Many forget that New York is also one of the most expensive cities in the world. With so much incredible culture, people, and energy packed into such a tight area, it makes sense there is only so much room to build on.

For visitors, New York can be extremely rewarding, but it can offer some unique challenges if you are on a tight budget. Luckily, we’ve come to your rescue. Here are some ways to see New York City on a shoestring budget.

1. Staten Island Ferry

This is one of the best-kept secrets in New York City! When most visitors come to New York, they want to get a great view of the Statue Of Liberty.

If it’s a clear day, it’s easy to get a great picture from land, but if it’s a nice day, I highly recommend taking the Staten Island Ferry and getting up close and personal with Lady Liberty.

While many cruises sell tickets for up to $200 for a cruise around the island, you can see the Statue Of Liberty for free!

The Staten Island Ferry is a commuter ferry that runs 24 hours a day (Yes, you can even get pictures at night!) from the tip of Manhattan to Staten Island. The ride takes about 25 minutes one way, so for a round trip, you can plan to be gone for an hour.

Be sure to stand outside on the top deck to get the best views of New York’s most recognizable landmark. If you have time, walk around Staten Island for a bit as they have a free botanical garden that is worth checking out.

2. High Line

The High Line might be my favorite thing to do on a budget in New York City. The 1.5-mile long railroad turned greenway was one of the first of its kind in the world.

It is a great example of how cities are converting their former industrial spaces into functional 21st Century destinations.

The former railroad used to be owned by the New York Central Railroad and used to transport meat from the various warehouses in the Meatpacking District.

It was abandoned in 1980 and it wasn’t until 2006 that the city of New York decided to convert the area into a green space. It was finished in 2009 with another section opening in 2011.

The park now welcomes 5 million visitors each year. Today, visitors are lead along the path and get to discover various parts of High Line’s past. There are various murals, works of art, and plaques that pay homage to the former railroad.

Grab a coffee and get ready to explore one of New York’s most exciting urban projects.

3. Central Park

If you’re looking for what to do in New York City on a budget, then taking a stroll around Central Park should be on your weekend’s bucketlist. Originally built in 1857 on over 700 acres of land right in the heart of New York, Central Park is one of the only green spaces in the city.

It’s massive size is hard to cover in one day. In fact, you could do a whole trip just visiting Central Park with all of the activities you can do in the park itself.

From boat rides and picnics in the summer to ice skating and sledding in the Winter, there is so much to do. Any season is great for visiting, but I recommend going in Fall when all of the leaves start changing colors and the air is crisp.

No matter when or what you want to do in Central Park, it is waiting for you to come and discover the park… The best part about it is that you can save your money for a well-earned drink afterward.

4. Self-Guided Street Art Tour

While street art has been around for a while, it has only come into mainstream media in the last several years. New York being the diverse and cosmopolitan city that it is, attracts some of the best artists in the world to come and leave their mark on the city.

While you can easily find street art on every inch of the city, the best neighborhood to explore for street art is in Bushwick. The area has undergone a massive transformation within the last decade and is now one of New York’s hottest neighborhoods.

It is also home to one of the best outdoor street art galleries on Earth thanks to the Bushwick Collective, a group of talented artists both locally and globally that wanted to make Bushwick beautiful.

While there are many organized tours that will take you around and explain the stories behind each mural, you can easily walk around and do your own self- guided street art tour.

If you happen to be in the area in June, be sure to look up the date of the free annual Bushwick Collective Block Party.

5. Improv Comedy Shows

Looking for a secret that no local wants you to know about? Then you have to check out Upright Citizens Brigade!

They are a local improv company that now has expanded to a few different US cities. The company has been the starting place for many comedians that have eventually moved onto other shows such as Saturday Night Live.

They currently have two locations in New York in the East Village and Hell’s Kitchen. Each location has nightly shows that have something for everyone’s tastes.

Be sure to check out their midnight show on Saturday, but you really can’t go wrong with whatever show you go to.

Not only are the shows entertaining and completely hilarious, but they are also extremely affordable. Most shows will set you back $5 to $12.

Considering this is world class comedy in the heart of the city, I’d say seeing a show at Upright Citizens Brigade is a must for anyone’s New York City bucket list.

