National Park Pass

If you like to travel and visit our National Parks, consider getting a National Park Pass.   Each pass covers entrance fees at National Parks and National Recreation Areas.

There are several different types of passes, depending on your circumstance.


Annual Pass - $80 Annual Pass, can be obtained by anyone, can be obtained in person by visiting a Federal Recreation Area Where Passes Are Sold or by calling 1-888-275-8747 Ext. 3. You can also Purchase Online.

Military Pass - Free Annual Pass for military members and their dependents.

Senior Pass - As soon as you turn 62, purchase a Lifetime Senior Pass for only $10! This pass may also provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services.

Access Pass - Free for U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents with permanent disabilities.

Volunteer Pass - Free for individuals who have at least 250 service hours with federal agencies who participate in the Interagency Pass Program.

I hope you'll consider your options and visit a National Park this summer!

Discount Deal for Smoky Mountain Vacation

If you are planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains anytime in the near future, here is a Great Deal on Lodging!  The package is only $39 per night for a lodge in Pigeon Forge, TN. 

Now that's what I call a deal!

If you would like to find some free things to see and do while you are in the Smoky Mountains, please check out my MooreFreeTravel Free to See in the Smoky Mountains article.

Good luck, and enjoy your vacation!

Discount Deal for Florida Vacation

If you are planning to go to Florida on vacation anytime in the next year, here is a pretty good deal from HalfOffDeals.com.

The original cost is $696, you pay only $79.

You'll get four nights' hotel accommodations, to be split among two cities in Florida.  The city choices are: Orlando, Daytona and Fort Lauderdale.

You'll also get a $100 Restaurant.com gift card, to be used after you travel. The gift card can only be used in $25 increments.

This particular voucher from HalfOffDeals.com, is valid for one year after purchase.  Be sure to read the fine print. Be certain the voucher suits your needs.

I did a trip similar to this years ago.  I flew to Orlando, drove to Daytona (while staying in Orlando), rented a car and drove down to Fort Lauderdale. 

If you haven't gotten a chance to experience Florida, this is a great opportunity.

Hertz Car Rental Discounts

Use codes from different companies, and save on your Hertz Car Rental.

Book your Hertz car rental on Delta's web site, and save 40%.

Use Marriott code CDP 154080 and save 35%.

Please share any codes that you have for Hertz car rental discounts in the comments section below.

Budget Travel to Las Vegas

Let me tell you about my most recent trip, in which we took advantage of many of the free to see attractions in Las Vegas.

Using my rewards points from myVegas.com, I was able to get a free buffet at the Excalibur.

After lunch, we started by walking north on the Strip towards the Aria. Our first free attraction was the Aria Express, which is a free tram that travels from Aria/Monte Carlo to Crystals to the Bellagio.  Hindsight being 20/20, as it always is, we should have walked thru the Monte Carlo, which would have saved our a legs a little bit more for the evening.

The tram arrives in the back of the Bellagio, which was our destination hotel.  This allowed us to walk thru the Bellagio enjoying the luxurious decor.  As we made our way thru, we followed signs for the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  The Gardens are free to see, and change daily....I've never seen the same thing twice.

As we headed out the front door, toward the Fountains of Bellagio, we timed it perfect.  We were able to see the show of water, music, and lights just as we stepped up to the fountain.  The complimentary show starts every 15 minutes nightly.

The next hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, is The Mirage. We were too early for the Volcano, which erupts every half hour until midnight.  So, we hopped the free tram from The Mirage to Treasure Island, with plans to see the Sirens of TI, which is a pirate show with four free performances nightly.  Unfortunately, the area was under construction (most likely preparing for the 4th of July holiday).

The folks I was with, were ready to rest their legs for the evening, so we hopped a cab back to the Excalibur.  The cost was only $11.90, and well worth it.

The next day, we decided on a little less walking.  So, once again, we put our rewards points to work from myVegas.com.  We were able to get free round trip tickets for the Las Vegas Monorail.

