Part II: 7 Great Places to Hear Cool Jazz on a Budget in NYC

By Jacquelin Carnegie - (New York, NY) Jazz clubs are not the only place to hear great music. In NYC, there are several unique venues to enjoy jazz on a budget.

(photo: Evi Abeler)

UNIQUE JAZZ VENUES

Saint Peter’s Church
619 Lexington Ave, at 54th St; Tel: 212-935-2200; www.saintpeters.org
Saint Peter’s Church is a sanctuary for jazz! There's a Jazz Vespers (Sundays, 5pm, Free) and midday Jazz on the Plaza in the summertime (July thru early Sept; Thursdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm, Cost: donation).

Louis Armstrong House Museum
34-56 107th St, Corona, Queens; Tel: 718/478-8274; www.louisarmstronghouse.org
Any jazz lover should make a pilgrimage to the house "Satchmo" lived in from 1943 until his death in 1971 in this working-class, Queens neighborhood. An added treat is the Summer Concert Series in the magnificent garden. With the addition of the new Louis Armstrong Center, just across the street, there will be year-round events.

Lucky Dogs Jazz Band with "Satchmo"

Jazz Foundation of America

- Local 802, Monday Night Jam

(Mondays: 7-9:30pm, be sure to check the calendar; Free. Local 802, 322 West 48th St.)

For the past 30+ years, the Jazz Foundation of America has helped keep jazz & blues alive by aiding musicians in-need. This includes musicians who've played with everyone from Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday to Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Usually, on Monday nights, you can hear some of these greats, along with up-&-comers, jam for free!

Nick Hempton

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
58 West 129th St; Tel: 212/348-8300; www.jmih.org 

The Jazz Museum offers concerts, educational exhibits, and several interesting programs such as “Jazz for Curious Listeners” and “Harlem Speaks,” an interview series; it's definitely worth a visit. The NJMH also does events in conjunction with the Jazz Foundation & Jazz at Lincoln Center.

AFFORDABLE JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER & JUILLIARD

Jazz at Lincoln Center
Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th St; www.jazz.org
There are several affordable ways to enjoy jazz at this great venue: Dizzy’s Club - Late Night Session ($15, after 11pm); Hot Seats ($10) for select concerts in the Rose Theater; The Appel Room ($10 for students); Listening Parties - (Free) Listen to new jazz albums with the

Dizzy's Club (photo: Frank Stewart)

performers who recorded them or learn about late, great jazz artists.
Call: 212-258-9800 to find out about more JALC free/cheap events.

The Juilliard School (Tel: 212/769-7406; juilliard.edu) Throughout the school year, Juilliard offers many, free & affordable jazz concerts by The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and the Juilliard Jazz Ensembles in Paul Hall (155 West 65th St) and other venues. Since most Juilliard grads go on to fame-and-fortune, hear them now for free! (Live Stream some concerts.)
FREE SUMMER JAZZ FESTIVALS IN NYC

Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (August), Jazz Mobile (July & August) & Swing in the Streets JALC (46th St & Broadway, 5pm, Thursdays thru Sept.)

Jazz Nights in NYC: Jazz fans check out gigs for the fabulous sax players Nick Hempton and his band and the great Mike DiRubbo. 
Find out about other festivals and New York City's jazz scene all year long from: Hot House Jazz & The New York City Jazz Record.

(Even post-COVID, please double check all event listings before heading out!)

10+ Artsy & Cool Reasons To Visit Cleveland, Ohio

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Terminal Tower (photo: Lisa Chamberlain)

Often thought of as an old, industrial city, Cleveland is getting its' groove on. Cool new hotels have opened, the restaurant scene is booming, dormant neighborhoods have come back to life, and major airlines fly in from just about everywhere. The city is right on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. 

All this makes for an incredibly, enjoyable stay. Plus, the locals are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet!

ENTERTAINMENT - FROM ROCK TO BACH & BEYOND
Hear everything from great rock and jazz in music clubs around town to the world-renowned symphony orchestra; in addition, there's marvelous theater.

(photo: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) 

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1100 East 9th St.; www.rockhall.com) - Why is this museum here? Cleveland's famed radio disc jockey, Alan Freed, is credited with inventing the term, "Rock and Roll." Music fans prepare to have your mind blown by the extraordinary collection of rock music memorabilia. There are also concerts and special events. Plan to spend several hours here, if not the whole day (there's a cafe, so you can stop and recharge)!
Edwins (12387 Cedar Rd; www.edwinsrestaurant.org) - Since this delightful, French restaurant is now in the former, famous Nighttown Jazz Club space, Live Music has been added to the menu! 

