Berlin on a Budget

Stay:
If you’re opting for the budget route, you can’t go wrong with COSMO. The hotel has a modern feel, with clean lines and earth tone colors. It’s modern-chic, with a very pleasing price tag, as rooms start at $96. COSMO is centrally located in the Berlin Mitte district (close to the Brandenburg Gate, National Gallery, Friedrichstrasse, and more).

See the Sights:
Berlin is a city to meander through. It’s flat. Very flat. So walking (or biking) is a must. There are plenty of tours that cater to whatever your needs may be. Fat Tire Bike Tours is an awesome way to see the city by bike. Young tour guides lead you around the city’s most notable attractions (and throw a beer garden or two in there). You’ll hit the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Tiergarten, Babelplatz, the Holocaust Memorial, numerous remnants of the Wall, and more. For those of you who aren’t avid bikers: trust me, you will love this. I’m bicycle-challenged and I did just fine (aside from biking into a brick wall…but that had more to do with the liter of beer I consumed at the beer garden).

Dine:
Street food is ubiquitous across all cultures, so why should Berlin be any different? If you’re looking to go cheap without sacrificing taste, hit up one of the many currywurst stands that can be found across the city. Currywurst is a Berlin specialty made of pork sausage with ketchup and curry powder. (It tastes especially good at 3am with a belly full of the local brew.) Konnopke’s Imbiß (has two locations) is said to serve up the best in town.

High Society Berlin

Stay:
If it’s luxury you crave, then it must be The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin. Right on Potsdamer Platz, the hotel is within walking distance to many of Berlin’s best sights. From the hotel, guests can easily access the city’s top attractions, like Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Tiergarten, and more.

See the Sights:
For something a little more high-end and customizable, look into Culture Trip, a tailor-made program that specializes in all things culture (think: architecture, museums, galleries, food, and more). Be sure to ask for Virginia Giordano, who is a fountain of useful information and tips.

Dine:
Berlin is an epicurean playground, especially for discerning tastes. Check out Pauly Saal, a former Jewish girls’ school-turned-European restaurant, which has quickly become one of the trendiest scenes in the city.

Party:
If you love seeing a city light up at night with clubs and bars, Berlin is the city for you. Cookies Cream and WaterGate are two firmly established venues that seem to please the “bottle service” crowd. By day, Cookies Cream is a vegetarian restaurant that serves an experimental menu that’ll appeal to your inner foodie. Night owls flock to this hot spot during after-hours when it turns into a pulsing club. Also, be sure to check out Absinth Depot Berlin, a specialty shop selling and serving absinthes from around the world. This hipster-style shop takes its craft very seriously and will pair you with your perfect absinthe.

What are some of your favorite budget and luxury travel tips for seeing Berlin?

Suddenly you’re 10 pounds heavier by the time you get home, and your whole health routine is shot. Sound familiar?  Here are five tips to help you maintain your bikini bod at an all-inclusive resort.

1. Stick to the One-Plate Special
Just because you can eat everything doesn’t mean you have to. While it’s tempting to go back for plate after plate to try the salad (and the sushi, and the carving station, and dessert), try to keep it to one plate.

2. Interpret the Signs
If you’re counting calories or watching your salt intake, most hotels get it, and want to help. Healthy options abound on resort menus – even at all-inclusives. Look for menu and buffet items marked by little symbols that indicate healthy choices. You’d be surprised at how tasty fresh sea bass with a side of asparagus can be.

3. Choose Wisely at the Bar
Here’s a big one: Watch what you drink. Unlimited alcohol is one of the great lures of an all-inclusive package, but sugar is one of the major factors in weight gain. Even a single margarita or piña colada can add hundreds of extra calories to your diet  – and also give you a wicked hangover. Stick to light beers or mixed drinks, like vodka sodas, which have fewer calories. Of course, it’s okay now and then to treat yourself to a fruity drink – with an umbrella in it, of course. Everything in moderation.

