Lunch in the Big Apple - The Carnegie Deli

Today was full of all kinds of activities, but first I had to get lunch. Where else would this Big Blue Ape go then to the best damn sandwich shop in the world...the Carnegie Deli. I would fight someone to the death on this debate, because I actually dream of the Carnegie Deli's corn beef special sometimes and I have no issue admitting that.

We offer some great ideas and suggestions of places to eat at TravelApe.com if you take a look at the New York City Dining Guide, but to the the point of order for this post, one hell of a lunch.

First I started off with the Chicken Broth soup with Golden Noodles. For a bowl of soup the price, $8.95, is a little steep, but trust me people, the taste is pure bliss. Today, I went in a little different direction from the normal corned beef sandwich and tried out the "Woody Allen". This is a sandwich piled high with corned beef and pastrami. I add a little golden brown spicy mustard and I literally had an out of body experience. Then, because I wanted to treat myself, I had a delicious slice of cheese cake.

The entire meal with tax and tip was about $40. Yes, quite a price for lunch, but if you have the $$ and you're in New York City, you will be doing yourself an injustice if you don't try the Carnegie Deli.

New York City Central Park Hotels - A Favorite of the Ape's

I just got out of the shower and now just getting to the task at hand. That is do my little reports and personalized reviews of the New York City Hotels. Just a note, you'd be surprised how little people take notice of a big blue ape walking around the Big Apple, but that is just ok with me. Travel Ape likes to blend in to the scene.

Today's little assignment was to take a stroll through NYC's famed Central Park, but more importantly to visit some of the best lodging and hotels in the area. The first one I visited was the Dakota Hotel, located at the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West. The views of this hotel are literally picture perfect. Some may remember this hotel as the former resident of none other than John Lennon. The structure is built around a courtyard and has a 19th Century French decor. This is one beautiful hotel and class is an understatement

The next great hotel near Central Park is the Astor on the Park Hotel located at 465 Central Park West New York City. This hotel sports 7 floors with 112 rooms. The hotel is not heavily rated by a lot of online rating sites, but for the per night room rates, especially in NYC, the Astor on the Park Hotel New York is a great value. Let's not forget what this big blue ape feels about value. You'll be happy to find clean, crisp, no frill rooms and if you decide to stay here you'll be in walking distance to, of course, Central Park across the street, several museums, and in case you are interested in visiting someone at Columbia, you'll be very close.

Tomorrow, we'll take a look at a few more hotels in the area and I'll give my reviews of where I went to lunch. Where that will be is still up in the air. If anyone has any ideas, just post them here.

The Dakota, constructed from October 25, 1880 to October 27, 1884, is a co-op apartmeraent building located on the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. The building is most widely known as the location of the murder of musician John Lennon. The architectural firm of Henry Janeway Hardenbergh was commissioned to create the design for Edward

The Ape is in New York City

I'm out of the airport and I'm set up at my friends in Manhattan. I was admittedly a little nervous about leaving Florida because I just love the sunshine, but you know what, spring is here and it's pretty darn nice. Sure the clouds are out, but I heard it was almost in the 80's here today and it's supposed to be sunny and close to 80 tomorrow. So New York City, the ape is ready to do his thing.

I've got lots of things to do while I'm here, and we'll get to them over the next few days. The thing is tonight I'm tired and I need a nice meal and then a great nights sleep. So i just wanted to say hello and we'll be going over the famed New York City hotels and lodging.

If while I'm here anyone has any suggestions about where to go, see or stay please feel free to make it known to me.

The ape is hungry so we'll talk later.

Gay Travel - Not that There is anything wrong with it

Well my cousin Theresa the Monkey came to visit me yesterday as I was beginning to get ready to pack for my little excursion up to New York City. To get to the point, Theresa is a girl and has a girlfriend. Let me make myself clear, how and who someone loves is their business and Travelape makes no judgment about these things. This Ape doesn't "Swing that way" but I stand behind my cousin and love her.

To that issue, Theresa was able to point me in the direction of a site that caters to Gay Vacations and Gay Travel. Wow what a great community of users. The information they provide is fantastic, but the point is, the users really get involved with offering insight into events and specials relating to the gay and lesbian community. They keep you updated on Gay Pride Parades, parties and overall it seems like everyone is working for a classy feel on the site.

Theresa and her girlfriend will be here in Orlando staying in my rental as I travel, but they plan on staying through the Mark Barker Gay Festival between June 2 and June 6th.

So stay tuned and check out this site. I'm sure we all have people with alternative lifestyles and it's worth opening you eyes and hearts to the good people the are. While you're at it why not let them know where they can go to find information about travel and events :)..

Next time you hear from me I'll be in New York City, with my report on the New York City Central Park Hotels. Travel Ape is out of the building !!!

Best Fitness Center in Orlando - All About Value

Ok, it's no secret that the Big Blue Ape (Me that is) is just gorgeous. You think that's an easy thing to maintain. Think again. Well because I travel around so much I have several memberships to national and regional fitness centers. So the general theme of this blog could be Orlando Recreation, but the specific item of interest is finding a great Orlando fitness center for great value. Remember, Travel Ape is all about value.

