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EAST
EAST / EVENTS
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Bar Harbor Music Festival (Bar Harbor, ME)
The festival features a sound for every ear -- strings, brass, opera and more -- at a variety of impressive venues, among them the art deco-styled Criterion Theater built during the Great Depression. On July 24, the Bar Harbor Festival String Orchestra will play with gorgeous Acadia National Park as its backdrop at the Blackwoods Campground Amphitheatre.
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WaterFire Providence (Providence, RI)
Instant summer romance at downtown Providence's three rivers where over 80 bonfires sparkle atop the water and aromatic wood smoke fills the air. The sculpture's creator pairs a musical soundtrack with the blaze, adding powerful acoustic depth to the visual masterpiece.
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SAVOR (New York, NY)
It's a mid-June celebration of American craft beer and food. Take your pick from summer ales to IPAs to stouts in this upscale outdoor festival. Get a first-class experience with the Grand Tasting plus Salon Package for entrance to a tasting salon where you can meet privately with brewers, learn more about the craft, and sample some reserves. Since there are so many enticing drinks to savor, make sure you arrange for your ride before you head out so everyone gets home safely.
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Experience! The Finger Lakes (Finger Lakes Region, NY)
Experience! with an exclamation point offers a range of standard and customizable wine tours, perfect for couples or groups who like grapes, organic food, cooking class and/or a day at the spa. One-of-a-kind packages include a guided tour through west-central New York's vineyards and farms, culminating with a unique cooking class led by Chef Samantha Buyskes. Make sure all of your transportation is accounted for before you start your tour so you can enjoy all the vineyards have to offer.
EAST / LEISURE SPORTS
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Ruschmeyer's (Montauk, NY)
If the ambiance reminds you of a summer camp that's because it used to be one. This nostalgic escape for adults (and kids) offers a variety of activities including ping-pong, bicycling, paddle boarding and yoga. It's complete with a top-notch restaurant on premises and its "Magic Garden," outfitted with teepees and picnic tables so you can unwind after the sun goes down. Camp counselors not included.
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The Travers Stakes (Saratoga Springs, NY)
Located in historic Saratoga Springs, New York, the Saratoga Race Course hosts the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes that's known as the "Mid-Summer Derby." A week of live music and street festivals precede the August 24 race day. Reserve a picnic table in the backyard.
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Stratton Mountain Resort (Stratton Mountain, VT)
Stratton offers a rich roster of adventures for summer and winter, including tennis (with eight recently resurfaced red clay courts), motorcycle riding, golf, yoga, and paintballing during the sunny months. After breaking a sweat on the Green Mountains, return to Long Trail House to soak sore muscles in an outdoor jacuzzi.
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Point Pleasant Parasailing (Point Pleasant, NJ)
Go sky high over the shore with Point Pleasant Parasail, a Men's Journal-approved outfitter located near Point Pleasant's family friendly boardwalk. Elevate to 500 feet with one to two friends and make plans that evening in nearby Red Bank, which hosts Riverfest in early June.
EAST / NIGHTLIFE
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La Piscine (New York, NY)
Located on top of Hotel Americano in Chelsea, guests at the exquisite rooftop at La Piscine can dive into one of three tequila menus while they enjoy the amazing view. The relaxing pool setting includes "cozy cabanas and sunny daybeds." Also dine on French fare with a Latin infusion by Chef Joseph Buenconsejo.
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BOND (Boston, MA)
Skip the crowded clubs in Beantown and embrace the high-end lounge scene instead. The swankiest spot is BOND, located in an old federal reserve bank where you can luxuriate in personalized table service and custom-mixed cocktails. There's a line to get in, so be sure to call ahead if you don't want to get stuck outside.
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The Vault at Pfaff's (New York, NY)
Go back to Old New York in the 1850's where Walt Whitman wet his whistle and there's gourmet food in the subterranean lounge, which is filled with elegant, handmade furniture and classic art. Get a round of Midnight Manhattan's (with willett straight rye) with the guys or show your wife a romantic evening in the chic surroundings.
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The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company (Philadelphia, PA)
It's a must-see for prohibition-era speakeasy lovers and cocktail connoisseurs. Get 1920's-era VIP treatment and a carefully crafted drink with seasonal ingredients. The spot is hidden and located underground; an attentive bouncer will greet you and show you in.
EAST / RESTAURANTS
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ACME (New York, NY)
Danish Chef Mads Refslund leads the way at this bistro-styled infusion of American and Scandinavian cuisine. There's a buzz growing over the eclectic downtown spot, which draws a crowd for the restaurant upstairs and its more exclusive lounge down below.