(photo: Nighttown)

Cleveland Orchestra (www.clevelandorchestra.com) - Delight in their classical repertoire, plus collaborations with pop and jazz singers, and other creative programming.
Playhouse Square (www.playhousesquare.org) - Enjoy some great entertainment in the second-largest theater district in the country (10 stages within beautifully-renovated historic buildings). See touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy, opera, dance, and children’s fare.

THE ARTS - MUSEUMS GALORE & MORE
Cleveland's University Circle neighborhood is a treasure trove of more than 20 cultural venues including: the Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Severance Hall (where the Cleveland Orchestra plays). All are worth a visit, but be sure to go to the Cleveland Museum of Art (www.clevelandart.org) - a lovely art collection in a stunning building. Have lunch is the atrium cafe. Admission is free!

(photo: Cleveland Museum of Art)

78th Street Studios 

1300 W. 78th St; 78thStreetstudios.com - Located in a sprawling, funky, former warehouse in the Gordon Square Arts District, 78th Street Studios has a cool collection of galleries and artists' studios. On THIRD FRIDAYS, there's a lively Open House. Check out: HEDGE Gallery and work by fabulous, local artist Gloria Plevin.
Waterloo Arts Fest (Sept) - Explore local galleries & enjoy indie, music bands at this annual event in the artistically-vibrant Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District in Cleveland's lakeside Collinwood neighborhood. 

Gloria Plevin, Inky Contemplating Green Asparagus  

DRINKING & DINING - A CULINARY SCENE

A handful of top-notch, local chefs started the current, hot restaurant scene: 

Mabel's BBQ (www.mabelsbbq.com) - Locals love this spot from Iron Chef & James Beard Award-winner Michael Symon. 

Edwins (www.edwinsrestaurant.org) - Clevelanders flock to this French brasserie from James Beard Award-winner Brandon Chrostowski that also offers an extensive, culinary training program to the formerly-incarcerated. 

Another great dining spot in the Flats East Bank entertainment district: Alley Cat Oyster Bar (www.alleycatoysterbar.com) - the cuisine is surf & turf with great views of the Cuyahoga River and super-friendly waiters.

Heinen's Salad Bar

But, you can have a great meal at almost any spot in town such as Zaytoon (1150 Huron Rd; www.zaytoonlebanesekitchen.com) serving the most delicious Lebanese specialties or even at the salad bar in Heinen's Downtown Grocery Store (900 Euclid Ave; http://bit.ly/2zyVoe1). The building, the former 1908 Cleveland Trust bank, is amazing as is the Garfield Building, former National City Bank, that now houses the swanky Marble Room Steak & Raw Bar (623 Euclid Ave; www.marbleroomcle.com). To discover even more groovy places to dine, check out the Cleveland Dining Guide.

West Side Market (1979 West 25th St.; www.westsidemarket.org) - Built in 1912, you usually only see great, indoor markets like this in European cities, with 100+ booths selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and ethnic delicacies, it's a mouth-watering adventure. And, lots of cute little eateries have opened up in the neighborhood, so do some culinary exploring.

(photo: Marble Room)

Have a Brewski - There are more than 70 breweries in the greater Cleveland area. Head out on your own craft-beer experience or come for Cleveland Beer Week (Oct).

EXPLORE THE NEIGHBORHOODS
Terminal Tower - Observation Deck (Open seasonally: April-Aug; Sat & Sun, 12-4pm. Tks: $6; https://bit.ly/2THFtnx) - Start your visit to Cleveland with a panoramic view of the city, lakefront, etc. from the Tower's 42nd floor. Then, head out to explore below!

East 4th Street

 

There's a lively scene on East 4th Street (www.east4thstreet.com) with a plethora of shops, bars and restaurants. The Flats East Bank (www.flatseastbank.com) district on the Cuyahoga River has become a dining and entertainment mecca. Beyond the Downtown area, there's lots of artsy and cool things going on in various neighborhoods. Check out Shaker Square (www.shakersquare.net), Collinwood (https://bit.ly/2R9KrHU), and Little Italy (clevelandlittleitaly.com) with all its' Italian eateries. There's so much to discover in Cleveland that these suggestions just scratch the surface!

