<![CDATA[Travel news from metro.us/philadelphia]]> en-us <![CDATA[Make the most of your trip and spend the night in Philly]]>
1. Five hotels are offering a package that includes two tickets to the National Constitution Center's "From Asbury Park to the Promise Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen" through Sept. 3. Participating hotels include Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, Sheraton Philadelphia University City, Omni Hotel at Independence Park and Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City.

2. Not surprisingly, the "Play and Stay" hotel package is perfect for families. Available at The Inn at Penn, Sheraton Philadelphia University City, Embassy Suites Philadelphia - Center City and Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, the package includes four free general-admission tickets for the Please Touch Museum.

3. It's the end of the world as we know it -- at least at the Penn Museum, hosting "Maya 2012: Lords of Time," through early 2013. Hotel package buyers get a pair of VIP tickets to the exhibit, a free audio tour and discounts to both the museum shops and cafe. The package is available through Jan. 13, 2013, at The Inn at Penn, Sheraton Philadelphia University City, Embassy Suites Philadelphia and the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia.

4. Sesame Place's "Stay and Play Getaway Package" comes with two "Elmo Any 2-Day" tickets and offers package buyers the chance to upgrade to higher-level season passes. The package is available at more than 20 hotels through Oct. 28.

5. The popular two-night "Philly Overnight Hotel Package" is available any day of the week at more than 30 participating hotels. The package's most popular perk: free hotel parking.

Want more?
For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.visitphilly.com or www.uwishunu.com. You can build itineraries, search event calendars, see photos and videos, view interactive maps, sign up for newsletters, book hotel reservations and more.

-- Contributed by The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(r) a premier destination through marketing and image-building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality. ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143774--make-the-most-of-your-trip-and-spend-the-night-in-philly Tue, 22 May 2012 17:18:15 -0400 METRO, PHILADELPHIA http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143774--make-the-most-of-your-trip-and-spend-the-night-in-philly <![CDATA[The sounds of summer: Philadelphia’s festival season has something for everyone]]> Roots Picnic
June 2 and 3 www.okayplayer.com
For the fifth consecutive year, the always-eclectic Roots Picnic lands at the Festival Pier at Penn's Landing. But this time it's bigger and better, with 20 performances spanning two days. As always, ?uestlove, Black Thought and the rest of the Legendary Roots Crew headline the picnic, but this year they also serve as the backing band for a performance by Golden Era hip-hop innovators De La Soul.
 
Must see: Indie-rock fans will be pleased to see St. Vincent and tUnE-yArDs take the stage, and for those craving frenetic dance music, don't miss former Philadelphian Diplo (who performs solo and with DJ Switch as Major Lazer) and James Murphy of the late LCD Soundsystem. But the weekend truly belongs to great hip-hop, with performances by emerging local Chill Moody, genre-smashing Power 99 DJ (and producer of Nicki Minaj's "Stupid Hoe") Diamond Kuts and experimental-rap duo Shabazz Palaces.

Riot Fest East
July 19-21, www.riotfest.org
Last year's inaugural Riot Fest East brought classic punk bands like X, The Descendants and Philly's Dead Milkmen to Penn's Landing. And this year, Riot Fest East expands to a three-day festival taking place at both the Festival Pier and the TLA on South Street.
 
Must See: Only the opening night has been announced so far, but it promises to be a wild one. Legendary Swedish punks Refused headline, followed by Midwest emo band The Promise Ring. Also on the bill is OFF!, the thrashing new punk quartet led by Keith Morris, who is a former member of Black Flag and the Circle Jerks. But the highlight of the first night will be the relatively unknown local band +HIRS+, who specialize in packing 30 second songs with unbelievable amounts of riot.

XPoNential Festival
July 20-22, www.xpn.org
Local Philly radio station WXPN's annual fest features more than 20 bands in three days at Wiggins Park on the Camden waterfront.
 
Must see: The lineup includes some exceptional bands: sometimes-experimental rockers Wilco, early '90s folk-rock stalwarts the Counting Crows, the hard-partying The Hold Steady, Canadian singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards and the new band led by Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo. But the local performers are the real highlights this year. Don't miss longtime West Philly favorites Dr. Dog, the jovial pop of Good Old War and the hard-traveling, pedal-to-the-metal rock 'n' roll of the War On Drugs.

