Grand Start 2009 Events and Hotels in Monaco for the Tour de France

The Tour de France 2009 is scheduled to kick off this Saturday, June 4 in Monaco! This year’s Tour de France stage 1 promises to “separate the men from the boys” by way of a strenuous route that’s unusually difficult for a time-trial on the first day.

You won’t want to miss the start of this world-class event, where none of the presumed front-runners will be hiding, so be sure to book your stay at some of Monaco’s best hotels, listed below, and find out the details of Tour de France events scheduled for the Grand Start on July 4th.

Tour de France 2009 Grand Start Event Details:

The Grand Opening of the 2009 Tour de France takes place across 15.5 km in Monaco on Saturday July 4th.

Events for the day kick off at about 12:30 p.m. This is when the course is fully closed off the race.

You can see the details of the course by clicking here.

Between 1:30 and 2 p.m., you’ll see the passage of the advertising caravan on the start line.

3 p.m. Marks the opening of the Tour de France Village

4 p.m. is when Stage 1 of the Tour de France begins.

Find Accomodation in Monaco for the Tour de France 2009

If you’re planning on staying in Monaco to catch a glimpse of the Grand Start of the Tour de France, you’ll want to book your weekend at a top hotel in Monaco. Here are some of our favorites:

Hotel Port Palace:

Hotel Port Palace is a traditional-style hotel, perfect for romantic getaways and family trips.

It’s the first luxury boutique hotel in Monaco, and it overlooks the prestigious Monte Carlo Marina.

It’s situated in the most desirable location, in the heart of Monte Carlo, and is the perfect “jumping off” point for people who want to be sure they are close to where the action will be for the Grand Opening of the 2009 Tour de France.

Hôtel de Paris:

Built in 1864, the Hotel de Paris strived to offer the best of an era, and it continues to offer the same high standard of excellence in hospitality to this day.

You’ll find Hotel de Paris uniquely comfortable, luxurious and unforgettable.

The staff here pay excruciatingly close attention to the details. We thinks it’s an ideal hotel to stay at for the Grand Opening.

Hôtel Hermitage Monaco:

Hôtel Hermitage Monaco is a gorgeous historical hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

It has a refreshingly intimate atmosphere for a hotel with 280 rooms.

You’ll love the airy two-floor marble lobby, stunning rooms and location, all which make it a good choice if you’re looking for a hotel to stay at during the Grand Opening festivities of this year’s Tour de France.

Hotel Metropole:

This recently redesigned boutique hotel in Monte Carlo, Hotel Metropole is a haven of contemporary style, seamlessly blending with touches of timeless luxury.

Elegance and comfort are the key elements that make up each of the hotel’s 146 bedrooms and suites.

You’ll be treated like a VIP here – and that’s exactly the feeling you’ll want when you’re attending the Grand Opening of the Tour de France this year!

This year Dallas is going all out with its Independence Day festivities over the three day weekend. With Dallas being so big and spread out, there are numerous fireworks displays and festivals happening across the city. If you’re visiting, check out the bottom of the article for our recommendation on some of Dallas’ best hotels.

July 3 2009 Festivals and Independence Day Fireworks in Dallas

Kaboom Town!
One of the best fireworks displays in the country, Kaboom Town! is a huge Fourth of July party that takes place in Addison. The show can be seen from anywhere in Addison (including the Addison Circle Park watching party).

This free party takes place between 5 p.m. and Midnight, at 4970 Addison Circle Drive.

Annual Farmer’s Branch Independence Day Celebration:
Kicking off at 7:30 p.m. this free event is chock-full of food, fun and games – as well as low-level fireworks that start at approximately 9:35 pm. The festival takes place at the Farmers Branch Historical Park at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane.

July 4 2009 Festivals and Independence Day Fireworks in Dallas

July Jazz in Addison:
Music lovers should make sure to check out July Jazz on the fourth in Esplanade Park (5044 Addison Circle Park Drive) where you can enjoy free concerts feartuing local jazz artists. Make sure to bring a chair, some refreshments and good friends for a great relaxing celebration.

Bedford 4thFest Celebration:
You’ll find old-fashioned flag-waving Independence Day celebrations including live music, a parade at noon, carnival rides food and fireworks. Head to 2801 Forest Ridge in Bedford for this festival.

