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On the Rocky road to Philly

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As a valued VIP I was naturally met by the man himself on the Rocky road to Philly.

And I didn’t even have to walk, never mind run, up the art museum steps to see him.

It takes something, or someone, to shift the Champ and when that guest is coming all the way from Washington DC…

I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I had actually come to Philadelphia to see an old bell.. you know boxers and bells!

Mr Balboa is, of course, long since back in his elevated state on the steps after a brief residency then in Philly’s historic old quarter.

Rocky Fest of fun

Keep on running: Rocky on Philly’s streets

His appeal has, if anything, only grown in the years since we last sparred.

And only last year the greatest Philadelphian who never lived was given his own day, December 3.

And that has only been ratcheted up in the City of Brotherly Glove in the years since.

With its Rocky Fest 2024 in full swing like a Sylvester Stallone haymaker.

Rocky by numbers

Rocky Fest will run from Rocky Day on December 3 through December 8, 2024.

With new moves from the PHLVisitorCenter… the first-ever publicly available Rocky Bus Tours, a Rocky Movie Marathon.

And recreated Rocky Date Nights at The University of Pennsylvania’s 1923 Ice Rink and The Philadelphia Zoo.

The Rocky Bus Tour and Philly PHLASH is a 90-minute deep dive into the different neighbourhoods where the movies were filmed.

Tour de force

And for Rockyphiles that means Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym, the church where Father Carmine blesses Rocky, the Italian Market, and many others.

The tours will run between November 29, and December 8.

You’ll kick off at The Parkway Visitor Centre and Rocky Shop. Individual tickets $49, Senior/student tickets $42; Available here.

A Rocky date

And because among all the fighting there was a lot of loving too then Philly takes us by the hand through Rocky and Adrian’s love story.

On their choice of Date Nights at the Penn Ice Rink and The Zoo.

Recreate their first date and Rocky’s stumbling around on the ice.

With signature drink specials, a Rocky and Adrian lookalike contest, film recreation photo ops, and speed dating for singles.

And individual tickets $25, student tickets $12.50; Available here.

Tickets include skate rental and 20% discount at the Rocky Shop, valid for purchases made during RockyFest.

Or during the Zoo’s LumiNature event with a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones at the Philadelphia Zoo.

And channel Rocky’s proposal to Adrian in front of Big Cat Falls, Rocky proposed, and maybe have your own moment.

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Two-ticket package for $75; Available here

A Rocky marathon

Of course, Rocky starts, continues and finishes with the movies, all of which you can merch up on at the Sly Stallone Shop.

And while we know you’ve watched and rewatched them all then if you want to test yourself over the equivalent of 15 rounds…

With the Philadelphia Film Centre running anything from single viewings to the full bundle over the Fest days.

Full Screening Schedule Available Here.

Single screening: $14 general admission, $9 PFS member; Bundle: $48 general admission, $42 PFS members. Available here.

And, of course, flying out of Ireland comes to the USA with pre-clearance and Aer Lingus and Philly are old pals with prices from €258.44.

America, Countries, Music

The power of a music festival

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For the day that’s in it we celebrate the power of a music festival.

And look back and forward on how gatherings of the lovers and the dreamers will always prevail over nihilism.

Woodstock stands as a watchword for peace, libertarianism and inclusivity.

We are stardust

Mitchell’s self-drive: Voice of the Sixties

And still promotes these values today at the Bethel Woods Center in upstate New York.

Fifty-five years have passed since 400,000 free-livers and lovers descended on Yasgur’s Farm to join the musical giants of the day.

Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Creedence Clearwater et al but not Joni Mitchell.

Who tried to get there but was snarled up in traffic and wrote about it in the classic Woodstock.

Bethel ethereal

You can relive that last summer of the Sixties with an interactive tour from $20.

And don’t worry if you weren’t there, you probably know more about it than those who were!

Of course music fills the museum and footage and even a hippie bus.

But Bethel Woods being true to the spirit of Woodstock is a living museum.

Visitors from this Friday will be able to enjoy and participate in the Peace, Love & Pumpkins celebrations which last until October 27.

We are golden

Woodstock is well within the reach of day trippers from New York, 114 miles north.

And can obviously be accessed by car, and our Joni might recommend that now the traffic has abated.

Particularly if you ramp up her Woodstock on your playlist.

Or bus from £23 with Trailways.

Stay the night in rather more comfort than those campers of 1969, at the Great Western Hotel from £112 per night.

Of course the town of Woodstock, which is actually an hour and a half away from Bethel, draws today’s New Age free spirits.

