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 10 iconic music venues to visit in your 20s and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2021/11/iconic-music-venues/.CaptchaSubmit Brian CicioniNovember 30, 2021 Leave a comment Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. Live music is back. Thanks to COVID vaccinations, most of us can now hop on a plane, dine indoors, and see a live show. If you’re ready for it, and appreciate smaller, iconic spaces where legendary acts like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana played to audiences of just a few hundred on their way up, this list for you. We’ve chosen 10 venues where 20-somethings, and other music fans on a budget, can afford to see a show for less than the cost of a rush hour Uber ride. RELATED: Get your concert tickets, even for sold out shows, through CheapTickets! 9:30 Club: Washington, D.C. Flickr CC: Valerie Hinojosa The 9:30 Club opened at the corner of 10th and F streets just as punk was giving way to new wave. Local bands like Bad Brains and Minor Threat helped put this 199 capacity venue on the map for punk and hardcore fans. Stadium and arena acts like The Police, and Red Hot Chili Peppers played here on their way up. The latter played a surprise show here back in 1998, to mark the return of guitarist John Frusciante. In early 1996, the club reopened in a 1,200 capacity space at the corner of 9th and V streets. The Smashing Pumpkins, who were at the height of their commercial success, played the inaugural show. Since then, everyone from the Foo Fighters (Dave Grohl spent part of his childhood outside DC) and Radiohead to the Beastie Boys and ZZ Top have played special occasion or secret gigs here. You can catch a 2007 Pumpkins gig from the 9:30 Club on their If All Goes Wrong DVD. But in 2021, you are much more likely to catch an up-and-coming indie rock or hip hop act at the 9:30 Club. Tickets are typically between $25–35, which will set you back less than the cost of an Uber after the Metro stops running. For those looking to catch the vibe of the original location, former DC-suburb dweller Dave Grohl recently announced plans to open a replica of the original next to the current location. Nearest Metro station: Shaw-Howard Cafe Wha?: New York City Flickr CC: Carl Mikey Looking at the list of legendary NYC venues that have closed is about as uplifting as sitting alone in a tiny studio apartment after a bitter breakup and blasting Joy Division to drown out the noise coming from the party on the floor above. CBGB is now a clothing store. L’Amour is now a general event space. But there’s still Cafe Wha?. This 325-capacity venue can barely hold all of the people who work for Bruce Springsteen the day of a stadium show. But he played here before he was anointed “The next Dylan.” And Bob Dylan himself played Cafe Wha? the year before releasing his debut album. Jimmy James and the Blue Flames did a residency here in 1966 before their frontman went off to London to record one of the most influential debut albums of all time. Founder Manny Roth was a legend in his own right. But he had an even more famous nephew who fronted Van Halen. A couple years before Manny’s death, Van Halen came back here to play. Several legendary comedians like Lenny Bruce, Joan Rivers, and Richard Pryor performed here, as well. Today, you can see a local rock band, comedy act, or tribute band at Cafe Wha?. The rest of the time, you can catch the house band for a $15 cover charge, which you can pay via Eventbrite. Closest subway station: W 4 St – Wash Sq RELATED: America’s most awesome vintage record stores Central Saloon: Seattle One of the last grand old saloons, the Central dates back to the 1890s. The venue opened just three years after Seattle’s great fire. Before Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Soundgarden headlined arenas and festivals around the world, they all played the Central Saloon. So did Seattle-area native Jimi Hendrix. The walls are lined with photos and concert flyers from the days that led up to the brief period when Seattle seemed like the center of the musical universe. The venue is similar in size to the former-CBGB and currently hosts indie, hip hop, and local rock bands. Tickets are usually under $20. Nearest light rail station: Pioneer Square The Fillmore: San Francisco While the building at 1805 Geary Boulevard dates back to 1912, the shows that most of us associate with The Fillmore started in early 1966. Dozens of psychedelic rock bands and soul acts passed through here during the last half of the 1960s. The Grateful Dead alone played more than 50 shows at The Fillmore before 1970. By the early 1980s, the venue (by then rechristened The Elite Club) was an obligatory tour stop for punk bands like Black Flag and local outfit Dead Kennedys. After damage from a 1989 earthquake, the club was remodeled. It opened back up in 1994 with a surprise gig by the Smashing Pumpkins. And in 2011, hometown heroes Metallica played four 30th-anniversary shows at The Fillmore to fan club members only. Live Nation currently operates the 1,300-capacity venue. They’ve created several spinoffs in cities like Denver, Philly, Charlotte, and Miami. Nowadays, you are most likely to see up-and-coming acts, with the odd legacy act thrown in every month or so. Tickets start in the high 20s, which is quite a bargain considering that San Francisco tops nearly every list of most expensive cities in the country. First Avenue: Minneapolis Flickr CC: Tony Webster In 1970, Joe Cocker played the inaugural show at this historic 1,500-seat venue, which is housed in a former Greyhound Bus Depot. You’ve likely heard of First Avenue because of Prince, who began playing here in 1981. Purple Rain was filmed here and before his untimely death, Minnesota’s most famous performer since Bob Dylan was scheduled to play nine shows at the club he helped make famous. The 531 stars on the venue’s exterior list many of the past performers. Nirvana played here a few weeks after releasing Nevermind. U2 supposedly wrote the title track from their sophomore release during a 1981 soundcheck at First Avenue. And local acts like The Replacements and Soul Asylum got their start playing here, too. Since COVID, they’re returned to nearly nightly entertainment. You can see a lesser-known act for under $20. $30 is closer to average. You can double that when someone like Elvis Costello passes through, but it’s worth it for the intimate setting. Nearest Light rail station: Warehouse Hennepin Franklin Music Hall: Philadelphia Philly may often be overshadowed by D.C. and New York, but the local concert scene is every bit as exciting. The former Electric Factory changed ownership back in 2018, but the location and purpose remain the same. Elton John, Pink Floyd, and the Grateful Dead played the original location, which closed in 1973. Following the 1995 reopening, Alanis Morissette, Radiohead, and No Doubt played here at the height of their commercial success. In 1996, The Ramones played their final Philly show at the Electric Factory. And no less than Bruce Springsteen did a show here during his time away from the E Street Band. Before the name change, this legendary 3,000-capacity venue made a cameo in the first Creed movie. Bianca performed as an opening act. Nowadays, you can catch everything here, from metal and punk to hip hop and funk. Tickets can be as low as $20–25 for lesser-known acts. Double that when a reunited Bikini Kill or a combination of Wu-Tang Clan members come to town. Nearest SEPTA station: Chinatown Metro: Chicago Flickr CC: VXLA The Metro opened just up the street from Wrigley Field in a former Swedish Community Center back in 1979 (just like the Chicago-based Smashing Pumpkins song). This legendary, 1,100-capacity North Side venue is a stone’s throw from the Blues Brothers’ fictitious address in the 1980 classic Chicago film. R.E.M. and Metallica played here in the early 1980s as up-and-coming acts. In the early 90s, Jane’s Addiction, Nirvana, and Soundgarden passed through here on their way to the arenas. Pearl Jam did a live radio broadcast from the Metro in early 1992, which was a popular bootleg throughout the decade. Today, you’ll find mostly alternative and indie bands playing here. Most shows start at under $30. Thanks to