A trip to Las Vegas would not be complete without seeing The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo hotel and casino, our first stop of the day.  This free attraction is "Touted as one of the most unique and beloved attractions in Las Vegas."

While at Flamingo, we did a little gambling in the race & sports book.  Although I lost both of my bets, I did get a free drink.  So, it wasn't too painful. 

Just a walk across the street, we headed to Caesars Palace.  There we saw the Fountain of the Gods, the Atlantis Aquarium, and the Fall of Atlantis.  The Fall of Atlantis is a free show happening on the hour every hour, starting at 11 am daily.

On our final day, we were ready to head downtown to Fremont Street and the old Las Vegas.  After evaluating all of our transportation options, we decided to ride the Deuce.  The Deuce is a double decker bus that runs 24 hours a day, with stops on the Strip and downtown.  We were able to purchase a 24 hour pass for only $8.

On the way downtown, we stopped to check out the Stratosphere.  Some of our group signed up for their Players Club, and were given a number of coupons to add to the other coupons we had already collected.  We used a 25 percent off coupon to ride to the top of the tower, $15 after the discount.  What a view!

After some pizza, beer and a little gambling, we headed downtown.  First stop, The D Hotel and Casino (used to be Fitzgerald's).  I had heard that they had loose slots, and we were ready to do a little gambling.  Sure enough, we all did quite well at this casino!

Before leaving downtown, we wanted to get our picture taken with the $1,000,000 dollars at Binion's. So, off we went.

On our way back to the Strip, we stopped and used our buffet coupons at the Stratosphere.  Even without the coupons, their buffet was less expensive than the other hotels on the strip.  And the food, just as good!

The next day, we had to say goodbye to Las Vegas and head back home.  There is so much to see and do, we'll definitely be back!

Free Airfare

Just figured out how to get free airfare for my next vacation!

I received a credit card offer in the mail.  If I sign up for a Delta SkyMiles, I'll receive 35,000 miles after spending just $1000 in the first 3 months.  I know I spend that much in groceries and gas alone, so that's no problem!

Plus, if I make a Delta purchase within the first 3 months, they'll give me a $50 statement credit.

Here's what I decided to do.....

Apply, for the card.  For the trip I want to take, I only need 25,000 SkyMiles.  I'll have 10,000 left over.

Once I book the trip, I'll pre-order a snack or a drink.  They'll give me a 20% statement credit, for pre-ordering.  Plus, I'll get a $50 statement credit. 

I'll use the card to pay for up to $50 in meals or admission fees, while I'm on the trip!  What a great way to pay for part of a vacation!

Amusement Park on a Budget

Yesterday, I visited Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio. 

The park is approximately 200 miles from our home.  Between the two of us, we only spent $83.00.

Now, you're probably wondering how that is even possible when the cost of a ticket is $44.99.  That's the discount rate if you buy your tickets on CedarPoint.com.  (Although, I'm sure there are probably some fees added, by the time you checkout.)

First of all, I searched the web and stores nearby for discount tickets and giveaways.  I found a sweepstakes or two, and ended up winning our tickets.  So, that saved us, at least $90!

We planned to visit during the week, so the park wouldn't be so crowded.  Our main goal was to ride the major roller coasters, at the park.

The park didn't open until 11:00, so we munched on a cheap lunch at the last Service Plaza, on the Ohio Turnpike.  Two strombolis cost us $12.  (We probably could have split one, as we ended up eating the other half when we got home.) We packed a cooler, so we had water and soda in the car. 

We didn't plan ahead, so we did end up paying $15 for parking.  I think this could have been avoided if we could have found a Park & Ride somewhere nearby.  Something to think about next time.  I believe they do have a shuttle that only charges 50 cents per person.  So a little research next time, could end up saving us $14.

Even though it was a forecasted 90 degrees, and quite humid, we withstood our desires to buy lemonade and slushees throughout the day.  We only drank fountain water.  I'm not sure anything else would have clinched our thirst as well, anyways.  It was really too hot to even think about food.  Plus, we were in a hurry to ride the big coasters, so we didn't want to take a break to eat.