Philadelphia Folk Festival
August 17-19, www.pfs.org
This longest continuously-running festival of its kind celebrates its 51st anniversary this year at Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township.
 
Must see: Roots-rock veterans Little Feat headline this year, with legendary songwriter and Grammy-nominee John Hiatt hot on their heels. First Lady Of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson, who made an immaculate comeback last year with the help of producer Jack White (White Stripes) on her album "The Party Ain't Over," brings her raucous twang down to the farm.

Summer at the Mann
www.manncenter.org
The Mann Center returns with its excellent summer concert series. The Philadelphia Orchestra takes over for three nights (July 19-21), and the Pittsburg Symphony performs music from the classic video game "The Legend Of Zelda" on July 25.
 
Must see: On June 23, Jill Scott hosts her Summer Block Party, which includes a performance by West Philly hero and Will Smith collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff. The centerpiece of the Mann's summer series is two consecutive nights (July 29 and 30) with the ethereal Icelandic pop ensemble Sigur Ros.

Labor Day weekend: Made in America festival
Jay-Z's gigantic Labor Day weekend party on the Ben Franklin Parkway is gearing up to be the can't-miss event of the summer. On Sept. 1 and 2, nearly 30 artists will descend on Philadelphia for the Budweiser Made in America festival. "Everybody knows my love affair with Philly from the great artists I've signed from here," Jay-Z said at a press conference on the art museum steps. "It's going to be a great day in Philly."
]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143756--the-sounds-of-summer-philadelphia-s-festival-season-has-something-for-everyone Tue, 22 May 2012 15:51:24 -0400 ELLIOTT SHARP, PHILADELPHIA http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143756--the-sounds-of-summer-philadelphia-s-festival-season-has-something-for-everyone <![CDATA[Food trucks fuel Philly]]>
The Dapper Dog
www.thedapperdog.org
The Dolce Vita (provolone, pepperoni and tomato sauce) and the Mack (macaroni and cheese) are just a couple of the hot dog-topping options at The Dapper Dog.

Lucky Old Souls
www.twitter.com/losburgertruck
A jazz radio show and a concert series were the earliest ventures for Lucky Old Souls, which has since expanded into a burger truck, emphasizing farm-to-truck goodies like grass-fed beef burgers, hand-cut fries, thick milkshakes and freshly made condiments.

Buttercream
www.buttercreamphiladelphia.com
From Love Park to South Philly and back again, Buttercream -- helmed by "the cupcake lady" -- brings cupcakes to the masses in tempting flavors like banana with Nutella buttercream and yellow cake with peanut-butter buttercream.

Guapos Tacos
www.twitter.com/guapostacos
One of the newest roving kitchens to hit Philadelphia's streets is Iron Chef Jose Garces' bottle cap-bedazzled Guapos Tacos truck. Frequenting neighborhoods like Northern Liberties and Fairmount, Guapos serves up simple Mexican fare such as guacamole with cotija cheese, along with pork, duck and vegetarian tacos.

Rival Bros
www.rivalbros.com
An espresso bar on wheels, Rival Bros' truck serves up lattes, pour-overs and drip-brewed cups in University City. It also sells fresh-roasted beans by the bag.

Denise's
Soul and Caribbean foods mix and mingle on the giant platters dished out at Denise's,
a 30th Street Station landmark that specializes in jerk chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese and candied yams -- all easily sopped up with slices of Wonder bread.

-- Contributed by The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(r) a premier destination through marketing and image-building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality. ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143754--food-trucks-fuel-philly Tue, 22 May 2012 15:44:23 -0400 METRO, PHILADELPHIA http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143754--food-trucks-fuel-philly <![CDATA[10 ways to get red, white and blue in Philly this summer]]> Independence Hall
www.nps.gov/inde
Here, the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution was adopted.

National Constitution Center
www.constitutioncenter.org
Leading the 225th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Constitution, the Center is hosting "From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen" through September.