Liberty by the Lake Festival:
There will be numerous events throughout the day at the Liberty by the Lake Festival, so don’t worry – there will be something for everyone here. Liberty by the Lake will host the 2009 R5Water-XRacing Tour (one of America’s up and coming personal watercraft racing circuts).

And it wouldn’t be a Fourth of July festival without fireworks. Don’t worry –they start at 9:30 p.m. over Lake Lewisville. The fireworks are best viewed from Stewart Creek Park.

Need a Hotel in Dallas?

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Dallas over the Independence Day long weekend, we recommend that you go all out and stay at one of the best hotels in Dallas:

Hotel Zaza Uptown Dallas
The Joule Hotel in Dallas

You won’t want to miss the Fourth of July festivities in Boston this year because, in addition to the fireworks, Boston Harborfest and other events you’ll get to see Neil Diamond perform.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and Neil Diamond

Prepare yourself for a treat this year when Neil Diamond performs on the Boston Pops Fireworks Spetacular, bradcasting live from the Charles River Esplanade. Diamond is performing some of his classic hits with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra – and his show starts around 10 p.m.

Events and music are happening all day (starting at 9 a.m.), but the music begins at 8:30 p.m., beginning with the national anthem and flyover. At 9:30 p.m. you’ll hear the famous 1812 Overture.

And, of course, the fireworks start at 10:30 p.m.!

Boston Harborfest 2009

Boston Harborfest features hundreds of events including historic tours, concerts, revolutionary reenactments and activities for kids, taking place all over Boston’s historic downtown and waterfront districts.

Taking place all weekend, the highlight this year will definitely be the 4th of July fireworks over the Charles River and Neil Diamond’s performance (Boston Pop’s special guest).

You also won’t want to miss Chowderfest on July 5th – which gives festival goers the opportunity to try Boston’s best chowders.

Need a Hotel in Boston?

Who wouldn’t want to travel to Boston to take part in arguably the most exciting Independence Day events in the country? If you’re one of the lucky people who are visiting over the Independence Day long weekend, check out one of Boston’s luxury hotels:

Nine Zero Hotel
Mandarin Oriental Boston Hotel
InterContinental Boston

Unlike a lot of other cities in the U.S., Chicago kicks off its July 4th celebrations on July 3rd. So, Independence Day is really one long festival-filled weekend in Chicago. Learn what’s going on in Chicago for Independence Day, and find out where to stay if you’re visiting Chicago during this patriotic holiday.

Independence Day Fireworks Over Lake Michigan:

Chicago’s fourth of July fireworks actually start on Friday, July 3! You’ll see them after the Patriotic concert (at the Petrillo Music Shell – see details below), starting at around 9 p.m.

Independence Day Fireworks at Navy Pier:

Fireworks start at Navy Pier in Chicago at 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th. Don’t miss them!

Good places to view the 2009 fireworks in Chicago include:

All along the lakefront
Grant Park
Navy Pier

Independence Day 2009 Concerts in Chicago:

On July 3rd head to the Petrillo Music Shell (235 S Columbus Drive) to hear the 85th Army Band play some good all-American music. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Make sure to catch the Independence Day fireworks over Lake Michigan once the concert is over.

On July 4th, take part in the Grant Park Music festival at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Chicago Fourth of July and Taste of Chicago 2009:

Have your hot dog and your patriotism too by attending the Taste of Chicago over the Independence Day Long weekend. This is the Midwest’s largest food festival, and we can’t think of a yummier reason to be in Chicago than that.

Admission to the festival is free, and takes place from July 3 to July 5 in Grant Park (300 S. Columbus).

On July 3 and July 4, the Taste of Chicago opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m.

On July 5th, the Taste of Chicago opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.

Need a Hotel in Chicago:

If you’re just visiting for the Independence Day long weekend, here are a few of the best hotels in Chicago for you to look in to:

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
The James Chicago Hotel
The Talbott Hotel
The Allerton Hotel in Chicago

Phoenix’ “Fabulous Phoenix Fourth” Fireworks Display:

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and join the ‘Fabulous Phoenix Fourth:’ the biggest firework extravaganza in America’s Southwest.

Head to Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix (300 E. Indian School Road) between 6 and 10 p.m. to join the locals and you are guaranteed to have a good time.

The Fabulous Phoenix Fourth is an all day event featuring an array of local entertainment, an enormous misting area to cool off, inflatable rides and a show-and-shine, all topped of by a breath-taking fireworks show.

