Destinations
Posted November 17, 2010 by Kate Hamman
York exudes English charm, especially along its winding medieval street called the Shambles. However, don't be fooled by its picturesque setting, as the city has plenty of secrets lurking in the shadows, including its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Get to know the town by walking through its spooky history, dining with its ghosts, and drinking its tea inspired by an infamous ocean liner.
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The Ghost Trail of York: The Ghost Trail of York takes you along darkened streets at night, while you listen to tales of murder, plague, heartbreak, and revenge beyond the grave. A costumed guide waits in front of the York Minster every night at 7:30 p.m., regardless of weather, to reveal the gruesome and tragic events of York's past. Tickets cost £4.00 (about $6.00 U.S.; check XE.com for current conversion rates) and the tour lasts about one hour and 15 minutes.
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Golden Fleece: When you go to a pub for spirits, it's unlikely you're thinking of the dearly departed variety. The Golden Fleece, however, typically serves both. Built in 1503, you'll find York's most haunted drinking establishment across from the historical Shambles. Skip the drinks and go right to the main attraction of comfort foods, such as homemade Yorkshire pudding. Try not to be too alarmed if you catch sight of Lady Peckett, one of the five resident spirits. For a haunting good time, you can also rent one of the four rooms and spend the night with your newfound friends. Entrees start at £6.25.
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Bettys Café Tea Rooms: Bettys Café Tea Rooms on St. Helen's Square captures the elegance of afternoon tea with absolute precision. Inspired by the founder's maiden voyage aboard the Queen Mary in 1936, the ornate and extravagant interior is reminiscent of the grand ocean liner which, incidentally, is haunted. A cup of the Tea Room Blend costs £2.95, but order Yorkshire Cream Tea, served in a piping hot pot with two scones, preserves, and clotted cream for £7.95, for a truly authentic experience.
To search for flights and compare prices to Leeds, which is home to York’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: VisitYork.org)
Posted November 11, 2010 by Kate Hamman
Just north of San Francisco, leave your hectic workaday pace behind as you encounter farms with grazing cattle, meadows of wildflowers, and especially rows of grapevines. This is Glen Ellen, Sonoma, where Jack London found his inspiration and agriculturists work the soil to produce top-notch wines, vegetables, and even flowers. Taste the fruits of their labor with a glass of Cabernet and a gourmet meal while you unwind and let the chaos slip away.
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Glen Ellen Inn: Looking for a place to hide from the outside world? Look no further than the secret cottages of Glen Ellen Inn. With creekside views, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and a lack of in-room phones, these private, free-standing bungalows are just the place to lay low. Because of the inn's location close to downtown Glen Ellen and many of the area's vineyards, you can still get in a day of wine-tasting and shopping without having to travel too far. If you decide you never want to leave your little hideaway, the on-site Glen Ellen Inn Oyster Grill & Martini Bar brings the local scene inside with California-fusion inspired dishes paired with regional wines. Prices start at $149 for weeknights and $239 for weekends during high season.
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Valley of the Moon Winery: If you want a different type of escape, take a walk in the Valley of the Moon, where the wines are heavenly. Operating since 1863, this winery is the oldest in Glen Ellen, and pairs contemporary wine making with time-honored traditions. Free tours of the expansive grounds run twice daily, taking you through historical stone buildings, ancient trees, and fertile land. Complimentary tastings are offered between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, and you'll find classic Sonoma-style reds and whites, as well as a smooth vintage port.
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Oak Hill Farm of Sonoma: Though it sells much of its bounty to local restaurateurs and markets, including San Francisco's famous Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Oak Hill Farm welcomes visitors to eat off the fat of the land, too. With the Mayacamas Mountains as a backdrop and set among 700 acres of protected wildlands, the Red Barn Store, a 100-year-old dairy barn, sells vegetables, fruits, and herbs, as well as flowers and wreaths produced on its 45-acre organic farm. Prices reflect the quality of the produce, but it doesn't cost a thing to inhale a more agrarian-side of life.
Use our price-comparison tool to search for flights and compare prices to Oakland, San Francisco, and Sacramento, which are home to Glen Ellen’s nearest major airports.