Karma chameleons

And one of those I’ve stumbled across is Holly Habeck who advises us of the best places to eat, shop and visit in Woodstock in Ulster County.

And so for the first two that’ll be Tinker Street for the best merch and Tinker Street Taco, for the best, er, Tacos.

While this being hippy trail then you can’t leave without getting some karma.

And the best place for that is the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Tibetan Buddhist Monastery where it’s all about the meditation.

And maybe pray for peace and for the safety of music goers all over the world.

New York is obviously served by everyone who can put a motor on a big bird.

But we return to Ireland’s national airliner Aer Lingus with flights and pre-clearance from Ireland from £216.04.

America, Countries, Deals, Europe

Ode to Shoulder Season

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Romantic poet John Keats might not have had the hit he enjoyed if he had titled his paean to Autumn Ode to Shoulder Season instead.

Perhaps we’re less prosaic now but Shoulder Season is how our marketeers and holiday providers pitch Autumn.

Terms may change but very much a fixture of the start of Autumn is the annual September Aer Lingus sale, offering 2 million seats at reduced prices on flights to Europe, Britain and North American destinations.

In keeping with the seasonal change there’s a big Fall… in prices.

Shoulder to the wheel

Fly the flag: Aer Lingus is all about Stateside

From today to September 16, the sale includes up to 30% off flights to some of Britain and Europe’s most iconic cities and winter sun destinations.

As well as each-way fares to North America starting from just €199 including taxes and charges. Valid for travel from October 1 to March 31.

Now seeing you’ve still got your hands up we’ll tell you then, Shoulder Season seems to be a creation of Mastercard‘s.

It’s when tourists in Europe move away from travelling in peak summer and instead opt for the quieter months outside of summer.

With travellers expecting to experience fewer crowds, easier access to popular attractions and better value.

Falling prices

Obrigado: With the Scary One in Portugal Centro

Mastercard tell us that the biggest shift away from peak summer months include some of our favourites Greece, Portugal and Italy.

While we’re proof positive of Shoulder Season tourists as we’re heading to Dubrovnik next month to fulfill my Queen of Dragons dream of tracing the Walk of Shame.

While Daddy’s Little Girl is checking out Finland, another of the countries seeing a shift away, along with Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, from peak summer months.

Aer Lingus, meanwhile, know their market well and that means Tenerife, Faro, and Lanzarote with their milder climates.

And have brought on new routes launching at the end of October, Malta, Seville and Marrakech.

Land of the Fall

Now the ultimate in marketing is how New England has laid claim to the Fall and Boston stands out as a beacon at this time of year, or any, to be fair.

While the romantics among us have a picture in our heads of Central Park in New York in the Fall.

For winter sun in North America, Los Angeles, offers a year-round mild climate, perfect for beach visits and outdoor activities.

Miss America meets Mr Scotland: In Vegas

While new route Las Vegas, starting on October 25, offers a milder climate even if it does get hot in the venues with headlining music and entertainment acts.

And then this year there is also the F1 grand prix taking place in the city in November.

Now, of course, customers flying to North America with Aer Lingus can enjoy US Customs and Border pre-clearance at Dublin and Shannon airport.

America, Countries, Food & Wine

Sideways look at California Wine Month

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To this day we can never buy this bottle without commenting f*****g Merlot… but let us explain on our Sideways look at California Wine Month.

Sideways is the cult movie where a groom-to-be and his best man take an oenophiles’ road trip through California.

Connecticut’s own Paul Giammati’s repressed character Miles delivers an immortal line about SoCal students favourite Merlot.

When pal Jack (Thomas Haden Church) asks him to make up a double date.

And wine snob Miles reluctantly agrees but says ‘I am not drinking any f*****g Merlot.’

Stomp of approval

Californians, of course, drink from the vine all year around but they deem September to be Wine Month.

And our friends we have met and wined and dined with in the Golden state have laid out the table for us.

Only they want us to work for our supper.

Hitting the right key: Entertainment with your wine

Visitors are invited to trample the grapes underfoot while marvelling at the sight of colourful hot air balloons floating over the vineyards.

And there is, of course, no shortage of vineyards in Temecula Valley, an hour and a half south of LA.

With wineries including Callaway Vineyard & Winery, South Coast Winery, Europa Village, Temecula Carriage Company, Ponte Estate Winery, Somerset Winery, and more.

The full Ponte

The stomping is pretty much what it says on the barrel.

So you step into a vat and start stomping.

