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Dallas is always hot in the summer, but this year the place positively sizzles with excitement as one of the most elegant and stylish new hotels the city has seen in years opens its doors. The Joule, a Luxury Collection Hotel is now welcoming its first guests, ushering in a new era in design, ambiance, and comfort on Main Street in downtown Dallas. Those interested in being among the first to explore this dazzling new destination are in luck, as the Joule, a Luxury Collection Hotel is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. That's as good a reason as any to check out the restored 1920's neo-Gothic facade, striking lobby, and ten-story tower. Don't miss the jaw-dropping rooftop bar and pool, which is cantilevered over the street below and has a Plexiglas window to provide amazing views to those both in and out of the water. Chef Charlie Palmer's new restaurant, Charlie Palmer at the Joule, is a perfect place to relax at the end of the day, savor some spectacular American cuisine, and think about where you'd like to travel next.
Recently in Texas Category
Starpick the Joule, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Wednesday June 25, 2008
Starpick the W Dallas - Victory
Wednesday May 21, 2008
Dallas is one of those rare cities that actually succeeds in being all things to all people. From renowned theaters and museums to raucous rodeos and finger-licking barbecue joints, the traveler will find no shortage of experiences that are at once cosmopolitan and uniquely Texan. Springtime is a great time for a weekend getaway to Dallas, so why not enjoy a couple of days in this western metropolis? The W Dallas - Victory is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so it won't take much to find yourself in the center of the action. The W Dallas - Victory is located in the Victory Park neighborhood, just minutes from the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas World Aquarium, and the flagship Neiman Marcus store. And while some of the city's greatest restaurants and lounges are nearby as well, the hotel is itself a destination for foodies and night owls. Craft Dallas features a menu of Chef Tom Colicchio's finest culinary creations, while Ghostbar, a sleek rooftop ultra-lounge on the thirty-third floor (pictured), is the place to sip a well-made cocktail and take in the gorgeous views and fashionable people. The W Dallas - Victory is just one of nearly 100 Starpicks properties this week, so check the list and see where your impulses take you.
A Whimsical Ballet and Exhibition Unfolds In Austin
Wednesday April 2, 2008
Take a choreographer, a composer, and a mythically oriented visual artist, give them a gallery space, and a stage, and what unfolds is a fantastic show that combines a whimsical narrative, with music and dance, called "Cult of Color: Call to Color," presented through April 27, in Austin, Texas.
Characters that visual artist Trenton Doyle Hancock has been developing for years, like Sesom (Moses spelled backwards), a "Cult of Color" leader, Baby Cut and Shy Jerry, twin brothers once joined at the head, and Bow-Headed Lou, a victim of the town bully, are all rebels against their clan, the Vegans. With the help a handful of equally unusual individuals, and a rainbow swathed "spirit energy" called Painter, they lead their kinsman into a brighter, more colorful existence.
The exhibition, at Arthouse at the Jones Center, features sound installations, video collage, and intriguing environments like "the Cave," "the Miracle Machine," and "the Battle," which all set the scene. But the real drama unfolds through a series of nine performances starting April 3 at Austin Ballet. A vivid set created by Hancock, powerful jazz-influenced music by Graham Reynolds, and choreography by Stephen Mills bring the story to life. A five minute drive through the heart of the city gets you from the Sheraton Austin Hotel, to the AustinVentures StudioTheater, where the mythical drama will transport you to a delirious, but decidedly logical land.
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More 21st Century Texas Comes Alive in Houston's Vintage Park
Tuesday April 1, 2008
If you want to catch a glimpse of the future of Texas, look no further than Houston's new Vintage Park community. This upscale lifestyle shopping destination has it all, from the greatest designer shops and art galleries to some of Houston's best restaurants. And soon, it will boast the latest thinking in hotels as well. element Houston Vintage Park is slated to open in January 2009, ushering in a new category of accommodation in which your every need is considered, and no desire is left unfulfilled. element by Westin is a new kind of hotel, with a full kitchen in your guest room, healthy food choices, a cutting edge fitness facility, and large, airy public spaces so you can connect with others while always feeling free to think big. Of course, coming from a name like Westin, you can be sure that you'll always feel rested and rejuvenated, especially after a blissful night's sleep on the Westin Heavenly Bed. You'll wake up with enough energy to tackle everything there is to do in Houston, from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to the Johnson Space Center and beyond. Houston, we have no problems at all.
Bid Starpoints for the 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four Package
Monday March 10, 2008
Signs of spring come in many forms: the chirping of birds returning from their winter homes, the emergence of buds and blossoms on long-dormant plants, and, of course, basketball madness. That's right, the NCAA Final Four is just around the corner, and basketball fans across the country are gearing up for the action. Fortunately for SPG members, moments.com (Starwood's auction site) has two 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four Packages on offer, so you just might find yourself in San Antonio, Texas for the semi-final and final games. Each package includes two tickets to both 2008 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Semifinal Games on Saturday, April 5, 2008 and the National Championship Game on Monday, April 7, 2008. In addition to the tickets, the packages also feature two executive passes to tour the CBS broadcast facilities and a meet-and-greet with an available member of the CBS broadcast team. It's basketball heaven for any hoops fan, but bidding ends soon, so visit moments.com today to get in on the hardwood excitement. Need a place to stay while in San Antonio? Check out the Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, the Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio, or the Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio.
