Northeast
Posted July 9, 2009 by Jamie Moore
Extend your baseball viewing addiction with a visit to the little town that loves America's pastime more than you do: Cooperstown, New York. Walk the hallways of the best-known sports shrine in the world after suppertime, when corridors are quiet and the ghosts and legends of baseball past stare back. Grab an enormous burger at a die-hard fan's diner, and take home a souvenir from a one-of-a-kind memorabilia shop.
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National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum: The museum's postseason exhibit, with World Series moments and artifacts from the last 100 years, is meant for junkies like you. Explore other exhibits and hear stories about Babe Ruth, women in baseball, and African-American players. Check out a ticket booth from Yankee Stadium and other pieces from ballparks of the past. Plus, your kids will love the scavenger hunts and sandlot clubhouse with a mini Miracle League field, games, and toys.
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National Pastime: This Main Street institution is one of Cooperstown's oldest memorabilia stores. For serious baseball fans, browsing these crowded aisles is like a visit to the Hall of Fame, except here you can take home whatever you like. Get baseball cards, photos, vintage jerseys, posters and other items you won't find anywhere else. If you're lucky enough to still catch them before they're snapped up, check out the sea-green Comiskey Park stadium seats or 1930s Cookie Lavagetto model split-finger glove. There are also broadside posters and stadium pins from the Negro League, or less expensive game patches and T-shirts from recent years.
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Cooperstown Diner: Don't leave town without downing the softball-sized half-pound burger at this tiny diner. It's your basic greasy spoon with character … and the occasional hungry Hall of Famer. The owner, who used to live in the Bronx near Yankee Stadium, loves talking to customers about baseball and sharing insider tips on Cooperstown.
To search for flights and compare prices to Albany, which is home to Cooperstown’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Cindy H., Landisville, PA/This is Cooperstown)
Posted July 7, 2009 by Kate Hamman
There's no denying that Hershey is America's very own chocolate town. Stay in an affordable lodge with cocoa perks, then satisfy your chocoholic craving at the Chocolate World. Just when you think you've had enough, end the night by sipping a dessert martini at the Hotel Hershey.
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Hershey Lodge: Chocolate lovers of all ages delight in the Hershey Lodge, where you're greeted with a Hershey's Bar and possibly a Hershey's character. Along with the many perks of staying at the lodge, including early entrance to Hershey Gardens and best-price tickets to Hersheypark during the summer, there's a range of package deals to make your stay even more economical and enjoyable. Non-package room rates start at $299 in the summer and kids under 17 stay free.
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Hershey's Chocolate World: Step into the realm of all things sweet at Hershey's Chocolate World, where you'll discover the largest collection of Hershey's chocolates, collectibles, and clothing in the world. Not only can you hop aboard a free ride that takes you through the history of chocolate, you can also have Hershey bars personalized with your own message. The Marketplace Shops sell the traditional Hershey's Chocolate standbys, as well as a range of items not sold in the U.S. such as the green tea Kisses.
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Iberian Lounge: Located inside the luxurious Hotel Hershey, the Iberian Lounge takes a sugar high to new heights, with its famous Hotel Hershey Martini made from rich chocolate and liquor with a Kiss. The lounge serves an array of other cocoa-inspired cocktails, as well as a double chocolate stout and a chocolate wine. While the hotel might be too expensive to stay the night, you can sit around the fireplace and celebrate your trip with something sweet.
Use our price-comparison tool to search for flights and compare prices to Harrisburg and Philadelphia, which are home to Hershey’s nearest major airports.
(Photo: Scott Dingman)
Posted June 30, 2009 by Amy Westervelt
Known for its fantastic beach, restored Victorians, and whale and bird-watching, Cape May is a prime tourist destination. Dozens of U.S. presidents have vacationed here, the Duchess of Windsor held her debutante party here, and many of the houses and haunts from the Gilded Age are in nearly the same shape today. Fortunately, you don't have to be a duchess or a Washington kingpin to have a good time in Cape May, as long as you know where to go.
