Almost Home Blog » business travel http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog Corporate Housing Advice, News, and More Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:27:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Harry Potter Theme Park Opens in Orlando http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/harry-potter-theme-park-opens-in-orlando-33 http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/harry-potter-theme-park-opens-in-orlando-33#comments Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:22:03 +0000 Lisa Brown http://almosthomeusa.com/blog/?p=33 Harry Potter Theme Park Opens in Orlando is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> The New York Times reported that Universal Studios in Orlando is unveiling a theme park within their theme park, fashioned after the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling.  The park, called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, cost an estimated $265 million to construct and will relieve some of Universal’s dependency on Marvel characters for attractions, as Marvel was just purchased by Walt Disney.  Wizarding World will feature rides such as Flight of the Hippogriff, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.  The park is fashioned after the fictional Hogsmeade, a wizarding town described in the series.  There’s also Hogwarts Castle, which although only 150 feet tall appears to tower at a height of 600 feet due to special effects.  The park is expected to capitalize on the books popularity and draw in a percentage of the millions of fans that love Harry Potter.  The Harry Potter Books have been translated into 67 languages, and when the final installment of the series was published, it sold 11 million copies in the first 24 hours.  If Wizarding World can cash in on even a fraction of this popularity, it will surely recoup its investment. And if you’re staying in Orlando corporate housing, be sure to check out what is sure to be a popular new attraction.

Harry Potter Theme Park Opens in Orlando is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/harry-potter-theme-park-opens-in-orlando-33/feed 0 Chicago is 2nd Most Entertaining City in US http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/chicago-is-2nd-most-entertaining-city-in-us-53 http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/chicago-is-2nd-most-entertaining-city-in-us-53#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:31:43 +0000 Lisa Brown http://almosthomeusa.com/blog/?p=53 Chicago is 2nd Most Entertaining City in US is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> In a previous blog post, I mentioned that Chicago was listed as the most stressful city in the United States by Forbes.com.  Apparently Chicagoans play as hard as they work, because Forbes.com also reported on the most entertaining American cities.  With over 35,000 restaurants it’s no surprise that New York came in first.  But Chicago came in second, with over 15,000 restaurants, as well as tons of bars, cultural institutions and sporting venues.
45 million tourists annually can’t be wrong.  If you’re going to Chicago corporate housing to visit the grandkids, or for any other extended stay, be sure to pick up free passes to many museums from the local public library.  Summertime is arguably the best time to see Chicago for the 26 miles of lakefront along the city’s shore there are 15 miles of beaches.  But there are events year round—from seeing any of the more than 261 live theatre venues, to cheering on any of the 6 sports teams, Chicago will keep you on your feet during your temporary stay.

Chicago is 2nd Most Entertaining City in US is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/chicago-is-2nd-most-entertaining-city-in-us-53/feed 0 Ways to Relax in the Windy City http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/ways-to-relax-in-the-windy-city-51 http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/ways-to-relax-in-the-windy-city-51#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:17 +0000 Lisa Brown http://almosthomeusa.com/blog/?p=51 Ways to Relax in the Windy City is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> Forbes reported that Chicago is the most stressful city in the United States. The magazine compared statistics such as the number of sunny days, the unemployment rate and the cost of living, among others. For the business traveler in Chicago, here are three ways to unwind after a long, stressful day.
Get a massage. Daily Candy is running a promotion right now in conjunction with Hyatt Pure Spas. Otherwise, Chicago Spa Deals abound at SpaFinder.com.
Take up a hobby. You could take a mosaic class from Chicago Mosaic School or a knitting class from The Needle Shop. There’s also glass blowing at the Art Institute of Chicago and circus arts from The Actors Gymnasium.
Volunteer. Idealist.org is the most comprehensive list of volunteer activities in the Chicago area. There’s also Craig’s List. Most of the nonprofits are always looking for some kind of help.
De-stressing after a long day at the office is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. WebMD writes that stress “can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases.” Fewer health problems means fewer missed days of work, which means better performance on the job overall. So you can take that time you’ve spent relaxing in Chicago corporate housing all the way to the bank.

Ways to Relax in the Windy City is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/ways-to-relax-in-the-windy-city-51/feed 0 Tampa Corporate Housing- 4 Areas of the City to Consider http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/tampa-corporate-housing-4-areas-of-the-city-to-consider-35 http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/tampa-corporate-housing-4-areas-of-the-city-to-consider-35#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:16:31 +0000 Lisa Brown http://almosthomeusa.com/blog/?p=35 Tampa Corporate Housing- 4 Areas of the City to Consider is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> Tampa is at first glance a 9-to-5, all-business kind of city.  If you’re in town on a temporary assignment or relocating to the area, you may want to carefully weigh your options for corporate housing.  After all, the right neighborhood can make a difference in your stay.  Here are four neighborhoods that will leave you feeling as though you’ve discovered the Fountain of Youth:
Downtown Tampa, and in particular the section known as Ybor City, has a preponderance of dining and entertainment options that will leave you itching at your desk for the end of the day.  Ybor City in particular is an area with a great deal of history and character, and exhibits the Spanish, Italian and Cuban influences of the immigrants who settled the area in the 19th century.  There are still many functioning cigar factories to tour here, as well as great boutique shopping and a number of fine restaurants.
St. Petersburg, like the Russian city of the same name, is replete in culture and refinement.  Not to mention beaches.  The Tampa Bay metropolitan area beaches rival the best in the world.  Here Fort Desoto has been ranked number one in the Nation by several online magazines, including TripAdvisor and Dr. Beach.  For arts and culture, visit the Salvador Dali museum, which holds the largest collection of Dalis in the world.  In then top off the afternoon with a visit to BayWalk Shopping Complex, which is home to many high end retailers and cafes.
Clearwater is home to festivals year-round.  Starting with the Imagine International Film Festival, there is then the Fun N Sun Festival, the Clearwater Celebrates America Festival, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday and the Hispanic Heritage Festival.  The Foster Grant Ironman World Championship is held here as well.  Hop on the Clearwater Jolly Trolly and take a ride down to the famous Clearwater Beach.  There’s also Pier 60, a Clearwater sort of version of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.
The sleepy little Bradenton-Sarasota area of the city is known mostly for its retirement communities, and for Bradenton’s Village of the Arts.  Special zoning laws allow artists here to live and work out of their homes, and many of the studios are open during the day so that you can watch the artists create.  There’s also the Bishop Planetarium, and the Parker-Manatee Aquarium in Bradenton.  Lido Beach in Sarasota is locally famous, and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are a relaxing end to a stressful work day.
It’s always fun to explore the more touristy things the Tampa Bay area has to offer- Busch Gardens and the Lowry Park Zoo.  However, these are events that require some planning and time commitment.  If you’re simply looking to live in an enjoyable neighborhood with plenty to do within walking distance of your front door, then these are your best options for Tampa corporate housing area.

