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Friday, December 01, 2006
As songs of Christmas Cheer fills the air, you know it's that time of the year again – time to go gift hunting. You can't hide from Ole St. Nick now. Christmas is a wonderful season of giving and unless you are Mr. Scrooge, your gifts list would be getting longer and longer by the day. If you are tired of shopping for gifts in your local town and you are also running out of ideas where to shop, don't panic. Instead of going through the same old routine of going to your local shopping mall, how about if you throw you an idea you'll love us for? Let's combine a little bit of holiday fun with the shopping, shall we? Bet it'll take the humdrum feeling out of spending cash for everyone else except yourself this Christmas! Oh come on, let's just book a limousine for a Christmas shopping spree cum holiday in Austin , Texas ? We know the idea is out of this world but before you gasp in horror, consider this – when you book a limousine, you won't have to worry about driving, parking and the traffic condition (traffic conditions could get worse during the festive seasons, you know), you also have an extra pair of hands to help you carry the shopping bags (the limousine driver, remember?), and hey, just how many people would think of hiring a limousine for a shopping trip? Not many at all, if we may add. But that's exactly what will make this Christmas a very special one. You don't get to shop in a limo everyday.
Seriously, at this time of the year, parking is one of the biggest problems EVERYWHERE…what with the many last minute Christmas shoppers…like mua , yours truly. Besides, with a booked limousine this time of the year, while you are busy shopping for gifts, you get to actually enjoy the shopping . The limo's outside waiting for you and when you're done with your ticking off the gifts on the list, the beauty of it is that you can just hop back on to the limo and off you go to the next shopping mall in Austin. With a limousine, you don't have to worry about getting a ticket if you have parked illegally, or worry about NOT being able to find a parking space at all, or just driving around aimlessly because the area is just packed like a can of sardines. We're assuming you're not going to be spending this shopping-cum-vacation alone and you're hauling some of your friends for the limousine ride. We know we won't. who, in his or her right mind would miss out on a shopping-cum-vacation like this.
From Old to New
Shopping in Austin will be an eye-opener if you have never been here before…although it's not Rodeo Drive , it's something else to be here and we'll tell you why. You'll be surprised to find that Austin is actually more than it's been credit for. From vintage to couture clothing, antiques to trendy furniture, or even unique Texas-made crafts – no matter what you are looking for, you will find it in one of the Austin stores. The shopping districts in Austin are divided into a few districts, and if you are not sure which one to head to first, you could always ask the limousine driver who can point you in the right direction. That's the good thing about hiring a limousine for your Christmas shopping! Or if you have done your own research, you will know that on the West End district, there is this store that goes by the name Pecan Square Emporium that sells fine European imports such as Swiss music boxes, German collectibles and yes, even Christmas decorations all year round. Your mother's going to love you for it. There are also smaller items such as stationery, stamps, stickers that you can purchase as gifts for the little ones.
A true Austin shopping at the Drag
If you are looking for great bargains, you should get the limousine driver to bring you shopping at the Drag – on the stretch of Guadalupe Street that runs adjacent to the University of Texas campus. Hop over to Renaissance Market , an open-air market that is filled with handmade jewelry, woodcrafts, tie-dyed shirts, glasswork, toys, pottery, and many other one-of-a-kind items that you would probably not find anywhere else. They would make wonderful Christmas presents, as you can be sure that the recipient is most likely not get another of the same type. If there are still names on the Christmas shopping list left unticked, the journey continues.
Cowboys, anyone?
… Allen Boots . Have you a niece or a nephew (heck, maybe even an uncle) who's a cowboy buff. Can't blame them, Austin rings ‘cowboys'. And cowboy stuff is what Allen Boots is all about. Try out their cowboy boots, hats, shirts, jeans – everything cowboy that you can find in their store. Who knows? You may just pick up a piece or two to dress up on Christmas day! Says who cowboy suits are out? Never.