We had to work the next day, and since we had a 3 1/2 hour drive home, we left the park by 5:30.  It was a good day.  We rode the new Gatekeeper, the Raptor, Mean Streak, Magnum 200 XL, Genesis, the Mantis, and Millennium Force.

Here's a couple of tips I found would have gotten us through the rides a little quicker:

Get to the park 30 minutes before they open.  I've done this in the past and been able to walk straight in.  I think their "open time" is really the time the rides start.

Go straight to Millennium Force.  This one keeps a long line most of the day, but if you hit it first, you'll beat the crowd. 

If you have quick feet, try to make it back to the Gatekeeper or to the Maverick before the crowd starts building.  Both of these roller coasters seem to be busy throughout the day as well.

Your roller coaster riding should be smooth sailing from there.  I would hit, Magnum XL 200, Genesis, Mean Streak, the Maverick, the Mantis and then the Raptor. 

The Raptor is popular, but since it's at the front of the park it seems to get the early crowd.  And dies down after lunch.

If you have a desire to ride the Top Thrill Dragster, you could squeeze it in either before Magnum XL 200 or after the Mantis. 

More tips on saving money.   You can go in and out of the park as you wish.  (Don't forget to get a handstamp.) Take a picnic lunch and your favorite fruits in a cooler.  If you have something you really love in the car, you won't be as tempted to spend $5.59 on a lemonade, $3.75 on a Coke, or $7.79 for a beer.

In my opinion, Cedar Point could do just as well on their Coke/Lemonade/etc. if they sold it for 50 cents a can instead of $3.75 a bottle.  Go for quantity instead of markup.  Then they could recycle the cans for CA$H.  But, that's just my opinion. 

Finally, you're probably wondering where we spent the last $56 of our money.  That was to fill the gas tank when we returned home.  We started out a little shy of a tank, so it probably wasn't quite that much.  And, we could have spent only half that, if we would have had another couple along on the ride.

Next time, I think you should come along with us!  What do you think?

Thanks for reading and remember....

May all your travels be...Lots of fun, and mostly FREE!

Budget Travel to St. Louis

 

 

St. Louis, Missouri is home to the Gateway Arch, known as Gateway to the West.

Of course, there is a fee to go inside of the Gateway Arch, however the best view is from the outside.  Along with that, you can also view the Mississippi River. 

While you're in the Jefferson National Expansion area you can see the famous Old Courthouse and the Old Cathedral for free.  Both are excellent examples of the beautiful architecture brought to the city in the early 1800's.

Here is a list of museums in St. Louis which offer free admission:

• Missouri History Museum
• St. Louis Art Museum
• Science Center
• Soldier's Memorial Military Museum

Three of St. Louis' best attractions offer free admission:

St. Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo offers free admission.  18,000 animals, 700 species and 90 acres is more than you will see in most zoos, let alone one that offers free admission.  They do charge for parking, but check the area for street parking if you are really on a budget.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

The Anheuser-Busch Brewery offers complimentary tours.  You will learn about the world-famous Clydesdale horse, visit three national historic landmarks, see brew kettles and Beechwood Aging cellars.  And it's conveniently located right downtown!

 James S. McDonnell Planetarium

Opening in 1963, 2013 marks the 50th Anniversary for the James S. McDonnell Planetarium.  Features include: 

• The Boeing Space Station - two levels of exhibits
• The Orthwein StarBay - several lab stations  
• Zeiss Planetarium Model IX - how the nightsky would be seen without weather, smog and city lights
• The Starbridge - astronomical research, space exploration and more!

Historical Sites to See for FREE!

• Jefferson Barracks
• Lewis and Clark State4 Historic Site
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Old Courthouse
• Ulysses S. Grant Historic Site

As you can see, St. Louis offers many things to do and see for free!  In addition, keep in mind the cheapest form of travel while you are in St. Louis is the Metro Link Train.  And finally, if you're a sports fan, check out all of the plaques and statues around Busch Stadium!

