inventory.
GO SEE
“ILLUMINATIONS”
At Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
701 Amidon St • 316-264-0448
www.botanica.org
Feeling festive? Visit this sprawling series
of gardens when it is lit up with tens of
thousands of lights. The faux wisteria vines in
the Beverly Blue Garden, made out of strands
of purple bulbs, are particularly magical.
GO EAT
THE PALETTE BISTRO
613A W Douglas • 316-295-4133
www.thepalette.biz
At The Academy of Fine Art, this casual bistro
offers pastries, sandwiches, soups, desserts
and coffees to enjoy while discussing your new
favorite works, which may include some from
the attached photography gallery. $
GO PARTY
BACKSTAGE BAR AND GRILL
6140 E 21st St • 316-618-8500
www.myspace.com/backstagebar
Every night’s different at this low-key bar. Karaoke
rules the house on Friday nights, and comedy
is the thing on Sundays. If you’re more into
music, visit on a Saturday for DJs and dancing,
or keep your eyes peeled for live bands.
GO DAY-TRIPPING
BONNER SPRINGS
183 miles northwest of Wichita
205 East Second St • 913-422-1020
www.bonnersprings.org
Start a trip to this adorable Midwest town with
a visit to the National Agricultural Center and
Hall of Fame, then stop by the Moon Marble
Company to watch marbles being made.
FUN FACT!
For leisure and for business, Westchester has it all.
Festive holiday events, Delicious dining, Super shopping, ng, ,
Luxurious lodging, Marvelous meeting spaces...
Minutes away from Manhattan. Visit our web site for a
free Travel and Planner Guide, Hotel Specials,
Golden Apple Savings Pass and travel information.
A 250 million-year-old bacterium was found in a
salt mine underneath nearby Hutchinson, KS.
DECEMBER 2009 GO MAGAZINE
159

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news
MORE FOR YOU //CONTENTS
New Partnership
AirTran Airways is pleased to introduce
service to six additional markets from
Milwaukee with our partner SkyWest
Airlines. Passengers will be able to make
seamless connections between SkyWest
and AirTran flights while still earning
A+ Rewards credits. SkyWest flights can
be purchased at airtran.com. Go. There’s
nothing stopping you. ®
New Milwaukee Destinations:
Akron/Canton
New service begins January 5, 2010
with 3 daily flights.
Des Moines
New service begins February 11, 2010
with 3 daily flights.
Indianapolis
Service increases to 3 daily SkyWest
flights, effective January 5, 2010.
Omaha
New service begins February 11, 2010
with 3 daily flights.
Pittsburgh
Service increases to 3 daily SkyWest
flights, effective December 4, 2009.
St. Louis
Service increases to 3 daily SkyWest
flights, effective December 4, 2009.
All of us at AirTran Airways thank you
for choosing us today. We look forward
to seeing you again aboard another
AirTran Airways flight.
Programs
Terminals
Airwear
Routes
Beverages
Welcome Aboard
New Nonstops
Akron/Canton — Ft. Lauderdale
Allentown/Bethlehem — Ft. Lauderdale
Allentown/Bethlehem — Orlando
Asheville — Orlando
Atlanta — Atlantic City
Atlanta — Branson, MO
Atlantic City — Orlando
Baltimore/Washington — Indianapolis
Baltimore/Washington — New Orleans
Charleston, WV — Orlando
Flint — Ft. Lauderdale
Harrisburg — Ft. Lauderdale
Indianapolis — New York (LaGuardia)
Knoxville — Orlando
Milwaukee — Denver
Milwaukee — St. Louis
Milwaukee — Washington, D.C.
(Reagan National)
Orlando — New York (LaGuardia)
Orlando — Washington, D.C.
(Reagan National)
December 17, 2009
Atlanta — Aruba
Atlanta — Nassau
Baltimore/Washington — Nassau
Branson, MO — Orlando
Orlando — Key West
Orlando — Nassau
January 9, 2010
Orlando — Aruba
February 11, 2010
Atlanta — Montego Bay
Baltimore/Washington — Montego Bay
Lexington — Ft. Lauderdale
Lexington — Orlando
Orlando — Montego Bay
April 6, 2010
Dallas/Ft. Worth — Milwaukee
New Destinations
Allentown/Bethlehem
Aruba
Asheville
Atlantic City
Branson, MO
Charleston, WV
Des Moines*
Key West
Knoxville
Lexington, KY
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Nassau, Bahamas
Omaha*
162–163
164
164
165
166
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*Service provided by AirTran's partner
SkyWest Airlines.
• 161 •

