Maritime and Jones Act Attorneys in New Orleans, Louisiana

The maritime attorneys of Gordon, Elias & Seely, L.L.P. represent injured seamen all over the United States as well as internationally. If you live in New Orleans, Metairie, Chalmette, Laplace, Terrytown, Violet, Hammond and Slidell or any other Louisiana city, call Gordon, Elias & Seely, L.L.P. to know your rights. Whether you are a deckhand, engineer, roustabout, captain, tankerman, fisherman, first mate, chief mate or hold any other position as a crewmember on a vessel, if you get hurt on the job, the Jones Act lawyers at Gordon, Elias & Seely, L.L.P. are here to help.

At Gordon, Elias & Seely, L.L.P. , which is located at 1811 Bering, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77057, we represent New Orleans residents on a contingency basis which means that if there is no recovery, then you pay absolutely no fees or expenses. There are no initial, out-of-pocket expenses to you.

Not every personal injury lawyer understands what a maritime lawyer understands because the maritime law is quite different than standard negligence.

Because the Jones Act is a federal law, the Texas based law firm often represents injured seamen that live, work or got injured in the states of: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia, New York and New Jersey. In some instances, they will associate local counsel to assist them. When this is done, you pay no additional percentage. The law firm of Gordon, Elias & Seely, L.L.P. works under what is called a complete contingency fee, i.e., if there is no recovery, then you pay absolutely no fee nor any expenses.

Maritime lawyer, Steve Gordon and Jones Act lawyer, Todd Elias are members of the Maritime Law Association and are active participants in the Maritime & Admiralty Law Section of the American Association of Justice. The maritime law firm brings over 40 years of combined trial lawyer experience to bear on each case.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) under maritime Jones Act law are set forth below:

1. Why do I need a Maritime Jones Act lawyer?

1. What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act, 46 U.S.C. Section 30104 et seq., is a law that is still favorable to an injured worker. It applies to all persons that are involved in the maritime offshore industry or inland waterway river commerce system. It applies to the fishing, fishery, canning, shrimping, oil field, dredging, barge, tugboat, towboat, crew boat, supply boat, drill ship, platform, oil rig and other maritime offshore industries. The Jones Act allows you to actually sue your maritime employer for negligence and/or “unseaworthiness” for any injuries you suffer including, a back injury, neck injury, herniated disc, brain injury, burn injuries, hurt shoulders and knees, inhalation injuries and wrongful death claims. The fact that you can sue your employer is the major difference between the Jones Act and workers compensation claims.

2. What Is “Unseaworthiness” or “Unseaworthy”?

As indicated above, you can sue your employer for negligence or you can allege that a piece of equipment was unseaworthy and that was a cause of your injury. But what is unseaworthiness? Literally, it means that the particular piece of equipment “is not fit for its intended purpose”.

3. You can also sue under a theory of negligence.

In addition to “unseaworthiness” as a theory of recovery under the Jones Act, you can also sue the employer alleging that a crewmember was negligent and that was the cause of your injuries.

4. What is “Maintenance” and Medical “Cure”?

This is an obligation that is owed to you directly from your employer and is different from the Jones Act. Maintenance is an obligation to pay you a daily amount while you are injured and usually is an amount equal to the cost of lodging and food when you were aboard the vessel. It varies. We have seen it as low as $8.00 a day and as high as $50.00 a day. Medical “Cure” is reasonable and necessary medical care that the employer must pay you until you reach maximum medical improvement [MMI].

There are three (3) main points that Gordon, Elias & Seely, L.L.P. wants you to understand about Maintenance and Cure. First, they not only apply to injuries suffered while working but also to illness. Second, unlike the Jones Act, they should be paid regardless of fault. In this sense they are very akin to workers compensation. Third, if the employer wrongfully refuses to pay them, the maritime employer can be liable for punitive damages as well as attorneys’ fees.