National Museum of American Jewish History
www.nmajh.org
This museum marks the trials and triumphs of Jews through every phase of U.S. history.

The President's House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation
www.phila.gov/presidentshouse
View structural fragments of the home where Presidents Washington and Adams lived during their terms and where nine enslaved people served the first president.

Betsy Ross House
www.betsyrosshouse.org
The former home of America's most famous flag-maker is open to the public.

Liberty 360
www.historicphiladelphia.org
This 3-D show, narrated by Benjamin Franklin, explores American symbols of freedom.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia
www.aampmuseum.org
Taking a fresh and bold look at the stories of African-Americans through the innovative use of technology, photographs, videos and artifacts.

Christ Church and Burial Ground
www.christchurchphila.org
This is the former house of worship for George Washington, Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin and the final resting place of Franklin and his wife.

Wawa Welcome America!
www.welcomeamerica.com
Celebrating the nation's birthday in its birthplace, this city-wide party (June 25-July 4) includes free concerts, fireworks shows, an ice cream festival and much more festive fun.

Liberty Bell Center
www.nps.gov/inde
This is home to the famous cracked bell that was a symbol of freedom for abolitionists.

Want more?
For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.visitphilly.com or www.uwishunu.com. You can build itineraries, search event calendars, see photos and videos, view interactive maps, sign up for newsletters, book hotel reservations and more.

-- Contributed by The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(r) a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality. ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143752--10-ways-to-get-red-white-and-blue-in-philly-this-summer Tue, 22 May 2012 15:36:11 -0400 METRO, PHILADELPHIA http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143752--10-ways-to-get-red-white-and-blue-in-philly-this-summer <![CDATA[Barnes Foundation focuses art world’s attention on Ben Franklin Parkway]]> www.visitphilly.com/withart) recently launched to let visitors curate their own plentiful art experiences.

Art Museum
www.philamuseum.org
One of the city's most recognized buildings, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, houses Renaissance, American, Impressionist and Modern artworks. In celebration of the Barnes' opening, the Art Museum will display "Gauguin, Cezanne, Matisse: Visions of Arcadia," June 20 through Sept. 3. Outside of the museum, visitors can strike their best winning pose in front of the Rocky statue.

PAFA
www.pafa.org
Best known for its 19th- and 20th-century American paintings, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is also a national leader in fine arts education. PAFA is marking the opening of the Barnes Foundation with "PAFA and Dr. Barnes," featuring pieces from the permanent collection that relate to Barnes's tastes and philosophy, through July 8.

Franklin Institute
www.fi.edu
The Fels Planetarium, the Tuttleman IMAX Theater and the Joel N. Bloom Observatory join with flight simulators, a sky bike and the iconic Giant Heart to make The Franklin Institute Science Museum a fun favorite for all ages. Through Oct. 14, The Franklin hosts "Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Biblical Times."

Rodin Museum
www.rodinmuseum.org
In July of 2011, the Rodin Museum unveiled its redesigned outdoor sculpture garden; in July 2012, the museum will open its fully renovated interior, home to the most extensive public collection of Auguste Rodin's works outside Paris, including "The Thinker" and a bronze cast of "The Gates of Hell."

The Barnes
www.barnesfoundation.org
To house the late Albert Barnes' treasured art holdings, architects have designed a building that duplicates Barnes' original gallery while adding classrooms and an interior garden space. The new Barnes Foundation allows the world's largest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, as well as African sculptures, to be viewed as intended. Reservations are suggested.

-- Contributed by The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(r) a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality. ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143750--barnes-foundation-focuses-art-world-s-attention-on-ben-franklin-parkway Tue, 22 May 2012 15:16:22 -0400 METRO, PHILADELPHIA http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143750--barnes-foundation-focuses-art-world-s-attention-on-ben-franklin-parkway <![CDATA[Get to know the other Jersey Shore]]>
For families: Ocean City
Ocean City takes its self-appointed title of "America's Greatest Family Resort" seriously. Just this year, the squeaky clean, historically dry town shot down a proposal that would have allowed patrons to bring their own wine or beer to restaurants. Does it limit dinner plans? Yes. But it also makes for a family-friendly beach scene, a retro-wholesome boardwalk and blissfully peaceful condo rentals.
Eat this: Manco & Manco Pizza is a boardwalk legend, serving up what pretty much everyone on the island -- and nearby Philadelphia, for that matter -- will tell you is "real pizza." Order up as many of the thin, ocean air-kissed slices as you can hold, and get ready to fend off the seagulls -- they're in on the secret.

