Foto Friday

The dry desert air may not be for everyone. Then again, neither are humid, tropical climates. While the desert offers its own exciting adventures (gorgeous sand landscapes and an array of impressive creatures, anyone) tropical getaways boast lush greenery and exotic wildlife all of its own. So which one would you prefer — a Desert Destination or Tropical Travel? Take a look at the options below and then enter your adventure pick in the comments section.

Option 1: Trekking the Tucson Desert Terrain

For a true desert escape, Tucson's Tanque Verde Ranch is hard to beat.

Tucson is one of the most popular destinations in the Southwest, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with its expansive desert terrain and year-round warm weather. With countless golf courses, hiking and biking trails, and endless rock-climbing opportunities, Tuscon makes for a great desert getaway almost any time of year. But visitors take note: temperatures reach into the 100s during the summer months — and watch out for scorpions!

For those in search of a great desert retreat, the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson has everything you’d expect from a true Western ranch, with horse stables, a nature center with tons of native creatures, and trails for hiking and biking. Read More »

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Foto Friday: Name This City!

by Devon on May 10, 2013

Think you know recognize this skyline? See if you're right!

This bustling capital is its state’s fifth (and supposedly final) city to hold that title, and was even referred to as Marthasville before being renamed. Known as an “alpha world city,” this economic center has the third highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the United States. And more than just major world headquarters have called this area home: Julia Roberts, Spike Lee, and Martin Luther King, Jr. are all natives. But just what city are we talking about?

Think you know? Find out after jump! Read More »

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Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C., getting weird

We’re not exactly sure what kind of gathering these Washington, D.C. motorists are joining forces for, but we wish were in on the action. Whether they’re there to rally or there to party, this group looks like they’re about to segue into a good time.

Read our caption after the jump, then enter your own in the comments section below! Read More »

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Foto Friday: Name Your Price!

by Devon on April 26, 2013

We’re dreaming of heading out to Monterey County for a little R&R, and what better way to enjoy the Golden State than in a room with a view! We checked out our options, and found that plenty of stays along the coast offer phenomenal ocean views. Some hotels charge an arm and a leg for a peak at the Pacific waters, while others offer pretty reasonable rates for a breathtaking view. But sometimes it can be hard to tell which is which…

The Inn at Spanish Bay is a luxurious resort on Pebble Beach, with top-notch amenities including a sprawling golf course, five on-site restaurants, a spa, and spacious guest rooms. But visitors pay for this level of luxury, with standard Ocean View Rooms setting you back about $930 per night.

Not too far from the Inn at Spanish Bay is the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, which comes with much less sticker shock. While still a gorgeous, luxurious stay, a standard Ocean View Room at the Monterey Plaza Hotel will cost about a third (roughly $350 per night) of what Spanish Bay asks for. And Monterey Plaza doesn’t skimp on the extras, either: The hotel boasts a rooftop spa, a beautiful outdoor restaurant, and large, elegant guest rooms.

Can you tell which view is which? Check out the rooms each hotel offers by clicking on the links above, take a guess in the comments section below, and then find the answer after the jump!

Option 2

Option 1

 

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April 20th is a special day for many. More popularly known as “4/20,” this Saturday marks an annual hash bash dating back more than 40 years,  during which stoners the world over will gather to light up their green like it’s Christmas in springtime. And Oyster wants to know which cannabis epicenter you’d rather chill out in: Amsterdam or Jamaica. One is a laid back tropical locale miles from the noise and stress of the big city, while the other is an herb-loving historical capital in one of Europe’s most alluring settings. So which would you rather toke in — or just plain visit? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: Jammin’ in Jamaica

Catcha A Falling Star AND some chill vibes in Jamaica

While marijuana may not technically be legal in Jamaica, possession laws are as notoriously lax as the island itself. And one of the best places to chill out (with or without your stash!) is at Catcha Falling Star Resort, a gorgeous cliffside boutique with a laid back attitude and private bungalow huts. The resort has a minimum age requirement, keeping with the calming vibes, and amazing ocean views abound throughout the property. It’s a perfect high-times oasis.