(Photo: Oak Hill Farm of Sonoma)
Posted November 3, 2010 by Kate Hamman
When it comes to a politically charged atmosphere, Washington, D.C., has the market cornered. Not only is it the place our president calls home, but you can uncover hidden secrets by taking a ride through its history or eavesdropping over cocktails in a local lounge. After you've finished your sleuthing, you can dine on organic dishes to clear your conscience.
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Bi-Partisan Tour Company: Honor our country's freedom of choice by choosing to be the driver and navigator of your own tour of the nation's capital. The Bi-Partisan Tour Company encourages either side to ride in their very own red-and-blue electrical roadster, in which historical facts and scandalous secrets are revealed at almost every turn. You can even don a rubber mask of your favorite political figure and hit the streets as a true leader. Tours run a bit steep at $75 per person, but the direction-savvy can ride for $40 without the added benefits of GPS navigation and storytelling. Don't forget to bring along your mobile phone, as the company offers free two-to-four minute recorded tours.
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Lounge 201: With dynamite drink specials Tuesday through Friday, this hip Capitol Hill lounge adds new meaning to "happy hour." On Tuesdays, you can choose from a range of sweet and savory martinis to suit almost any taste, including the Tiramisu Tini and the Red Caramel Apple, for half the original price. Grab a cocktail and listen to the lively political discussions by White House aides who hang out here, because you never know what you might overhear. Martinis start at $9, but don't forget to ask about the daily specials to get the best deal.
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Restaurant Nora: America's first certified organic restaurant, Nora has been enticing the District's environmentalists and politicians with fresh seasonal dishes since 1989. It's rumored to be a Clinton favorite. Originally a grocery store in the 19th century, the main dining room has always been home to food. Antique Mennonite and Amish crib quilts decorate the walls as you dine on dishes such as fragrant Amish veal with cashew curry. Entrees start at $25.
To search for flights and compare prices to Washington, D.C., please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Index Open)
Posted October 29, 2010 by Kate Hamman
Once a Victorian seaport, Amelia Island has a fascinating past. Experience pieces of the island's history in the Fernandina Beach district, where you can stay in Florida's oldest operating hotel and drink at the state's longest-running bar. And when you get hungry, a funky restaurant will bring you back into the 21st century without charging too much inflation.
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Florida House Inn: The Florida House Inn is the oldest surviving hotel in the state, and once housed famous guests like Ulysses S. Grant and comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. These days, the hotel hosts a slew of different activities, ranging from Carolina shag dance lessons to bluegrass jam sessions. Ten of the 22 rooms come with fireplaces. Prices start at $109 per night, and include breakfast and free scooter rentals.
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The Palace Saloon: The Palace Saloon is not only the oldest continuously run bar in Florida, but it also holds the title as the first hard-liquor joint to serve Coca-Cola. Once the gathering place of sailors and captains docked along Fernandina's harbor, the Palace still welcomes patrons with a thirst for adventure. Pull up a stool and order a cocktail as you listen to the live entertainment that plays daily.
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Cafe Karibo: This eclectic restaurant may not be the oldest in town, but its broad menu is one for the history books. You can support the island's thriving shrimp industry with a plate of shrimp and grits, or sample items ranging from turkey meatloaf to seared ahi tuna. Eat inside or under the large oak trees on the garden patio. Dinner entrees start at $14.
To search for flights and compare prices to Jacksonville, which is home to Amelia Islands’s closest airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Amelia Island Tourist Development Council)
Posted October 20, 2010 by Kate Hamman
With mountains to hike, open spaces to bike, and a heartfelt concern for Mother Earth, Boulder is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. Come eat at a cafe that goes above and beyond its green practices by creating hearty and satisfying dishes. Then shop at an REI with an eco-friendly attitude and design before returning to an inn where you can relax knowing that the innkeepers are doing their part to help nature. Plus, you won't have to go broke to appreciate the splendor of the area.
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The Kitchen: The Kitchen prides itself on being green by recycling or reusing 100 percent of everything it discards, using only biodegradable paper products, and relying on wind-powered energy. The bistro's dinner menu, featuring dishes like braised pork cheek ravioli, changes nightly depending on what's fresh. Upstairs, there's a comfortable wine-and-beer lounge, where food is prepared in a wood-fired oven. Dinner features over 20 shared plates and you can dine family-style for $47 per person.
