The latest travel information plus insider event and sightseeing tips for New York City, Boston, Hawaii, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Bermuda.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Mapping It
We're big fans of saving money by not lugging home tons of tacky stuff as souvenirs of our trip. Our favorite souvenirs are almost always photo-related. But recently we saw an idea for converting maps into coasters that has real possibilities - not only has a handy reminder for yourself or your traveling companion, but also as a gift for a travel-minded friend (and this is a great time to be thinking of such personalized gifts).
Here's what you do: place the map from your travels on a cutting board, face down. Then place a cork or heavy cardboard coaster (which you can buy at craft stores) on top and trace the shape with a craft knife. Use a decoupage glue, like Mod Podge, to adhere the back of the map to the coaster, smoothing it to remove air bubbles. Once it dries, decoupage the coaster on the top and sides and let it dry. Repeat with other coaster until you have a complete set.
Airline Fines for Delays - Just in Time for the Holidays!
After years of advocating for a Passenger's Bill of Rights, which would, among other things, assure airline passengers the ability to get off a plane if it was to be significantly delayed on the ground, we were delighted to see articles in both the New York Times and theWall Street Journalreporting that (finally) the Department of Transportation has fined airlines for keeping passengers trapped on the tarmack for hours. As we enter the busy holiday season, which so often results in traveler's nightmares, we can only hope that airlines take notice!
We love walking around Boston's Beacon Hill in the early evening, as it begins to get dark and the gas lamps illuminate the stately brick town houses. Chestnut and Mt. Vernon are particularly lovely streets. While we stroll along, we remember that this area was named for the light that was placed at the top of the hill in the 17th century. The hill's height was reduced a century later when earth was moved from the hilltop to fill in the Back Bay.
Join Boston residents and visitors alike by taking a spin on the ice at the Frog Pond Skating Rink at Boston Common. The rink is open from November to mid-March and promises at least 100 days of seasonal skating.
If you've never read Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, winner of the 1943 Newbery Medal, you should know we highly recommend this wonderful book of historical fiction, which depicts the pivotal events in Boston that led to the American Revolution through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy.
It is CANSTRUCTION time again! These design/build competitions are held in numerous cities where teams of architects, engineers, and students compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from full cans of food. The resulting magnificent sculptures are displayed to the public. At the close of the exhibitions all of the canned food used in the structures is donated to local food banks. Not surprisingly, many exhibitions are held in November to coincide with Thanksgiving food drives. In New York City, where the CANSTRUCTION concept originated in 1993, the exhibition will be held at the World Financial Center from Nov. 12 - 23. CANSTRUCTION is a really cool and mind-opening event. And since the cost of admission is just a CAN of food, how CAN you go wrong?
Some Americans associate Thanksgiving with turkey and its trimmings. But for many New Yorkers, Thanksgiving means huge floating balloons shaped in cartoon characters marching down Broadway. Yes, it's time once again for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! The best way to get up-close and personal with the balloons is to visit the West Side the night before Thanksgiving. The streets surrounding 77th Street and Central Park West, the official kick-off point for the parade, are closed so that parade volunteers can lay out the huge balloons and begin to fill them with helium. Watching favorite characters take shape is exciting for adults and kids alike.
We love going to see shows on Broadway, but these tough economic times make paying full price next to impossible. We figured that there must be a better way. And there is! With a little research, we found some great ways to see the latest Broadway shows at a fraction of the regular price. So whether you're looking for a flashy musical, a meaningful drama, or a fun farce, you'll be sure to find a show you'll love at a price you can afford.
Ice skating in New York City can be crazy and chaotic once the crowds arrive in late November. But for the next couple of weeks, even the popular tourist skate spots like Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink shouldn't be too bad. If money is an issue (and in these recessionary times, isn't it always?), consider heading over to Bryant Park where you can skate for free. The sleek rink there opens for the season at 2 pm today (preceded by a splashy opening ceremony at 1 pm). Money-conscious skaters should also consider heading to the north end of Central Park to Lasker Rink, where kids can skate for as little as $3.50 (a far cry from the $10.50 fee you'd pay in mid-town).
Run the course of history on November 22nd by participating in the Philadelphia Marathon. Both the start and finish are near Philadelphia's famous Museum of Art (remember Rocky running up the steps as you pass by), and the relatively flat, fast route includes plenty of scenic and historic views. The first 10 miles will take you past major landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Then you'll run through Fairmount Park and along the peaceful Schuykill River. You can count on lots of crowd support (note that Philly is famous for sports fanatics so wear Eagles, Phillies, or Flyers gear if you want the most encouragement). Hungry afterward? Carb up with one of Philly's famous soft pretzels or grab some protein via the classic Philly cheesesteak.
Autumn is a great time to go to the zoo. Summertime crowds are gone and the animals are more active during the day once the weather is cooler. The only problem? There are so many great zoos to choose from, you might have trouble deciding where to go first!
Bronx Zoo: Celebrate the season with a horse-drawn carriage ride - Cydesdale horses will provide rides from early November through late December.
Central Park Zoo: Meet the big cats in the big city - this zoo's newest exhibit features endangered Asian snow leopards.
Prospect Park Zoo: Enjoy some fun on the farm with the zoo's barnyard gang. Staten Island Zoo: Do you want to see some of the rowdiest dinner guests you could ever imagine? Check out the Thanksgiving with the Beasts: a special day of special feedings at the Zoo in honor of Thanksgiving
In preparation for celebrating Thanksgiving this month, go back to where it all started by taking a trip to the town of Plymouth, an historic New England town not too far from Boston, and of course, the site of the famous rock. Plan your day to include some of the other major visitor attractions in the area: Plimoth Plantation is a re-creation of the original historic Pilgrim settlement, with costumed interpreters acting the parts of actual New World colonists; the Mayflower II, which is docked very close to Plymouth Rock, is a re-creation of the famous vessel, offering tours with sailors in period costume.
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