6. Get Up High On A Rooftop Bar

Considering that most of the time in New York you’re craning your neck to look at all the tall skyscrapers, it can be refreshing to turn the tables upside down and look down on the city.

The only problem is, doing that can cost a lot! With places that allow this such as the Empire State Building costing quite a fair amount.

Solution? Find a rooftop bar, get a drink, and sip away overlooking the whole of New York.

A cheap rooftop bar I’d recommend is Rare View, which is located on 152 West 26^th Street. It serves fantastic drinks, is in a prime location to see the city, and also offers a great bar and grill if you’re feeling peckish. It usually opens late afternoon.

There are other cheap rooftop bars too such as Cantina Rooftop (605 West 48^th Street) which serves Mexican drinks & food.

7. The New York City Explorer Pass

Want to see lots of attractions? Then you should opt for the New York City explorer pass. This is definitely the best way to enjoy a weekend in New York City on a budget while still seeing lots of stuff.

On the pass you’ll save up to 50% on top attractions. Attractions include all the “touristy” stuff such as museums, Empire State Building, Madame Tussauds’ wax museum, and other cruises and tours.

A similar option is the standard CityPass. You pay around $120 / £90 and get access to 6 top attractions.

If you really want to see all the tourist stuff, these passes are awesome ways to enjoy a touristy weekend in New York City on a budget.

8. Find The Best Cheap Spots To Eat

Here are some awesome (and cheap!) places to eat some good food in New York City.

• Levain Bakery (167 West 74^th Street) for some AMAZING cookies.
• Pisillo Italian Panini (97 Nassau St) for some incredibly fresh Italian sandwiches served fast.
• Los Tacos No. 1 (229 West 43^rd Street) for some authentic Mexican street food.
• Fiore Deli of Hoboken (414 Adams Street) for some awesome Italian deli.
• Frisson Espresso (326 West 47^th Street) for some of the best coffee in New York.

Check out more great, cheap places here. If you do, you’re doing it right!

Other Money-Saving Tips For Your Weekend In New York

• Skip the cab at the airport and instead use the Air Train and then jump on the A train-line (the longest line in New York’s subway system).
• Buy an 7-day unlimited metro card for around $32 / £24 for unlimited local bus and subway rides until 12am.
• Travel to New Jersey if you want to shop a lot (try shopping at Newport Centre or Westfield Garden State Plaza in particular).
• Walk! This city is great, skip the public transport and soak in the city.
• Try to eat at home about once-per-day. (There are many places to buy fresh ingredients).
• Use CouchSurfing or AirBnb to sort out accommodation. Hotel chains are more expensive and less authentic.
• If you’re looking for where to stay in New York on a budget, places in New Jersey, Queens or Brooklyn are considered cheaper areas.
• Look out for the 99¢ pizza signs to eat large and delicious pizza on the go!
• Carry your own water bottle and refill it. New York’s water purification system is top-class.
• Look for coupons online before booking. Groupon, LivingSocial or DestinationCoupons are good options. Or download the Honey extension for your internet browser.

How Much To Budget For Your New York Trip

All things considered, and following these budget tips, we think it’s definitely possible to enjoy a weekend in New York spending around $80 in total per day for the conscientious, and around $100-$150 for the average joe.

If you’re looking to spend a weekend in New York City on a budget please share any other tips you know about in our comment section below. Happy travels!

Suggested next reading: 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In New York

The post How To Best Enjoy A Weekend In New York City On A Budget appeared first on Modern Trekker.

There is a never-ending list of tourist spots that everyone will tell you about including Central Park, Time Square, the Empire State and Upper East Side, etc. but that’s just scratching the surface. Every city has some hidden gems not easily discovered by tourists. Even some New Yorkians living in the city for years will be unaware of these secrets of New York.

So, looking for the hidden gems of New York? Or for those quirky things to do in NYC? You’ve come to the right place.

1. Grand Central Station’s Whispering Arch

While walking down towards the lower side of Grand Central Terminal, you will find an open secret spot worth seeing.

If you stand at one corner facing the arches and whisper, the other person standing at the opposite corner of the arch will hear your whispering clearly.