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Marrakesh (Philadelphia, PA)
Bring a group here for an authentic Moroccan, seven-course feast beginning with a three salad platter followed by chicken and lamb that's eventually capped off with hot mint tea and pastries. No silverware necessary, though, as guests eat common dishes using hands (washed for you by staff). Embroidered pillows and rugs cover the walls and belly dancers make their way through during the unique Moroccan experience.
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Top of the Hub (Boston, MA)
The highest restaurant in the city with 360-degree views of all of Boston where a live jazz band makes a classy soundtrack to a business meeting or a date. Top of the Hub (American) offers a three course prix-fixe menu in addition to a chef's tasting menu. It's centrally located, so venture out anywhere afterwards.
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Cucharamama (Hoboken, NJ)
The name means "mother spoon." Culinary historian/Chef Maricel Presilla serves up an array of Latin American-themed dishes, including nearly forty tapas. The entire space is rooted in Latin American traditions -- the music, decor and the large wood-burning oven in the dining room, making for a nice date spot or just a great Latin meal.
SOUTH
SOUTH / EVENTS
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Spoleteo Festival USA (Charleston, SC)
For 17 days spanning May 24 to June 9, historic Charleston unveils its annual cornucopia of performances and exhibits; physical theater, Shakespeare, conversations with media professionals, chamber music, a hip-hop tap dancer -- you name it. Festivities begin with the Opening Night Fête, an elegant block party.
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KY Bourbon Festival (Bardstown, KY)
This 22-year-old celebration of bourbon in Bardstown, KY (April and September) draws support from nationally renowned distributors and local distillers. In other words: this is far classier than your standard outdoor bourbon fest. Previous events have included barrel-making demonstrations and a conversation with Master Bourbon Taster, and of course its main event, the Great Kentucky Bourbon Tasting & Gala. Since you will no doubt be enjoying multiple glasses of the sweet brown stuff, make sure you designate a driver or set up a cab ride home before you head out.
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Satchmo SummerFest (New Orleans, LA)
Named for New Orleans-born jazz legend Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, Satchmo SummerFest celebrates Armstrong's life and jazz through stories, images, and of course, live performances. 'Satchmo' begins on August 2 with a keynote address by the director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum in New York City, in which he'll discuss perceptions of Armstrong throughout the years.
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Painters and Paintings in the Early American South (Williamsburg, VA)
Lightheartedly dubbed "America's original social network," the exhibition boasts a seriously impressive collection of 80-plus painting and 70 portraits made in the early American South or imported to the region between 1740 and 1790. Delve deeper than familiar Revolution-era to see lesser-known works by artists who, according to the Washington Post, "catered to an increasing appetite for luxury goods among the burgeoning middle and upper classes of Colonial America."
SOUTH / LEISURE SPORTS
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Deep Sea Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico(Galveston, TX)
Family-owned 3G Fishing offers private charters for in-shore or off-shore fishing deep into the Gulf of Mexico. Stay closer inland for Texas red fish, trout, and flounder, or venture further into the waters off Galveston for Texas king fish, tuna, red snapper, ling, grouper and shark. Remember to obtain a Texas saltwater fishing license before your trip.
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Doral Golf Resort & Spa (Miami, FL)
Legendary golf course architect Gil Hanse is currently redesigning Doral's TPC Blue Monster course (through December 2013), yet four more premier, breathtaking courses remain open at Doral for players at all handicaps. They include the Jim McLean Signature Course, and a Greg Norman Signature Course known as The Great White, which is friendlier for high handicap golfers.
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Jet-Skiing on the Gulf of Mexico (Orange Beach, AL)
Located in Orange Beach adjacent to Alabama's Gulf Coast, Hudson Marina stocks a fleet of Seadoo Jet Skis and Yamaha Wave Runners for rental on a first-come, first-serve basis. Cruise around and watch dolphins play, then hitch the ride at a nearby marina to enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant.
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Private Sailing Lesson/Excursion (Hilton Head Island, SC)
Set sail aboard Stiletto or SUMO, a 27-foot catamaran and a 38-foot trimaran, respectively. Speeds and scenes vary according your taste. An experienced captain can provide a lesson or, if you're a pro, explore the waters at your own pace in a 22' Catalina Capri.
SOUTH / NIGHTLIFE
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FDR at Delano (Miami Beach, FL)
Previously called the Florida Room, ownership renamed the sophisticated space FDR at Delano, after the hotel where it resides (and of course the president). FDR draws top DJ's playing a range of music for a stylish crowd. You'll want to call ahead for a table for bottle service.
