Spring time in Atlanta, GA proves to be a very busy time for the city. Many festivals and events start to take place for the locals and tourists. One such festival that has been going on for years is the Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival which is hosted in Atlanta’s beautiful Piedmont Park. This year the event will take place on April 16, 17 and 18. Attendees will be able to enjoy fine art, live entertainment of different kinds ranging from music to comedy. There will also be a variety of food offerings all over the festival for visitors to try and buy.

This year at this 74^th Annual Dogwood festival there will be great new features like the International Stage, Friday Night Comedy Show and Friends of Dogwood Pavilion. Although, this is the city’s oldest festival every year they make it seem just as spectacular and new. Because the Dogwood Festival has become a major event in the Atlanta area, it was honored with a variety of awards including Reader’s Pick award for Best Annual Event (Creative Loafing), Readers Pick for Favorite Festival (Atlanta Magazine), Best Annual Event (Georgia Magazine) and a Silver Award for Best Community Outreach Program for the International Stage from the International Festivals and Events Association’s Pinnacle Awards.

Here are some things you are expect from this years festival:

Arts: The 2010 Atlanta Dogwood Festival Artist Market participants have been selected from the largest number of exhibitor applications in Dogwood history. The Artist Market welcomes fine artists from throughout the country and will include a special section featuring Georgia artists.

Global: Visit the exciting performances on the International Stage. Visit the International Village and get a picture next to a favorite foreign holiday destination without even having to leave town. There will be golf carts representing different destinations decorated by a local international organization or consulate to bring the world to Atlanta!

Spectators: The Main Stage at the 2010 festival will include performers from a variety of musical genres. Dogwood attendees can also enjoy the popular live dog show on the lawn or hit the Friday Night Comedy show at the Lake Clara Meer stage.

Foodies: The “Friends of Dogwood Pavilion,” a ticketed event that has become a popular feature of the Dogwood Festival, will be open Saturday and Sunday. The Pavilion pairs fare from top local restaurants with wines and beers to show the upscale side of the city’s longest-running outdoor festival. Tickets to Friends of Dogwood can be purchased in advance at www.dogwood.org or at the door.

Kids: Designed just for the younger festival visitors, the Kid’s Village has become a Dogwood favorite for families. This interactive zone comes complete with hands-on art projects, special kid-friendly displays and hours of entertainment for children. Spider Jump, anyone?

Contacts:
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
404-817-6642
www.dogwood.org
info@launchatlanta.com

Date & Time:
April 16 – Friday 12:00 – 9:00 PM
April 17 -Saturday 10:00 AM – 9 PM
April 18 -Sunday 10:00 AM – 5 PM

Location:
Piedmont Park
400 Park Drive NE
Atlanta

As per usual, Luckie Food Lounge is in full swing with a full crowd on Wednesday night.  DJ Infamous and co. man the turntables as the star studded, dudded-up crowd bump n’ grind to Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne, and of course, the man of the hour, birthday boy Gorilla Zoe.

The 2009 album Don’t Feed the Animals of this former Boyz n da Hood member crowned the U.S. Rap Chart in 2009, as every car stereo in Atlanta blared the go-hard anthem, Lost, and the hauntingly rhythmic lament, Echo.  In the style distinct to rappers of our fair city, surrounded by an entourage sporting t-shirts boasting his name, Zoe celebrates another year of the good life – popping bottles of Grey Goose Vodka, posing for pictures, and enjoying the attention of many a lovely lady.

To the Luckie staff members, many of whom are inveterate to the club since its 2007 grand opening, serving such renowned faces as Jazze-Pha is now customary for a Wednesday night at one of Atlanta’s premiere hip hop hotspots.  It is at the same time its exclusivity to the stars as well as its accessibility to them that has culminated the notoriety Luckie possesses today.

Its considerable dance floor expands to an equally-spacious dining room.  The high ceilings leftover from the former Mercedes dealership begets an openness that distinguishes the restaurant/club from other similar concepts around town.  For Luckie, the combination goes hand in hand.  Having sustained respectability in both their Sushi and their American-fare menu, Luckie is equally as passionate about their special events, bottle service, and top-notch wait staff.

By night Luckie’s fish tanks are incandescent highlights to the dark club, and along with the bamboo-lined walls, evoke Luckie’s sleek, sexy style.  By day, the tanks are a subtle reminder to the employees of CNN, World of Coca-Cola, and Ernst and Young who frequent the lunch spot, of the Georgia Aquarium located directly across Ivan Allen Junior Boulevard.