the Metro’s proximity to Wrigley Field, you can check off two popular Chicago bucket list items in the same day. Nearest L station: Addison Paradise Rock Club: Boston In 1977, Joe Strummer sang, “no Elvis, Beatles, or The Rolling Stones.” The Paradise Theater opened along Commonwealth Avenue that same year, just as punk bands like the Sex Pistols, Ramones, and The Clash were offering an alternative to 20-minute drum solos and 15-foot-high stages. During the early days, Blondie, Iggy Pop, and Tom Petty played this 1,000-seat venue. The version of “Last Child” that ended up on Aerosmith’s first live album was recorded at the Paradise in August 1978. Local acts like The Cars and Buffalo Tom played here more than a dozen times each. Letters to Cleo holds the current record with 20 (and counting) Paradise performances. As the currently-named Paradise Rock Club is located a stone’s throw from Boston University, they attract a largely student audience looking for an affordable night of entertainment. Nearest T station: Babcock Street Ryman Auditorium: Nashville Flickr CC: Jim Rhodes No list of music venues is complete without at least one legendary spot in Music City itself. Although this late-19th-century Tennessee landmark is still known to most for its Grand Ole Opry, you can also catch hard rock and comedy acts here. Since 2000, Neil Young and the Foo Fighters have shot concert footage at the Ryman. And in 2019, the Wu-Tang Clan became the first hip hop group to perform at this 129-year-old venue. Ticket prices are a bit steeper than the other places in this list, but the Ryman is also a much more comfortable venue. You can get a tour of the building for $30, including fees. Nearest RTA station: Riverfront Troubadour: West Hollywood Picking the best legendary concert venue in West Hollywood is a bit like asking a New Yorker where to find the best pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge. There are several very worthy choices within close proximity including the Roxy and the Viper Room. This 500-capacity venue started as a place for ’60s folk legends to master their craft. James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, and The Eagles all played the Troubadour before hitting the big time. Buffalo Springfield played their first gig here. And the Troubadour is also where Elton John made his legendary American debut. The Troubadour’s history is also replete with legendary comedy acts. Steve Martin, and Cheech and Chong, performed here in the early 1970s. The Troubadour is also the place where Lenny Bruce was arrested for using the word “schmuck” on stage. And during his lost weekend, John Lennon (along with Harry Nilsson) was ejected from the club for heckling the Smothers Brothers. Punk, new wave, and glam bands all made the obligatory stop here during the 1980s. You can still catch a variety of rock, folk, and comedy acts at the Troubadour on any given night at prices as low as $15. If you are more into the local history, check out this rock tour of the Sunset Strip. Tagged: California, Cheap City, USA, Cheap Tips, Chicago, City, Destinations, L.A., Music, New York City, seattle, Top 10 list, Types of Travel, Washington DC Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Brian CicioniBrian is an NYC-based travel writer and tour guide. You can see his work at CheapTickets, Matador Network, and USA Today 10 Best. He also has his own blog, where you can find practical tips on what to see, where to eat, and how to explore major cities along public transit lines. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Latest posts by Brian Cicioni (see all) 10 iconic music venues to visit in your 20s - November 30, 2021 12 things tourists get wrong about New York, according to an NYC tour guide - April 14, 2021 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 really fun neighborhoods to rush to when you turn... By Zach Cunning America’s most awesome vintage record stores By Donald Liebenson
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 12 amazing places to visit in Central Park and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2021/07/12-amazing-places-to-visit-in-central-park/.CaptchaSubmit Michele HerrmannJuly 29, 2021 Leave a comment Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips. Whether you’ve come to New York for its amazing museums, or incredible music scene, or crazy cool bars and restaurants, there’s no doubt that at some point, you’ll spend some time wandering around Central Park. Though it’s one of New York City’s top attractions, even many locals are unaware of some of its most fascinating features. (Lampposts, for example, contain identification plates that act as orientation tools!) Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, here is what to see and do on your next Central Park visit. And, of course, don’t forget to book your hotel deal on CheapTickets.com! RELATED: 12 things tourists get wrong about New York according to an NYC tour guide Paddle a rowboat Central Park Conservancy Aside from walking, biking, or running through Central Park, you can also opt to take a rowboat out on a lake. This 20-acre body of water connects the Ramble, Bethesda Terrace, and various west side landscapes. Not looking to break a sweat? You can also. opt to take a romantic cruise around the lake a gondoliers. Located along West 74th Street, the Loeb Boathouse offers boat rentals from April through November (weather. permitting). There’s also an onsite restaurant with a casual cafe. Honor a rock legend Central Park Conservancy Fans of the Beatles and John Lennon can flock to this memorial to the late singer on the west side of the park, between 71st and 74th Streets. Four months after his December 8, 1980 murder, the City Council designated a 2.5-acre area in the park as Strawberry Fields, named after the 1967 Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever” and located near the Dakota where Lennon and Yoko Ono lived. Do the Zoo In the park’s southeast corner, at 63rd and 66th streets, the Central Park Zoo is made up of areas reflecting different climates, and the species who inhabit them, plus a 4D Theater and a children’s petting zoo. Be sure to catch the sea lions in their outdoor pool! Note that admission runs $14–$20 (and $9–$15 for kids). Walk along the Mall Central Park Conservancy In the middle of the park, at 66th Street, this wide and straight path is adorned with American elms, which create a canopy above this pedestrian walkway. The southern section of the Mall is known as Literary Walk because of all the statues of writers you’ll find there, including Shakespeare, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott, which were added in the 1800s. In 2020, The Mall welcomed a groundbreaking statue—the first monument in Central Park to depict women. Located at 68th Street, the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument has bronze statues of three New York state suffragettes—Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The installation was timed to the centenary of the ratification of the 19th amendment. Take in terrace views Central Park Conservancy At the end of The Mall, you’ll arrive at the Bethesda Terrace (mid-park at 72nd Street), with its grand staircases descending underneath into an arcade with a beautiful Minton tile ceiling featuring 49 panels and nearly 16,000 encaustic tiles handmade by England’s Minton and Company. Seen from above or below the Terrace, the Bethesda Fountain is graced with a statue called “Angel of the Waters”—NYC’s first major piece of public art commissioned from a woman. The work of sculptor Emma Stebbins, it commemorates the 1842 opening of the Croton Aqueduct, which brought fresh water from Westchester County to NYC and ended the cholera epidemic. ALSO: Are you a student? Then make sure you get a student discount when you book your next trip with CheapTickets.com! Dine at Tavern on the Green Central Park Conservancy This fine-dining restaurant at 67th Street and Central Park West has a neat backstory. Back in the 1880s, its building was originally designed as a sheepfold (a holding pen) to house sheep that once grazed at Central Park’s Sheep Meadow. Then in 1934, as part of a park renovation, NYC’s urban planner Robert Moses turned the place into a restaurant. Tavern on