If you are planning to celebrate the 4th of July in the Valley of the Sun, book your stay at one of the best hotels in Phoenix:

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
The Phoenician
W Scottsdale

Famous for space travel and the beaches of Galveston Island, Houston sure has no problem planning fun for old and young this 4th of July. To commemorate USA’s independence, the multicultural metropolis is hosting a plethora of events for Independence Day 2009.

Freedom Over Texas Fireworks:

If you are planning to celebrate July 4th Texan-style, don’t miss out on the biggest fireworks display in the state (and largest land-based fireworks display in the country) and check out the ‘Chevy Freedom over Texas Fireworks’ at Eleanor Tinsley Park.

The festival at Eleanor Tinsley Park is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Expect it to be action packed with live performances from local acts such as Clay Walker, an auto show, volleyball tournament, beer garden.

Fireworks will start after 10 p.m.

Houston Symphony Orchestra and Fireworks:

Alternatively, saunter down to historic Hermann Park (100 Concert Drive‎) around 8:30 p.m. and enjoy the melodious sounds of the Houston Symphony Orchestra and an All-American salute to celebrate this Independence Day in Houston. You’ll hear some great classics, including Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

A grandiose fireworks display will mark the end of the evening.

Need a Hotel in Houston?

For a great end to a fantastic day make sure you check into Houston’s best hotels if you’re just visiting the city for the weekend:

Hotel Granduca
Hotel ZaZa Houston

Philadelphia, the home of the United States Constitution and the Liberty Bell, is planning to celebrate America’s birthday by featuring several modern 4th of July events – including a grand finale concert with fireworks featuring Sheryl Crow!

July 4th Fireworks and Sheryl Crow in Philadelphia:

Of course, no 4th of July would be complete without fireworks…and Sheryl Crow!

You can enjoy the fireworks in Philadelphia from several locations around the Philadelphia Museum of Art this year.

You aren’t going to want to miss the main event: The Life, Liberty & You Concert and Fireworks Display with Sheryl Crow and The Roots!

The concert begins at 8:30.

Fireworks begin at around 10:30.

Philadelphia’s Welcome America Festival:

If you are in the area, be sure to head to Philadelphia’s Independence Hall (5th and Chestnut Streets) to view the original Constitution and partake in the ‘Welcome America Festival’; entertainment is provided by various bands and musical performances, acrobatic acts and carnivals.

Festivities kick up at 12 noon and run until 3 p.m.

Let Freedom Ring Celebration in Philadelphia:

You are also encouraged to experience an age-old custom at the nearby Independence Mall. The ‘Let Freedom Ring’ celebration commences with the tapping of the Liberty Bell and ensues with the ringing of bells nationwide. Tradition has it that each bell chimes 13 times to honor the 13 original colonies.

Afterward, head o the City Tavern to enjoy delicious meals and ales brewed, to this day, according to George Washington’s very own recipes.

Check out these great luxury hotels in Philadelphia if you are planning to celebrate this independence in the “birthplace of America”:

The Westin Philadelphia
Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

The Jumeirah Carlton Tower is known by foodies as being a “must do” in London. And, this gorgeous hotel lives up to its reputation in the food wine community with its new British Cheese Tasting Menu. Sample England’s best cheeses starting today at this delightful hotel in London.

Over 700 different cheeses are produced in Britain but just seven have been chosen to star on The Rib Room’s fabulous new Cheese Tasting Menu. The tasting menu costs £30 per person and will be available in this renowned London restaurant from the beginning of July.

Simon Young, Executive Chef of The Rib Room at the five-star Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge, has scoured the length and breadth of Great Britain for cheeses worthy of inclusion on the tasting menu. He is now able to reveal his final seven choices:

Celtic Promise: originally from West Wales, now produced in Godstone, Surrey.
Features of the cheese include an orange rind, supple texture and spicy aromatic flavour.
Cheese is ripened in cider hence its orange rind and fruity smell.

Smoked Gubbeen: from Schull, Ireland. Oak-smoked for a short time for a light smoky
flavour. Coated with a thin yellow wax and allowed to mature for three months.

Stinking Bishop: from Dymock, Gloucestershire. A sticky orange rind with a pungent and spirited aroma. Texture varies from firm to soft depending on season. Washed in fermented pear juice. Smells of old socks but has a full and distinctive flavour!

Stilton: from Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Britain’s favourite blue cheese but more intense than other UK blues. Meltable and full-rounded quality.

