May 2009

Galveston Restaurant Focus: Sonny's Place

Known by Galveston locals for ages, Sonny's Place has reopened on the island, offering signature burgers, sandwiches, and seafood favorites. "Pappa" Puccetti opened Sonny's for business in 1944 and "Junior" Puccetti has held the reins now for almost 60 years.

Yes, it's a bar and grill and the surroundings are nothing you would call fancy by any stretch, but Sonny's Place is family friendly and pleases the pallete with popular dishes like Grandma Theresa's spaghetti, muffuletta, fried shrimp, or cheeseburgers. The walls are lined with memorabilia of Galveston's history and is the place for delicious food and to mingle with local islanders to find out what's going on.

Sonny's Place is open Tuesday thru Thursday from 11am-2pm & 5pm-9:30pm and Friday & Saturday from 11am-2pm & 5pm-11pm.
Cash or check only.

Sonny's Place, 1206 19th St., Galveston, TX 77550

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New Hotel Focus: The Element at Vintage Park - Houston

The Element Houston Vintage Park is the first Element hotel in Texas. Owned by Starwood, the sleekly designed 123-room extended stay hotel is located in the new Vintage Park center area in northwest Houston.
Among the unique features of the hotel is an eco-friendly design using natural lighting in the lobby area, and an outdoor fire pit and bq area. Each guest room is appointed with modular furniture and spacious design, including a fully equiped kitchen. Guests receive wireless Internet access, a fitness center, a complimentary breakfastand and a chlorine-free pool. We look forward to possibly featuring the hotel in the near future.

Reserve a stay at the Element Houston Vintage Park.

Houston Restaurant Focus: Cullen's Upscale American Grille

To say that the new Cullen's restaurant is massive is an understatement. At just under 40,000 square feet, Cullen's near Clear Lake offers an upscale American dining experience indoors or outdoors, with bar, billiards room, and live entertainment all under one roof. The cozy decor is tastefully appointed with dark wood and casino style surroundings.

Since opening in 2008, Cullen's has continued to expand their menu selections, ranging from steaks, chicken, seafood, subs or pizza. The menu includes a large wine list that includes over 100 Texas wines. For special events, there is a circular ballroom that can accomodate up to 200 guests.

Cullen's, 11500 Space Center Blvd., Houston, TX 77059
Cullen's is open 7 days a week.
cullenshouston.com

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Top tips for finding Cheap Airline Tickets

Did you know that for early morning and late night flights you can get a cheaper airfare, or that early Wednesday morning is the best time to get the best new online airfare rates?

These and other tips are in the recent post Tips on Getting Cheap Airline Tickets which can be found at Frugal Hero. Frugal is the new in thing and Frugal Hero has the pulse on ways to save money (and has a sexy logo too..).

 

Thomas Jefferson's hideaway retreat open for tours

Looking for things to do around Independence Day? Head to Lynchburg, Virginia to pay a visit to the retreat of one of our greatest Presidents.

Monticello

Featured on the U.S. nickel and the $2 dollar bill, Monticello is of Palladian architecture, and was designed by Jefferson.
Just 70 miles from Monticello is his hideaway plantation retreat at Poplar Forest, which dates back to 1809. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the house was built as he left office and was the first octagonal house in America (Longwood in Natchez is the most famous and largest octagonal house, but was never completed due to the Civil War). Recently restored and now open, the property also includes an old smokehouse, kitchen, and cold storage. Admission is charged. Hours are 10 am - 4 pm (closed on Tuesday). Visit the Poplar Forest website for more info.

Best Rated Lynchburg Hotels

As our nation's third President, Thomas Jefferson was also the primary writer of the Declaration of Independence and a strong believer in self reliance and individual rights. What a fitting way to pay tribute to the man who helped make America the great nation it has become (and can be again).

In light of the present financial "crisis", it's interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered'.

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.

- Thomas Jefferson

Chicago and beyond: our summer schedule