by Barbara Wade

Would it surprise you to know the town named North America’s “Best Big City” (according to Money magazine) is Portland, Oregon? Luxury hotels, natural beauty, theaters and local attractions combine to create a sophisticated city that’s quickly gaining the attention of the entire nation.

Arts & Culture in Portland

Luxury hotel accommodations are not the only sign of sophistication in this northwestern town. A vibrant cultural scene has attracted worldwide attention recently, centering on the Cultural District downtown. Two primary venues offer exceptional theater, symphony, opera and other performances: Artists Repertory Theatre and Portland Center for the Performing Arts.

The Artists Repertory Theatre is located downtown, five minutes from the famed Hotel Monaco Portland luxury hotel. Portland’s oldest professional theater company presents classic performances along with new releases. The Portland Center for the Performing Arts is host to a wide range of cultural entertainment including the Oregon Ballet Theatre, Oregon Symphony, the Portland Opera, White Bird Dance Series as well as various lectures. Portland is even a stop on the Cultural Cascades tour, which takes passengers through hotbeds of culture, cuisine, art and artists.

Romance Abounds

From the grace of the Classical Chinese Garden to the delight of performances and events at Rose Quarter, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the romance of Portland, Oregon. Hotels throughout the city offer packages designed to dissolve the stress of everyday life and release the inner Cupid in all of us.

Tour a working vineyard and experience a world-class wine tasting. Dine at award-winning, nationally ranked restaurants serving quiet, candlelight dinners for two. Or take your sweetheart by the hand, stroll down Main Street at night and watch the skyline sparkle.

Food, Fun and Festivals

Year round, Portland is abuzz with festivals and special events. Pioneer Courthouse Square (Portland’s “living room”) hosts more than 300 events per year. Welcoming over nine million visitors annually, this square includes a 75-seat surround sound theater, an amphitheater with echo chamber and a stunning garden bursting with colorful blooms.

The Rose Festival offers interesting activities from parades to dragon boat races while the Platform Animation Festival delivers laughs via retrospectives, rare screenings and guest speakers. The Waterfront Blues Festival, the second largest in the country, is always popular and draws big crowds, as does the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, the nation’s longest-running event of its kind. Attending the Bite of Oregon festival in August is also a must, with plenty of entertainment, beer or wine tastings, and plenty of delectable dishes, courtesy of the top chefs from the area.

The next time thoughts of a romantic getaway occur, think of Portland, Oregon. With riverfront views, a vibrant nightlife and gorgeous natural beauty, this is the perfect place for love.

Bangkok is a beautiful city and Thailand’s capital. It is a much visited tourist place with millions of tourists thronging to this place throughout the year. If you are also planning to visit Bangkok, then, there are few things you should know that would help you have a memorable vacation. As for the appropriate visiting time, you can visit the city of Bangkok as per your preferences. Avoid going to Bangkok in April because of the extreme heat. From July till October because of heavy rains your trip can get affected. The ideal time to visit Bangkok is during December and August as the period sees major tourist influx and if you wish to avoid the heavy crowds you may go in May, June or September. Travel around Bangkok in the best of seasons and make the most out of your vacation. A little bit of guidance and research would surely make your way easier.

Another major concern while visiting any place for the first time is getting good food. The locals or the tourist guides would surely help you in getting to the best food joints. In Bangkok, you would find the best and tastiest cuisines of your choice. You would get an astounding variety of cuisines and gourmets in Bangkok. Check out the best food at various food joints at major place like 100 Th Ratchadamri well known for its Italian thai food, Arawy is best known for Thai vegetarian, Atlanta Coffee Shop for exotic Thai breakfast, Aw Taw Kaw Market and Baan Khanitha & Gallery for Thai specialties, Bed Supperclub for the best food from all over the world, Crepes & Co for exclusive French Creepier. While you are in Bangkok, you would not find any problem in getting the tastiest and best quality food as you would find many food joints and food vendors in the streets. Apart from the mentioned ones, you can also try out the tastiest Thai cuisine at the street vendors who offer a fine blend of taste that too in awesome prices.

