More than just the home of the blues and barbeque, Memphis gives you plenty of ways to play around, with fun things to do no matter who you are or what you like. Of course, if you’re into Elvis, rock-and-roll and mouth-watering ribs, you’ve got to check out Graceland, Sun Studios, and the Rendezvous. But Memphis has much more to offer than this holy trinity of southern culture, with enough to see, do and eat to make it the perfect location for your next long weekend getaway. 
    The families out there (or the wild at heart) should be sure to check out the Memphis Zoo, one of only four U.S. zoos with giant pandas. Recently ranked the #1 zoo in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com, the Memphis Zoo lets you get up close and personal with the animal kingdom. And with the recent addition the Northwest Passage, home to Polar bears in a see-through underwater exhibit, and the zoo’s newest section, Teton Trek, kids and adults alike are certain to have a blast.
    Don’t let your midtown experience stop at the zoo; the Cooper-Young and Overton Square neighborhoods are just down the street. Ask a local Memphian where to find a tasty bite to eat, great local music and ice cold beer, and they will probably direct you here. Speaking of beer … the environmentally conscious visitor can enjoy a locally brewed beer by Ghost River Brewing or walk through the natural landscape and educational facilities at the Lichterman Nature Center.
    Memphis has museums for just about everything. From the Civil Rights Museum, Cotton Museum and Fire Museum in downtown to the Brooks Museum, Children’s Museum of Memphis and the Pink Palace Museum further east, the number of places to have fun while you learn are as bountiful as the barbeque restaurants. Families, friends, sports fans, history buffs, self-proclaimed food critics – Memphis has everything you need to keep everyone happy.
     So when you visit Memphis, stay a few extra days. Even the locals don’t run out of things to do. And to make it easy, memphistravel.com is launching a new travel guide to help you plan your next vacation. Simply choose from a list of interests and you’ll be given a sample itinerary with lots of great ideas. You can also register for a chance to win one of twelve trip packages that include tours, gift certificates to Memphis’ favorite restaurants, hotel stays and more. Go to itinerary.memphistravel.com to get started.

This was a sponsored post written by me on behalf of MR Direct.

oh and it turns out that FIRST TIME homebuyers aren’t the only ones that can benefit from these tax credits. Homeowners that are currently in the market for a new home can qualify for a tax credit of up to $6,500. The same deadlines apply and you have to have lived in the current house for 5 of the past 8 years.

With the low interest rates and the decline in home prices, it should be a good time to purchase a home. But with all the uncertainty surrounding our economy and the real estate market, I’m sure it’s still a tough decision to make for any prospective home buyer right now.

To learn more about the tax credits and the Real Estate Bailout be sure to check out ColdwellBanker.com. There you can find specifics on the homebuyer tax credits and how to qualify.

This was a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Coldwell Banker.

As we bid farewell to 2009 and welcome a brand new year, celebrate in style at one of the premier hotels in Los Angeles. Hotels across the city are offering several fun-filled options to help ring in the New Year.

 Millennium Biltmore Hotel

At the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, guests have the opportunity to choose from two exciting dining options on New Year’s Eve. An elegant four-course menu is featured at the hotel’s Rendezvous Court or head over to Sai Sai where guests can enjoy a lavish tapas buffet of fresh Asian seafood, robata and sushi. Dinner includes tickets to the annual NYE Gala in the hotel’s Crystal Ballroom where there will be live DJ music followed by champagne and a shower of balloons from the ballroom’s ceiling at midnight. After an evening of celebrating, find peace and quiet in one of the Biltmore’s guestrooms. Package includes one night’s Classic or Club level accommodations, your choice of NYE Dinner for 2 in the Rendezvous Court or Sai Sai, 2 tickets to the NYE Gala and valet parking. Dinner at the Rendezvous Court is $99 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. For reservations call 213.612.1562. And dinner at Sai Sai is $89 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. For reservations at Sai Sai call 213.624.1100. New Year’s Eve room packages include dinner, the gala celebration and an overnight stay. Prices begin at $379 and are subject to availability. www.millenniumhotels.com; 506 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071, 213.624.1011

