Shares0Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called America’s most awesome vintage record stores and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2019/08/americas-most-awesome-vintage-record-stores/.CaptchaSubmit Donald LiebensonAugust 20, 2019 Leave a comment Important coronavirus travel update: Many of CheapTickets’s trusted airline partners are waiving change fees for eligible new bookings. Find an updated list of airlines here, and stay informed about your flexible travel options. No one looking to make a quick buck decides to open a used record store, but there are true believers who are on a mission to keep vinyl alive. And that’s not all. In addition to thousands of vinyl treasures, some of these stores offer such collateral pleasures as turntables, 78s, 45s, cassettes, posters, books and even movies on VHS. You never know what you’ll find. As Jim Blasee, co-owner of Shake It Records in Cincinnati likes to say, “That’s the fun part.” RELATED: America’s best drive-in movie theaters Academy Records & CDs: New York City Academy Records Opened: 2003 Philosophy: “There is something really special about a record store we want to keep from getting lost in,” says Cory Feierman, manager and record buyer. “A record store should be an exciting place to discover something completely new or something on the fringe of your interest; a place [where] you get to physically look at something,” he says. Specialty: “We’re pretty well-rounded,” says Feierman. “We’re the biggest used record store in Brooklyn. Our focus is on the used; rock, jazz, blues, soul, dance music, house, techno and a lot of disco.” Now playing: Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, Bandana Celebrity sightings: Jimmy Page, David Crosby, Parker Posey Amoeba Music: San Francisco (also LA) Amoeba Records Opened: 1990 Philosophy: “We try to have as much of everything as possible—new and used—to sell at a reasonable price,” says co-owner Joe Goldmark. “People feel they have a better shot at getting what they want here than anywhere else.” Specialty: “We are like a big trading post; if you don’t have money to buy records, bring in something to trade. We specialize in customer service.” Now playing: Donald Byrd, Slow Drag Celebrity sightings: Jimmy Page, Mark Duplass, Dr. Demento Easy Street Records: Seattle Easy Street Records Opened: 1988 Philosophy: At a time when Seattle has gentrified and it may seem as if the city has lost a little bit of its soul, Easy Street is “a tether that keeps you connected to Seattle’s roots and legacy,” says owner Matt Vaughan. “Our motto is, ‘Vinyl is the end result.’ It’s a package that tells the artist’s story. There is a place for streaming music, but we’re here for people who get turned on by songs they’ve heard on Pandora and want to support the artist. We serve them the full meal.” Specialty: Easy Street may be the only record store to open at 7am to accommodate patrons of the in-store full-service café (try the Woody Guthrie Farmer’s Omelet). “But we’re still a record store through and through and always will be,” Vaughan emphasizes. “Alternative rock and hip hop and local music from the past and present is and always has been our specialty.” Now playing: The Faces, Snakes and Ladders / The Best of Faces Celebrity sightings: Bo Derek, Danny DeVito, Tim Robbins, Patton Oswalt, Baseball Hall of Famer Randy Johnson Electric Fetus: Minneapolis Electric Fetus Opened: 1968 Philosophy: “Since day one we have connected with our community,” says Stephanie Covart Meyerring, president and second generation co-owner, along with husband, Aaron. “This is a gathering place to experience and learn about music and to find unique things.” Specialty: “We’re best known for the funky environment, vast music selection, hard-to-find titles and unique in-store performances,” Meyerring says. Now playing: Tame Impala Celebrity sightings: Twin Cities native Prince was a regular patron and was in the store a few days before he died, making Electric Fetus a must for Prince fans from around the world. Ringo Starr wore an Electric Fetus T-shirt to the Grammys in 2010. End of all Music: Oxford, MS End of All Music Opened: 2012 Philosophy: “We’re an arts-driven town and we felt Oxford could sustain a record store,” says owner David Swider. “We recently moved downtown to historic Oxford Square. We act as the center of the music community and support as many local artists and venues as we can. We think it’s important to have ownership, and believe that people should buy the albums they want to be able to pull off their shelf and play if the internet goes down. Our motto is when you walk into our store, you know we’re not f***ing around.” Specialty: “We are very inclusive,” Swider says. “We cover just about every genre you can imagine with an emphasis on Oxford-based North Mississippi soul and country blues label Fat Possum Records. The store was named for an epitaph on Junior Kimbrough’s gravestone: ‘Junior Kimbrough is the beginning and end of all music.’” Now playing: Ty Segall, First Taste Celebrity sightings: Lenny Kaye (curator of Nuggets garage rock anthologies) Grimey’s New and Pre-Loved Music: Nashville Grimey’s Opened: 1999 Philosophy: “It’s a wonderful thing to be involved with a record store in Nashville,” says manager Anna Lundy. “So many people in our world are involved in music, whether it’s customers whose parents are songwriters or who have brothers and sisters who are session players,” she says. “We all love sharing music and have created a safe and welcoming space for people to come together and enjoy recorded and sometimes live music.” Specialty: Country-western, Americana and bluegrass Now playing: Yoko Ono, Some Time in New York City Celebrity sightings: Robert Plant, John Prine Herzog