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North Carolina Music Factory (Charlotte, NC)
NC Music Factory is comprised of an eclectic mix of music and comedy venues, and bars and restaurants. From lounges to saloons to an amphitheater drawing premier acts, there's a scene for every taste, even in the same night out.
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Old Seelbach Bar (Louisville, KY)
If you're coming through Louisville (or live nearby) and you are looking for the finest bourbon in the U.S., you'll get your fix at Old Seelbach, a 1900's-era bar that's recently restored. This stop on the Urban Bourbon Trail includes bartenders that serve an extensive collection of single and double barrel bourbons that you can follow up with a classic Kentucky dessert like bourbon chocolate pecan pie. The vibe is as exquisite as the beverages, just be sure to drink responsibly and arrange a safe ride home.
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The Gibson (Washington, DC)
The opposite of "standing room only" -- you're obliged to be seated in this 48-seat speakeasy. The '20s and '30s vibe remains sophisticated as patrons enjoy meticulously prepared classic cocktails that are prepared from scratch. It's recommended but not mandatory to make a reservation.
SOUTH / RESTAURANTS
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Lambert's Downtown Barbecue (Austin, TX)
Not your average or above-average barbecue joint. It's different (or inventive) and fancier (but still casual) with live music in its upstairs bar and lounge. Lambert's uses gas-burning rotisseries and cooks some mean pork ribs and brisket (with a brown sugar and coffee rub) that pair well with a variety of sides including brussels sprouts and savory mac and cheese.
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Restaurant Iris (Memphis, TN)
It's been open only six years but owner/Chef Kelly English and his staff have wasted no time establishing Iris as one of Memphis's best. The French-Creole cuisine -- favorites include oysters three ways and a lobster knuckle sandwich-- taps into English's New Orleans roots. Coupled with excellent hospitality inside a charming renovated home, it makes a great place for a date.
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Rare Cuts (New Orleans, LA)
It's a local high-end meat market but the real attraction is the private dining; they host one private event each night (for groups from 2 to 20) and the steak, prepared sous-vide then seared, will knock your boxers off. BYOB or have wine or beer pairing by Martin Wine Cellar down the street, which will deliver directly to the restaurant.
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Miller Union (Atlanta, GA)
Stationed in Atlanta's revitalized west side, Miller Union represents the partnership between Georgia native Chef Steven Satterfield and co-owner/general manager Neal McCarthy, known to work the room. Together they present fresh southern cuisine that changes routinely based on the week's harvest.
NORTH
NORTH / EVENTS
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North American International Auto Show (Detroit, MI)
Motor City remains the mecca of automobiles in the U.S. Organizers recently announced that the annual North American International Auto Show (aka Detroit Auto Show) will open to the public at the Cobo Center in Detroit, January 18, 2014. Get there a day earlier for the Charity Preview (black tie) for an exclusive first look at the 2014 displays.
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2013 Midwest Home Luxury Home Tour (Minneapolis, MN)
Take a two-day, 17-stop tour in Greater Minneapolis through a variety of unique luxury homes brimming with fine art and high-end craftsman flourishes. It's food for thought for someone entering the market, and a nice lakefront field trip for anyone. Also take the opportunity to enjoy fine wines and gourmet cheese every Friday of the tour.
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Pro Football Enshrinement (Canton, OH)
There's much more to Pro Football Hall of Fame's Enshrinement weekend than the unveiling of bronze busts: get tickets to the Enshrinees Gold Jacket Ceremony (when inductees get their jackets), to the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable Luncheon as well as the NFL/Hall of Fame Game on Sunday. Packages for the early August events range quite a bit -- depending on whether you want shake hands with Bill Parcells, Warren Sapp and other inductees, or take in the scene from a few feet away.
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2nd Annual Big Cat "Bash for Cash" Gala (Chicago, IL)
Go casual-chic for the second annual celebrity "Bash for Cash," hosted by James "Big Cat" Williams, who suited up for the Chicago Bears for 12 seasons at right tackle. The charity is seeking to draw 300 this year (June 8) to join Williams and other athletes and prominent Chicagoans for gourmet food and cocktails and a silent/live auction to support organizations battling hunger among women, single parents and families in need.
NORTH / LEISURE SPORTS
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The Indy Racing Experience (Indianapolis, IN)
You want to go fast? Go to the mecca of IndyCar Series racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and drive or ride in an open-wheel car that was actually used in an Indianapolis 500 race. Drive three laps around the 2.5 mile oval or ride three laps (in a two-seater), or go big and drive three plus ride two.
