Items filtered by date: June 2019

We think it’s time for you to switch up your travel plans! Sure, the Jersey Shore might be a nice quick getaway, but after your fifth visit it might be time to change it up. In this week’s blog we will be giving you a tour around the world of our must-see destinations that you might have forgotten about. From the beautiful shores of the Andaman Islands to the picturesque sites of Greenland, these off-the-grid are guaranteed to blow you away. 

Andaman Islands

This picture could convince anyone to want to run their toes through Andamans’ pristine beaches. Vibrant coral reefs, sugar soft sand and lush jungles, is what attracts people most to the island. The Andamans,  are a family of 300 inlets situated in between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. In February, the first ever 5-star hotel was constructed on the island: the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans. The resort is comprised of 72 beachfront villas designed to reflect the ancient tribal culture on the islands. Visitors can spend their days lounging poolside by the 164-foot infinity edge pool or indulging in one of the three luxury seafood restaurants on property. Within the last year the Andaman Islands have grown in popularity, making visitors call it, “the new Maldives.”

Andorra

Andorra is Europe’s best-kept secret, situated between Spain and France. The tiny country is only 180-square-miles but is known for fantastic ski resorts. In the summer, visitors can enjoy horseback riding through the alpine meadows or skiing during the winter months at Vallnord. After a long day of adventure, Caldea is the perfect place to wind down. Caldea is a spa resort in Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra, that is home to Europe’s largest spa. Its revolutionary thermal spring leisure concept and spectacular facilities create the perfect combination of fun and stress-free environment. 

Greenland

Greenland has been left undiscovered by many people purely because it has been overshadowed by the recent influx of tourism in Iceland. In fact, the country has been left so untouched, almost 80 percent of Greenland is covered with ice caps. However that does not mean that Greenland is not packed with tons of fun activities. One of the most popular is dog sledding and sea kayaking. Signing up for a tour, however, is the best way to explore the wonders of Greenland. The organized tours can feature anything from a whale-watching expedition to a helicopter ride over the ice caps. Visit between September and April to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights right before your eyes! 

Tasmania

When most people think about Australia their first thought is Sydney or Melbourne, but Tasmania is a diamond in the rough. The country is an isolated island located directly off of the Southern Coast of Australia. This destination is known for the incredible wildlife, rolling vineyards and beautiful coastlines. So, the best way to discover the island is to just get outside and explore! Whether you are a nature lover or just looking to kick-back and relax on the enchanting island of Tasmania, this is the perfect place for you. We know the 26-hour flight sounds daunting but we promise it is worth every second!  

If you are looking to get off the grid and discover our must-see destinations. Call Rubinsohn Travel today!

Boo! Are you scared? It’s time to talk all things Halloween. In this week’s blog, we are featuring the must-see haunted hotels for this Halloween season. So, if you’re ready to get scared, start planning your trip today with the travel experts, Rubinsohn Travel. 

The Stanley– Hotel Estes Park, Colorado

If you like to be scared on Halloween, then this is the place for you. The Stanley Hotel is known as the most haunted hotel in the nation and was the inspiration behind Stephen King’s, “The Shining.”  The Stanley opened in 1904 and has haunted activities, along with its own resident psychic, Madame Vera. The hotel hosts a variety of events throughout October, including the Boo Bash, Masquerade Party, and The Shining Ball. All of these events have live music and costumes.  The Stanley also hosts a RedRum Mystery Dinner, where there is a theatrical presentation of a murder mystery, accompanied by a four-course meal. 

The Hay-Adams Washington, District of Columbia 

The Hay-Adams hotel lets their guests stay over Halloween night in a ghoulishly decorated room which they have renamed the Transylvanian Suite, overlooking Lafayette Park.  A spooky butler will escort the guests to the room, where inside they will find cobwebs, skulls, spiderwebs, and skeletons, along with a collection of horror films to watch late at night. The package includes cocktails for two and a three-course meal dinner paired with wines followed by a spidery-inspired dessert!  In the morning, enjoy breakfast in bed with a “Bloody Scary” to wash it all down. 

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York 

The Mohonk Mountain House has something for everyone this Halloween.  You can take a stroll through the on-site haunted house, which is themed around childhood memories such as, “Things that go bump in the night,” or see if you can solve a puzzle to work your way out of the Escape Room: “The Missing Blueprints.” Kids are welcome to trick-or-treat around the Mountain House and check out some creepy creatures, such as tarantulas, snakes,  and scorpions. Oh my! Adults can dress up for the Gala Halloween Costume Ball with a costume contest.  