Music: Cincinnati Herzog Music Opened: 2017 Philosophy: Many record stores carry Hank Williams’ Lovesick Blues and I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, but Herzog Music is located in the historic Cincinnati building where Williams actually recorded these iconic hits. Think the Sun Records space, but with vintage vinyl for sale. “Our core mission is to celebrate the musical and cultural past and make sure the torch is passed to the next generation,” says director of operations Bill Furbee. “It’s one thing for customers in their 30s, 40s or older to appreciate the cultural significance of what happened in this space, but it’s an entirely different story to hear a roomful of toddlers singing and dancing to Pete Seeger songs.” Specialty: Local and regional artists with a focus on the independent Cincinnati-based label King Records. Now playing: The Byrds, Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Celebrity sightings: Marty Stuart, Steve Earle, Pokey LaFarge, George Clinton Reckless Records: Chicago Reckless Records Opened: 1989 Philosophy: There is a scene in the cult classic film High Fidelity in which record store clerk Jack Black berates a customer for wanting to buy his daughter Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” Reckless Records has a location in the same boho neighborhood as the fictional Championship Vinyl, though Black’s verbal abuse would not fly at Reckless, says manager Melissa Grubbs. “We don’t think anyone should be embarrassed of anything they want. We carry as many things as we can to cater to all different kinds of people. It’s not like Jack Black; we spent many years trying to dispel that myth.” Specialty: “We’re lucky we exist in such a music-loving city,” says Grubbs. “We have a varied staff who are interested in all different kinds of music whether it be old soul, Brazilian hip hop or garage rock.” Now playing: The F***ing Champs, V Celebrity sightings: Chance the Rapper, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Fred Schneider (The B-52s), Mac McCaughan (Superchunk) Shake It Records: Cincinnati Shake It Records Opened: 1999, “The same year Napster started,” co-owner Jim Blasé says with a laugh. “Napster’s gone and we’re still around.” Philosophy: “Great music, art and literature are all connected. We try to do our little part to keep them alive,” says Blasé. Specialty: “Our deep catalog. Sometimes all you can get from other stores is an artist’s greatest hits, but sometimes their greatest tunes are on the fourth track on side two,” he says. “We try to get as much as we can get on artists ranging from Alice Cooper to Bootsy Collins to Thelonious Monk. One guy from Mary J. Blige’s band bought straight-edge punk records. You never know what people are going to be into.” Now playing: Nick Lowe, Nick the Knife Celebrity sightings: Glenn Danzig, Bob Pollard (Guided by Voices) Waterloo Records: Austin Waterloo Records, Austin, Texas, September 2017. | Copyright 2017 Spencer Selvidge for Waterloo Records, www.spencerselvidge.com Opened: 1982 Philosophy: “Our slogan is ‘Where music still matters,’” says owner John T. Kunz. “We’ve always said Austin deserves a record store that reflected the vibrant music community here. We just wanted to create a record store that we would want to hang out in ourselves. We try to make it a meeting place musically with two to three live performances a week. We get a lot of music tourists and it’s always great to ask them what’s going on in their part of the world. We like to listen [to their recommendations] as much as we like to share our recommendations.” Specialty: All genres of Texas music, as well as imports; “The best from around the corner and around the world,” Kunz says. Now playing: Bjork, Debut Celebrity sightings: Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Richard Linklater Tagged: California, Cheap Tips, Chicago, City, Destinations, L.A., New York City, seattle, Texas, Texas, Tips & advice, Top 10 list, Types of Travel Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Donald Liebenson Latest posts by Donald Liebenson (see all) America’s most awesome vintage record stores - August 20, 2019 America’s best vintage drive-in movie theaters - May 7, 2019 Related Posts 8 Insta-worthy outdoor staircases around the U.S. By Laura Studarus 9 fantastic events that are definitely happening this summer By Zach Cunning 10 hotels for when you’re young, broke and awesome By Jason Heidemann 10 great holiday attractions that are still happening By Compass + Twine
Shares0Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called 5 next-level Mexican hot spots to visit before the tourists rush in and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2019/02/5-next-level-mexican-hot-spots-to-visit-before-the-tourists-rush-in/.CaptchaSubmit Megan DrillingerFebruary 13, 2019 Leave a comment Mexico is known for its heavy-hitter tourist destinations—think Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mexico City, etc. The list goes on, and for good reason: These destinations contain some of the world’s best beaches, cultural attractions and UNESCO heritage sites. But with great reputation inevitably comes great crowds. Fortunately for Mexico, it’s packed with scores of destinations still coming into their own. Think under-the-radar beaches, authentic colonial cities and ancient ruins buried deep in the jungle—all without hordes of tourists. But no secret lasts forever, so get to these five next-level Mexican destinations before everybody else does. RELATED: 10 best cheap places to travel in 2019 Guanajato City Guanajuato City Mexico’s northern central state of Guanajuato isn’t new to the tourism scene, thanks to its cultural capital, San Miguel de Allende, which often finds itself awarded top