Culture

The residents of Saranac Lake, a picturesque town in the Adirondacks, are a hardy lot — they have to be to withstand winter temperatures that can drop to 30 below zero. But since the local Ames department store went out of business in 2002 — a victim of its corporate parent’s bankruptcy — residents have had to drive to Plattsburgh, 50 miles away, to buy basics like underwear or bed linens. And that was simply too much.

The Hotel Monteleone is a French Quarter landmark celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Its unmistakeable sign, the Carousel Bar and rooftop pool explain why it’s one of the premier destination hotels for tourists and professionals, and it has a rich history behind it making it the beacon of hospitality it has become. The hotel is a great example of the impact that Italian immigrants have had on New Orleans in general and the French Quarter in particular.

While companies have been experimenting with contactless mobile payments for years, 2011 is expected to be the year the technology really takes off. That’s because millions of phones capable of making contactless payments are expected to be shipped out in 2011.

Thanks to its proximity to the airport in Kenner, the seafood market Fisherman’s Cove does a brisk business packing crabmeat, shrimp and other locally harvested delights for travel. Read more