Making air travel better
ByePass Online Check-In
EventSavers
Corporate Travel
• 162 • December 2009
MORE FOR YOU //PROGRAMS
With AirTran’s Net Escapes e-mails, you can
stay up to the minute with sale fares and
special offers.
Sign up at net-escapes.com today and start saving!
Check in online anywhere from 24 hours to 90
minutes before takeoff.
For more information about online check-in,
visit airtran.com.
For anyone booking a group, meeting or
convention with 10 passengers or more, one
phone call can get you substantial savings
on AirTran Airways’ already low fares.
For more information about this and other
EventSavers special offers for group travel, call the
EventSavers desk toll-free at 1-866-68-EVENT
(1-866-683-8368) or visit eventfares.com.
Start with everyday low fares
that don’t require an overnight
stay or roundtrip purchase.
Pair that with free Business
Class upgrades (pending availability), same-day
standby with no-charge, fully refundable fares
(on select coach tickets) and advanced seating
with priority boarding, and you can see why
A2B is the best corporate travel program in
the world.
See if your company qualifi es for A2B by calling
1-678-254-7458 or e-mailing sales@airtran.com
(Subject: A2B), or simply visit A2Bcorporate.com.
Business Class
It’s the world’s most affordable Business Class.
Stretch out in our two-by-two seats, which offer
more seat, leg and elbow room. You’ll also enjoy
priority boarding, which gets you on and off the
plane fi rst, as well as complimentary cocktails.
For details on Business Class, visit airtran.com or call
1-800-AIR-TRAN.
The bowl match-ups
are finally set.
Now charter the flight.
With AirTran Charters and Premiere Global Sports, you can enjoy
our award-winning customer service on the way to your team’s bowl
game—wherever it is. Avoid airport delays, select your departure
times, and choose origin and destination cities anywhere in the
contiguous U.S. or Caribbean.
Find out more at airtran.com/charter or call 1-800-965-2107 x5094
for charter sales and service. Go. There’s nothing stopping you. ®
Easy Payment Options
A secure and convenient new payment method for the
web. Buy Fast. Feel Secure. Pay Later.†
†Subject to credit approval
A safe and easy way to pay online using credit cards,
debit cards, bank accounts or stored balances through
private accounts.
Enjoy straightforward and secure online purchases using
your debit card and pin through PaySecure by Acculynk.

MORE FOR YOU
A+ Rewards. Easier. Faster.
More rewarding.
®
EARNING METHOD A+ CREDIT VALUE
One-way coach fl ight 1
One-way Business Class fl ight 1.5
REWARD* A+ CREDIT VALUE
One-way Business Class upgrade 4
One-way coach ticket 8
One-way Business Class fl ight 16
Enroll today at aplusrewards.com.
Receive credit for the fl ight you are currently
on, by signing up now at airtran.com. *A+
Rewards seats are subject to availability and
blackout dates. Taxes and fees are extra — the
September 11th security fee of up to $2.50 per
segment is not included. A segment is defi ned
as one takeoff and one landing. Passengers
traveling to/from Puerto Rico are subject to
additional government taxes of up to $32.20.
Fares to/from Mexico and the Caribbean do
not include additional government taxes of
up to $100.
With the AirTran Airways A+ Visa
your purchasing power is taken to a whole new level.
- Earn 8 A+ credits after you spend $250 and 8 more A+ credits after you
spend $500 more using your A+ Visa: the equivalent of a round-trip reward
fl ight or four Business Class upgrades.
- Get two $50 Discount Certifi cates good for AirTran fl ights every year
after the fi rst year that you pay the low annual fee.
- Every purchase made goes toward earning A+ credits for even more
reward fl ights and upgrades.
This offer is only valid when you apply on board. Ask a Flight Attendant
for an application today.
As an A+ Rewards member, renting your next car from Hertz can earn A+
credits** towards reward travel.
- Earn a 1/2 A+ credit for every rental up to four days.
- Earn one A+ credit for every rental of fi ve days or more.
Simply provide your A+ Rewards number at either the time of reservation
or drop-off of your Hertz rental car.
Click the "cars" tab on airtran.com to book your rental, or call 1-800-AIR-TRAN
and ask for a Hertz representative to receive special AirTran rates.
**A+ Rewards credits will not be awarded on travel industry rates, wholesale tour packages,
insurance/dealer replacement, or any other promotional rates or group travel. Frequent Flier
Surcharge of $.50 per day, up to a maximum of $2 per rental, may apply.
Buy One Session Get One FREE
On your AirTran Airways® fl ight, purchase a Gogo Flight Pass for $12.95
or less, and within 48 hours you will get an email with a promotion code
good for one FREE session (not valid on discounted sessions).
Offer expires 12/31/09. Free session must be used on an AirTran Airways
fl ight before 1/31/10.
The free session code is good for a single use on or prior to the date above and applies to Gogo Flight Passes valued up to $12.95. Use of the Gogo
service requires registration and is subject to the terms of use available at gogoinfl ight.com. This offer may not be combined with any other discount or
promotion. No cash value. Aircell reserves the right to change the terms and conditions of this promotion or to cancel the promotion at any time. Void
where prohibited by law. Gogo is a registered trademark of Aircell LLC and its affi liates.
Shop now, save now.
Pay for your Gogo ® Infl ight Internet session and log on to SkyMall.com/gogoairtran,
spend $75 on merchandise and receive a $12.95 instant rebate to cover your Gogo ®
Infl ight Internet purchase. Plus, earn a 1/4 A+ Rewards credit for every $50 you
spend on SkyMall merchandise.
• 163 •