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Air Combat Dogfight (Cincinnati, OH)
Air Combat USA has earned an excellent reputation worldwide as a leading air combat training that offers civilians the opportunity to go airborne for a "mission" in a SIAI Marchetti S260 or the carbon fiber "The Extra 300L." After you've completed practice sessions, you'll take to the sky with your flight instructor to execute flying loops, spirals and other maneuvers. Schools are located nationally; suit up at the Cincinnati location on July 19-21 or September 27-29.
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Chicagoland Skydiving Center (Rochelle, IL)
The CSC bills itself as "more than just a drop zone" and that's true but importantly it's a highly rated facility with a reputation for providing a professional, upbeat experience. The owners recently built an impressive 20,000 square foot facility housing a restaurant and well-maintained aircrafts, or "perfectly good planes." There's room for first-timers and experienced skydivers; in either case, make a reservation.
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Kayak Apostle Island's Sea Caves on Lake Superior (Bayfield, WI)
Paddle along the red sandstone cliffs of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, then under arches and into vaulted chambers. Bayfield, Wisconsin-based outfitter Living Adventures provides equipment and instruction for half day and full day trips. You'll do best visiting during summer months before Lake Superior turns frigid.
NORTH / NIGHTLIFE
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Madur Cigar Bar (Madison, WI)
Cigar and pipe smoking survives in Wisconsin at Madur where guests can enjoy both in addition to cocktails, wine, beer and music. Check out an evolving collection of cigars in the humidor ... then mellow out.
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Nicky Blaine's (Indianapolis, IN)
The Indianapolis sports bar scene takes a back seat to this sophisticated haunt reserved specifically for adults who enjoy "cocktails and conversation." It's an intimate underground lounge that offers patrons a pour of a variety of scotches, a varied martini menu, and vast collection of cigars. Classic old school.
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Big Bang Dueling Pianos (St. Louis, MO)
Owners of The Big Bang found a formula for a unique night: two musicians (slash comedians) sit at grand pianos and deul through music and laughter. The entertainers often invite a captive audience to sing along, too. Three more establishments under the same management opened since the original in St. Louis in 2001 (Nashville TN, Columbus OH, Tempe AZ).
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Pinstripes (Chicago, IL)
The three B's: bocce, bowling and bistro. It's a solid combination for the guys or a trip with the family at a 40,000 square foot property dedicated to food and entertainment, which includes live blues and jazz on the weekend.
NORTH / RESTAURANTS
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Grace Restaurant (Chicago, IL)
The name portends the atmosphere. Grace has earned a stellar reputation for its impeccable American cuisine, intimate atmosphere and conscientious staff. In the traditional or private dining room, choose one of its eight-to-twelve course chef's tasting menus -- the Flora (mainly vegetables) or Fauna (meat and seafood). Wine pairs wine pairings available, too.
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Newport Grill (Wichita, KS)
Though Kansas is very much inland, Newport Grill is well-respected for bringing in fresh seafood daily and serving fine surf in a sophisticated (but not pretentious) space. Kind of a fish out of water -- excuse the pun -- and well worth a try for locals who haven't, any anyone passing through on business.
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Boiler Room (Omaha, NE)
The four-year-old restaurant is housed in an antique building that for 120 years served as the boiler room heating the 120 year-old Bemis building (packaging manufacturer). The American menu constantly changes owing to its farm-to-table style, so you may see rabbit one night and swordfish another. Boiler Room is also noted for its excellent cocktails and mixologists.
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Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge (Minneapolis, MN)
This classic Minneapolis steakhouse hangs its old neon sign out front but on the inside has a recently renovated bar, lounge and dining room. Its staple hasn't changed, either: the Silver Butter Knife Steak for Two, a 28 ounce strip sirloin carved right at your table. Nice spot for happy hour, too.
WEST
WEST / EVENTS
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Wanderlust (Squaw Valley in North Lake Tahoe, CA)
The festival is all about getting zen, relaxing and absorbing the great outdoors at several scenic locations throughout North America, this one in particular alongside California and Nevada's giant alpine lake. The event merges yoga instruction, music and DJs, passionate talks and meditation hikes all in the name of chilling out and finding inner peace.
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Sundance Film Festival (Park City, UT)
You don't have to be credentialed or a Weinstein Brother to attend the revered independent film festival (January 16-26, 2014). Register for festival passes and book a room early, then check out the schedule for films you want to check out when the slate of films and panels gets announced. It's worth bringing your skis, too.