At the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel in San Pedro, guests will have an opportunity to ring in the New Year at an elegant New Year’s Eve Gala in the hotel’s San Pedro Ballroom.  The gala, beginning at 6 p.m., will include dining, dancing and a live DJ.  The evening will conclude at 1 a.m.  Guests who attend the gala can stay at the hotel for a rate of $99 plus tax, based on single/double occupancy.  For reservations call 310-521-8026.  Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor, 601 Palos Verdes St., San Pedro, 90731;

ww.crowneplaza.com/laharbor

Visit Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel’s restaurant, Ocean and Vine, to ring in the New Year above the clouds. Enjoy live entertainment and an exquisite four-course pre fix menu with choices including white asparagus cappuccino, caramelized Mano de Leon sea scallops, and Beaumes venise poached pear. The 6 p.m. seating is $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The 9 p.m. seating is $125 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A special “New Year’s Eve” package includes luxury guestroom accommodations, a Champagne welcome amenity, preferred dinner reservations in Ocean and Vine (a $320 value), complimentary parking and a 2 p.m. late checkout time. Rates starting from $725 per couple. For reservations, please call 310-458-6700. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 90401;

www.loewshotels.com/santamonica

The Standard, Downtown LA is hosting a free New Year’s Eve rooftop party.  Guests can expect a multi-zone dance party with floor to ceiling lobby and rooftop visuals, a digitally projected countdown at midnight and a multi-level champagne toast.  Also at the hotel is a pre-fix 3-coarse New Year’s Eve Dinner menu for $45 per person.  For reservations, please call 213-439-3030.  The Standard, Downtown LA, 550 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, 90071;

www.thestandardhotels.com

At the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Trader Vic’s Lounge, located poolside, will feature a special offer on New Year’s Eve.  Beginning at 5 p.m., guests can enjoy an appetizer buffet with one Mai Tai for $45 per person.  A live DJ will play music until 1 a.m.  For more information and reservations, please call 310-285-1300.  Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90210;

www.beverlyhilton.com

Also Downtown, the Omni Los Angeles Hotel is offering a “Standing Ovation” package for New Year’s Eve along with a three- or six-course dinner at the hotel’s elegant Noé Restaurant.  For those guests celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Music Center, STAPLES Center or the NOKIA Theatre, the Omni Los Angeles Hotel will provide sedan transportation to the destination along with deluxe accommodations, a $100 credit to Noé Restaurant, overnight valet parking and breakfast for two in Grand Café.  In addition, guests will receive a choice of opera glasses or a wine amenity during their stay.  Guests not attending the theater can spend the evening dining at Noé and enjoying a live jazz trio, along with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. If restaurant patrons wear a masquerade mask, they will receive a complimentary half-bottle of champagne. The three-course dinner is $60 per person while the six-course dinner is $100 per person or $160 per person when paired with wine.  www.omnihotels.com; 251 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213.617.3300

Across town at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills guests can dance until dawn and take the elevator home to one of the hotel’s luxurious room accommodations. New Year’s Eve Packages include tickets for two to the SLS New Year’s Eve Gala and room accommodations at special rates.  Additional evening packages are available for those who don’t need a hotel room and just want to enjoy a dinner at The Bazaar by José Andrés, then head over to the SLS New Year’s Eve Gala for dancing with a live DJ in Bar Centro and the Albert Ballroom.  New Year’s Eve gala packages begin at $500 and the Star Lit Soiree – dine, dance & indulge packages begin at $600.  To reserve, please call 1.866.716.8149 and don’t forget to mention the promo codes; SOIREE or GALAPKG. 
www.starwoodhotels.com; 465 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, 310.247.0400

At the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel , guests can ring in the New Year at the hotel’s world-class restaurant, The Blvd.  An early seating will be available from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will offer a three-course tasting menu.  There will also be a Gala Dinner beginning at 8:00 p.m. that will offer a five-course tasting menu along with a champagne toast at midnight.  Talented musician David Sparkman will entertain the room all evening.  The early seating tasting menu will cost $75 per person while the gala dinner will be $250 per person. 

www.fourseasons.com; 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, 310.275.5200

Over in Hollywood, guests can check out the 5th Annual New Year’s Eve Bash at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel which will be celebrated throughout the hotel in the historic lobby, the Blossom Ballroom and Tropicana Pool. 

www.hollywoodroosevelt.com; 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323.466.7000.

At the Mondrian  guests can celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Skybar Speakeasy with open bar and champagne toast at midnight or dine at the popular Asia de Cuba with a four-course meal and champagne toast at midnight.  An early seating will be available from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for $75 per person, tax and gratuity not included and the last seating from 8 p.m. until sold out will be $100 per person. Admission to the Skybar Speakeasy is $150 per person or $125 for hotel guests and Asia de Cuba patrons. Room rates begin at $395.

www.mondrianhotel.com; 8440 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069, 323.650.8999 or for reservations call 800.606.6090.

For those looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the city’s newest destination, guests can join in the festivities at Terranea Resort, located just 30 minutes south of Downtown Los Angeles on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The VIP Velvet Rope Experience includes overnight accommodations for two, along with admission to the hotel’s New Year’s Eve Celebration and Countdown featuring sumptuous foods, desserts and a hosted bar.  Rates starting from $635 per night.

www.terranea.com

; 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, 310.265.2800.