5. “Comparative Negligence” Applies Under Jones Act

Another concept to understand about the Jones Act is that it applies the legal doctrine of “comparative negligence”. Under a “comparative negligence” approach, the jury hears testimony about the negligent conduct of both parties–the employer and the maritime worker. Based on the evidence, the jury will determine what the injured party’s damages are and how much should be allocated to each party. Sometimes accidents happen not just from the employers’ negligence but also from the seaman’s as well. The good thing about “comparative negligence” is, even though the jury may find a percentage of negligence on the worker, the injured worker still recovers the percentage of the jury’s monetary award that is equal to the employers’ percentage of negligence. By way of example only, if the worker is found 25% negligent and the employer is found 75% negligent and the jury awards $875,000.00, then the judgment would be that the worker recovers $656,250.00 plus costs. This is quite different than in almost all states where, if the injured person is found 51% or more negligent by the jury, the injured person would recover zero no matter how much the jury awarded for money damages.

6. When Must I file Suit?

The Statute of Limitations in a Jones Act claim is three (3) years from the date of injury. A Jones Act lawsuit must be filed within three (3) years of the injury date or it is barred by the Statute of Limitations.

As you can see, a maritime claim is a very specialized area and should only be handled by lawyers who know what to do.

La. awarded $474M in Katrina hospital dispute (Darien News-Review)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — An arbitration panel ruled Wednesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency must pay almost half a billion dollars to replace the hospital that served New Orleans’ poor before it was heavily damaged in Hurricane Katrina.

Link:
La. awarded $474M in Katrina hospital dispute (Darien News-Review)

The King Of Queens (Season 4) DVD Review

A spin-off of the Emmy Award-winning comedy series Everybody Loves Raymond, The King Of Queens took the TV viewing public by storm in the Fall of 1998. With a colorful cast of characters and well-written comic sequences, it more than lives up to the standards of its predecessor. The King Of Queens follows the lives of Doug (Kevin James) and Carrie (Leah Remini) Heffernan, a middle-class, blue-collar couple living in Queens, New York. Life is great for the couple, until Carrie’s widowed father Arthur (Jerry Stiller) moves in with them. Now, the two must battle not only each other’s eccentricities, but Arthur’s as well. With some of the more memorable one-liners and comedic sequences in today’s TV landscape, King of Queens is a hilarious comedy series the whole family can enjoy…

The King of Queens (Season 4) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “Walk, Man” in which Doug and Carrie decide they want to try to get pregnant once again (following Carrie’s miscarriage several months earlier), but the problem is that Arthur is sleeping all day and then wants to spend all night hanging out with Doug and Carrie. To get some alone time, the two concoct a story and hire a stunning dog walker who pretends to be interested in Arthur… Other episodes from Season 4 include “Friender Bender” in which Doug and Carrie run into the back of Deacon and Kelly’s car and the incident drives a wedge between the couples’ friendship, and “Hero Worship” in which Doug contemplates following a lifelong dream to open his own sandwich shop…

Below is a list of episodes included on the King of Queens (Season 4) DVD:

Episode 76 (Walk, Man) Air Date: 09-24-2001

Episode 77 (Sight Gag) Air Date: 10-01-2001

Episode 78 (Mean Streak) Air Date: 10-08-2001

Episode 79 (Friender Bender) Air Date: 10-15-2001

Episode 80 (No Retreat) Air Date: 10-22-2001

Episode 81 (Tricker Treat) Air Date: 10-29-2001

Episode 82 (Lyin’ Hearted) Air Date: 11-05-2001

Episode 83 (Life Sentence) Air Date: 11-12-2001

Episode 84 (Veiled Threat) Air Date: 11-19-2001

Episode 85 (Oxy Moron) Air Date: 11-26-2001

Episode 86 (Depo Man) Air Date: 12-10-2001

Episode 87 (Ovary Action) Air Date: 12-17-2001

Episode 88 (Food Fight) Air Date: 01-07-2002

Episode 89 (Double Downer) Air Date: 01-14-2002

Episode 90 (Dougie Nights) Air Date: 02-04-2002

Episode 91 (No Orleans) Air Date: 02-25-2002

Episode 92 (Missing Links) Air Date: 03-04-2002

Episode 93 (Hero Worship) Air Date: 03-18-2002

Episode 94 (Screwed Driver) Air Date: 03-25-2002

Episode 95 (Lush Life) Air Date: 04-08-2002

Episode 96 (Bun Dummy) Air Date: 04-29-2002

Episode 97 (Patrons Ain’t) Air Date: 05-06-2002

Episode 98 (Eddie Money) Air Date: 05-13-2002

Episode 99 (Two Thirty) Air Date: 05-20-2002

Episode 100 (Shrink Wrap) Air Date: 05-20-2002

The Mystery Road Sign

Copyright (c) 2009 Michael Ogden

We saw it, so it seemed, every time we entered or left a town of any decent size; a sign depicting a hand that appeared to be holding some cards and/or the word DECHETTERIE. We looked it up in the ordinary phrase book but we had to admit defeat. This sign was to haunt and tease us for the next two weeks.

We had decided to go to a Club Med resort near Le Lavandou in the Var region on the Mediterranean coast not far from St Tropez. ‘We’ were three; me, my wife Alison, and my wife’s mother – otherwise known as ‘La Belle-Mere’ (mother-in-law).

Monday in Le Havre dawned cool and dull. So we set off on the Autoroute Normandie towards Rouen, then diverting on to the N154 towards Evreux and Dreux to avoid the Paris ring road.

From Chartres we picked up the Autoroute again all the way past Orleans and Vierzon and Bourges.

Alison & her mother were all tired after a short and poor night’s sleep and an early start so we did not get quite as far that day as we would have liked. After we had stopped for a doze the third time we realised there was not much point in pressing on so we searched the Michelin and Logis guides for somewhere to stay. Eureka, just what we wanted! At St Amand-Montrond, a two-knife-and-fork restaurant with rooms recommended in the Red Michelin. We had time for a nap before a most delicious dinner.

In general, signposts in France are not as good as ours. They are often placed at such an angle at a junction that it is difficult to judge which was they are pointing. We could always find signs to Dechetterie, though, whatever it was.

On Tuesday morning, we took the pretty route down the Cher valley. Shame it was still drizzling! We picked up the autoroute for about 130km and then turned onto the N102 which was a very windy road that lead through the Ardeche mountains towards Montelimar. It was very slow and tiring driving requiring unremitting concentration. We had hoped to reach Avignon that night but at 5.30pm we were still 80km away and concerned about finding rooms for the night. There didn’t seem to be much choice in the guide books but a small town called Pierrelatte had two hotels and a restaurant with two k&f right next to one of them, so we headed for that only to be told it was full. After a tour of the industrial area of the town with plenty of signs to Dechetterie we managed to find our way to the remaining hotel to find it only had one room, but it did have a double and a single bed. In view of the late hour we decided to take it and asked the proprietor to book us a table at the ‘Gourmand-Gourmet’. Since the hotel next to it was fully booked we thought we might have difficulty getting a table, but there were only two other tables occupied. As neither hotel had a restaurant we wondered where all the other people were dining. They missed a real treat!

Wednesday morning was just what we wanted. Pleasantly hot with a light breeze. Perfect for our visit to Avignon; we all wanted to go and see the famous bridge in the song. It is a fascinating ancient walled town and we spent far longer there than we intended so once again we had to get a move on. We took the autoroute most of the way past Arles and Aix-en-Provence but the road from the autoroute to our destination was again windy and slow and we finally reached our hotel at about 6.30pm. We were not late to bed that night!

One advantage of having our own transport was that we were able to do some day trips in the area. Our first trip was an excursion into the mountains described in the green Michelin guide book. It was very enjoyable in many ways. We went through some beautiful countryside and picturesque villages but the driving was very tiring. Much of it was along single track mountain roads with no crash barrier and a very long drop. Passing places were few and tight and French drivers drive as if it were a one-way-street. One part of the route took us though part of the forest west of St Tropez which was badly affected by fire in July. Although we saw very few houses in that area we did see a burnt out car and, not far away a huge pile of flowers by the side of the road. It was quite distressing and we were all very quiet for a while. Every town had its signs to Dechetterie though.

Our second day trip was to Grasse, the perfume centre. It was a lovely drive, partly along the coast, a bit of autoroute and some ‘N’ road. Grasse was a delightful town built on a high hill with wonderful views. We spent a long time in the Perfume Museum and Cathedral and could easily have spent several days exploring its alleyways. We took a different route home and, were struck again by the devastation of the forest fires.