accolades like “Best City in the World” by the likes of Travel + Leisure. But the state has another city that is coming into its own, a city that boasts just as much charm and history, with far fewer crowds. Guanajuato City has been growing over the last few years as a center for business and industry. Because of this, there has been increased air travel to the destination, especially on United Airlines, which has direct flights from San Antonio and Chicago. UNESCO has named it a World Heritage Site, thanks to its colonial architecture, pastel-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, wide tree-lined plazas, galleries, churches, and the iconic Templo La Valenciana, which overlooks the entire city from a hilltop. Guanajuato is also the birth city of Diego Rivera, Mexico’s most important muralist, and his childhood home has been converted into a museum where the ground floor is a recreation of the original house, with the upstairs used for original paintings, sketches and temporary exhibits. Todos Santos Los Cabos may be the land of glitzy hotels and glamorous yachts, but just 45 minutes north, travelers will find the sleepy seaside town of Todos Santos. One of Mexico’s so-called Magical Towns (a designation given by Mexico’s tourism board to towns known for providing a “magical” experience, thanks to their natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions or other factors), it has long been a favorite among budget travelers and surfers seeking its convivial, laid-back lifestyle, massive swells, and its blend of authentic culture and seaside living. Art galleries, cafes and coffee shops abound, as are small boutiques, tapas bars and beach hangouts. Campeche Campeche Mexico’s new president has proposed a very controversial $8 billion Mayan train route to run along the Yucatan peninsula. If completed, it will open up Cancun tourism to more far-flung destinations, like Campeche, Merida and Valladolid. Before these new, once hard-to-reach destinations become easily accessible by a tourist train, visit the colorful, vibrant, seaside town of Campeche, which explodes on the scene like a vision from a storybook. Colonial buildings painted bright yellows, pinks, reds and blues flank cobblestone streets. The walled Centro Historico is home to a gleaming white cathedral that stands at the center of the tree-lined plaza, and there are beautiful sunsets that dip behind the Gulf of Mexico, on which the city sits. It’s a beautiful city to visit to try local cuisine, like pan de cazon, layers of white fish between tortillas smothered in tomato sauce, or panuchos de pavo, which are small corn cakes topped with shredded turkey, sour cream, and cheese. Guadalajara Guadalajara Known as Mexico’s second city (behind Mexico City), Guadalajara is drawing massive interest among artists and creative youth, thanks in part to a booming tech industry that is sweeping the city. As a result, the city is blossoming into a thriving juxtaposition of traditional and modern. For example, the city skyrocketed from 5,000 restaurants to 17,000 in only the last six years. These trendy eateries sit alongside traditional markets like Tlaquepaque, which is one of the largest crafts markets in all of Mexico. Six new hotels opened in 2018, including Hard Rock Hotel Guadalajara, 1970 Posada Guadalajara, Aloft Guadalajara, Hilton Midtown, City Express & Suites and FCH Providencia Urban Boutique. An additional 15 hotels are set to open between now and 2020, as well. Mahahual Mahahual While Tulum might be the last stop for many travelers venturing south from Cancun, keep driving another couple of hours to be rewarded with breathtaking sugary beaches, laid-back beach bars, and an eco-friendly boutique hotel scene that mixes nature with luxury. Mahahual is a small seaside beach town that is the nucleus of the Costa Maya—the southern coast of Quintana Roo and home to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, as well as some of the best snorkeling north of Belize. Right now, the closest airport is Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo, but as there are limited flights from the U.S., most travelers fly into Cancun and then end their journeys in Tulum. It’s worth the extra drive to be rewarded with spectacular Caribbean water, a serene environment and jewels of hotels that have yet to be discovered by mass tourism. Tagged: Beach, Destinations, Mexico Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Megan Drillinger Latest posts by Megan Drillinger (see all) 5 next-level Mexican hot spots to visit before the tourists rush in - February 13, 2019 Related Posts 7 best cheap places to learn how to surf By Lindsay Tigar 7 great alternatives to popular, pricier destinations By Compass + Twine 7 budget hotels close to all the spring break action By Dalia Colon
Shares0Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2016/09/jfk-to-manhattan-cheap-ny-tips/.CaptchaSubmit Krista BurtonSeptember 28, 2016 1 Comment If you’re making plans to head to the Big Apple, but you’re worried about spending too much in a notoriously expensive city, don’t stress! We’ve got some tips to help you stretch your dollar the farthest while still having a blast in the city that never sleeps. Don’t take a cab from JFK to Manhattan. Let’s start this trip out on the right foot. While cabs are the most convenient option, the flat rate from JFK to Manhattan is $52—that’s a lot of money just to get to your hotel! Instead of a cab, take the Airtrain directly from JFK to the subway—the Airtrain is $5, and the entrance to the subway system is $2.75. Oh look, you just saved $44. Nice! Actually, take the subway everywhere. Forget taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber. The subway is hard to beat in NYC—it’s one of the