The Sky Bar upstairs, formerly limited to VIP guests only, has recently opened up to the public, and possesses a beautiful view of the city.  Though not pastoral, watching the sunset reflected off the Ernst and Young building while relaxing on the open-air couches is just as sublime to city-lovers as an endless horizon is to beachcombers.  Look beneath you and the glass tile reveals the dance floor from a story below.  Inside the covered area, you can shoot a game of pool over a couple of cocktails from the full bar, or even a bite from the menu.

After your next visit to the beluga whales at the Aquarium or for your next ballin’ birthday party, make Luckie your destination and treat yourself to a taste of Atlanta culture and the variety it has to offer.  Who knows?  You may get lucky and meet somebody who’s somebody.

*First part of title is a quote borrowed from the song “It’s What You Thinkin,” by rap master, Tech N9ne.  Mad respect.

Whether you are heading to a metal show at Lenny’s or to the bottom of a pitcher at 97 Estoria, chances are you will pass through the Krog Street Tunnel.  Intersecting Dekalb Avenue and Wylie Street, the graffiti-blanketed tunnel conjoins more than Cabbagetown and Inman Park.

From the humblest tag – an artist’s signature, to intricate pieces – in the sense of slang for masterpieces – the tunnel is a cultural hub.  Along with its 4 and ½ star ranking on yelp.com, the tunnel has that other factor which makes something a place: pathos.

Built in the early 1900’s and becoming a popular canvas since the ‘80’s, the tunnel’s persistent controversy is more intriguing than its history.  Though not legally a free space to draw graffiti, and despite certain neighbors’ disapproval, it is clear the tunnel is going to be painted regardless of any resistance.

Even when a long-time Cabbagetown resident jumped from a tree at 2 a.m. and punched a kid who was tagging the wall, artists remained undeterred.

The tunnel today is proof that creativity will find its own avenue. Though it is considered poor form to “tag” over another’s work, any blank space the tunnel once had has been exhausted with multiple layers of spray paint. Unless one were to hazard a column closer to the road, in order to make a mark on this notorious street forum, it is considered a necessity to eclipse fellow artists. It is this “here today, gone tomorrow” sentiment that perhaps furthers the competition while also maintaining the public interest in the tunnel’s constant evolution.

Yet the Krog Tunnel does not just serve as a street gallery for tourists and locals alike to enjoy, it triples as a political forum and advertisement space also.  Littered with show posters, anti-war sentiments, and simply sentiment, the tunnel embodies a certain pulse of the city.  Though some artists simply scribble “Akron cats is da hardest,” another takes it upon themselves to lend perspective, i.e. “3,000 DEAD IN IRAQ IS BAD.  1,000,000 DEAD IN DARFUR IS WORSE.”  Whynatte, Atlanta’s original canned coffee drink, is endorsed in yellow letters on the outside of the tunnel on the Wylie Street side.

Many artists eschew a platform altogether and let the art speak for itself, using the colors of the Rasta – red, yellow, and green – to paint the sun rising out of a woman’s hair.  Someone even portrayed Detective Lenny Briscoe from the infinite-seasoned Law and Order.

Though not advisable at night – just a thought prompted by the sight of a column boasting a Sur 13 gang tag – visiting the Krog street tunnel and observing the diversity it represents is a must for those who want to see and know Atlanta.  May be if not visiting on purpose – a good idea might be just to begin noticing, when you inevitably drive through it, the constant evolution of one of Atlanta’s most interesting free exhibits.

Feel free to explore the original TheRealAtlanta.com photo collection here by the author of the article. Click on any photo image at the bottom of the page to get to a higher resolution one.

Dialogue in the Dark at the Atlantic Station Exhibition Center
(Ongoing until March 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Have you ever wondered what a blind person’s life is really like? In this unordinary exhibition, the blind will guide normal visitors through galleries and interactive environments without any light. This is surely to be an “eye-opening” outlook on how the blind fully use their other senses, and how sometimes valuable things are not appreciated enough. The exhibition center is located at 265 18th St., Suite 4200, Atlanta, GA.
Tickets

Dweezil Zappa plays at the Variety Playhouse
(11^th at 8:00 p.m.)
Dweezil will be rocking out with his musically inherited guitar talent from his father, along with six other members. This show is a tribute to his father, Frank Zappa. The Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, close to the Carter Center and Virginia Highlands.
Tickets