4. Water it Down
Drink as much water as you possibly can. Water keeps nutrients moving throughout the body, flushes out toxins, keeps you feeling full, and prevents excess snacking. Besides, if you’re drinking a lot of alcohol and spending time in the sun, you’re going to want to stay hydrated.

5. Get Moving…Vacation Style
It can be a challenge to get yourself on an elliptical machine if you’re spending your days on a tropical beach. Sure, all-inclusive resorts always offer a gym, but you can get your exercise in ways that don’t feel so – routine. Hop in the enormous free-form pool and do some laps; jump in the ocean and brave the waves; chase your kids or grandkids around on the beach for a few hours. Or, take advantage of the resort’s on-site activities. Most properties offer non-motorized water sports – snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, even scuba lessons – at no extra charge. Now that’s a better way to burn calories in paradise.

6. Focus on Produce
All-inclusive resorts, whether bargain-basement or super chic, always offer fresh produce in their buffets and on their menus. Seek it out during your stay. Fruit salads, whole fruit, green salads, and veggie sides will fill you up and give your body some serious nutrients. Plus, there are additional benefits. Vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies can prevent and soothe effects of a sunburn, ease hangover symptoms, and prevent illness – all important when you travel. Can’t manage to go all-veggie during your stay? Choose produce as one major component of each meal, and stick with it. It will keep you from filling up on less-healthy fare.

7. Dance the Night Away
Many Caribbean and Mexican all-inclusives are offering a new perk on their entertainment programs – dance lessons. If you’re brave enough – or you’ve hit your in-room minibar enough times – take a salsa lesson and see how you do. You’ll burn calories, get yourself moving after a day of lounging by the pool, and make friends. If lessons aren’t your thing, many resorts have on-site clubs and bars with a DJ, a dance floor, and lots of room for you to work off the day’s tamales.

8. When in Doubt, Ask
Not sure what’s in the chicken dish you’re about to have for dinner? Need a vegetarian alternative to the carnitas? Ask. Remember, you’re in a place where people are paid to cater to your needs – especially when it comes to the food. Don’t be shy about asking questions, especially where your health is concerned. Inquire with the hotel food staff about how things are prepared, and what they’re prepared with. And if you want to splurge on a beautiful dessert or an irresistible entrée, you’ll understand exactly what you’re eating.

How do you stay fit while away?

This summer, travelers with Veuve Clicquot tastes but PBR budgets can still sample the high life at three of the city’s ritziest digs. Luxury icons Le Bristol, Mandarin Oriental, and Raffles have debuted swank summer gardens currently open to the public. From Michelin-starred snacks to Dom Pérignon by the glass, these new spots provide the perfect taste of luxe Parisian hospitality – for considerably less than your average overnight.

Hotel Le Bristol
A luxury landmark since the early 1800s, Hotel Le Bristol has hosted generations of boldfaced names in a prime location near the Élysée Palace. Channel your inner Grace Kelly at its recently renovated, 13,000-square-foot garden “à la française,” connected to the three-Michelin-star restaurant, Epicure. Old-school glamour of this caliber doesn’t come cheap – think appetizers starting at 42 euros. But, a great compromise is Epicure’s substantial, 30 euro (about $40) cheese plate, served on the garden’s elegant terrace made of rare, white Botticino marble. La vie est belle, n’est-ce pas?

Mandarin Oriental Paris
In the courtyard garden of the 1st arrondissement’s très modern Mandarin, well-heeled locals join an international crowd for elegant bistro classics and Asian-influenced small plates by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx. Menu items like daikon-wrapped crab, and asparagus topped with caviar and quail egg, are complemented by an impressive list of rosé wines and summer cocktails created specifically for the garden. One of the best luxury deals in town is Marx’ two-course lunch menu, served in the courtyard for 55 euros (around $73).

Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
The Philippe Starck-designed Raffles brings artistic flair to the prim and proper 8th arrondissement. In addition to its on-site gallery and well-connected art concierge, the hotel has a seasonal terraced garden surrounding an oversize sculpture of a teapot by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. Art world insiders nibble seasonal French fare and Pierre Hermé pastries in the leafy space, which surrounds an elegant “pond” overlooking the glass-ceiling-covered swimming pool of the Clarins spa below. The garden is open to the public throughout the summer months, so order a flute of Dom Pérignon, available by the glass, and enjoy a taste of the avant-garde.