FUN FACT: Lots of cool people came from Cleveland such as:

Paul Newman

actors/comedians - Paul Newman, Halle Berry, Terrance Howard, Bob Hope, Drew Carey; athletes - too many Hall of Famers to name; musicians - Joe Walsh, Tracy Chapman, Henry Mancini, Kid Cudi & may other rappers; writers - Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison; and millionaire John D. Rockefeller.

Where To Stay:

Hyatt, The Arcade

A number of new hotels have opened up Downtown in cool, historic buildings, to name a few: 

Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown in the former Beaux Arts-style Board of Education building.
Kimpton Schofield Hotel in the former Euclid Ninth Tower designed by architect Levi Schofield in 1902.
Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade, the first indoor shopping center in America opened in 1890.
For something thoroughly modern, try the Hilton Cleveland Downtown (100 Lakeside Ave. East; http://bit.ly/1t6vbNg) - it's a convention hotel but with lots of charm: stunning local artwork, a very helpful staff, a nice pool, great views, and lots of dining options.

The Beatles, Chance Foreman, Hilton

Or, get to know the locals through Airbnb; rent a place to stay from a local poet in Shaker Square!

Getting Around: The RTA has buses, trolley loops & rapid transit lines (Red, Blue & Green) that can get you almost anywhere in town. Plus, taxis, ride share, bike share, etc. 
Getting There:
At least 10 major carriers such as American, Delta, & United have flights to Cleveland. Even Aer Lingus flies here from Dublin. So, you have no excuse to stay home; head to CLE today!  

15+ Reasons to Visit Maryland in War & Peace

“And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”
— Francis Scott Key, September 1814, Flag at Fort McHenry

By Jacquelin Carnegie - (Baltimore, MD)
Crab cakes, lighthouses, antique stores, quaint country shops, historic sites, fantastic museums, and, let's not forget, the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. Maryland's many counties, including the City of Baltimore, each has its own unique beauty and list of historic places. Whether you're a history buff eager to check out the War of 1812 sites or just looking for some peaceful relaxation, there are so many reasons to visit Maryland, you'll want to come back time and again. Here are some highlights:
BALTIMORE: MUSEUMS GALORE & SO MUCH MORE

"Francis Scott Key" Watermark Harbor tour

 
There are wonderful museums throughout the state, but Baltimore's 20+ offerings take the cake. Baltimore's Museums: There's everything from places that celebrate African-American heritage to sports such as the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum to art appreciation at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland's largest art museum with an impressive Matisse collection. Fascinating tales and artifacts of American history are on display at the Maryland Historical Society such as Francis Scott Key's original manuscript of the “Star-Spangled Banner”. And, at the 1793 Star Spangled Banner Flag House, see where the huge flag was made that flew over Fort McHenry, inspiring Key to write what became our national anthem. 

ANNAPOLIS: SHIP TO SHORE
‪Known as America's "sailing capital," Annapolis in ‪Anne Arundel County is in fact the state capital with the oldest state house in continuous legislative use in the nation. This historic town is filled with charming, 18th-century brick buildings and dashing midshipmen! For its pride and joy is the US Naval Academy where future officers of the US Navy and Marine Corps are formed.

Commencement at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis

United States Naval Academy: (Daily guided tours) Founded in 1845, the Academy prepares some of America's finest young men and women. But, you don't have to enlist to tour the impressive site and experience some of the famous traditions such as noon formation, formal parades, Blue Angels' flight demonstrations, and Navy football.

SAIL AWAY or CRUISE THE BAY
After visiting Annapolis' historical buildings and the US Naval Academy, consider cruising along the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. Rent a powerboat or sailboat for a week or a weekend (if you just want to relax, hire a charter). As you travel along, admire the Chesapeake’s miles of shoreline. Then, stop to explore the Maritime Museum in St. Michael’s, wander around Oxford, one of Maryland's oldest towns, or do a little antiquing in Rock Hall. 

Baltimore Fells Point

South River Boat Rentals (Annapolis, MD; Tel: 410-956-9729; www.southriverboatrentals.com) - Powerboat & sailboat rentals and charters. 

CHESAPEAKE GREAT EATS
Blue Crab season starts Memorial Day. Go out of your way to stop for lunch at Harris Crab House (425 Kent Narrow Way, North Grasonville, MD; Tel: 410/827-9500; www.harriscrabhouse.com) in Queen Anne’s County. For more than crab cakes, check out Baltimore's new, trendy restaurant scene. 
STATELY HOMES & GARDENS
Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage
(April-May)
Every year in springtime, get an upclose-and-personal peek at spectacular private homes and gardens, along with historic sites, churches, and farms in select Maryland counties.

