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.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
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!
Friday, December 30, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Bourbon Festival on a Budget
Bourbon Festival on a Budget
The Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Ky is one of the easiest festivals to enjoy on a budget. Although it is a small festival, they manage to acquire big name bands for their free concerts each night. Take the whole family, or go with a group of friends. Either way, there is something fun for everyone.
The Bourbon Festival occurs each year in September. Bardstown, Ky is only a few miles from the main interstate, I-65, which runs north and south thru the state of Kentucky. Bardstown is only a few miles from the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville.
If you arrive in the evening, begin your Bardstown Bourbon Festival adventure, by strolling thru the city streets admiring the festival window displays. The storefront owners in this small town create an ambiance with their pride of being the Bourbon Capitol of the world. From jewelry stores to drug stores, they each participate in a competition that seems to be an award worth winning.
However, if you happen to arrive in the morning or afternoon, you can stroll the streets as well, and admire the old town feel of this small city. The buildings date back to before the Civil War. There are historical markers pointing out the dates and locations that Confederate and Union armies were in the city. Keep in mind, Kentucky was a neutral state.
While you are in the area, be sure and visit one or more of the bourbon distilleries. Quick Note: In order to be a bourbon, a whiskey must have all of the following attributes:
American made
Barrel must be new, charred and Oak
A minimum of 51% of the mash bill must be made of corn
It must be distilled at or below 160 proof
Entry into the barrel must be 125 proof or lower
Filled in the bottle - Must be 80 proof or higher
Nothing can be added to the bourbon, except Bourbon
The closest 3 distilleries, to Bardstown, Ky are Jim Beam, Heaven Hill and Maker’s Mark. They all offer a free tour and also free sampling. Obviously, this is for the adults in your party, but keep in mind the Jim Beam distillery is an excellent site to see, even from a distance. Take note, while you are there, of the Baptist Church, which appears to be planted just in between two of Jim Beam’s warehouses. Coincidence? Maybe.
For the kids, while you are at the Bourbon Festival, you will find a dunking booth which is as much fun to watch as it is to participate. The layout of the festival is wrapped around the city building, with stacks of straw here and there to sit and rest. Also, free for the kids a football throwing contest and free rock climbing sponsored by the U.S. Army. And you mustn’t forget to see the World Championship Barrel Competitions on Saturday!
The festival provides free music every night. Also, free on my trip this year, I received a free can coolie, a free stitched blue horse (representing the BlueGrass state with a story behind it), a free postcard to send to my mother, and a free Bourbon Country coaster.
Find the cheapest booth for snacks and soda, or bring a picnic for you and the kids and you have yourself one excellent, cheap if not free, vacation.
The Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Ky is one of the easiest festivals to enjoy on a budget. Although it is a small festival, they manage to acquire big name bands for their free concerts each night. Take the whole family, or go with a group of friends. Either way, there is something fun for everyone.
The Bourbon Festival occurs each year in September. Bardstown, Ky is only a few miles from the main interstate, I-65, which runs north and south thru the state of Kentucky. Bardstown is only a few miles from the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville.
If you arrive in the evening, begin your Bardstown Bourbon Festival adventure, by strolling thru the city streets admiring the festival window displays. The storefront owners in this small town create an ambiance with their pride of being the Bourbon Capitol of the world. From jewelry stores to drug stores, they each participate in a competition that seems to be an award worth winning.
However, if you happen to arrive in the morning or afternoon, you can stroll the streets as well, and admire the old town feel of this small city. The buildings date back to before the Civil War. There are historical markers pointing out the dates and locations that Confederate and Union armies were in the city. Keep in mind, Kentucky was a neutral state.
