Easing Back into the Big Easy And Reasons to Visit New Orleans this Summer

New Orleans French Quarter. Plenty of opportunities to enjoy New Orleans’ famed music outdoors (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

There are many great reasons to plan a trip to New Orleans this summer or later. Here are some:

New hotels, including Four Seasons (opening mid-2021), Hotel Saint Vincent (opening ~June 1), Virgin Hotels New Orleans (opening late summer) as well as The Chloe (opened Oct. 2020) and Columns (opened Feb. 2021).

More ways to enjoy food and libations – safely – with friends, with breweries such as Miel and Zony Mash Beer Project offering ample outside seating with epic food trucks, pop-ups and live music. Many restaurants in the French Quarter offer courtyard dining for those looking to enjoy an elegant meal outdoors. Bonus: famed Galatoire’s Restaurant now takes reservations, meaning it’s easier than ever to snag a table and avoid long wait times.

New cultural attractions, including the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience opening May 27. Many favorites have reopened safely for visitors to enjoy with enhanced safety measures as a priority, such as Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Sazerac House, The National WWII Museum, New Orleans Jazz Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art and Ogden Museum of Southern Art. And the new Children’s Museum will reopen on May 29.

The return of beloved festivals including Hogs for the Cause (June 4-5), the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (June 9-13), Satchmo SummerFest (July 30-Aug. 1), Beignet Festival (Sept. 25), French Quarter Festival (Sept. 30-Oct. 3) and a once-in-a-lifetime fall Jazz Fest (Oct. 8-17).

Great, safe outdoor experiences, including picnicking in Audubon Park or City Park, biking, golfing, and plenty of opportunities to listen to live music, including Bacchanal (now taking reservations), Lounge Vue House and Gardens’ Twilight at Lounge Vue outdoor music series, The Soul Rebels at the Broadside Theater, Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruises, and much, much more.

More details and insights on what’s new, what’s open and what’s coming can be found on the New Orleans Insider’s Blog. 

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Tauck Announces Full Restart of US Tours

New Orleans. Tauck Tours has announced it will fully restart its U.S. tours as of July 1. It has already begun operating departures of its “Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton head and Charleston” and “New Orleans & Mississippi River Country” itineraries, with other popular tours across the country relaunching in the coming months © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

WILTON, CT – After a year of suspension of its tours and cruises, Tauck Tours plans to fully restart its U.S. tours by July 1.

In an email announcement to guests and travel advisors, Tauck CEO Dan Mahar noted that departures of Tauck’s “Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head and Charleston” itinerary have already begun operating, to be followed this month by “New Orleans & Mississippi River Country,” with other popular tours across the country relaunching in the coming months.  Guests and travel advisors can access information on specific tour departures at a new Open for Travel page on Tauck’s website.

Tauck’s readiness to restart its U.S. operations was demonstrated in January and February when it ran several departures of its “Wonderland: Yellowstone in Winter” itinerary.  According to Mahar, the overwhelming success of those tours was a key factor in leading to today’s announcement.  “Guests told us they loved their tours, and their positive feedback proved conclusively that we can deliver a true Tauck-level experience while still following all of the appropriate health and safety protocols,” said Mahar.

Besides providing several operational advantages, restarting in the U.S. also seemed fitting from a historical perspective, Mahar noted.  Although Tauck offers tours and cruises in more than 70 countries and on all seven continents, the company’s roots are firmly in the U.S. where it first began hosting travelers in 1925.  Today, Tauck’s U.S. journeys offer unique access to exclusive experiences ranging from “inside the park” accommodations at America’s premier national parks to itineraries crafted in partnership with the award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns.

Operationally Tauck has been, working in close cooperation with its network of supplier-partners on plans to restart its tours.  The company’s Worldwide Operations team communicates continuously with more than 2,000 attractions, national parks, hotels, restaurants, guest lecturers and others involved in the delivery of its tour experiences, all while developing health and safety protocols and monitoring developments in 70+ countries around the world. 

Those health and safety protocols feature prominently on all of Tauck’s 2021 itineraries, and will include the mandatory use of masks, social distancing wherever possible, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures.  Tauck is also requiring guests to complete and sign a Travel Well Pledge which confirms that they have either been vaccinated against Covid-19 or passed a PCR Covid-19 test within five days of departure, that they are free of virus-related symptoms, and that they have not been in close contact with anyone diagnosed with Covid-19.  The latest updates on Tauck’s travel policies, and the status of destinations served by the company, are featured in a Travel and Health page on the Tauck website.