And all with a background of live music, dining, dancing and even a Lucy lookalike competition.

Now our Californian chums have kindly laid out the swathe of fancy accommodation options for our road trip.

And keeping in the spirit of Sideways we thought we’d perm the romantic getaways for you.

Air Miles

As a sample booking the non-members 22nd Annual Grape Stomp at Ponte Winery brings 20% off the standard room rate for non-members which you can access via their site.

And because we can’t just zip down the coast like Miles and Jack, we do the next best thing.

And fly Aer Lingus Smart with pre-clearance from Dublin from €819.81.

Something to think about then as you sip your f*****g Merlot wherever you are.

It’s how they do it in the Golden State, it’s a Sideways look at California Wine Month.

America, Countries, Sport, Sustainable Tourism

Mais oui, the biggest bike museum is where?

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Mais oui, the biggest bike museum is where? Well, Steeltown, Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.

Not that you’d want to parler that around France where the biggest cycling competition, Le Tour, is currently raging.

But the sports-mad blue-collar East Coast American city might just have stolen a wheel on you here.

Morrow belongs to me: Craig in his museum

Especially Craig Morrow, who opened Bicycle Heaven in 2011, and has filled it with more than 3,000 bikes.

All of which I ferreted out from a nugget of knowledge from the Visit Pittsburgh team.

And who visited and sponsored the American Soiree travel symposium in Dublin last week.

And showcased their route from Pittsburgh to Washington DC, the Great Allegheny Passage.

Tour de Pittsburgh

Off on a tandem: The Monkees contraption

The 333.3-mile week-long track that adjoins C&O Canal Towpath… or maybe 45- to 60-mile bicycling days.

All of which requires the back-up of a Tour de France support team… or in the absence of that then Craig Morrow.

The thing is that you probably know about Cycling Heaven without realising it.

From Russell Crowe movies (A Beautiful Mind) or Viola Davies (Fences) to The Monkees and The Beatles.

To tread through Cycling Heaven is a ride through cycling history.

From the early wooden bikes, with the oldest in the shop, built in 1863, termed the ‘boneshaker’.

To the carbon-based frames of today.

With the novelty contraptions such as the ‘Hercules’ where you bounce on the seat to get going.

And I reckon I’d be a natural having pedalled my own Margaritas in San Antonio in Texas.

Now if you’ve got a spare $18,000 to $50,000 then you could leave with a 1940s fibreglass Bowden Spacelander.

That it’s Pittsburgh that boasts the biggest cycling museum in the world shouldn’t really surprise us.

Because the Penn city combines its industrial heritage and the eclectic vision of its favourite son Andy Warhol to draw the world.

How to get there

Fun and Games: With a Paralympian champ Mark Rohan in Quinta do Lago

And Aer Lingus will fly you there through Ireland with pre-clearance and JetBlue get you back.

So that if, as is my case, that means starting in Edinburgh, until my Scary One relents and allows us to return full time to Wicklow.

For now though I’ve dug out my own return flight Edinburgh to Pittsburgh knowing your departure point may be different.

From under a grand £957 round trip for the sample month of September.

America, Countries, Flying

Fly me to the moon at Kennedy Space Center

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It promises to be the feel-good romcom of the summer and you can be in on it too… so fly me to the moon at Kennedy Space Center.

For astrophiles Kennedy, a half-an-hour drive from Orlando, is holy ground where they cam marvel at NASA history.

Gawk at the rockets, lunch with an astronaut and even go into space yourself with a virtual flight.

Now as someone who has manned his own commercial flight from Istanbul into JFK I reckon I could be trusted.

And I promise not to overrun the landing strip this time and end up in the water.

Everyone’s gone to the Moon

Spelling it out: At the Kennedy Space Center

Now our friends at Kennedy give visitors the opportunity to ascend into orbit for an eight-and-a-half minute thrill ride.

All of which will get you in the mood for the Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum romcom which launches on Thursday.

While you can impress your friends if you can say you’ve visited many of the places featured in the movie.

Now to understand the scale of Kennedy then consider the size of the Vehicle Assembly Building which could house three Empire State Buildings.

It’s child’s play: Tomorrow’s astronauts

And that just the NASA logo on the exterior is 12,300sqft on the Vehicle Assembly Building.

And that the flag is 209ft-tall with 110ft wide stars and stripes.

Each star measures 6ft across, and the blue field is the size of a basketball court.

All of which is the centrepiece of your Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour.

We’re all movie stars

A good introduction to other features in the film.

