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OmerG Deals, Events, Featured, Inspiration, Promotions, Travel Easter holiday, Holiday Special

Take a break from cracking books and award yourself with a much awaited vacation! We at lastminutetravel know how hard the student’s life is. Several people around here went to college, and all of them told us horrifying stories: Endless parties, topless coeds sunbathing atop the dorm’s roof and nightly drinking binges. After going through this kind of ordeals, there’s no wonder you need a break. A Spring Break to be precise! Check out the sweet deals that we have to offer this spring, and in no time you will be able to plan your next vacation and put the horrifying experiences of the last semester behind you.

Need some ideas for your Spring Break vacation? Check out this amazing 4.5-star hotel in Beach Area/Fort Lauderdale It’s located on one of the best beaches in Florida and near many attractions. It’s also offering some sweet spring break deals rates starting from $113!

We at lastminutetravel wish you a fun & happy Spring Break!

OmerG Deals, Events

2010 marks the 30th year of the broadcast of our nation’s premier Independence Day celebration. This year “A Capital Fourth” will be hosted by Jimmy Smits. The all-star line-up features performances from the likes of Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, Lang Lang and the National Symphony Orchestra.

One of my favorite childhood memories is camping out near the Washington Monument to see the firework show in person. All day we were entertained by concerts, games and other activities and at night the fireworks launching over the Lincoln Memorial was a beautiful and powerful moment.

I definitely think this is one event everyone needs to see in person at least once in their life. If you’re planning on visiting our nation’s capital for the fourth of July holiday you’ll be happy to know it’s not too late to uncover some spectacular savings on Last Minute Travel. In fact, there are still 4-Star hotels for under $100 a night.

More details about A Capital Fourth can be found in the full press release below the jump:

Read more…

JFrost Events 4th of july, fireworks, independence day, july, washington, Washington DC

Watching Treme, the new post-Katrina series set in New Oreleans, on HBO? Find yourself yelling “Who Dat!” whenever you see a New Orleans Saints jersey? Do reruns of the Live with Emeril cooking show take up half the space on you DVR? If so, you’re probably building up an appetite for an escapade of jazz and food delights as only New Orleans can deliver.

Here are a couple of Spring 2010 events worth going out of your way for:

• The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (aka Jazz Fest) is held at the Fairgrounds Race Course the last weekend on April and the first weekend of May every year. It’s a 10-day cultural feast that features the talents of thousands of musicians, cooks, and craftspeople. A small sample of performers this year include Simon & Garfunkel, Pearl Jam, Van Morrison, The Neville Brothers, Darius Rucker, and more. Book now for April 23 - 25 or April 29 - May 2.
• The Wine & Food Experience is a five day long event in its 19th year that benefits a host of New Orleans charities while dishing up a celebration like no other. Make sure you’re in town May 25-29 to dine with celebrated chefs, renowned winemakers and other industry insiders. Guests like Chef John Besh and Season 5 Top Chef winner Hosea Rosenberg explain why event is on the top ten list of many a food and wine enthusiast.

Photo Credit: Fairview Horns Jazzfest - by infrogmation - http://www.flickr.com/photos/infrogmation/3495175397/

JFrost Destinations, Events cooking, destination, dining, Food, food and wine experience, jazz, jazzfest, music, New Orleans, wine

This spring in Anaheim, CA Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival Celebrates the ‘Art of Flavor’ April 16-May 31. The full menu features events like cooking demonstrations, celebrity chef lessons, and signature ticketed experiences. It’s basically a mecca for the west coast foodie.

Look for chefs Guy Fieri and Cat Cora of Food Network, along with Disney culinary masters and special guests as they present their gastronomic talents in a full menu of complimentary demonstrations and signature paid events. The signature events include winemaker dinners, Sweet Sundays, Napa Rose Cooking School and Taste Food-Wine-Life, a night that celebrates the essence of the festival with a mosaic of food, wine and live entertainment.

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival includes experiences for anyone who appreciates the art of food, wine and beer.