Have you experienced these Parisian gardens? Tell us what you thought!

1. In the Dark

It’s a well known fact that if you suppress one sense, the other will become heightened. Therein lies the premise surrounding dark dining. Popular around the world (from LA to Paris, and beyond), diners trust their servers and chefs wholeheartedly. If you’re the type who suspects someone spit in your food because you complained, these joints probably aren’t for you. Opaque (LA, Santa Monica, San Diego, and San Francisco), welcomes guests into a lit area where you order your food and check your belongings. You’re then guided into a pitch-black dining room by blind or visually impaired servers. Blindehuk in Zurich is said to be the world’s first dark dining restaurant (a non-permanent restaurant supposedly started the movement in Paris during the same year). Their menu changes weekly and they, too, employ partially sighted or blind staff.

2. With Robot Waiters

Sure, humans are imperfect. But can a robot truly understand that your meat hasn’t been cooked enough, or that your water has a fly in it? The owners of Hajime Robot Restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand will probably tell you yes, they can, and do. The restaurant’s robots serve you from a vast menu of over 100 items. Possibly the best part? The robots can dance along to a rhythm. So not only are they cooking your food, serving you, and clearing your tables (they’re programmed to do so automatically when there’s an empty plate), but they also have some dance moves!

3. Underwater

The underwater restaurant to visit is Ithaa, and you can see why. Set at the Conrad’s Maldives Rangali Island outpost, Ithaa is situated below 16 feet of water. Diners enjoy 180 degree panoramic views of tropical fish, sharks, and more sea life. And while the contemporary European cuisine seems a bit out of place for the South Pacific restaurant, I’m not really bothered by it, especially when it comes served up with wine pairings and no kids allowed during dinner.

4. On the Edge

If you’re at all afraid of heights, Fangweng Restaurant in China’s Hubei Province might be one to skip on this list. The restaurant seems to hang on by a thread from a rock face over the Chang Jiang River. It’s located about 7.5 miles north of Yichang in the Happy Valley of the Xiling Gorge. The area is known for its scenic stretches of cliffs, caves (most notably Sanyou Cave), and park land.

5. In Prison

Ever had a curiosity of what it might be like to spend some time behind bars? Alcatraz E.R. in Tokyo, Japan is a good way to find out without straying too far from the law. The restaurant, fashioned after a nightmarish prison hospital, welcomes diners by hand-cuffing them. You’re served in cells from a menu of questionably labelled items (human intestines?). On the other end of the spectrum is Great Escape Restaurant in Salem, Massachusetts. Housed in what used to be America’s oldest active jail (from 1813 to 1991), the restaurant features much of the original architecture (brick walls, cage details, etc.) and serves up-scale fare with pretty kitschy names (Mafia Steak, anyone?).

6. On Boeing

Most of us would probably prefer to avoid eating on airplanes as much as possible, but I won’t be the first to say that enjoying old-school diner fare on a Boeing KC-97 tanker plane sounds pretty cool. Situated adjacent to the Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs, The Airplane Restaurant (I know, really original name), built in 1953, once served as a flying fuel tank for other planes. Today, 42 people can enjoy everything from baked spaghetti to shrimp alfredo and baby back ribs. Memorabilia, photos, and aviation artifacts decorate the interior.

7. In the (Freezing) Cold

If you’ve never stayed at an ice hotel – or rather, prefer not to spend your night freezing – an ice restaurant is a good second best to the experience. And IceBar at Snow Village in Finland is a good place to start. The restaurant is carved out of naturally forming ice (it is Finland, folks) and is kept at a cool 23 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the craziest restaurant you’ve ever been to?

It’s a bit hard to find – as is just about anything in the intentioned labyrinths of Vegas resorts – but the signage, which includes a Nobu Way notation and sleek, amber-lit columns, are good markers for the pocket-sized reception area.