Apart from one or two trips locally we didn’t venture out much. We knew we had a lot of driving to do on the return trip.

We set out for the return trip on a Saturday morning. We had booked the ferry to return on Monday night and knew we did not have too much time to spare, especially as we wanted to drive through part of the Camargue on our way. It was very enjoyable and we even saw several of the famous white horses of the area. As we approached Arles we noticed on the map the remains of a Roman aqueduct that we thought we would like to visit, and also a place called Moulin de Daudet. Daudet was a French author that my mother had studied and wrote a series of stories called Lettres a Mon Moulin. We visited both. The Roman remains were of interest, what there was of them but not really worth the detour, but the windmill was charming. Once again we found ourselves having to stop short of our target and turned off the autoroute into a village called La Cavalerie. Here we found rooms in a hotel which was recently refurbished (it even had a lift)

On Sunday we set off in good time. We had hopes that a new part of an autoroute round Millau would have been finished but it was still under construction and, as the area was quite mountainous, our progress was slow. That section of autoroute is going to be quite spectacular when it is finished. In places it stretches out 500 feet above the valley floor. We pushed on as fast as the road conditions would allow. We finally reached the autoroute just south of Brive and made good progress for a while before turning north-west heading towards Poitiers. We actually avoided Poitiers by turning north to Chauvigny where we stayed in the Lion d’Or with excellent cuisine. We had expected to be much further north that night, but a look at the map assured us that it was only about a 4 – 5 hour drive to Le Havre and the ship didn’t sail until 1130pm. No problem.

On Monday the driving was easy compared with previous days. The roads were relatively straight and there was more autoroute. Although we didn’t have much room for shopping we decided to stop in Pont l’Eveque to buy some cheese. For some reason, we had great difficulty buying cheese in the town itself. One shop was closed for annual holidays, another had sold out. Of the local cheese! We were gobsmacked! However, we had picked up a map in the tourist office which showed an Atelier Fromager so we decided to go and see if it was open. As we approached we saw yet another sign to Dechetterie. We could not leave France without discovering what this was so, after purchasing our cheese we boldly went where no British person has ever been before. We followed the signs down the road to the very depths of the retail park and there the mystery was revealed. A Dechetterie is a recycling centre – the town dump!

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Dennis-Harwich” map, advertising opportunities available

 

DENNIS, MASSACHUSETTS…

 

The creation of this new map will show what the area has to offer by highlighting local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Dennis-Harwich area. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate.

 

These same colorful maps can be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information.

 

“The Cape has always been a popular destination for tourists and it’s become an even greater draw as people stay closer to home during their vacations,” said Gerry Pelissier, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Dennis-Harwich map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the Cape area.”

 

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Dennis – Harwich map, you can call franchise owner Gerry Pelissier at 508-681-9804 or email at gerryp@resortmaps.com.

 

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

 

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 90 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

 

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

 

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

 

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City, Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

 

 

 

Consider Chartering a Private Airplane For Your Next Vacation in France

The Loire Valley became the favourite residence of kings who during the Renaissance period entertained in lavish style while enjoying the incredible beauty of the landscape. The castles still stand in all their glory representing the majesty and grandeur of the architecture of that period and the enchanting charm of France’s fabulous past.

Today, the Val de Loire and especially the 100 mile stretch from Orleans to Blois and Angers continues to lure visitors to explore the splendid French countryside with its historic chateaux and abbeys, and to enjoy some of the best food and wines in the world. You too can enjoy some of that lavish style by unwinding in a castle rented exclusively for a vacation with family and friends or for just a long weekend.

The Loire Valley is well placed being only 2 hours south of Paris. If you need to fly seriously consider a private charter. “The saying “Getting there is half the fun” became obsolete with the advent of commercial airlines.” – Henry J. Tillman

Sir Mick Jagger lead singer of the Rolling Stones and part time Touraine resident, regulary charters a private, three-person taxi-plane to whisk him from Tours airport to London in only 70 minutes. Sir Mick loves the Loire Valley and he owns a charming 16th century castle called La Fourchette in a quaint town near Amboise.

