World’s Most Colorful Cities

TravelandLeisure.com takes a look at the world’s most colorful cities. Whether a monochromatic yellow or featuring every color in the Crayola box, these cites are guaranteed to brighten your day. Some noteworthy cities include:

Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
No, that’s not a rainbow at the foot of Signal Hill: the pops of color making their way up the slopes are typical of Cape Town’s historic Muslim quarter, where the mosques and homes make up a splashy kaleidoscope of aquamarine, fuchsia, and lime. Its Cape Malay community is descended from slaves brought over by the Dutch from Southeast Asia in the 1600s, and residents began painting their homes to celebrate the end of apartheid.

Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

South Beach, Miami
Neon lights, frothy façades, quirky patterned lifeguard stands, Art Deco buildings—driving along Ocean Drive in Miami is a retro trip back to an era when Technicolor was just bursting onto screens. Flamingo pinks and tropical greens flank the white sand on one side, with azure waters on the other.

South Beach, Miami

Rio de Janeiro
In 2010, Dutch artists Haas&Hahn schemed to turn a favela in Rio de Janeiro into a giant canvas for their third project in that city’s slums (favelapainting.com). Enlisting the help of local youth, they converted the homes of Favela Santa Maria into a rainbow of staggering proportions, composed of rays in myriad shades radiating across the façades.

Rio de Janeiro

Vernazza, Italy
These postcard-perfect pastel pink, lemon yellow, and sea green façades were hit by devastating floods in 2011. While the damage to Vernazza and the four other scenic waterfront villages that make up Cinque Terre was severe, efforts are under way to restore, rebuild—and repaint.

Vernazza, Italy

Churchill has short-term corporate housing available Nationwide. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or National@FurnishedHousing.com for more information.

Best French Fries in the United States

Come on admit it, there is nothing better than a crispy, golden brown, salted French fry. Right?

CNN Travel‘s article, lists where to get the “Best French fries in the United States.”

1. Boise Fry Company, Idaho: Their slogan is “Burgers on the Side” and with Idaho being known for their potatoes, this place was destined to have killer fries. Customers can choose from six varieties of potato, then the cut, then the dressing. What could be better than a fry customized to your craving?!

2. The Breslin Bar & Dining Room, NYC:This hip place is known for their thrice-cooked chips. Long, medium-thick slices of Idaho russet potatoes are first boiled, then fried twice in a sunflower/canola oil blend. Then they get a pinch of salt. Try them with the restaurant’s Cuban mayo.

3. The Original Hot Dog Shop, Pittsburgh:Known for dishing out fries piled a mile high, The Original Hot Dog Shop makes their fries using hand-cut, and peeled Idaho potatoes which are friend twice in peanut oil. Served perfectly golden and crunch on a cafeteria tray, this place will bring back the nostalgia of the good old days.

4. Duckfat, Maine:Duckfat uses locally grown potatoes for their famous fries which are fried twice in duck fat allowing the outside to get super crisp while the inside remains tender. Served in a paper cone alongside specially made dips like mussel mayo and chopped egg and caper mayo, these fries are unusually made but delicious.

5. Jasper’s Corner Tap, San Francisco: With a menu devoted specifically to fries, this place has to be a winner! Choose your fry, thin, thick, or sweet potato, then your seasoning. Folks say that the smoked cheese fondue that is served as a side for dipping is “to die for.”

6. Pike Street Fish, Seattle: Known for Seattle’s best fish and chips, this place serves hand-sliced fries that are fried to “perfection,” along with delectable dipping sauces. The tangy chili mayo is a favorite. Even better, fries are FREE every third Friday of the month from 5PM to 7PM.

7. The Green Room, South Carolina: The Chef here, Patrick Long, specializes in Parmesan truffle fries, shoestring cut, and immediately tossed in truffle oil after being taken from the fryer. He then finishes them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

8. Bourbon Steak, Miami: Celeb chef Michael Mina offers mid-thick cuts of potato that are dunked in duck fat for the ultimate flavor and crispiness. An order covers three seasonings and sauce combos including rosemary herb with spicy ketchup, onion-dusted with sour cream sauce, and smoked paprika with smoked BBQ sauce. YUM!