But, don’t expect to rest weary feet here: There’s no actual lobby, just a reception stand that’s sure to get a little crowded at peak hours. But well-dressed staff members are efficient, and friendly, offering bottled water, checking guests in with iPods, and demonstrating how the button-free elevators work. They’re a tad confusing at first but are ultimately pretty cool (one way to know you’re in a property that caters to adults: when elevators don’t have buttons for kid fingers to press).

Designed by renowned architect David Rockwell, rooms are serene and soothing, with deliciously comfortable beds and 55-inch TVs that blend seamlessly into the décor. The spa-like bathrooms are a highlight, featuring teak elements, a black-tile shower, gray stone floor, and deep, egg-shaped white sinks. Plush towels and robes, as well as toiletries by Natura Bissé, offer a luxurious touch, and thoughtful extras include a bath mitt, wooden toothbrush, and take-home, black-and-white slippers so comfy you’ll almost consider trying to make them work on the Strip.

But for purist Nobu fans, the biggest draw of the hotel is the insider access to its eponymous cuisine. Created by Matsuhisa himself, the room service menu is available 24 hours a day, plus, this is the only place where you can savor a Nobu breakfast; green tea waffles and an Asian take on the traditional bagel and lox are popular choices. Guests also get priority access (meaning guaranteed reservations!) to the gorgeous restaurant downstairs, which, at 12,775-square-feet and with 327 seats, and as many as 30 chefs working on busy nights, is the chain’s largest restaurant.

For a brag-worthy view of Vegas, however, Nobu is probably not the best bet. Most rooms look onto a concrete jungle with a limited view of the requisite neon skyline, and though they appear to feature a balcony, there’s actually no way to access the outdoors.

Rates start at an affordable $149/night mid-week and $259/night on weekends. Guests receive VIP access to the popular, on-site nightclub Pure, and for some serious relaxation, the Qua Baths and Spa, about a 10-minute walk through Caesars Palace, has added several Nobu treatments to its menu, starting at $175.

A few minor gripes from my recent visit: I wasn’t offered green tea upon my arrival, which is listed on the website as a welcome gift, and like just about every other property in Vegas, Nobu has opted to add a blasted resort fee (about $28) for access to the pool or to receive wireless internet.

However, one notable perk that leaves a lasting impression is the chance to skip the sometimes serpentine cab line. Upon your checkout, a friendly Nobu employee will wheel your luggage through the casino right to the front of the queue. Which, after a few days in this crazed town, feels like hitting the jackpot indeed.

1. La Toque

Chef Ken Frank heads this Michelin-starred restaurant where diners create their own multi-course experience by choosing three (or four) savory dishes plus a dessert. Selections are then served family style, allowing you and your dining partners to share a broad range of seasonal dishes such as bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, stuffed quail, and Florida frog legs. For an additional fee, the sommelier will pair wines to each course. Or, you can choose your own bottle from the more than 2,000 available selections.

2. The Restaurant at Meadowood

Napa has its fair share of stellar resort restaurants, including the restaurant at Auberge du Soliel, with its incredible views, and Solbar, the on-site restaurant at Solage Calistoga. But, the restaurant at Meadowood gets the nod here for going above and beyond. Chef Christopher Kostow creates a specific menu for each table, taking into account guests likes, dislikes, and allergies (just try to find a menu on their website). The Michelin-starred restaurant is also known for its 9-course chef’s tasting menu that can be paired with wines from the 1,200-label cellar.

3. Ad Hoc

Intimidated by the thought of ordering from a custom menu? Thomas Keller, the man behind The French Laundry since 1994, has created another Napa Valley prix fixe institution with Ad Hoc. No ordering required. Just relax as the staff serves dinner family style. Two of the most popular dishes, fried chicken and barbecue, are available Thursday through Saturday for lunch at Addendum, Keller’s nearby food-to-go restaurant. A budget-friendly alternative to Ad Hoc, you can eat lunch at picnic tables in the surrounding garden.