A bit quirky, but can be a cool trick to show a friend. Why not whisper a jokingly ominous threat to your friend amidst the busy crowd and see if they can hear you? (They will still be able to hear you!) Or what about asking a girl out for coffee? Kinda weird, I know, but the possibilities are endless with this one!

More about how the strange acoustics in this terminal work here.

2. Glass Waterfall Tunnel

This is a beautiful waterfall tunnel that is situated on the side of the McGraw Hill building. It is merely a 3-minute walk from Time Square.

If you stand inside this tunnel, you’ll witness the mesmerizing sight of falling water over you. However, the water just stays inside the tunnel walls and you won’t get wet. Perfect spot for a photo if you ask me.

3. Pomander Walk

One of the most underrated secret spots in New York City, this place comes in hand if you’re a bit overwhelmed with all the modern-day digitalization, crowds and buildings. This hidden gem is your escape.

Pomander Walk is the sight of old England in New York City. It is a stark contrast to big glass and steel towers which represent New York City, and upon entering in this spot, you feel like you are walking into an English countryside. That’s right, take a deep breath…you can relax now.

4. UN Meditation Room

We told you we’d share some of the quirky things to do in NYC. The meditation room at the UN is open to the general public and is totally free. If you are interested in witnessing a…well, room…with a banal mural and a strange rectangular box in the middle, this is the place for you.

Basically, in this writers opinion, a bit of a hodgepodge and ecumenical mess, this meditation room is supposed to help you “escape into yourself” regardless of creed.

But, to be honest, I think what makes this a “hidden gem” is just how it illustrates how isolated some of the liberal social elites of America are. So stick that in your pipe and meditate on THAT. (Though, seriously, no smoking allowed in the meditation room).

There are numerous conspiracy theories surrounding this room, so it might be fun just to go check it out for that. Maybe you can crack the code?

What’s more, this UN building is basically an international territory, and so if you are in that building, then you cannot claim to be present in any country in the world.

5. Abandoned Smallpox Hospital

The attractive sight of this abandoned hospital is quite provocative. It is located on Roosevelt Island, and after the last inhabitants left this place, no one has ever come back here. It is not opened for the public to visit but you can get close to the outer part of the building, and it’s worth visiting.

If you dig a little into the secrets of New York and its history, you’ll find out that the city was the victim to smallpox a century ago.

6. The New York Earth Room

Picking back up on the theme of quirky, modern artist Walter De Maria, back in 1977, decided to “art” by dumping 280,000 pounds of soil into a 3,600-square-foot room.

The Dia Art Foundation loved the dirt so much that, in 1980, they permanently reinstalled it at 141 Wooster Street, New York. You can see it today. And yes, it’s the same original dirt.

So if you also like to “art” and like roomy Soho lofts filled with dirt, then you’ve found your spiritual home.

7. The Doyers Street Tunnel

In the 17^th Century, this street tunnel located in Chinatown was the escape route for those who wanted to flee from gangsters. Chinatown was a hub for smuggling, gambling, and fighting at the time. SO, this tunnel was a quick getaway for the runners.

This place was called “the bloody angle” back then, but now—rest assured—it is absolutely safe. One of the most recommended places to visit in this area is “Nam Wah tea parlor.”

8. Secret Apartment Of Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is a well-known place called “the home of the Rockettes”. The tourists often go there to watch shows, but usually, they are not aware of a special secret of New York hidden inside. A secret chamber. Ok, not really…but kinda. It’s a secret apartment.

This place was built for a famous entrepreneur of the city named Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel who owned theaters in New York. Many famous actor/actresses used to visit him in this beautiful apartment featuring a 20-feet high ceiling. No one lived at this place after Roxy’s heart attack in 1936, and now it is used for events.

9. El Sabroso

In the industrial dock of Midtown, Manhattan there is a signboard with “El Sabroso” written over it. It is a Latin food place where you will find super delicious Latin cuisine. Food is the main part of your visit to any place in the world (or at least it is for me and my hungry stomach).

You can find the latest American cuisines in every corner of the city. However, most of them taste the same and if you want to try something new, visit this secret spot of NYC.