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Beaches: It only costs a small price to frolic in the same waves that once crashed around our founding fathers. You'll want to visit Cape May Beach for its windswept beauty at least once while you're here. At sunset, head to famous Sunset Beach for prime views and the chance to pick up a few "Cape May diamonds" (quartz pebbles scattered throughout the sand). If you visit in spring or fall, keep an eye out for the 400-odd species of birds around the area. A one-day beach tag costs $5 and gets you into all of the Cape May beaches.
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George's Place: Cape May is the self-proclaimed restaurant capital of New Jersey, and there are certainly plenty of good eats to be had here. If you're in the mood for a reasonable and tasty breakfast or lunch, head to George's Place, a diner with a touch of seaside style, where you can chow down on breakfast quesadillas or chipped beef while Frank Sinatra croons on the stereo.
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John F. Craig House B&B: Every detail of this impressive 19th-century Carpenter Gothic home has been lovingly restored. The rooms are filled with antiques, wicker, and a good dose of whimsy, and have beds topped with dual-controlled heated mattress pads for those cold seaside nights. Breakfast is a lavish buffet, and the house is located just a block from the beach and the town's shops and restaurants. Rooms start at $195 per night.
To search for flights and compare prices to Atlantic City, which is home to Cape May’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: John Woodworth, iStockPhoto.com)
Posted June 23, 2009 by Jamie Moore
No place captures the scent of summer like a classic boardwalk. Take an early morning bike ride or a stroll at dusk as the aroma of French fries, saltwater taffy, and funnel cakes swirls in the sea air. Here you can roll up your sleeves and feast on fresh Maryland crabs, then feel some serious Gs on a roller coaster (maybe not in that order) before overnighting at a picturesque inn on the boardwalk.
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The Boardwalk: Travel Channel and USA Today both rank Ocean City's boardwalk among the best in America. On almost every night in summer there is something free going on. Feel like a kid again and delight in amusements and thrills of all kinds. Don't miss the antique carousel and the view from atop the Ferris wheel.
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Phillips Seafood Restaurant: An Ocean City legend just a block off the boardwalk, this restaurant is best known for its all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. On the menu, try the steamed hard shell crabs by the dozen or the traditional crab cakes made with the restaurant's original 1956 recipe. Crab imperial, baked in a cream sauce and topped with cheddar cheese, is a house specialty. Looking for a deal? Order some appetizers for take-out—a fun alternative to standard beach picnic fare.
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Inn on the Ocean: This enchanting oceanfront B&B right on the boardwalk is a quaint place to fall asleep to the roll of ocean surf. Relax in an elegantly appointed room or on the wrap-around veranda that overlooks the beach. Rates start at $275 per room in late summer ($135 in winter), a great value considering they include a huge gourmet breakfast, afternoon snacks, bicycles, beach umbrellas, and beach chairs.
To search for flights and compare prices to Salisbury, which is home to Ocean City’s nearest airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Town of Ocean City Tourism Office)
Posted June 4, 2009 by Kate Hamman
For many people, Maine is characterized by rocky cliffs, fishing villages, and lobster. Located on Mount Desert Island, the small coastal village of Bar Harbor surpasses these expectations. With local restaurants and comfortable inns, the town acts as a home base for those exploring the mountains, wildlife, and scenic drives through Acadia National Park.
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Cadillac Mountain: At 1,532 feet, Cadillac Mountain lays claim to being the highest point along the Atlantic seaboard. From its peak, early risers can be the first in the U.S. to witness the morning sun. For the late sleepers, breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, Bar Harbor, and ocean still make the trek worthwhile. The Park Loop road covers three-and-a-half miles to the top of the mountain, but also navigates through 27 miles of Mount Desert Island. Entrance to Acadia National Park is free November through April, but costs $20 per vehicle for seven-day admission from mid-June through early October and $10 from May through mid-June and early October to the end of the month.
