Where is a nice spot in the mountains in the San Fernando Valley?|112252

I have heard that there are really nice viewpoints somewhere around winnetka/topanga and the 118 freeway. I just can_t find them and all the overlooks close to ventura blvd are way too populated.

First off, now_s not a great time to get panoramic views of the valley. The smog is bad this time of year.

I was going to say Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills, which straddles the ridge and gives you great vistas of most of LA on one side, and the valley on the other side. But you said the north side of the valley.

Take the 118 to Reseda Blavd, Tampa Ave, or Porter Ranch Dri. head north to Sesnon Blvd. There are a number of parks up there, and even a short trail off Limekiln Canyon Road up into the hills where you can get great views after a storm.

You might also try Browns Canyon. Take the DeSoto offramp, then go north a few miles there_s even an old missile complex up there.

If you want _unpopulated_ views, you might have to do a little hiking.

Go to the end of DeSoto under the freeway...go up the hill and then down into a sweet little canyon. Winnetka stops into a gated community. You might want to explore Topanga Canyon also go under the freeway up and over that little hill and that is kinda nice too.

Do you have any good tips for visiting Las Vegas for the first time?|148635

In a week my boyfriend and I are going to Vegas for 3 days. Neigher one of us have been there before. While the obvious thing to do there is gamble, what_re some other fun things? Or what are some tips you have on food, getting around, etc.? We_re thinking of seeing Monty Python_s Spam-a-Lot.

Shows (my favorites):

Mystere Cirque Du Soleil @ Treasure Island (Very good)
KA Cirque Du Soleil @ MGM Grand (Very good)
Love Cirque Du Soleil (Beatles music) @ Mirage (I haven_t seen it, but is from the same creator as the two last ones)
O Cirque Du Soleil (swimmers) @ Bellagio (Fair)
Zumanity Cirque Du Soleil (sensual one and R rated) @ New York New York (haven_t seen it, but I know it is R rated)
Le Reve (kind of Cirque Du Soleil by same creator) @ Wynn (Good)

Other Shows:
Blue Man Group @ The Venetian (BEST RATED).... seems fun... ha!
Jubilee! @ Bally_s (have been in Vegas for lots and lots of years) some topless...
Folies Bergere @ Tropicana (The oldest show in Vegas) can be topless or covered...
Lance Burton: Master Magician @ Monte Carlo (one of the best magicians they say)
Penn _ Teller @ Rio (Magic Comedy) Very funny...

There is like a hundred more shows but some are totally nude or totally topless and others are just plain comedians..

NightClubs:
The best:
Krave @ Aladdin: Desert Passage
Nightclub and after hours
Light @ Bellagio
Nightclub and after hours
Pure @ Caesars Palace
Lounge, nightclub, and after hours
OPM @ Caesars: The Forum Shops
Nightclub and after hours
Studio 54 @ MGM Grand
Nightclub and after hours
Tabu Ultra Lounge @ MGM Grand
Lounge, Nightclub, and after hours
Jet @ The Mirage
Nightclub and after hours
REVOLUTION LOUNGE @ The Mirage (Beatles music theme) from the creators of LOVE Cirque Du Soleil
Lounge only
Moon and Rain @ Palms (famous people have been seen there) **CAUTION** Out of the strip place...
Nightclub, live music, and after hours
VooDoo Lounge @ Rio
Lounge, nightclub, and live music
Tao @ The Venetian
Lounge, nightclub, and after hours
Lure @ Wynn
Lounge, and after hours

Dining (my favorites):
Top of the World @ Stratosphere (Great food, high above Las Vegas, great view, romantic, and everybody likes it)
Buffet @ Rio or Paris (Eat until you die) (best buffets in Vegas)
Pampas @ Aladdin (Eat MEAT until you die) (high quality meats brazilian style)
***There is a P.F. Chang_s China Bistro @ Aladdin***

Shopping (my favorites):
Everything is expensive....
but Caesar_s Palace and Aladdin have the best indoor malls in the strip
The Forum Shops @ Caesar_s Palace
Desert Passage @ Aladdin

Free Shows (most see):
The Mirage Volcano @ The Mirage (nice at night)
Masquerade Show in the Sky @ Rio
Lake of Dreams @ Wynn (the fancy side of free shows)
Fall of Atlantis @ Caesar_s Palace: The Forum Shops (special effects)
Fountains @ Bellagio (nice and world famous) MOST SEE
Sirens of TI @ Treasure Island (lots of pyrotechnics)

Those shows start every 15 or 30 minutes at night...

