Great Eateries in Charlotte NC

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza is a neighborhood restaurant serving hand crafted pizzas hot out of our wood-burning oven. We also offer a selection of signature sandwiches, pastas, salads and desserts. Brixx features 14 wines by the glass and 24 great beers on tap.

225 E. 6th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 704-347-2749

http://www.brixxpizza.com/

Entertain the palette. Enliven the senses. Engage the moment. In the heart of Uptown’s EpiCentre, Mez offers stunning atmosphere, soaring ceilings, dramatic downtown views and an intimate lounge. Featuring innovative, eclectic cuisine from award winning, acclaimed Miami Chef Klime Kovaceski. Mez is sure to become Uptown’s new quintessential dining experience.

210 East Trade Street
Charlotte , NC 28202

Phone: 704-971-2400
http://www.mezcharlotte.com/

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille is the perfect choice bordering the Uptown limits. Within walking distance from Bank of America Stadium, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte Law School, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame; Dilworth Neighborhood Grille has become a popular hangout for neighbors, friends, co-workers, and families. With a patio that boasts a perfect skyline view, a restaurant as welcoming as open arms, and a menu that highlights northern and southern dishes; be prepared to feel at home.

911 E. Moorehead Street
Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: 704-377-3808

Jersey Mike’s Subs

Take the highest quality of meats, cheeses. Add the freshest lettuce, tomatoes & onions. Add the perfect blend of fine seasonings – you have the perfect sub! The bread is baked fresh daily in each store. Every sandwich is made fresh to order. Meats and cheeses are sliced in front of each customer. There are over 25 different varieties of hot and cold subs with 3 different sizes-Mini-Mikes (4 inch); Regular (7 inch); and Giant (14 inch) subs.

2001 East 7th St.
Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: 704-375-1985

http://www.jerseymike.com/

The menu at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant is printed twice daily and features more than 30 varieties of fresh fish and seafood locally to being flown in from both U.S. and international waters. Other menu highlights include tempting pasta, poultry and beef specialties to tempt any palette.

Visit our lively bar and enjoy traditional mixology at its best, featuring classic cocktails made from scratch using fresh-squeezed juices, bottled and tap beer, or choose a selection from our extensive wine list to accompany your meal.

200 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 704-377-0201

http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/

Shane’s Rib Shack

Unlike the “old school” BBQ joints that fire up their expensive smokers two times a week and are satisfied serving machine ground pork that might be 3 to 4 days old, Shane’s serves, fresh, clean pork. We smoke it overnight, hand chop it this morning and serve it today so our customers enjoy the best tasting, freshest pork around.
Shane’s is Real People, Real BBQ!

440 E. McCullough Drive,
Suite 127
Charlotte, NC 28262

Phone: 704-503-3317

http://www.shanesribshackcharlotte.com/

Zebra offers contemporary French Cuisine and an acclaimed wine list in a comfortable setting. It is fine dining, exquisite catering, and gracious service, the way you imagine it without the attitude.
They offer both a la carte choices and nightly tasting menus to take you through an unparalleled culinary experience.

4521 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28211

Phone: 704-442-9525

http://www.zebrarestaurant.net/

Travel Tips for Students

The study abroad programs are increasing in availability and student travel itself is an opportunity to explore different countries and learn a deeper appreciation of foreign cultures. So here are our carefully researched tips to ensure that you have memorable time on the vacation.

Packing for the Trip: “Less is better” when it comes to packing for student travel.

• Clothes: Pack clothing you can mix and match.
• Toiletries
• Pack a simple first aid kit
• Passport and Visa: Make sure that you are carrying your passport and visa in cases where required
• Pack a photocopy of your airline tickets besides the original

Register your Trip: Register your travel plans with the State Department. You can do the same through free online service provided by State Government. This will help the authorities to contact you in case there is a family emergency in the U.S. or if there is a crisis where you are traveling.

Carrying Money: Use Travelers Checks rather than carrying around large amounts of cash. Use credit cards in case you plan to make bigger purchases. Do notify your credit card company, prior to your departure of the countries you intend to visit.

Medications & Medical Coverage: Consult your medical insurance company if your medical policy applies overseas.  In case it does not, consider supplemental insurance. Also carry a photocopy of all current prescriptions so these items can be replaced if lost.

On the Plane: Pay attention to the pre-flight safety demonstration and locate the nearest emergency exit. If case you have special dietary needs, order a special meal through the airline in advance of your trip.