So to the points at hand. What is the place I love to blow out my quads, run till I can't see and have my traps explode for all the wonderful ladies? Well, Lifestyle Family Fitness Center Orlando. I've been to a few Lifestyle fitness centers as they are prevalent in the state of Florida and I like the general feel of each of them. The ones I have graced have several things in common. First, they occupy large areas. You won't be on top of others as you work out. Second, they have plenty of equipment so people doing the same things aren't waiting on you to finish. Last, I can't name one Lifestyle Fitness Center where I was ever treated rudely. Most important, because Orlando is a huge destination resort town, they offer great one day to multiple day packages. As about the "One Free Day" special

So if you want to get ripped and moving without spending a lot of money on your trip to Orlando, do what the Big Blue Ape does. Get pumped and healthy at Lifestyle Family Fitness of Orlando.

JW Marriott Orlando Grand Lakes Hotel -- A Great Place to Get Away to in Orlando

Ok, I had a friend stay over a few days and he brought his dog. Well, Travel Ape having a big heart felt bad making him leave the poor fella in a kennel. The path to hell is paved with good intentions. My house is infested with fleas !! Got to get out and get it fumigated. Well I have no choice but to find a Orlando Hotel, so why not stay in a place that's a little fun. The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes Hotel, located at 4040 Central Florida Parkway in Orlando.

Ok the place has eateries and restaurants. And we all know the difference. You get big comfy beds and you just feel like you're doing something correct when you're staying at the JW Marriott Orlando. I'm not sure and I have to check with the front desk, but I think I get some kind of discount in playing golf at another associated hotel. I'll let you know about that. While I'm at it I probably need to just toss my clothes and buy new ones so here's a great place to find great shopping in Orlando. Obviously I forgot to tell everyone I got myself a rental down here now. Out of know where, but I'll be in Orlando for some time.

Orlando Golf - A Great Walk in the Sun with Lot's of Value

Ok it's Saturday night and I'm getting up from my nap. As you all know I wrote a few days ago about some things I like to do while making the nights hot in Orlando. You can check that post out about Orando Nightlife here. Anyway, in the spirit of this weekend's Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta I'm making plans to go golfing tomorrow afternoon. If you know me, the Big Blue Ape likes his discounts. So this Orlando Golf guide is more about value than flare. So penny pinchers here's my vote for some great golfing in Orlando.

Without a doubt the selection of golf courses in Orlando is enormous. That's what makes it difficult to try and find a place that will be fun, have the air of a great course and not cost you your children's first year of college to play a round and get a bite to eat. Well, the Royal St Cloud Links located at 5310 Michigan Avenue in St Cloud Fl, just outside of Orlando, fits the bill. The Royal St. Cloud Golf links features 27 hole golf course. To get warmed up the complex has a complete range of practice areas including putting greens, driving range and chipping area. What's more the place has excellent on site dining at the Stone Bridge Tavern & Grille. Get the ribs they are great. Oh, by the way, a round of golf...$18. How's that for a deal.

Great Steak Dinner for Great Value - Travel Ape Swings in for a Great Steakhouse Dinner

I'm a big steak lover. I mean A BIG STEAK LOVER !! Knocking around town I've come up with a great place to get a great steak at a great deal. I have to remember to add it to my Orlando Dining Guide, but for now I'll just tell you about this little known place whose specilaty is the culinary art of preparing a sumptuous bovine.

That place is Linda's La Cantina Restaurant located at 4721 East Colonial Drive Orlando Fl. This restaurant is not about the flare of a Morton's Steak House or Ruths Chris. The sheer fact is that La Cantina spends their money on getting great qaulity food. From what I've heard this place has been a favorite for locals since 1947. My favorite is a filet made up with Pittsburgh Medium Rare. You have to try that. La Cantina offers other options than steak, although I couldn't imagine going there and not indulging on their favorite staple. I had some of my family visit last week and some rave reviews came in for the spicy buttered shrimp and everyone loved the fried crown onion. If you're looking for a deal of a meal for an average price of $20, this Big Blue Ape would recommend swinging the whole family in to La Cantina. The restaurant is open 4pm til close Tuesday thru Saturday and is closed on Mondays.

Orlando Nightlife ... Rock, Party and Dance with Travel Ape

It is certainly no secret that I’m late riser and a late player. I’ve decided to take my Big Blue Ape “fun show” out for the night while I’m in Orlando. It goes without saying that you have all kinds of selection when it comes to Orlando nightlife.

Yeah, lot’s to do but if I had to take my choice there’s three top nightclubs in Orlando that I just love to tip the night fantastic. Ok first on the list, you’ll find located at the corner of Washington and Orange in Downtown Orlando, the Independent Bar. This bar pounds with energy, lights and lot’s of room. If you love to dance you’ll find 2 great venues each with their own style of music. When I’m looking for some hot salsa there’s no better place than the Samba Room. This Orlando favorite offers a sensual fair and mix of the Caribbean, Brazil and Cuba. What’s more they offer a great upscale restaurant area. Rounding out my list of fun places to hit on a night out in Orlando is the Club Firestone. Located at 478 North Orange Avenue this club is located in an abandoned Firestone Tire Factory. Club Firestone is all about hot new and hip live music. You can't help to rock out. If you happen to see a Big Blue Ape banging his head and rocking out, don't be shy come over and buy me a shot.