Karaoke Monday’s at the Uptown Comedy Corner
(11^th at 8:30 p.m.)
Special K. from the Ricky Smiley Morning show will be hosting Karaoke this Monday. Come perform a song you may have in mind, or get a kick out of other people singing! Uptown is located at 800 Marietta Street, ATL, 30318.
Tickets

Open Mic at Meehan’s Public House
(12^th at 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
Come prepared to sing acoustic, and compete! If you win over the most people with your performance, you’ll win a pretty great prize; free bar tab, cash, and a cab ride home! Meehan’s is located at 227 Sandy Springs Place, Suite 416, Atlanta, GA 30328.
Reservations

American Idol Viewing Party at the W Hotel
(13^th at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Review season nine’s auditions at the location they started in! There will be food from Jean-Georges Spice Market from 7-8pm and American Idol themed cocktails from Whiskey Park. The W is located in Midtown at 188 14th St. NE, ATL.
RSVP to watlanta.midtown@whotels.com
Directions

The Ansley Park Playhouse presents “A Sunday Afternoon at Loehmann’s”
(14^th at 8:00 p.m. & 17^th at 3:00 p.m.)
Shopping has become a form of fun relaxation, and the Southern ladies in this play will be displaying just that. The story starts off innocent, and then progresses into the dysfunctional standards of everyday living. It’s a very witty show that shouldn’t be missed. The Ansley Park Playhouse is located in the Peachtree Pointe Building on 1545 Peachtree Street.
Ticekts

Shen Yun at the Cobb Energy Performance Centre
(15^th at 7:30 p.m., 16^th at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., 17^th at 2:00 p.m.)
Shen Yun Performing Arts presents Chinese dancing that has been tradition for centuries. You will see the ancient legends and heroes come to life. Along with this, the Shen Yun Orchestra will be playing their original pieces with classical Western and Chinese instruments. Come to Cobb Energy for this uplifting experience at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339.
Tickets

The Loft presents Avenue X
(15^th at 10:00 p.m.)
The Loft is going to hold Avenue X – which is a new wave night presented by DJIT and Warholboy. The cover charge is $5 for 21+, and $10 for 18-20. The location is in Midtown at 1374 W. Peachtree St.
Information

Gwinnett Performing Arts Center presents Ralphie May
(16^th at 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.)
Ralphie May has been a professional comedian since the age of 17. He has made appearances on Comedy Central, Craig Kilborn, Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, and The Man Show. You may have even seen him on the infamous website Youtube. The Gwinnett Center is at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097.
Tickets

Living Novel at the Relapse Theatre
(16^th at 9:00 p.m.)
The Relapse Theatre is offering something a little different in the arts department. Living Novel is a book that reads itself going along with music, all put together by Trey Duke. The general admission price is $10, but students can get in for $5. The Relapse Theatre is located on 380 14^th street, Atlanta.

Directions

When hunger strikes in the late hours of the night, you have a few choices of places to eat at in Atlanta. At 3:00 a.m. your choices usually include: Waffle House, IHOP, and McDonalds. After a possibly long night, coming to these few places may not be your first choice. These choices may not be seen by everybody as very healthy, full of quality, and may not be the tastiest ones either. If only there was a more appealing options.

Off Peachtree Road a unique restaurant by the name of R Thomas Deluxe Grill is present. They are open twenty-four hours, everyday of the week. When asking an employee about their more detailed hours of operation, their truthful response is that they are more on the closed side between 5:00 am to 8:00 am for cleaning. That is not enough for them to lock the doors though!

Walking up from the parking lot behind the establishment, the colorful parrots and other sleeping birds are surely to catch your eye. The initial visual appeal is only the beginning of R Thomas experience. On the outside of their restaurant there are wind chimes ringing lightly against the city breeze, unconsciously pulling you inside. They definitely have an interesting atmosphere. It’s lively, colorful, and full of eclectic décor not only on the outside. The dining area is basically an area under a tent with lots of bead curtains. It is not lavish, but do not let that get your hopes down for their food. The employees may seem intimidating with their interesting tattoos and piercings, but don’t let that lead you to believe they are not nice and caring!  When asking the waitress to categorize the employees, her response was: “We are a little bit hippie, indie, goth, and punk, but we are mostly misfits.” The restaurant is full of interesting knick knacks and trippy lights on the ceilings and on the walls. It is a very inviting place, especially for hungry tummies and wandering eyes.

Other dining places usually have breakfast as the main entrée for eating at late hours. R Thomas has a small section for their omelettes, but that is not all they have to offer. They do offer flax chips, smoothies inside coconuts, portabella linguine, and their preferred Thomas burger. A really healthy aspect is that everything is organic including the meat, sugar packets on your table, wine and beer!

