aloft a-go-go - captain's blog

Captains Blog-Texas State Fair

Well, I survived the Texas heat. I was in Dallas for the weekend for the annual Texas State Fair.

I learned the fair has roots leading all the way back to 1886. It is a month long celebration of everything Texas. It is larger than any other fair I've been to (I've seen my fair share) and pretty fun.

I was setup just behind the W Dallas. It is a beautiful property with a really friendly staff. This is one of the first of the W Residences. About half the property is a hotel space and the other half is permanent residences. It's a great concept- who wouldn't want to live in a W Hotel?

You may also notice a picture or two from Southern Methodist University. I had the opportunity to swing by campus and take a look around. For any of you who have not seen this campus it is gorgeous. From the buildings to the landscape to the people, this is a really pretty place to visit.

Captains Blog- Blues on The Green Part 2

While in Texas I thought I should take advantage of being in the area. I headed over to Austin for the Blues on the Green, I was at this weekly concert series a few weeks ago and had a great time. I took the aloft a go-go and set it up at the event in the heart of Zilker Park, near Barton Springs. The band this week was The Jimmy Reed Band, a local favorite. The sun was out and at the start of the show it was 98 degrees. The heat didn't keep people away as this was the largest crown for the Blues on the Green event this year.

Captains Blog- Texas or Bust

I was thinking to myself the other day that it had been too long since I had a Whataburger and Taco Cabana fix. I was in New York City for about a week and it was raining and hot. So... I hit the road. I headed southwest and directed Jill to take me to Texas. Four days later I was stuffing my face with fast food goodness.

Some things I noticed while in Texas:

• Everyone will call you "Sir" or "Mame"
• Most of the trucks are lifted up so high you can see underneath
• It's 150 degrees
• They serve chili con queso everywhere
• Everyone has a boat on a lake somewhere, a house in Colorado, or a ranch. Some have all three
• Vegetarians are affectionately called "hippies"
• Everyone is a Longhorn or an Aggie- they will tell you which one
• And it goes without being said that the words "you" and "all" are never to be used together, always "y'all"

Captains Blog- It's been awile...

I've been in New York City for about a week now. I've been preparing for my upcoming events and creating some new surprises. I will be in Austin on the 8th and then in Province town, MA the week of the 13th through the 17th. It's going to be a busy month with a lot of driving. If you see me along the way be sure to honk and wave. I'll keep you all posted along my way to Texas. If you know of any great spots between here and there let me know.

So they're no too exciting, people- traffic- and more people. This is the most realistic representation of NYC you will find.

Captains Blog- If the gogo's a- rockin'

...I must be in the windy city!

I was in Chicago this week for the "Taste of Chicago." I arrived Wednesday night and it was 80 degrees and cloudy. When I went out Thursday morning to the gogo I received a bit of a shock. It was 60 and really windy. I suppose it is true what they say about Chicago weather. The rest of the weekend was beautiful... and windy.

I had the aloft a gogo stationed in front of the W Lakeshore. This was a beautiful location by the water, beach, any Navy Pier. The hotel has some great rocking chairs right in front, which overlook the water and they have a Bliss Spa, which I love.

I had not made it over to the Taste of Chicago as being at the gogo kept me busy. Finally, Sunday evening I got over there. I heard so much about the huge turkey legs I had to go and try one. The country singer Gretchen Wilson was on stage and the crowd was really big. I had to wait a while for my turkey leg but I must say it was worth it. The festival was located in Grant Park which is near where one of the two Chicago aloft hotels will be located. The event goes on for two weeks. Locals all recommend going during the week when the crows are not as bad.

All aloft hotels will have Bliss products. We will have them in all the guest rooms and for purchase and takeaway. We were able to provide Bliss product samples all week. Thanks to the W Lakeshore Bliss team for all of their help,

Though I spent most of my time in Chicago with the gogo, I did happen to find a pretty cool building next door.

Captains Blog- Blues on the Green

Austin Blues in the Green is an event which takes place in Zikler Park weekly during the summer. It's a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the summer nights and a free concert. I got to take the gogo there as Starwood is a sponsor of the event.

Ruthie Foster played this week and put on an amazing show. You can find more information on her at www.ruthiefoster.com. Here's what the show looked like:

Here is one of my favorite songs she played:

Here are some snapshots of the folks who stopped by:

Captains Blog- Austin

It's been a quick trip to Austin but a great one. There is something special about this town, after all the main town slogan is "Keep Austin Weird." It's true what they say, this really is the live music capital of the country. There are great bands everywhere, and I mean everywhere. The live music enhances the quirky vibe of this city. As the state capital and a major college town this city was destined for an interesting dynamic. It's really hot here. As I was setting up for the Blues on the Green event I was sweating like a dog in heat. I was dripping all over everything. On the upside, I think I lost a pound or two I had gained from all the chili con queso I've eaten while here. I have not been to a restaurant yet which doesn't have queso on the menu. Really, this place is kind of a heaven for me. Back to the story. So I was sweating like a dog and finished setting up quite early. I had heard of this great place which was close by called Barton Spring. I thought what the heck, I'll take a quick dip. So I head over to the area wich is known for the spring water which comes to surface and created an oasis on a 100 degree summer day. I was so glad I went. It was a great spot. I recommend this as a great place to cool off and relax. Here's what it looks like:

If you come to Austin be sure to visit 6th street and 4th street downtown. This is where many of the fun bars and restaurants are located. A good place to get some TexMex is the Iron Cactus. Also the "Drag" as they call it is a fun strip of shops, bars, and restaurants near west campus. Cane and Ables is a great "frat-tastic" spot to soak up the local flavor. Wednesday nights are the best there. One other hot area is South Congress. They have the best costume shop I have ever seen and it's pretty well priced. I also found a western store over there which is going to make me a belt with my name on the back. How much cooler can I get? Lookout NYC- I'm going to rock it BIG time!

Captains Blog- San Antonio

On the way to San Antonio I was able to stop in Houston and see my fmaily. This was a great treat because I don't get to see them often.

I was excited to get to San Antonio as this would be the first of my stops where I didn't know anyone. I thought this would be a good opportunity to relax and also get some work done. I was wrong. On the first day I was stationed at the Westin Riverwalk. I was handing out water and talking to people when all the sudden my old friend from when I lived in Colorado came walking by. I was shocked. She was there with her boyfriend for the architecture convention. They used to live across the alley from me in Crested Butte. It's such a small world. We had fun getting reacquainted throughout the weekend and found some great restaurants.

San Antonio has a canal that runs right through the center of town. The area around the river is called the Riverwalk and is pretty cool. The whole riverwalk is below street level so it is really relaxing to have dinner and watch the riverboats go by. You should go to the Casa Sole restaurant. It's the best Riverwalk Experience restaurant. While down there stop by the Dirty Nelly's pub. It's a genuine Irish Pub which proved to be a pretty stark contrast from the other Riverwalk locations. They have live music and peanut shells all over the ground. It's not a real classy place yet really fun. If you want to get away from the Riverwalk or happen to be in town on the first Friday of the month go to Rosario's. It is a quick cab ride from downtown or a 15 minute walk. The restaurant will be crowded but tell them you want to sit in the front. This is where all the action is. There is a band and a lot of dancing. There will be about an hour wait and giving the hostess money will get you nowhere. Order a drink from a cocktail server and giver her a big tip. She will, if you're nice, tell the hostess you are old friends and you will be seated immediately. After dinner, you should head to the markets. They have local arts and crafts and are fun to walk around on a nice night.