Omaha, Nebraska
The beds at the Sheraton Omaha are heavenly. If you're a Starwood
Preferred Guest, ask for a designer suite, which has a loft setup,
fireplace, full kitchen, and dining room. A little-known gem is
Buffalo Company, which has the best Buffalo wings I've ever had.
The sauce is just perfect and the wings are huge. In fact, if
you're served the odd batch of smaller wings, they'll give you
extra to make up for it. The Old Market has good shopping and
decent restaurants, or, if you prefer a quieter environment, take a
stroll to the mall area downtown. It's well-lit at night, and there
are statues, walkways, and a large lake with a magnificent fountain
in the middle.
- Scott Schmidt, El Paso, Texas
Chicago, Illinois
The hot dog stand (above) is a Chicago tradition where you can get
a great dog, Polish sausage, Italian beef, you name it. Throw in
some fries or onion rings and a shake, and you're well on your way
to obliterating your diet. For dessert, Culver's frozen custard is
the way to go.
- Anthony Sarallo, Canton, Georgia
Start by taking a walk along the lakefront and taking in the
beautiful views and wonderful people-watching. An architecture boat
tour will further enhance your appreciation of Chicago. Various
walking tours give visitors a feel for the city's neighborhoods.
Navy Pier is a revamped fishing pier turned tourist attraction, but
there's a lesser-known part of the pier called Skyline Stage, which
attracts excellent talent to this terrific outdoor venue. There's
lots of food and drink at Navy Pier, too, most notably Riva (good
seafood) and Charlie's Ale House (pub grub). Michigan Avenue may
prove challenging for shoppers watching their credit card receipts.
State Street provides a less-hyped, less-expensive, and
less-crowded experience. For current events, check either New city
or the Chicago Reader, both of which are free. Or just ask a
Chicagoan; they have a reputation for being extraordinarily
friendly.
- Diane McGovern, Chicago, Illinois
Los Angeles, California
Fryman Canyon Park is great for working out and getting a peek at
celebrities. If you like the ocean, there's the nature walk in the
Pacific Palisades. The Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is a
great place to people-watch, and it has a great selection of
restaurants ranging from Thai to barbecue. There are three
must-eat-at places in L.A.: Geoffrey's in Malibu, for delicious
food with an ocean view. Cafe Cordiale in Sherman Oaks, for an
ambience as great as the food. And Roscoe's House of Chicken and
Waffles in Hollywood (below). Chicken and waffles? Believe it!
It's some of the best food you'll ever taste. Get yourself an
80-minute deep-tissue massage at Burke Williams in Pasadena.
You'll feel full of energy afterward.
- Adam Parson,
Lake Balboa, California
Dallas, Texas
The Mansion on Turtle Creek is one of the best hotels in the world.
But if you have to ask "How much?" then don't bother. Someplace a
little less expensive is the Omni Mandalay in Las Colinas. The
canals and mustangs statue there are quite nice. If you're willing
to travel to the outskirts of town, there's Sammy Walker's Barbeque
in Rowlett. Mr. Walker was a college football player at Texas Tech
and evidently he put his education to good use. The Rough Riders, a
minor-league baseball team in Frisco, offers a fun family evening.
Another great place is the Mesquite Rodeo. Kids love the barrel
racing and calf scramble. Other choices are Lone Star Park for a
day at the races or
a round at Buffalo Creek Golf Club, a quiet, inexpensive public
course with a beautiful layout.
- Curtis Parent, Heath, Texas
For casual dining, go with Baker's Ribs. Their meats and sauce are
to die for, and they have the requisite free soft-serve ice
cream.
- Bradford Owen,
Dallas, Texas
Calgary
The Rocky Mountains seem to surround this glorious city. Locals and
tourists alike flock to the numerous golf courses. But beware - you
might have to pause play for a friendly elk to pass. For fishing,
the Bow River is known as one of the best trout spots in the world.
In winter, you can ice skate on the river. Calgary also offers
unparalleled skiing. If you're looking for nightlife, head to 17th
Avenue, also known as The Red Mile. It was named in recognition of
the Flames' 2004 Stanley Cup run.
- Shane Goodwin,
Frisco, Texas
Paris
Dine outside at Georges on the top floor of the Pompidou Center.
The food is nouvelle cuisine, the ambience is by Philippe Starck,
and the view is amazing. You'll see all of Paris, including the
Eiffel Tower and most major monuments. Treat yourself to lunch at
Le Soleil. It's both charming and modern. Ask for butter with your
bread, and they'll bring you three pounds of butter in the shape of
a cake. On Sunday, brunch at Mariage Frères (below), the oldest tea
company in France. I recommend the branch in the 17th
arrondissement, because you can sit outside and watch the Parisian
life go by. You can choose from more than 500 different kinds of
teas. They also have a selection of tea-scented candles that make
unique souvenirs. And be sure to stroll along Ile Saint-Louis and
Ile de la Cité. These two islands in the middle of the Seine are
all that Paris was years ago.
- William Arruda,
Somerset, Massachusetts
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Bistro de Paris is a little French bistro with reasonable prices
and good service. Barú and Dragonfly are good for dining and
partying. Both are designed based on the philosophy of socializing,
with the shared-plate concept and a blend of styles, cuisines, and
music.
- Fredrick Owen, Miami, Florida
Buenos Aires
For shopping, Avenida Florida
has it all and is a great walking area. Buenos Aires is a city of
readers, and those seeking books will find a variety of shops. Casa
Lopez is great for leather. The San Telmo market is open on Sundays
and is a great place for buying just about anything. It's also a
great place to sit in a cafe and eat helado (ice cream) and drink
maté (Argentine tea).
- Dr. Susan Nedza,
Hinsdale, Illinois
Boston, Massachusetts
During the summer, the Hatch Shell offers free music and dance
performances, and Free Friday Flicks. Climb to the top of the
221-foot Bunker Hill Monument. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts or
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. There's no sales tax on clothes or
shoes under $200 in Massachusetts, so shop at one of the many
stores on Newbury and Boylston streets. For seafood, visit The
Barking Crab. For Greek, don't miss Steve's. Like Italian? Head to
the North End (Little Italy) and bring lots of cash, as many of the
mom-and-pop places don't accept plastic. Get something to go at
Bova's Bakery. Then walk it all off on a stroll past The Paul
Revere House or The Old North Church. - Nancy Jacobs, Newport
Beach, California