The restaurant welcomes both carnivores and herbivores. They are kid friendly, and do not put honey in kids’ smoothies to avoid potential risks in their systems. They really display motivation to please everyone. R Thomas is a great restaurant in the day, and even more satisfying at night with their diverse menu.

R Thomas has been open since the fall of 1985. It continues to be a desirable destination for the people of Atlanta. You do not have to settle for less. Come drop by for a memorable eating experience – anytime your heart desires!

Ghosts of Atlanta Walking Tour
(Every January night at 7:30pm)
Our southern city has been through a lot in its years of existing. In the tour you will experience places where the active spirits are still present. Tours begin at the corner of Ponce De Leon and Peachtree Street at the corner of the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
Reservations

Hip Hop Jam Session at the Apache Café
(5^th at 9:00pm)
The session will include guest DJs and artists, and a chance for everyone to have the mic and jam out with the band. Apache is a very welcoming place, and the cover charge is only five dollars. The café is located at 64 Third St., Atlanta, right in Midtown.
Information

Ladies Night at Loca Luna
(6^th at 8:00pm)
Starting off the night, free salsa lessons will begin at 8:00pm. After that, live salsa and meringue music will be played for your dancing pleasure. It is a free event, but you are welcome to take advantage of their tasty tapas dishes! Loca Luna is located at 550-C Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, 30306.
Directions

First Thursday Downtown Artswalk
(7^th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm)
The first Thursday of every month, downtown holds an open walk through galleries at numerous venues for free. You can move at any pace you would like through the cultural and historical downtown.
Information

Christian Finnegan at The Punchline
(7^th at 8:00pm; 8^th at 8:00pm & 10:00pm; 9^th at 7:00pm, 9:00pm, & 11:00pm; 10^th at 8:00pm)
Mr. Finnegan is well known for being a panelist on VH1’s “Best Week Ever” series. He is continuously making appearances on Comedy Central; you may have even seen him on “Chappelle’s Show”. The Punchline strives to present the best working comedians, and with Christian, they are definitely succeeding! The location is 280 Hilderbrand Drive, ATL, in the Balconies shopping center.
Tickets

Improv Act
(8^th at 10:30pm)
The improv act is titled Ask Dr. Frapples. In this act the audience members guide their questions to this psychiatrist, and get possible solutions to your troubles. Dad’s Garage is located inside Inman Park facing Lake Avenue. The exact address is 280 Elizabeth Street, Suite C-101, Atlanta, GA 30307.
Tickets

Behind the Sun plays at Andrews Upstairs
(9^th at 9:00pm)
Behind the Sun is a tribute band devoting their performances to their love of music by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Detroit Mutant Radio will be rocking out with their alternative hip-hop type music as well. East Andrews prides itself as “Atlanta’s most intimate concert setting”. It is located at 56 East Andrews Drive Suite #10.
Tickets

Dweezil Zappa plays at the Variety Playhouse
(11^th at 8:00pm)
Dweezil will be rocking out with his musically inherited guitar talent from his father, along with six other members. This show is a tribute to his father, Frank Zappa. The Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, close to the Carter Center and Virginia Highlands.
Tickets

The Red Light Café presents the Atomic Rockets and Psycho Devilles
(21^st at 8:00pm)
Located on Amsterdam Avenue, the café is full of art work from locals, giving it an artsy feel. Both bands are in the rockabilly genre. Grab an after dinner drink at The Red Light, and spread your musical horizon wings a little farther.
Information

The Soul Shakers playing at Blind Willie’s
(22^nd at 9pm)
In Virginia Highlands there is a Cajun restaurant by the name of Blind Willie’s. They have been infamous for years for being one of the best blues clubs around. The Soul Shakers are a rhythm and soul rock and roll band. They are very influenced by the 50’s and 60’s. Come get some Cajun food and listen to The Soul Shakers for $5.
Information

Cavalia in Atlantic Station
(22^nd at 8:00pm; 23^rd at 3:00pm & 8:00pm; 26^th at 3:00pm & 8:00pm; 27^th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm)
Cavalia is not something to miss in your lifetime. It takes place in the huge white tent you may see in your peripheral view while driving on the highway. Come be amazed by the strong and magical bonds that are held between these acrobats, dancers, and the 60 beautiful horses.
Tickets