Other Attractions (very good too):
Rides and great view @ the top of the Stratosphere
Roller Coaster @ New York New York
Roller Coaster @ Sahara
Gondola Rides @ The Venetian (just like in Europe... romantic)
Royal White Tiger Habitat @ The Mirage (if you like big cats)
The Eiffel tower Experience @ Paris (nice views)
Shark Reef @ Mandalay Bay (if you like fishies)


****All that is the best of the best, everything else is not as good....****
So much to do.... and that_s only the best... There is a whole book guide about this and the rest haha!
If you have any specific questions about any of the shows or nightclubs, or attractions let me know...

your gonna have a blast in Vegas with your boyfriend!
a tip, walking the Strip will take FOREVER!!! take good walking shoes! you will be walking a lot!
I wore sandals, not the best idea and i went during July, which was a mistake. the weather was unbelieveably hot! NO lie, the temperature went up to 114* degrees Farenheit, i thought i was gonna fry!
I didn_t go out during the day, i walked around the hotel for most of the day and went out at night after the sun went down because it was TOO hot to be outside.
There_s this bus, i forgot what it_s called, but you pay about $5 (i think) and it_s like a bus ticket that will take you up and down the strip for the whole day. there are many bus stops along the Strip, so taking this bus is real handy. it_s a double decker bus, but i forgot the name, you_ll see many of them.
I believe it was in front of the MGM hotel that we bought our ticket, but there are also many other ticket stands that will sell you.
I suggest you ask the hotel where you can purchase your ticket. it helped me get around a lot!
You will see MANY buffets where you can eat. every where you look there are buffets, but there are also restaurants, but mainly buffets.
There are also many souvenier shops that have wonderful little gifts.
There_s this HUGE coke-bottle that is pretty cool that is on the strip. it_s like, a Coke store, and it_s neat because you can drink a coke or rootbeer float at their soda fountain thing. I enjoyed my coke-float very much!!!!
although on those bus things, they won_t let you on with food or drinks, so i suggest hiding them in your purse or bag, like i did, i wasn_t about to throw my coke float away. LOL.
There_s this M_M World place, and it_s amazing! it_s 3 floors of M_M_s! a couple of the floors are small though. i believe it_s the 2nd floor that has TONS of M_M_s in SO many different colors! and some have peantus or almonds or plain if you_d like. There_s baggies you can put your M_M_s in, but be careful, they can get pretty expensive. what may look like a little (in your baggie) will cost a lot.
At the hotel you_ll be staying at,(in most hotels), when you first walk in, they_ll ask you where your visiting from and then they_ll try to sell you tickets to see a show. and they_ll bring you over to the counter (inside your hotel) and try to sell you tickets for a show at a much cheaper price, than what you_d pay at the window.
At first i thought this was some kind of scam, but they really sold us tickets for a show. and the price was great! and this was from the hotel, you get like a discount.
for a neat show, that is free, at night time, go near the hotel with the HUGE fountain the front, it_s called the BELLAGIO hotel. it_s amazing!!! at night they have this amazing fountain show, and the foutains move to the sound of the music play.
Many people gather up outside the hotel to see the show, and it lasts for about 10 minutes. it_s really neat and it_s free.
Feel free to walk into other hotels (Pricey Hotels) to see inside. Just walk in like your a guest there.
the BEllagio hotel is beautiful inside!!!
If you get the chance while your in there, go to the Gelato shop they have there, and in the shop they have a chocolate fountain this is just amazing!!!
there_s this wonderful dessert they sell there too but i forgot what it_s called. it looks like a pancake decorated beautifully!but it_s much better than a pancake. i_m sure the name will come to me later.
i hope you and your boyfriend enjoy yourselves in Vegas.