While you are in the area, be sure and visit one or more of the bourbon distilleries. Quick Note: In order to be a bourbon, a whiskey must have all of the following attributes:
American made
Barrel must be new, charred and Oak
A minimum of 51% of the mash bill must be made of corn
It must be distilled at or below 160 proof
Entry into the barrel must be 125 proof or lower
Filled in the bottle - Must be 80 proof or higher
Nothing can be added to the bourbon, except Bourbon
The closest 3 distilleries, to Bardstown, Ky are Jim Beam, Heaven Hill and Maker’s Mark. They all offer a free tour and also free sampling. Obviously, this is for the adults in your party, but keep in mind the Jim Beam distillery is an excellent site to see, even from a distance. Take note, while you are there, of the Baptist Church, which appears to be planted just in between two of Jim Beam’s warehouses. Coincidence? Maybe.
For the kids, while you are at the Bourbon Festival, you will find a dunking booth which is as much fun to watch as it is to participate. The layout of the festival is wrapped around the city building, with stacks of straw here and there to sit and rest. Also, free for the kids a football throwing contest and free rock climbing sponsored by the U.S. Army. And you mustn’t forget to see the World Championship Barrel Competitions on Saturday!
The festival provides free music every night. Also, free on my trip this year, I received a free can coolie, a free stitched blue horse (representing the BlueGrass state with a story behind it), a free postcard to send to my mother, and a free Bourbon Country coaster.
Find the cheapest booth for snacks and soda, or bring a picnic for you and the kids and you have yourself one excellent, cheap if not free, vacation.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Blind Hotel Purchasing
If you are looking to get the best deal on a hotel, it is a good idea to go with the blind hotel purchase. This is where you make the purchase, before you see the name of the hotel.
If you read the site just right, you will most likely be able to guess within a couple of hotels which one you are going to end up purchasing.
The best way to do this, go to the web site and check out both the blind hotel purchase page and also the page where you get to see the name of the hotel. Look at the number of stars, the location and the rate of the hotel. If the blind page says it's 50% off at $42 and a 2-1/2 star hotel, go to the brand page and look for a hotel that is priced at $84 and is also a 2-1/2 star hotel.
Simple as that. 8)
May all your travels be, lots of fun and mostly free!
If you read the site just right, you will most likely be able to guess within a couple of hotels which one you are going to end up purchasing.
The best way to do this, go to the web site and check out both the blind hotel purchase page and also the page where you get to see the name of the hotel. Look at the number of stars, the location and the rate of the hotel. If the blind page says it's 50% off at $42 and a 2-1/2 star hotel, go to the brand page and look for a hotel that is priced at $84 and is also a 2-1/2 star hotel.
Simple as that. 8)
May all your travels be, lots of fun and mostly free!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Budget Travel to Charleston, South Carolina
If you are thinking of traveling to Charleston, South Carolina but not quite sure if you can afford it. Consider some of the fun things to do for free. My theory is that you can travel to any city on any budget, if you just set your mind to it.
Check out Budget Travel - Charleston, SC.
Check out Budget Travel - Charleston, SC.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
How to Travel to the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area on a Budget
Santa Fe is the oldest continually capital city in the United States, while Albuquerque is New Mexico's oldest city.
Planning a trip to Albuquerque? Make sure you stop and see Albuquerque's Old Town, which is the town's oldest neighborhood.
While you are traveling to the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area, you won't want to miss the art shows of Taos Pueblo and some of the other pueblos in the vicinity. The art shows continue year round.
You'll also want to read How to Travel to the Albuquerque and Santa Fe Area on a Budget, for more tips on things that are free to see and do.
May all your travels be, lots of fun and mostly free!
Planning a trip to Albuquerque? Make sure you stop and see Albuquerque's Old Town, which is the town's oldest neighborhood.
While you are traveling to the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area, you won't want to miss the art shows of Taos Pueblo and some of the other pueblos in the vicinity. The art shows continue year round.
You'll also want to read How to Travel to the Albuquerque and Santa Fe Area on a Budget, for more tips on things that are free to see and do.
May all your travels be, lots of fun and mostly free!
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