Day Before Christmas Eve Jam at The Five Spot
(23^rd at 9:00pm Doors Open)
The Five Spot is very diverse, on other nights they feature live art, animations, and many genres of musicians playing. The jam will be featuring Uprise, Charlie P, and EP3 PA Set. If you can make it before 10:00pm, you’re free!
Information

Halo Lounge holds the Matzo Ball
(24^th at 8:00pm)
This will be a high-energy night full of matchmaking and networking. The Society of Young Jewish Professors has been presenting this ball for 23 years now. They encourage Jewish singles to come out, but all nationalities are welcome! It is surely to be a crazy night full of partying at the magical Halo Lounge.
Tickets

Ice Skating at Centennial Park
(24^th at 10:00am – 5:00pm; 25^th at 5:00pm – 10:00pm)
Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink is in the middle of Centennial Park! It’s the thirteenth year of their holiday tradition, which includes their extended holiday hours. At only $7, this is definitely a fantastic holiday event.
Information

The Laughing Skull Lounge presents comedian Dan Mengini
(26^th at 8:00pm & 10:00pm; 27^th at 7:00pm & 9:00pm)
In the back of the Vortex Bar and Grill is where the Laughing Skull Lounge settles. They are the smallest full-time comedy venue in the world, but bring some of the bigger names in. Dan has been on Adult Swim, One Tree Hill, and has over 35 television appearances. This is a great chance to experience both great comedy and an atmospheric restaurant in the heart of Little 5 Points.
Tickets

Atlanta Botanical Gardens presents Holiday Nights
(26^th - 30^th at 5:00pm – 10:00pm)
Take a relaxing walk through the magical gardens full of lights and take a look at the model trains chugging along. Take advantage of their extended hours! There will be holiday music accompanying you through your journeys, along with a cash bar!
Tickets

Everybody wants to spend their vacation at a place that offers a lot of worthwhile events and activities. To really enjoy, you should be at the right place at the right time. Since there are a lot of holiday destinations around the world, you should be able to point out where you want to go. Why look any further when U.S.A alone is enough to offer you everything you’re looking for in a perfect holiday.

If you are planning to spend your vacation with your family but have no idea where to go, you are reading the perfect article. This is your ultimate guide to the top 4 states in the U.S.A where you can have the most memorable experience of your life.

1. Las Vegas

We’ve seen all the commercials about this city and truly, Las Vegas is the city of ultimate guilty pleasure, and whatever happens there actually stays there. This city is a neon playground for all types of adult fun. From posh nightclubs to wedding chapels, and one-of-a-kind shows to flashing slot machines, you can be sure that vacations Las Vegas have it all.

2. Atlanta

Atlanta has always been known as the city with rich history and culture. It is even called “the city not too busy to care.” This city is also referred to as a perfect example of a very successful urban growth and development and evidence of this can be seen in Atlanta hotels that are considered as some of the best in the country.

3. Los Angeles

The Paramount Studios, the Hollywood Sign, and the purple and yellow Lakers – these icons bring only one city to mind – LA! People visiting Los Angeles have different purposes in mind; however, whatever your purpose is, you can always find cheap hotel rates Los Angeles for a more practical trip and accommodation.

4. San Diego

Picture-perfect weather, miles of wonderful beaches, and the kindest people on Earth are what make San Diego really a popular tourist destination. This gem found in Southern California is actually one of the most beautiful cities in the country. San Diego combines the old-fashioned charm of Mexico added with the modern and contemporary edge. In a city where the sun resides, San Diego is indeed the best place to get away for stimulation and relaxation. Are you planning to go to San Diego for a holiday? If so, do your hotel reservations San Diego now!

About the Author

Your search for the most incredible holiday destination has now ended. Whether you are looking for perfect vacations Las Vegas, great Atlanta hotels, cheap hotel rates Los Angeles, or planning to do hotel reservations San Diego, www.5-STARHOTELS.ORG can help you! Visit the site now!

Atlanta, a city with rich culture and history, is touted as the “city that is not too busy to care.” It is also a perfect example of thriving urban growth and development. Evidence of this can be seen all over Atlanta from its skyscrapers to the many first class restaurants, shops and Atlanta hotels spread throughout the city.

Downtown Atlanta

Like other cities, the downtown Atlanta serves as the heart of the government and business. However, it is not the center of cultural or social scene because it closes it doors after the busy business hours.