Safety Measures at Destination: Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or carrying huge amount of cash. Dress conservatively. Do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages or favors from strangers.

While residing Abroad: Eat food that has been fully cooked and served hot.  Boil your water or drink only bottled water or carbonated drinks from cans or bottles with intact seals.

Other Handy Tips: While abroad avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling.

Consider these tips and you can protect yourself while still enjoying the sights and sounds around you in a new country.

Plan your next trip to the U.S Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands is a paradise with so much more to offer than the traditional beach vacation. Visitors wishing to immerse themselves in a profound cultural experience can enjoy historical tours, culinary encounters, artisan fairs, parades, storytelling and other special presentations.

Walking tours on St. Thomas and St. Croix feature the diverse architecture, evidence of nations that colonized the islands in the 17th and 18th centuries. If you’re feeling energetic, walk one of the many street steps, the most famous being the 99 steps on St. Thomas, a common way of getting to higher ground.

Your cultural journey continues with a look at the life and creations of artisans and crafters who earned a living creating functional and decorative pieces. Restored greathouses now serving as museums, like Haagenson House on St. Thomas and Whim Museum on St. Croix, preserve this past, displaying masterfully created mahogany pieces, delicate linens and original art. Local craft cooperatives, art galleries and artist colonies present the works of today’s tradition-bearers. Annaberg Plantation ruins in St. John’s National Park offers daily cultural demonstrations, including cooking the old-fashioned way – on a coal pot over an open flame.

USVI Hotels and Resorts
On St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute is in the island’s pocket-size rainforest. It welcomes overnight guests in stilted cabanas and in Hawk’s Nest. On St. John, the Bellavista Bed & Breakfast is named for its panoramic view over the historic port city of Charlotte Amalie and the saturated Caribbean-blue beyond. Also on St. John, Maho Bay Camps offer 114 tent cottages nearly hidden by lush foliage and connected by a series of wooden walk- ways through the hillside. The sister resort is Estate Concordia Preserve.

USVI Restaurants
At Caneel Bay resort on St. John, you must eat at the Equator Restaurant, set in the ruins of a sugar mill from the 1700s, with authentic dishes from the Caribbean grill. On St. Croix, stuff your- self with johnnycakes at La Reina and try a dangerously delicious rum concoction at Off the Wall, an open-air restaurant on Cane Bay. On St. Thomas, Duffy’s Love Shack in Red Hook hosts Taco Tuesday, Full Moon parties and more.

USVI Beaches
Trunk Bay on St. John and Magens Bay on St. Thomas are often named among the world’s best beaches, but these islands are full of fabulous less-famous strands too. Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay and Hawksnest Bay are a few classics on St. John’s northern coast; try walking 15 minutes from Estate Lindholm to deserted Honeymoon Beach. On St. Thomas, Coki Bay and Sapphire Beach are also good bets. The water along St. Croix’s northern coast can be rough, but the beaches there — Cane Bay is one good choice — are often deserted and the snorkeling is excellent. For calmer water, head to Sandy Point on the southwestern coast, the biggest beach in the USVI.

USVI Sightseeing and Tours
On St. Croix, go to Fort Christiansvaern, where you can look out over the picture-book harbor and plan your own walking through streets lined with 18th-century Danish architecture and West Indian townhouses — a colorful smorgasbord of shops, galleries, and restaurants. In Christiansted, “jump-up” block parties are a long tradition here. On St. John, take a mountain biking tour with Water Island Adventures and see the Virgin Islands National Park. Explore Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas, Caneel Bay on St. John and much more with Virgin Islands Ecotours.

Cruzan Rum Distillery
The production of rum has been a part of St. Croix history since colonial times. Today, it continues to thrive at the Cruzan Rum Factory. Tour the facilities, including the Great House and old sugar mill, and taste why Cruzan Rum is one of the world’s most honored rums.

Guess the City

Can you guess what city you’re looking at from the plane?

1.

-          One of only 2 cities in the United States were currency is printed

-          City was founded during the Mexican War in 1849

-          More than 30 museums ranging from art, baseball and sewing machines to railroads and airplanes can be found in this city

-          This city is the largest metropolitan area in the nation not on a navigable body of water.

Who am I?

2.

-          Consistently in Dr. Beach’s top 10 Best Beaches in the U.S.

-          This city is the 3rd in U.S. for international passenger traffic

-          This city is a man-made island that was once a Coconut Grove Plantation.

-          This city is home to 150+ ethnicities and 60+ languages

-          This cities Art Deco District contains the world’s largest collection of Art Deco Architecture (800+ buildings)

Who am I?