9. Jonesy’s EatBar, Denver: Continually voted as Denver’s best fries, these thick-cut, extra crispy spuds are out of this world. They also come in four “World Famous” and original varieties like Buffalo (loaded in wing sauve and blue cheese crumbles with a side of dressing) and Bacon Mac & Cheese.

10. Thrasher’s, Maryland: Simply put, these are the ultimate “Boardwalk Fry.” These hand-cut fries are freid in peanut oil with the skins still on and served with salk & vineagar in a big bucket. The smallest bucket is 16oz and the largest weighs in at 53oz!

Churchill has short-term corporate housing available Nationwide. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or National@FurnishedHousing.com for more information.

Five Places in Miami You Might Not Know About and Must Visit

Miami is a diverse city jam-packed with culture, history, entertainment and more. NBCNews.com Travel Section showcases some top Miami locations that visitors may now know about. View the original article here.

1. Venetian Pool: Created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry, this public pool takes swimming to a whole new level. The 820,000 gallon pool is the only pool to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features loggias, porticos, beautiful grottos, striped pillars, and a Venetian-style bridge.

2. Neptune Memorial Reef: Just of Key Biscayne, the Neptune Memorial Reef is the largest man-made reed ever conceived. It was designed to resemble the feel of an Atlantis-style lost city with columns, statues, and detailed structures beneath the water’s surface. Once completed, the reef will span over 16 acres. The creators of the reef, Neptune Society, estimate that the reef will become the final resting place for 100,000 people. It is free and accessible to all visitors.

3. Ancient Spanish Monastery: The story of this monastery is remarkable! William Randolph Hearst bought the structure in Spain in 1925. He then had it disassembled stone by stone and shipped from Sacramenia to the US. His financial problems caused the pieces to sit in storage for 26 years before they were purchased and put back together by two entrepreneurs in 1953. The monastery serves as an Episcopal church now.

4. William Wagner House: The oldest house in Miami-Dade County is located in Lummus Park. It was built back in the 1850s when William Wagner was homesteading on a tributary of the Miami River. Visitors are often shocked that anyone could live in such conditions- no air conditioning, screens, and very little comforts.

5. Coral Castle: This sculpture garden was created by a Latvian immigrant who was jilted by his fiancé, Agnes Scuffs, just one day before the wedding. The sculpture garden was erected in such a strange way that many believe he had supernatural powers. Between the years of 1923 to 1951, he carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock all by himself. It is unknown how Leeskalnin, who was a mere 5 foot tall and only weighed 100 pounds, created and moved the giant stone sculptures. He died without revealing the mystery.

Churchill has short-term rental apartments throughout Florida. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or email Florida@furnishedhousing.com for more information.

50th Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival This Weekend- February 16-18, 2013

This Saturday kicks off the 50th  Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival on the streets of Coconut Grove, Florida. The three-day event is the top outdoor fine arts festival in the United States and showcases the works of over 360 of the best artists & craftsmen in the world. The festival offers visitors the chance to meet with exhibiting artists, sample fine cuisine, enjoy live entertainment all while enjoying the beautiful waterfront views of Coconut Grove.

Gates open daily at 10am and close at 6pm. The event runs along the streets of McFarlane Road, South Bayshore Drive, and Pan American Drive is just south of downtown Miami. Admission is $10 per person per day.

For more information, please visit the official website for the event!

 

Churchill has short-term rental apartments throughout Florida. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or email Florida@furnishedhousing.com for more information.

Miami International Map Fair

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Miami International Map Fair, commemorating the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon’s arrival on Florida’s East Coast. Taking place February 2-3rd at HistoryMiami, (101 C West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130,) this event showcases rare books, antique maps, atlases and panoramas from around the world. There will be lectures by field experts and special events throughout the weekend. You will also be able to purchase antique maps from some of the finest map dealers in the world. If you have a love of historical artifacts this is an event not to be missed! Daily Admission: HistoryMiami Members: $5, Non-Members: $15 Tickets may be purchased at the door. Admission includes entrance to the international dealer’s marketplace, access to expert opinions on your own map(s) and the opportunity to win door prizes.