Tampa Corporate Housing- 4 Areas of the City to Consider is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/tampa-corporate-housing-4-areas-of-the-city-to-consider-35/feed 0 Halloween in Orlando is So Much Fun It’s Scary http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/halloween-in-orlando-is-so-much-fun-its-scary-55 http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/halloween-in-orlando-is-so-much-fun-its-scary-55#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:12:06 +0000 Lisa Brown http://almosthomeusa.com/blog/?p=55 Halloween in Orlando is So Much Fun It’s Scary is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> For tricks and treats this Halloween there’s no place like Orlando.  If you’re staying in Orlando corporate housing, major attractions there offer themed events, such as SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, and DisneyWorld’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  While tickets to the events can be pretty pricey (moreso at Universal, where an express pass can run you close to $70), if you’re a Florida resident or an annual pass holder there are discounts available.  I’ve also heard rumors that major soft drink brands, and restaurants will offer promotion codes on their website that can be redeemed for discounts at the door.
At Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights costumes are discouraged and the intended audience are teenagers and adults.  The theme of the event changes every year, but it is always based on the company’s R-rated horror films.  The park features 8 elaborate haunted houses, “scarezones,” live shows, and many bars.  In fact, Halloween Horror Nights kind of has a reputation for being a boozefest.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party encourages children to come in costume. Costumes, I’m sure, can be purchased at the park.  Other venues for purchasing costumes in Orlando include Century Costumes, or Party City.  Each child is given a trick or treat bag that they can fill at candy stations throughout the park.  There’s a daytime parade that’s begun with a fantastic ride by the Headless Horseman, and at night there’s a fireworks spectacle entitled “Happy Hallowishes.”

Halloween in Orlando is So Much Fun It’s Scary is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/halloween-in-orlando-is-so-much-fun-its-scary-55/feed 0 Minneapolis-St. Paul- 3 Areas of the City to Consider http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/minneapolis-st-paul-3-areas-of-the-city-to-consider-31 http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/minneapolis-st-paul-3-areas-of-the-city-to-consider-31#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:24:07 +0000 Lisa Brown http://almosthomeusa.com/blog/?p=31 Minneapolis-St. Paul- 3 Areas of the City to Consider is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> Forbes.com recently reported that Minneapolis-St.Paul is the least expensive place to live according to its geographic region.  In order to reach this conclusion, Forbes.com compared elements such as cost-of-living with quality of life measures such as crime rate and divided the country into regions.  The city ranked number 3 overall, and its high ranking was attributed to good salaries and the wealth of cultural opportunity that the city affords.  Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at PayScale.com, was quoted in the article as saying “The best place to be is on the fringe of one of those cities.   An hour or so outside of town, you’re still close enough to feel the influence of the high wage areas.”
Here are three suburbs of Minneapolis to consider when relocating to the area, or if you’re on temporary assignment and staying in corporate housing there:
1.)    Edina.  Edina has a reputation for being one of the most affluent suburbs in Minneapolis.  Median household income in 1999 was around $66K, which is well above the state average.  It only follows that Edina public schools are among the top 100 for academics in the U.S., as rated by Newsweek in 2007.  46% of Edina public school graduates go on to pursue graduate degrees.  So if you’re relocating to Minneapolis with children in tow, it would behoove you to consider Edina as an option for their home and schooling.
2.)    St. Louis Park.  St. Louis Park is known for being a little more blue collar than Edina, but as real estate in the area has continued to uptick, the demographics may be rapidly changing.  St. Louis Park has fostered several important figures in current events, including movie directors Joel and Ethan Coen, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman and Senator Al Franken.  St. Louis Park is within comfortable distance of the city but is a little more laid back than other suburbs in the area.
3.)    Rochester.  Rochester has both IBM and the Mayo Clinic as major employers.  A good 45 minute drive from Minneapolis, it’s not the best place to live if you have a spouse commuting into the city.  Still, odds are that both of you will be able to find jobs there.  What’s more, it’s not so far from Minneapolis that you wouldn’t be able to drive in for a night of dining out and theatre.

If you are staying in Minneapolis corporate housing, don’t miss out on one of these great neighborhoods!

Minneapolis-St. Paul- 3 Areas of the City to Consider is a post originally from the Almost Home Blog, which focuses on corporate housing, travel tips, area information and other information helpful to corporate travelers.

]]> http://www.almosthomeusa.com/blog/minneapolis-st-paul-3-areas-of-the-city-to-consider-31/feed 0