Things to do in Pittsburgh

Things to do in Pittsburgh

Cinema in the Park

Enjoy cinema under the stars. Pittsburgh Citipark’s “Cinema in the Park” features popular family friendly movies at seven Pittsburgh area parks.

Community Bike Program

A corporate-sponsored Dasani Blue Bikes program offers free bikes to borrow to explore the city’s Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

Festival of Lights

Experience the region’s tremendous array of arts with Pittsburgh’s Festival of Lights. Building facades across the city are transformed into unique large-scale works of art.

BNY Mellon presents JazzLive

JazzLive is a year-round FREE live jazz series taking place at The Cabaret at Theater Square, Backstage Bar, and Katz Plaza*. Open to the public, this popular Pittsburgh Cultural Trust music series showcases some of the region’s finest jazz musicians every Tuesday from 5pm – 11pm in the heart of the Cultural District.

Allegheny Observatory

Although the observatory is located in a public park the building is owned and operated by the University of Pittsburgh. Tours of the building are offered April through the end of October.  The reason for this is the tour group spends a considerable part of the tour inside the telescope domes and the temperature inside the dome is the same as the outdoor air.  During the winter months the cold air can be a problem for most people.  Even in the summer months clear nights can be quite chilly, dress warmly.

The tours are free of charge but you must have a reservation.

The Big Mac Museum

The world’s most popular sandwich, the Big Mac, was created 40 years ago in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Say cheese in front of the largest Big Mac replica and learn the history of the famous sandwich. Take a bit with the inventor too.

Check out the high tech displays and the state of the art playhouse.

Allegheny County Summer Concert Series

Allegheny County Summer Concert Series Allegheny County offers a variety of free concerts and performances each summer at parks and other locations throughout the county.

First Fridays at the Frick

Experience the culture and refinement of the Gilded Age at the Frick Art & History Center, located on beautifully landscaped gardens in Pittsburgh’s East End. The museum and its multiple collections are the legacy of Helen Clay Frick, daughter of Henry Clay Frick, one of America’s greatest industrialists and art collectors.

On the first Friday of each month, June through September, you won’t want to miss the summer concert series. Pack your own picnic or plan to sample selections from The Café.

Amazing Elevators Around the World

Your “must see” list probably includes a few museums, parks, shopping malls, national monuments, and beaches, but does it have an elevator? Though it might sound crazy at first, these elevators are true marvels created by geniuses.

Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon

The Santa Justa Lift also called Carmo Lift is a lift in the city of Lisbon at Santa Justa Street. It connects downtown streets with the uphill Carmo Square. Designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard the work on the elevator was completed in 1902. Originally the lift was powered by steam and in the year 1907 it was converted to electrical operation.
The iron lift 45 meters tall is decorated in neogothic style, with a different pattern on each storey. The top storey is reached by helicoidal staircases and has a terrace that offers views of Lisbon Castle, the Rossio Square and the Baixa neighborhood.

There are two elevator booths. Each booth has a wooden interior and accommodates 24 people.

Hammetschwand Elevator in Switzerland

If you thought Switzerland was known for chocolates & cheese well you got to see Hammetschwand Elevator. The Hammetschwand Lift is the highest exterior elevator of Europe. The elevator connects a spectacular rock path with the lookout point Hammetschwand on the Buergenstock plateau overlooking Lake Lucerne.
The hotel resort Buergenstock located at 847 meters above sea level has been a popular vacation spot since 1872. Its attractiveness was enhanced by the spectacular path along the vertical rock face and by an outdoor open lift.
It whisks passengers 153 meters up to the summit of the Hammetschwand in less than one minute.

The Gateway Arch Elevator in Missouri

Gateway Arch is an iconic image of Missouri. To go to the top of the Arch, passengers in groups of five enter an egg-shaped compartment containing five seats and a flat floor. Eight compartments are linked to form a train.
Called a tram or tramway, people enter this unique tramway much as one would enter an ordinary elevator, through double doors. The trip to the top of the Arch takes four minutes, and the trip down takes three minutes. The car doors have narrow windows, allowing passengers to see the interior stairways and structure of the Arch during the trip.

Wacky Wednesday- Queen Mary Hotel

Have you ever stayed in a hotel that was 1,019 ft long? Next time you’re in Long Beach try staying at this legendary hotel with a great view.  This historic ship crossed the Atlantic a total of 1,001 and hasn’t sailed since 1967.

