Tag: New York City

Go Away With … Matt Marinovich

Jae-Ha Kim

Author Matt Marinovich says that his ultimate excursion would involve his career. “As a writer, I would love to be able to cover a true crime story that would lead me to strange places across the country, preferably in a mid-sized rental car,” says Marinovich, whose latest thriller — “The Winter Girl: A Novel” (Doubleday, $24.95) — is set in the Hamptons. “I’ve always envied the backstory of how Truman Capote became involved with ‘In Cold Blood.’ It was one of the most memorable books I’ve read.”

Go Away With … Brendan Coyle

Jae-Ha Kim

“Downton Abbey” fans immediately recognize Brendan Coyle as John Bates, the valet and former British Army batman to the Earl of Grantham in Julian Fellowes’ period drama series. Coyle, 52, now stars in the Esquire Network’s series, “Spotless,” where he portrays an East London mob boss named Nelson Clay.

Go Away With … Serdar Acar

Jae-Ha Kim

“Each language has its own advantages,” says Dino Lingo founder Serdar Acar. “I realized that being able to communicate in (more) languages opened new doors and opportunities for me. But when it comes to traveling, I think English speakers are a bit luckier, because you can find an English-speaking person most of the time, especially if you stick to the tourist routes. That is why most people in other countries learn English.”

Go Away With … Megan Alexander

Jae-Ha Kim

“I grew up in Seattle, so Hawaii was a popular destination for my family and a decently close plane ride,” says “Thursday Night Football” sports reporter Megan Alexander. “Lahaina, Maui, has got to be one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. The beaches are beautiful, the Hawaiian people are so relaxed and friendly and the tropical drinks are delicious, because of the fresh fruit. There is just something magical about the plane touching down in Hawaii and the pilot saying, ‘Aloha and Mahalo.’”

Go Away With … Zoe McLellan

Jae-Ha Kim

Best known for her roles on “JAG” and “Dirty Sexy Money,” Zoe McLellan stars as Meredith Brody in the hit CBS series “NCIS: New Orleans.” The actress, who was born in California and raised in Washington, is based out of Louisiana, where her series is filmed. “I currently reside in New Orleans and have never felt more at home anywhere in my life,” McLellan says. ‘It’s in my blood now.”

Go Away With … Steve Hofstetter

Jae-Ha Kim

Comedian Steve Hofstetter was a regular guest on shows such as “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “Comedy All-Stars” and “Comics Unleashed.” Now, the entertainer is hosting and executive producing his own series, “Laughs,” on Fox. Besides traveling to scout talent for ‘Laughs,” Hofstetter, who has a role in Adam Carolla’s film “Road Hard,” is on the road for his stand-up comic gigs.You may also recognize him from his commercial for JDate, the dating site where he met his wife.

Go Away With … Judah Friedlander

Jae-Ha Kim

“The United States is a huge country (that in) many ways is like many countries within one,” says actor Judah Friedlander, who also hosts the Nat Geo WILD’s three-part series, “The Monster Project.” “I recommend visiting neighborhoods or cities in your own country that you would never visit. And try the cuisine that is specific to that city.”

Go Away With … Justin Roberts

Jae-Ha Kim

Justin Roberts doesn’t think it’s all that unusual that he went from being a Montessori preschool teacher to a Grammy-nominated musician. The Chicago-based singer-songwriter wrote intelligent, catchy songs to sing to his young students. Roberts has consistently made Amazon.com’s Top 10 Children’s CDs of the Year list, and performed his music on the “Today” show and Nick Jr. His single “Get Me Some Glasses” also was featured on a World Series broadcast. He’s currently touring with his band, The Not Ready for Naptime Players, to promote his latest album, “Recess.”