4. Hog Island Oyster Company

Located in the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, Hog Island Oyster Company offers a more relaxed and casual dining experience. As the name implies, the focus is on oysters – raw oysters, grilled oysters, and oyster po’ boy sandwiches – but the restaurant also serves fresh seafood, organic salads, and chowder. Don’t miss happy hour on Tuesday and Wednesdays when the restaurant offers half-priced oysters on the half shell. Hardcore fans of the shellfish can head to nearby Tomales Bay, where the company harvests its oysters, to buy fresh from the boat.

5. ZuZu

If you’re looking for something a little different, consider ZuZu. A weathered tin roof, faded colonial floor tiles, and the lively beat of Latin music set the stage at this downtown Napa eatery, featuring modern twists on tapas inspired by Spanish, Portuguese, and Mediterranean cuisines. You’ll find house-cured anchovies, braised pig tails, albondigas (pork meatballs), paella, and ceviche on the menu. Pair these small plates with limited-release wines from California, Spain, Italy, Portugal, South America, and New Zealand, many under $30.

Is your favorite Napa eatery on our list? If not, tell us about it!

What it is: Scotch Whisky (no “e” in scotch whisky)
Flavor notes: Scotland’s signature smoky, earthy flavor often comes from peat that’s toasted with barley. While not all Scottish whiskey is peaty, it’s a distinguishable flavor that sets this whisky apart from all others.
Rules of the trade: A single-malt whiskey is required by law to be made from 100 percent malted barley in a single distillery. To be called scotch, it must be distilled and aged in oak casks for no less than three years, entirely within Scotland.
Where to try it: Perched on 370 acres overlooking the River Spey, the Macallan Distillery in Craigellachie, is not only gorgeous, but it has one of the best tours in Scotland. The guides offer an extensive overview of the scotch-making process – it’s their signature oak casks and curiously small stills that make this scotch a true gem.
Highland Park in Kirkwall, Orkney, is a favorite for a smaller, more in-depth visit. You’ll become absorbed in the brand’s rich history and tradition. And for a true connoisseur, Scotland’s Malt Whiskey Trail runs through the Speyside region of Scotland. This popular tourist attraction takes visitors to seven historic distilleries including Benromach, Glenfiddich, and Glenlivet.

What it is: Irish Whiskey
Flavor notes: Irish whiskey has a light, soft barley-rich flavor. Irish whiskeys, like Jameson, contain “pure pot still” whiskey that’s unique to the country. Pot stills and the triple distillation process give many Irish whiskeys their distinct flavor.
Rules of the trade: The three working Irish distilleries (with multiple brands) make mostly blended whiskeys, where Irish single-malts are combined with whiskey made from barley, wheat, or rye and aged for a minimum of three years.
Where to try it: It would pretty much be a sin to go to Ireland and not visit Jameson, in County Cork (pictured above). (They also have a visitor’s center in Dublin.) County Cork is where all the brand’s whiskies are actually produced. The tour takes you though the entire distilling process that’s set on 15 acres of historic ground. (Hint: Volunteers on this trip receive an extra whiskey tasting, so raise your hand.)

What it is: Bourbon
Flavor notes: The limestone-filtered streams and cool hardwood forest of Central Kentucky provide ideal conditions for this sweet, oaky, and charred beverage.
Rules of the trade: To legally be called bourbon, a whiskey must be made from at least 51 percent corn alcohol, and be aged in new oak, charcoaled barrels. The tipple can only be labeled as bourbon if it’s made in the United States, but does not have to be from Bourbon County, Kentucky. (Tennessee Whiskey, like Jack Daniels, is straight bourbon that’s produced in the state of TN.)
Where to taste it: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, with winding roads of thoroughbred estates and gorgeous countryside, is the ultimate road trip for bourbon enthusiasts. A leisurely drive from Louisville to Loretto will allow you to visit Maker’s Mark (where you’ll dip your own bottles), Jim Beam, Four Roses, and Heaven Hill. If you’re leaving from Lexington, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Buffalo Trace are fantastic options. Make it a weekend getaway and don’t forget your stamps.