TERMINALS // Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
North Terminal
AirTran MARTA
Ticket Counter
MARTA
Station
Train to
Rental Car Facility
8
7
Baggage
Service
Offices
6
5
4
3
Sky Caps
at Curb
South Terminal
• 164 • December 2009
MORE FOR YOU
2
1
Ticket
Counters
31 - 45
North
Terminal
Checkpoint
T
Main
Terminal
Checkpoint
Baltimore/Washington International
Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
International
Arrivals
E
14
Flights from Cancun
and Montego Bay
Baggage Claim
Lower Level
A
//AIRWEAR
Ticket Counter
Upper Level
B
1
2
3
4
5
A
29
27
25
23
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International
Arrivals
C D E
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Flights from
Aruba, Cancun and
Montego Bay
11a
11
8
9 6
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5
1
3
4
9
7
2
5
3
1
1a
Milwaukee General Mitchell
International Airport (MKE)
24 25
23
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Upper Level
To purchase these and other great products, visit us online at airtran.com/store, or
call our customer care center at 1-800-729-9050.
Airport Play Set
AirTran Airways Airport Play Set
in new livery design. Perfect for
aspiring aviation professionals!
Parts are both plastic and diecast
metal. For ages 3 and up.
(AT4302) $10.50
7
D
AirTran Santa Bears
Cozy and soft, this 8" tall plush AirTran Holiday Bear
will make the perfect stocking stuffer. In Blue or
White. (AT4108) $5.25
14
15
C
D
5
Baggage Claim
Lower Level
Legend
AirTran
Concourse/Terminal
Ticket Counters
1
A
Ticket Counter
Lower Level
4
Sky Cap
Security Checkpoint
Mass Transit
Car Rental
Baggage Claim
Concourse/Terminal
Designation
Customer Service
Train
Restrooms
Construction Toys
A 55-piece construction
toy. Compatible with other
construction block toys.
Not for children under 3
years. (AT4535) $5.99
E

Seattle /Tacoma
MORE FOR YOU
* Burlington
Portland
Boston
Rochester
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Buffalo/Niagara
White Plains
Detroit
New York (LaGuardia)
Allentown/Bethlehem
Akron /
Canton
Harrisburg Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Atlantic City
Baltimore / Washington (BWI)
Columbus
Dayton
Washington, D.C. (Reagan)
Charleston
Washington, D.C. (Dulles)
Richmond
Lexington
Newport News / Williamsburg
Flint
Milwaukee
Chicago
(Midway)
Des Moines
Moline/Quad Cities
Omaha
Bloomington/Normal
Denver
San Francisco
Indianapolis
//ROUTES
We serve over 50 cities across the country. And everywhere we go, low fares follow.
St. Louis
Kansas City
Wichita
Las Vegas
Raleigh / Durham
Branson
Charlotte
Knoxville
Asheville
Memphis
Los Angeles (LAX)
* Charleston
Atlanta
* San Diego
Phoenix
Dallas / Ft. Worth
Jacksonville
Pensacola
New Orleans
Orlando
Houston (Hobby)
Tampa
San Antonio
West Palm Beach
Sarasota / Bradenton
Ft. Myers
Ft. Lauderdale
Miami
MEXICO MEXICO
Nassau
Key West
Cancun
Montego Bay
San Juan
For schedules, go to airtran.com.
Effective April 6, 2010
Routes and cities subject to change without notice.
Some nonstop routes indicated operate seasonally and/or less than daily.
* San Diego, Burlington, and Charleston are served seasonally.
AirTran Airways nonstop flights
Service provided by our partner SkyWest Airlines
• 165 •
Aruba