For a retreat: Stone Harbor and Avalon
While many shore communities aare packed with sun-burned tourists, you're likely to sit next to locals at the neighborhood bars of these lower-key locales.
Make reservations here: Headed up by a team of Philly chefs looking for a little summer fun, The Diving Horse (www.thedivinghorseavalon.com) offers something that the Jersey Shore admittedly lacks: a kitchen that's as skilled as it is ambitious.

For pool parties: Wildwood
With its rowdy boardwalk and hard-partying downtown, Wildwood has long been the Jersey Shore's spring break capital. But even if you're not interested in the Jell-O shot tray, the island also boasts gigantic sprawling beaches that regularly end up on "best of" lists for their free access -- not to mention swings and seesaws.
Ride this: Morey's Piers extend out over the sand, packed with amusements and waterslides -- and not the second-rate kind you usually find at beach towns. Roller-coaster nerds will get their fill with both the old-school wooden Great White and its loopy younger siblings, while slower-paced beach bums should book a white-linen breakfast on the iconic looming Ferris wheel.

Stay here
While the laid-back vibe is the draw of Stone Harbor and Avalon, there's a nightlife scene for when you're done with your book. Right on the border of the two towns, the newly remodeled Windrift Hotel (www.windrifthotel.com) offers a variety of lounges and bars, including a third-floor ocean-front deck with killer views.

AC alternative
Atlantic City is the spot for beach-side nightlife, but she's not nearly as hot in the morning. If you're looking to hit up the casinos, consider setting up camp in neighboring Brigantine. The lower-key shore point is a quick cab ride away and offers quiet beaches to work on your tan before going out.
]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143674--get-to-know-the-other-jersey-shore Mon, 21 May 2012 16:55:54 -0400 MONICA WEYMOUTH, PHILADELPHIA http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143674--get-to-know-the-other-jersey-shore <![CDATA[Get to know Nicaragua]]>
Dine in: Managua
At Intermezzo del Bosque (www.intermezzodelbosque.com), a spacious outdoor restaurant overlooking the capital, constellations illuminate both your table and the night sky. A cool breeze that carries with it the operatic hum of cicadas adds to the romantic ambiance. Take a Macuá — a cocktail of Flor de Caña rum, lemon and guava juice — with you along the observation path where stools meet the edge of the hillside for a panoramic view. Top off a sensational dining experience by getting your fingers sticky with hojuelas, a simple dessert of crisp fried corn tortillas drenched in honey.

Shop in: Masaya
Spend hours and cordobas, the national currency, perusing stalls for souvenirs at the Masaya market. Skilled craftsmen hock wares of all kinds: Leather goods, pottery, hammocks, tyke-sized xylophones called marimbas and carved masks of wild animals and pink-faced Spaniards that celebrate the nation's folkloric history. Trade haggling for a hike through dry tropical forests at nearby Masaya Volcano. At its summit, pungent gas billows from the crater stinging your nose and pumice gravel collects in your sandals.  

Stay in: Granada
The doors are always open in this colonial city on the coast of Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake. Backpackers and bicyclists tread stone streets lined with lemonwood trees and cafe tables. Peer through the ornate metal gates of Moorish buildings painted every color imaginable for a slice of the slow-paced life inside. Outside at night, the older citizens socialize in wicker rocking chairs while young couples make out on a cathedral's steps. Wake up in the center of it all with a traditional Nica breakfast — rice and beans, eggs, cheese and tortillas — at the immaculately preserved Victorian Dario hotel (www.hoteldario.com).  