You must also not worry about staying in Bangkok as the place has ample hotels and resorts. You would have a good bunch of hotels in Bangkok to choose from. Check out the all time favorite Grand Hyatt Erawan, Siam Square, Majestic Suites, Sukhumvit, Artist’s Place, HI Bangkok Centre Sukhumvit 25 and enjoy the generous hospitality of the people from Bangkok. You can also try out the best of all from Viengtai Hotel, Banglamphu, Grand President, Landmark Hotel, Swiss Lodge and many others. Enjoy the generous hospitality of the Bangkok people while you enjoy your visit in the high and best quality hotels which are renowned around the world for their exclusive suites and competitive prices, too. Another best thing about Bangkok is that you would find ample ATMs suitably located all around the place. You can also redeem your traveler’s cheques at many outlets. So, travel around the beautiful Bangkok with a little help from your travel guide, after all it’s your hard earned money, isn’t it?

Michigan is the perfect venue for a couple’s romantic weekend getaway. Choose to vacation the Upper or Lower Peninsula.

Couples need quality time together. Michigan’s romantic weekend getaway is the ideal place to rejuvenate with your busy romantic partners. Enjoy recreational activities like golfing, sailing, snow and water skiing and others, promoting the arts and culture of a community. Early spring to autumn is the best time to visit Michigan.

Here are some of the romantic settings that couples will surely love:

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a great lively town that has interesting sidewalk cafes, eateries, shops and cultural opportunities. It is 40 miles away from Detriot. Ann Arbor is near some of the famous tourist spots:

• Michigan Theater

• University of Michigan

• Kensington Beach

• Planet Rock

• Cobblestone Farm Museum

• Gallup Park

• The Ark, etc.

Lake Michigan Shore

Get a scenic view of the lighthouse from this shore. Relax and unwind in the resorts. Enjoy the sunset at the beach.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a very romantic spot. It is an all-natural theme park in America. Sweethearts can explore the area, including historic parks and festivals. Couples can catch the sunset and find some evening entertainment at its finest.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls is the place where people can appreciate quiet and solitude in the 38,000 acres of pristine wilderness. The park has a wide array of recreational activities. This includes:

• Camping

• Hiking

• Fishing

• Canoeing

• Camping

• and wildlife viewing

This is one of the most visited places for both the upper and lower falls.

Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn

Sand Hills is the largest lighthouse along the Great Lakes. This tower has seven floors, with antique Victorian furnishings. Couples are treated to a modern day luxury experience.

Detroit

Detroit ranks as the U.S.’ eleventh populous city. Attractions consist of the Motown Historical Museum, Greek Town, and the Detroit Zoo.

More great places that couples can visit include:

• Wine tasting area along Southern Michigan

• Chocolate Garden in Coloma

• Grand Rapids

• Makinaw City

• The Black River Scenic Byway

• and the Michigan shoreline white sand beaches

Choose from various lodging options. There are resorts, motels, hotels, inns, bed and breakfast, and campsites. Popular choices among couples are the Atheneum Hotel and the Townsend Hotel. Two of the best bed and breakfast for a romantic weekend would be the Glen Country Inn and the Heritage Manor Inn.

Get a relaxing massage at the Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa. It also offers romantic dining, indoor water park, golf, biking and skiing.

Cozy cabin rentals are available at Michigan Vacation Rentals and the Waterfront Oscoda Vacation Rentals. Northern Michigan also has wide choices of rentals such as the Cedar Lake Lodge, The Beach House, The Barn Cottage and many more.

Some of the best weekend getaway day trips are:

• Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast – The lighthouse provides romance along the deep waters of Lake Superior.

• Garland Resort – Michigan’s most beautiful resort and golf course. Guests can do horseback riding and biking along its pristine forest trails.

• Grand Haven – Known for its Dutch Touch, having tulips along the streets during the spring time. It is surrounded by 14 county parks with access to Lake Michigan and towering dunes.

• Battle Creek – Located within Lower Michigan, presenting year round events and abundant natural resources.

• Frankenmuth / Birch Run – Popular perennial day trips for metro Detroiters offer great dining and shopping privileges.

Take time to bond with your loved one. Plan a romantic getaway and rekindle the fire in your relationship.