• 166 • December 2009
MORE FOR YOU //BEVERAGES
Complimentary
AirTran Airways is pleased to offer Coca-Cola products on all of our flights. Now serving Fortnum & Mason premium tea exclusively on
AirTran flights. Visit www.fortnumandmason.com to order.
For Purchase
All Beverages complimentary in Business Class. In the main cabin, Premium Juices and Premium Water $2; Premium Coffee $4.
Icelandic
Glacial Water
Premium Water – $2
Alcoholic Beverages
AirTran Airways is pleased to offer Anheuser-Busch products on all of our flights.
Beer $5; Liquor, Signature Cocktails and Wine $6.
Merlot
Bloody Mary
Mix
smartwater ®
Chardonnay
Regular and
Decaf Coffee
Premium Coffee – $4
illy Latte
Regular and
Decaf Tea
Hot Chocolate
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards only.
Earn double points when you use your AirTran Airways A+ Visa Card to pay for drinks on board.
Premium Juices – $2
Peach Mango Tropical Punch
Signature Cocktails – $6
Florida Mango
Fuze Refresh ® Peach Mango
mixed with Bacardi Rum — takes
you away to a tropical paradise
Georgia Peach
Fuze Refresh ® Peach Mango mixed
with Finlandia Vodka — refreshingly
delicious
Maryland Punch
Fuze Refresh ® Tropical Punch
mixed with Bacardi Rum — a
splash of delight

MORE FOR YOU
Information for your safety and comfort
Check-In
AirTran Airways offers four (4) convenient
check-in options: online, online from mobile
web, at the ByePass kiosk in the terminals
and at the ticket counter. We recommend
you check in at least 90 minutes before your
scheduled departure time. Your assistance
will help us achieve an on-time departure.
Disability Assistance
AirTran Airways offers assistance to its
customers with disabilities, including wheelchair
assistance on the ground and in fl ight.
Carry-On Baggage
Customers are limited to one (1) bag per person,
plus one (1) additional personal item, such as a
handbag, overcoat, or wrap; camera; reasonable
amount of reading material; laptop computer;
briefcase; infant bag; or child-restraint seat if the
child occupies the seat. All carry-on baggage must
fi t completely underneath the seat in front of you
or in an overhead compartment. Food or drink
brought on board must be either consumed prior
to takeoff or stowed as carry-on baggage. At
times, the number of items allowed on board may
be subject to space availability and government
limitations. No carry-on item may exceed overall
dimensions (length + width + height) of 55" and
must remain within 17" long x 12" wide x 8.5" high to
fi t underneath the seat. Occasionally, a customer
may purchase an additional seat to transport an
article not suitable for acceptance as checked or
carry-on baggage. Please contact your AirTran
Airways Ticket Agent for more information.
Seatbelt
Turbulence is the most likely threat to your
safety aboard this fl ight. We do all we can
to avoid turbulence; however, in the unlikely
event of clear-air turbulence, AirTran Airways’
policy requires that unless you absolutely
must leave your seat, your seatbelt should
remain fastened about you at all times.
Flight Deck Visits
Visits to the fl ight deck are available while the
aircraft is parked at the gate. Let your fl ight
attendant know if you are interested in seeing it.
//WELCOME ABOARD
Refreshments
Complimentary snacks, soft drinks, juices,
water and coffee are served on most fl ights.
Alcoholic beverages are available at a nominal
charge in the main cabin. Business Class
customers receive complimentary drinks.
Only alcoholic beverages provided by AirTran
Airways, and served by our fl ight attendants,
may be consumed aboard this fl ight. In
accordance with federal law, we serve alcohol
only to passengers who are 21 years of age
or older, and cannot serve alcohol to anyone
who appears to be intoxicated. All food and
beverages furnished by AirTran Airways must
be collected prior to takeoff and landing.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anytime while aboard an
AirTran Airways fl ight, including in the lavatories.
Also, federal law prohibits, and a passenger
can be fi ned up to $2,000 for tampering with,
disabling, or destroying an aircraft lavatory
smoke detector. Thank you for your compliance
and helping to keep our planes smoke-free.
Electronic Devices
We ask your cooperation in turning off and
stowing all portable electronic devices when
directed to do so by a fl ight attendant. We ask
that you discontinue use of your cellular phone,
pager and personal digital assistant (PDA)
with transmitting devices once the forward
cabin door is closed. All portable electronic
devices must remain off during taxi, takeoff
and landing. We must ask that you never use
the following during fl ight: cellular phones,
two-way pagers, radios (AM/FM, VHF, or
satellite), TV sets, remote-controlled games
or toys, cordless computer mice, GPS, and
commercial television cameras. These
devices emit signals that may interfere with
the aircraft’s communication and navigation
systems, triggering a warning and creating
possible inconvenience for all passengers.
Suitable devices such as laptop computers,
PDAs without transmitting devices, audiotape
and CD players, hand-held electronic games,
shavers, cameras, and calculators may be
used when directed by a Crew Member.
Crew Interference
Please be advised that interference with
a Crew Member’s duties is a violation
of federal law. An incident report may
be fi led with the FAA regarding a
passenger’s behavior. Under federal law,
no person may assault, threaten, intimidate
or interfere with a Crew Member in the
performance of his/her duties aboard
an aircraft. Crew interference may result
in a fi ne of up to $10,000, imprisonment
or both for violating federal law.
Security
Passengers should refrain from carrying
packages or articles belonging to someone else,
and your baggage should be in your sight at all
times when not in the custody of AirTran Airways.
Hazardous Materials
Many common items used every day in the
home or workplace may seem harmless but,
when transported by air, can be very dangerous.
In fl ight, variations in temperature and pressure
can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or
start a fi re. For this reason, hazardous materials
are prohibited in luggage or from being carried
on board, and federal law requires you to
declare them. Violators may be subject to a
civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each violation
and, in appropriate cases, a criminal penalty of
up to $500,000 and/or imprisonment of up to
fi ve (5) years. Certain exceptions for personal
care, medical needs, sporting equipment
and items to support physically challenged
passengers are acceptable. If you are unsure
whether the item you wish to pack in your
luggage or ship by air is hazardous, pick up a
brochure located at the ticket counter, contact
your airline representative or visit our website.
Customer Relations
We would like to hear your comments.
Please contact us via e-mail by visiting
airtran.com and following the “contact
us” link near the bottom of the page.
• 167 •