STAR-SPANGLED HISTORY
The state's history is rich and varied. The first colonists from England arrived on March 25, 1634. Commemorative celebrations are held every year on Maryland Day.
Many of the crucial battles of the War of 1812, “America’s Second War of Independence," were fought in Maryland. It's fascinating to visit the sites where American troops fought back against the British invaders. Plan your trip on the Star-Spangled Banner Trail: 
Baltimore, MD: Fort McHenry 
During the War of 1812, troops in the fort defended Baltimore Harbor, keeping the flag aloft and inspiring Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner," now our national anthem. Watch the daily flag raising & lowering (morning & late afternoon).
Calvert County: Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, St. Leonard, MD 
Site of the War of 1812's Battle of St. Leonard Creek, the largest naval engagement in Maryland's waters

War of 1812 sites in Maryland

St. Mary’s County: Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, MD 
Tour the Manor House with a War of 1812 "living history" presentation.

LIVING HISTORY
Maryland’s defense of the nation during the War of 1812 provides so many spectacular sights to visit.
Where to Stay: Baltimore has a wide selection of every type of accommodation from B&Bs to world-class hotels. As you travel around the state, staying at a nice country inn is a lovely way to experience Maryland's charm.
Getting There: Fly into BWI Airport, drive, or take Amtrak.

Day Trips: Visit 4 Knockout Homes by Famous Architects & Designers

By Jacquelin Carnegie 

The Glass House, Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona furnishings
(photo: Eirik Johnson)

When this talented group of architects and designers first presented their modernist ideas, they were considered outlandish and avant-garde. Over time, their designs became popular and then all-the-rage. Today, their iconic concepts are lauded and praised. It's wonderful to see their work in situ. These famous homes are now house-museums (and National Historic Landmarks), open to the public, and well worth a visit. Go for a day trip or weekend get-away.
DESIGNED BY ARCHITECTS
Massachusetts
GROPIUS HOUSE
68 Baker Bridge Rd; Lincoln, MA; Tel: 781/259-8098; www.historicnewengland.org (Open year-round; guided tour)

Almost everything we think of as modern—from architecture to furniture to painting—came out of the Bauhaus design movement, founded in Germany in 1919 by the architect Walter Gropius. When the Nazis closed the Bauhaus school in 1933, Gropius was invited to teach architecture at Harvard's Graduate School of Design (Philip Johnson and I. M. Pei were his students).

Gropius House (photo: Historic New England)

This modest house, built in 1938, combines Bauhaus concepts with traditional New England architectural elements. The Gropius family's possessions are still in place giving you a good idea of what daily life was like in this uniquely-designed house where such luminaries as Alexander Calder, Joan Miro, Igor Stravinsky, Henry Moore, and Frank Lloyd Wright were guests!

Dine: Twisted Tree Café (145 Lincoln Rd, Lincoln, MA) Stay: Lincoln is only about 30 mins from Boston. Charles Hotel (1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA; Tel: 617/864-1200; www.charleshotel.com)
Getting there: Drive or train from Boston, take a MBTA Commuter Rail (Fitchburg Line) to Lincoln; then a taxi. (The Twisted Tree Café is across the street from the station.)
Connecticut
THE GLASS HOUSE - Philip Johnson The Glass House Visitors Center, 199 Elm St., New Canaan, CT; Tel: 203/594-9884; www.theglasshouse.org (Open April to December; guided tour) 

Renowned architect Philip Johnson took Bauhaus concepts to heart and added his own spin to create one of the most iconic houses in the world. Built in 1949, the Glass House still takes your breath away. For furnishings, Johnson chose a few minimalist Barcelona pieces designed by architect Mies van der Rohe, a former head of the Bauhaus school.

The Glass House, Veil (photo: JCarnegie)

The Glass House ushered the International Style into residential American architecture and into the neighborhood--New Canaan, CT has a plethora of modernist homes. Every two years, the New Canaan Historical Society gives a Modern House Tour. (Veil, a fog sculpture by Japanese artist Fujiko Nakaya, was on view at the Glass House in 2014.) 

Dine: New Canaan's Main Street has a wide range of restaurants and cafés. Stay: Roger Sherman Inn (195 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT; Tel: 203/966-4541; www.rogershermaninn.com)
Getting there: Drive or train from New York (Grand Central Station), take a Metro-North train (New Haven Line) to New Canaan; walk across the street to the Visitors Center.