The hotel’s 314 original staterooms span three decks and include eight full suites. Each cabin is uniquely appointed, and embellishments vary to include rich wood paneling; Art Deco built-ins; original artwork; and, portholes for outside cabins. The hotel offers a business center, and for those who wish to enjoy some fresh ocean air and exercise, four times around the Sun Deck equals one mile!

Five different state rooms are available and with the many of the rooms still having original furnishing. Even though it last sailed in 1967, you’ll find many up to date amenities aboard this ship such as wireless and wired high speed internet, iPod Docking stations and even 32’’ LCDHD flat panel TV’s.

So which one was bigger the Queen Mary or the Titanic? Titanic only had 8 decks and the Queen Mary has 12; yet the Titanic passenger capacity was 2,440 and the Queen Mary held 1,957. Overall length of the Queen Mary is 1,019ft where as the Titanic came in at a 882.9 ft long.

Places to Visit on Labor Day

• New York: The first Labor Day Parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882, and there’s still one today: trade union members, high school bands, politicians, police and fire departments, and more. Location is usually in Manhattan, on 5th Ave. Date is Sept. 12 2009.

• Washington DC: Labor Day concert in the capital. This annual concert by the National Symphony Orchestra is performed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, and is free.

• Detroit: AKA “Motor City” – where the automobile unions were born– has a major Labor Day Parade that’s one of the biggest in Michigan. The free three-day Detroit Jazz Fest is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend.

• Copper Country, Colorado: Copper Mountain (a ski resort in winter) has a big bash on Labor Day Weekend, with big-name bands, street party, and “Copper Corral” for kids with free pony rides, face painting, etc.

• Labor Day in the Hamptons (Long Island, N.Y.)
  There’s no better place to kick back and soak up some sunshine than in the Hamptons. The festivities kick off August 23 with the Hamptons Classic Horse Show, followed by the annual Great Tomato Taste-Off on Saturday, September 5. On Sunday, enjoy a day of shopping and browsing with friends and family at the 10th Annual Craft Fair.

• Brooklyn West Indian Day Parade: The West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival is a colorful celebration of culture, song and dance. The highlight of the festivities is the Brooklyn Labor Day Parade when millions of West Indian Americans, Caribbean’s, Brooklynites, New Yorkers and more march the city streets.

Cities from the plane

Can you guess what city you’re looking at from the plane?

-         Leading producer of Silver in the world

-         Largest group of immigrants in the United States

-         3^rd largest country in Latin America

-         Most Spanish speakers in the world

Who am I?

-         5^th largest city in Brazil

-         Prime business center for Brazil is located here

-         Capital of Pernambuco

-         The name of this city in Portuguese is “Reef”

Who am I?

Treasure Hunting Vacations

Rather than opting for a beach or island getaway how about a treasure hunting vacation this summer?  Get cheap flights to these destinations and hunt for diamonds and gold!

Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

The Crater of Diamonds State Park is an Arkansas State Park located near Murfreesboro in Pike County, Arkansas. It contains the only diamond bearing site in the world that is open to the public. Over 25,000 diamonds have been found in the crater since it became a state park. Visitors may keep any gemstone they find regardless of its value.
In addition to diamonds, visitors may find semi-precious gems such as amethyst, agate and jasper.

Emerald Hollow Mine, North Carolina

The public gem mine is located in the Piedmont of North Carolina in Alexander County, specifically in the town of Hiddenite. Throughout the entire United States, this is one of the only emerald mines that is open to the public to search for emeralds. Guests are allowed to enter the mountain water creek to search for valuable stones.
The mine is equipped with an on-site lapidary shop where visitor’s gem stones can be cleaned, finished, and made into jewelry.

Jimtown 1849 Mining Camp, California

Located in Jamestown, California the 1849 Gold Mining Camp of today is an exact replica of the original camp, located on the site of the original camp built in 1849. It’s a perfect choice for family outing. A Gold Prospecting Adventure is an exciting, educational and fun group adventure. People find gold on every trip of two hours or more and the best part is that you keep all the gold you find.

Emerald Creek Garnet Area, Idaho

Located in Idaho, the site is home to “star garnets” because of a unique property that causes some of them to display a reflection like a four or six pointed star. India is the only other place in the world where star garnets like these are found in any quantity.
The site has now set a limit of 170 people at the site at one time has been established to provide a positive experience to those who purchase permits to find garnets at Emerald Creek.

So pack your bags and embark on a treasure hunting expedition as we wish you luck for your “Big Find.”