He avoids the busier times when the daily Ryanair flight from London Stanstead lands and dumps its passengers and picks up a new load to return to London. The staff at the airport are used to private charter flights. The Tours airport staff say of Sir Mick “He has never caused us any problem: A simple, straightforward person, …”

Year after year, more and more people decide to charter a private jet for a family vacation or with a group of friends. A private jet is not just for the wealthy. You do not have to Sir Mick or a Russian Billionaire.

You and your friends can charter one without a lot of dough. Chartering a private jet lets you choose your time to fly. Often private jets won’t even cost more than first class. No schedules to adhere to, no hours of standing by.

The obvious benefit of chartering a private aircraft is saving valuable time. With commercial airlines you need to arrive a minimum of two hours in advance of your time of departure, stand in line for security checks then stand in line again for check-in – you have to go through torture before your flight has even begun.

Once on board you are usually squeezed in like a sardine in cattle class. Meals are totally uninspiring. Other passengers may smell, be obnoxious and horrible, rude and frightful. There is absolutely nothing romantic or exciting or fun about catching a commercial flight, let alone a no frills one.

The commercial airlines of the world have access to no more than 500 airports across the globe. Having to wait to take connecting flights can add hours and hours sometimes days and inconvenience to your itinerary. It also highly increases the risk of your luggage being misdirected or even worse lost.

A privately chartered aircraft can take you to any of over 13,500 airports and fields worldwide directly from any location you choose. In a private jet you’ll travel in the lap of luxury. Every whim attended to, like you’re royalty.

Check out some charter brokers who will rent you a private jet. It is cheaper than you think to take a flight you will not regret! To find a good charter broker begin with the internet. Because private jets are becoming so popular there are many more private jet chartering companies to turn to for help all the time.

Top 10 Cumberland Maryland Travel Ideas

Cumberland Maryland, nestled in the “Narrows” of the Western Maryland mountainside, is an up and coming travel destination for those looking for exciting dining, shopping, sightseeing, arts, theatre and outdoor activities. A quaint and historic city, Cumberland, also known as the “Queen City”, has a rich history stretching back to early American history; at one time a stronghold for Union forces during the American Civil War and later evolving into a major industrial and transportation hub. Once the second largest city in Maryland (after Baltimore), Cumberland went into a period of decline as industries closed, jobs were lost and the city had to reinvent itself. Now, Cumberland is a vibrant urban center enjoying a renaissance in part due to a growing arts, theatre and tourism community. In addition, Cumberland has become a destination for outdoor enthusiasts anchored by a the cities geographical position at the center the Great Allegheny Passage biking and hiking trails which connects Washington, DC to Pittsburgh, PA. The growing popularity of biking on the trail has seen a niche support industry born in the area catering to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts looking for tours, hiking and biking equipment as well as related supplies. Beyond tourism, which is arguably becoming Cumberland’s next major industry, the region is also a growing hub for medical care, is the seat of the Allegany County Government and is home to many regional businesses based in the downtown and surrounding area. Cumberland Maryland Things to Do Cumberland Maryland is rich in options that can suit any taste, budget or lifecycle. The Cumberland region offers all the amenities including first class hotels, spas, golf courses, outdoor adventures, shopping, dining and culture. Spend a day or stay a week just to try and explore it all.