Spend an afternoon in: Ometepe
On a ferry to the desert island at Lake Nicaragua’s center, snap pictures of the perfectly conical and highly active Concepcion Volcano, one of two that form this fertile biosphere reserve. Kick up the dust on plantain farms and cattle ranches and kayak on the Charco Verde Lagoon or at beaches with oceanlike waves. For only $2, dive into Ojo de Agua’s natural spring swimming pools. At this low-key oasis shaded by a canopy of trees, locals and tourists mingle and kids take turns belly flopping into its crystal clear waters from a rope swing. (www.ojodeaguaometepe.com)

Party in: San Juan del Sur
A billboard advertising condos as you enter the laid-back surfing village declares: "Live your dream" and a growing number of expats living here are doing just that. Shuttle from Casa Oro (www.casaeloro.com) to nearby Playa Remanso, a quiet beach for beginners to get their feet wet surfing whitewash. Bikini-clad but hopefully not sunburned, brave the catcalls when you return to the city and indulge in a frozen chocolate banana or chill out with an iced coffee at Gato Negro, a library, cafe and all-around gringo outpost. Restore body and mind with Zen Yoga (www.zenyoganicaragua.com). Live guitar, a glass of wine and an unbelievable sunset accompany their monthly Vinyasa y Vino class. Keep the flow going at El Colibri, a charming Mediterranean restaurant that's always crowded but worth the wait. Or savor local seafood in an Adirondack chair on the beach at El Timón. Pop music blasts from a neighboring roof-deck, reeling you into San Juan del Sur's raucous nightlife. It's 4 a.m. — there's plenty of time to rest before the next high tide.

Retreat to: San Carlos
If you really want to get away, Montecristo River Lodge (www.montecristoriverlodge.com) is a four-hour drive from Managua along Lake Nicara-gua's east coast and an hour via speedboat on the San Juan River bordering Costa Rica. Far from accessible city life yet never completely silent, reptilian, bird and insect calls come in surround-sound in their pri-vate, rustic bungalows. The de-cor is eclectic: Plants sprout up from rusted boat propeller borders and sporting goods hang in the main cabana, an octagonal husk-capped hut with hammocks strung at nearly every side. Wooden placards in-scribed with visitors' names and where they hailed from mark the walkways, fading from harsh sunlight. There's no Wi-Fi, so unplug and simply enjoy this humid, verdant wildlife refuge. Since the ecolodge offers fishing day trips, it's no wonder that the catch of the day, grilled fresh at your request, is perfect. Wash it down with a pitcher of fresh-squeezed pineapple juice from Montecristo's own farm. ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143048--get-to-know-nicaragua Mon, 14 May 2012 16:13:33 -0400 GINA ANGELOTTI, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1143048--get-to-know-nicaragua <![CDATA[Mother's Day golf gifts: These picks are sure to please any golfing mom]]>
An added bonus to buying golf gifts for that special lady in your life is that you're working within a familiar universe. Not to generalize (OK, I guess to generalize), but my guess is that if you're a guy shopping for Mother's Day, you're going feel a tad more in your element browsing the ladies clubs at Golf Galaxy or picking our shoes at Golfsmith than you would be looking for that elusive purse or the perfect perfume.

Even if you think you'll just wander in and pick up a pink version of something you use, think twice. There are a lot of options out there, but I've boiled down a list of gift ideas ranging from the extravagant to the whimsical. These items have crossed my desk in recent months and should all prove to be a real hit for Mother's Day.



Annika Academy

Annika Academy
Golf Instruction, Orlando, Fla.
From $1,900 up to $9,245
Is this an extra special Mother's Day? Maybe the new baby's been keeping her up through the nightfor months? Or maybe the last of the kids has gone off to college? Did you just get a nice bonus and want to say thanks like never before? If you want to indulge her, how about a few days at Annika Sorenstam's golf school in Orlando? Whether mom's looking to take her game to the next level, has always wanted to learn to play the game or simply wants a few days away to play some golf, pick up a few pointers and unwind, an Annika Academy package is perfect.

The options range from the Players Package — three days of group instruction and golf ($1,900) — up to the Soren-Slam Package ($9,245) that includes lunch and a clinic with Annika herself, as well as playing nine holes with the LPGA legend. All attendees will get a true Annika experience as the academy features many of Sorenstam's closest confidants, including her swing coach, fitness instructor and even her sister, LPGA player Charlotta Sorenstam.