the Green closed for a while in 2009 but reopened five years later. Visit a Castle Central Park Conservancy Perched atop Vista Rock at 79th St, the second-highest natural point in Central Park, resides a miniature castle. Constructed out of a type of rock called Manhattan schist, Belvedere Castle was designed as a place for taking in the views of the surrounding landscape. Meaning “beautiful view” in Italian, The Belvedere provides viewpoints of the surrounding cityscape and other major park areas. including Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn, and The Ramble, a strolling area that’s also a nice spot for birdwatching. See a Swedish Cottage Central Park Conservancy It wasn’t built for Central Park but the Swedish Cottage on West 79th Street is a neat import; it came from Sweden via Philly to NYC. It originally arrived in the U.S. in 1876 as part of the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, to showcase traditional Swedish architecture. At the park, the Swedish Cottage would be used for many things, from being a toolshed to a restroom. It now serves as a performance space for NYC Parks’ traveling marionette theater. Learn what existed before Central Park A section between 82nd and 89th Streets on the west side marks the place where a thriving settlement called Seneca Village once existed before Central Park’s development. It was once a predominantly African-American community, alongside some Irish and German immigrants. When the city decided to build Central Park, it used eminent domain to acquire the land, forcing the residents to leave by 1857. In 2011, the Institute for the Exploration of Seneca Village History collaborated with the Central Park Conservancy to conduct an excavation at the site. Buddy up to the Bard Central Park Conservancy Shakespeare’s the thing in Central Park. On the west side between 79th and 80th Streets, the Shakespeare Garden is designed to evoke the feeling of the Bard’s native English countryside and contains plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. The garden is near the Delacorte Theater, which is the venue for the Public Theater’s productions of “Shakespeare in the Park.” This series is a hot-ticket item, as New Yorkers line up early to get free tickets to these summer performances at the open-air theater. Go for a really long run Central Park Conservancy Did you know that the New York City Marathon partly goes through Central Park? Traditionally, participating runners enter the park from 5th Avenue and 90th Street and head toward the finish line at West 67th Street and Central Park West. At this entry point near Engineers’ Gate, look for a bronze statue of Fred Lebow, creator of the New York City Marathon. Usually, he’s found here, but on the day of the marathon, his statue is moved to the finish line. Find forts Central Park Conservancy Central Park’s North End, above 106th Street, has ties back to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. British and American forces battled for control of this area, which lined up with the main passage connecting Manhattan and the Bronx. Today at 107th Street, the remains of Fort Clinton boast a recovered cannon that was discovered to still be loaded with a cannonball and gunpowder when it was being cleaned in 2013. At 105th, Fort Fish offers an open lawn at a high point in the park’s landscape that belonged to a larger fortification system that included Fort Clinton and Nutter’s Battery, now a scenic overlook. Tagged: Cheap City, USA, Cheap Tips, City, Destinations, New York City, Types of Travel Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Michele Herrmann Latest posts by Michele Herrmann (see all) Give yourself the creeps at these 8 spooky U.S. cemeteries - September 20, 2021 12 amazing places to visit in Central Park - July 29, 2021 Book a stay at these hotels for a swim at their rooftop pools - July 15, 2021 Related Posts 10 iconic music venues to visit in your 20s By Brian Cicioni 16 top things to do in New York City this... By Compass + Twine 8 Insta-worthy outdoor staircases around the U.S. By Laura Studarus 10 really fun neighborhoods to rush to when you turn... By Zach Cunning
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 12 things tourists get wrong about New York, according to an NYC tour guide and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2021/04/nyc-myths-debunked/.CaptchaSubmit Brian CicioniApril 14, 2021 Leave a comment Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips. As an NYC tour guide, I’ve been showing tourists around Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens since 2017. Part of my job is clearing up common misconceptions about where to eat, which neighborhoods to avoid, and how to get the most out of a short stay in an expensive city. Here are a dozen of the most common misconceptions I encounter among visitors to New York City, plus a few insider secrets. RELATED: America’s most awesome vintage record stores The best Italian food is in Little Italy Linguine with white clam sauce from Don Peppe | Photo: Brian Cicioni Like many things in New York, some of the best Italian restaurants are in areas where tourists rarely venture out to. Queens, for example, has several local neighborhood gems that seem to always be full despite less than convenient locations. Whether it’s Don Peppe in South Ozone Park, Corona’s Park Side, or any of the upscale Italian restaurants along Cross Bay Blvd in Howard Beach, there are places that will feel much more exclusive and rewarding if you make an effort to venture out of Manhattan. Brooklyn and Staten Island have their own neighborhood gems as well, including Bamonte’s, Joe and Pat’s, and L & B Spumoni Gardens. If you decide to stay in Brooklyn, find your hotel right here. A Broadway show will set you back $200 Springsteen on Broadway Walter Kerr Theatre | Photo: Brian Cicioni While the hottest tickets in town usually cost a pretty petty, not every Broadway show is comparable to Hamilton or Springsteen on Broadway. Thanks to sites like CheapTickets and apps like TodayTix, you can attend Broadway shows for as little as $20 per person. TodayTix started in New York and offers tickets to dozens of different local events at any given time. Times Square is the most exciting part of New York Times Square NYC by Brian Cicioni While Times Square does give seemingly new meaning to the saying, “bright lights, big city,” locals see it as a place to change trains or catch a play. Most people who work near Times Square can’t afford to live there and are more likely to spend their leisure time elsewhere. There’s no harm seeing what all the fuss is about, but if you spend more than 10% of your time here, you are missing out on the real New York. Instead, check out some of the exciting neighborhoods in the outer boroughs like Astoria and Brooklyn Heights. or hop on the tram to Roosevelt Island. Subway cards accepted. A ride on the State Island ferry counts as a visit to the “Forgotten Borough” Staten Island Ferry terminal | Photo: Brian Cicioni There’s more to the “Forgotten Borough” than St. George Ferry Terminal. Many of the island’s tourist attractions are conveniently located along the SIR (Staten Island Railway), which means there’s really no reason to just turn around as soon as the next ferry back to Manhattan is available. Instead, check out some of SI’s museums, including the National Lighthouse Museum or the Sri Lankan Arts & Culture Museum (currently offering virtual tours). If you want to venture out to the end of the SIR line, check out The Conference House, one of NYC’s under-the-radar historic houses. If you’ve never tried Sri Lankan food, check out Lakruwana. They have a weekend buffet, which will give you the chance to try numerous dishes without breaking the bank. The Bronx is dangerous Welcome to the South Bronx | Photo: Brian Cicioni Like the rest of the NYC boroughs, The Bronx is a series of neighborhoods. While the northern parts are more suburban and spread out, the South Bronx has a more gritty, urban feel. But that does not mean that you should avoid the only NYC borough that’s connected to the U.S. mainland. There are walking tours available if you are looking to dip your toes into the South Bronx, which has a lot of interesting hip-hop history and street art. Hundreds of tourists make the journey to 187th Street and Arthur Avenue for a taste of The Real Little Italy. There’s also the New England fishing village feel of City Island, which you can visit by bus from the end of the 6 line. Queens is just where the airports are Unisphere Flushing Meadows Corona Park Queens | Photo: Brian Cicioni Thinking of Queens as the borough where you fly in and out of is probably the number one mistake tourists make when visiting New York. Chef and TV personality Andrew Zimmern once said that if Queens were a separate city, it would be the world’s greatest food city. You can find some of the best food in New York along the elevated 7 train, and it’s far more affordable than what you’ll get in Manhattan. Queens also has several museums, including MoMA PS1, the Noguchi Museum, and the Queens County Farm Museum. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is the best way to experience Brooklyn Welcome to Brooklyn | Photo: Brian Cicioni Just like taking the Staten Island Ferry to St. George terminal does not constitute a proper visit to SI, walking across the famous Brooklyn Bridge does not equal a true Brooklyn experience. NYC’s most populous borough is home to some of New York’s most unique ethnic neighborhoods, quirky museums, and sought-after pizza pies and slices. Walking across the bridge is an essential Brooklyn experience, but so is riding the elevated Q train out to Coney Island or Brighton Beach, also known as “Little Odessa.” The Hop-on Hop-off bus is the best way to see New York Coney Island station Brooklyn | Photo: Brian Cicioni If you know nothing about the city and only have a few hours before your train pulls out of Penn Station, then the Hop-on Hop-off Bus is the best way to see New York. It will take you past 25 NYC landmarks, which you can snap pictures of to show your family and friends that you visited NYC. Assuming you have more than a few hours, skip the bus, save some money, and pick a subway line that stops along some of the city’s lesser-known attractions. There’s no boring subway line. It just depends on what you are into. There’s only one Chinatown Welcome to Flushing | Photo: Brian Cicioni While Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown is still the most famous, it’s no longer the largest. And depending on where you are staying, Brooklyn’s Sunset Park or Flushing, Queens may be more convenient options. With more than 30,000 Chinese-born residents, Flushing is one of the fastest-growing Chinatowns in the world. It’s also easy to get to thanks to the 7 train and the Long Island Railroad. If you’re visiting on the weekend, get the LIRR City Ticket, which is only $4.50 each way (compared to $2.75 for a subway ride). The best hotels are in Times Square Williamsburg Hotel Brooklyn | Photo: Brian Cicioni If you’re arriving by bus, train, or flying into Newark, Midtown will likely be your first bite of The Big Apple. It’s tempting to get the nearest hotel to Penn Station or Port Authority and use that as a base for the duration of your trip. After all, most of the NYC subway lines intersect between Grand Central Station and Port Authority. But if you’re flying into LGA, you should consider staying in Long Island City, Queens, which is one subway stop from Brooklyn or Manhattan and has both chic and affordable lodging options. In Manhattan, consider Chelsea, Koreatown, or the Lower East Side, all of which have a more authentic feel and more affordable hotels. Central Park is the city’s only must-see green space Prospect Park Brooklyn | Photo: Brian Cicioni While locals love Central Park for many reasons, it’s not the only must-see green space in NYC. It’s not the largest either. That distinction goes to Pelham Bay Park, which is also the final stop on the 6 train. For many tourists, Central Park conjures up images of Ghostbusters, Home Alone 2, and When Harry Met Sally, but Flushing Meadows-Corona Park has the famous Unisphere, as well as remnants from two World’s Fairs. Don’t forget about Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, either. New Yorkers are impatient and mean Conti’s Pastry Shoppe by Brian Cicioni It’s best to get right to the point when approaching a New Yorker, especially if it’s someone who was born and raised there. Clerks and wait staff will be polite IF you know what you want and don’t spend endless time deliberating whether you want to go for the round or square slice. As long as you don’t hold up lines or make people’s jobs more stressful than they already are, you’ll be safe in New York City, just like the AC/DC song. Tagged: New York City Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Brian CicioniBrian is an NYC-based travel writer and tour guide. You can see his work at CheapTickets, Matador Network, and USA Today 10 Best. He also has his own blog, where you can find practical tips on what to see, where to eat, and how to explore major cities along public transit lines. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Latest posts by Brian Cicioni (see all) 10 iconic music venues to visit in your 20s - November 30, 2021 12 things tourists get wrong about New York, according to an NYC tour guide - April 14, 2021 Related Posts America’s best public Christmas trees By Ally Marotti America’s most amazing meals for $10 or less By Elisa Drake 6 eats iconic to their city for $10 or less By Ally Marotti 3 movies that changed the music scene forever By Alexander Santo
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 Where our travel bloggers can’t wait to go next and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2020/05/where-our-travel-bloggers-cant-wait-to-go/.CaptchaSubmit CheapTickets Blog EditorsMay 1, 2020 Leave a comment Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was updated November 2020. These past few months, avid travelers around the world have had to cancel trips and get comfortable in the confines of their own homes. We’ve missed spring breaks, graduations and getting to see our friends and family face-to-face. But tough times don’t last; tough travelers do, and many of our top travel bloggers are already planning their next escapes. For now, the world can wait, but here’s where we’re headed as soon as it’s safe to pack up again. Plus, let us know in the comments the places you’re most looking forward to traveling next, and why! RELATED: Need help changing your travel plans? Visit our Customer Service Portal for help Eastern Europe by rail I have a pretty epic Eastern European rail and bus journey planned for fall that I’m crossing my fingers will still happen. It begins in Belgrade, Serbia and ends in Lviv, Ukraine and includes overnights in Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Krakow and other cities along the way. Meanwhile, from my home in Los Angeles, I’ve been California dreaming like crazy and am chomping at the bit to take a sun-drenched and solo road trip or two to regional places I love like Palm Springs, Las Vegas, the Mojave Desert, and Joshua Tree National Park, to name just a few.—Jason Heidemann St. Pete Beach, FL Since the virus has changed life as we know it, I’ve rearranged my fall travel plans from Italy’s Amalfi Coast to a more familiar spot, Florida’s St. Pete Beach. It’s drivable and there’s a great little old-school beachfront resort there called The Tahitian where I’ve stayed a few times already. It’s nothing fancy but it oozes nostalgic, mid-century charm that reminds me of simpler times, with a shuffleboard court, a heated pool and grills on its beachfront patio—Old Florida at its finest. It’s a comfy, familiar and affordable spot, drenched in sunshine year-round, which makes it a great post-quarantine destination to return to.—Martina Sheehan Barcelona, Spain First place I’m heading back to is Barcelona. I’m one to usually make it a point to travel somewhere new, but during lockdown I find myself reminiscing about this quirky and whimsical city. Visiting a quiet Park Güell first thing in the morning (when it’s free) and listening to a local musician play Spanish guitar always moves me. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy the moment. It’s a perfect city to walk around aimlessly and then take a break in a plaza and order tapas. Also, the rooftop of Casa Mila never gets old for a photographer. I’ve spent hours up there and always find a new shape or angle.