Rest & Relax at Katz
By this time, your hands are full and…er, so is the limousine. So, it's time to take a little break from all that back-breaking shopping but let's look at it this way, it was fun and it's a fab way to lose weight and we reckon that it's time to put up your legs and just relax… there's this place that sells mean cheesecakes called Katz Deli & Bar . Their slogan is Katz's Never Kloses , so you and your shopping pals can be assured that whatever time it is that you visit them, their doors are always open to welcome you. The amazing thing is that in a place like this, there's always something for everyone. Irregardless of whether you're in the mood for a light meal or a great big whopper, peek into the menu and see for yourself.
Finally, when you are done with filling up your anatomical gas tank, pile back into the limousine and head home. And while you relax in the limousine after a day's of shopping madness, you have several options…you can either take a nap. You don't get to do this everyday, so, it's no fault of your yours that you're drained out. And as the limousine beats through the streets of Austin , Texas , there should be no doubt in your mind that this is the kind of shopping experience that is hard to forget. We don't think you will either.
by US Coachways Limousine Rental Services
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Have you noticed lately how stressed out your wife is? With all the year end celebrations going on – the Thanksgiving feast has just ended, Christmas is just around the corner, and then after that you have the New Year's party and your wife is probably up to her neck with all the preparations to make Christmas a perfect celebration with the family – cookies, presents, new clothes for the children to wear to church on Christmas morning, buying all the stuffs that she will need to prepare for the Christmas dinner and New Year's party, and the list goes on and on. Don't you think that it's about time that SHE gets to be fussed about and showered with love and gratitude? And if you have no clue what to surprise her with, we have a suggestion for you – book a limousine to Akron, Ohio for a romantic dinner. We are sure that she will not just be surprised, but absolutely thrilled when she sees the limousine arriving at the doorstep of your home. She may not be jumping up and down like a three year old who gets her first Barbie doll, but you can bet deep down, her heart's jumping with joy, and if she was not dressed to the nines (hey, she's got to behave like a lady, remember?), she'll probably just let loose and give you a big bear hug with kisses on your face!
When the limousine arrives, allow the driver to be the one to open the door of the limousine for you and your wife. Savor the moment of being treated like a VIP – it's not like you get to ride a limousine everyday of your life, right? In fact, if you want, you could also arrange with the limousine company to prepare a lovely bouquet of flowers (and chocolates too, if you like) to be placed in the limousine as another surprise for your wife. Wouldn't she feel like it's the first date when you brought her flowers and all? Whenever you are ready, just tell the limousine driver to bring you and your wife to Carousel Dinner Theatre that is located on 1275 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, Ohio.
A romantic dining experience does not have to be just a table for two with candles and food meticulously prepared and set on the table. We believe that a romantic dinner should also have the addition of music and entertainment. Where else can you find a combination of all these but at Carousel Dinner Theatre? The theatre is said to produce their own shows and they are equal to any touring production in the same area. So, fire up and be ready for a night of romancing!
Wine, dine and be entertained at Carousel Dinner Theatre
As you and your wife enter into Carousel Dinner Theater in the booked limousine, you will see a spacious parking lot. But don't worry, you are not expected to walk to the theater when you are dressed up to the nines. Your limousine driver will drop you off right at the entrance of the theater itself. Once you are in the theatre, you and your wife will be escorted to your table.
While you look through the menu and if you are not sure what is good, the staff there is ever ready to guide you through your selection. And if you pay a little extra, you will be able to enjoy more from the Producer's menu. Enjoy a great selection of fresh fish, vegetables and a mouth-watering meal prepared by their certified executive chef. This is supposed to be a special night for your wife, so go ahead, pay the extra bucks and enjoy a lavish meal together. How often do you get to be alone without the kids, anyway? There is also the theater's full bar service where you can enjoy a martini or some other drinks with your wife, before the curtain rises.