Adams Women's Idea a12 OS

Adams Women’s Idea a12 OS Integrated Sets
Golf Equipment
$899.99 
If mom’s just taking up golf or if her equipment needs to be replaced, these integrated sets have everything to make the game all the easier, and more enjoyable, to play. Designed specifically for women, with chic patterns and an abundance of pockets, the 14-piece Idea a12 OS Integrated Sets merges the award-winning Idea a12 OS hybrid irons, fairway woods, driver and putter with a stylish cart bag and matching head covers. All sets are available in jade, onyx, sandstone and sapphire (pictured), and with the newly introduced sterling.



Callaway Solaire II

Callaway Solaire II 14-Piece Set
Golf Equipment
$899
Elegance meets performance with the new Solaire II 14-Piece Set, which is built for  women golfers to achieve ideal distance separation between clubs, promoting confidence to play from anywhere on the course. The set consists of an all-titanium driver, three stainless steel fairway woods, three hybrids, two irons, three wedges, a mallet putter and a versatile cart bag. Through years of research  with women golfers, Callaway has created an "Energy Efficient" design that optimizes every element of a golf club to maximize performance for a woman’s swing. The end result is higher ball flights, longer distance, better accuracy and improved forgiveness.


Fila Golf outfit
Fila Golf Outfit
Women's Apparel
$80
Go from the playground to the first tee in this adorable, sporty Malaga Skort (available in silver/atomic orange, white/pine green & Fila navy/viva red, shown). And, pair it with the ever-classic, nautical-inspired Marseille Striped Shirt, which has a look that’s great for the course or a cruise (available in Fila navy/viva red, and white/pine green, shown).

Both pieces will keep mom cool, not to mention cute, with their moisture-wicking technical properties. All Fila Golf tops are available in sizes XS through XXL and bottoms in sizes 0 through 14, with lengths hitting right above the knee. Free shipping is available on any purchases more than $100 from ShopFilaGolf.com.



adidas W adicross
adidas W adicross
Golf Shoes
$80
The sporty style of adidas makes the W adicross the perfect golf shoe for Mom, whether on the course or while running around for the day. These spikeless shoes offer all the grip and traction needed while playing, but offer great versatility and comfort. The full-grain leather upper provides a a rich look and feel as well as a two-year waterproof warranty. Available in three colorways, there will be a W adicross that's perfect for your lucky lady.


Callaway Solaire eyewear
Callaway Solaire Sunglasses
Eyewear
$130
Callaway offers three models of shades, all perfect for on the course or away from it. All three feature NEOX lenses, which are engineered to adjust to the decreased depth of field caused by most sunglasses. The result is the sharpest and most accurate vision available for mom while she's enjoying a day on the links. These lenses will allow her to see the angles and lines with greater sharpness and accuracy than with any other non-prescription pair of sunglasses. Neox lenses block 100% of harmful UV radiation.



Tin Cup

Tin Cup Fore the Ladies Package
Golf Ball Marking Stencil
$30 
Help mom make her mark on the fairway with Fore The Ladies from Tin Cup. Whether flamingos, a martini glass or one of the nearly 100 designs, the golf ball marking stencil package lets you pick the Tin Cup that matches her personality perfectly. Tin Cup packages come with a leather pouch, a black clip and two pen colors. For help with her game, select marks also can be used as alignment/game improvement tools. 



Showing Love headcover

Showing Love with AB Golf Designs
Driver head cover
$25
She’ll be able to show off your love at every hole with the “Think Pink” heart head cover, which fits all clubs from the big 460cc driver down to the fairway woods. The pink ribbon on the base of the contrasting green sock keeps breast cancer awareness at the forefront, and a portion of sales proceeds goes to the Maurer Foundation, a charitable organization dedicating to breast health education. ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1142698--mother-s-day-golf-gifts-these-picks-are-sure-to-please-any-golfing-mom Wed, 09 May 2012 20:12:18 -0400 RON VARRIAL, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1142698--mother-s-day-golf-gifts-these-picks-are-sure-to-please-any-golfing-mom <![CDATA[The Ecuador escape]]>
The coast
You can soak in all of the nation's famed beach life without shelling out big bucks for the Galapagos. Close to Manta, a port city in the Manabi Province, you can set out on Isla Corazon (Heart Island) mangrove tours and explore the heritage of more rural villages. A few hours' drive brings you to Alandaluz Hosteria, an eco-lodge with pools and a private beach (www.alandaluzhosteria .com). Further south in Santa Elena, Salinas is nicknamed "Little Miami" for its fun-in-the-sun reputation. Nearby, Los Frailes is considered one of the country's most beautiful beaches.

