I joined several friends in St. Louis, Mo., for a convention and the Go! St. Louis Marathon. I wasn’t running, but I was there to support my friends and enjoy the Gateway City.
My first non-Chicago baseball game was in St. Louis against the Cincinnati Reds. Now, some 35 years later, I once again saw the Cardinals face the Reds at Busch Stadium. This time the Cardinals lost, but as a Cubs fan, I was not unhappy.
On Saturday night, the non-runners enjoyed a Gene Simmons concert at the Pageant. Pageant, opened in 2000, is a cool concert venue seating up to 2,300 people. It was built for intimate concerts and has fantastic sightlines and awesome acoustics. It is one of those places that just feels cool.
As a kid, Kiss was the first rock band I loved. As Simmons kicked off the show with “Deuce,” I was immediately that kid again. By the time he finished with a little Chuck Berry tribute, Simmons once again had proven why he is one of the greatest and still a master showman.
The Go! St. Louis Marathon encompasses 11 different races, attracting more than 25,000 runners. The Sunday weather was perfect for running, but I did resist the urge to enter, as the finish line featured St. Louis-themed food. Somehow I always seem to have more fun watching runners as opposed to running myself.
My trips always involve good food, and I never miss the chance to return to an old favorite. In St. Louis my old favorite is Lombardo’s. I enjoyed the Linguine Seafood, while my friends loved the Filet Gorgonzola, the Chicken Lucciano and the Veal Piccatta. Delicious food, a relaxing atmosphere and an attentive staff made for a wonderful feast.
When searching for cannoli, Nick and Elena’s came highly rated, and it did not disappoint. The secret is always in the filling, and Nick and Elena’s got it just right — creamy and cheesy, without being sugary-sweet.
It was a short three-day weekend with a full itinerary. Outstanding food, rocking music, baseball and great friends made for a lot of fun. I even had a few warm, nostalgic moments.
— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
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FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
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Feb 27, 2025New NH Collection Gent Provides Easy Access to Ghent, Belgium’s, Major Attractions
NH Collection Gent officially opened its doors in late 2024 following a large-scale renovation of what was formerly NH Hotel Gent Belford. With this European launch, Minor Hotels Europe & Americas strengthens NH Collection Hotels & Resorts’ brand presence in Belgium, with sister properties in Antwerp and Brussels.
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A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
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Feb 26, 2025Take a Northern Cali Road Trip to Tomales Bay
Dreaming of a sunny road trip to an iconic beach destination? Pack your bags for Northern California’s Tomales Bay and leave the winter chill behind. This lovely area is accessible via the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, and offers multiple opportunities to enjoy fresh local foods and unwind in nature.
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Feb 26, 2025Get Your Thrills by Trying These Cool Water Sports
Soaring above the sea or speeding across the water’s surface isn’t just for superheroes. Here’s a look at three trending water sports designed to get your heart pumping.
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Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
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Feb 26, 2025Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica by Hyatt Review
Tucked in the jungle of Costa Rica’s exclusive Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo embodies a mindful balance of luxury and nature. This World of Hyatt beauty blends seamlessly into its lush, 1,400-acre surroundings for instant immersion in the Pura Vida lifestyle with ocean views, meaningful local experiences and 5-star amenities that don’t detract from the peninsula’s serious commitment to sustainability. There’s also plenty of monkeys.
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Feb 26, 2025Thompson Hotels Launch Thompson City & Sea Offer
Celebrating United Airlines’ newly increased service from Houston (IAH) to Zihuatanejo (ZIH), Thompson Houston and Thompson Zihuatanejo teamed up to create the Thompson City & Sea offer, available through the rest of the year.
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Feb 26, 2025Imbibing Abroad: Fake Alcohol a Rising Concern Amongst Travelers
Last November, a U.S. man, British woman, two Australian women and two Danish nationals traveling in a Laos holiday town died after reports they consumed tainted alcoholic drinks. A well-known issue across Southeast Asia, methanol poisoning in bootleg alcohol now makes global news as international tourists unknowingly consume these drinks.
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Feb 26, 2025Review: Kimpton Hotel Palomar
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Philadelphia was filling up with travelers, so I booked Kimpton Hotel Palomar due to its location in the heart of Center City — just off Samson Street, full of great restaurants, and a few blocks from The Union League (where I was attending an event) and City Hall. I parked around the corner; there are many options, and the hotel is also close to public transportation. I admired the lobby renovations that took place not too long ago, making this a hidden gem with a real Philadelphia feel. The doorman greeted me and held my bags, as I arrived in the morning for meetings before check- in. When I returned in the afternoon, check-in was swift with a friendly front desk team offering water and help with questions.
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