Whitewater and (Much) More: U.S. National Whitewater Center - Video

Climbing wall at the USNWC

Located on the Catawba River, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is an à la carte outdoor sports heaven. Let me explain.

The 400-acre, non profit "outdoor recreation and athletic training facility" offers over 2 dozen activities to anyone who wants to participate, ranging from stand-up paddle boarding to rock climbing, a survival school, trail races and triathlons, and seemingly everything in between.

In addition to a multitude of outdoor activities, the USNWC offers a dog-friendly environment where you can hang out and catch a meal, watch whitewater rafters and kayakers on the world's largest recirculating artificial whitewater river, and even attend a music festival or two.

Frankfurt in Five: One-Day Travel Guide to Europe's Financial Center

Traveling Europe is an incredible experience, but there are so many countries with so much to offer that choosing an itinerary can be overwhelming - even just narrowing down a manageable list of countries, let alone cities, can be a monumental task! Germany has always been an important fixture in the European landscape, as much today as in the days of Charlemagne, and Germany should certainly be on any first-time visitor to Europe's short list.

Frankfurt's skyline - new and old meet

Here is the bare bones, brass tacks list of how to get the most out of a one-day visit to Frankfurt, Germany's financial and transportation hub on the Main River.

The Städel, overlooking the Main River

1. Museum District - Start your morning off by visiting some of Frankfurt's more than 30 museums, at least 20 of them located in close proximity to each other along the banks of the Main River, in an area known as the 'Museumsufer' (Museums Riverbank). Some of the museums include:

• Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie, more commonly known as the Städel, one of Europe's most important art museums
• Museum of World Cultures
• Jewish Museum Frankfurt
• Bible House Experience Museum
• Historical Museum Frankfurt

Full list of Frankfurt's museums

Baiyoke - Bangkok's Tallest Building

Baiyoke over Bangkok

Out of the heart of downtown Bangkok juts the Baiyoke Tower II, an axle hub that the city's daily commotion seemingly revolves around. At 997 ft., the 85-story Baiyoke (pronounced "buy-yo-kuh") is the tallest building in Thailand and the fourth tallest all-hotel structure in the world. The Baiyoke Tower II is home to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, a number of eateries, and an observation deck with a commanding view of the city.

Joy Is Up in Bangkok

Easily identified from many places in downtown Bangkok, Baiyoke can also be recognized by the multi-story advertisements that often grace the sides of the building.

At ground level, you would hardly know you standing below Thailand's tallest building - the streets and alleys around the hotel and even the lobby area itself feel much more like a bazaar or Thai street market than a luxury hotel.

However, once you push past the congestion and into the elevator, you begin to feel the elegance that is the heart of the Baiyoke.

Restaurants and cafes abound in the Baiyoke, including the Roof Top Bar (83rd floor), Stella Place Chinese Restaurant (79), Crystal Grill International Buffet (82), Bangkok Sky (76/78), Tee Off Cafe (next to the open-air golf range - 18), and the Bangkok Balcony (81). Sitting on top of it all is Baiyoke's Observation Point - an observation deck on the 77th floor and the open-air revolving view point on floor 84. Open daily from 10:30 to 23:30, the view is spectacular, especially after dark.

Bangkok's nightlife from Baiyoke's observation point

Bangkok's tallest building is a unique contrast to the traditional sites and numerous temples that draw many to the city. Cool off after a hot day of Bangkok travel at Baiyoke with a drink and a view!

The Duke's - Chiang Mai

If your travels take you through the mountains of northern Thailand, make sure to stop into any one of The Duke's three Chiang Mai locations (as of this posting). Touting itself as home to "American steak, ribs, seafood, and pizza," The Duke's always delivers.

A casual sit-down atmosphere, the Duke's is a great place to unwind after a jungle trek or Flight of the Gibbon zipline excursion, or as a preliminary to the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The ribs are certainly worth mentioning, but all of the entrees are done well and worth a try.

Originally opened in 2005, The Duke's first location overlooks the river from the east side, just south of Tha Pae Rd., while the second location is in the heart of the Night Bazaar, only a few blocks away on Loi Kroh Rd, east of the Chiang Mai old town wall.

Recently, a third location has opened just across the canal from the Tha Pae (East) Gate, pursuing more of a "grill and diner" feel. The menu is complete with onion rings, malt shakes, fries, hot dogs, and delicious lemonade - a nice respite from the Thailand heat.

In case you can't find The Duke's, give them a call: +66 5324 9231