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REI: As a prototype for green retail stores, Boulder's REI goes beyond selling outdoor gear and aims to reduce its environmental footprint. The shop is LEED certified and incorporates recycling, composting, water and energy conservation, and indoor air quality improvement into its design. Come shop for all of your adventure needs while taking comfort in how the store is keeping Mother Earth fit for all your future outings. Prices vary from item to item.
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Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast: Besides being an eco-friendly place to stay, where recycling and composting are at the top of the list, the Briar Rose aims to bring tranquility and peace into the heart of Boulder. You can have a cup of tea anytime throughout the day next to the wood-burning fireplace, snuggle into organic cotton sheets, and enjoy a full-service organic breakfast. Rooms start at $139 per night.
To search for flights and compare prices to Denver, which is home to Boulders’s closest airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(photo: iStockphoto)
Posted October 13, 2010 by Kate Hamman
With movies, music, or art around nearly every corner, Austin is a student's dream getaway. However, whether you're in school or just young at heart, you don't have to be rich to have a good time. Come watch a movie in a theater with a killer beer selection, shop in a store filled with offbeat antiques, and eat pancakes at 4 a.m. at an all-night diner.
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Find a film to fit any mood at one of the three Alamo Drafthouses in Austin. Once you're seated, you can order drinks and food during the show. There's an impressive selection of beers on tap and in the bottle. And if you're in need of sustenance, you can order standard fried pub fare, pizzas, and sandwiches. Each seat comes equipped with a table and order forms.
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Uncommon Objects: Whether or not you love to shop, pay a visit to Uncommon Objects to appreciate its range of oddball antiques and vintage collectables. You never know what you may find buried amongst the purses, jewelry, photos, dolls, and the like. And with an amazing array of quirky and unique items like mannequin hands or vintage family portraits, this store is all about uncovering your own kind of treasure. Prices vary, but you may just unearth a steal if you dig deep enough.
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Magnolia Cafe: Magnolia Cafe is so serious about offering top-notch diner food "24 hours, eight days a week" that they've hung a neon sign outside apologizing for being open. The two locations in Austin serve a wide range of pasta, burgers, fish, steaks, and breakfast items. So, no matter what hour of the day you're craving pancakes, Magnolia is there with a stack of your favorite fix. Pancakes will set you back a mere $4.75, and almost everything else on the menu costs under $10.
To search for flights and compare prices to Austin, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: iStockPhoto.com/Terry J Alcorn)
Posted October 5, 2010 by Kate Hamman
With a name like Greensboro, it's not surprising that this North Carolina city is turning its focus to sustainable practices. Here, you can stay in an over-the-top-green hotel, dine on upscale farm-to-table dishes, and support local vendors at a farmers' market, all the while keeping your savings intact.
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Proximity Hotel: Designed and constructed following Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design's (LEED) standards, the Proximity Hotel is green from the ground floor up. More than 70 sustainable practices have been incorporated into the hotel, including a solar-paneled rooftop and recycled materials. Each room features seven-foot-tall windows that offer ample natural lighting and views of the outdoors. Rooms start at about $189 per night.
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Green Valley Grill: As a sister property to the Proximity Hotel, the Green Valley Grill uses fresh local ingredients in its European-inspired cuisine. By upholding the belief that "the nearer the farm to the fork the better the flavor," the restaurant creates tantalizing dishes such as parmesan-crusted chicken and lemon-rosemary duck breast. You can also sample North Carolina wines to pair with your dinner. Entrees start at $15.95.
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Farmers' Curb Market: Opening in 1874, the Farmers' Curb Market is one of the oldest in North Carolina and to this day becomes a veritable smorgasbord of local crafts, produce, meats, and treats every Saturday morning during the summer. Many vendors' goods come straight from the farm, where they were handpicked fresh that morning. Items are priced accordingly, but the way you'll feel about supporting the local industry is priceless.
To search for flights and compare prices to Greensboro, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Proximity Hotel)
Posted September 27, 2010 by Kate Hamman
With a name like Independence, it's not surprising that a president was born, raised, and retired in this Missouri town. You can walk in Harry S. Truman's footsteps at a museum dedicated to his life and legacy, sit at a soda fountain on the site where he once worked, and shop in the same square where he launched his career. Best of all, Independence is so very affordable, you may decide to stay.