What it is: Rye
Flavor notes: The peppery, complex and fruity flavors are distinct to rye – a spirit that’s making a big comeback in the United States.
Rules of the trade: Similar to bourbon, rye whiskey must be aged in charred, new white oak barrels for at least two years. Instead of corn, it must contain 51 percent of rye.
Where to taste it: High West Distillery & Saloon in Park City, Utah, is a small-batch, mountain-crafted spirit that’s gaining cult status among whiskey drinkers. This boutique brand makes a few spirits, but their rye (particularly the 12-year-old) is highly coveted. Plus, this gastro-distillery is the first and only ski-in distillery – located at the bottom of Quittin’ Time Ski Run, so visitors can sip and ski (responsibly).
Templeton Rye, located in Templeton, Iowa, is one of the many up-and-coming artisanal rye distillers that are producing superior ryes. Tours are held Monday through Friday, and the experience often includes a labeling session and free shot glass.

What are your favorite brown booze distilleries? Tell us below!

1. Z NYC Hotel

Topping the LIC charts is the Z NYC Hotel. This boutique hotel is going for an old-New York vibe, with Jazz Age themes set alongside that industrial-chic décor that’s so hot right now. If the décor doesn’t pull you in, stay here for the Manhattan skyline views alone. From Z Roof, a 5,000-square-foot outdoor terrace, guests can take in both signature cocktails and amazing New York City views in 360-degree panorama (see above). Although it may be too late to snag a spot here for the Fourth of July fireworks (but you never know), keep this hotel in mind for next year’s celebrations. Z Roof promises to be the best seat in the house. Rates start at $200/night.

2. Nesva Hotel

Nesva Hotel is another Long Island City hotel that offers minimalist design paired with over-the-top views. There are a variety of room types that cater to a range of travelers, but all rooms above the fourth floor have wide New York City views. Good to know: The Euro Balkon Rooms and Academy Balkon Rooms have private outdoor balconies. Nesva Hotel is within a short distance to many of Long Island City’s (and neighboring Astoria’s) sites. The Moving Image Museum, P.S. 1 Contemporary Arts Center, and 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center are all with walking distance from the hotel. Rates start at $170/night.

3. Hotel Vetiver

Another great boutique option, the Hotel Vetiver rests in Long Island City on 39th Avenue. Along with its own Manhattan views, guests at this hotel are entitled to complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an iPod docking radio, and easy access to the N/Q subway lines at the 39th Avenue station. While New York City is an epicurean playground in its own right, Hotel Vetiver has a casual tapas lounge and wine bar, which is perfect if you are in the mood to chill near your hotel. The Crudos Bar serves plates of cured meats and cheese, alongside a menu of Spanish and Italian wines. Rates start at $139/night.

4. Wyndham Garden Long Island City Manhattan View

A hotel brand recognized by many, travelers to Long Island City will be happy to see Wyndham’s familiar face. The Wyndham Garden is in the heart of Long Island City, close to the Vernon Avenue thoroughfare of bars, shops, and restaurants. In addition to a free shuttle service to the subway, the hotel has a 24-hour business center, fitness center, and on-site Italian restaurant. Pets are also welcome to crash at this LIC pad. Rates start at $170/night.

5. Holiday Inn Manhattan View

Finally, be sure to check out the Holiday Inn Manhattan View, which from a distance looks much like a sailboat. Though the hotel may be best suited for business travelers, its location near Long Island City’s hot attractions and the subway to Manhattan, make it a good pick for us regular folk, too. Also of note: The hotel was a winner of the TripAdvisor 2013 Certificate of Excellence. Rates start at $140/night.

Have you stayed at a Long Island City hotel to explore NYC? Which one?

1. Chicago, Illinois
Renowned for its dogs, Chicago is the number one destination for world-famous franks: Other cities and hot dog makers around the world try to replicate the Chicago-style hot dog for its flavorful all-beef frankfurter and soft poppy seed bun. You can find delicious dogs all over the city, but if you want the very best, go to Fat Johnnie’s Famous Red Hots for its Mighty Dog (a hot dog, a tamale, chili, and cheese, all on a steamed bun) or Hot Doug’s for its special foie gras and Sauternes duck sausage with truffle aioli, foie gras mousse, and fleur de sel.