May all of your travels be....Lots of fun, and mostly FREE!

Budget Travel to Orlando

Orlando, Florida is one of the best places for family vacations.  In addition to Walt Disney World, there is also Universal Studios and Sea World Orlando.  However, traveling to Orlando with a family of four, or even more, can be quite a strain on anyone's budget.

Start planning your vacation to Orlando by looking for discount tickets online.  You may be able to get a discount for buying early thru the amusement park.  Check with local box stores and grocery stores, for discount tickets. 

One way to get free amusement park tickets (that might make some of you cringe) is to consider touring a time share property while you are in the area.  If you travel to the area annually, it might be a good idea to consider buying a time share property.  So, why not take advantage of the free tickets they have to offer.

It is almost impossible to see everything an amusement park has to offer in one day.  Check with the ones you intend to visit, and see if they offer second day for free (or $1).  If so, this is a great way to save on your vacation to Orlando.

Consider spending a day at one of the less expensive attractions Orlando has to offer.  Take Wonder Works for example.  Wonder Works has things the whole family will enjoy, and costs about one third of the price of an amusement park. 

While setting your budget for your vacation to Oralndo, why not add some of the free attractions Orlando has to offer.  These include:  the Gator Exhibit at Black Hammock Adventures, the World of Orchids, the Orlando Fire Museum, and the Indian Legend of Spook.

Orlando is a great city to visit and there is something to see and do on any budget!  And if you are looking to win a trip to Orlando, check this out!

Enjoy an Ice Festival!

If you are looking for something free to see and do this winter, why not enjoy an ice festival!

Even if you live in a warmer climate, a lot of cities have some type of festival to enjoy winter festivals.  Most are great for family fun and feature many free events!

This weekend, Niles, Michigan had their annual Hunter Ice Festival.  This was my first time to enjoy the event, although I had passed through town a couple of years in the past, during the festival.

The festival included a timed sculpting competition, free hot refreshments, warming stations and cookies.  There were also historical displays, and sculptures on display throughout the city on the days after the competition.

Chicago's Snow Days is January 25th - 27th, at Navy Pier.  It will include Snow Sculpting Competitions with teams from around the world.  The sculptures will be displayed with illumination each night of the festival.  Kids snow painting competitions, a new interactive Snowboarding Experience, live entertainment and more!

If you will be visiting China, you might want to take time to visit the Harbin Ice Festival.  There you will be able to visit Polarland with your kids, see the Sun Sculpture Art Expo on Sun Island, or even visit Central Street to taste foods from all around the world.

Each year, Central Park in New York City has a free event called Ice Festival at Belvedere Castle.  The event includes the carving of Belvedere Castle in ice by a local art studio.  Urban Park Rangers give a tour of the park and tell how it was formed by glaciers.  Sip on hot cocoa, and more.

Although in a warmer climate, Boca Raton, Florida has an Ice Castle Festival each year.  The festival features the construction of a giant ice castle.  It takes place at Patch Reef Park, and admission is free.  The festival has lots of family fun things to do like a giant obstacle course, classic childhood games, activities and more.

The Cripple Creek Ice Festival, in Cripple Creek, Colorado, features a different artistic theme each year.  This festival has lots of interactive sculptures and lasts for two weekends!

The Bavarian Ice Festival in Leavenworth, Washington includes dog sled rides, live ice carving, ice fishing, Ice Cube Scramble, and much more fun for all ages.

Check your neighboring cities for an ice festival for you and your family to enjoy!

New Years Eve New York City Time Square 2013

New Year’s Eve 2013 - New York City


Nothing like ringing in the New Year in the Big Apple, New York City, USA. There are large number of places to ring in the New Year in NYC, so we are just going to concentrate on a few to help you brainstorm and get an idea of what you would like to do.

Each of the following New Year’s Eve party tickets will provide access to the Times Square zone. You must have ticket in hand along with a valid id in order to enter this area.