Woodloch Resort Hawley, Pennsylvania 

For thrills and chills, Woodloch Resort has some scares in store. There is a haunted hayride that is sure to scare the guests while riding on a truck-pulled wagon along the resort’s nature trail. Winding through beautiful fall foliage and elaborate sets, with live actors, special effects, and music, you will be taken straight to the spirit of Autumn. Woodloch also has spirited Family Olympics, a seasonal take on the Olympics, along with pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating, as well as the party in the resort’s nightclub to entertain the adults.

Great Wolf Lodge Resorts 

Halloween is the best time to visit any of the Great Wolf Lodge Resorts all around the U.S. The resort chain goes all out for this holiday, hosting its annual Howl-O-Ween celebration throughout October. There is a costume parade for the kids with Great Wolf Lodge mascots Wiley and Violet, pumpkin painting, crafting and a monster themed dance party at the end of the night, followed by some spooky bedtime stories. The Halloween decor includes giant balloon creations of spiders, dragons, skeletons, and more inside the grand lobby, as well as festively decorated Howl-O-Ween houses for trick-or-treaters to collect goodies. 

The secret is out…Charleston, South Carolina is our hotspot of the month! This destination is known for award-winning cuisine, deep-rooted history and scenic beaches. What is lesser known is the unique restaurants and nightlife of the Lowcountry. To help you explore the beauty and culture that Charleston has to offer, we have compiled a list of our favorite spots— some known, some lesser-known. Whether you are a local or a first time visitor, Rubinsohn Travel knows the spots. 

Minero: 

Hidden on the corner of East Bay Street, Minero combines traditional Mexican cuisine and southern charm in a fun and lively environment. The casual eatery is tucked on the second floor of a restored building in the Historic District of Charleston. The 1,000-square-foot restaurant creates an intimate dining experience filled with infused tequila blends and handmade tortillas. By using a traditional nixtamalization process to make fresh tortillas every day, Minero grinds the corn in house, which results in a truly authentic corn tortilla for guests. 

Henry’s On the Market: 

Henry’s is centrally located in the Historic city market of Charleston. Established in 1932, Henry’s is the oldest continuous restaurant in Charleston, but what is hidden from most visitors is, the lively nighttime scene for visitors after 10:00 p.m. When guests first enter Henry’s it appears to be an old fashioned sports bar but very few people venture up to the four additional stories of the building. Starting on the second floor, is a swanky jazz club with an all leather bar and cozy booths. If this is not your scene, keep climbing to the next floor and visitors will see a hopping two-story nightclub featuring three bars, two dance floors and an open air patio but that is not all. On the fourth floor, the restaurant opens up to a large rooftop where visitors can relax under the stars of the Lowcountry. 

Poogan’s Porch

Do you believe in ghosts? Well, if you do then Poogan’s Porch will satisfy your fancy. The Victorian home built in 1888 was formerly owned by a family who lived in Charleston for over 50 years. Poogan’s Porch which is located on a predominately residential street, was named after the former owners dog, Poogan, who was left on the front porch of the house after the owners left in a haste. The new owners wondered why they left such a sweet dog, but ended up naming the restaurant after him. When Poogan passed away employees claimed that his spirits still lurked around the restaurants along with other energies. 

However, for visitors, the southern classic cuisine is the main attraction. Whether it’s shrimp and grits, country fried chicken or a daily local seafood selection, guests will never be disappointed with an unforgettable meal at Poogan’s Porch. 

Dave’s Seafood 

Don’t judge a book by its cover because Dave’s Seafood is big on flavor. Throughout its many years of business Dave has mastered the skill of perfectly frying all types of fresh seafood. He is known for his light batter that crisps to perfection, while keeping the quality of the seafood. So, if you’re looking to experience some soul-food staples then pick up Dave’s on your next stroll through Charleston. 

The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

For visitors who want to explore beyond downtown Charleston they should visit Shelter Kitchen. The restaurant is conveniently located directly over the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant. Shelter has a reputation for outstanding locally sourced food, amazing brunch and a lively daytime scene. The family-friendly establishment was opened in 2012 and has been a hit around the small town ever since. Throughout the week, visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs to dine on the deck while overlooking the scenic waterways of Shem Creek. This hidden gem is a hotspot for locals looking to escape the rush of downtown. 