See lots of shows

-Ride the rollercoaster @ New York, New York
-Visit the M _ Ms factory
-See a Cirque de Sole show

I would walk around, because there is so much to see and you should eat in the buffets in the hotels because they are usually pretty cheap and have great food!

My husband and I go there 2-3 times a year. For about 10 years now. And are moving there this summer.
I am no expert, but, I have had my share of Vegas. So let me tell you, if you are going for the first time, you will want to check out all the _free stuff_ first.
There is the Fountain at the Bellagio. Beautiful.
The Volcano in front of the Mirage.
The Sirens Show in front of Treasure Island.
The Circus acts at the Circus Circus.
The Conservatory at the Bellagio.
Fountain Shows at the Caesars Palace. (Greek Gods and King Neptune and family)
The Lion Habitat at the MGM. (Lions are direct decendents of the MGM Lion.)
Masquerade Village at the Rio. (Acts suspended from the air.)
M_M World on the strip
White Tiger Habitat at the Mirage
Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo
These are just some of the FREE attractions.
Then you have lots of others that are usually $20 or less per person. Some are a little more. But here_s some ideas for that.
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
The 3D movies at the Luxor
The Secret Garden Animal Habitat at the Mirage, (Rare and Endangered Animals including White Tigers and Lions and Dolphins.)
Motion Rides at Excalibur and Caesars Palace.
The Tower and Rides at Stratosphere
Adventure Dome in Circus Circus
The Roller Coasters at New York, New York and The Sahara
The Wax Museum at the Venetian
Gondola Rides at the Venetian
Now, if you want a show here are some suggestions.
Blue Man Group at the Venetian about $125 but worth every penny.
The Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur, dinner and a great show for about $60
Le Reve at the Wynn about $100
Any of the Cirque De Soliel shows all around $100
Great entertainment in the bars at the New York, New York on Friday and Saturday nights.
Usually no cover charge and really good music and dancing.
Lots of shows in town, go on the internet to find out what is playing specifically while you are going to be there and see who_s in town.
Always, someone great.
Now for food, if you want a good meal for a good price, then go to Downtown, that_s where all the good food is for cheap. And great buffets. Downtown is also known as Freemont Street.
Don_t worry about what you may have heard about downtown, it_s great. And inexpensive.
If you need to eat on the strip, keep with the buffets, or most of the casinos have 24 hour diners that usually have pretty good food for a great price.
Our personal favorite buffet is at the Luxor.
We love the food there and the service is great.
There is also a good diner in the Tropicana.
Stop in front and spin the big wheel. (We_ve won FREE show tickets there before, and they give everyone who tries coupons to use inside. There is one for a great Steak and Crab dinner for only $14.00.)
Of course, all the casinos have little specialty shops that sell food. And it really just depends on how much you want to spend.
It_s always worth it to do at least one _special_ meal that is more expensive.
There is a great Mexican place inside of Treasure Island. I can_t remember the name, but the food was first rate and it was a little pricy, but well worth it.
Also, there is a great pasta place inside of Palace Station.
As far as getting around, plan on walking, ALOT!!!
However, if you are going to stay mainly on the strip, then take the Tram or Train that is behind the casinos on the side of the strip with MGM.
It costs alittle, we usually buy the $30 one that lets you ride as much as you want all day and night, it_s worth it, you can get from one end of the strip to the other in minutes. And there are various stops at alot of the other casinos in between. Then you can get off and walk across to the other casinos across the street.
Haven_t seen Monty Python, but, heard it_s pretty good.
Whatever you do, have fun. And let it all sink in. The first time will be amazing for you.
I remember the first time, it was like Adult Disneyland.
You really get that feeling of wonderment that you have when you are a child and go to Disneyland.
You are going to LOVE Vegas!!!!

The first thing to keep in mind when visiting Vegas is don_t bring more than you plan to spend. Playing the slots and tables is fun but addicting and can leave you broke.
The strip is awesome but over-crowded. To get around the strip (other than on foot) I suggest riding the Deuce. It is the cheapest way to get from point A to point B.
Try to check out Fremont Street, Fashion Show Mall, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Red Rock, Gameworks, etc. Nevada is a very beautiful state.