Just a few steps away from the fabulous Ball Drop, in Times Square on 42nd Street, AMC has general admission party passes that start as low as $25 all the way up to “Best View of the Ball Drop Live” Ultra VIP passes for $1900. The passes include everything from basic admission, open bar, to premier terrace views of the ball drop live. There will be a world-renowned DJ and PG-13 movies playing throughout the night. Your AMC ticket also gives you access to Times Square on New Year’s Eve!

Dave and Buster’s is also on 42nd Street. General Admission tickets start at $65 for minors and $85 for adults.

Aspen Social has a Premier Open Bar New Year’s Eve Party for 5 hours, from 9pm to 2am on New Year’s. There will be a live do playing a variety of music including: hip hop, dance, 80’s Top 40 and rock. Festive party favors and a champagne toast at midnight are also included. Tickets priced as low as $95 include the Premier Open Bar!

New Years Eve 2013 Nashville

New Year’s Eve 2013 - Nashville


Music City New Year’s Eve Bash on Broadway offers free admission. Live bands include: The Fray, Sixpence None the Richer, Love and Theft, and Striking Matches. Count down to midnight for the Music Note Drop®, fireworks, and confetti cannons!

Opryland has a couple of different theme parties going on this New Year’s Eve. The first is a Vegas Style New Year’s Eve Party, with a DJ and the Les Richardson Band. On another note, and more in Opryland style, is their New Year’s Eve Celebration 2012! - A Southern Gospel Festival.

Ring in the New Year at World Famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge! Party starts at 7pm. Tickets start at $50 and include:

Buffet - pulled pork, chicken, baked beans & coleslaw (7pm - 10pm)

Party Favors

Midnight toast

Miller Lite Live Presents: NYE Funk N’ Soul Ball at the Exit/In. Join The Dynamites and Space Capone for the most unique and fun NYE show in town! Early bird tickets are only $20, while general admission prices are $30/$40 the day of the show.

For a more family oriented New Year’s Celebration in Nashville, celebrate at noon, at the Adventure Science Center, Nashville. As stated on their site “A fun way for families with younger children to celebrate together, make some memories and do a little science!“ Many activities including making your own noise maker and a party hat. Learn how noises are made, New Year’s Resolution Wall, a Balloon Drop and more.

Other places to consider in Nashville for New Year’s Eve are:

Wildhorse Saloon - Admission $15

Nashville Palace - $30 includes a buffet

The Bluebird Café - $45 show starts at 7pm

New Year's Eve 2013 Chicago

New Year’s 2013 Chicago


Bass Drop New Year’s Eve at the historic Portage Theatre. Music at this venue will includes live bands and DJs, with a variety from Electro, Funk, Rock, Hip-Hop and more!

Timothy O’Toole’s downtown Chicago has a budget friendly party with a DJ, Champagne (or a Miller High Life Tall Boy), party favors and more. The cover charge is only $10! They’ll be open until 4:00am New Year’s morning.

For the Ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration, check out one of the Excalibur’s package deals. General admission is $100 per person in advance/$125 regular admission. The NYE package includes 3 rooms of music, 4 hours premium hosted bar. New hours for this years bar are 9pm to 1am. Much better. Other packages available.

New Year’s Eve at Navy Pier includes a number of ways to celebrate. At 7:00pm there will be Family Fireworks and then more lakefront Fireworks at Midnight. Chicago’s Resolution Ball will be held in the Navy Pier Grand Ball Room, doors open at 9:00pm. This is a black tie affair, and considered Chicago’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration. The Scene and Be Seen New Year’s Eve Party will be held in the Crystal Gardens and includes DJs, an open bar, a champagne toast and more!  

Also at Navy Pier, you might consider taking a lake cruise to watch the fireworks.  Packages start as low as $19 for the family show at 7:00 which includes lunch, and $29 for the fireworks show at midnight.  Restaurants at Navy Pier that are having celebrations include Harry Caray's and the Riva Crab House,

The cover charge at Blue Chicago on Clark is only $20.  This includes New Year's Eve Party with Charlie Smith, party favors and champagne toast at midnight.  The doors open at 8:00 and the music starts at 9:00.  First come, first serve basis, as they do not take reservations.


