entertainment

Griggsby’s Station in Greenfield, Indiana

Dining Outside the Home: Griggsby’s Station in Greenfield, Indiana! Located within walking distance from the museum home of Hoosier poet, James Whitcomb Riley, Griggsby’s Station is a farm-to-table gastropub open for homestyle dining at your leisure. It got its peculiar name from one of Whitcomb’s poems by the same title. Outdoor dining encourages a spirit of camaraderie where everyone is either your neighbor or your friend. Check the blackboard for daily specials on gourmet food and spirited drinks. What you see written there promises to be robustly flavored and go well together. On occasion, live music is a treat for the evening, especially as the weather becomes warmer and people like to mingle. Look for the bright lights and the buzz of excitement. It’s right there on Main Street.

La Tavola Restaurant and Bar on Marco Island, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: La Tavola Restaurant and Bar on Marco Island, Florida! Have you ever stopped by a place and been so intrigued by the sleek lounge that you never made it to the restaurant? One peek at the wall of blue lights showcasing liquor offerings and spotless barware practically guarantees a remarkable cocktail. Choose your spirit and the bartender will create the libation. A short menu of tasty foods encourages patrons to linger awhile until live music fills the room with entertainment. This is how to keep the party pumping. Before you know it, another cocktail is ordered and the evening stretches out a little bit longer.

McNamara’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee

Dining Outside the Home: McNamara’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee! For authentic Gaelic food in homey surroundings, McNamara’s friendly atmosphere feels as though you stepped into a local pub in Ireland. Inhale the aromas of savory shepherds pie, tender corned beef, buttery cabbage, or crispy fish and chips. Popular draft beers, aged Irish whiskeys, and after-dinner libations move the meal along toward Happy Hour and live entertainment. Prepare yourself for a great time where everyone is treated like family.

The Hamilton in Washington, DC

Dining Outside the Home: The Hamilton in Washington, DC! From the outside looking in, people are drawn to the charming appeal within the walls of The Hamilton. Don’t be surprised to hear the words, “I want to go there,” from passersby on their way to the White House. Soft lighting encourages intimate conversations in sophisticated surroundings over midday meals or late night dining. Perhaps it’s the mystique of our nation’s capital. Or the innovative menu. Or the crafted cocktails. The local talent of thriving musicians creates passion as well as live entertainment. Whatever the occasion, grab your partner and enjoy another of life’s simple pleasures.

Dining Outside the Home: Nine Fine Fishermen in Las Vegas, Nevada

Dining Outside the Home: Nine Fine Fishermen in Las Vegas, Nevada! Experience an original Irish pub that was built in Ireland and shipped to its new home in the New York New York casino in Las Vegas. Not only is the rich woodwork impressive, but the food and spirits are unsurpassed. Don’t believe me? Check out the mile-high corned beef sandwich on toasted marble rye. The Irish chips (French fries) are amazingly scrumptious! But this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Authentic traditions include hearty choices such as Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Banger, Drunken Onion Rings, Fish & Chips, and more. One mustn’t ignore the Happy Hour stouts, ales, lagers, and spirits. It wouldn’t be neighborly to do so. Hang around awhile for friendly conversation and live music. No one is a stranger here.

Be Wowed By a Broadway Musical 

It wouldn’t be a trip to New York City without experiencing, firsthand, a Broadway Musical. The list of choices seem endless with over 40 professional theaters to choose from between Manhattan’s Theater District and the Lincoln Center. However, if you know you will only be in the Big Apple a few days, it may be wise to secure your tickets beforehand, especially for cherished seats in the center section no further back than the 12th row. That worked for us at the Disney favorite, “The Lion King”. Not only were the costume transformations super-incredible, but the non-stop action all around us was captivating. Friends, this show is for all ages-from the young in years to the young in heart. After all, the main storyline follows the “Circle of Life”. Is it any wonder this Broadway musical production has been an award-winning best musical? But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself. The Disney classic comes to life before your eyes with Simba, Nala, Scar, and the unforgettable Zazu. 

Movie on the Lawn Under the Stars

Grab a lawn chair, cuddle under a beach towel, or dip your toes in the sand….as long as you stick around when the sun begins to set below the Kauaiian sunset. The Marriott Beach Resort at Kalapaki Bay offers ocean-front seating for an outdoor movie presentation that is sure to entertain. Watch the original 1961 release of “Blue Hawaii”, starring the heartthrob, Elvis Presley and sexy Joan Blackman. You’ll, no doubt, recognize the Coco Palms Resort Hotel on the east coast of Kauai as well as Lydgate Park. Absorb the romance, snap your fingers to the music, clap with the sounds of the waves on the seashore. This is what vacations are made of. Aloha, Kauai!

Dining Outside the Home: Gaylord’s at Kilohana in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Gaylord’s at Kilohana in Lihue, Kauai!  Nothing compares to an enchanting plantation sprawling with cool island breezes, fragrant foliage, flirting dragonflies, and a tropical Hawaiian buffet that’s easy like Sunday morning. Gaze upon the lush landscape where children frolic, beyond the terrace, on the estate lawn. Romantic music fills the air with cello music soothing the soul that can make a wise man weep; especially Pachelbel’s Canon in D which brings back memories of wedding day bliss. Who hasn’t felt that before? Kudos to Diane Rubio for being spot on. Gaylord’s Sunday Brunch offers healthy farm fresh selections as well as Polynesian favorites. Choose wisely. Whatever the craving, pace yourself. The bounty continues long after you’ve had your fill. 

Who Will Stop the Rain?

Sometimes it’s nice to sit on the edge of a party. Minutes after we settled in, a couple of mobile restaurants pulled up to the curb. Food Truck Stop Thursday at Kauai Beer Company typically offers two choices of food venues in lieu of their regular menu. George of da Jungle versus Scorpacciata are the featured chefs of the night. Street musician, guitarist Lara Brady of Epiphany, sat poised a few feet away from the wrought iron patio crooning tunes from 40 years ago when she was still a teenager. “Do you mind if I take your photo?”, I inquired. “Sure”, she replied. “It’s like a Stradivarious”, she went on, “the style of wood in this guitar. You can’t find it anymore.” I dropped a buck into her guitar case. Her toothless grin smiled in appreciation. About that time, the sky opened up and spilled forth a deluge of rain. Everyone scrambled for cover under the sidewalk awnings and sipped on a flight of eight specialty brews until it blew through. As suddenly as it began, the downpour ceased like the man upstairs turned the water spigot off. Larry, the event coordinator, looked up to the heavens, spread his arms wide, and grinned from ear to ear. “Life is good,” he exclaimed. “Let’s get this party started!” Grills fired up, high intensity pizza ovens were set to 800°, and the lines began to form placing food orders for the duration. The place was abuzz with noise and clatter. As fast as the servers could deliver, piping hot menu items were exchanged for table numbers while conversations lingered and new friendships were being made.