Memphis, TN

Memphis: For the Love of Music

Halfway between Columbus and Atlanta lies Memphis, Tennessee, home of the music fan’s dreams come true. Home to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Grand Ol’ Opry, and some of the most fantastic food on the planet.

Anyone who has been to Memphis knows that Beale Street is the place to go. Echoes of New Orleans lines this downtown area with all the bright lights and authentic atmosphere. The streets are teeming with shops, food, and adventure. There are a ton of tours to explore. A trolley system offers cheap fare and a rest for your tired feet; as well as a plethora of amazing restaurants and street vendors that will feed your stomach and your soul. Beale Street is also the birthplace of the Blues. House of the Blues and BB King’s Blues Club offer the best in the heart of the blues unique musical flavor.

Venturing about town, you can run into the Sun Studio, where Elvis got his start. The famous studio still records new albums, so you never know what you might run into. Speaking of Elvis, one does not visit Memphis and skip the Graceland tour. The insane amount of memorabilia alone is worth the trip. The King’s huge estate sits in pristine condition and is open for business year round.

Keep exploring and you’ll run into the Memphis pyramid, a sports arena turned Bass Pro Shop megastore. The outdoorsman will be in awe of the vast number of fun things to do here. There’s even a bowling alley! You will also find The Civil Rights Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul, and the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum, which all house the history of this iconic city.

Barbeque, Barbeque, Barbeque is the name of the game here. Memphis is teeming with just about every kind of BBQ joint. The possibilities are endless, so do look around and find what sparks your interest best. For a less advantageous pallet, try Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. This mom and pop shop has been voted the best fried chicken in the state. Must try.

This is the quintessential destination for the music lover. Everyone can find something fun to do and eat. The unique atmosphere is one that will revitalize your zest for culture, and entice you to try something new. The history, the charm and the ambience are not to be missed! 

San Jose, CA

San Jose: Take a Moment for Yourself

Business trips can be disheartening when you have no time for anything other than a meeting or conference. When a leisure trips seems out of reach, and you only seem to take business trips, why not try to mix the two? That’s what many business travelers are doing now. These so called “Bleisure” trips are becoming wildly popular and they are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.

San Jose, California is a sort of boom town for the Bleisure traveler. The city is full of things to do and the folks who frequent the city know that. The Los Gatos Creek Trail is great for the hiking enthusiast; novice or expert. For the more daring adventurer (and those with a little more time), there are lots of shuttle trips to Yosemite National Park. Here, the Earth is truly alive. With Ol’ Faithful geyser, and Grizzly Giant, The Fallen Monarch and Yosemite Falls, there are all kinds of wonders to explore. Inspiration point gives you a breathtaking view of the entire valley and lives up to its name. Look down from the top of the world and witness the new directions your life will take.

Back in the city, there are plenty of fun things to see and do. At the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum you can step into the ancient world of the Pharaohs and look inside tombs, examine sarcophagi, and take in the splendor of the Egypt we see in the movies. For the technology lover, there is The Tech Museum of Innovation, which holds new and upcoming projects as well as old treasures.

For the shopper, Santana Row is the place to be. Shops, movie theaters, and a giant chess set; this shopping metropolis is perfect! Shake out the stiffness and get a new business suit or dress. The California Theater is nearby with a small, intimate setting, but beautiful décor and amazing acoustics. Take in a symphony or an opera and relax.

Making a business trip more leisurely is easy in San Jose. Try a drop-in Yoga class at Downtown Yoga Shala. Wind down and enter a state of bliss at Pairin Thai Massage, or if you need a more immersive experience, there is Burke Williams, which offers all day spa packages. Never pass up the chance for revitalization during a business trip.

The Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is the best place to inspire your inner child (or your real children). Part Animalpalooza, part amusement park, this venue is great for getting a bit of adventure in for the shorter stay.

Whatever your flavor, San Jose has just about everything from soup to nuts. Make your next business trip a Bleisurely experience. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

Yokohama

Yokohama: Japan’s “Second City”

No movie has ever quite been able to perfectly capture the magic of Japan covered in snow. This time of the year is not the vacation for the masses, but it makes for a wonderful trip as the temperature is usually around 50 Degrees Fahrenheit and makes for comfortable weather when running around a big city. The beauty of the temped streets cannot be captured by a camera, but rather must be observed in person.

Yokohama is a metropolis known as Japan’s “Second City,” quite like our Chicago. Inhabited by three million people, it is hardly small and offers a quaint and more relaxed version of the Tokyo hustle and bustle.

The Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is an amusement park with aquariums, rides, and theaters. The aquariums are so spectacular, it is hard to match that experience with anything remotely close in the United States. The park is home to a multitude of creatures and does not skimp on the park rides. A Pirate Ship ride called The Viking swings you to and fro, higher than you can ever imagine, without inversion.

For the more science- minded tourist, there are lots of museums, including the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum. It holds forward thinking marvels of all shapes and sizes, along with some of the coolest gadgets in the 21^st century. This is fun for all ages too!

As far as appetite is concerned, there is no shortage of amazing dishes to try. One such dish is from the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, where they serve-you guessed it- Ramen Noodles! Far from our measly plastic packages, these noodles are cooked to perfection and served with a variety of mix-ins. The bowl is yours to fill as you please. Another wonderful dish you must try is called Nikuman. This is like a meat pie or pasty, but the dough is soft and fluffy and the insides are filled with meat and whatever else you may desire.

Yokohama is a destination for not only all ages, but for the timid and bold alike. There is something for everyone here and it would be a shame to miss out on traveling to a destination this amazing.