The freshly cooked lamb meat will satisfy your appetite just by looking at it (literally impossible, but I’ve got to make this sound amazing). Some people can’t find this amazing place because it’s tucked away from the main walkways. If you ever go looking for this place, head into the freight entrance at 265 West 37^th Street.

It’s highly rated and, in all honesty, has become more popular in recent years, but it’s still worth the visit.

10. The Cloisters

This might be the best secret spot in New York City. It’s basically a museum situated in Fort Tryon Park that is all about medieval European architecture and arts—with a special focus on the Gothic and Romanesque periods.

It almost feels like a magnificent European castle. Here you’ll get the chance of witnessing over 2,000 works and pieces from ancient Europe. If you are done with the hustle and bustle of city museums, then go to this secret spot. The breathtaking view of Rose Pink Garden and Cuxa Cloister inside the museum are sure to enhance your time here.

11. Sunshine Laundromat

Exploring the secret hidden gems of New York by yourself or with homies? Don’t miss this place. This is a bar located in one of the most hidden places in the city.

When you go to Sunshine Laundromat, don’t be phased if you can’t find anything else other than laundry machines and dirty clothes. Go inside the place and go behind the laundry area. Be confident.

You will see a left-alone dryer fixed at the ending point. Push the door, and here you go. You have entered the best place to do quirky things in NYC. There are many classic games and a limited edition pinball machines to enjoy (such as Medieval Madness). Forget the fancy gaming areas and cocktails and enjoy gaming with beer and wine.

It’s all pretty inexpensive so perfect if you’re visiting New York City on a budget.

If you are planning a visit, why not check out these secret spots in New York City? Let us know if you know of any secret spots or quirky things to do in New York which we should add to this list! Comment section is below.

Suggested next reading: 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In New York

The post 10 Secret Spots In New York City You Need To Check Out appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Visit the World’s Smallest Park

There are two different versions of how this park came to be. It’s founder, Fagan, claimed he looked out of his office window and to his amazement, saw a leprechaun in the middle of the street. He instantly ran outside to catch it and when he was successful in doing so, the leprechaun grudgingly granted Fagan his wish that a park be named after him.

However, as Fagan hadn’t specified a size, the leprechaun—or Patrick O’Toole as he became known—granted the small, 2-foot circle of land for Fagan.

The other, less fantastical version is that Mill Ends Park was originally intended to be the place for a streetlight but after the hole was dug, no light turned up. Therefore Fagan planted flowers in the hole, named it Mill Ends and announced it to be the World’s Smallest Park. In 1971 the Guinness Book of Records agreed and as a result, the park has been used for many unusual things such as a miniature Ferris Wheel and a swimming pool for butterflies.

The only challenge to its title came from the town of Burntwood who claimed their Prince’s Park should be known as the World’s smallest as it had a fence around it. Mill Ends devotees responded by erecting a tiny fence around the miniscule perimeter and no more was said on the matter.

So if this story doesn’t immediately make you fall in love with Portland, we’re really not sure what will.

2. Visit China

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If after your visit to Mill Ends, you’re more in the mood for an outside space you can actually walk around, then we suggest leaving the USA for a brief period and stepping into China.

Portland is twinned with Suzhou which lies in the beautiful Chinese province of Jiangsu. This region is known for having outstanding Dynasty Gardens and it seems like Portland wanted to echo that reputation in their own city. Therefore they created what is known as the most authentic Chinese Garden outside of China in the Lan Su garden. This loosely translates to the Garden of the Awakening Orchids and is said to be a little piece of Asia right in Oregon.

Nothing is required of you except to appreciate its authentic beauty, so why not take a moment out of hectic city life and experience a small slice of tranquillity?

3. Explore the Shanghai Tunnels

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Portland is currently known for its hippie, quirky vibe but did you know that between 1850 and 1941, it was considered one of the most dangerous places in America? This reputation could be based on the existence of the Old Portland Underground or as its otherwise known, the Shanghai Tunnels.

Built originally to move stock on and off ships, the tunnels were later rumored to be used by members of organized crime. But what they are really famous for was the part they played in “Shanghaiing” or rather kidnapping unsuspecting men in order to make them work for free on board ships. It is said that these unfortunate souls were dropped through trap doors or “Deadfalls” into the underground system and held in cells against their will before being sold to ship captains and made to set sail.

