To paraphrase Groucho Marx, "we don't want to belong to any club that would accept us as members" Yesterday, we shared some of the things that Yahoo!s have never done -- and don't care who knows it. While the first round of confessions dealt with television shows we've never seen, today's round concentrates on travel and food. Pretty much everyone has a place they've always wanted to visit, or a location they return to over and over. But there are places that we've never been to -- and couldn't care less if we did. In my case, it's Walt Disney World. I know there are millions who share a fervor to visit the Magic Kingdom and who go annually -- or even more than once a year, but I can think of fewer places that hold less interest than the greater Orlando area. Other than heat, humidity, and crowds, I can't see what they offer. But where do Yahoo!s long to not travel to? Sarah: I have never been to Las Vegas, even though I grew up just off the 15 freeway in Southern California. Despite how glamorous it looks in the movies, I have no interest in gambling, buffets, or rooftop amusement parks. Richard: I’ve never been to Canada Eugenia: I’ve never gone camping! Mitzi: I’ve never done any traditional camping (tent, sleeping bag, etc.). Never been to Walt Disney World/Epcot (although I’ve been to Disneyland many times).(Editor’s note: Ditto and good for you!) Now, there are plenty of us who don't own a television or who never travel, but one thing we all have in common is eating. Some of us may have more limited menus than other, but we all need sustenance -- excepting, of course, those things we've never eaten or restaurants we don't want to visit. Myself, I've never eaten lobster and have no desire to. Those giant waterbugs just look disgusting and the whole process of cracking open the shells is repulsive. Anyone else? Mitzi: Never eaten at the Olive Garden (and don’t plan to). Ali: I really don't consider this to be noteworthy, but since you're being so inclusive ... I have never had a cup of tea or coffee. I'd never really thought about that in the "never" sense, so thank you for the opportunity to feel incomplete. Lydia: I’ve never eaten a bagel. At first, it was because bagels pale in comparison to the sweeter pastries that my palate demands for breakfast. Now, it’s more so I can say “I’ve never eaten a bagel” on random occasions -- like in a blog about random things people have never done. What say you, gentle reader? Anyplace you have no desire to visit? Is there some delectable dish that turns you off? Tell us about it, and we'll be back tomorrow with more stuff we can't wait not to do. Suggested Sites... I Hate Disney World - ...and so do her kids. I Hate Las Vegas - and he's the editor of a travel magazine! Why I Hate Camping - all of these only prove we're right not to have done this stuff. I Hate Coffee - you wonder why we don't want to try it? The Spark: Don't Forget the Jellied Eels! - a whole bunch of foods we don't want any part of, from pork brains in milk gravy to cheeseburger in a can.

Directory categories: Walt Disney World, Camping, Las Vegas, Bagels, Camping Equipment

Archived under: Amusement Parks, Camping, Canada, Coffee, Disney, Disneyland, Eating, Food and Drink, In Character, Italian Food, Las Vegas, Outdoors, Recreation and Travel, Restaurants, Tea, The Spark, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Yahoo!

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The "S'more Splendide" (Photo by Foodista) In honor of National S'mores Day (August 10th -- so you had the whole weekend to perfect the craft), I went looking for tips, tricks, and instructions to share about making the most delicious of simple summer desserts. But in the process of digging around online for the perfect recipe, I found there’s not much to learn about the humble s'more; rather, I discovered something about myself: I'm a purist. Forget those sites that list multiple recipes and variations on s’mores. You don’t need them and you can’t improve on perfection. Caramel apple s'mores? Sounds like a mess. Chocolate peanut butter s'mores? Save the PB for your J. There’s only one way to make a s'more: with waxy Hershey's chocolate on Honey Maid graham crackers, squished around a jet-puffed marshmallow that was toasted slowly to golden-brown perfection over the lingering coals of an open campfire. Just the description makes you want some more, yes? I'll admit that I once went through a "gourmet s'more" phase. (I wasn't a kid anymore, after all ...) I’d buy those Lu shortbread cookies, place squares of dark chocolate on top, set them just at the edge of the fire so the chocolate would soften while I toasted my marshmallow, and then sandwich the whole thing together in defiance of almost a century of s'more-making wisdom. Was it a gooey delicious treat? Yes. Did it feel right? Not really ... Over the years, many have tried to tame the wild s'more. Wikipedia mentions s'mores kits people can use on the kitchen tabletop. Indeed, the "Cosi" restaurant chain offers diners the chance to order a fondue-style s'mores dessert to toast right at the table. Hershey's, undisputed king of the s'mores chocolate market, went so far as to market a S'mores candy bar. Some heretics have even advocated microwaving s'mores or making them with (I shudder to even write this) marshmallow cream. There's no way around saying this -- the traditional s'more has been under attack. But far from the threat of these urban offenses, the mighty s'more thrives in its natural habitat. The marshmallow bronzes and puffs over the fire with pride at the end of a careful skewer, melting toward its destiny as the heart of the forest's favorite sandwich. Suggested Sites... Smores - who knew three simple ingredients had such a cultural impact? How to Make Smores - really, do you need a recipe? Food Network: Smores - variations on a theme. Solar S'mores - the dessert goes green. How to Make S'meeps - the protean Peep meets graham crackers and chocolate.