Churchill has short-term rental apartments throughout Florida. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or email Florida@furnishedhousing.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.historymiami.org

Miami’s Best Restaurants

South Beach Magazine gives readers an assortments of options for delicious dining with their list of Miami’s Best Restaurants. Known for its perfect weather, gorgeous pristine beaches and chic, luxurious lifestyle, Miami is certainly the place to be. When visiting this winter, you will shop at their world-class boutiques, enjoy the sun seaside, and admire the grand Art Deco architecture. All that fun in the sun is sure to make you build up an appetite. In a city that has so many great restaurants within a small area, this list is perfect to help you narrow down your dining options and find a meal sure to satisfy. Why not try The Forge Restaurant (432 Arthur Godfrey Road (41st Street) / Miami Beach / 305-538-8533.) A long-standing dining institution in Miami Beach, The Forge Restaurant has been open since the 1930′s and is sure to provide foodies with a decadent meal in an upscale, glamorous atmosphere.

Churchill has short-term rental apartments throughout Florida. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or email Florida@furnishedhousing.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.southbeach-usa.com

Art Deco Weekend in Miami

This weekend January 18th – 20th come out and celebrate Art Deco Weekend in Miami. This annual event is a celebration of the Art Deco Era in Florida’s Quincentennial. With Art, Fashion, Antique and Film shows, not to mention Art Deco tours a Modernism Expo, Street Parade and Classic Car Show there is something for everyone at this highly anticipated event! For a full list of events and to purchase tickets, please click on each date. Friday / January18, 2013, Saturday / January 19, 2013, Sunday / January 20, 2013.

Churchill has short-term rental apartments throughout Florida. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or email Florida@furnishedhousing.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.artdecoweekend.com

Miami – The 2013 Winter Shakespeare Festival

This month Shakespeare Miami presents The 2013 Winter Shakespeare Festival. If you are not familiar with Shakespeare Miami, they are a local theater troop who say, “The Mission of Shakespeare Miami is to promote literacy and appreciation of the arts through free performances of the work of William Shakespeare.” Running through January 25th, audiences can enjoy performances of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” from this renounce group of actors. The shows will take place at Pinecrest Gardens Amphitheatre, (11100 SW Red Road, Pinecrest, Florida.) FREE Tickets are available at the Pinecrest Box Office the day of each show. Advanced tickets are available starting December 1 for $5 each.  These will guarantee a seat in the amphitheatre. For a schedule of performances please click here.

Churchill has short-term rental apartments throughout Florida. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or email Florida@furnishedhousing.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.shakespearemiami.com

City of Miami Beach New Years Eve Celebration!

www.miamiandbeaches.com recommends ringing in the New Year with the City of Miami Beach New Years Eve Celebration! This year spectators can enjoy free fireworks on the beach (Ocean Drive and 8th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139), or start celebrating earlier at the Orange Drive Music Festival’s New Year’s Eve Jam on the Sand which begins at 9:00pm and goes until 2:00am. Take advantage of this fun (& free!) event this New Year’s Eve!

Happy New Year 2013!

Churchill has short-term rental apartments throughout Florida. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or email Florida@furnishedhousing.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.miamiandbeaches.com

Tomorrow Night’s Annual Winterfest Boat Parade in Miami

If you plan to be in Miami this weekend be sure to check out tomorrow night’s annual Winterfest Boat Parade presented by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Beginning at 6:30pm on December 15th at Birch State Park, (3109 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale,) this highly anticipated event presents a spectacular show of decorated glimmering boats for those on land and sea to enjoy. This year as the parade celebrates its 41st year, the theme is “Musical Memories,” and it is sure to be a wonderful and festive event for people of all ages! Tickets for Parade Viewing cost $18 per child and $22 per adult and can be purchased by clicking here.

Churchill has short-term rental apartments throughout Florida. Please contact us at 866-255-0593 or email Florida@furnishedhousing.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of: Michael Laughlin, Sun Sentinel