Now there is some evidence to suggest that the stories of the Shanghai Tunnels may not be entirely true or at the very least, have been exaggerated for the tourist trade. But we’re not so sure. Why not book yourself onto an Underground tour and find out for yourself?

4. Glow in the dark mini golf?

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Let’s lighten the mood now, quite literally with the happy knowledge that Glow in the Dark Mini Golf exists. Yes, that’s right. Ever wanted to play Minigolf but just been too blinded by that gosh darn sun? That’s not a problem at the basement located Glowing Greens miniature golf course where you can enjoy 18 holes of pure, neon colored, radiating fun. Go on your birthday and get a free round!

5. Take an ancient selfie

We all love a vintage filter but what if you could get that effect completely authentically? The folks at Ace Hotel have lovingly restored a vintage photobooth, plopped it in their hotel lobby and made it available for anyone to use. The 100-year-old technology means you’ll be stepping back in time in order to preserve the present moment.

Simply pop in $4, strike 4 poses and wait 4 minutes. You’ll have your very own strip of photos just like your recent ancestors would have done. Pro-tip, make sure to smell the photos afterward. Apparently, the rotten smell is a sign of authenticity. That’s what they tell us anyway.

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6. Take a Submarine Tour

Sadly or perhaps thankfully, the submarine on display at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry doesn’t actually go under the water anymore. But apart from that, it’s still a totally authentic navy experience.

Tour highlights include touching a torpedo, looking through a working periscope and visiting a completely restored and fully operational radio room. Although this submarine hasn’t been in active service since 1990, it’s still the closest thing to submarine living that any of us land lovers are likely to get.

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7. Skate your way to a trophy

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Finally, end on a high note and skip down to America’s largest roller skating rink. Oaks Park holds regular events for kids, couples and everyone in between. Even better, you can enter one of their many competitions and obviously it’s dependent on your skill level, but we really think you could win it!

If you somehow don’t manage to snag a prize, you can commiserate yourself by heading to the amusement rides, games and other family-friendly activities available at the park. What a brilliant end to your Portland trip.

Can you think of any more wonderful and weird things to do in Portland? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: 6 Things To Do That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Seattle

The post 7 Wonderful & Weird Things To Do In Portland appeared first on Modern Trekker.

However, a great thing about DC is its location—relatively close to major cities like Philadelphia and New York, but even closer to smaller regional gems throughout Maryland and Virginia. If you’re looking for weekend getaways from Washington DC, here are some solo, budget-friendly options.

Even better, all of these destinations are accessible without a car, so don’t fret if you’re a broke millennial like me who had to pick between a car payment and the excessively high rent that comes along with living right in the heart of downtown DC.

For the nature lovers—Harpers Ferry, WV

Distance from DC: ~ 1 hour by car or Amtrak/MARC train

 

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Hop on the train after work on a Friday afternoon and head out to Harpers Ferry for some hiking and history in this historic town. The small town sits at the meeting point for the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, providing some incredibly scenic views.

Here, you can visit the John Brown museum to learn about the role Harpers Ferry played in the lead up to the Civil War, and then hike through the remains of some Civil War-era encampments.

Harpers Ferry is approximately the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile trail stretching from Georgia to Maine, which happens to be one of the longest walking trails in the world. There (surprisingly) is a hostel in Harpers Ferry which caters to both AT hikers and weekend visitors. You’re bound to have some fascinating conversations with people from all walks of life while sitting around the campfire in the evenings.

(Do note that this hostel is not open year-round so be sure to check the availability before planning your trip. There are also some relatively inexpensive hotels in the area if you’re planning to visit with a group of friends)

For the foodies—Baltimore, MD

Distance from DC: ~1 hour by car or MARC train

 

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For fans of The Wire or for anyone looking for weekend getaways from Washington DC that let you try something new, Baltimore is a great stop.

Be sure to walk through the Inner Harbor (or take a walking tour) to learn about the role Baltimore once served as a major port city and manufacturing center, before transitioning to a major research center thanks to Johns Hopkins University.