Oh, did we suggest that you should also arrange for a bottle of champagne to be enjoyed while you ride home in the limousine after the special romantic dinner at the Carousel Dinner Theatre? It certainly is one great way to end the romantic evening, don't you agree?
by US Coachways Limousine Rental Services
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Isn't riding and cruising in a limousine something luxurious that everyone wishes they can do at least once in their lives? This is a fact that we have in our brains, thanks to all those romance flicks that the entertainment industry has been feeding us. Richard Gere popping out from the roof of his limousine waving a bunch of flowers proclaiming everlasting love to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Riding in a limousine is associated with being rich and having it good. You don't have to actually OWN a limousine in order to experience all of that drama. No, seriously, you don't. It doesn't take a lot to book and rent a limousine these days. The competition is rife, hence, the condition of rental limousines today is WAY better than it used to be with sophisticated perks in them like TVs, champagne, internet access…etc. So, what we're trying to say is that booking a limousine should not be restricted only to special events such as weddings, prom parties, corporate functions, or even funerals. It must have somewhat crossed your mind that you would like to just rent a limousine and go from place to place one fine day. It must have crossed your mind that you would like open the door of a limousine, step out and have people look at you the way they look at Mega Stars. As nonsensical as all of this sound, it wouldn't hurt if you did do it just for the fun of it. Just to get yourself out of the daily doldrums….for one day. Treat it as a reward to yourself for all the hard work that you do for the other days of the year. Are you convinced? Try this – rent a limousine in Spoon River Valley in Illinois . Spoon River Valley is rich with culture and there are many places you can visit and have fun. And oh, the scenery is incredible…just in case you don't already know that.
It wouldn't be much fun doing all of this limousine riding alone. To get a bigger kick out of riding a limousine, open the phone book and start calling your close friends. We're sure they won't be able to resist sharing the cost with your for a limousine joyride.
The first thing you'll notice is the scenery. Yes, it's amazing. Spoon River Valley of Illinois offers more than 140 miles of scenery that you just can't take your eyes off of. Even if you just sit there in the limousine, you'll feel a tremendous bond with the natural environment that Spoon River Valley has to offer. It will certainly be one limousine ride that you will never forget!
Snap away like crazy
Of course, with such jaw-dropping scenery, you shouldn't forget about your camera because you're just going to be shutter-crazy. You don't want to miss capturing the wonderful Spoon River Valley scenery on film and show them off to your friends and family members, do you? You bet they'll turn green with envy when they find out that you have actually chartered a limousine for a day trip to such a beautiful place.
First Stop – London Mills
When the limousine driver enters London Mills, located at the north boundary of the Fulton County , you will see the old mill wheels on display in Riverside Park , and it will surely bring to mind the days of long-ago when milling was a major activity along the Spoon River . And if you have never seen a real mill before this, you're in luck. This is the perfect time for you to get out of the limousine to see and touch the real thing for yourself. There is also a replica of the Statue of Liberty that stands in Riverside Park 's southeast corner as a tribute to the Boy Scouts of America, which happens to operate a camp nearby.
Moving on to Farmington
When you're all milled out, it's time to take the limousine to Farmington which was originally known as the Merchant Settlement before it became incorporated as a city in 1857. Located just north and east, you will find Reed Park , a major Fall Festival location. There is also a fort that was built in 1831 located atop the hill at the east edge of town, where the water tower now stands.
Cruising to Ellisville & Mount Pisgah Park
After the stop at Farmington, have the driver bring you and your friends Ellisville and Mount Pisgah Park check out the first mill (yes, another mill location) erected on Spoon River by Levi Ellis in 1829 at Ellisville, also another great place to step out of the limousine for a photo session. You're going to have such a big snap-fest. It was previously located at an area used by native Indians as a ford across the Spoon River . After that, your next stop would be to Mount Pisgah Park , located on the site of an early Indian village. This beautiful view of the Spoon River Valley from Mount Pisgah is totally unrivaled anywhere along Spoon River 's winding course. A teepee erected at Mount Pisgah is a regular attraction at the park during the Fall Festival. While you are here, how about stretching your legs and walk around a bit to enjoy the cool breeze and magnificent view? And if you want to have a group photo taken, your limousine driver will be more than happy to do it for you. And if you've still time, energy and breath left in you after all those breathtaking scenes….