Explore South Padre Island on Horseback
Thursday February 7, 2008
To get a different perspective on South Padre Island, the gorgeous beach community on the southern tip of Texas, see it from the back of a horse. The Island Equestrian Center offers guided horseback rides that go along the pristine beaches of this popular resort area for everyone from children and first-time riders to equestrian experts who appreciate the energy of a more spirited animal. Located at roughly the same latitude as southern Florida, South Padre is a year-round destination, and wintertime - with temperatures in the sixties and seventies - is a great time to saddle up for an exhilarating daytime or sunset horseback ride on a secluded strip of beach. But whenever you decide to saddle up, it's a great way to combine the quintessential Texas cowboy experience with the beach-bumming everybody craves. Yee-ha, dude! The Island Equestrian Center is less than five minutes away from the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel & Condominiums, so you can celebrate your horsey experience with some sumptuous morsels and a glass of wine at the ocean-view Beachside Grille.
A Mud Festival on San Antonio's River Walk
Friday January 4, 2008Ever seen a river drained of its water? Mud heaven. Each January the San Antonio River is emptied for its annual cleaning. Waterlogged cameras and cell phones are dug up and disposed of more suitably. Chairs and forks from the restaurants that line the city's famous River Walk are pulled out, never to be used again. It's a dirty chore, but in true San Antonian style, the city has made it an event to be celebrated.
This year, from January 10th to 13th, once the river flows again with clean, sparkling water, the picturesque, palm-lined promenade hosts the Michelob Ultra River Walk Mud Festival. The four day event features a Mud King and Queen who hold court over the Mud Pie Ball, and lead the Mud Parade. Fifteen thousand revelers are expected to converge on the three-mile stretch of outdoor cafes, bars, shops, craft stalls, and mariachi bands located one story below street level. From the Westin Riverwalk Hotel, step out the front door and join the fun. Or take a more placid approach and peer down at the merriment from your riverfront balcony.
Tuesday through Saturday take "La Merienda", Latin America's version of high tea. From 3:30 to 5:30 a variety of Mexican treats including coffee, hot cocoa, and cookies are served in the hotel lobby. After all, you're in San Antonio, Texas' oldest city, and home to the Alamo. Go ahead and indulge yourself on a delicious tradition.
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More Deep Fried Dallas
Friday September 14, 2007
The State Fair of Texas, which starts Sept. 28, has long been a leader in deep-fried food innovation; the now-classic deep-fried Oreo made its debut there, and last year's deep-fried Coke (Coca-Cola syrup mixed with batter and deep-fried, then drizzled with more syrup) took the tradition in a whole new direction as you can tell by this video.
The winner of this year's Big Tex Choice Awards food competition was deep-fried cookie dough, but the dish that caught everyone's attention seemed to be the deep-fried latte. It's the brainchild of Michael Levy of Desperados Mexican Restaurant in Dallas and Garland, Texas. It's not as gross as it might sound — the Levys fry pillows of dough and top it with cappuccino ice cream, caramel, whipped cream and decaffeinated instant coffee for a dessert treat with just a little pick-me-up power. Watch it being made here. The same team came up with the deep-fried Cosmopolitan for last year's competition; that delectable ended up on the dessert menu at the restaurant, so expect to see the deep-fried latte join it once the fair is over.
Desperados is known for more than just crazy confections, though; it's one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Dallas, with addictive tacos and margaritas that have been voted tops for five years running. The Dallas location is minutes away from the Westin Park Central.
Ready for My Closeup, Barton Springs
Tuesday July 10, 2007
While visiting the Sheraton Austin this summer, escape the sweltering Texan heat with a summer of Barton Springs. First, check out the history of the legendary springs in the vivid Will van Overbeek show up at the Austin Museum of Art.
Van Overbeek, a Rolling Stone photographer and Austin native, spent 24 summers shooting inhabitants and their dogs at the site, rich with history. Once known by the Native Americans as their sacred springs, it was later the site of the first missions in Austin. Named after the 19th century man who built a cabin on the surrounding land, William “Uncle Billy” Barton, the spring was turned into a public pool about a hundred years ago by local hero Andrew Jackson Zilker, the first Coca-Cola bottler in Austin.
Van Overbeek’s candid and often funny exhibit of “spring” photography should inspire you to dive into than the Barton Springs Pool, the natural rock and gravel bottom wonder in nearby Zilker Park. While open year-round, the pool maintains a temperature of 68 degrees, although being three acres in size; the temperature varies depending on where you swim. Trust me, it feels icy at first, but outside of Amy's ice cream, it's the rare antidote to Austin summer heat. Framed in a park-like setting by pecan trees, the pool is large enough so that if you want to socialize with others or just take an almost private dip, there’s a place for everyone in this snapshot of local Austin life.
{image via willvano.com}
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