Jessica Colley: Jessica Colley is a poet, freelance travel writer, and devoted foodie. She currently spends 10 months a year exploring the culture, cuisine, and history of Europe. She lives in Dublin, Ireland when she isn't on assignment. Contact Jessica through her website: greatamericantraveldream@gmail.com. Follow Jessica on Twitter at @jessicacolley
The United Nations Headquarters in NYC
You don’t have to go to Washington DC to learn about politics and the latest efforts for social justice. In New York City, the best place for this type of educational day is the United Nations. Every year over 1 million visitors take the time to visit the headquarters of the United Nations, located on 1st Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets in Midtown East. When I first saw all of the international flags waving outside of the iconic building, my curiosity was piqued about what goes on inside....
March 1st, 2011 | New York | Read More
St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Europe
As the spring season creeps closer, every country has their own festival or holiday to celebrate the arrival of better weather. These holidays are almost always worth traveling for, whether you want to see the ornate masks of Carnival in Venice or the sea of green in Ireland for St Patrick’s Day. If you’re planning a trip to Ireland for St Patrick’s Day, there’s still time to book Dublin hotels. In Dublin, the holiday is expanded to include 5 days of parades, concerts, crafts...
February 26th, 2011 | Dublin | Read More
A Trip to Limelight Marketplace in NYC
In New York, buildings can undergo several reincarnations. In the case of the former church that is now home to the recently opened Limelight Marketplace, this history is an interesting one. The distinctive building first opened in 1844 as the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion. In 1982, the church was transformed into a nightlife destination called the Limelight. From the 80′s all the way to 2007, the Limelight enjoyed the glow of its nightclub status. In February 2009, a new plan was...
February 25th, 2011 | New York | Read More
Travel for Sport: The 6 Nations Rugby Tournament in Dublin
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After the buzz of the holidays comes the long, dark days of winter. However, sports fans in Europe have one thing to brighten the last days of winter and suggest that spring is coming: the 6 Nations Rugby Tournament. This tournament, between 6 European countries, begins in February and...
February 11th, 2011 | Dublin | Read More
Late Night Television in NYC – Be A Part of the Live Audience
During a visit to New York City, you are likely to see celebrities dining, shopping, or even just strolling down the street. But what if you want to hear them talk about their latest movie, perform some music, or try to answer that difficult question that has been buzzing around the media? The answer is late night television. Many visitors to New York don’t know that tickets to see the Late Show with David Letterman are free – and you never know who might take the stage on any given night....
February 3rd, 2011 | New York | Read More
5 Fun, Fascinating, Funky New York Museums
Sure there’s the Guggenheim and the Museum of Natural History - but what about museums with a little unusual flair? New York has museums devoted to some interesting topics, and although they aren’t always covered in the major guidebooks, these attractions are just as worth your time as those along Museum Mile. They all deliver a different experience, from a good laugh to learning about the people who built the great city of New York. From serious to playful, entertaining to enriching,...
February 1st, 2011 | New York | Read More
New Opportunities for Discovering the Old: History in NYC
New York is a city full of possibilities for learning about the past. There’s the dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum or the latest exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum. There’s a trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. But what if you want your trip – while including some history – to also include exploring a new neighborhood, or relaxing in a historic place instead of rushing from one site to the next? In New York there are pubs that welcomed American...
January 28th, 2011 | New York | Read More
On Top of the City: Views from the Empire State Building
There are overrated tourist attractions, and then there are attractions that never lose their appeal. The Empire State Building is one New York City landmark that is still as dazzling as ever. Until they build something bigger, higher, and with even better 360 degree views – you still can’t beat the Empire State Building for getting a bird’s eye view of the Big Apple. Somehow the long, narrow island and its avenues and streets all make sense from the observatory on the 86th floor.
Find...
January 26th, 2011 | New York | Read More
Savoring the Season – Where to Warm Up in NYC
A cold day in New York won’t stop the determined traveler from hitting the streets – but knowing where to get a delicious cup of coffee will definitely make the day more pleasant. Nothing provides extra energy for a marathon day of shopping or a jolt of enthusiasm for skipping an afternoon nap like a perfect cup of Joe. Whether you love coffee, are a devoted tea enthusiast, or are looking for the perfect hot chocolate – the following recommendations will provide you with a hot mug...
January 19th, 2011 | Culinary Travel, New York | Read More
Romantic Nooks in NYC
Right in the middle of the coldest month of the year – is one of the steamiest holidays. Whatever you think about the commercial nature of Valentine’s Day, who could be against planning a night on the town, eating chocolate, and finding an excuse to indulge after all those strict New Years resolutions? New York City is full of opportunities to send sparks flying – if you know where to look. From a decadent brunch with cocktails before noon to finding some of the best chocolate cake...
