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Having Trouble Getting Hockey Tickets In Your Hometown? Try These Cities For Some Great Pro Hockey and Lots More
October 2005
With pro hockey back in full gear, fans from coast-to-coast are once again looking to get their hands on tickets for the upcoming season. For the fan that’s willing to travel for the thrill of the game, a hockey vacation is an exciting way to catch your home team in action while they’re on the road this season.
Travelocity offers bundled flight and hotel Last Minute Deals to a number of cities offering not only a great game but also a number of must see attractions. For something a little more off the beaten path, Travelocity recommends visiting the Local Secrets, Big Finds listed below from their online collection of insider spots across North America, along with other great finds in these pro hockey cities.
Nashville, Tenn: Home of the Predators
Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles: If you're looking for "a great alternative to mainstream ice cream shops," this Mexican-inspired popsicle shop offers a real treat. Flavors range from fruity to downright daring, with everything from honeydew and watermelon to hibiscus and prickly pear (without the prickles, of course). The shop's unique flavors, such as chocolate wasabi, "never cease to surprise." Using only fresh fruit, "the menu constantly changes" according to what ingredients are in season.
The Parthenon: The re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece. The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals. Permanent collection and changing exhibitions are housed in Galleries in the lower level. www.nashville.gov/parthenon
Grand Ole Opry: No trip to Nashville would be complete without experiencing the phenomenon of the world-famous 4,400-seat Grand Ole Opry House, adjacent to Gaylord Oprylandtm. Get set for an unforgettable evening of non-stop entertainment as the world’s longest-running radio show, the Grand Ole Opry, showcases the best in country, bluegrass and more. www.opry.com
Atlanta: Home of the Thrashers
Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Encounter prehistoric creatures, cultural treasures, hands-on science, exotic shells, a living aquarium and the world’s largest dinosaurs. Enjoy Martinis & IMAX on Friday nights (Jan-Nov) with live music, artistic cocktails, dinners, desserts and films in the IMAX Theatre. Special exhibitions in 2005 include Frogs: A Chorus of Colors, Grossology and Totems to Turquoise.
Georgia Aquarium, Inc: Opening fall of 2005, the Georgia Aquarium will be one of the world’s largest Aquariums and home to over 55,000 animals representing over 500 species and displaying over 5 million gallons of fresh and marine water. www.georgiaaquarium.org
Underground Atlanta: Six historic city blocks in the heart of Atlanta that have been transformed into an urban market with unique shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife. www.underground-atlanta.com
San Jose, Calif: Home of the Sharks
Filbert Street Walk: Encounter one of the lesser-known attractions in San Francisco. The Filbert Street Walk is a series of stairs and landings covered with roses, fuchsias, irises, and trumpet flowers. It takes you past the many historical sites of San Francisco including Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and several 19th century cottages. Filbert Street runs on the west side of Coit Tower and although "many people won't want to attempt the walk up the steep hill," Coit Tower has been providing tourists "spectacular views" of the city since 1933. From this tower you can get "one of the best" views of Alcatraz in the city!
Monopoly in the Park: The world’s biggest version of the most popular board game ever, and San Jose’s new “larger than life” attraction. Here in the park, the real estate market is always booming, as property is traded on a 930-square foot permanent Monopoly board. www.monopolyinthepark.com
Roaring Camp Railroads: See California’s towering redwood forests from two historic railroads on your next visit to the San Francisco or Monterey Bay Areas. Travel by steam train up a narrow-gauge track through the Big Trees to Bear Mountain or by beach train down the scenic San Lorenzo River to the sunny beaches of Santa Cruz. www.roaringcamp.com
Columbus, Ohio: Home of the Blue Jackets
The Book Loft of German Village: The Book Loft takes up a full city block with its nearly overwhelming abundance of books. “It’s a converted Victorian-era house connected to another one and has 30-plus rooms filled with books and related items.” There’s even a map at the entrance for easier browsing. To enhance the ambience, this “unique shop has themed rooms and music playing throughout.” The optimal visit ends with a stop in one of many nearby cafes or restaurants, where you can crack open your book without delay.
American Whistle Corporation: A personally guided tour of their factory; the American Whistle Corporation is the ONLY manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States. For approximately 45 minutes, they will show you a thriving, small, American manufacturing plant and entertain you with interesting information about whistles and fascinating machinery – some state of the art, some dating back to the beginning of the company. Best of all – everyone leaves with a shiny new “American Classic” whistle. http://www.americanwhistle.com/
Jack Nicklaus Museum: A 24,000 square-foot educational and historical facility where you will encounter the history of golf and its greatest practitioner. http://www.nicklausmuseum.org/
Phoenix: Home of the Coyotes
La Grande Orange Grocery: La Grande Orange Grocery, with its outer garden, is a “much-need oasis in Phoenix.” “Any time” is a good time to stop by: “mornings for coffee and sweets” and the “lunches and dinners are fabulous.” The atmosphere is “eclectic, chic, and funky.” And there is “great music for all moods and fun things to look at.”
Arizona Science Center: This complex contains a museum with 350 hands-on exhibits that encourage visitors to explore and experiment with computers, bubbles, weather, physics and biology. There's also a five-storey giant screen theatre with shows about the American West, NASA and other subjects. www.azscience.org
Taliesin West: During the mid-20th century, architect Frank Lloyd Wright built, lived and taught at Taliesin West, a complex of mesmerizing, environmentally organic buildings set on 600 acres at the eastern edge of Scottsdale's many subdivisions. www.franklloydwright.org
For more travel tips and advice, check out Amy Ziff’s monthly column,Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z. To suggest a topic for a future column or to tell about a travel experience of your own, please email Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com.
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