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Coach Stop Inn: Take a step back in time with Bar Harbor's oldest inn, which has hosted visitors for more than 200 years. Surrounded by antique apple trees, the New England-style B&B combines the past with modern amenities. Breakfast gives new meaning to "rise and shine," as the award winning chef and owner prepares three courses each morning. Choices include items such as Pistachio Stuffed French Toast, Wild Maine Blueberry Fritters, and Eggs Peloponese. For an afternoon or midnight treat, you can snack on tea and confections from the 24-hour hot bar. Rooms start at $125, but discounts are available at different times throughout the year.
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Poor Boy's Gourmet: Serving hungry patrons for more than 21 years, Poor Boy's Gourmet combines classic New England cuisine with affordable prices. Early-birds who come between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. can take advantage of the $8.95 special featuring a range of dinner options such as Apricot Chicken or Baked Stuffed Haddock. The "Bottomless Bowl of Pasta" is also a favorite for $9.95, and includes a variety of choices such as Pasta Alfredo or Linguini Genovese. Most people come for the "Lobster Feast," however, which includes a boiled lobster, cup of lobster bisque or clam chowder, baked potato or pasta marinara, and a brownie a la mode for $18.95. Whatever you order, leave room for a selection of freshly made desserts like the seasonal wild blueberry pie.
To search for flights and compare prices to Bangor, which is home to Bar Harbor’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Index Open)
Posted June 2, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Blink and you could possibly miss New Hampshire's coastline, and the city of Portsmouth right along with it. Take the time, however, and you'll find yourself in a New England coastal village perfect for a late-summer or early-fall stroll. This once-industrial city has a revamped downtown area that houses fashionable boutiques in old brick buildings, as well as funky and fresh cuisine alongside the staples of fried seafood.
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Friendly Toast: The only word that comes to mind when describing this retro-funky-alternative-artsy diner is "wow." The ambiance here consists of one part obscure (spaceman bottle collection), one part bizarre (gigantic Kewpie doll), and a reasonable dose of color (crimson walls). Now it only makes sense that a place this eclectic would follow suit with its food, and that it does, but with the most delicious results. For example, the Orleans Fries—thin sweet potatoes sprinkled with brown sugar and Tabasco served with sour cream—are bits of deep-fried sweet and spicy for $8.25. Portions are massive across the menu, so visit when you're hungry.
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Breaking New Grounds: When God invented coffee shops; Breaking New Grounds must have broken the mold. This is not your traditional, run-of-the-mill chain coffeehouse. People behind-the-counter feel like long-lost neighbors, the fresh pastries are flaky and fruit-filled, and the coffee is rich and thick. No one is rushing or pushing, and there are plenty of places to sit and contemplate life, either at one of the many tables inside or outdoors on the brick sidewalk. Espresso drinks are comparable to the pricey drinks at major chains, but well worth it for the peace of mind.
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Gulliver's Travel Books & Maps: When it comes to travel, this little bookshop is your ticket to a trip around the world. Located down a side alley, it may be a little difficult to find. But once you descend the stairs, you'll be greeted with maps to almost anywhere in the world and will probably never get lost again. This basement of books is also filled with guides to, tales of, and advice on different destinations across the globe, so if you suffer from perpetual wanderlust, this is the place to get your fix. Books are priced accordingly, but browsing doesn't cost a thing.
To search for flights and compare prices to Boston, which is home to Portsmouth’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Friendly Toast-Robert Jasper)
Posted May 8, 2009 by Katie Blais
I cannot wait for summer. I need to get a tan and eat lobster up in Maine (a summer tradition like no other!) ASAP. On the 4th of July, I typically want to be sitting on a beach with a rum punch in my hand, but New York City, with Lady Liberty as its siren, is calling my name on this patriotic holiday.
It was announced today that the Statue of Liberty’s crown will reopen to the public starting July 4th— the first time since 9/11. Ten people will be allowed to enter at a time to catch glimpses of New York Harbor and Ellis Island.
The warmer months are the perfect time to break away from your regular schedule and relax with your friends and family. And with the economy being (let’s be honest here) a bit depressing, there’s no better time to visit that first beacon of hope and freedom that so many of our ancestors encountered when they arrived in this country. Plus, many hotels are offering Lady Liberty specials and the Ritz-Carlton even has a “libertini” cocktail in honor of the reopening.
