April 30th, 2010
Going somewhere for the first time is always an adventure for most people as there is something indescribable about being in a city for the first time, seeking out and finally getting to admire the sites that one might have previously become familiar with through TV or perhaps film. As for myself personally I get a sensational feeling that I am entering a new world every time I get off that train or airplane or what ever means of transportation I might have used to teleport me to that city which I am venturing to discover. That feeling is one that can perhaps be compared to seeing an opera for the first time where at first all we know is the name of the piece but when we read the synopsis and hear the music then that opera becomes more then a name of a piece written by a certain composer, it becomes much more then that, it becomes a living work of art capable of inspiring our imagination and perhaps even fantasy.
The same can be alleged about a city which we are visiting for the first time which at first perhaps we only know as a dot on a map that looks no different from any other dot on the same map but takes on a whole new life when we cross its threshold and learn the truth that lurks behind those walls that cities used to have in days of old. The life I speak of is in the streets which we see packed with stores, restaurants, bars and above all those nameless faces of people walking to their destinations, and it is precisely all these things that like the opera transform the city into more then a mere dot on a map but another world which like the opera can also inspire our imagination and even fantasy.
To many all operas maybe a repetition on to themselves but not to those who share love for them as to them there is something of difference in every opera, just like to those who find civilization in cities there is something of difference in every large metropolis that sets it apart from the rest. That difference may come in the form of a mood or ambiance different cities provide to those whose sensitivity allows them to detect the elegance of Paris, the hustle and bustle aggressiveness of New York City, the imperial grandness or its remains that are to be found it the eternal city which is Rome, the strength that is London and many other cities to many to mention, but then again to many the difference may also come in the form of simple monuments which serve as calling card for a city.
There are certain monuments or so called landmarks that one spends ones whole life hearing about sometimes these landmarks are the only reason that makes one go to a particular town or city in the first place, for instance how many people would really be visiting the city of Pisa if not for th at tower which if not for the fact that it is or was made defectively would simply pass for another tower which could be found in any other city any where in the world.
I must say that I am not ashamed to admit that the main goal if not the only goal of my travels is and always has been to visit large cities. It is in these large cities where I can do all the things that interest me and one can correctly assume that if an activity can not be performed in a city such as skiing or other such, shall we say “outdoor stuff” then that activity does not interest me in the very least.
The things that attract me to a city are for the most part small in number but great in significance so I will present a list of some of the biggest attractions that “great cities” offer which I will begin for no specific reason with landmarks which in my opinion best symbolize not only a city but the nation where the city finds itself in. One item which must never fail to present itself on any list of mine regarding attractions offered by cities is museums which I adore for the reason that I am a history buff true and true who has spend many a night reading books by the likes of Norman Davies and Paul Johnson who me being American is more to my liking.
In conclusion I will say this though in the ears of some it may place me in the category of pretentious and it being that I do not have or have ever had any desire in seeing the country or what some refer to as nature, for my idea of nature is going to “Central Park” and sitting by that castle or castle like structure which can be found near a small lake in midtown Manhattan or watching it on board a fast moving train when ever traveling from one city to another in the hope of reproving to myself the worthiness of the words of the first mayor of Athens, Greece not Georgia, which were “all good things flow in to the city”.
Categories: Holiday |
Tags: Cities, Love | Comments Off
April 25th, 2010
Jefferson City was chosen as Missouris state capital in 1821 and was named after Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States of America. Jefferson City is nestled in the Ozarks on the banks of the Missouri River and is near the geographical center of the state. The city is located along Hwy 54, Hwy 50 and Hwy 63, is 30 miles south of Columbia, Missouri and almost centered between Missouris major cities of St. Louis and Kansas City. The City of Jefferson had a total of 39,636 residents, as of 2000 and the median age was 36 years.
Jefferson City has a deep historical background and illustrates a romantic atmosphere with many buildings dating back to the 1800s. The Lohman building was built in the late 1830s and is believed to be the oldest structure in the city. This three-story limestone treasure now exhibits transportation of the nineteenth century. Other historical attractions include the Missouri State Governors Mansion, the Carnahan Memorial Garden which was renamed in 2001 after the death of Governor Mel Carnahan, the Cole County Historical Museum and the Missouri Supreme Court Building. The city also embraces a long list of historical homes such as the Schmidt Apartments, Ivy Terrace, Towles-Buckner House, Oscar Birch House, Villa Panorama, Cole County Historical Society, Wendielin Buehrle House, Dix House, Upshulte House, Hugh Stevens House, Orchard Acres, Jefferson Female Seminary, Schroeder House, Oberman House, Parsons House and Sinclair-Hagner House that each add to the richness and ambiance found there.