For additional event information, visit each venues web site.

New Year's 2013 Pocono Mountains

New Year’s 2013 - Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania


Ring in the New Year’s in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

The Fernwood Winter Fun Center will be ringing in New Year’s family style with DJ Entertainment, fireworks, a winter barbeque, snowtubing, and more at the Wintergreens Patio Grill and their Winter Fun Center. Purchase a combination package which includes snowtubing, hats, noisemakers, a food certificate for the Wintergreens Barbeque and more.

Cove Pocono Resorts offers an all-inclusive package for Couples only. The all-inclusive package includes: admission to three couples only resorts, a midnight buffet, champagne, party favors, noise-makers, rooms that include in-suite pools and whirlpool baths, breakfast in bed or in their restaurant, discounts on shopping and ultimate adventures and more!

Enjoy a winter carnival, campfire, caroling, hayrides and more on Monday, at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. Then in the evening, experience dinner and a champagne toast at midnight. Also included are accommodations and breakfast the next day.

For more information visit the resorts' web sites.

Budget Travel to Chicago

Chicago, also known as the 'Second City' or the 'Windy City', is one of the best cities to travel on a budget.  There are probably more free things to do and see in Chicago than most any other city.

Navy Pier is a definite must see attraction for anyone visiting Chicago for the first time.  Walk to the end of the pier, and you will feel why they call it the 'Windy City'.  The pier offers free live entertainment throughout the year in the Family Pavilion.  You will see live acts perform singing, juggling, magic and more.  Also, weather permitting, the Bud Light Stage, offers free live music, for those who are over 21 years of age.  A couple of my favorite free attractions to visit at Navy Pier are the Smith Museum of Stained Glass, which is open year round and the Crystal Gardens, which is a botanical garden located on the second floor.  The Crystal Gardens may be closed from time to time, for weddings and other events.

Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission throughout the year.  Visit during the holiday season to view the ZooLights, their beautiful holiday display.  Other popular attractions offer free admission on 'free days' throughout the year.  Note:  These free days used to include everyone, but some have recently been switched to include only Illinois residents.  A list of these includes:  the Chicago Children's Museum, the Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Garfield Park Conservatory.  Please check their web sites for exact dates.

Looking for a way to get around in the busy city without driving thru the busy traffic?  Check out Navy Pier's free trolley!  The trolley has stops on:  State Street, Rush Street, Michigan Avenue, St. Clair Street, Columbus Drive, McClury Court, Pestigo Court and Navy Pier, all near popular destinations.

A great way to save when traveling to Chicago, is to plan your trip around one of the city's many festivals.  Some of the free festivals of Chicago include:  Chicago SummerDance, the Chicago Country Music Festival, the Taste of Chicago and the Grant Park Music Festival.  A number of other festivals in the city include:  the Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, World Music Festival Chicago and the Chicago Gospel Music Festival.

A number of Chicago's sites and museums offer free admission on a daily basis.  Here is a list for you:
Busy Beaver Button Co. Museum
Chicago Architecture Foundation
Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Sports Museum
City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower
DePaul Art Museum
Eden Place Nature Center
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum
Hyde Park Art Center
Museum of Contemporary Photography
National Museum of Mexican Art
Oriental Institute Museum
Smart Museum of Art

And finally, while you are visiting Chicago on a budget, don't forget to visit some of the unique shops, to see just what this city has in store for you!

Gettysburg on a Budget

One of my favorite historic trips of all time, was to Gettysburg, PA.  It was actually probably one of the least expensive trips that I have been, in which I had to travel such a distance.

I enjoyed the fact that most everything we wanted to visit was within a pretty small radius.  The most driving we did on our trip was along the self-guided auto tour.  And even then, we were stopping so often, that it did not seem like we had traveled much of a distance at all.

When you are on the auto tour, be sure and stop and see all of the sites.  There are few that have a very, very small hike.  The view and sites are well worth the trek.

