The Valleys Hottest Haunts

My article on haunted restaurants in Phoenix was published yesterday!  Check it out and let me know what you think.  http://ah-www2.ahwatukee.com/content/e-edition/2011/10/28/A14.pdf

Travel Jest...The Friendly Skies

By Sharon McKarns

On a recent trip to Orlando, from Phoenix, via Nashville, I sat transfixed (literally) in my seat.  Located near the back of the sold out airplane, I was in the Oreo position.  You know the one, the middle seat.   No available arm rests, no place to lean your head.  Nothing to do but sit up straight with your arms folded for three, or four or even five plus hours.

I had the profound pleasure of listening to the musical stylings of the large hairy gentleman to my left, as he snored an entire concert throughout the flight.  I got the added bonus of being tickled by his arm hairs as he politely utilized both arm rests.

An hour into the flight I was rewarded for good behavior.  In addition to a plastic cup full of soda to satisfy my parched lips, I was given a small bag of peanuts.  The flight attendant also offered me a bag of cookies or cheese nips.  These culinary treasures kept me occupied for at least 15 minutes.  As I sat at attention in my seat I knew it was high time this bird reached her destination.

Chicago's Water Tower Place: A Family Fun Destination

Chicago’s Water Tower Place:  A Family Fun Destination

By:  Sharon McKarns

 A little girl’s paradise, millions of blocks, and mismatched socks… these and other unique experiences await you at Chicago’s famed Water Tower Place.  Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, this eight story entertainment haven is an ideal way to spend the day for kids, grandparents and everything in between.

Just inside the main entrance of Water Tower Place lies every little girls dream; the 52,000 square foot American Girl Place.  With its trendy hot pink and black décor, girls can immerse themselves in the make believe world of their dolls.  From the sweet shop to the hospital and beauty salon, girls of all ages can indulge in the fantasy.  Don’t forget to bring your American Girl doll.  You can enjoy lunch with her in the café!

With its brightly colored blocks, interactive computer games and Lego replicas of the Chicago skyline, the aspiring builders in your family will marvel at the newly opened Lego Store on Level 2.

 Also not to be missed is the Little Mismatched Sock shop on Level 5.  Every pair of socks comes three to a pack.  The socks are coordinated, but are not an exact match.

For the ladies who lunch, the Coach store and Ann Taylor are just a smattering of sophisticated offerings at Water Tower Place.  Each level of the building has a theme to appeal to a different demographic.  From the high end shopper to the sports enthusiast, Water Tower Place has it all.

After exploring Water Tower Place, you can sustain yourself at one of the many eateries.  Food Life, a notable choice, contains 13 kiosks filled with different offerings.  From comfort food, to barbecue, to Chinese, even the pickiest eater will find something to delight in.  Each diner is given a card to swipe as they make their selections, and payment is done for the entire family at the end of the meal. 

It is these unique shopping and dining experiences, plus other, that make Chicago’s Water Tower Place a destination for the entire family.

If you go: Stop by the concierge’s desk and ask for your Premier Passport-a shopping and coupon guide. Hours of Operation:  Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Welcome!

Welcome to my travel blog.  I am an aspiring travel writer and I hope to pack my blog with interesting articles and information for travelers.