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum. In addition to traditional Art Museums, Cumberland now offers first class art galleries displaying works from local, regional and national artists. At last count more than 20 galleries displaying visual art call the Cumberland region their home. Baltimore Street in Downtown Cumberland is the hub of the local art scene but galleries can also be found along its side streets, at Canal Place and in the nearby college town of Frostburg. The Saville Gallery, operated by the Allegany Arts Council, is located in downtown Cumberland and displays a wide variety of artwork including photography, painting, ceramics and more. Call 301-777-2787 for more information and schedules. Buy tickets and enjoy an evening of theatre. Don’t be surprised if you see some Broadway type shows such as Fiddler on the Roof or a Neil Simon comedy stop in town. Of the three traditional marquee front type venues in downtown alone, the Cumberland Theatre hosts professional casts performing drama, comedies and musicals scheduled June through December. Call 301-759-4990 for more information. Also check out what is playing at the Palace Theatre or the New Embassy Theatre as well as at the area’s half dozen or more performing arts arenas. During the summer months many outdoor performing arts events are presented downtown and at Canal Place. Go on a history kick. History abounds at every turn and alleyway as you explore Cumberland Maryland. For the history buff at heart, visit the single log cabin that was George Washington’s headquarters located on Greene Street a short walk from downtown. There are many museums to choose from, themselves hosted in historic buildings and former grand residences, offering an abundance of views into Cumberland’s past. Recently relocated to Baltimore Street in downtown Cumberland is the Allegany County Museum. Explore the many exhibits highlighting Cumberland’s past industrial, transportation and cultural history. Canal Place is a good starting point to get oriented and offers historical markers and information throughout the complex. The National Park’s Visitor Center, located on the 1st floor of the Western Maryland Railway Station at Canal Place, offers maps, brochures and additional information about sites in the area. Bike the C&O Canal and Great Allegany Passage. People from all over now come to the Cumberland region to enjoy the hundreds of miles of biking trails and paths. The most popular trail is the Great Allegheny Passage which marks the transition from the C&O Canal tow path to the rail trail section of the passage. Experience the beauty and sights riding through the Narrows, Helmstetter’s Curve, Bone Cave and Brush Tunnel as you make your way between Cumberland and Frostburg. Many local businesses offer tours, guides and bike rentals. Shop until you drop. Whether its window shopping or you’re on a mission to buy out the town, Cumberland Maryland will not disappoint. Antiques, keepsakes and collectables are almost a natural resource in this region and as a result you can find an antique or collectables store at almost every corner. Explore the side streets off Baltimore Street in downtown Cumberland as well as the main drag in Frostburg. If you’re looking for more modern items; art stores, souvenirs and clothing boutiques abound. Country Club Mall in La Vale serves up the national chain names to round off your shopping excursion. Visit explorecumberland.com/shop to view a list of local businesses and shops.
Dine Al Fresco on Baltimore Street. Whether it is Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, dining outdoors on Baltimore Street and watching people walk by is the entire rave. The Baltimore Street pedestrian walkway creates a pedestrian friendly corridor on what was once the town’s busy main street. Enjoy the landscaping, water fountains and regularly scheduled entertainment and events as you dine at the popular Manhattan, City Lights or Oxford House restaurants just to name a few of the many options. Beyond Baltimore Street many dining options from casual, national chains, fast food and pub fare are also available. Visit explorecumberland.com/eat to view a list of restaurants in the Cumberland area.
Take the Western Maryland Railroad to Frostburg. Make it a round trip or bring your bike onboard and return on your own wheels on an exciting downhill bike ride back to Cumberland via the Great Allegany Passage. As soon as you enter the restored terminal you will be brought back in time to when the train travel was the backbone of the nation’s transportation system. The Western Maryland Railroad brings you back to the day of steam engines and its role on moving people west and beyond. Enjoy the scenic mountain beauty of winding and weaving through the Narrows up to Frostburg. Choose from many different packages and options including First Class car Lunch or Dinner, Rail to Trail packages and Murder Mysteries. Enjoy lunch and shopping in Frostburg and then watch the train spin around a large rotating platter to prepare for its return trip to Cumberland. Take a day trip. Cumberland Maryland is an excellent launching point to plan trips to sites and cities not too far away . Make a day of it to drive to Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD or Pittsburgh, PA, all within 130 miles and only 2.5 hours away! Checkout the college town of Frostburg, offering a quaint downtown area lined with shops, restaurants and art galleries. Head out to Deep Creek Lake, the areas playground, and enjoy boating and water sports in the warm months or skiing in the winter. Civil war buffs visit the Antieum Battlegrounds or check out the attractions just over the border on Pennsylvania such as the coral caves, nemacolin and many other national parks. Go Camping. Pitch a tent, hike the trails and enjoy the great outdoors. Only miles from the urban yet quaint hustle and bustle of downtown Cumberland exists the natural beauty of state parks, lakes, rivers and campgrounds. Green Ridge State Forest in Flintstone, MD is just a few exits from Cumberland yet a world away. The public park offers biking trails, hiking, canoeing and kayaking on the Potomac River. The nearby Hidden Springs Campgrounds offer full hookups and many amenities. Other parks and camping sites nearby include Rocky Gap State Park, Allegany Fairgrounds and Little Orleans Campground and Park Area. Become a local. See a High School football game, eat a hot dog, and bring a lawn chair to downtown Cumberland’s popular Friday’s After Five festivities. There is nothing better when visiting a new destination then to experience it as a local. Cumberland loves its local sports scene, visit in the fall and attend a High School Football game to watch Fort Hill High School take on cross town rival Allegany High School. Eat where the locals eat? Visit Curtis’s Coney Island Wieners on North Centre Street in downtown for a hot dog with a secret meat sauce to die for. Check out D’Atris Restaurant in La Vale and order a cheese steak sub, like no sub you will find anywhere else. Every Friday in the summer starting at five, bring your lawn chair and find a good spot to take in the scene while enjoying musical performances, outdoor vendors, food and, most important, cold beer that can be bought at the event.

Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, soaking up the art scene, becoming a local for the day or just enjoying a relaxing dinner, Cumberland Maryland offers something for everyone’s taste and budget. Visit ExploreCumberland.com where you can plan and even book your next trip to Cumberland Maryland online.

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Delray Beach” map, advertising opportunities available

DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently began work on the first edition of a map of Delray Beach, Florida.  Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities, free to area visitors.

The creation of the Best of Delray Beach Resort Map will show what the area has to offer by highlighting local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Delray Beach area. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate.

These same colorful maps can be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information.

“South Florida has always been a popular destination for tourists and it’s become an even greater draw as people stay closer to home during their vacations,” said Chuck Roegge, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Delray Beach map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the area.”

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Delray Beach map, you can call franchise owner Chuck Roegge at 561-212-6582 or e-mail at chuckr@resortmaps.com.

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 90 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Manchester Night Life

When you think of Manchester England, do you think of just the schools and culture? What about the nightlife, though. Well, if you haven’t really paid attention to this cultural part of Manchester, you have no idea on what you are missing out on.

The Nightlife in Manchester is as lively as the day time if not more so. With everything from Clubs, Bars, the DJ’s and the restaurants catering to those who love being out at night, you might want to sleep the day away just so you have the energy to keep up.

So why don’t we take a few of these exciting things and break them down so you might have an idea where to start.

Clubs had gone out of style in the early part of 1990 and only recently became popular again. One such club is The Attic, which is located just south of the Towns Center. Another is the Thirsty Scholar, which is located downstairs. Another is South, which offers a live DJ on Saturday and is based on the 60′s and 70′s era. Then we have the Dirty Bar, which helped launch New Order and Factory Records. The Dirty Bar has live music every weekend and some during the week.

Then we have the Star & Garter who has music that makes you not only feel the music but also throws it in your face. Peveril of the Peak, with its unique triangular designs, begs to be checked out.

Now that we have gone over the Clubs let’s check out the bars.

Now, when you think of a Bar in England, you need to remember that over there they are called Pubs. Below, you will find a local listing of Pubs that are in the heart of Manchester as well as Castlefield, Deansgate, Didsbury, Fallowfield/ Withington and University/ Oxford Road.

We will start with the City’s Center; Athenaeum, The Beer House, Beer Trading Company, Brannigans, Circus Tavern, The Crown and Anchor, Down Under Bar, Grey Horse Inn, Huxter’s, Land ‘O’ Cakes, Mr. Thomas’s Chop House, The Old Monkey, Old Orleans, The Printworks, The Old Wellington and Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, O’Sheas, Rat and Parrott, Shakespeare’s, Square Albert, Via Vita, Waldorf, Weatherspoon’s, and Yate’s Wine Bar

Now onto Castlefield, which has The Quay Bar, Dukes 1892, Barca, and Jackson’s, Wharf. Then Deansgate Pubs are; Ape and Apple, Bar 38, Brewery Tap, Gardener’s Arms, J.W. Johnstons, Mulligan’s, La Tasca, Moon Under Water, Teasers, and White Lion.

Didsbury has a variety as well including; The Barley Corn, The Woodstock Tavern, The Nelson, The Crown, The Didsbury, The Olde Cock Inn, The Royal Oak, The Albert, The Dog and Partridge, O’Neills, The Station, and Squires.