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Festival Del Sole (Napa Valley, CA)
Connoisseurs and casual drinkers, couples and groups alike will find plenty of entertainment or at least the bottle of a fine bottle at this fairly new 10-day festival in California's winemaking region beginning July 11. Highlights include a jazz performance under the stars, plenty of grapes and an art and wine reception at the Napa Valley museum (with VIP pass).
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Denver's Great American Beer Festival (Denver, CO)
The premiere event for beer drinkers, GABF boasts the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served. You won't find a selection this varied anywhere else in the states, so make sure you come with a plan to make the best of your experience. The annual event will be held this year from October 10-12 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. And if you plan on enjoying more than one of these delicious beers, make sure you secure a ride home before you arrive.
WEST / LEISURE SPORTS
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Skiing , Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking (Big Sky, MT)
It doesn't matter the season -- Big Sky in Montana boasts an array of options in the great outdoors. In the winter you'll hit the slopes of course to explore over 5,000 skiable acres, and during summer challenge yourself with rock climbing, mountain biking, a ropes course, or take a ride down Big Sky's zip line (opening July 2013) at nearby Yellowstone National Park.
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Cycling (Marin County, CA)
Ship your own bike or rent from Fairfax Cyclery and pedal south toward Mount Tamalpais or any direction for incredible views. For an easier ride, try Bolinas Ridge Loop or China Camp State Park which overlooks San Pablo Bay. And make sure to swing through Marin City and Sausalito to catch an up-close view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
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White Water Rafting at Clear Creek (Canon City, CO)
White water rapids have a way of humbling even the bravest among us. It's a thrilling ride and in many parts of Clear Creek very relaxing during the stretch through a historic mining town filled with wildlife. Raft Masters outfits for partial day trips or a full day through class II rapids up to the max.
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Wind Surfing and Kiteboarding (Hood River, OR)
About an hour east of Portland find Hood River, which is known for its wind surfing. There's plenty of quaint places to stay between Portland and Hood River plus scenic camping areas like Multnomah Falls. Hook up with Hood River Waterplay for wind surfing equipment and training.
WEST / NIGHTLIFE
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The Bungalow (Santa Monica, CA)
Not to be confused with Larchmont Bungalow in Los Angeles, the Bungalow in Santa Monica takes the form of a Baja-style 1947 cottage with five distinct but not separate spaces: a "study," a main bar, an outside deck, a "state room," a game room and a garden room for private dining. Grab a margarita and sit down... somewhere, anywhere.
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The Big Picture (Seattle, WA)
More than an ordinary or above-average speakeasy. At The Big Picture you can sip a martini while watching a movie in its classy, 100-seat theater/lounge where staff will continue serving during the show. There's probably no better show to see there than the visually stunning "Elysium."
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Red Devil Lounge (San Francisco, CA)
This intimate two-floor nightclub was converted from one of San Francisco's many historic theaters. Dimly lit and friendly, it now plays host to a multitude of musical genres and has a reputation for serving some of the finest cocktails in the Bay Area.
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Lily Bar & Lounge (Las Vegas, NV)
Try Tryst or Rain to assay the club scene but at some point stop by Lily at the center of the Bellagio's Resort and Casino for a sophisticated break from the action. The place is posh and the drinks a bit pricey but you'll enjoy the scene which also includes a number of HDTVs so the sports fan in your group won't miss a play.
WEST / RESTAURANTS
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Flagstaff House (Boulder, CO)
Just outside Boulder, Flagstaff House is built into the same-name mountain where floor to ceiling windows allow guests a stunning view of the sunset and city below. Cuisine is French-American served by an attentive staff with 12,000 bottles at its disposal to pair with your dish. Save room for some incredible desserts.
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Deseo (Scottsdale, AZ)
Situated within The Westin's Kierland Resort & Spa, deseo is headed by Chef Douglas Rodriguez, regarded as the Godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine. Rodriguez recently appeared on Top Chef Masters, so dine at deseo and judge his adobo pork y tlacoyo or pan-seared halibut for yourself.
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Solbar (Calistoga, CA)
Amidst the breezy grounds at top Napa spa and resort Solage, Solbar is an elegant but not pretentious Michelin-starred delight that draws ingredients from fertile Napa Valley. Presentation is impeccable, the staff is delightful and the flatiron steak an absolute work of art.
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Anasazi (Santa Fe, NM)
It's tucked inside the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi and convenient from downtown but worth a trip in any case for its elegant atmosphere and presentation of its southwestern-inspired seasonal offerings. Staples include its duck enchilada mole and grilled elk tenderloin. And don't miss the outside patio that makes a nice spot to enjoy a cocktail.