• The Hollywood Pictures Backlot comes to life as the new hub of energy and excitement, complete with artists, musicians and an international beer menu at the Brewers Collection. At the new Festival Showplace located in Stage 12, guests will sample from the delicious tapas menu at the Taste of California Marketplace and relax at the new Hollywood & Wine Lounge.
• Among the most popular events at the festival are live culinary demonstrations and autograph sessions with popular celebrity chefs. Along with Guy Fieri and Cat Cora, those scheduled to present include Robert Irvine, Jeffrey Saad and Kerry Simon.
• Hundreds of complimentary experiences and cooking demonstrations will entertain guests during the 46-day festival, many featuring the talents of Disneyland Resort chefs. Guest will also enjoy seminars that feature outstanding wine, spirits and beer.
• At the spectacular ticketed events, food and wine aficionados will collect cooking tips from chefs, mingle with noted winemakers and celebrate the palette of flavors presented by culinary masters.
• Also new this year is a Brewmaster Dinner on May 7.  The ingredients for this memorable evening include savory seasonal fare artfully paired with handcrafted Karl Strauss beers.

Events returning for 2010 include the gala Taste Food-Wine-Life” and other popular experiences:

• Taste Food-Wine-Life: This fun, high-energy evening combines the best elements of the Food & Wine Festival into one grand celebration, May 29.  The immersive party has live entertainment, an outstanding selection of wines and colorful décor. Guests will stroll from station to station sampling delectable food dishes created by the chefs of Disneyland Resort.
• Sweet Sundays: The sweetest of all events features a light buffet breakfast and sparkling toast at the new Festival Showplace in Disney’s California Adventure. Guests will see demonstrations and taste signature desserts created by acclaimed pastry chefs, including Richard Ruskell of Montage Beverly Hills.
• Winemaker Dinners: Disneyland Resort chefs partner with premier California winemakers to prepare outstanding culinary delights at exclusive Winemaker Dinners on selected Friday nights.  Each festival meal is paired with award-winning vintages and served at Steakhouse 55, inside the Disneyland Hotel.
• Napa Rose Cooking School: Disney Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will once again lead this hands-on course that sells out quickly.  Each class will create and enjoy a four-course meal, expertly paired with wines, and each class member will go home with a white chef’s coat embroidered with the festival logo. This rare opportunity takes place in the show kitchen of the renowned Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Guests must be at least 18 years old.
• Introduction to Wine Tasting: In this entertaining class, Advanced Sommelier Joy Cushing introduces guests to the joys of wine tasting. Guests will learn about wine regions, varietals, growing and harvesting techniques and then test their skills with a blind tasting.

Festival events held in Disney’s California Adventure may require park admission, which is not included in the event price. Some events, including culinary demonstrations, are included with admission to Disney’s California Adventure park. Signature events are separately ticketed and require reservations. For details and pricing information, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

If this his has wet your appetite, like it has mine, you’ll be happy to know that rooms are still available in one of our ‘Best Value’ 4-Star hotels is available for less than $80 a night with a popular 3-Star ‘Best Value’ available for as low as $60 a night.

JFrost Events Anaheim, california adventure, cat cora, celebrity chef, dca, Disney's California Adventure, disneyland, Food, food & wine festival, foodie, Travel

Known as “The Great American Race”, the Daytona 500 places 43 of the best stock car drivers in the world together on the same track for the ultimate prize, the title of Daytona 500 Winner after your name. Unlike nearly every other sport where the penultimate event is at the end of the season, in NASCAR you have to come out of the gate hot to win the most desired title short of season champion. Speaking of champion, Jimmie Johnson, who strung together enough accomplishments to be named the AP’s 2009 Male Athlete of the Year, will be kicking off the hunt for his fifth consecutive Nascar championship title at the Daytona 500.

Everyone may come to see the big names on race day, but what makes the Daytona 500 such a spectacular race event is the unparalleled access race fans get to the drivers and the track. In the recently remodeled pit row fans can stand practically in the same garage of their favorite driver. Throughout the week there are special meet and greet sessions, exhibits, other races to enjoy. Plus there are special opportunities to become part of the storied history of the super speedway, such as signing your name on the start finish line.

So how do you get in on this action? Well, first you have to secure a hotel room in the Daytona area. It’s not too late to make your reservation. Not only does LastMinuteTravel.com have some of the best hotels in the Daytona area, we have the best deals too. The big race is on February 14th this year (how sweet!), but qualifying actually starts on February 4th with Wednesday February 10th kicking off the final week of practice and races. Don’t forget that this year there’s a new 1pm EST start time for the race. That will leave you more time to party afterward, or perhaps get started on the next leg of your vacation at the themeparks in nearby Orlando.