BUILT BY DESIGNERS
New York

American Modern

MANITOGA: The Russel Wright Design Center
584 Route 9D, Garrison, New York; Tel: 845/424-3812; www.visitmanitoga.org (Open May to November; guided tour) 

Manitoga (photo: G Horton)

Russel Wright, along with his wife Mary, was an acclaimed American designer best known for his ingenious home furnishings line and innovative tableware. (The Iroquois Casual and American Modern china, made from the 1930s to the 50s, is still highly collectible.) Less known is the fact that Wright built a stunning glass house and "designed" the surrounding 75-acre landscape, transforming a once-abandoned quarry site. It's a treat to visit his magnificent home and hike the Wright-designed trails; wear study shoes. (If you fancy Wright's dinnerware, reproduction American Modern is available from Bauer Pottery.) 

Dine: Dolly's Stay: The Garrison Inn (only 4 rooms, so book early)
Getting there: Drive or train from New York (Grand Central Station), take a Metro-North train (Hudson Line) to Garrison Station, then a taxi.(Alley's Way Taxi, reserve in advance, Tel: 845/265-7655) or one of these other options.

New Jersey

THE STICKLEY MUSEUM at Craftsman Farms
2352 Rt. 10-West, # 5, Morris Plains, New Jersey; Tel: 973/540-0311; www.stickleymuseum.org (Open year-round; guided tours)

(photo: Ray Stubblebine,
 The Craftsman Farms Foundation) 

Visionary furniture designer Gustav Stickley was a major proponent of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. Built in 1911, his New Jersey home, showcasing his innovative designs, gives you a wonderful idea of how his various furniture and design pieces work together to create a harmonious ambience. (If you love Stickley's designs but can’t afford originals, buy “re-issues,” not reproductions, of classic Craftsman furniture from Stickley, Audi & Co.)  

Dine: Pack a picnic and enjoy dining al fresco on these beautiful, 30-area park grounds. Stay: Here's a list of hotels, B&Bs, and restaurants in the area. Getting there: Drive or train from New York (Penn Station), take a NJ Transit train (Morristown Line) to Morris Plains, then a taxi.

Editor's Note: Here's a list of stunning Iconic Houses all over the world that are open to the public.

20+ Artsy & Cool Things To Do in Stockholm, Sweden

By Jacquelin Carnegie 
The lovely city of Stockholm is actually spread out over a series of islands. You can get from island to island--each with its unique neighborhoods--by ferry or the more prosaic metro and bus system. Everywhere you go in this city--that's a mixture of medieval and modern--you'll find trendy restaurants and cafés, lively bars, great art and interesting shops. Norrmalm is basically the downtown area. Gamla Stan is the Old Town district. Södermalm, which used to be working class, is now the hip, artsy section. The summer months are the perfect time to visit.
Mary Nelson, a Swedish-American jazz singer, advises visitors how to get the most out of Stockholm's cultural offerings. Here are some of her tips along with my artsy highlights:

FABULOUS TOURS
Metro Art Tour - Art Walks 

(Tour starts: T-Centralen Metro Station, SL Center at Sergels torg; Tours in English: June-Aug; Tues, Thurs & Sat, 3pm)

Metro Art

Stockholm's transit system (SL) offers a free guided-tour of all the incredible artwork in the Stockholm metro. Each line and station has a unique theme. All you need is a metro ticket (or Stockholm Card). This is a really cool way to see interesting art while familiarizing yourself with the metro system! Or, do your own self-guided tour.
The Millennium Tour
(Stadsmuseum, Ryssgarden)
Get a Millennium Tour Map in English & several other languages in the gift shop of the Stockholm City Museum. This is a self-guided tour of places in Stockholm that appear in the book series The Millennium Trilogy that began with the now-famous “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson. The tour starts on the island of Södermalm at the "home" of the main character Mikael Blomkvist, then passes key locations in the books: bars, cafés, and of course, Lisbeth Salander’s "apartment." Whether you're a fan of the books or not, it's a great way to see and learn more about Stockholm's interesting neighborhoods. 

Old Town Ghost Walk

This is a really fun way to learn about Gamla Stan, the Old Town district of Stockholm. Explore the fascinating history as you stroll along the cobblestone streets, down dark alleyways, and into hidden courtyards. The terrific Stockholm Ghost Walk guides bring the past to life with gusto!