Perhaps the most sought after attraction in Missouri is the Missouri State Capitol Building. The Capitols dome rises 238 feet about ground level and is perched on the bluffs of the Missouri River. The building creates a picturesque view of the city for travelers arriving from the north. Completed in 1918, the Capitol offers exhibits and tours that give a superb historical education of the State of Missouri as well as the building itself. Other museums and attractions in the city include the Missouri Veterans Memorial, Cole County Historical Museum, Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial, Missouri Veterinary Museum, Museum of Missouri Military History and Missouri River Regional Library.
Jefferson City sits on some of Missouris most beautiful terrain and offers an outdoor retreat with various parks and golf courses. Eagle Knoll golf course is ranked as the third best value in the nation and challenges all levels of play. Oak Hills Golf Center, Railwood Golf Course, Turkey Creek Golf Center and Redfield Golf Course are favorite places for visitors and residents alike. The City of Jefferson has numerous parks including Binder Park, Joseph C. Miller Park, Ellis Porter/ Riverside Park, McClung Park, McKay Park, Memorial Park and Family Aquatic Center, Miller Street Park, Washington Park and Cole County Park. Most notable is the citys portion of the famous Katy Trail.
Classic entertainment for the whole family can be found at the Marvic Skate Center, The Washington Park Skate Park, Washington Park Ice Arena, West Gate Lanes, Capital 4 Theatres and Capital 8 Theatres. The city also has a shooting range at the United Sportsman Club. City night life can be enjoyed at several night clubs such as Mikes Corner Pocket, Bones, Pitchers, College Club, Spectators and the Budweiser Inn Bar & Lounge.
The City of Jefferson appreciates fine art and is home to the Miller Performing Arts Center, Jefferson City Community Concert Association, Jefferson City Symphony, Little Theatre, Capital City Players and Stained Glass Theatre.
The Jefferson City Public School District operates Jefferson City High School. There is also a private school, Helias. Lincoln University is also a landmark institution and in 2004 was ranked fifth in diversity for graduates and seventh for having the most international students.
The shopping experience in Jefferson City ranges from quaint Mom and Pop specialty shops to chain stores as well as the Capital Mall. Downtown Jefferson City, on High Street, has been a focal point of the city for over 150 years and yet the city is continuously expanding to offer more to its residents and visitors.
Wildwood Crossing offers familiar stores such as Pier 1 Imports, Old Navy, MC Sports, Goodys, Petco, TJ Maxx, Shoe Carnival, Barnes and Noble, Cingular Wireless and more. Chain stores such as Best Buy , Lowes and Wal-Mart are also along Missouri Boulevard. The Capital Mall holds major department stores such as JCPenney, Sears and Dillards as well as stores like Victorias Secret, Bath & Body Works, Buckle, Tuesday Morning, Payless Shoe Source, American Eagle Outfitters, Christopher & Banks, Claires Boutique, Deb, Dollar Tree, EB Games, Foot Locker, Hot Topic, JoAnn Fabrics, Kay Jewelers, KB Toys, Maurices, Radio Shack, Rex TV & Appliance Center, Shoe Department, Things Remembered, Trade Secret, Zales and more.
Dining in Jefferson City ranges from fast food to fine dining and caters to every occasion. With restaurants like Madisons Caf?Arris Pizza Palace, Michaels Unforgetable BBQ, McDonalds, Roly Poly, Paddy Malones Pub, Capital City Steak House, Pizza Hut, Sonic, Subway, ODonoghues, Coltons Steakhouse, Applebees, Ruby Tuesdays, Dairy Queen, Fazolis, Taco Bell, El Jimador, China Garden, High Street Pub, Zesto Drive-In, Kate & Allys, Old Brick House Deli, Lees Famous Recipe Chicken, Alexandros and more, choosing just one place at a time will be the hardest part.
The City of Jefferson is a gracious host to travelers looking for the charm of a small town with the amenities of a city. It honors a rich past and embraces a prosperous future.
Categories: Holiday |
Tags: City, Jefferson, Missouri | Comments Off
April 21st, 2010
Despite a gloomy economy and a stumbling real estate market, Oklahoma City remains a viable market with strong buyers and sellers working together to rejuvenate the economy. If you are in the market for a real estate investment, Oklahoma City is a prime location to find some of the countryÕs best deals.
Oklahoma City is located near the center of the state of Oklahoma and serves as the stateÕs capital and the seat of Oklahoma County. The city covers 621 square miles, making it one of the largest cities in land area in the United States, according to the official Oklahoma City website. The city has a population of 558,000 people.
Energy forms an important piece of the economy, both of the city and of Oklahoma state, with oil reserves first discovered in the area in 1928. ÒOklahoma remains an energy state and the heavy concentration of oil and gas activity in the metro area will provide a boost to area job and income growth as long as energy prices remain high enough to encourage local firms to expand their operations,Ó according to the 2008 Oklahoma Economic Outlook report by Mark C. Snead of Oklahoma State UniversityÕs William S. Spears School of Business. Because of this, the rising oil costs that are bringing other regions to their knees may actually be helping counties in the state of Oklahoma.