January 17th, 2011 | New York | Read More
Bringing Movies to Life in NYC
Have you ever been watching a movie and wondered what bar, restaurant, park, or even neighborhood the scene is set in? There is no shortage of films that choose to shoot on location in New York City, and sometimes seeking out these spots can be a fun way to discover a new neighborhood. When planning to visit these locations, the journey is part of the fun too, so take the time to explore the neighborhood, whether it’s the Lower East Side or the West Village.
When Harry Met Sally.
The 1989...
January 10th, 2011 | New York | Read More
A Literary Walking Tour of Dublin
Since being appointed a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, all eyes are on Dublin for travelers with literary interests. Sure you could join the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl or visit the Dublin Writers Museum, but how about some of the places in Dublin where writers lived and worked, places that inspired their famous poems and novels? The small city centre of Dublin is ideal to embark on your own literary walking tour, so grab a map, and with the help of this article you’ll begin to understand...
January 10th, 2011 | Dublin | Read More
A Beginner’s Guide to the Subway in NYC
Anyone who has traveled to New York City has been struck with one particular dilemma: to hop in a cab, or figure out the subway? The truth is, while cabs are often convenient, they are not always the best way to go. Depending on where you’re going and the time of day, it is possible for your cab to be stuck in such an enormous traffic jam that you miss your dinner reservation, theater curtain, or any other time-sensitive event. Instead of always relying on cabs, a short introduction to the...
January 3rd, 2011 | New York | Read More
Beat the Winter Blues at the Venetian Pool
If you’re planning a short trip to South Florida, why not kill two birds with one stone? At the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, you can visit a historic attraction at the same time as working on your tan. Built in 1921, the Venetian Pool is not only a beautiful piece of historic architecture, but also an ideal spot to cool off and go for a swim. Pack your bathing suit and get ready to discover gorgeous Coral Gables, a town that was envisioned by its founding fathers to resemble the striking...
December 22nd, 2010 | South Florida | Read More
Dinosaurs in New York City: A Trip to the Museum of Natural History
Not all attractions are created equal in the minds of adults and kids – but there is one place in New York City that satisfies visitors of all ages. The American Museum of Natural History exhibits everything from dinosaur fossils to films on the solar system to exhibits featuring the complex workings of the brain. A day spent at this museum will be packed with stimulation, from seeing tiny dinosaur bones to a giant blue whale. Neither kids nor adults will be ready to leave when closing...
December 21st, 2010 | family travel, New York | Read More
Neighborhood Spotlight: Chelsea and the High Line Park in NYC
High Line Park, view towards Empire State Building
In June 2009, New York City welcomed the arrival of a brand-spanking-new park. With the opening of the High Line Park, locals and visitors alike could stroll along what was once an abandoned elevated train track, but has now been reclaimed and transformed. That first summer, the thoughtful design of the park came to life as people enjoyed picnics, afternoons of sunbathing, and a new place to go for a jog without the interruption of cars and traffic...
December 19th, 2010 | New York | Read More
Classic Christmas in New York City
Yes, the temperatures are freezing, and of course the shops are crowded, but New York City has a festive holiday spirit that might just be unmatched in the rest of the country. Whether you are visiting NYC for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, you can get your dose of holiday cheer by enjoying some of the most classic ways to celebrate Christmas in the city. With a few insider tips, you can see these attractions while avoiding crowds and making the most of the run-up to Christmas.
The most...
December 8th, 2010 | New York | Read More
Bye Bye, South Beach
South Beach in Miami is one of the most famous stretches of sand in South Florida, and perhaps even the country. But what if you’re tired of all the blaring radios, groups of college kids throwing footballs, and crowds? Miami is also home to peaceful beaches where you can set up your chair beneath swaying palm fronds and barely be able to hear the conversation of your distant neighbors. If this is your ideal day at the beach, it is time to say goodbye to South Beach and discover beaches that...
December 2nd, 2010 | South Florida | Read More
A Walking Tour in Greenwich Village: Poets, Pubs, and Pretty Historic Streets
Greenwich Village in New York City has historically been the home of writers, poets, artists, and others with a creative flair. While some people might complain that this neighborhood has been gentrified, the truth is, it is just as beautiful as ever. With a few highlights (and a map, the streets here are notoriously confusing) to guide you, wandering through the West Village and its many pubs, cafes, and book shops can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend an afternoon in New York City.
Find...
November 28th, 2010 | Baby Boomers, New York | Read More
All Eyes on Royal London
When the news broke on November 16, 2010 that Prince William had finally proposed to his long time girlfriend Kate Middleton, all eyes turned to London. Immediately after the proposal, questions about the upcoming royal wedding were all over the media. Who would design the dress? Where would the ceremony take place? Prince William and his fiance aren’t revealing any of these details just yet, but all of the attention on the royal family might have you thinking about planning a trip to the...
November 22nd, 2010 | London | Read More