Fairview
…take the limousine to Fairview , the site of the oldest Dutch Reform Church , west of the Allegheny Mountains . The church was built in 1838 and is a center of worship for people in the Fairview community and there is also an antique store that you and your limousine buddies may want to visit – Esther's Place. Who knows, you may just find a valuable collection or two here – something for you to keep as a remembrance of this trip, other than the photos, that is. Oh, and if you and your limousine buddies feel hungry, you can always tell your limousine driver to take you to Fairview Café, located on 365 West Carter Street, Fairview, for drinks and food before you end the glorious trip.
by US Coachways Limousine Rental Services
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Okay, so you've popped the BIG question and she said yes, and while the both of you are busy with the wedding preparations, you should never take renting a limousine for granted. The limousine adds drama and grandeur to the whole thing…and girls love these things. There are many nitty-gritty details that we have to pay special attention to – after all, it's a big thing, so, everything counts. Women want fairytale weddings and you're not going to win brownie points for not putting in extra effort into the wedding plans. The limousine ride, although short, should be sweet. Your wedding limousine ride should be an unforgettable, delightful and romantic experience, one that is befitting of such a momentous event of your life.
Well, just how do you go about making sure that the limousine you get is what you expect for your grand day? Homework . That's the answer. Do your homework and do it well. Research and find the best limousine service provider with the handsomest limousine in town. It'd do you loads of good too if you asked around to see if your friends or family have good recommendations. Usually, word of mouth is the best – but as if you don't already know that. The next best thing to getting recommendations for good limousine service providers is to test out the limousine yourself. Go there, don't be lazy, pay the showroom a little surprise visit and see the limousine for yourself.
Here are a few more limousine renting tips to get you going.
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Remember, you are not the only one looking to rent a limousine for your wedding day, so it is best to reserve a wedding limousine at least six months ahead of the big day.
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When it comes to comparing the rental charges, never put the cheapest price on the top of your list of reasons to choose a limousine company. Cheap rental does not guarantee that the limousines are in good working condition or if you want to rent the latest limousine model, you will not be able to find it in the cheap rental category.
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Do not be fooled with limousine advertisements on “affordable” rental rates – you may be getting an old 1992 limousine model, or worse, the limousine may just turn up at your doorstep with marks and stains of food and drinks from the previous night's rental service. No bride in her right mind would want to sit on a stained seat in her beautiful wedding gown, right? What kind of a fairytale wedding ride is THAT going to be?
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Also, check on the reliability of the limousine company. If you have had friends or family members who have rented a limousine before, find out from them how reliable the limousine company was and if they turned up at the expected hour. Some limousine rental companies have the tendency to be late for the pickups, so, if this is the case, remind them in all ways you can (email, phone, fax, text messages, post it notes…whatever) that you want them to be on the dot for pickup.
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It is also important that you check with the limousine company if they have backup limousines in the event that the one that you have agreed to rent is involved in an accident prior to your event or if it has mechanical problems.
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It is also a norm to tip a limousine chauffeur 20% of the limousine fee
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Another important factor to look into is the insurance and the permit of the limousine company. Ask for proof before you sign a contract with them.
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Don't part with a single cent of your hard-earned money until you're REALLY sure you like the limousine company. Deposits are usually non-refundable! So, don't say we didn't warn you.
Get to know the driver…we're not saying that you have to request for his or her personal biodata but at least know who the limousine driver is, his or her name, age, and most importantly, the limousine driver's experience in driving a limousine. The more experienced the limousine driver is, the better. But, of course, it goes without saying but you'll be surprised at the number of people who never cared to ask and later found out that they're stuck with a teenager who just got his driving license the week before! And besides, it's your wedding and you have the right to ask and know to whom you're handing your wedding (and life) to during the limousine ride. Most limousine companies will provide these details upon request – in fact, good limousine service companies will hand the information over without a second thought.