best public transportation systems in the country, and tourists and locals alike use it daily. Even if you’re only going tobe in New York for a few days, the $31, 7-day Metrocard is worth it. You get unlimited rides, which will be very handy for zipping all over the city to see the sights. Bonus: the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which is an aerial tram that connects Roosevelt Island to the Upper East Side, is a cheap (and fun!) skyline tour on the MTA that costs as much as one subway ride. Score! Revel in ambiance. Photo: Central Park | Paul Hudson, Flickr CC Some of the best things to see and do in New York Cityare 100% free. Take a long walk through Central Park (duh), gawk at the neon displays in Times Square, and take in high culture at the Museum of Modern Art on Friday nights (free entrance from 4-8 p.m.) You can take a free ferry to Governor’s Island, kayak for free at the Downtown Boathouse, and take the Staten Island Ferry for free, if you’re looking for some water views. Oh, and guess what else? All public parks are equipped with free wi-fi! Is NYC…a secret free paradise? Street food is your friend. Photo: New York City 214 | Britt Reints, Flickr CC It may seem obvious, but this one of the best cheap NY tips: Those ubiquitous hot dog stands? There’s a reason those are everywhere—the hot dogs are delicious and cheap. The pizza places advertising $1 slices? They’re great—fold up a slice like the locals do and chomp as you walk. Macbar has outrageously tasty, generous portions of specialty mac n’ cheese for under $9 a plate, Vanessa’s Dumplings will give you eight basil-and-chicken dumplings for $4.99, and GaiaItalian Cafe has big $5 paninis with mozzarella and tomatoes dripping out the sides. In short: you’ve got cheap eating options. Skip the Ritz. There’s no need to stay at a high-end hotel in Manhattan—there are actually plenty of hostels where you can stay for way under $50 a night! If hostel living isn’t quite your style, check out the options for under-$100 rooms on Cheaptickets—the Bowery Grand Hotel has rooms for $72 per night, and New World Hotel in the East Village is $79 per night. Step away from the $350-a-night hotels! Tagged: City, Food & drink, FREE!, New York City, Tips & advice Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Krista Burton Latest posts by Krista Burton (see all) Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips - September 28, 2016 Why you should visit Montenegro, the cheap European destination of your dreams - September 26, 2016 The best layover cities in Europe - September 15, 2016 Related Posts 7 reasons to drop everything and go to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati By Krista Burton The best layover cities in Europe By Krista Burton Infuse a little Om into your city getaway – for... By Erica Bray The 7 best city parks in America By Krista Burton
Shares0Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The best layover cities in Europe and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2016/09/best-layover-cities-in-europe/.CaptchaSubmit Krista BurtonSeptember 15, 2016 1 Comment People groan about layovers, and we can’t help but wonder why. The longer the layover, the more likely it is that we’ll be able to leave the airport and explore! With the inexpensive flights we love often come lengthy layovers—and here are a few of the best layover cities in Europe for making the most of it. London, England Photo: London | Pedro Szekely, Flickr Aww, poor you! Do you have a long ol’ layover in London? Just kidding! You’re so lucky—not only is London’s Heathrow a paradise for shoppers (there’s an 11,000 sq ft Harrods inside), but you’re just a 15-minute train ride on the Heathrow Express to central London. What to do with your limited time? Take it from us: Just pick an area and start walking. London is so huge that it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you try to plan too much, but there’s so much to see and do that any direction you pick will yield some serious treasures. A good place to start is the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral; gaze in awe at its ornate golden ceilings before heading across the street to Tate Modern for a dose of contemporary art. Afterwards, you’ve earned a snack, and the place to get it is Borough Market, where the restaurants and shops are open all week and there’s a farmer’s market on the weekends. If you’ve still got some time left, grab a pint at one of the hundreds of neighborhood pubs and just watch the world go by. Paris, France Oui, you can take awhirlwind trip to Paris! Just a 45-minute train ride from Charles de Gaulle Airport will bring you to the massive Châtelet-Les Halles station, where you can store your luggage for a small fee and transfer to any neighborhood you like! Like London, Paris is too sprawling to try to conquer it in less than a day, so pick a single area to wander through and soak up the Parisian lifestyle. We recommend heading to Ile de la Citie, the hopelessly romantic island of Paris, which has the Notre Dame Cathedral at its tip. Drape yourself along the bridges and watch the boats slide by, then wander until you find a cafe (it won’t take long, we promise). Sit down, order a cafe creme, and weigh your options: Sunset boat tour along the Seine? Or postpone your flight indefinitely? Amsterdam, Netherlands Photo: Amsterdam | Moyan Brenn, Flickr Amsterdam is a fantastic city for long layovers—you’re a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station, where you can store your luggage, and hello: This is a seriously fun city, with an active nightlife and interesting museums. If you arrive in the evening, the infamous Red Light District is a quick walk from the station; by day, don’t miss renting a bike