—Monica Pedraja Sedona, AZ As soon as it’s considered safe to travel again, I’m heading to Sedona, Arizona … alone. As much as I love my husband and our dog, we’ve been cooped up in our urban home together 24/7. I crave wide open spaces and some solitary “me” time. Revisiting the red rock landscape of this mystical corner of the Southwest always rejuvenates and restores. I look forward to taking hikes to vortex sites and indulging in spa treatments like chakra balancing and Integrated Energy Therapy. After Sedona, perhaps my husband and I can finally take that trip to Santorini—together—for some R&R along its caldera, where azure-blue waters, pink-hued sunsets and white-washed buildings absolutely kiss the eyes. We’ve been researching and discussing our ideal itinerary as a fun project while we shelter in place … even as I plan my solo getaway to Sedona.—Erica Bray Australian wine country Top of my list is Australia’s Victoria Pinot country. I’ve never been more sure in my life that all I want to do at the end of the year is drink wine in (what will be) the Australian summer. I’ve also got active plans to revisit Tokyo, which over the last few years has become my happy place. Strolling in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, sitting elbow-to-elbow at my favorite ramen spot, people watching Akihabara—it’s all been appearing nightly in my dreams. I’ve even started battling daily with the Duolingo owl, just so I’ll have a fighting chance at reading the chip packets at FamilyMart when I finally return.—Laura Studarus The Aloha State My best friend recently moved to Hawaii for work. My husband and I are eager to visit her in Honolulu (it would be our first trip to Hawaii, and we’d have a free place to crash), but we’d previously been dreading the prospect of a long plane ride with our two young children. Now, after being cooped up with them 24/7 during COVID-19, what’s another 13 hours? Hawaii, here we come.—Dalia Colon Copenhagen, Denmark Two weeks before social-distancing started in Boston, my boyfriend and I moved into a new apartment together. After dating for a little over a year, we were excited for the new adventure of cohabitation—and well, we have had a crash course over the last month. On April 1, we had a two-week trip planned to his hometown of Copenhagen, to spend Easter with friends and family. Though we’ve been there together a few times already, this trip was special, since it was our first holiday with his side of the family. Plus, we had somehow scored hard-to-get reservations at The Alchemist, a 50-course tasting menu that recently earned two Michelin stars. Denmark in the spring also has a certain charm about it: After months of gray skies and short days, the sunshine surprises everyone with its warmth, and locals often have picnics in the park to celebrate the arrival of a new season. We hope to make it this fall, where at the very least, we can try and make our new restaurant reservation—and have a much-delayed (and needed!) celebration with our loved ones.—Lindsay Tigar Minocqua, Wisconsin The last few weeks have given me a unique chance to slow down and look back at my most memorable trips—Slovenia, Peru, and Wisconsin are top of my list of places to revisit. As soon as it’s safe to travel again, I’m looking to book a weekend in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Minocqua is one of those special places that’s straight out of a postcard. The quaint downtown area is full of charming shops, local eateries, and some of the best fudge you’ll ever try. No matter where you wander you’re never more than a couple blocks away from the shores of Lake Minocqua. Best of all, it’s driving distance from my hometown, Chicago. I visited two years ago and can’t wait to go back and spend some quality time outside.—Sarah Mack Turks and Caicos We usually try to take an end of winter/early spring trip somewhere tropical, to escape the cold and soak up the vitamin D. Since that wasn’t possible this year, we’ve moved our warm weather vacation to fall (fingers crossed) and booked some ultra cheap flights to Turks and Caicos. It’s been years since we visited and the memory of the stunning white sand beaches, cerulean waters, and delicious fresh seafood is luring us back big time.—Lindsay from Compass + Twine Marrakesh Marrakesh has been on our bucket list for years and all this quarantine-ing is just exacerbating our wanderlust. Exploring someplace brand new, with a totally different culture and an exciting food scene is just what the doctor ordered for us once we’re able to travel again. At the top of our Morrocan to-do list? Visiting Le Jardin Secret, wandering the medinas, shopping for beautiful rugs at Galerie Le Pacha, and eating all the tagine we can find!—Sarah from Compass + Twine Yamagata, Japan I go to Japan half a dozen times per year for my Japan travel blog, and one of those trips always takes place in spring for the sakura. This year was to have been my most comprehensive cherry blossom trip ever but, alas, it was not meant to be. I plan to go back as soon as Japan’s borders open back up. And I mean literally day-of: I live in Taiwan, so I can fly in easily. If this takes place in fall, I’ll head to the Tohoku region’s Yamagata prefecture (which I’ve previously only visited in winter) and hike down to the colorful volcanic lake of Okama Crater, or up 1,000 steps to mysterious Yamadera temple. Or, there’s a chance I’ll return on my annual autumn color trip, if I can.—Robert Schrader Montana After being stuck between the same four walls for weeks, I want to go somewhere rural, somewhere expansive, hence Montana. I’ve always wanted to visit a dude ranch, but now I want to go there more than ever. I’m envisioning days spent horseback riding through mountainous landscapes, white water rafting with my family and the fanciest glamping experience I can find.—Danielle Braff New York City’s 5 Boroughs My home base of New York City has been hurting a lot lately but we’ve also been seeing the good in people—we’re tough but helpful. While the city may look a little different when visitors start trickling back in, many of New York’s great attractions won’t have changed, and fortunately, many of them are out in the fresh air, so I’ll be able to start exploring again fairly soon. Of course, there’s Central Park but I also look forward to revisiting the High Line in Chelsea, the waterfront aligned Hudson River Park and heading uptown to Fort Tryon Park. Other great walks include a more leisurely stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge and the George Washington Bridge, where you can view the Little Red Lighthouse. For meals, I prefer to skip the chains and spend money at locally-owned restaurants. I’ve missed the city’s delis, bagels and pizza, and cuisines from around the globe that make dining in New York such a treat.—Michele Herrmann Tagged: City, Destinations, International, Seasonal, Top 10 list, Types of Travel Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts CheapTickets Blog EditorsCheapTickets editors are a diverse group of writers and bloggers who live and work all over the world and who have a passion for student-friendly budget travel coursing through their veins. Whether it's finding the most Instagrammable yurt in the Coachella Valley or uncovering dirt cheap eats in expensive cities like Tokyo and Paris, our writers take the road less traveled to uncover the world's best deals and destinations. Latest posts by CheapTickets Blog Editors (see all) Why some airline refunds take so long - March 18, 2022 Finance guru Tori Dunlap’s tips on managing debt while still living your life - June 1, 2021 12 essential trips for every stage of your 20s - February 3, 2021 Related Posts 7 great alternatives to popular, pricier destinations By Compass + Twine 8 perfect spring break destinations for beach haters By Dalia Colon 7 hostels with crazy cool amenities By Laura Studarus 7 of the best New Year’s Eve beach parties around... By Laura Studarus