168 PUZZLE PAGES
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170 PUZZLE PAGES
Culinary World BY
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1. Curved passageway
5. To guarantee or promise
11. Area along the waterfront
edge of a pier
16. Send packing
17. Deodorant type
18. Herd
19. Culminating point
20. Loud speaker
21. Painter Grandma _____
22. Poster heading
24. Numskull
25. Defl ect
26. Yeats or Keats
28. Russian pancake
29. Beat
32. Peppy
35. It’s under a foot
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40. Plant tissue that is responsible
for the transport of sugars
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42. “M*A*S*H” setting
43. “Are we there ___?”
44. Computer equipment damaged
by an electrical surge
45. Flightless bird
47. Cool ___
48. Light show
49. Family life, fi guratively
50. Frequently, in poetry
52. Choose
53. Offensively malodorous
54. Gone by
57. Kingdom
59. A hiker’s misfortune
61. Make beer
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62. Phi ___ Kappa
63. Warning device
64. Broaden
65. Texas cook-off dish
68. Flub
70. Block house?
73. Skin cream ingredient
76. Power to the ___
80. Contaminate
81. Layers
83. Shade of black
84. Inbox contents
85. Pencil part
86. “___ for the poor”
87. Clemency
88. Give in
89. Ear part
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1. From a distance
2. Ready to pluck
3. Squad or team
4. A six-legged animal
5. Chip away at
6. Easter preceder?
7. Happy
8. Voice below soprano
9. Farewell
10. Register formally (var.)
11. Madison Avenue worker
12. A conditional provision
to an agreement
13. Gift on “The Bachelor”
14. Done with
15. Egg holder
23. Steal from
27. Vacation souvenirs
29. Make an effort
30. Weeder’s tool
31. Knocking sound
33. Urgent request
34. Curtain holder
36. An apple or peach grove
37. Grazing area
38. Corrode
40. Support
41. A get together
42. A person from Sanandaj or Sine
44. Gift tag word
46. Chief
49. Get wind of
50. Sphere
51. Service charge
53. To’s partner
55. “Holy moly!”
56. Hold title to
58. Brief and to the point
60. Love potion
61. Glasses feature
64. Suffering
66. In a heated manner
67. Modern surgical tool
69. Abstractionism
70. Part of a list
71. Charades, eg
72. Tall tale teller
74. Face-to-face exam
75. Convenience
77. Game on horseback
78. Sacrifi cial item
79. “What ___ is new?”
82. Decade

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