Such as the Rocket Garden where NASA’s Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programmes represented in this garden of giants.

Nose for a story: And the Kennedy has it all

Visitors can enjoy a tour through the history of early rocket science, with a space expert communicator.

Saturn V Rocket, filmed for the movie, is on display at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo/Saturn V Center.

Pick an astronaut: Friend of the spacemen

And then there’s the Astrovan, also located inside the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which was used to transport astronauts from crew quarters to launch pad where the movie stars sat inside it for certain scenes.

Now, of course, whether you’re a Scarlett or Channing or a visitor like us, then we all know that the real stars are the astronauts and the staff.

But, hey we can dream and pretend just like they did.

Top dollar

In a bubble: Kennedy Space Center on the road

Tickets to the visitor complex start from $75 per adult and $65 per child for single-day admission.

A two-day ticket, which can be used for up to six months from purchase and averages a cost of less than $45 per day, is available for $89 per adult and $79 per child.

So stick with Kennedy Space Center… they’ll fly me to the moon.

And Aer Lingus will fly me to Florida as they always do… through Dublin Airport with pre-clearance.

America, Countries, Flying

Livin’ devil me Aer in Las Vegas

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The Irish are coming… well, in truth, they’ve always been there but the new Aer Lingus direct route from Dublin to Neon City means we’ll all be livin’ devil me Aer in Las Vegas now.

Now if you can’t channel your inner Elvis in Vegas…

And The King is everywhere with impersonators milling around the airport and all around the Strip.

Not to mention at the Graceland Wedding Chapel where Elvis himself will invite you on to say Love Me Tender and it’s Now or Never.

As two of the lads in our party did just that with a stunt-up service conducted by chapel owner Brendan Paul.

Brendan became the first fully licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. to conduct Elvis-themed ceremonies two years ago.

Lads and Lassies Vegas

Good luck charm: With Brendan at Graceland Chapel

As with all the best things in life, there is a Scottish-Irish link to the Graceland Wedding Chapel.

Through Irish-American Brendan and further back to the founder of the chapel.

Scottish immigrants called McKee put their stamp on what would become the jewel of Nevada with one of the first chapels in 1939.

And they took a little bit from home by renaming it the Gretna Green Wedding Chapel after the Scottish town.

Renowned for its runaway brides and grooms.

Whether that was what drew Elvis to its door has been lost to the mists of time.

But the King did visit in 1967 as he planned his coming nuptials with Priscilla.

Bon shook up

Going to the chapel: Graceland Wedding Chapel

Alas, Elvis found the chapel too small for his 250-person guest list but the link had been forged.

And ten years later the chapel set the trend for the funnest weddings ever.

By performing the world’s first Elvis-themed service to commemorate the King’s life.

Now, we know the rest and how Jon Bon Jovi eloped to Vegas and married Dorothea Hurley at Graceland Wedding Chapel a dozen years later.

And then held a concert behind the chapel with 75 couples who renewed their vows along with him two years later.

Now, whatever you get up to, and I still don’t know if I wed Cami here from Utah after meeting on the dance floor at Harrah’s off the Strip.

Bet on Aer Lingus

Remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Apart, of course, from Ireland’s national airline carrier, Aer Lingus which takes you out there with pre-clearance and back to Dublin.

Because it’s all about livin’ devil me Aer in Las Vegas.

Aer Lingus will fly direct to Las Vegas from October 25, three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Flights are priced from €499 return including taxes and charges, and are now on sale.

America, Flying

Aer Maidens

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I don’t know how I offended St Eithne to get chucked off my flight back from Dublin but my Aer Maidens got me back on board as they always do.

And here’s me who says a prayer to all the Irish saints every night.

Those who have flown on Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline carrier, may have observed that the planes are all called after saints and are thus blessed.

But Eithne’s wings (or another part of her body) showed signs of wear and tear.

And poor dear she had to rerouted back to Ireland.

Midway through our flight to Glasgow.

Hostess with mostest

Of course, this being a chatty Ireland-Scotland flight and me being stupid tired after five days in LA, the City of Angels, I hadn’t heard the announcement.

And woke up with Baile Atha Cliath looming up in huge letters in front of me.

We were back on hallowed Dublin land again.

Of course that is usually a winner with me and I was hoping that we’d be grounded long enough for me to get a comp night at the airport.

Alas, Aer Lingus had it in hand and got us back in the air.

With a special shout-out for our Aer Maiden Alexandra who kept our spirits up with her smile and easy charm.

And looked after my take-on luggage while I headed for the rest room.