So whether you usually jet to St. Barts (I had to give up my private beach house this year to cut back, hee hee) or choose a cheap summer vacation like staying in your own backyard and BBQ with friends, you need to find some way to soak up the summer and enjoy yourself.
Sadly, I have never been to the Statue of Liberty since I missed the school field trip and my brother would never take me there when I visited him in New York. This year, however, I may have to skip the beach and make my way down to the Big Apple to fight the crowds myself.
(Photo: www.wayfarying.info)
Posted April 30, 2009 by Nicki Krawczyk
It may not be my job to be your go-to girl for potential pandemics, but there seems to be so much crazy information out there regarding the swine flu and the ins and outs, ups and downs of travel, that I thought it might be a good idea to compile a bit of useful information.
First of all, three cheers for new media! Through the uber-easy-to-use media-darling Twitter, real information from valid sources can be disseminated quickly and easily to those who want to hear it. Case in point (and as reported by NPR) the Center for Disease Control has been tweeting like crazy to keep the public up to date about outbreak information.
Also, our good friends over at SmarterTravel have put together a very helpful and regularly-updated article for those travelers who are concerned about swine flu and equally concerned about how it will affect their trips. Find information about current warnings, which airlines and hotels aren’t charging change fees, how to protect yourself en route, and more.
In an effort to come to your aid in as broad of a spectrum as possible, I’ll even present to you information on how to get into Mexico for less. Please note that the government has recommended that you not visit this country for non-essential trips. However, that means that there are lots of empty planes and plenty of cheap flights to Mexico to be found. It goes without saying, of course, but you'll be traveling at your own risk.
Speaking of which, if you’re willing to hedge your bets a bit, right now might be a great time to try to nab a flight to Mexico for several months into the future after (hopefully) the furor has calmed down. It’s somewhat risky in terms of timing and pricing, but I just found a round-trip flight leaving September 21st and returning the 28th from Boston to Cancun starting at $255. I’m certainly no prophet and prices could always go lower if airlines get desperate about trying to recoup losses, but just keeping your eyes open is never a bad idea.
(Photo: www.metro.co.uk)
Posted April 28, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Located in Mashantucket, Connecticut, Foxwoods is one of the largest casino in the world 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 18th 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. Rooms start at $57 per night during the spring season.
To search for flights and compare prices to Hartford and Providence, the nearest major airports, please use our price-comparison tool. (Photo: Index Open)
Posted March 27, 2009 by Katie Blais
Ah, the recession. No matter who you are or where you live, there seem to be reminders of it everywhere! My 401K statement is scary, magazines are thinner, the usual hot spots around town are strangely quieter, businesses are closing, and each week I seem to hear about someone else getting laid off … no fun at all. But these rather gloomy times also seem to bring out ingenuity in folks. I mean we still need to have fun even if everyone is broke, right? For example, house parties and dinners are cheaper than going out and there is never a line or a cover to get in. I got invited to a clothing swap the other month, and biking to work is cheaper, better for the environment, and makes your gams look amazing.
There are some ingenious people in the travel industry, too … especially owners of "micro-hotels." Such properties, which feature tiny rooms, have been in Europe for years, which instantly ups their “cool factor” … if you can deal with a lot less space, and by sharing a bathroom with strangers you can save a bundle on your travel expenses. The Jane Hotel, in New York City, has all of the luxury of a regular Manhattan hotel and is located in Greenwich Village, but has rates going for less than $100 per night. How so you ask? Even though it features LCD TVs, 350-thread-count sheets, and free wireless Internet, it’s all contained in a room about the same size as a ship's cabin. Originally built in 1908 as a housing option for sailors who were passing through the Big Apple, the 50-square-foot cabins at one time even housed the surviving crew members of The Titanic!
The Jane might not be the best option for claustrophobic travelers, but in these times when everyone is tightening their purse strings it’s a recession friendly but still pretty hip traveling option. After all, everyone might be broke, but we can still be cool!
(Photo: instablogsimages.com)
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