The Andes
One major highlight is the Middle of the World, at the line of the equator in Pinchincha Province. You can learn about the physics and history of this intriguing geographical spot at its present, GPS-verified location - or at the site of the original monument, approximately 240 meters south. Don't miss El Crater, a restaurant and hotel located in Mirador del Puluagua on the edge of a large, scenic volcanic crater. With actual clouds wafting past at eye-level, the quirky-yet-upscale venue offers an exquisite sense of atmosphere (www.elcrater.com).

The Amazon
You can make an entire trip out of a jaunt to the Amazon. The rainforest offers a one-of-a-kind getaway where you can turn off your electronics, explore nature and escape from the world. Choose from eco-friendly retreats like the Napo Wildlife Center, where packages averaging four days include lodging, meals and activities. Bilingual guides lead hikes, bird-watching  and canoe trips (www.napowildlifecenter.com).

Pit stop

In the middle of the three regions, Quito is an excellent layover for a day of rest and cultural intake. With stunning churches, museums, nightlife and plenty of shopping, the nation's capital offers more traditional urban tourism fare. Worth the steep drive through the heart of the city's colonial center, El Ventanal restaurant offers upscale dining with breathtaking panoramic views (www.elventanal.ec). Our advice: Don't skip dessert.

Ecuador is easy
   
  • English is commonly spoken in major areas
  • Ecuador uses American dollars as currency
  • It's on EST, except during Daylight Saving Time
  • Electric outlets take U.S. plugs without conversion
  • The flight is less than seven hours from NYC
  ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1142390--the-ecuador-escape Mon, 07 May 2012 17:39:15 -0400 T. MICHELLE MURPHY, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1142390--the-ecuador-escape <![CDATA[Scottsdale: So hot, it’s cool]]>
Art galleries, restaurants and shops fill the traditional low-slung, beige buildings of Scottsdale's historic district,  where you can snap up artwork and turquoise jewelry made by local artists.

There is no need to fear the triple-digit temperatures that Scottsdale's locals shrug off -- nights are cool in the Sonoran Desert, but Scottsdale has a buzzing nightlife that heats up as the temperatures drop.
Swanky lounges like the W Hotel's Wet Deck draw crowds of sun-kissed, sharply dressed, beautiful people, while the open architecture brings a laid-back vibe to sports bars like the Upper Deck. And don't worry about over-imbibing:?Free golf carts make it easy for revelers to bar-hop at the night's end.

View from the top


For those who think vertically, a peaceful hot air balloon ride in the early morning is the perfect cure for last night's party. Vistas of the mountain ranges surrounding Scottsdale are breathtaking. For the physically ambitious, Camelback Mountain turns a honey-kissed red as it catches the sunlight in the morning -- almost as red as the faces of those tackling the moderately strenuous 1,300-foot hike.

Eat your fill


Luxury hotels and a rabid, year-round golf scene mean that there is a restaurant for every palate in Scottsdale. For diners looking for bright modern design in dish and decor, AZ88 Bar and Restaurant is ideal. A short walk down the Scottsdale Waterfront to Lee's Cream Liqueur ice cream shop will finish off any meal with boozy flair -- the Jack Daniels chocolate swirl is a special treat.

Architecturally sound


Scottsdale's architectural landscape mimics the flat, low topography of the surrounding natural environment. Architecture lovers shouldn't miss a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's famed former home, Taliesin West, which is a bastion of sustainable architecture and design. ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1141788--scottsdale-so-hot-it-s-cool Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:35:37 -0400 JULIA FURLAN, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/1141788--scottsdale-so-hot-it-s-cool