Hot Destinations for 2009: Visit Vilnius, Lithuania and the Hotel Stikliai

Vilnius has been designated a European Capital of Culture for the year 2009, which means a slew of arts and culture events. Lithuania's capital has lined up some 120 major projects and 900 events. And it gets even better than that. Lithuania will also be celebrating its millennial in 2009. (1,000 years since the first written record of the country!) Don't miss Street Musician Day on May 2, or "Culture Night: Let There Be Light" on June 20, when the city parties all night long with concerts, open-air movies, fashion shows, museum exhibitions, and more. Another reason to check out this beautiful city in 2009? Lithuania doesn't use the euro, so traveling is wholly affordable. Check into the luxurious Stikliai Hotel, housed in an elegant 17th century residence, and you'll be in the heart of historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll love dining in the atmospheric Tavern (the hotel's restored vaulted cellar) where you can taste traditional dishes while enjoying a live folk music show.