Photo credits:

JFrost Events daytona, daytona 500, daytona beach, nascar, super speedway

2010 is shaping up to be a New Year’s Eve like no other! It’s not too late to book a trip and get in on the fun. To help you decide, LastMinuteTravel.com presents North America’s most-popular destinations for ringing in the New Year!

Using our proprietary technology, we’ve collected destination data from our website to find out where North Americans are going to celebrate this New Year’s Eve. The top 5 are:

Orlando
Nobody parties like Mickey and Minnie – and recently Shamu and Spiderman have been getting in on the act too! The Orlando parks go all out for the important night with special fireworks spectaculars and great food and dancing. If crowding into the theme parks will thousands of your closest friends isn’t your thing, there are plenty of fabulous New Year’s parties all across central Florida. Right now flights to Orlando are very affordable, so why not experience some of Disney’s magic for yourself.

Las Vegas
One of the most exciting and colorful places to celebrate New Year’s, Las Vegas attracts the wildest people to their growing number of clubs. There are so many options for the New Year in Vegas; toast the “nouvelle année” from the top of the replica Eiffel Tower, party with thousands of others on the Strip as midnight approaches, or watch the festivities from a private suite in your favorite resort. Any are great locations to watch the massive fireworks show that will launch from the rooftops of seven hotels along the Strip.

New York City
The traditional place to ring in the New Year is Times Square. The Big Apple is the center of attention if you want to experience the festive throng and the famed “ball drop”. If being outside in NYC’s winter weather isn’t your thing, there are thousands of great parties to join after you take in a Broadway show or catch the Radio City Rockettes.

Chicago
New Year’s revelers flock to Chicago for the great food and the fun parties. Whether its luxury you want or a party in a penthouse club, you’ll find it in the windy city. Just bundle up as it can get a bit chilly out there. Other popular parties include a river cruise or a concert at Grant’s park. Both provide you with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Los Angeles
Westcoasters in the know flock to the city of fun and sun for one last fling before the New Year begins. Popular places to party include Disneyland in Anaheim, the Together As One festival to dance into the next decade, and any of the hundreds of trendy clubs in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills where you can see or be seen. My favorite LA parties let you ring in the New Year twice, once at 9pm when NYC drops the ball and again at Midnight west coast time.

Other hot party cities include Miami, San Diego, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, and San Francisco.

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The Neptune Festival Sand Sculptures of Virginia Beach is an annual festival. The festival is 10 days long and includes sport competitions, arts and crafts,the King Neptune’s Grand Parade and the sand sculpture competition. Here is a video displaying some of the finished sculptures.

For more information on the Neptune Festival Sand Sculptures of Virginia Beach visit: http://www.neptunefestival.com/news.php?s=17&nepfest_main_PSID=tbuf8rntopo7g9ktipic9avt86.

LMT Clock Events Neptune Festival Sand Sculptures of Virginia Beach

Here are the top 10 places to celebrate the 4th of July and some of their best events:

1. Boston: Over 200 events including Boston Harborfest and the Boston Chowderfest
2. Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard: Nantucket’s Independence Day Celebration, Hyannis Boat Parade and Old Whaling Church Barbecue.
3. Chicago: Navy Pier Beer Garden, Music Shell and Millennium Park
4. Mount Rushmore: Tons of events; see them all here www.nps.gov/moru
5. Philadelphia: Visit the Liberty Bell and the historic sites in Independence Mall. Extended viewing hours over the holiday. Here’s a full list of events: www.americasbirthday.com
6. Queen Mary 2: Board the Cunard line’s newest prestige cruise ship for a 5 day Independence Day Sampler.
7. San Diego: Freedom Days Parade, San Diego Country Fair and Big Bay celebration. For more events visit: www.signonsandiego.com
8. San Juan Islands: San Juan Island, Fourth of July Beach and Pig War Picnic. For more events visit: www.guidetosanjuans.com
9. US Virgin Islands: Parade on St. John. For more events visit: www.usvitourism.vi
10. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Folklife Festival and National Independence Day Parade. For more events visit: www.washington.org

LMT Clock Events Top 10 Places to Celebrate the 4th of July

New Orleans Mardi Gras

Also know as the “carnival” of the northern hemisphere, New Orleans Mardi Gras is one of the largest free events of the year. What can you expect to find at this event? Food, parades with creative floats and about 700,000 people in the streets of the French Quarter wearing colorful beads, costumes and having a really good time
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Mardi Gras experience:

LMT Clock Events, Travel New Orleans Mardi Gras