95% of Surveyed Guests Vaccinated

While today’s announcement from Tauck refers only to its domestic trips, the company hopes to provide an update on selected international itineraries in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, Tauck’s customers are ready and excited to travel, whether domestically or abroad.  A recent survey of more than 5,000 guests booked to travel with Tauck from now through September revealed that a full 95% of respondents have already been vaccinated, and another 2% have their vaccinations scheduled.  And while a small proportion of guests remain undecided, the overwhelming majority – a full 88% – are eagerly looking forward to taking their upcoming Tauck trip as planned.  

The ability and willingness to travel shown by Tauck’s guests are reflected in the strong bookings the company is seeing for its U.S. tours.  And although Mahar stated that a number of departures are sold out, he also noted that availability remains on several of the company’s popular domestic itineraries, including “America’s Canyonlands,” “The Best of Hawaii” and “Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head and Charleston.”  (As noted above, and for the very latest availability on all Tauck itineraries, guests and travel advisors can go to the Open for Travel page on Tauck’s website.)

Founded in 1925, Tauck Tours is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 150 river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, land tours and safaris to 70+ countries and all seven continents.  In each of the last 23 years, Tauck has been honored in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “World’s Best Awards” celebrating the very best in luxury cruises, tours, hotels and more.

For more information, contact your local travel professional, call Tauck at 800-468-2825, or visit www.tauck.com.

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37th Annual Salem Haunted Happenings Features Hundreds of Special Events, New Halloween Museum

Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop, puts you in the year 1692 when Bridget Bishop has been accused of witchcraft and you are on the Puritan jury. Hear the historical testimonies, cross-examine the witnesses and decide the verdict. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Salem, MA – Celebrating its 37^th year, Salem Haunted Happenings returns this October with a full month of programming that celebrates Halloween and fall in New England. The festival features hundreds of special events -costume parties, film nights, ghost stories, harbor tours, haunted houses, live music, magic shows, museums, psychic fairs, reenactments, and walking tours – in addition to attractions, museums and tours that are in Salem throughout the year.

Recognized internationally as one of the best places to celebrate Halloween drawing thousands of visitors from around the world, Salem Haunted Happenings began in 1982 and has evolved into a festive celebration for all ages. Most businesses get into the spirit with extended hours, special programs, pumpkin-themed menu items, and souvenirs infused with a touch of Salem magic.

While some programming, including the Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival and Vampfangs’ Endless Night Vampire Ball, is scheduled for the final weekend of September, Salem Haunted Happenings officially steps off with the Grand Parade on Thursday, October 3 at 6:30 PM. After that, weekends will be chock full of activities for all ages and interests.

New and notable in 2019, the Fountain Stage that spent nearly 20 years on Essex Street will begin a new chapter at the City’s new Charlotte Forten Park at 289 Derby Street. Live music, free family films, and a beer garden will be among the featured programs at this beautiful new public space along the South River.

Also new for 2019 is the Salem Halloween Museum at 131 Essex Street. This 3-D experience will take visitors on a fun trip down memory lane to learn the history of Halloween and some of its favorite traditions.

The Creative Collective Merchant Marketplace returns to Salem Haunted Happenings on October weekends, and will feature a Night Market on Fridays.

The 2nd annual Great Salem Pumpkin Walk on October 17, 2019, will feature jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin displays and activities at locations between The Witch House and The House of the Seven Gables.

Derby Wharf will go to the dogs (and cats!) on October 12 when Salem Main Streets’ Howl-o-ween returns to Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Salem Horror Fest is featuring so many screenings and celebrity interactions it has expanded its schedule to run from October 3 – 27.

Family Halloween Fun

If you’re looking to take to the water with the kids, be sure to check out Mahi Cruises’ Haunted Happenings Harbor Cruise. This cruise is filled to the brim with family-friendly fun including story-telling, Halloween party music, complimentary tarot card readings, photo ops, and a full bar for the adults and face-painting for the kids. Tickets may be purchased in advance at MahiCruises.com.

Get on the water this October with Essex Heritage for Eerie Stories on Salem Sound. During this cruise aboard the landing vessel Naumkeag, you’ll hear about the local folklore of Salem Sound. This evening boat tour is the perfect way to get some spooky stories in and see a different side of Salem from the water. Tickets will be available online in advance.