Airline angels

Back home: Aer Lingus. Pic: Mitchell R Hope

One of Eithne’s fellow angels, Sarab, took the heavy load, carrying us on our wings.

And having us back in the air within three hours.

And back to catch our bus from Glasgow Airport and train to Edinburgh Waverley.

Where my own little angel, Herself, was waiting to pick me up and bring me back to Chez Murty.

All despite an interrupted sleep.

I will pay for it but hope the souvenir does the trick.

Or my suitcases will be back out on the garden pronto.

America, Countries, Music

Bossin’ it with Boss Ross at the LA Coliseum

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She’s Detroit born and bred but she’s also pure Hollywood… and we’ve only been bossin’ it with Boss Ross at the LA Coliseum.

Where the 1932 and 1984 Olympics were held and the 2028 Games will take place.

Diana is not shy (she never was) about telling our convention at the American Travel Fair, IPW, that she is 80.

So we can forgive her for not running around the stage like she once did.

Although she’s still got the moves even in the glitteriest of gowns.

Diana the goddess

Diana truly belongs here as much as any of the heroes who have graced this colossal arena.

The LA Memorial Coliseum, to give it its full name, honours Fallen Americans from the First World War.

Its rich history which has seen anything from big fights Jack Dempsey to big flights Charles Lindbergh grace the hallowed ground will be enhanced.

By the 3rd iteration of an LA Games.

Holding a torch

The torch with the eternal flame is a constant reminder of the City of Angels’ place in the Olympic story.

With the Games in four years’ time seeing LA make history as the first city to host the greatest show on Earth three times.

That other sporting colossus, the Football World Cup will act as a tasty hors d’oeuvre in two years’ time.

Diana on target

Where Diana has history for missing her penalty and bringing the posts down.

She didn’t miss the target though here this week.

When we were bossin’ it with Boss Ross at the LA Coliseum.

I’m staying at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A LIVE, having flown Glasgow through Dublin with Aer Lingus to LAX.

MEET YOU AT THE PARTY

America, Countries

Our American Cousins and Lincoln

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Few will even know what play was being performed when the US President was assassinated but it has a resonance for Our American Cousins and Lincoln.

The British half of me (in truth Scottish) will know that figuratively and diplomatically Britons and Americans are ‘Cousins’.

The Irish in me informs that Our American Cousins are real and close…

And have been the trigger for me schooling myself in American history and literature.

The play’s the thing

English playwright Tom Taylor’s Our American Cousin was the play performed before Abraham Lincoln this day 159 years ago.

At Ford’s theatre in Washington DC which despite devouring all the history I could on my last visit remains on the to do list.

It’s always wise to leave yourself something left to see so that you will return… and I have a long list.

Which also includes George Washington’s house in Mount Vernon, and The Exorcist steps in Georgetown.

For the ages

Titans: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln on stage

It is easy for history buffs to oversee, or run out of time, in DC when you’re mopping up Smithsonians.

But if you’re about DC today or would like to prepare yourself for next year’s 160th anniversary then Ford’s Theatre’s doors are open.

As they have been since 1968, putting on live performances, having been shut for 100 years.

With a full season each year from September to May.

Of course, as you’d expect, Lincoln is front and centre of many of those performances.

Although there are timeless classics too such as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol which runs from November 21-December 31.

Which covers my own birthday (hint!)

Your inner 1865 theatregoer

Now, this being America, they do visitors centres bigger and better.

And your visit will include the Ford’s Theatre Museum.

Where you can immerse yourself in exhibits on Lincoln’s presidency, Civil War milestones and the John Wilkes Booth plot.

While, of course, you will be able to channel your inner 1965 theatregoer in the playhouse.

Now the Ford’s Theatre experience is for the ages.

And you can pay tribute to The Great Deliverer where he died at Peterson House, the boarding rooms where he died.

All this too at just $3.50, taking in the museum, a Theatre: Ranger Talk and Peterson House with booking ahead advised.

It’s helpful, of course, when you have family out there and you have a landmark 60th birthday coming up, 100 years after Abe’s next year.

All of which makes us glad for our American Cousins and Lincoln.

How to get there

Honest Jim: And Honest Abe in Washington

Now it’s always the Aers and Stripes for us particularly as Aer Lingus has pre-clearance.

And Ireland’s national airline carrier have a sample fare for September 14 for five days for €532.36.

And while we have our own digs sorted at our American Cousins we’d recommend you go to the Washington Hilton where Ronald Reagan was shot at $1,912.47 for five nights.