Midtown Atlanta

The skyline of Midtown Atlanta is dominated by mighty Atlanta hotels standing side by side with the headquarters of giant businesses such as BellSouth and IBM. This part of the city is also the home to the cultural outlets such as the High Museum of Art, Fabulous Fox Theater, and the Woodruff Arts Center. Known for its cultural diversity, Midtown Atlanta is the home to the city’s gay community. You will also see lots of rainbow flags wind blown from the porches of the wonderfully restored Victorians between 10th Street and Ponce.

Atlanta Hotels

Presenting cozy suites and guestrooms in a vivacious atmosphere, Atlanta hotels are a great way to start a memorable and exciting holiday in Atlanta. Suites and guestrooms in these hotels are fully-equipped with the latest facilities to make sure that their guests enjoy a comfortable stay. The elegant atmosphere of the city as seen from these hotels offers the guests, from all walks of life with the panoramic view of the city skyscrapers. So whether you are in Atlanta for leisure or for business, Atlanta hotels have endless offerings to make the stay of their guests a perfect one.

The city of Atlanta boasts of its top sightseeing attractions, native and diverse culinary delights, shopping extravaganza, and luxury accommodations offered by Atlanta hotels. Tourists may also stroll along the midtown and downtown paradise dotted with souvenir shops and stopovers, evoking the essence of a really culturally diverse city. From arts, history, and religion to the amazingly beautiful hustle and bustle of city life, Atlanta indeed has everything to offer.

Major Atlanta hotels are ideally located close to entertainment and business districts and are very close to any mode of transportation. There are also a lot of popular tourist attractions as well as shopping malls close to the hotels, giving any guests all the convenience and luxury of life!

About the Author

Modern facilities, dazzling and great restaurants, and provision of world-class comfort, luxury, and hospitality – these are what you will get with the Atlanta hotels. Whatever your holiday plan is, www.5-STARHOTELS.ORG can help you! Visit the site now!

Imagine taking an American vacation in a place that makes you feel you are on a European beach. Well, the Hotel Delano does exactly that. From the first moment you walk through its doors, you feel as though you are walking out of normal American civilization and into a grand European hotel.

Offering it’s guests a location that is beyond beautiful, a sushi house with the best rolls in the city, and the most chic and luxurious surroundings of any hotel on South Beach- The Delano has it all. Not recommended for those on a budget, but if you have the capacity, you should put this hotel at the top of your list.

When you first walk through the lavish entryway you immediately see a long hallway with remarkably high ceilings and columns. These white columns go from the floor all the way up, with long draping white fabric in between them. To your right is a lavish sitting area with a beautiful custom made couch accented with some scattered mismatched chairs. To your left is the front desk, where you are greeted by a friendly staff and a concierge that will do anything you ask, including making your reservations at the best places in Miami.

Walking down the hallway, to your right you will notice a quaint restaurant with the capacity to hold no more than 30 people at a time called Blue Sea. Here you will find an assortment of sushi that you can not find anywhere in the US. It is recommended to get there as soon as they open at 7pm, because within an hour they have a waiting list several hours long.

As you continue down the hallway you will see a vast array of different sitting areas, from a gold chair that looks like the arm of a woman, to couches and benches; all of which will be filled with hundreds of people come nighttime.

When you finally reach the end of the hallway you come to the large restaurant in the hotel, called Blue Room. They are open early and have great breakfast options. Dinner reservations fill up fast here, and once you do get a table, you should be prepared to wait. No one is in a hurry at this restaurant- but the food is descent, and if you can snag a table on the terrace then you will have a view to die for.

Continue past the restaurant, down the stone steps and you finally reach the best part of this hotel: the pool area. To get there you first walk through a garden equipped with a large hammock, couches, and chess boards. There are also some interesting props around, like a very large mirror, and a ladder leaned against a small tree.

The infinity pool is surrounded with white pool chairs, umbrellas, and about 7 cabanas. In the cabanas you have your own flat screen TVs, a fan to cool off after sitting in the sun for hours and electrical outlets if you want to bring your laptop to surf the internet. The guests here are mostly European so don’t be surprised when you see women sunbathing topless!

Finally, if you continue walking out the security guarded gates you find yourself in the private beach whose white umbrellas and chairs match the ambiance of the pool. Top it off with a beautiful view of the ocean, and crystal blue water that is just begging you to take a dip.

With the beautiful surroundings and great location, The Delano is the perfect place for a getaway that makes you feel thousands of miles away. Right in the heart of Miami, with Ocean Drive just around the corner, you are in a prime location to go out on the town. My suggestion- save on airfare and spend the extra money to stay at The Delano in South Beach. The perfect place to get away from it all!