Get Outta Town: Great dining, shopping make these streets best

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Sunday, October 28, 2007
By Sally Walker Davies

I love those top 10 lists, don't you? They're perfect fodder for party conversation or hot debate, depending on the topic.

The American Planning Association recently named its list of the 10 Great Streets in North America, and St. Louis' Delmar Loop made the cut, and rightly so. With a vibrant and eclectic shopping and dining scene, it's one of those rare places where people of all backgrounds mix, and mix well. It's where college students, young professionals, aging hipsters, dog walkers and corner-office types come together like few other spots I know of. You can see what the buzz is about online at visittheloop.com.

Also making the list was Savannah's Bull Street (great shopping), North Michigan Avenue in Chicago (great shopping), Canyon Road in Santa Fe (hmm, I'm seeing a theme here) and St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. I've posted the full list online on our Travel Blog, commercialappeal-web.com/travel, plus added a few of my own favorites. Look for the post titled "Great American Streets." Don't forget to add your favorites to the list!

Inclusive bargains

Looking for a quickie getaway with (or without) the kids? Then head to the Bahamas, where both the Westin and Sheraton Grand Bahama Island resorts are offering the all-inclusive Reef Package through Dec. 22. The package includes all taxes and fees, accommodations, food, beverage and non-motorized water sports, starting at $435.55/night at the Westin and $206.93 at the Sheraton. Kids up to age 5 are free, and kids over 5 are charged a nominal price in addition to these rates. Book it at (866) 837-4187 for the Westin or (866) 837-4186 for the Sheraton.

Scene it

Speaking of Sheraton, the company has a new in-room entertainment offering called Scene @ Sheraton just starting to roll out in select cities across the world. Through exclusive partnerships with Showtime, the Travel Channel and other entertainment companies, Sheraton will offer at no extra charge unique and exclusive programming including advance previews of shows, sports on demand, genre programming of classic TV shows and specially-produced music content by Sony BMG artists. And all this, available on 32-inch high-definition flat screen LCD televisions.

Do I dare mention?

Here's the perfect example of a great idea for nursing moms on the go, with what's possibly the worst bit of branding I've ever seen. Yes, it's the Original Hooter Hider Nursing Cover from Bebe au Lait, a breastfeeding coverlet available in a variety of very pretty fabrics imported from Europe. And truly, the fabrics are beautiful, but Hooter Hider? Seriously, some things just shouldn't be translated into English. $35, at Haute Mama! Maternity in Germantown, or online at bebeaulait.com.

Get ready for the Grinch

Gaylord Opryland's "A Country Christmas" is gearing up for another year ... and the elves at the mega-resort in Nashville tell me that the Grinch will be making a special appearance at the very cool (pun definitely intended) ICE! attraction. Look for Whoville and even the Grinch's mountaintop lair -- and dress warmly. More information is online at gaylordopryland.com or by calling (615) 889-1000.

Get Outta Town runs every other week, with news of great deals, luxury finds, cool gadgets and more. For more great travel ideas or to share a short rave about your favorite hotel, trip or attraction, contact Sally Walker Davies at thedestinationdiva.com.