Option 2: Getting Weird in Amsterdam

Hotel Pulitzer is a great place to get your smoke on in Amsterdam

Amsterdam makes a great toking ground for the more metropolitan smoker. The city has tons of historical landmarks, and is one of Europe’s most popular spring destinations thanks to some other plants — its lovely tulips. For 4/20 visitors, Hotel Pulitzer is one of the swankiest hotels in the centrally located Canal Ring neighborhood. The hotel has a gorgeous garden for finding your Zen, and a great on-site restaurant or 24-hour room service for all of your munching needs.

 

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Foto Friday: Name This City!

by Devon on April 12, 2013

Which city is this? Let us know in the comments!

This capital city goes by a few different nicknames, but some lesser things it’s known for? Having North America’s largest urban bat colony for one, and being the site of Matthew McConaughey’s infamous naked home arrest in which the actor was said to be playing his bongos far too loud — and too naked, for that matter. And thanks to its large cultural festivals each year, this city is ranked sixth in the U.S. in the number of artist and musician residents per capita. But just what city are we talking about?

Think you know? Find out after jump! Read More »

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What are YOU looking at!

Talk about bathrooms with a view! The Ten Thousand Waves spa resort in Santa Fe may seem like a relaxing getaway, but this guy watching you do your business may not exactly put you at ease. When using the restroom in this Sailor Moon Suite, just proceed with caution.

Read our caption after the jump, then enter your own in the comments section below! Read More »

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Foto Friday: Name Your Price!

by Devon on March 29, 2013

Another Spring Break has come and gone; we’re still lathering up on the aloe and washing the sand out of our clothes. For Spring Break, families, couples, and co-eds travel around the globe to find some fun in the sun, and the Florida Panhandle is a popular choice. Some go luxury and some go value, but it can sometimes be hard to tell which is which…

A  value option is the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand. It’s not right on the beach, but enormous room windows provide great views of the Florida landscape, and the sandy beaches aren’t too far from the hotel. Rooms also have great modern amenities, and the hotel has a stocked on-site library. Best of all, rates after often about a cool $120 per night.

On the other end of the spectrum, are the luxury beachfront digs of the WaterColor Inn & Resort. This resort boasts modern in-room amenities, property perks such as pools and bike rentals, and great views. But the standard room costs about four times as much as standard rooms at the Crowne Plaza, at nearly $400 per night. Can you tell which is which? Check out the rooms each hotel offers, take a guess in the comments section below, and then find the answer after the jump!

Option 2

Option 1


 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

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Winter is on its way out and spring is making an entrance. But choosing where to watch the clouds part and the flowers bloom can be tricky. Washington, D.C. is one of the most popular spots to visit during the season, thanks to its gorgeous cherry blossom trees and the White House Easter Egg Roll. But over in Europe, Paris is known for its gorgeous tulips and lush green backdrop. So which pick spring city are waiting to see? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: A Spring Stroll Though Washington, D.C.

Every spring, crowds flock to D.C. to catch a glimpse (and a whiff!) of the city’s iconic cherry blossom trees. Guests staying at the Mandarin Oriental have a  particular advantage on the crowds, with the hotel being just a short walk from the Tidal Basin’s blossoms. After a stroll through the blooming landscape, the White House is a quick drive away, as are tons of parks and landmarks, making the Mandrin the best option for spring visitors.  Read More »

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Foto Friday: Name This City!

by Devon on March 15, 2013

Think you know which city this famous park is in?

This charming, historic city has endless claims to fame. Pictured above is a section of the first public park in the United States, located in one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. About two hundred years later, the first American subway system debuted here around the same time that Alexander Graham Bell placed the world’s first phone call, proving that it really is a town of thinkers. But just what city are we talking about?

Think you know? Find out after jump! Read More »

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