Dinner at Mamma Ventura was simply delicious.  It is a casual Italian restaurant and very well priced.  The atmosphere is extremely down to earth, and did I say the food was delicious!  I consider myself an Italian restaurant connoisseur, and this one tops the charts!

Here's my article on Thrifter, http://trifter.com/usa-canada/pennsylvania/budget-travel-to-gettysburg-pennsylvania/, which gives quite a bit more detail about the free things to see and do while you are visiting Gettysburg. 

If you only travel to one historical town in your lifetime, Gettysburg is the place to go.

New Orleans on a Budget

Traveling to New Orleans is probably on 80 percent of Americans bucket list. Fortunately a trip there can be as inexpensive as any town, if you set your mind to it.

Consider staying in the outskirts in Metairie, or another area, instead of downtown or the French Quarter. Hotels will have lower rates, and might even be twice as nice. Visit things that are free to see, like the sculpture park, which could entertain anyone for hours. You might also like to see the graves in the above ground cemetery dating back to the 1700's. Take a ride on the street car, for only $1.25. This is a great way to see the city. Map out your own walking tour, to see all of the great architecture downtown, in the French Quarter, or in the Garden District. And, of course, if you are planning your trip around a holiday, or one pf their many festivals, there a number of free things to see. Don't forget to check out the fireworks on the Mississippi River if you are traveling on the 4th of July or New Years Eve! May all your travels be, lots of fun and mostly free.

American Horticultural Society

Do you like Botanical Gardens.  For only $35 you can join the American Horticultural Society. The $35 membership fee allows you free admission to 270 public gardens across the United States.  Here is a link to their membership page if you would like more information.  http://www.ahs.org/join/membership.htm

Keep in mind, there are a number of Botanical Gardens across the country that offer free admission, without the membership, like Chicago and Fort Worth.  Also, others that offer admission with donation like the River Farm, in Alexandria, VA.

Don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

Walking Tour

Just beginning to plan my next vacation. As I was searching for things to do, I decided why not plan my own walking tour.
I can read up on the area, and even save some notes. I'll map it all out and tada, a free walking tour.
I can't wait to see where I get to go!

Chicago Quick Travel Tip

Just wanted to shoot you a couple of quick travel tips that I have found on this trip to Chicago......

This one is for those of you who are shopping on Michigan Avenue.  If you are planning to shop in one of the stores on the north end of Michigan Avenue, and coming from one of the many hotels west of the Magnificient Mile, consider walking down Rush Street to get to your destination.

With the wind in Chicago, waiting on all of the traffic signals down Michigan Avenue can cause quite a chill.  Consider this, Rush Street has mostly 4 way stop signs and is one way.  This means, if you are walking or in a car, you only need wait on 1 or 2 vehicles, before you get to move about your way.  Much quicker than waiting four or five minutes for the signals to change!

While you are on Michigan Avenue, don't forget to stop by the Historic Water Tower.  This is one of the few buildings that withstood the Great Fire of 1871. Inside there are free art displays which change from time to time.  This trip, I saw pictures of current buildings and sites, on old postcards dating early back to the 1900's with a current picture of the historic site or building right next to it.  What a unique art display, which I was very happy to be able to enjoy!  Let alone, for free!

Additionally, unknown, to most folks from out of town, the original pumping station for the Water Tower is just across the street.  Step inside the doors to Looking Glass Theatre, and the first thing you will see, 2 stories down and behind glass walls, is the actual pumping station which is still active today.  Step back a block or so, and look at the two buildings.  You can easily see how the street was added later, and how these two buildings at one time were are on the same lot.

Finally, just one block down, you will see the Historic Fourth Presbyterian Church.  This church was originally established in 1871, the same year as the Great Fire.  Later, in 1912, construction commenced to begin rebuilding the church at the same location.  This is not a glance and move on church.  There is a nice courtyard with beautiful gardens open for anyone to enjoy.  There are also free concerts on Fridays.  Also, step inside if the doors are open when you are passing thru, and take a look at the original architecture of this great building!