With Fallowfield and Withington following, the Pubs there are; Hardies Well, Orange Grove, Queen of Hearts, The Red Lion, Rubinski’s, Shed, Shooters and Hooters, The Welcome, Withington Ale House and the XS.

Finally following up with

Universities/Oxford Road The Bowling Green, The Clarence, The Cornerhouse, The Ducie Arms, Fab Cafe, Footage and Firkin, The Grafton, The Granby, Grand Central, Generation X, Hogshead, Jabez Clegg, Joshua Brookes, Kro Bar, Lass O’Gowrie, The Old Garrett, O’Sheas, Overdraught, The Pheonix, Rain Bar, Revolution, Sand Bar, Scruffy Murphy’s, Scu Bar, Solent Bar, Temple of Convenience, and The Whitworth.

Whew! Now that is an impressive list of Bars, where to start first?

There are as many restaurants as there are Pubs in this beautiful place, with many providing special cuisines. Many of the varieties of food offered are; Afro-Caribbean, American, Argentinian, Chinese, Deli, French, Greek, Indian, Iranian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Kosher, Latin American, Lebanese, Malaysian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Mongolian, Pakistani, Pan-Asian, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, and Turkish. Here is a short list of some of these restaurants; Gaucho Grill, Jem & I, Oriental Buffet, Lime Tree, Croma, Akbars, Lead Station, Tai Pan Restaurant, Evuna, and El Rincon.

Deluxe, Moderate And Value Disney Resorts In The Walt Disney World

Where to stay when you are in the World can be tricky as there are almost 20 hotels that make up the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel collection, not to mention the array of accommodation out-of-the-World (i.e., off-property). In this article, I’ll show you a sample of each type of accommodation on-property.

On-site properties are categorized as Deluxe, Moderate and Value Disney Resorts. The price range for each category is as follows:

Deluxe Resorts $205 to $780

Moderate Resorts Rates $139 to $215

Value Resorts Rates $79 to $137

Deluxe Resorts

Needless to say, hotels in the Deluxe category are for those with deep pockets who want to experience the ultimate in Disney luxury and style. The hotels in this category include the Animal Kingdom Lodge, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club and Beach Club, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Deluxe resorts offer:

- elaborately themed pools with waterslides,

- world class restaurants,

- room service,

- valet parking,

- whirlpools,

- babysitting,

- bell services,

- concierge, and

- fitness center/spa.

If you enjoy the lush setting of tropical South Pacific, you’ll love the Disney’s Polynesian Resort. On this resort, seven villages along palm-lined pathways, a white-sand beach, thatched roofs and a nightly Polynesian luau invoke the feel of an island paradise. This resort is part of the Monorail system and is considered part of the Magic Kingdom Resort area because of its proximity to the Magic Kingdom theme park. The 75 species of indigenous vegetation on the resort will stir the plant lover within you.

To take a virtual tour of the Disney’s Polynesian Resort, visit:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=PolynesianResortLandingPage

Moderate Resorts

There are a total of 4 moderately priced Disney resort, namely, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter. These resorts have the following amenities:

- full-service restaurants,

- food courts,

- room service,

- luggage service,

- swimming pools with a slide and hot tub,

- on-site recreation, and

- bus or boat transportation.

Named after the European explorer Francisco de Coronado, the Coronado Springs Resort combines the beauty, fantasy and unique cultural elements of colonial Spain, Mexico and New Mexico. Accommodations come in the form of casitas (little houses), which represent urban centers like Santa Fe or Monterrey. The casitas are nestled amidst plazas, fountains and palm-shaded courtyards.

The resort is built around Lake Lago Dorado, with a stepped Mayan pyramid towering over the pool area. The grounds of the casitas are decorated with lovely fountains and gardenia bushes. Besides the casitas, there are also ranchos, which are 2- and 3- story pueblo-style villas representing the rustic charm of rural Spain.

A cool feature of the resort is that almost all throughout its compound, you can look across water and see the other areas.

To take a virtual tour of the resort, visit:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=CoronadoSpringsResortLandingPage

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