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 4 best Halloween festivals that will fuel your obsession and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2016/10/best-halloween-festivals/.CaptchaSubmit Alexandra OlsenOctober 10, 2016 3 Comments It’s no secret that America has a love affair with Halloween. This beloved holiday inspires countless festivals and celebrations throughout the country every year, and each location has its own special brand of Halloween style… However, certain cities go the extra mile to make their haunted celebrations especially memorable. Here is our list of the four best Halloween festivals to fulfill your ghostly fantasies, in no particular order. The Village Halloween Parade, New York City, NY When: October 31, 7 p.m. Where: On 6th AvenueNorth of Spring Street to 16th Street, New York City Why it’s worth the trip: The Village Halloween Parade is known for its huge community involvement and some serious theatrical aspects, which are to be expected when visiting NYC in the first place. All marching to live music from more than 50 bands, hundreds of haunting puppets, dancers and artists participate in this decades-old tradition. Not to mention the thousands of costumed civilians who join the parade each year, and are highly encouraged to do so. This celebration is unique for how inclusive it strives to be, inviting Halloween enthusiasts of all walks of life, or death (get it?), to join in the fun. Need more convincing? This is a free event! Here are the three steps you need to take to participate: 1. Wear your costume (duh)… Your most creative, creepy or crazy costume, to be exact. 2. Join the crowd at 6th Avenue and Canal Street. 3. Arrive between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. or risk missing the festivities entirely. A common scene at the Village Halloween Parade in New York City, one of the most inclusive and best Halloween festivals. Photo credit: Joe Buglewicz. Provided by: NYC & Company The Festival of the Dead, Salem, MA When: The entire month! October features countless events here. The beset of the best take place towards the end of the month: the Witches’ Halloween Ball, Annual Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo and The Dinner with the Dead. Where: At various locations in Salem… Which, if you didn’t know, is where the infamous witch trials occurred in the 1600s. Why it’s worth the trip: Because of the city’s historical significance, the best part about Salem’s Festival of the Dead is its odd brand of authenticity. But if you’ve ever been curious about modern-day witchcraft—and who isn’t?—this is the place to be. According to the festival’s official website, the Festival of the Dead is “an annual event series that explores death’s macabre customs, heretical histories, and strange rituals.” And although the entire month of October offers up such “strange rituals”—among them, seances and graveyard conjures which, let’s be honest, sound awesome—the festivities closely surrounding All Hallows Eve are considered the main attractions. These include the official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, Mourning Tea, the Dumb Supper and the Salem Witches’ Magic Circle. The Halloween Ball is perhaps the biggest draw, taking place on October 28. Held in the historic Hawthorne Hotel, it offers way more than your typical Halloween party—besides the costume contests, live music and performances, you’ll be treated to psychic readings, drum circles and ancient ‘magical’ rituals, among other things. And that, folks, is what makes this one of the best Halloween festivals around. The dance floor at the Witches’ ball during the Festival of the Dead in Salem, Massachusetts. Photo credit: Chad Champeaux, provided by Destination Salem Krewe of Boo Parade and other festivities in New Orleans, LA When: Halloween is celebrated throughout the month of October in New Orleans, but the celebrations truly pick up the two weeks before the actual holiday. Where: At various locations in New Orleans Why it’s worth the trip: Of course we had to include the American capital of voodoo and hauntings on our list of best Halloween festivals. After all, the famously devilish New Orleans always brings the ghosts to the party for this yearly blowout, which is second only to Mardi Gras in the city. And while ghost tours in the city are offered all year round, they’re particularly creepy during the Halloween season (naturally). You can catch one such tour in the French Quarter, or in Uptown and the Garden District. You can also visit the world-famous cemeteries, which feature eery above-ground tombs and boast hundreds of ghost-encounter stories. The annual Krewe of Boo parade has been welcoming the spirit world since 2007, and each year it grows in size. One thing is certain: Be prepared to catch flying swag thrown from the elaborately designed floats, or risk getting hit in the head. The parade typically begins at Elysian Fields and progresses through the French Quarter, passing through N. Peters and Decatur Streets, to Jackson Square, and then towards theWarehouse District, and all the way up to the Convention Center. And don’t miss the official after-party at Howlin Wolf. Naturally, it’s a costume party, so unless you want to look like a complete dud, wear something flashy. On Halloween proper, head to the streets—literally. On All Hallows Eve, the French Quarter comes alive with street parties, most notably in the Faubourg Marginy. And while you’re here, you might want to stop by a voodoo shop or two… Just be careful with that purchase… One of the many parade floats at the New Orleans Halloween parade. Photo credit: New Orleans Convention and Visitor’s Bureau The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, Long Beach, CA When: September 30 through October 31. Dark Harbor is open 7 p.m. to midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Where: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach Why it’s worth the trip: Located on, and near, an already infamously haunted ship, it’s no wonder that the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is considered one of the best Halloween festivals in the country, offering a combination of interactive haunted house and themed carnival. Plus, tickets start at $20 online, meaning you can almost surely afford to get in, at least. The inspiration for this frightening festival, the RMS Queen Mary, took her maiden voyage in 1936 and is the final resting place for souls from that era, or so it is said. Some sources say there are as many as 150 known spirits on the ship, and they have no intention of leaving. So the best thing you can do is show them a good time and hang out with them this October. You can even stay on the ship if you’re feeling very, very brave. But that’s not all—Dark Harbor also offers some of the spookiest haunted mazes around. They’re so detailed that you may actually find yourself questioning what’s real and what’s fake…making it one of the best Halloween festivals, period. Don’t be surprised if you make a new friend or two at the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor. Photo provided by The ACE Agency and Queenmary.com Tagged: Holidays Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Alexandra Olsen Latest posts by Alexandra Olsen (see all) Halloween around the world: more than tricks and treats - October 31, 2016 4 best Halloween festivals that will fuel your obsession - October 10, 2016 Fall hikes you need to try on the East Coast - September 29, 2016 Related Posts Cheap Valentine’s Day dates for you and your sweetheart By Michelle Schuman 6 family-friendly Memorial Day weekend trips By Dalia Colon 5 best Labor Day getaways in America By Ally Marotti 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 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 2 Comments 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 America’s best public Christmas trees and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2015/12/americas-best-public-christmas-trees/.CaptchaSubmit Ally MarottiDecember 21, 2015 Leave a comment It’s Christmastime. In towns big and small all over America, people are gathering around Christmas trees as they are illuminated for the first time this year. Some of those trees are iconic, adorning Christmas ornaments and postcards, but for some of them, their glory lies in their story. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a dime to take in their majesty, save for the cup of hot chocolate you’ll likely buy on your way. Take a look at this list of some of America’s best public Christmas trees. The Iconic Tree: Rockefeller Center Tree | Flickr CC: Shinya Suzuki Rockefeller Center, New York City — This is about as iconic as you can get when it comes to Christmas trees. New York City’s massive tree overlooks the ice skating rink in Rockefeller Plaza and has made it into many a classic Christmas movie scene. Something that really makes this tree iconic though, is its origins. The New York Times did a story earlier this month that revealed the history of the tree, noting that hard-working Italian immigrants first pushed a tree up in 1931 after a long day of constructing the city into what we know it as today. Chicago’s Christmas tree sits in front of the city’s skyline at Millennium Park. Photo: Ally Marotti Millennium Park, Chicago — Chicago’s giant public Christmas tree usually sits in the middle of the German Christmas market, Christkindlmarket, in Daley Plaza in the heart of downtown, but this year it was moved to Millennium Park. Now it rises above Cloud Gate (aka, the Bean) in front of Chicago’s skyline. Gifted trees: Boston Christmas Tree | Flickr CC: Eric Kilby Boston Christmas Tree — A tree has been lit in Boston each year since 1941, and since 1971, each tree has come from Nova Scotia. Illuminated in Boston Common, the tree is gifted to the city each year by Nova Scotia as a thank you for assistance provided during the 1917 Halifax explosion, which destroyed much of the city. Boston sent help immediately, although their train was delayed by a blizzard. Still, the Nova Scotians never forgot. The Christmas tree inside Union Station in Washington D.C. is a gift from Norway. Photo: Chris Gladis – Flickr Union Station, Washington D.C. — Norway gifts a Christmas tree to Washington D.C. each year as a symbol of friendship with the U.S. and as a thank you for the help the U.S. provided to Norway during World War II. The tree is displayed in Union Station, and the Norwegian Embassy chooses a theme with which to decorate the tree each year. In 2013, when the theme was Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” the tree was fashioned with dozens of tiny reflective versions of the shrieking man in Norway’s most famous painting. This year’s theme is Norwegian music. Public Square Park, Nashville — The Christmas tree in downtown Nashville is often gifted to the city by residents. This year, Tammie Myles donated 42-foot Norway spruce to honor her parents. It will be decorated with 5,000 lights. This idea of individuals donating Christmas trees is common throughout the country, especially when the trees or activities surround them feature some sort of charitable aspect. Local Christmas tree farms will often donate trees for display near the courthouse. Big trees in small squares: The Christmas tree in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square. Photo: Marc Cappelletti – Flickr. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia — Rittenhouse Square is one of five original open spaces in Philadelphia planned by William Penn. It is about two short blocks long on eachside, and in December a 30-foot Christmas Tree rises out of its center. It makes the little historical park even cozier. Fireworks go off at the tree lighting ceremony in Fountain Square in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photo: 5ch4r7z – Flickr. Fountain Square, Cincinnati — The Christmas tree dominates downtown Cincinnati’s Fountain Square each December, and shadows the temporary ice skating rink that is assembled nearby each year. The smaller size of the square, which is mostly enclosed by the city’s skyscrapers, makes the tree seem even bigger and more festive. When the trees don’t move: Town Square Lighting, Jackson Hole — Instead of decorating one giant tree, Jackson Hole sets Town Square ablaze with multiple tree lightings. Fitting in with its outdoorsy M.O., the town does not cut down any trees for its Christmas celebrations, so it earns a spot on our list for being environmentally aware. Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho | Flickr CC: Tracy Hunter Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — A nearly 200-foot grand fir at Coeur d’Alene Resort is decorated with tens of thousands of lights and at one point set the world record for the tallest living Christmas tree. The star on top is 10 feet alone. Sardy House Tree, Aspen — This is the 31st year the owners of the Sardy House illuminate the large fir tree on the corner of Main and Aspen streets in Aspen. (New owners spent $250,000 to amp up the lighting in 2006). It is strewn with 10,000 LED lights hooked up to a system that can emulate everything from fireworks to a cascading waterfall. The glory of using a live tree? The lights stay on year-round and can be used during other holiday celebrations. Tagged: Cheap Tips, Festivals, FREE!, Holidays, New York City, Seasonal Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Ally Marotti Latest posts by Ally Marotti (see all) Free tapas: An insider look at Spain’s tastiest dining tradition - October 25, 2016 Cheap Right Now: San Juan, Puerto Rico in October - October 5, 2016 6 cheap hotels in San Diego you’ll actually want to stay in - September 9, 2016 Related Posts 7 best free museums to hit this fall By Ally Marotti 5 best Labor Day getaways in America By Ally Marotti Awesome Mardi Gras parties that aren’t in New Orleans By Kelly Aiglon The CheapTickets guide to experiential gift giving By Ally Marotti
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 3 movies that changed the music scene forever and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2015/12/3-movies-that-changed-the-music-scene-forever/.CaptchaSubmit Alexander SantoDecember 3, 2015 Leave a comment Since the beginning of the format, movies have been inextricably tied to music. Energy packed opening theme songs propel the film into motion and soaring orchestras enhance the emotional impact of poignant scenes. On the other hand, movies have the ability to catapult an otherwise unmemorable song into the limelight. These three movies that changed the music scene did so more than the rest: not only were they elevated by their soundtracks, they also left a lasting impact on the music scene, changing it for the better. 1. “Live and Let Die” The James Bond franchise has long been associated with iconic music. Each film’s opening credits feature a powerful track by one of the top performers of the day. Some are hits, while others are less than killer. The verdict is still out on Sam Smith’s song for “Spectre,” but there are more than 50 years of Bond music to listen to and evaluate. Rolling Stone called “The Man With the Golden Gun” the absolute worst song of the bunch, due to its creepy unambiguous lyrics. Paul and Linda McCartney’s “Live and Let Die,” however, is absolute lyrical gold. The New Orleans-based Bond film of the same name was the first Bond flick to feature a rock and roll track, and it absolutely delivered. If you want to get away for the weekend and rock out in the French Quarter with the femme fatale or MI6 agent in your life, you don’t need to break Her Majesty’s royal bank. Scoring cheap rock concert tickets and being suave go together like olives in a dirty martini. 2. “This Is Spinal Tap” The cult classic mockumentary “This is Spinal Tap” wasn’t an immediate hit, but since its release on home video, the fictional band has gained quite the following. The stars of the film have gone from faking British accents on screen to releasing actual full-length albums. They’ve even performed live for packed houses around the globe. In an interview with The Wrap, one of the film’s stars, Christopher Guest, said that the band has even played Carnegie Hall, any musician’s dream. Spinal Tap’s “Smell the Glove” tour might not have gone so well, but you can follow their route down the west coast by seeing some live shows in venues between Seattle and San Francisco. 3. “School of Rock” This Jack Black comedy introduced 70s and 80s rock and roll to an all-new audience. Both in the film and in theaters across the country, kids were introduced to Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and The Clash, among other heavy hitting classic rock bands. It’s been 12 years since the film’s release, meaning that all of the child actors have grown up, some of whom have made big careers in show business. Give a nod to the kids of Horace Green Prep by nabbing some cheap classic rock tickets in a city near you. For those about to rock on the cheap, we salute you! Tagged: California, City, Music, New York City, Uncategorized Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Alexander Santo Latest posts by Alexander Santo (see all) A symphony of flavor: How to pair food and music - January 5, 2016 Scalping 101: step 1, don’t - December 22, 2015 6 travel destinations inspired by famous musicals - December 16, 2015 Related Posts America’s most amazing meals for $10 or less By Elisa Drake Infuse a little Om into your city getaway – for... By Erica Bray Shop talk: 6 of the best thrift stores in America By Dalia Colon Hitting up a major fest in 2019? Book these unique... By Sharael Kolberg
