the Official Blog of the Unofficial Guides

The story of the grand, red-sandstone Smithsonian Institution Building starts with the story of James Smithson, founding patron of the Smithsonian Institute. Smithson was an English chemist and mineralogist who came from wealthy parents and had no children of his own. A clause in Smithson’s will gifted all of his wealth to the government of the United States, a country that he never visited, to

The Cosmopolitan exudes energy and an offbeat hipness, making it truly an indie hotel. Positioned at the northeast corner of the CityCenter complex, the dual-tower hotel is a 2,995-suite high-rise with a full casino, 14 restaurants, three pools, a showroom, day and night clubs, a spa, a retail arcade, two fitness centers, tennis courts, three floors of meeting space, and subterranean parking. Glittering is…

When most people hear the word “cruise,” they think beaches, bikinis, and fruity drinks decorated with paper umbrellas. Disney Cruise Line (DCL) does offer many wonderful itineraries that suit that description to a T. While I’m always up for a tropical voyage, I must confess that I prefer the Disney Cruise Lines sailings to cold weather destinations. Here are five reasons why I’ll choose…

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival — Fun for the Entire Family Review of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival provided by Liliane Opsomer, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids Now through May 30th, guests can enjoy the annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. You do not have to have a green thumb to enjoy the

Every Tuesday is Toddler Tuesday Every Tuesday at Mall of America, between 10 a.m. and noon, is Toddler Tuesday. Depending upon the event, Toddler Tuesdays draw hundreds of toddlers and their caretakers. Most of the adult attendees are moms, but dads, grandparents, and nannies attend too. The theme and events change from week to week but often include arts and