INCREDIBLE MUSEUMS

Stockholm has a great selection of exceptional museums from the Moderna Museet (Modern Museum of Art & Architecture) with its terrific collection and sculpture garden to the Nobel Museum with info on Nobel laureates from 1901 to the present, and for die-hard music fans there's ABBA The Museum in the Swedish Music Hall of Fame. (Some museums are open daily, others close on Mondays, so check before you head out). These are not-to-be-missed:

Millesgarden

Fotografiska Museet - Photography Museum 

(Stadsgårdshamnen 22)
Not only does this photography museum have great exhibits, it's a hot-spot, open late with music and entertainment. In a beautifully-restored, Art Nouveau-style industrial building with a marvelous cafe overlooking the water.
Hallwylska Museet
(Hamngatan 4)
The former home of Count and Countess von Hallwyl looks exactly as it did when the family lived here in the late 1890s. It's a fascinating example of the lifestyle and décor of Sweden's late Victorian period. The museum also has changing exhibitions and occasional music and theater in the courtyard in summertime.
Millesgarden
(Herserudsvägen 32, Lidingö)
Millesgarden is the lovely sculpture garden, former home, and artist studio of the famous Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and his artist wife, Olga. It's a spectacular spot with great views and a cafe, about 20 minutes from Stockholm's city center.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Day Trip: Artipelag

Artipelag (photo: Winter Cherry Photography)

(Artipelagstigen 1, Värmdö)

Just a half-hour from Stockholm in the archipelago, this wonderful museum is in the most beautiful setting, overlooking the water. Artipelag--a showcase for international, modern art--is the vision of Björn Jakobson the creator of the ever-popular BabyBjörn products. Enjoy the art then walk along the lovely boardwalk around Baggen’s Bay leading up to the museum and meander on nature trails throughout the extensive grounds. There's also a cafe and restaurant both with marvelous views. Plan to spend plenty of time; you won't want to leave! (Get here by bus or boat from Stockholm.)
Spa Day: Centralbadet (Drottninggatan 88)
While in Stockholm, treat yourself to a Swedish massage and sauna in this beautiful Art Nouveau spa with hot and cold-water pools, sun deck, gym, and restaurant in the courtyard. Swedes have been coming here since 1904.

Gamla Stan, Old Town (photo: JCarnegie)

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
Kulturhuset (Sergels torg)
Even if you don't speak Swedish, you'll find something to do in this "House of Culture" presenting theatre, dance, music, interesting art exhibits, and events for kids. There are also a couple of nice, casual restaurants and a rooftop café with a panoramic view (and dancing in the summer). Parkteatern: From June through August, there's a range of free cultural events in different outdoor venues.
Jazz Clubs: You might not think of Stockholm as a hotbed for jazz, but there are some great clubs: Stampen Jazz Pub, Stora Nygatan 5, Gamla Stan; Glenn Miller Café, Brunnsgatan 21; Fasching, Kungsgatan 63. The Stockholm Jazz Festival (Oct).
Dramaten - The Royal Dramatic Theatre (Nybroplan 1)
You might not want to sit through a bleak Nordic drama, but The Royal Dramatic Theatre gives guided tours in English of this beautiful Art Nouveau building built in 1908. (Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey into Night” premiered here in 1956.)

DIVINE DINING

Fjäderholmen Krog

The restaurant scene in Stockholm is hopping! Here are a few suggestions for great meals in extraordinary settings:

Riche (Birger Jarlsgatan 4) - A hip scene with beautiful people eating tasty food.
Fjäderholmarnas Krog (Stora Fjäderholmen) - A stunning locale; the restaurant looks like a modernist hunting lodge, on the closest island in the Stockholm archipelago; arrive by ferry boat.
Where to Stay:
There are many wonderful accommodations; here are a few in different neighborhoods:

Radisson Blu Royal Viking (Vasagatan 1) - This is a great location in the downtown area, but Radisson Blu also has six other really nice hotels in Stockholm.

Marriott Courtyard Stockholm Kungsholmen (Rålambshovsleden 50) - On Kungsholmen island, great if you want to be close to nature and a jogging path; also a good spot if you're traveling with kids.

Hotel Skeppsholmen (Gröna gången 1) - This splendid boutique hotel, in the Design Hotels group, has a country-in-the-city feel and a nice restaurant.

Making Your Trip Easier:

Stockholm Pass - The GoCity pass gives you  entrance to tons of museums & attractions and a selection of free sightseeing tours. SL: Stockholm's public transportation system (subway, bus, train, tram & ferries) is clean, safe & easy to use. 

Apps: There are several useful Apps to help you get the most out of your visit to this terrific city.