Perl Wen: from West Wales. An organic soft white cheese. Similar characteristics to a Brie. The softness of the outside blends beautifully with the fresh lemony centre.

Isle of Mull: from the Inner Hebrides. No added colouring. Blue veins develop as cheese matures.

Cerney: from Cerney, Gloucestershire. Coated with black ash / sea salt mix. Fresh, mild and pleasantly goaty with a suggestion of white wine and herbs.

This platter of seven classic cheeses is accompanied by a glass of one of the following:
• Taylors 1985
• Chateau Suduiraut, Premier Cru Classé, Sauternes 2002
• Hennessy XO
• Ardbeg 10 yo

The Rib Room’s Cheese Tasting Menu costs £30 per person menu and is only available in the evening in The Rib Room Bar from 1st July 2009.

No city gets the 4th of July better than New York! If you’re lucky enough to be spending Independence Day in the Big Apple, you’re in for a real treat. And, if you happen to be visiting New York City during Independence Day, we’ve listed some of New York City’s best hotels at the bottom of the article.

Macy’s 2009 July 4th fireworks:

This year, catch Macy’s July 4th Fireworks over the Hudson River. The show kicks off at 9:20 p.m. and runs for 26 minutes. The fireworks will be launched from barges on the river between 24th and 50th Streets.

The best views of New York City’s July 4th fireworks will be from Manhattan’s West Side between 23rd and 59th streets, as well as from New Jersey’s waterfront.

Great places to view New York’s fireworks include:
West Side Highway and area
Dewitt Clinton Park
Pier 54 and Pier 84
Side streets between 11th and 12th Avenues

Free Today Show and Good Morning America Concerts:

The Today Show and Good Morning America are each sponsoring a free summer concert series featuring big musicians in New York this summer. Luckily, some of the concerts take place over the July 4th weekend! Unluckily, the concerts start at 7 a.m. (but hey…they are free).

On Friday, July 3, you can see Rob Thomas at an ungodly 7 a.m. free concert at the Rockefeller Center (between 49th and 50th Streets near 5th Avenue).

You can also see Brad Paisley for free at an equally early 7 a.m. free concert in Rumsey Playfield in Central Park (near the park entrance at Fifth Avenue and East 69th Street).

Broadway Shows on July 4th in New York:

If you’re a big fan of Broadway Shows, you will want to be in New York this weekend. You can see some of Broadways best plays for just $59! Participating plays include Avenue Q, In the Heights, 9 to 5, MaryStuart, Shrek, The Normal Conquests, The 39 Steps, Waiting for Godot and August: Osage County.

Hotels in New York:

If you’re a visitor to New York City, you’ll want to make the most of your Independence Day weekend. We recommend staying right down town at one of the best hotels in New York:

Jumeirah Essex House
The Standard, New York
Soho House New York
60 Thompson

If you are in San Diego this July 4th beware, the beaches will be packed by day for the annual Big Bay Boom! Fireworks display that starts at 9 p.m. in the Port of San Diego.

Known as the “Big Kahuna” of fireworks displays, nearly 4 million people come out to watch this event.

You can already guess getting to it will be difficult.

You might consider piling folks into the car or taking public transportation. The Port will be working with Old Town Trolley to provide free shuttle service for Shelter Island and Harbor Island viewing.

For the best views from boat or land, make sure to get to Shelter Island, Harbor Island or the North Embarcadero.

If your in town and can’t seem to get down to where the action  is, don’t fret, you can rest in a great San Diego luxury hotel and watch it on TV via Fox 5 HD or Cox 4 HD:

The Keating Hotel
Ivy Hotel

San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas and this Independence Day is sure to be a great celebration.

For Crafty visitors this weekend make sure to check out San Antonio’s July 4th Arts & Crafts show located along the banks of the San Antonio River. Featuring local and regional artists, Craftsmen and jewelers, this is a perfect stop for a great memento.

Families are invited to the city’s free celebration with a day of fun-filled games, food and musical entertainment at Woodlawn Lake Park. Everyone is encouraged to show their pride for the national holiday by dressing up in their finest patriotic costumes and participate in the popular Salute to the Red, White and Blue Parade that will kick off at 11am.

The highlight of the festivities will be the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza, the annual fireworks display starting at 9 p.m. at Woodlawn Lake Park.  Don’t miss out.