and pedaling along the city’s beautiful canals like the locals. Make time to stop for cafes! But keep in mind: When in Amsterdam and inneed of coffee, ask for a cafe—asking for a coffee shop will get you directions to the nearest marijuana shop. And if you only have time to see one major sight, make it the Anne Frank House, the truly moving museum that chronicles one Jewish family’s experience during the Holocaust. Istanbul, Turkey There’s so much shopping and dining just outside your gate in Istanbul that you may never want to leave the airport. That said, even beyond those airstrips, Istanbul is heaven for layovers. Everyone who leaves the airport has to pay a $20 visa fee, but after that, it’s simple to hop on an express bus. Once out of the airport, check it out: You’re in an ancient city, a cross between East and West, and spindly minarets puncture the skyline everywhere you look. Don’t miss sightseeing at the famous Blue Mosque, and check out the Grand Bazaar—it’s as fascinating today as it was centuries ago. Stop to have a drink of raki, Turkey’s anise-flavored national drink, and if there’s time, book a boat tour on the gorgeous Bosphorus river. Venice, Italy Photo: Venice | Moyan Brenn, Flickr If you have a lengthy layover at the Marco Polo Airport (a popular stopping point for travelers going to Asia), by all means, take the opportunity to explore Venice. From the airport, follow the signs for the water bus to central Venice, and hop on! Enjoy the sight of Venice appearing on the waterline, then exit at San Marco square for a jaw-dropping scene: Here is a majestic city plaza (once the largest in Europe!) and an ancient cathedral gorgeous enough to make you cry. Grab a gelato, take a stroll around the square, and enjoy the ambiance—pigeons rise from the crowds in startled flocks, and it seems the whole world has congregated in what was once the most powerful city in Europe and Asia. If you’re feeling posh, treat yourself to a snack at Cafe Florian, reputedly the oldest cafe in Europe, and sit surrounded by Neo-Baroque gilt mirrors and waiters in traditional tuxedos. Afterwards, take a gondola ride to see Venice as it was meant to be seen: from the water. Madrid, Spain Photo: Types of Madrid | Игорь М, Flickr A long layover in Madrid is so good we’re jealous. You can store your luggage at Madrid Barajas Airport and hop on an airport transfer shuttle to Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s bustling main square.Visit The Prado Museum for a chance to see one of the world’s finest collections of European art, but really, Madrid is entertaining just to walk through. There are so many tempting places to eat and drink (the Market of San Miguel! stop for tapas and wine at multiple bars!), and so many sites of historic significance—the Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza de Cibeles among them. Meaning all you need to do is point your feet in a direction and keep moving for an adventure. Tagged: City, Flights, International, Tips & advice Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Krista Burton Latest posts by Krista Burton (see all) Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips - September 28, 2016 Why you should visit Montenegro, the cheap European destination of your dreams - September 26, 2016 The best layover cities in Europe - September 15, 2016 Related Posts International baseball: 5 destinations that are surprisingly into America’s pastime By Krista Burton Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips By Krista Burton Why you should visit Montenegro, the cheap European destination of... By Krista Burton
Shares1Shares1Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The best Sweetest Day ideas include a suitcase (for two) and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2016/09/best-sweetest-day-ideas-for-two/.CaptchaSubmit Krista BurtonSeptember 12, 2016 Leave a comment Think Saturday, October 15, 2016 is just another ordinary Saturday? Think again! October 15th is Sweetest Day, a lesser-known, less-pressure-y version of Valentine’s Day. It’s a great (and more unexpected) day to surprise your sweetheart with a little gift, a card, or a kind gesture. But why not up the ante and whisk your beloved off for a romantic weekend getaway? We think the best Sweetest Day ideas include a suitcase for two! Here are a few of our favorite destinations for canoodling the weekend away: Savannah, GA Photo: Savannah | Jeff Gunn, Flickr Here’s one of our favorite Sweetest Day ideas: Picture yourself and your love holding hands as you stroll past Forsyth Fountain, Spanish moss draped in the trees overhead like a trailing green canopy. Can you see it? It really doesn’t get more romantic than Savannah. Plus, it has all the ingredients for a terrific weekend away: historic architecture, horse-and-buggy rides clip-clopping through cobblestone streets, truly hair-raising ghost tours (hold each other close!), and the kind of restaurant scene you’lldream about later. Get gussied up and order jumbo scallops at The Olde Pink House, a pink-painted 18th-century Colonial mansion, and then walk through the Riverfront Plaza on River Street, nine blocks of shops set inside renovated historic warehouses. Sedona, AZ Photo: Sedona Rainbow | Stacy Egan, Flickr Sedona is famous for one thing: being gorgeous. This posh desert destination rises up from the dusty road like a mirage, its majestic red rock formations glowing in the sun. You’ll love wandering Main Street, which is packed full of restaurants, bars, and New Age crystal and energy healing stores. Take your love to get your auras photographed, and book a massage or reiki cleansing session. Or grab seats on a Pink Jeep tour, which will take you right up to the bases of Sedona’s (reputedly magical) red