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 travel-inspired, DIY Halloween costume ideas and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2015/10/5-travel-inspired-diy-halloween-costume-ideas/.CaptchaSubmit Dalia ColonOctober 21, 2015 1 Comment Spending so much on a Halloween costume that you have to dip into your travel fund? Now that’s scary. Fortunately, these DIY costume ideas leave plenty of cash for your next wanderlust fix while letting everyone know that travel is your idea of a treat. Parisian mime: A striped shirt and a beret are all you really need to channel your inner Marcel Marceau. If you want to go all out, add a scarf, white gloves and some pale makeup. Credit dresscorilynn.com. Venetian gondolier: If you’d rather apply that striped shirt to a costume that doesn’t render you mute for the evening, then try this Italian idea. A straw hat, red sash, red scarf and oar (cardboard if you must) complete the look. Credit: littlepim.com. Waldo and Carmen Sandiego: Where in the world is this adventure-seeking couple off to? Anywhere they want. Striped shirt, hat and glasses for him. Red trench coat, yellow scarf and hat for her. Done. Credit Ashley Baccam. Travel bug: Here’s the perfect getup for a witty wanderer. Drape yourself in an old map, and attach pipe cleaners to a headband for homemade antennae. For bonus points, complete the look with a set of store-bought wings. Credit kianablaire.com. Pizza rat: There are so many dignified costume ideas around the Big Apple—Statue of Liberty, a firefighter, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. But no. This is the year of the pizza rat. Remember that New York City rodent who was caught on video carrying a slice of pizza down the stairs of a subway station? No need to get fancy with the costume. A simple gray sweatsuit, mouse ears and oversized slice of pizza made from poster board will do the trick. Credit: halloweencostumes.com. Royal family: The family that dresses up together, stays together all night. To make like Queen Elizabeth, just hit up a thrift store (or your grandma’s closet) for some matronly duds and a matching handbag. For the royal guards, embellish a red jacket, step into some black pants—er, trousers—and for the hat, glue some black fleece to a cardboard tube, and affix with a gold cord. Bloody brilliant. Credit costume-works.com. Tagged: Holidays, International, New York City, Uncategorized Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Dalia Colon Latest posts by Dalia Colon (see all) These 7 dessert fests are the sweetest thing ever - October 7, 2019 America’s 10 weirdest summer festivals - May 9, 2018 Top 10 cheap things to do in Fort Lauderdale - April 23, 2018 Related Posts Cities where the public transportation is part of the experience By Dalia Colon Cheap Valentine’s Day dates for you and your sweetheart By Michelle Schuman The best layover cities in Europe 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 Find discounted tickets to fall’s biggest events and is located at https://www.cheaptickets.com/blog/2015/09/find-discounted-tickets-to-falls-biggest-events/.CaptchaSubmit Ally MarottiSeptember 24, 2015 Leave a comment Forget pumpkin carving and apple picking, your wish list of things to do this fall is a bit more ambitious. You are hoping to catch that once-in-a-blue-moon soccer game, or hit up an Oktoberfest at a legit brewery. You want to attend a huge charity concert in Central Park, and see a world religious leader speak. Sure, sure, you’ll check out the beautiful foliage along the way. You just need a little help getting there—financially that is. Cheap Tickets has your back. Check out the event ticket part of Cheaptickets.com, and use the promo code TICKETS10 for 10% off. Global Citizen Festival Great Lawn in Central Park New York, New York Sept. 26, 12 p.m. Tickets start at $152 Bird’s-eye-view of the 2014 Global Citizens Festival. Courtesy of Anthony Quintano. Headliners of this annual festival include Beyoncé, Coldplay (sold!), Pearl Jam and Ed Sheeran. If that’s not star-studded enough, tack on a list of hosts that includes Stephen Colbert, Salma Hayek, Hugh Jackman, Kerry Washington and Olivia Wilde. Proceeds go toward the eradication of extreme poverty. Austin City Limits Zilker Park Austin, Texas Oct. 2-4, 9-11 Three-day pass starts at $415 Iggy Azalea performs at Austin City Limits. Courtesy of Ralph Arvesen. Leave it to Austin City Limits to pack in the most musical goodness into two weekends as humanly possible. Acts such as Drake, Foo Fighters, Alt-J, Hozier, Modest Mouse, The Decemberists, A$AP Rocky, and Walk the Moon will be gracing the stage, just to name a few. It’s important to save money on the ticket purchase since hotel rates will likely go up during these two weekends as well. Oktoberfest Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Chico, California Oct. 4-7 Tickets start at $104 Courtesy of Steven Guzzardi. Don your lederhosen and raise your glass for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest celebration. This is the first year the festival will span three days, and a fabulous alternative to forking out the cash to travel across the pond to Germany. Prost! CONCACAF Cup: United States vs. Mexico Rose Bowl Pasadena, California Oct. 10, 6 p.m. Tickets start at $156 U.S. Men’s National Team in 2013. Courtesy of Erik Drost. More than 90,000 fans are expected to turn out for this high-stakes clash against the U.S. Men’s’ National Team and Mexico. A win here will be the USMNT’s ticket to the Confederations Cup in Russia, which will let the team scope out the stage they’ll be entering in World Cup 2018. Teams that make it to the Confederations Cup always have an advantage in the subsequent World Cup, and the USMNT is gunning for it. An American in Paris The Palace Theater New York, New York Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $71 (check out a matinee for a cheaper show) An American in Paris. Courtesy of James Joel. The story of an American World War II veteran in Paris trying to make a name for himself as a painter, who falls in love with a French girl. Gene Kelly made the musical famous with the 1951 movie, and Broadway will bring it to life again this fall. Critics are saying it’s not to be missed. Ohio State University vs. Michigan Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Michigan Nov. 28, time TBA Tickets start at $137 Courtesy ofScott Stuart. If you can score tickets to this game, you’re the envy of tens of thousands of Ohio State and Michigan fans. In fact, if you’ve spent too much money on other fall events, you’ll do yourself a favor and resell these tickets. But if you care at all about college football, this game is not to be missed. The OSU/Michigan rivalry is heralded as one of the thickest competitions in the sport, transcending generations. Tagged: Cheap Tips, Limited-time Offers, Music, New York City, Sports Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site. Bio Latest Posts Ally Marotti Latest posts by Ally Marotti (see all) Free tapas: An insider look at Spain’s tastiest dining tradition - October 25, 2016 Cheap Right Now: San Juan, Puerto Rico in October - October 5, 2016 6 cheap hotels in San Diego you’ll actually want to stay in - September 9, 2016 Related Posts The music genres that dominate America, and where to see... By Michelle Schuman How to follow your favorite band across the country By Michelle Schuman The 8 most epic Super Bowl halftime shows ever By Jesse Betend