If you want to explore the historic cobblestone streets of Charleston, call Rubinsohn Travel to book an unforgettable experience. 

With summer in full swing, our Canadian neighbors to the North are taking to the bars! They are experiencing an exciting nightlife with a thirst the Great Lakes can’t even quench. In this week’s blog, we are featuring the hotspots in Toronto where the locals can get their drink on, day or night! Now, you can too. Rubinsohn Travel has hand-picked the best spots for you to join them. 

The Porch

The Porch is a local favorite and one of the more bustling bars on the list. It will make a great first start on your nightlife journey here in Toronto. Being a rooftop bar, located right in the city’s entertainment district, it offers an unmatched view of the city. People come for the ice-cold beer and refreshing margaritas that are uniquely served in buckets, but stay for the view! If you like getting an early start on the day, The Porch is brunch-goer friendly! We suggest The Porch Breakfast spread; the go-to choice for many locals. No matter if you are going on a sunny day or a warm summer night, you will always find good times and good vibes here! 

Sneaky Dee’s

With their walls covered in graffiti, Sneaky Dee’s offers a unique environment for their patrons. This is a perfect spot for the low-key bar hopper. This place is known for their cheap eats and insanely delicious nachos—no seriously, the nachos are that noteworthy, ask any local! Their food is traditional Tex-Mex cuisine, the perfect blend of Texan and Mexican inspiration. Despite being miles away from either region, Sneaky Dee’s hits it out of the park! From their fajitas to their quesadillas, you can’t go wrong. All of their ingredients are locally sourced, except for their avocados and tomatoes, giving you a true taste of the city. For the music buffs, many of Toronto’s respected indie bands got their start here. Stop in, and you might see the city’s next big talent performing.

Lavelle

Looking for a more upscale Toronto bar experience? Look no further than the luxurious Lavelle. The second rooftop bar on the list offers true decadence in food, atmosphere, and drink! Cocktails, like the Bad & Boujee and Violet Vibe, will get you in the mood for one of their Wagyu Meat Burgers with garlic aioli fries. The upscale experience doesn’t stop there, because when you are done with your drinks and top-notch bar food, you can head to their pool. Yup, that’s right!—because what rooftop bar would be complete without a rooftop pool??? They invite you to escape the city heat by relaxing poolside, or in a private cabana, sipping cocktails . Lavelle will make you feel a part of Toronto’s elite, a must visit for any bar-goers with a taste for the finer things!

Farside

Head to Chinatown to find a bar that feels like home. At Farside, if you aren’t taking a seat at the bartop, you’ll be sitting in what feels like your dad’s favorite armchair. Their zany, mismatched, furniture is found all over their lounge areas. Frequent patrons to the bar enjoy calling it “the home away from home.” If you are traveling solo, or with a group of people, they got something here for you. Into cheap domestic beer? Check! Wanna try some rare Ontario ciders or IPAs? They got it! Enjoy the novelty shot scene? They offer some of the best! Everyone will be able to find their drink of choice here. Farside plans a multitude of events, and entertainment, throughout each month, for its patrons to attend. Movie, game, or trivia nights, they got it all covered. This living-room style bar is perfect for a night of drinking and lounging!

Grey Gardens

For all the wine lovers out there, any Toronto native will send you straight to Grey Gardens. The place itself is a restaurant that is well known for its Wine Bar. If you think yourself a wine connoisseur, then this place comes highly recommended. They do have a small beer and cider list, but if you want to seem like a true Toronto insider, ask for their secret sake menu! Wine and sake aside, this place has an intoxicating atmosphere. Everyone in Grey Gardens, from the staff to the patrons, are among the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Don’t be surprised if you walk out of there with some new friends!

The Cloak 

Okay, so it’s time you’re let in on a little secret. Make your way to Marben Restaurant, on Wellington Street West. Enter, then in between the restaurant’s bar and its kitchen, there is a narrow hallway that leads to a velvet curtain. Behind that curtain is a stairwell that leads down to one of Toronto’s hidden bar-gems, The Cloak. Shhh! Only a handful of Toronto natives know, now you do too! Why not join them? If you are a seeker of hidden/secret bars, add this one to your list. Located below Marben Restaurant, this speakeasy-style bar serves out of this world cocktails, and the finest scotch in town!

Hurry! These bars aren’t going to visit themselves. Toronto is waiting for you! Book with Rubinsohn Travel today!