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Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s new Terminal 2 has officially opened for business.

The terminal’s art and architecture reflects North Carolina’s Research Triangle Region and includes 26 restaurants and shops, including 2nd Edition Book Sellers, änders Natural Soap Co., 42nd St. Oyster Bar, Carolina Ale House and Brookwood Farms BBQ, and Taste! A Southern Season.

Here’s a link to more information about RDU’s new Terminal 2, including details about artwork such as  Lydia Rubio’s aluminum and steel ‘tree,’ titled Gate of Earth, that begins outside and appears to be growing into the terminal.

“The artwork considers feelings associated with leaving or returning home or traveling into the world. Traditional North Carolina symbols – trees and birds – are combined with the words of North Carolina writer Thomas Wolfe. ”

Can’t wait to see it!

Categories: Art, Openings
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According to a recent column in the Chicago Tribune, city aviation commissioner Richard Rodriguez wants O’Hare airport to be a hipper, happier, more happening place.

“Viewing the airports as more than a stopover, Rodriguez wants to increase travelers’ exposure to local culture so they return to Chicago, perhaps next time on vacation rather than on business.”

He’s thinking live music, more artwork, a few manicure shops, and perhaps a Thai restaurant, a Caribbean eatery, and someplace welcoming to vegetarian and vegan travelers.

Categories: Food
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The folks in the Origami Society of Toronto are a talented bunch. Check out these creations they’ve carefully folded and placed on display at the Toronto Pearson International Airport.

(Photos by Ross Reynolds; Origami by the members of the Origami Society of Toronto)

Categories: Art
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The World Chess Championship is taking place in Bonn, Germany right now. Defending champion Viswanathan “Vishy” Anand (India) is playing former world champion Vladimir Kramnik (Russia) in a 12-game match for the title – and for 1.5 million Euros ($2.35 million U.S.) in prize funds.

Of course, chess fans are pretty excited about this. And so are the folks in Lubbock, Texas, which is the 2008 Co-Chess City of the Year (with Tulsa).

So it’s an appropriate move that the Lubbock-Preston Smith International Airport has installed giant chess sets and displays about chess in the east and west terminals.

This photo, from the Susan Polgar Chess and Information blog, gives you an idea of what these big chess sets look like.

I’ve seen giant chess sets set up in at least one mall and in a few recreation centers and parks. The oversized pieces create a great attraction or meeting spot and it’s always fun to see folks gathered around watching the ‘action.’  Given how long folks end up hanging around airports these days, it’s not unreasonable to think that they could squeeze in a game of chess.

But why stop there?  Wouldn’t it be great if airports had game corners or well-stocked emergency game closets so travelers could wait out delays playing Monopoly or, better yet, Twister?

(Courtesy: Hasbro)

Categories: Entertainment, Recreation
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The Boeing machinist strike reached its 50th day on Saturday (October 25th).  While no airline customers are getting their airplanes, I did notice that travelers passing through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) can now get a wide variety of Boeing souvenirs in the airport gift shops.

Categories: Souvenirs
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