Summer Adventures in Asheville

For many, summer means visits to theme parks, beaches and baseball stadiums. However, if you are looking to travel to a family-friendly place that offers more than coasters, crabs and Cracker Jacks, head to Asheville, North Carolina. Stroll through the picturesque downtown and you immediately sense that very few people have been able to resist the pull of this Blue Ridge beauty. After all, it’s not every day that you can immerse yourself in a city that boasts an eccentric hodgepodge of architectural styles that change from block to block. Asheville features everything from traditional southern homes with grand sweeping … Continue reading →

Cheap Presidents’ Day Travel Destinations

Presidents’ Day is just a few hours away. Where will you be spending the holiday? If you are lucky, you won’t be working on the Congress-concocted celebration marking the birth of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and the other former leaders of the free world. Consequently, you have the opportunity to explore the home base of our current president. Washington, D.C. is a frugal traveler’s dream destination. Our nation’s capital is filled with free and cheap attractions that will keep family members of all ages entertained. Many of the area’s museums, monuments and other noteworthy attractions are run by the federal … Continue reading →

The Benefits of Bundling

We all know about the bundling options available for cable TV, Internet and phone service, but did you know there are similar ways to save money when it comes to traveling? Package deals and all-inclusive options give frugal travelers the opportunity to get more bang for their buck. When selecting an all-inclusive travel deal you pay one price up front to cover a range of travel expenses, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, plus meals and beverages. In other cases, you may opt to stay at an all-inclusive resort. These properties are attractive to budget conscious travelers who are looking … Continue reading →

Have a Merry New York Christmas

It’s been nearly eight years since I posed in front of New York’s most famous Christmas tree. The towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree serves as a seasonal centerpiece in the Big Apple during the holidays, but it’s just one of many, many highlights you will experience if you decide to spend December in NYC. Other must-visit holiday-themed attractions include: Soak in spectacular views of the city from 70 stories up at 30 Rock’s Top of the Rock observation deck. Kick your holiday season into gear by taking in a magical Christmas performance at Radio City Music Hall. Remember the true … Continue reading →

Cranberry Madness In Massachusetts

Did you know 27% of the world’s cranberries come from Massachusetts? It’s not exactly the best-known statistic around, but it’s a fact residents of the state are proud of nonetheless. The cranberry industry is Massachusetts’ number one agricultural crop, according to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association. What’s more, leaders of the growers association maintain that Massachusetts is where the cranberry industry was born. Which means if you plan to visit the area during harvest season you are in for a real treat. In the early autumn months the New England state best known for its ties to American history … Continue reading →

Fall in Florida

Thanks to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, most of us have seen a substantial increase in TV commercials touting the finer points of Florida travel. Even my 6-year-old can tell you that Florida’s beaches are clean and open to the public… and we live in Wisconsin. Given all that has transpired in the last few months, I figured I would give Florida some coverage in this blog. Not Orlando. After all, the home to the world’s most famous mouse helps the state top travel lists as one of the most visited places in the United States. Rather, I plan to … Continue reading →

Tours of the Hood

When contemplating a trip to California most people place Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Monterey Bay Aquarium at the top of their must-see lists. At the bottom of most must-see attraction lists are L.A.’s gang-ridden ghettos. Ironically, though, the city’s violent hoods are making headlines for being a hot tourist spot. For $65 per person (and a signature on a waiver that acknowledges they could be crime victims) visitors can hop on a bus and take an official L.A. Gang Tour. The paid tour of some of Los Angeles’ darkest neighborhoods was the brainchild of Alfred Lomas, a former member of … Continue reading →

Holiday Love in NYC

So much to see, so little time to take it all in. If you are traveling to the Big Apple this month, you will be delighted (and probably a bit overwhelmed) by all the holiday happenings. In addition to the traditional haunts—-Rockefeller Plaza, Macy’s and FAO Schwartz-—there is a slew of other seasonal stops you should consider making. Start at Barneys New York, at 666 Madison Avenue near 61st. You don’t have to bring your wallet to have fun here. Just peer into the store’s windows. This year the upscale retailer is celebrating with characters from a different genre: Its … Continue reading →

Spending the Holidays in New York City

I love spending the holidays in New York City. The problem is, so do millions of other people. If you don’t mind dealing with huge crowds, then soaking up the sights and sounds of the season in one of the world’s most magical cities, should be on your to-do list this month. At the top of your must-see list should be Rockefeller Center. Its world-famous tree and ice skating rink serve as amazing backdrops to family photos. In addition, Radio City Music Hall, the view from Top of the Rock, and the observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza are equally … Continue reading →

New York Lights the Way for the Summer Olympics

New York is sizzling hot… with Olympic fever. Despite the fact that the Summer Games are taking place a half a world away (and technically the Opening Ceremonies are already over), beginning tonight New York’s Empire State Building will pay tribute to the Olympics by illuminating the four sides of the famed tower with the colors of countries’ flags. For the next 16 nights, the world’s most famous building (well, one of them anyway) will honor the top 66 countries (based on the number of athletes on each national team) using colored plastic gels over 182 floodlights. Tonight, the north … Continue reading →