This might sound a little petty but right from the start, ask the limousine service company if they offered any special items during the ride, better to have it all out in the open right from the start, we always say. Do they provide free soft drinks, champagne, bottled water, peanuts…etc in the limousine during the ride? These are some of the perks that we get when we rent a limousine and if the limousine company does NOT provide these items and you feel like you'd like some champagne or drinks in the limousine, get their prices for these items.
Renting a limousine may just be a minor part of your wedding, but with proper guidance and research, your wedding day may just be one with great memories that lasts a lifetime.
by US Coachways Limousine Rental Services
Monday, November 27, 2006
You don't have to wait for mother's day to show your mother that you appreciate her…everyday presents us with a significant chance to show her what we feel about her. But a mother's birthday is quite a special thing….a mother should be given something completely unique for each and every one of her birthdays and here's what we have in store for you. How about renting a limousine so that you and your mother can spend a whole day bonding and enjoying the entire day in New York ? The idea is to rent a limousine, go on a wild shopping trip (could be window shopping if the credit card's a little tight), some relaxing spa treatment, dinner and then home.
You're probably asking…why a limousine? Why can't we cruise New York ourselves in a rented car?
Here's the take. This is your chance for your mother to feel completely and we mean COMPLETELY like royalty. What kind of royalty would she be if she had to drive herself and get lost? Anyway, a limousine ride is often a kind of present she isn't expecting. And oh, after booking the limousine, don't forget to bring the camera along and make every moment count! Riding and cruising in a limousine is, undoubtedly, be a special bonding time for you and your mother.
You should get the limousine to pick you and your mother up early in the morning so that you'll have some time to shop around, get breakfast, shop around and then get lunch. Plan this New York limousine trip carefully. Our idea for you is that you should reserve the mornings for going totally berserk with shopping! After lunch, we have another idea for you and that would involve taking the limousine to another part of New York .
A birthday mother on a limousine birthday ride in New York should be taken to Bergdorf Goodman which is located on 754 Fifth Avenue , New York . This is the…THE…place to be for a birthday mother and daughter. Go ga-ga over the décor and the designer things they have in there and even you cannot afford anything they offer in the store, it's worth your time taking the limousine there with your mother. I mean, you don't see 8-stories of branded clothing, couture and designer handbags anywhere else apart from New York ! They have stuff from labels ranging from Narciso Rodriquez, Chloe and Jean Paul Gaultier.
You get the idea when we say you can have a splendid time just splurging in New York . Once you're done with your shopping, back to your limousine and time to feed the tummy with something New York-ish and after that, get back into the booked limousine and ask the limousine driver to bring you and your mom to one of the many spas that you can find in New York. One of such is the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, located on the 35 th Floor, Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Cir, New York . It's incredibly luxurious, this much we can tell you. It offers holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a setting of complete tranquility, along with further services such as a high performance fitness center and a 75-foot naturally-lit indoor lap pool. They also have seven multifunctional rooms with personal shower areas, amethyst crystal steam rooms, a shared oriental-style Tea Lounge. The spa is definitely a great way to relax and be pampered, after all the walking at Bergdorf.
After that relaxing spa treatment with your mom, both of you will feel totally refreshed and maybe, by this time, more than a little hungry, so it's time to fill up again! We highly recommend something completely out of the norm and forget about fast food. We're on a fairytale limousine trip, aren't we? Tell your chartered limousine driver to bring you and your mom to one of New York 's best Italian restaurants – Beppe, on 45 E. 22 nd St. , between Broadway and Park Avenue . Don't forget to try their Chef Cesare Casella's delicious cozze (pan-roasted mussels), chewy handmade pinci noodles in walnut-tomato sauce and braised black cabbage in toasted Tuscan bread. Yummy!
To end the birthday treat to New York for your mom in the booked limousine, how about a small birthday cake to be shared with her while the driver sends the both of you home?
Hopefully, this will be one birthday treat that your mom will remember for a long, long time.
by US Coachways Limousine Rental Services
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