rocks. Sebastopol, CA Photo: Sebastapol | David Orban, Flickr Never heard of it? You’ll wish you had once you get there! Sebastopol, a small town of about 8,000 people in Sonoma County, is a gem of a weekend getaway—it’s quaint without being self-consciously cute, and has an old-fashioned main street brimming with antique stores. Head to Ace Cider Pub for a juicy twist on a brewery experience, and don’t miss taking your sweetie for ice cream at the award-winning, world-famous Screamin’ Mimi’s, where the hot fudge, caramel, and waffle cones are all made onsite. The cherry on top? You’re just 90 minutes from San Francisco, if you want to keep the road-trip vibes going. Niagara Falls, NY Photo: Niagara Falls, NY | bobistraveling, Flickr Nicknamed “The Honeymoon Capital of the World”, Niagara Falls is a study in contrasts: On one hand, you’ve got the mighty natural wonder of the Falls themselves, with millions of gallons of water cascading endlessly to a picturesque end. On the other, you’ve got the town of Niagara Falls, which is like a mini-Vegas—kitsch city! Spend a night overlooking the special rainbow lights behind the Falls, and then head out the next day to see them up close on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, where you and your honey will be given matching ponchos for coordinated selfies. Afterwards, hit the town to explore the casinos, wax works museums, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not exhibitions—tourist traps, sure, but lots of fun for the day! Stillwater, MN Photo: St. Croix Boom Site, Stillwater, NM | Smitty 54017, Flickr Get ready to be charmed. Voted one of the “Top 10 Prettiest Towns in America” by Forbes magazine, Stillwater is a small town on a seriously beautiful river, the St. Croix. Miles of hiking and biking trails, stunning cliff views, antique shops galore, and a downtown that seems to have been designed for sweethearts to stroll through all make Stillwater a dream weekend destination, and one of our favorite Sweetest Day ideas. Add in cute autumnal activities, such as picking your own Honeycrisp apples at Aamodt’s Apple Farm—and visiting a farmer’s market that runs through October across the street from the historic Court House—and you’ve got a Sweetest Day getaway you’ll remember forever. Tagged: California, City, Destinations, Holidays, Romance & honeymoon Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Krista Burton Latest posts by Krista Burton (see all) Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips - September 28, 2016 Why you should visit Montenegro, the cheap European destination of your dreams - September 26, 2016 The best layover cities in Europe - September 15, 2016 Related Posts 30 up-and-coming destinations you need to visit now By Michelle Schuman 6 cheap hotels in San Diego you’ll actually want to... By Ally Marotti 7 reasons to drop everything and go to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati By Krista Burton Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips By Krista Burton
Shares2Shares2Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called 7 reasons to drop everything and go to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2016/09/oktoberfest-zinzinnati/.CaptchaSubmit Krista BurtonSeptember 8, 2016 1 Comment Hello there. Do you like beer? Do you like sausage? If you’re nodding your head ‘yes,’ then it might not be a big jump to think you might enjoy an Oktoberfest celebration. But the original Oktoberfest, a festival dedicated to all things autumnal and German, is all the way in Munich! We can’t afford Munich right now! Thank heavens we have Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. First held in 1976, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (in Cincinnati, Ohio) is America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration—more than 500,000 people visit each year! Here’s why you should stop what you’re doing and head to Ohio for the party: Repeat after us: dachshunds in hot dog costumes. Every year, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati opens festivities with the Running of the Wieners, this year on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. What is the Running of the Wieners? It’s 100 dachshunds in hot dog costumes streaking down the street in race heats towards their owners while thousands of people cheer. Only one dachshund can be the King of the Wiener Dogs. You want to witness this, we promise. Photo: Flickr | David K, Hot Dog Have a drink at the glockenspiel. The Christian Moerlein Glockenspiel is—get this—a working clock with a bar on the ground level, as well as a stage. Every hour, when the clock strikes, performers in traditional lederhosen appear to sing, dance, and toast with the crowd. Prost! Have a drink anywhere, actually. There are five different beer gardens at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. All of them have an enormous selection of beers on tap, and all of them have live music. Some band names this year include The Fest Meisters, Zinzinnati Bier Band, and Smittie’s Schnapps Band. Get your polka on! Photo: Allen Burt, Oktoberfest in Zinzinnati Raise a glass. Try not to lower it! The Sam Adams Stein Hoisting Championship on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 5 p.m. is a test of strength, mental endurance, and true love for beer. All you have to do is raise your stein of beer and keep it raised longer than anyone else in the crowd to be crowned this year’s Hoisting Champion. Become one with the brat. On Saturday, September 17, at 3 p.m., it’s time for the greatest sausage spectacle you may ever see: The World Brat Eating Championship. Will anyone be able to defeat reigning world champion brat-eater, Joey Chestnut? Who would dare to try? Is the newest