May 26, 2004 -- Some of America's biggest cities know who you are -- you folks who don't intend to spend your vacation at the beach, or hiking in the mountains. They know you crave excitement, variety and cultural stimulation. Beautiful scenery and gurgling brooks, even the pounding of ocean waves, are not enough for you. The cities know you would like to visit museums, see some theater, dine out and dine well at the same time, and perhaps take in some shopping that isn't for souvenirs made in China or turned out by local crafts workers. So the cities have some deals for people just like you. Today, let's look at some places east of the Mississippi (tomorrow the West).
Atlanta
You'll find several summer packages in this peach of a city via the tourist board's website at www.atlanta.net/visitors/packages.asp. Standouts include the "Take me out to the ballgame" deal that gets you a room for one night, a ticket to an Atlanta Braves homegame and a discount coupon book. Optional add-ons include affordable rental cars and passes for area amusement parks like Six Flags. Prices vary depending on hotel and the number of options you choose.
We also liked the "Legendary Shopping" package that plants you in the hip Buckhead neighborhood of Hotlanta. This deal includes a room for one night for two people, free parking, breakfast and a $25 gift card for area malls. Prices vary per hotel and each requires a different booking code, which you can get here, www.atlanta.net/buckheadshopping/buckheadpackages.html or by phoning 877/285-2682.
Boston
There are several promotions here, but the most important is a Boston USA Specials Card, which is free and good for discounts on lodging, tours, shopping, theater, restaurants and transportation. You can get it (and see other offers) from the Greater Boston Visitors Bureau, at www.bostonusa.com, or by phoning 888/8733-2678.
Chicago
Art lovers should enjoy "Summer in the Park with Georges," featuring pointillist Georges Seurat at the fabled Art Institute of Chicago, with neatly-priced hotel packages to make your trip even more inviting. The show runs from June 19 - September 19, concurrent with most of the lodging deals. Tickets for the show are available when you stay at one of a dozen local hotels, with up to four tickets per one-night minimum stay. Sample prices include $145 per room from Lenox Suites Hotel, $155 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, $174 at the Seneca Hotel, and from $199 at the Westin Michigan Avenue. The exhibit itself features more than 130 works by Seurat, Monet, Renoir and Pissaro, tracing the history of Seurat's masterpiece from vision to completion. You can preview the exhibition at www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/seurat/seurat_overview.html. Check out www.877chicago.com and look for Hotel/Ticket Packages, or phone 877/CHICAGO.
New York
"Summer Breaks" start in June, with more than 300 offers on hotels, theater, shopping, museums, attractions and hotels, including sightseeing tours. The program, which lasts through September 6, isn't online at time of this writing, but should be soon, we're told. Go to www.nycvisit.com or phone 800/692-4843 for more information and a free brochure.
What to do in NYC this summer? We suggest roaming the west side waterfront during Fleet Week (which begins today), checking out the new Time-Warner building off Columbus Circle at the southwest corner of Central Park, or visiting the refurbished Transit Museum in Brooklyn (if you have a kid who loves train, this will be heaven). That's just for starters. Events change weekly; a good source for schedules of all that's happening is www.timeoutny.com.
Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love has segued from its winter promotion full-force into summer returning with its sleepover theme. Participating area hotels are offering discounted stays when you reserve two nights or more over a long weekend anytime between Thursday and Sunday from June 17 to September 12. Typical rates are $199 for two nights at the historic Latham hotel, $149 for two nights at the Adams Mark Hotel, and $400 for two nights at the Four Seasons (not budget-priced, but still a good value for this establishment). Especially night with this summer promotion is the free parking that's included (always a blessing in any major city). Also included are little extras like a city map, luggage tags and a goody bag. Complete details, participating hotels and online reservations tools can be found at www.gophila.com/summerpackage.
There will be plenty to do in Philly this summer. There's always the new Constitution Center to check out, plus a long list of activities and festivals including Neighborhood tours in June, the International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in mid-July, and Phillies games all summer long. For a roster of what's hot, go to www.phillyfests.com and www.gophila.com/events.
Washington, D.C.
With the dedication this weekend of the new National World War II Memorial on The Mall, the nation's capital expects a great summer season. Their "Greatest Generation Celebration" theme covers special displays in museums, special cultural events and the like, but also includes hotel packages, sightseeing tours and more. A typical package for the promotion includes stays at the Carlyle Suites Hotel costing from just $99 a room at the Summer Patriot Rate, which includes free breakfast for two. Each suite comes with fully equipped kitchen, sitting area, dining area and work area, with free high-speed Internet access. The promotion in honor of the Greatest Generation lasts for 100 days. Visitors who purchase packages online or by phoning the number listed here at extension 1945 will receive a special limited edition DVD of Steven Spielberg's Academy Award-winning Saving Private Ryan (while supplies last). Check out www.washington.org or phone 800/422-8644. The special website for the Memorial-themed events is www.americasgreatestgeneration.com.