As far as good goes you can get really cheap food on the strip from vendors but you_ll pay through the roof if you eat in a restuarant.

I heard Monty Python is great. Other shows:
Lance Burton
Zummanity
Penn _ Teller
Danny Gans
The Amazing Jonathon

Just leave your inhabitions at home. Let him look because you will want to look as well.. The people watching is awesome.

Dont plan to sleep alot.
use coupons - Magazines in your room has a lot of them.

Enjoy ... dont plan .. just enjoy

See the fountains at Belagio, Sirens at Treasure Island is a free show. A Cirque Du Soleil show is a must. Enjoy the food and nightclubs. You will be busy all 3 days too much stuff to do.

Where are the best places to visit in Minnesota?|132777

I_m wanting to do some traveling, and I_d like to find out what residents of Minnesota like to do. I haven_t decided where exactly I_d like to go, just somewhere in Minnesota, preferably near a big town but not necessarily right in one. I_d like to know of any great restaurants (preferably non-franchise) and any great spots to visit. I don_t mind if they_re tourist attractions or just locally known hidden spots. Anything you can provide will be great! Thanks!

The north shore of Lake Superior has some rugged coastlines and beautiful vistas. A hike into the interior along the north shore gets you to Gooseberry Falls, one of the most beautiful scenic areas of the state.

Minnesota is famous for its lakes. You can visit several of them right in the heart of Minneapolis and St. Paul, with beautiful walkways and bikeways. I_m not as current on best restaurants but I believe there are several in the Nicollet Mall downtown pedestrian district of Minneapolis.

Garrison Keillor_s nationwide radio program, a Prairie Home Companion, is broadcast live each Saturday night from the Fitzgerald Theatre in downtown St. Paul. You can probably order tickets in advance. It can be a great _ unique Minnesota experience.

A lot of Minnesotan_s like to fish and hunt. They fish in the summer, and in the winter on the ice. They like to ride thier bikes, there are lots of great state trails, one is SE Minnesota, by Laneboro, that is a great one. A lot like to Ski and ice skate in the winter. They like to shop. Many like going to theater. In the winter they like to ride snowmobiles, they have a lot of designated trails thoughout the state. Or there are tons of great state parks. Duluth area is nice too, if you want to go see the north shore!

If you_re looking for a bunch of great restaurants (both franchised and not) you should check out Grand Ave. in St. Paul. You_ll find (almost) anything your palate desires.

It really depends on the type of activities you want to do. Minneapolis/ Bloomington has the Mall of America and IKEA for shopping. There are many museums/historic sites in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul areas. There are plenty of lakes and parks for outside activites all over Minnesota. Southeast Minnesota has the Mississippi River and beautiful bluff country. Some towns to visit there would be Winona, Wabasha, Kellogg, or Lanesboro.
Try www.exploreminnesota.com for things to do, places to stay, etc.

MN is a beautiful state. many lakes, parks, the southern part is more populated . here is a link to the travel bureau up there
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/home.asp��

What is the absolute best and most thorough tour of San Francisco?|103157

Me and my girlfriend are going to visit California/San Francisco mid November. We don_t want to fall into a tourist trap. We need to get the most for our money. Has anyone experienced a really thorough tour of San Francisco for a good price?

Find a Big-Big Hotel with a line of cabs out front. Go the rear of the line. Ask the driver what kind of deal will he give you for say a 3 or 5 hour tour of San Francisco_s _hot-spots_ with a lunch in the middle (and he can come along, but sit across the room, and you_ll pay his bill)

When I drove a cab in St. Louis the rate was $50 to $100 depending on how far and total time (plus how many cab_s were in front of me/or how slow the line was moving)

If the last guy won_t give you a good deal, keep working each cab up to the front one. Naturally, by the time you reach the front the price may be $80 to $140.

But, your getting a great tour from someone who know_s the city like the back of his hand.