contender…you? Photo: Flicker | ljv, Sausage Party Demonstrate your barrel-roll and beer-stein race aptitude. On Friday, September 16, at 6 p.m, head over to Freedom Platz on Second Street for the German Games, where live music and German dance groups frolic around contestants trying to roll a wooden barrel around a timed course or race a short distance holding two filled-to-the-brim beer steins. Participate in the World’s Largest Chicken Dance. You heard us. Jump in and join the official World’s Largest Chicken Dance on Sunday, September 18 at 4:30 p.m. Thousands participate in the dance each year, and in 1994, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati chicken dancersset the world record, with 48,000 people flappin’ their arms and waddlin’ to the beat. Photo: Flickr | Jim, Chicken Dance Tagged: City, Events, Festivals, Food & drink, Music, Seasonal Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Krista Burton Latest posts by Krista Burton (see all) Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips - September 28, 2016 Why you should visit Montenegro, the cheap European destination of your dreams - September 26, 2016 The best layover cities in Europe - September 15, 2016 Related Posts Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips By Krista Burton 18 festivals you’d be crazy to miss By Michelle Schuman Lollapalooza, plus 8 more summer music festivals you can still... By Michelle Schuman The best Sweetest Day ideas include a suitcase (for two) By Krista Burton
Shares0Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called International baseball: 5 destinations that are surprisingly into America’s pastime and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2016/08/international-baseball/.CaptchaSubmit Krista BurtonAugust 4, 2016 Leave a comment Take me out to the ballgame…all over the world! International baseball is a very real phenomenon, and one that’s more popular than you might think. Here are a few other cities whose passion for sunny summer days, stealing home, and curveballs would rival that of any U.S. city. Toronto, Canada Blue Jays vs. Royals | John Tornow, Flickr CC Yes folks, Toronto loves to play ball. Home to the only Major League Baseball team in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays, this city obsesses over its team and has the screaming, blue-painted, beer-chugging fans to prove it. The Blue Jays play at the Rogers Centre in Toronto’s Entertainment District, right by the harbour, and no trip to this famously cultured city is complete without a day at the ballpark cheering for the Jays amid thousands of hollering Canadians. Stay at the Chelsea Hotel and walk to the ballpark. Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Dome Panorama | Richie Johns, Flickr CC This is pretty much the unofficial capital of international baseball. Boasting millions of passionate fans, baseball is so popular in Japan that, according to Japan’s National Tourism Organization, “many fans are surprised to hear that Americans also consider it their ‘national sport.’” As if! If you’re headed to Tokyo, make sure to catch a Yomiuri Giants game at Tokyo Dome, the largest Japanese baseball stadium. Set your bat and mitt down at Tokyo Dome Hotel, a 4-star hotel within walking distance of the big game. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Baseball game in the Capital -Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | Loella Medina, Flickr CC Along with being the cultural, financial, and political heart of the Dominican Republic, this city of nearly a million people also has great nightlife, colonial architecture…and a champion baseball team. Fans go wild for players in this country, and seeing popular stars on the field at the city’s well-maintained stadium, Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal, will be a highlight of your trip. Drop your bags at Hotel Mercure for a great budget stay. Seoul, South Korea Jamsil Baseball Stadium inSeoul | Mink357, Flickr CC South Korea’s ardor for baseball knows no bounds. The country is home to 10 professional teams, two of which—the Doosan Bears and LG Twins—play in Seoul at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Get a ticket and sit among 26,000 screaming fans as they cheer on their favorite players, and afterwards, rest your head at centrally-located Boutique Hotel SB Seoul. Mexico City, Mexico Recepción del equipo ‘Tigres de Quintana Roo’ | Presidencia de la República Mexicana, Flickr CC While soccer reigns supreme in Mexico, baseball is still beloved, with ballparks dotting even small towns. The best place to see a game is at Mexico City’s stadium, Estadio Fray Nano, where the Diablos Rojos del Mexico (Mexico City Red Devils) play against their longtime rivals, the Tigres de Quintana Roo. Tickets are inexpensive, and so are Coronas and tacos at the game—what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico, a 4-star hotel in the heart of the city. So there you have it: Next time you’re in Tokyo, head to a game, grab a beer and confuse all your Instagram followers with a selfie with some rabid Japanese baseball fans. Tagged: City, Family, International, Mexico, Sports Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Krista Burton Latest posts by Krista Burton (see all) Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips - September 28, 2016 Why you should visit Montenegro, the cheap European destination of your dreams - September 26, 2016 The best layover cities in Europe - September 15, 2016 Related Posts The best layover cities in Europe By Krista Burton 7 coolest baseball stadiums in America By Dalia Colon 7 worthwhile Mexico destinations that aren’t Cancun By Kristen Mitchell The 7 best city parks in America By Krista Burton