If you are visiting the city make sure to book your stay at one of the best hotels in San Antonio:
The Westin River Walk
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

Life doesn’t get faster paced or more exciting than in New York. And, being so close to the Hamptons, the Catskills, vineyards, etc., weekend escapes are all the rage. One problem, of course: if you go away for the weekend, you have to leave early on Sunday! Well…not if you stay at the Plaza Hotel.

So you’re looking for the perfect weekend escape…but have realized that by the time you actually “escape” you’ll have to return home. Nothing dampens the spirit more than a weekend getaway cut short.

The Plaza New York has announced an innovative package that we think is perfect for beating the Sunday Blues. Rather than returning home on Sunday afternoon, cutting a weekend getaway short, extend your trip with The Plaza’s “Sunday Nights Sleepover” package.

The package includes:
-A complimentary room upgrade (based on availability when you’re checking in)
-A three course prix fix dinner for two at The Oak Room
-A complimentary full-American breakfast for two in The Champagne Bar on Monday morning.

Rates from $505 USD per night, based on double occupancy.

Huge rooms, posh décor and white-glove service are what you’ll get at the Plaza, arguably one of the best hotels in New York City . We love the design, location and restaurants (and so will you).

You’ll still get that escape without going so far that you have to return early.

What a novel concept!

Found in scenic Lake Como, Villa d’Este just learned that Forbes Traveler has ranked it as the world’s best hotel! Perfect for a romantic getaway, a golf vacation, foodies and people who just love staying in historical buildings, this hotel in Italy truly earns its reputation.

People search long and hard for the world’s best hotels to stay at. Thankfully, the editors of Forbes Traveler have made our jobs a whole lot easier by conducting a poll to settle it once and for all!

The Forbes Traveler team asked their top travel connoisseurs (including celebrities, travel industry executives, journalists and business leaders) to rate nearly 800 of the best hotels in the world and, of course, to dub the cream of the crop the world’s best hotel.

Each of these affluent travellers had stayed in at least 20 five-star hotels during the past year.

Using criterion such as room quality, service, decor and cuisine, we’re so proud to learn that Italy’s Villa d’Este stood out among the crowd, coming in at the top of the list.

The Grand Hotel Villa d’Este is located on the western shore of Italy’s Lake Como. Surrounded by 25 acres of gardens, the hotel has 152 rooms housed in two equally beautiful buildings, the Cardinal Building (1568) and the Queen’s Pavillion (1861).

In addition, two private villas are available for short-term tenancies, Villa Malakoff (3200sf) and Villa Cima (7000sf).

We know guests will love this hotel’s gorgeous setting, delicious cuisine (prepared by the King of Risotto himself, Executive Chef Luciano Parolari) and the wide array of outdoor facilities either on the grounds or nearby. Think about having six 18-hole golf courses at your fingertips!

Now that’s a hotel.

Canada Day in Montreal

This Canada Day Montreal is celebrating Celafete 2009. With over 200 free activities for people of all ages and interests at the quays of the Old Port there’s no excuse not to get involved! If you are celebrating with kids they will be sure to enjoy multiple inflatable bounce rides and get inspired by circus performers from Circus Magic and the Floating Theater. Food lovers will be able to feast on a day long food fair featuring local culinary talents.

If you are a big kid at heart make sure to attend Dansons Sur les Quais an open air disco starting at 9 p.m. Just like any disco you won’t be short on laser beams, 3-D projections, low level fireworks and live performances on two stages. This is celebrating in true Montreal style. And after your dancing feet have had a good work out don’t forget to check out the final fireworks show down at le Vieux Port at 11 p.m.!

For a great end to a great day, make sure to book your stay at one Montreal’s best hotels for a great night sleep:

Opus Hotel Montreal
W Montreal
Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

Canada Day in Quebec City

Known as the jewel of French Canada, Quebec City is simply like no other place in North America!

This year, Canada Day is taking place during Quebec City’s tenth annual Festival Grand Rier de Quebec comedy festival. With almost 500,000 visitors coming out to the festival during its 26 day run, you will be guaranteed to be laughing till you cry.

If comedy doesn’t suite your fancy make sure to check out the free Canada Day show at Place Georges V starting at 7 p.m., featuring musical artists such as Long distances, Guns Roses, Jonathan Roy and Finger Eleven. This show will end with a bang displaying the traditional celebratory fireworks show.

If you are in the city for a visit make sure to book your stay at one of these amazing hotels in Quebec City, which will be the perfect end to the perfect day.

Auberge Saint-Antoine
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Hotel Dominion 1912