ÒThe Oklahoma City region is outperforming the state for much the same reason that the state is outperforming the nationÑenergy,Ó according to Snead. ÒThe greatest income gains in the metro area have occurred in Oklahoma County and have propelled the county among the ranks of the top ten nationally in terms of income growth in recent data releases.Ó
The city boasts a low median housing cost of $134,900, according to Zillow.com, and 87 percent of Oklahoma City homes are occupied, leaving the area with a 13 percent vacancy rate. Of occupied homes, 38 percent are rental units with the remainder being owner-occupied. A property owner in Oklahoma City should expect to pay approximately $1,104 per month for property-related expenses and mortgage payments, while owners without a mortgage will pay approximately $373 on average, according to 2006 U.S. Census data. Median gross rent was $570 per month as of 2005, according to census data.
Oklahoma CityÕs overall economy may bode well for investors. Although job growth in the area was down in 2007 from previous years, it still exceeded the national average growth rate for the year. The Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced a job growth rate of 1.7 percent for 2007, a drop from a rate of 2.2 percent in 2005. The United States averaged a growth rate of 1.3 percent for 2007. Oklahoma City is expected to add 6,800 jobs in 2008 and 9,400 jobs in 2009, according to Snead.
And, despite the difficulties befalling housing markets around the world, Ò[t]he Oklahoma City construction market has hardly noticed the national building slowdown and should remain strong through 2009. While some housing-related hiring weakness is expected in the financial services sectors, the metro area will primarily be impacted by the national housing slowdown in an indirect manner through marginally slower U.S. economic growth,Ó according to Snead. He also wrote that homeowners can expect home values in the Oklahoma City MSA to increase by 2 to 4 percent through 2009.
So there you have it, Oklahoma City remains a diamond in the rough. It is a perfect time to consider this pristine Midwest city is the place to invest your next real estate dollars.
Categories: Holiday |
Tags: Bubble, Busting, City, Estate, Midwest, Oklahoma, Real | Comments Off
April 17th, 2010
Welcome to the most happening city which is indeed ‘Always Turned On’. Welcome to the Atlantic City in New Jersey which will take you to a new delight with every passing moment. The Atlantic City is well known for its casinos and boardwalks. The nature of the Atlantic is welcoming and this reflects in the growing number of tourists each year. And there are many who are regulars in this always turned on city.
If you are interested in trying your luck then this city is Las Vegas for you. The numbers of casinos here definitely don’t outnumber Las Vegas but the sheer fun and adventure definitely matches its charm. So join the gang on the tables and try your luck. Win or lose at the table but end of the day this city makes you the real winner with the joy of enjoying every moment of your life here. If you have had enough of the casinos then try out these places of adventure, historical significance and mesmerizing wildlife. The places you must see during your visit to the Atlantic City are Bsecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City Historical Museum, Birch Grove Park And Wildlife Zoo, Boating, Cape May County Park Zoo, Gardner’s Basin, Gillian’s Island Water Theme Park, Hamilton Mall, Hard Rock Café, Lucy The Elephant, Ocean Life Center, Planet Hollywood, Renault Winery, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, Sandcastle Stadium, Steel Pier, Story Book Land, The Noyes Museum, and Towne Of Historic Smithville. All these places give you a definite insight on the varied mood of the Atlantic City.
Lodging or finding a good hotel in the Atlantic City is not a problem in case you have made prior reservations. Moreover as a visitor you can find hotels for every budget and if by any chance you are on a tight budget you can definitely find a suitable place in the Atlantic City. There is a place for every budget in Atlantic City. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Atlantic City includes air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc. The restaurants here offer several delicacies including continental food. That means whatever your taste buds demand the restaurants here can fulfill the demands. Explore every possibility with the finest restaurants in te Atlantic City hotels and Casinos. Reaching the Atlantic City is also convenient with it connected to the aerial routes from many locations around the globe through the Atlantic City International Airport. If you want to add more adventure to you’re the Atlantic City experience we would suggest you to make a road trip to the city amidst the beautiful nature.
The Atlantic City is a lively city with many around the year events and exciting nightlife. You can be part of many events and if you wish to be a part of any special event you can plan your trip calendar according to the event. For most the Atlantic City is one destination for an endless adventure. And why not? This part of the world offers innumerable opportunities, adventures and terrains to explore. The Atlantic City is definitely a place to visit and if you haven’t planned a vacation it’s now high time to plan one to the land of boardwalks nature and casinos.
Categories: Holiday |
Tags: Atlantic, City, Hotels | Comments Off
