Does surfing call to mind hip youngsters with sun-bleached hair and too much time on their hands? Or big-wave daredevils with an apparently malfunctioning fear factor? Actually, much like mid-life professionals on Harleys, a surprising number of surfers take up the sport long after they’ve left their wild years behind. If the thought of hanging 10 has always appealed to you, Southern California’s more than 300 miles of sunny coastline make the perfect place to bring that dream to life. Anyone who’s reasonably fit and can confidently swim in the ocean can learn to surf. Schools up and down the coast offer instruction for surfers of all ages and abilities, and the wave options range from mildly thrilling to seriously intense. read more »
If you’ve been lucky enough to visit Rockefeller Center lately, you may have noticed something new that’s, well, impossible not to notice – nine 16-to-20-foot tall, human-shaped stone figures by the Swiss-born, New York-based artist Ugo Rondinone. The exhibit, Human Nature, opened April 23 and will be on view through June 7.
Edgy. Alternative. Hippy. Avant-garde. Grungy. Eclectic. Indie. Funky. If that sounds like your idea of a fun place, plan to spend a day in Atlanta’s Little Five Points. read more »
Ever heard the tales of eccentric billionaire businessman and filmmaker Howard R. Hughes? Or traveled out of former Texas Governor William P. Hobby’s namesake airport? Texas and its characters seem to be both bigger and bolder, and Houston is no exception. Located on Washington Avenue, just one mile west of Houston’s bustling downtown, history meets serenity at Houston’s historic Glenwood Cemetery. The 85-acre grounds serve as a memorial to the men and women who shaped Houston (and Texas), while providing a scenic place to pay respects and find shade on a warm spring afternoon. read more »
Classical, colossal and monumental, The Palace of Fine Arts has stood for 98 years in the Marina District of San Francisco. This Classical Greek and Roman-influenced outdoor structure is one of the more photographed sites in San Francisco, especially as it is reflected in its surrounding pond with swans, ducks, a walking trail and a park with benches. It remains a popular attraction for tourists and locals, and is a favorite location for weddings. read more »
