Typically I don’t get enough leisure time, but I’ve decided to take a spontaneous vacation to Florida. This year I’ve already visited Florida twice, but after doing a lot of business travel, I figured I needed some personal time, so I cashed in some skymiles and here I am!
Over the past twelve months, I’ve gone to the following places, and here are some of my favorite things to do there:
- New York City, NY
Take in a show. I recommend “Book of Mormon” musical. Make a reservation at Barbetta for dinner. It’s amazing! - Chicago, IL
Visit the Art Institute because you should culture yourself! - Tampa, FL
Take the 30 minute drive to Clearwater. It has gorgeous white sand beaches. - St. Petersburg, FL
The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center is worth every penny. - Las Vegas, NV
Sure you could gamble or visit one of the many strip clubs, but that’s so gauche. Instead take in one of the many shows. I recommend “Rock of Ages,” but if musical theatre isn’t too your liking, try one of the Cirque shows. The Gallery of Fine Art at the Bellagio is always one of my go to places. Yes, you can find class in Vegas, but you have to look for it. - Los Angeles, CA
Go visit the Samuel French bookstore in Hollywood. It’s right off the strip. Buy a play or two or ten! I also recommend driving up the Pacific Highway to San Francisco regardless of what the Sassy Scotch Drinker says. - San Francisco, CA
City Light Books is a must! It’s a lovely independent bookstore and publisher. Don’t miss seeing the San Francisco Symphony perform at Davies Symphony Hall. They are one of the top symphony orchestras in the world. - Napa, CA
Hire a driver from Napa Winery Shuttle. If you are lucky, Lawrence will be your driver, and he’s awesome. Here’s a list of some of my favorite wineries. - Mahwah, NJ
There’s a cute little sushi/hibachi restaurant called Mount Fuji Restaurant just across the border in Hillburn, NY. It’s probably not the best sushi you’ve had, but the ambiance makes up for it. - Orlando, FL
So this is totally cliché, but Disney World is so much fun. I’ve stayed at several of the Disney properties, and the Wild Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favorite so far. Get a room with a savanna view so you can see the giraffes run past your window. It’s amusing to watch the warthogs play tag.