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Harry S. Truman Library and Museum: Pay a visit to the Harry S. Truman museum to learn more about the man behind the presidency. Explore the ongoing exhibits of Truman's experiences before, during, and after his years in the White House. You can also discover more about his life through letters exchanged between him and his wife, Bess. The museum also features a nearly exact replica of the Oval Office, so you can see what it's like to be president for a day. Admission costs $8 per person.
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Clinton's Soda Fountain: History always tastes a little sweeter with an old-fashioned malt to go along with it. At Clinton's Soda Fountain (no relation to Bill or Hillary), you can sit at an old marble counter and imagine what it was like when Harry S. Truman worked at the original Clinton's Pharmacy and Soda Fountain on the same location. And though the original shop is no longer in service, you can still treat yourself to Harry's Favorite, a butterscotch sundae with chocolate ice cream for $4.19. The cafe also serves a range of sandwiches and hot dogs.
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The Independence Square: This historic, preserved square, where Truman began his political career, is the perfect place to spend a day browsing and taking in the sights. Wander through buildings dating back to 1827, where more than 30 antique and specialty shops sell one-of-a-kind crafts, art, and homemade goods. Prices vary according to shop, but the real value is walking in the footsteps of history.
To search for flights and compare prices to Kansas City, which is home to Independence’s closest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Missouri Division of Tourism)
Posted September 20, 2010 by Kate Hamman
In the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, you'll find a booming entertainment district known as Bricktown, where you can spend countless hours but not necessarily a lot of money. Here, you can bowl in a chic alley/lounge before heading to a brewpub for signature ales. If you get hungry, try one of the best burgers in the city at a locally-owned joint.
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RedPin Restaurant & Bowling Lounge: RedPin has put a cool spin on the typical bowling alley by serving hip cocktails and food alongside its 10 lanes. Now you can bowl, drink, eat, or sit outside on the largest canal-front patio in Bricktown, without ever leaving the building. Games cost $2.50 during happy hour (Mondays through Fridays, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.), while shoes will run you $3.25 per rental.
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Bricktown Brewery: Come have a cold one at the very first brewpub in the state of Oklahoma. At Bricktown Brewery, you can sample the five rotating beers on tap for $4.95, including the popular Copperhead Amber Ale or Bison American Wheat Ale, which have been around since the pub first opened in 1992. Weekends, when live bands play, can be a particularly hopping time.
To search for flights and compare prices to Oklahoma City, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: iStockphoto.com/Beverly Martin)
Posted September 17, 2010 by Kate Hamman
Located in Mashantucket, Connecticut, Foxwoods is a destination unto itself. But, it has more to offer than just gambling. While here, you can learn about the Pequot Tribe that runs the massive casino by exploring a nearby museum devoted to the Tribe's history. Then you can get your fill of all types of food at an affordable buffet, before returning to your room across the street from the noisy slot machines.
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Pequot Museum: Not far from Foxwoods, you'll find a tribally owned and operated museum featuring exhibits on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe's history and culture. Through a series of dioramas, text panels, computer programs, and films featured in the permanent display, you'll come to understand the evolution of the tribe. On top of this, the museum features native crafts and artwork in the galleries. Plus, walk through the life-sized Pequot Village and literally step back in time as you follow the tribe's movements from the Ice Age through the 19th century. Admission costs $15.
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Festival Buffet: No matter what type of food you're craving, the Festival Buffet in the Foxwoods Casino is sure to deliver something that will satisfy your needs. Here, you can dine on Asian, BBQ, Italian, seafood, and pastas all in one sitting. Plus, you can get fresh made-to-order risotto, steaks, and hot snow crab legs. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus rotate, so you can eat here almost every day without having the same thing twice. Prices for all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner start at $16.95, but the real bargain is breakfast for $10.50.
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Two Trees Inn: With four hotels to choose from, Foxwoods offers options for any budget. You'll find affordable country-style comfort at the Two Trees Inn, where you can relax by the inviting fireplace in the lobby. Located close to Foxwoods, the hotel provides a 24-hour courtesy shuttle that makes it easy to get to the action of the casino.
To search for flights and compare prices to Hartford and Providence, the nearest major airports, please use our price-comparison tool. (Photo: Index Open)
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