Shares3Shares3Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The 7 best city parks in America and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2016/07/the-7-best-city-parks-in-america/.CaptchaSubmit Krista BurtonJuly 27, 2016 Leave a comment Sometimes the best and cheapest (re: free) way to enjoy a nice day in a new city is via its public spaces. Here are some of the best city parks around these great United States. Central Park, New York City Central Park | Phyllis Buchanan, Flickr CC Of course Central Park makes our list! Not only is Manhattan’s Central Park arguably the most famous city park in America, it was also the first (1856!) designated park for public use in the country. Central Park puts all of its 843 acres to good use—inside the grounds, you’ll find a wildlife sanctuary, a picturesque reservoir, running tracks, an ice-skating rink, and the Central Park Zoo. Add pools, gardens, the enormous, neoclassical Bethesda Fountain, and the fact that you are, at all times, smack dab in the center of Manhattan, and you’ve got yourself one of the best parks in the country. Nay, the world. Grant Park, Chicago Buckingham Fountain — Grant Park Chicago (IL) September 2014 | Ron Cogswell, Flickr CC When a city sets aside 319 acres of prime waterfront real estate just to provide an amazing public place for its residents to play, you know you’re dealing with a great city. Grant Park is a stunner of a park—it overlooks Lake Michigan, houses Millennium Park in its boundaries, and is home to the massive, Instagram-worthy Buckingham Fountain. There’s also the Museum Campus, meaning you don’t have to criss-cross Chicago to take in many of its main attractions. At Grant Park, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum are within walking distance of each other. Go Chicago! Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers Golden Gate Park | arianravan, Flickr CC So you like nice views? Try renting a bike and spending the day at Golden Gate Park, where gorgeous vistas are so commonplace youbegin to expect them. Situated next to the famous Haight-Ashbury district and ending at the Pacific Ocean, this 1,000+ acre park is designed to impress. Cruise past the ornate glass Conservatory of Flowers, and check out the pagoda in the Japanese Tea Garden. There’s a herd of grazing buffalo, a dreamy children’s carousel, an aquarium, and a photo-worthy waterfall at Strawberry Hill. Nearly all of it is free—that’s a decent deal in one of the most expensive cities on Earth! Patterson Park, Baltimore Patterson Park | JoAnna Kopp, FlickrCC You can’t miss Patterson Park, aka “Baltimore’s Backyard”—just look for the Observatory, a giant pagoda-style building on Hampstead Hill. This famous, 1890s-era observatory has a winding staircase open to visitors looking for a workout and a view of downtown Baltimore. But there’s more than a pagoda here. Patterson Park is 137 acres of jogging paths, public tennis courts, and playgrounds. There’s also a Boat Lake, a swimming pool and a dog park, so bring Fido with you on your Baltimore trip! Forsyth Park, Savannah Forsyth Park | Alex Cheek, Flickr CC While you’re strolling around one of America’s most graceful cities, don’t forget to walk through Forsyth Park. This elegant little 30-acre park boasts wide brick avenues shaded by Spanish moss-draped trees, and the north entrance leads to famous Forsyth Fountain, splashing merrily away in the heat. What else can you find? How about a cafe and an innovative fragrant garden for the blind? Of course there are playing fields and sports courts, but the real joy in Forsyth Park is packing a blanket and a picnic lunch and settling down on the grass to watch the world go by. Gas Works Park, Seattle Seattle Gas Works Park | W & J, Flickr CC Get your camera ready—Gas Works Park has one of the best views of Seattle, period. Built around one of the last remaining (and very rusty) gasification plants in the United States, this 20-acre park has amazingly steep hills overlooking Lake Union. Perch atop one with the rest of Seattle and you’ll get a panoramic view of boats going by, the city skyline, and people strolling and biking along its trails. Can you see the Space Needle? Of course you can! Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park, Minneapolis Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis, MN | Joe Bielawa, Flickr CC According to the New York Times, “If you live in Minneapolis, there’s a 95 percent chance you live within a 10-minute walk to a park.” Let’s hope it’s the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park, which is a mouthful, but a good name for what is essentially many smaller parks, linked together by a chain of lakes that connect with each other. When the weather’s nice (go in summer!) you could walk forever on shady paths overlooking the water, stopping only for an ice cream cone or free concert at Lake Harriet. Lay out atowel on the beach at Lake Calhoun and watch the windsurfers; kayak through endless shady nooks and startle napping swans. There are gardens and trails, bird sanctuaries and dog parks…wait, should we move to Minneapolis? Tagged: City, Family, FREE!, New York City, Sports Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Krista Burton Latest posts by Krista Burton (see all) Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips - September 28, 2016 Why you should visit Montenegro, the cheap European destination of your dreams - September 26, 2016 The best layover cities in Europe - September 15, 2016 Related Posts International baseball: 5 destinations that are surprisingly into America’s pastime By Krista Burton Getting from JFK to Manhattan, and other cheap NY tips By Krista Burton Cheap of the Month: Columbus in July By Ally Marotti 7 coolest baseball stadiums in America By Dalia Colon