Directory categories: Chocolate, Chocolate Recipes, Desserts and Sweets, Campfire Activities, Camping

Archived under: Camping, Candy, Celebrations, Cookies, Cooking, Desserts, Eating, Fire, Food and Drink, Hershey, Homemade, In Character, Outdoors, Recipes, Snacks

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The view from Ravens Roost If you're itching for a different kind of road trip this summer, motor down South to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia and North Carolina started as a Depression-era project to put people back to work. Its 469 miles of pure motoring pleasure wind through spectacular mountain vistas, wildflowers, trails, and waterfalls. Designed by landscape architect Stanley William Abbott, this is a drive that's all about the journey -- not the destination. Discover Native American settlements and old farmsteads, as well as handicrafts inspired by over 200 years of Appalachian culture. Take some time to explore the Linville Caverns or hike across the mile-high bridge on Grandfather Mountain. Fuel up on the homemade apple pie at Famous Louise's Rock House restaurant, or pick up supplies at a country general store. Most importantly, when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway, take your time and enjoy the drive. Suggested Sites... The Blue Ridge Parkway - Parkway map and things to see and do every mile of the way. Cherokee, North Carolina - the end of the trail on the south end. Check out Oconaluftee Indian Village. Virginia's Explore Park - living history demos, outdoor recreation, and historic Brugh Tavern. National Park Service: Blue Ridge Parkway - get the scoop on the most visited unit of America's National Park System.

Directory categories: Blue Ridge Parkway, Road Trips, Scenic Highways and Byways, Desitnation Guides, Travel

Archived under: Autos, Conservation, Driving, Environment, Hiking, History, Outdoors, Parks, Recreation and Travel, Roads, Roadside Attractions, Small Towns, Tourist Attractions, Travel, United States, Vacations

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You never know what you might see if you just look up (Photo by xamad) This weekend, you might be attending a Fourth of July party, and you'll probably be craning your neck upwards to watch fireworks displays. As you gaze, though, cast your eyes a little further upward for a glimpse of the biggest and brightest parties of them all. You won't find paparazzi or a red carpet at these parties, just dark skies filled with dazzling stars of the celestial kind. A quintessential part of the amateur astronomer scene worldwide, star parties are held in public squares, at campgrounds, on mountaintops, and even on the Grand Canyon's North Rim. Open to the public, these nighttime gatherings and weekend campouts are an excellent way to become acquainted with astronomy and the wonders of the night sky. 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, ensuring that telescopes will be set up on sidewalks, at observatories, or in parks near you. If you can't make it to the party, just step outside into the night, or plan a star party of your own. Suggested Sites... "Sky & Telescope" Event Calendar - find a star party near you. Space.com’s Star Party Survival Guide - tips for happy stargazing. Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events – 2009 - see what's up tonight -- literally. Night Sky Network - NASA's guide to clubs, events, and starry happenings. The Galileoscope: An IYA2009 Cornerstone Project - get started with an inexpensive telescope.

Directory categories: Star Parties, Astronomy Clubs, Astronomy Beginners' Guides, International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), Astrophotography

Archived under: Astronomy, Celebrations, Events, Exploration, Holidays, Night, Outdoors, Planets, Science, Space, Stars, Summer

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"What are YOU doing this weekend?" (Photo by Veronica ML) Ah, the lazy days of summer are here. Wait -- "lazy?" We Americans are lazy enough already, according to this month’s American Journal of Medicine. That means it’s time to get out, get active, and to take advantage of some summertime activities! Nothing on your calendar? No problem! Ours is packed through the season. Here are just a few ideas for just this weekend: In major metropolitan areas, of course, there’s always something going on. If you’re anywhere near Chicago, this weekend is "Taste of Chicago," with free admission and filled with food and music. Speaking of music, everyone in Dallas is likely lined up for the "American Idol" auditions. If you missed registering in Texas, get your plane tickets now for one of the upcoming auditions in Los Angeles, Orlando, or Denver. Are there events geared toward those who want to get or stay fit this summer? Certainly! Remember the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer swims in the East River because the pool is too constricting? It turns out there's a gaggle of like-minded New Yorkers who are swimming around Liberty Island today. If you can't make it, don’t worry; they have more events scheduled. Of course, you don’t have to live in the big city to find cool things to do. Wherever you are, you can still participate in "Take Your Dog to Work Day" (provided your employer approves, of course!), Some folks in Petaluma, California, however, will be skipping work with their pooches to visit the Sonoma-Marin Fair and enter the "World’s Ugliest Dog Contest." If the thought of big crowds and rats on leashes makes you want to just stay home -- or if you’re just saving all your energy for the Fourth of July weekend -- you can still get involved by watching other people push the limits of hockey, golf, or pure speed. Just don’t say you’re bored!

Directory categories: American Idol, Recreation in Manhattan, Chicago Travel Guides, Activities for Dogs, Sports

Archived under: American Idol, Animals, Boredom, Calendars, Chicago, Cities, Contests, Dogs, Eating, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Food and Drink, Health, Outdoors, Pets, Recreation and Travel, Regional, Seinfeld, Sports, Summer, Swimming, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Vacations

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