Looking for the ultimate Halloween dinner experience? Check out Haunted Dinner Theater’s latest production, “Clue! Live”. This interactive crime-solving dinner show features audience participation, family-friendly entertainment, and more all based on the classic board game. An all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet covers the dinner portion of the show, which takes place at the Hawthorne Hotel. For the complete schedule of dates and to purchase tickets visit the Haunted Dinner Theater’s website.

For spookier family-fun, get your tickets for the Salem Haunted Magic Show‘s latest performance, HYSTERIA: Ghost Stories! Suitable for kids ages seven and up, this event features inconceivable magic, bizarre demonstrations of mind reading, wild comedy, and interactive audience participation! Tickets are $20-42 and may be purchased online in advance.

Traffic and parking during Salem Haunted Happenings can be scary, so visitors are encouraged to use public transportation, especially on weekends and Halloween. Salem is just 5 stops and 30 minutes from Boston’s North Station, making October a great time to take advantage of the MBTA Commuter Rail’s special $10 weekend fare. Boston Harbor Cruises’ high-speed Salem Ferry will transport passengers from Long Wharf, Boston, to Blaney Street, Salem, in under an hour.

Complete information on all the events, activities, restaurants, shopping, and accommodations for Salem Haunted Happenings, as well as parking, traffic, and safety advisories, can be found at HauntedHappenings.org.

Classic Salem Experiences

Classic experiences include:

Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop, Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, daily thru October. The year is 1692. Bridget Bishop has been accused of witchcraft and you are on the Puritan jury. Hear the historical testimonies, cross-examine the witnesses and decide the verdict. Is Bridget Bishop capable of witchcraft? The outdoor arrest scene begins approximately 15 minutes before show time.

October Nights At The Gables, include:

Spirits of the Gables: Get swept into Hawthorne’s tale of guilt, greed and revenge as the characters from The House of the Seven Gables (1851), come to life and recount their stories while you walk through the very house that inspired Hawthorne’s timeless novel.

Legacy of the Hanging Judge takes visitors back through Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birth home to the events of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, through the eyes of the author, whose own ancestor, Judge John Hathorne had a hand to play in the tragic events of 1692. The 35-minute performances begin every 10 minutes in The Nathaniel Hawthorne birth house. Combination tickets available. Reservations highly recommended.

The House of the Seven Gables: Discover 350 years of Salem’s history as you experience the museum and collection of historic buildings. Built in 1668, this is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England. The House of the Seven Gables inspired author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his legendary novel of the same name. (The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. 978-744-0991)

The Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692. Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose. He served on the court which ultimately sent nineteen to the gallows. 310 1/2 Essex St.  (978) 744-8815

Witch Dungeon Museum. Experience the acclaimed performance of a Witch trial adapted from the 1692 historical transcripts. Most chilling is that it is real. 16 Lynde St.  (978) 741-3570

There’s so much to do, you have to visit http://hauntedhappenings.org/ to plan.

Enhance your paranormal experience with a stay at the Hawthorne Hotel, one of Historic Hotels of America’s most haunted member hotels. Built in 1925, in the city notorious for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the hotel has ghost stories of its own, mostly attributed to the sea captains who were returning to their gathering place. In particular, rooms 621 and 325 have had reports of lights turning off and on and a general uneasy feeling throughout the rooms (www.hawthornehotel.com).

 

Families will also appreciate the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites on Pickering Wharf, which has an indoor pool and restaurant on site.  https://www.salemwaterfronthotel.com/ 

 

And look for the new Hampton Inn to open in summer of 2020. https://www.facebook.com/Hampton-Inn-Salem-215100039190054/

 

Salem, Massachusetts, is a destination recognized around the world for its rich history, which includes the tragic Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the glorious maritime era that left its indelible mark on Salem through architecture, museums, and artifacts, and for its month-long celebration of Halloween. Located on the Massachusetts coast just 15 miles north of Boston, Salem is accessible by car, train, and seasonal ferry. For more information, visit Salem.org.

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Historic Lord Baltimore Hotel Introduces Inclusive Packages to Experience City’s Rich Culture

Baltimore, Maryland’s Inner Harbor is walking distance from the historic Lord Baltimore Hotel © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Lord Baltimore Hotel, one of the crowning architectural jewels of Baltimore, Md. when it was built in 1928, has new inclusive guest packages to enrich guest experiences during their visits to Charm City. The historic hotel has partnered with the most popular cultural venues in the area, including the National Aquarium, the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art, to provide affordable outings to engage visitors in the rich culture that is present throughout the city.