2. Honolulu, Hawaii
Escape the mainland and you’ll find that Honolulu serves up some of the nation’s finest hot dogs. An unlikely place for traditional American fare, Honolulu puts a tropical twist on their weenies. Hank’s Haute Dogs is well known on the island for its Hawaiian haute dog. This juicy Portuguese sausage with mango mustard and pineapple relish is a local favorite. And if you’re down to get fruity, Hula Dog lets you build your own dog, with mango, coconut, pineapple, papaya, banana, or starfruit relish.

3. New York City
Bringing us back to the basics, New York is where you’ll find the greatest traditional hot dogs. Though the streets are filled with vendors at every corner, make your way past those mediocre dogs and opt for a Morning Jersey at Crif Dogs. A Taylor ham-wrapped house dog with melted cheese and a fried egg is far superior to hot dogs you can buy on the street. If you want a true traditional frank, Katz’s Delicatessen offers the best one in town. To enjoy one of their jumbo all-beef hot dogs, all you need is some mustard and sauerkraut .

4. Los Angeles
Take me out to the ball game…so I can get a Dodger Dog. As exciting as Los Angeles Dodgers games may be, millions of locals and visitors alike head to the stadium just to savor the $5, 10-inch ballpark frankfurter. For those who aren’t so baseball inclined, Pink’s is the spot for the top dogs. You can’t leave without getting their famous chili on your dog, so choose the classic Chili Dog, or go big with a Three Dog Night: three hot dogs, wrapped in a giant tortilla, three slices of cheese, three slices of bacon, chili, and cheese.

5. Cincinnati, Ohio
Here’s a twist. Not a shack, dive, or diner, but a top restaurant offers this Midwest city’s finest hot dog. With an assortment of eight gourmet dogs gracing their menu (and changing up daily), Senate makes a high class hot dog. Which to choose? The Croque Madame is to die for: It’s a beef hot dog with béchamel sauce, black forest ham, and poached egg on a brioche bun. Head to Blue Ash Chili if you’re looking for a more casual setting. The Cheese Coney is heaping with chili and a mound of cheddar cheese. Yum!

Where are your favorite hot dog joints? Tell us!

EAT:
You can’t realistically expect to visit Baltimore’s Inner Harbor without partaking in seafood, can you? Faidley Seafood is just a few blocks away, and it’s one of the more casual options to visit. In other words, the atmosphere isn’t a crutch; the food stands on its own. Naturally, the crab cakes are a must-get if you haven’t had them.

Particularly if there’s an Orioles game going on, Pratt Street Ale House is a great place to be. It’s partly a sports bar, but the food is well above average for those who aren’t don’t care as much about following the chosen game on TV. The ale house is in a great part of town, and I’d recommend a stroll over to Camden Yards afterwards if you’ve never been. It’s a beautiful ballpark that’ll impress even non-sports fans.

DO:
Given that you’re on the water, and temperatures are finally high enough to actually enjoy that fact. Seadog offers high-speed cruises around the Inner Harbor – they claim it’s a sightseeing cruise, but it’s more like a sightseeing thrill ride. Slower options are obviously available, with Cruises on the Bay offering a similar experience at a far more leisurely pace.

If you’re looking for a free option, and perhaps a spooky one, you can head to Westminster Hall cemetery. There, you’ll find the bona fide gravestones of Edgar Allan Poe and his wife, Virginia Clemm. For a change in mindset, I’d recommend a jaunt from there to the Baltimore Museum of Art. Entry is free, and you’ll find plenty to sooth your soul.

DRINK:
For those looking to wind down after a sightseeing and touring, Corner Bistro & Wine Bar is a good place to relax. You’ll find a chill atmosphere, plenty of wines to choose from, and an impressive food menu for those who have worked up an appetite.

This is a recurring feature exploring must-visit locales in a variety of cities.