Only negative part is if you get a driver who_s been around for 20 or 30 years, he_ll talk your ear_s off (ha-ha). ENJOY THE RIDE !!!!!!!!!

What are good party bars in Las Vegas for friends, and what are some good bars to go to with the family?|100750

Im going for my 21st, and want to go out with just my friends to the bar one night. The other night I want to go with my family to the bars, and I want a fun one, but not to crazy with the family.

Almost all of the bars and pubs on the strip are family and touristy. They are also expensive. You should go to a local bar off of the strip.

21st B-day is a milestone to be enjoyed... celebrated. Take your GF_s to Thunder Down Under than hit the Central Park bar in New York-New Yourk.
If you are hot looking, The popular ones - ICE, Pure and such will let you in after waiting in line an hour or two.

Rum Jungle!!

Family Bar? any casino bar or lounge will do, as long as everyone is 21+

P T_s Pub, they_re everywhere. Good on a week day afternoon for quiet. Ellis Island Casino, it_s a brewery. Small and quiet (when we went). They also have good food. Mondays thru Thursdays, from 8am till happy hour is the best time to go for family time.

What is a nice cheap weekend getaway for a couple in New Jersey?|198661

My fiance and I want to do something different this weekend. There are only so many times to go to the movies, play pool, and go bowling. We are currently on a budget saving for our wedding. What would be a nice cheap weekeng geatway for a couple in New Jersey? Any ideas?

pennsylvania! you can go to the mountains..if thats what you mean by getaway. I believe most stuff is much cheaper here then towards the coast.

Visit New York City - Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The very best getaway I ever experienced was to tell everyone I was going to NYC. Then I just stayed home, stayed in doors so they didn_t know I was there, and later pulled out old photos and made up stories about all the things I had done. It_s harder to pull this off than you think because it_s very tempting to go outside.

One time I did that, and while everyone knew I wasn_t gone, I had a great time. That time I MADE myself go to all the tourist attractions close to home and just see my local community as a tourist would. Believe it or not, that was a better getaway than taking a trip. The key on this one was to go to TOURIST things, and to not fall into the trap of going to the mall, the grocery store, etc - all the things that are part of your daily work. One way to make it more that way is to eat every single meal out that week (or whatever time period) and to not turn your television on AT ALL during that time period. Make sure you go to a lot of movies, museums, art galleries, and all the other fun stuff you might overlook in the hustle and bustle of your daily life.

You_ll be surprised how much fun you_ll have. Better than taking a trip, and less expensive, too.

Go to upstate New York and find a bed and breakfast. Or, go to Long Branch or one of the places along the Jersey shore. It_s the off season so the place will be dead, and you can visit all the little shops and stuff.

Cape May (the city) is well known for its romantic B_B_s.

There_s still walking on the beach even tho_ the weather_s getting cool and there_s a downtown pedestrian mall that has excellent food and shopping.

As it_s off-season, rates will be lower and crowds will be non-existant.

Really recommend it highly.

What car rental companies allow you to drive to Alaska?|122153

What car rental companies would allow me to rent a car from Seattle or Edmonton, AB, and drive it round trip to Fairbanks? I will need the car for 21 days. Also, for those that drove to Alaska, which route did you take, and why?

There is only one route to take to Alaska and it_s called the Alaskan Highway. You will want to purchase a book called The Milepost from either:
http://www.themilepost.com/
or
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search��


This book is the Alaskan travelers bible. For the beginner I would start at Dawson Creek, British Columbia, CA, this is the actual start of the Alaskan Highway. You will arrive in Alaska much sooner than the 1422 mile distance the road travels. Stop at the welcome center at Delta Junction, the official end of the highway and pickup you certificate that you have traveled the Alaskan Highway.

The Milepost, well read we point out all the stops you need to make, resturants, motel/hotels, attractions and expecially fuel stops. Study this book well, highlight points you might wish to see. There is enough within 20 miles of the road to keep you busy for the season.

As for cat companies that allow you to travel to Alaska, research them all and have a good road service.

Take cameras, plenty of film ot data cards.

Good luck