Seasonal offers and inclusive packages are the latest expansion to the recently restored and renovated hotel. The grand French Renaissance landmark, included on the National Register of Historic Places and regarded as a member of Historic Hotels of America, underwent a complete aesthetic transformation to bring the hotel back to life and officially re-opened in March of this year.

Packages currently being offered include:

Lord Baltimore Hotel guests are guaranteed a holistic cultural experience with the “See It All” package containing two Water Taxi passes that will cruise them across the iconic Baltimore Harbor. The experience continues with Harbor Passes, which include admission to plunge under the sea at the National Aquarium, discover the scientific phenomena that empower our planet at the Maryland Science Center and receive a panoramic view of the city from the 405-foot Top of the World Observation Level. Baseball fans will have the option to check out one of Baltimore’s favorite pastimes at Sports Legends at Camden Yards, while guests with children can find amusement at the hands-on Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

Visitors with a curiosity to uncover the city’s rich past can select the “History, Past & Present” package that celebrates the War of 1812*. This package includes two tickets on the Water Taxi for an excursion to Ft. McHenry, where Maryland-native Francis Scott Key authored the Star-Spangled Banner – celebrating its 200^th anniversary this year. The historical experience continues with two tickets to the Babe Ruth Museum featuring their “O” Say Can You See: The Star Spangled Banner in Sports exhibit, and two 1812 Bicentennial Passport/Discount books.

Baltimore celebrates the 200^th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner with Star Spangled Summer from June 13-September 1, 2014 and Star Spangled Celebration from September 10-16, 2014. For more information on the many events and activities taking place as part of the celebration, visit http://www.starspangled200.com.

Hotel guests seeking to swim through every facet of the National Aquarium can purchase the “Lord & Lady Puffin Aquarium” package, which comes with a two 2-day passes to the Aquarium. In addition to trekking through the rainforest exhibit or exploring the Aquarium’s newest exhibit, Blacktip Reef, visitors receive tickets to enjoy a 4-D Immersion Film experience and a plush Lord and Lady Puffin.

Vacationers looking to get in of shape during their stay in Baltimore can participate in the “Fit To Be Royal” package, which comes with access to all of Elite Fitness’ group outings, passes to Brick Bodies, and discount coupons to City Sports and Under Armour in Harbor East. And a work out wouldn’t be complete without a bottle of water and a Power Bar.

“Our packages offer those traveling to Baltimore the opportunity to really get out and explore our wonderful city – full of history and culture,” said Gene-Michael Addid, general manager for the Lord Baltimore Hotel.

Guests staying in one of the hotel’s 440 rooms and suites can also enjoy dining, lounging and one of the city’s only rooftop event spaces offering panoramic views of Downtown Baltimore. The hotel features exceptional dining options including its signature restaurant, French Kitchen, and the contemporary take on a small-town American coffee house, LB Bakery, as well as LB Tavern, serving handcrafted cocktails and light fare.Art exhibitions are planned throughout the hotel’s public spaces and will highlight local, national and global artwork.

Rubell Hotels, a family-owned business well known for transforming architecturally significant historic hotels into affordable cultural hubs, acquired the property in March 2013 and immediately began applying the vision of owners Mera, Don, Jason and Jennifer Rubell – combining their love of art and architecture with a bright, modern feel. Interior designer Scott Sanders, formerly the lead interior designer at Ralph Lauren, who specializes in distinctive residential and commercial interiors for notable clients and properties, spearheaded the design, which typifies his “New American Style.” Inspired equally by classic men’s haberdashery and the six historical Lords Baltimore, Sanders has used traditional menswear fabrics in unconventional ways, resulting in an interior that seamlessly combines a fresh, clean modern look with all the warmth and grandeur of a historical property.

The Lord Baltimore Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Baltimore and within walking distance to many local attractions. Towering over the Baltimore skyline at 23 stories, the hotel offers 440 new guest rooms and suites, more than 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space and dining options including the French Kitchen, LB Tavern and LB Bakery. Art plays a major role in the hotel design with more than 2,500 pieces of artwork displayed throughout the building. Originally built in 1928, the hotel was purchased in 2013 and completely renovated by Rubell Hotels. The Lord Baltimore Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.historichotels.org), and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, http://www.lordbaltimorehotel.com.

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