 

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One of my favorite parts about Baltimore was the food. The city’s proximity to the Atlantic makes it a great stop for seafood, particularly crab seasoned with Old Bay—a Maryland classic. Baltimore is home to many food halls with a variety of options, so you’ll never be bored with the amount of choices you have. In addition, no trip to Baltimore is complete without a visit to Little Italy, either for a delicious romantic dinner or for a quick afternoon pastry stop.

For nightlife, be sure to check out Power Plant Live!, a large indoor-outdoor complex home to dozens of bars and music venues. It’s great for bar-hopping on a regular weekend evening, but they also have concerts and other seasonal events. Be sure to check their schedule and find something to fit your fancy when planning when to visit.

Depending on the time of year, check the schedule to see if the Baltimore Orioles (baseball) or Baltimore Ravens (American football) are in town to see if you can catch a game while you’re there as well.

There’s also a hostel in Baltimore to fit your budget or give you a place to meet other travelers if you’re flying solo, and hotels are relatively inexpensive if that’s more your style.

For some colonial charm—Annapolis, MD

Distance from DC: 45 minutes by car or 1.5-2 hours by bus

Although it’s tiny in comparison to neighboring Baltimore and Washington DC, Annapolis is a great stop for seafood and colonial charm.

The city of Annapolis played a significant role in early US history and has been inhabited for more than 400 years. Be sure to visit the Maryland State House, and walk down Main Street for some window shopping and adorable eateries.

 

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Today, Annapolis is home to the US Naval Academy, where the country’s finest Navy and Marine officers study and train. You can learn more about naval history at the visitors’ center, and tour the beautiful campus.

You can definitely do Annapolis as a day trip, but it’s also home to some fun nightlife so it might be worth checking into a bed and breakfast here and enjoying the Maryland capitol at night.

Despite being one of those weekend getaways from Washington DC that is quite nearby, Annapolis is not accessible by train and the bus runs infrequently on the weekends, so be sure to check the timetables and plan accordingly.

For the craft beer lovers – Richmond, VA

Distance from DC: 2 hours by car, 2.5 hours by bus

Richmond is a worthy candidate for weekend getaways from Washington DC. It’s a relaxing city that is big enough to feel like there’s stuff going on, but is small enough to easily cover everything on a quick weekend trip.

Be sure to take a walking tour through downtown Richmond to learn about the history of Virginia and the role it played in forming the United States. Then visit the Virginia Capitol Building (for free!) to walk through the same halls as many important figures in American history.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the historic neighborhoods on Church Hill to see some charming colonial-style homes.

 

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Richmond is home to a surprising number of local craft breweries, so once you’re done exploring, it’s easy to bar hop through the city’s beer scene since everything is within walking distance in the city center.

For the budget travelers, there’s a hostel located within walking distance to the train and bus stations so you can experience the city and meet other travelers without having to shell out for a hotel.

Know of any other weekend getaways from Washington DC? Comment below!

Suggested next reading: How You Can Actually Explore Washington DC On A Budget

The post 4 Perfect Weekend Getaways From Washington DC appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Road trips are so easy too.

All you need is a car, a few other essentials and you’re off, ready to see some thе mоѕt bеаutіful ѕіghtѕ thаt our world hаѕ tо оffеr. Thеrе are plenty of ѕроtѕ across thе United States meaning that there are also many Fall road trip ideas. Chооѕіng to pack your tеlеѕсоре аnd equipment іntо thе саr and tаkіng a road trip during Fall саn prove tо be a gеnuіnеlу wonderful еxреrіеnсе. Sure, you might miss summer, but who said the adventure had to stop just because the leaves are turning red?

But thеrе іѕ mоrе tо ѕее in thе fаll in thе U.S. thаn juѕt leaves changing color. Aѕ thе wеаthеr cools аnd gеtѕ сrіѕреr, why not tаkе аdvаntаgе of these 14 road trip ideas for Fall?

So, without further ado! Here are 14 Fall road trip ideas wіthіn thе Unіtеd States that wіll hаvе уоu fаllіng іn lоvе with Fall (each accompanied with a route mар tо help gеt you оut оn the rоаd ASAP).

PS. Click on each map for the interactive, larger version.

1. Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains

Most рrоbаblу only thіnk оf Fall fоlіаgе in Nеw England, but ѕоuthеrn раrtѕ оf thе соuntrу will also feature beautiful colors this Fall. Try a rоаd trір thrоugh Gеоrgіа fоr wаrmеr tеmреrаturеѕ thаn up nоrth.

Stаrt аt Thе Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway in thе nоrthеrn раrt оf thе ѕtаtе, whісh tаkеѕ уоu thrоugh the Appalachian Mountains аlоng thе Chattahoochee Rіvеr. Stор іn Hеlеn, a mountain village mоdеlеd аftеr a ԛuаіnt Bavarian village, fоr the Oktоbеrfеѕt сеlеbrаtіоn, and аt Brаѕѕtown Bаld, thе highest nаturаl роіnt in Gеоrgіа and thе ultіmаtе foliage vіеwіng vаntаgе роіnt. Mаkе a ріt stop іn Clауtоn, a оld mountain tоwn wіth antique ѕhорѕ, galleries and restaurants.

Tаkе a hike in thе nearby Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest or vіѕіt wineries аnd vіnеуаrdѕ іn Gеоrgіа Wine Cоuntrу. Thе Bеeсhwооd Inn, a tіnу соttаgе іnn, offers ѕресіаl wine dіnnеrѕ іn thе Fall.

Thеn hеаd east to thе Tаllulаh Gorge State Pаrk, where you саn explore a 1,000-fооt сhаѕm саrvеd оvеr millions оf уеаrѕ bу thе Tallulah Rіvеr. In Nоvеmbеr, vіѕіtоrѕ can hike аnd wаtсh thе bіаnnuаl “whіtеwаtеr releases,” whеre еxреrt kауаkеrѕ brаvе the сlаѕѕ V+ ruѕhіng rаріdѕ.

2. Rhode Island’s Pint-Sized Charms

Tаkе a drive thrоugh thе соuntrу’ѕ ѕmаllеѕt ѕtаtе, which іѕ packed with fаll activities wіthоut too much drive tіmе between еасh. Start at thе new Rаіl Exрlоrеrѕ еxсurѕіоn іn Nеwроrt, whеrе реdаl-роwеrеd vеhісlеѕ trace historic rаіlrоаd tracks оn оnе-hоur long tours. Thеn head tо Brіѕtоl tо tаkе in ѕоmе historic mаnѕіоnѕ.

Next, сhесk оut the Jасk-O-Lаntеrn Sресtасulаr at the Roger Wіllіаmѕ Park Zоо in Prоvіdеnсе. You could even trу the Soaring Eаglе Zip Ride аt nіght, whісh tаkеѕ уоu раѕt thоuѕаndѕ оf ghоulіѕh creations. Then ѕtор аlоng Rhоdе Iѕlаnd’ѕ Brеwеrу Trаіl, whісh includes Fооlрrооf Brewing Cоmраnу іn Pawtucket.

Fіnаllу, hеаd to Woonsocket tо cruise thе wаtеrwауѕ on thе Blасkѕtоnе Vаllеу Explorer Rіvеrbоаt, which runs аt Cold Sрrіng Pаrk through Oсtоbеr.

3. New England’s Historic Trails

Yеѕ, іt’ѕ сlісhé, but New Englаnd does have bеаutіful fаll foliage and lоtѕ of hіkеѕ аnd historic places tо ѕtор. Stаrt іn Boston and wаlk the Frееdоm Trаіl, a 2.5-mile, red-lined rоutе that leads you tо 16 historically ѕіgnіfісаnt ѕіtеѕ. Then hеаd wеѕt thrоugh Mаѕѕасhuѕеttѕ’ Berkshires, where уоu саn take in plenty оf fаll соlоrѕ.

Mаkе a detour to Northampton оr stop in the lіvіng muѕеum Old Sturbrіdgе Vіllаgе, thеn travel ѕоuth through Cоnnесtісut аnd Nеw Yоrk to Philadelphia, where уоu can visit thе new Museum of thе Amеrісаn Rеvоlutіоn, whісh just ореnеd іn Aрrіl.

4. New York’s Finger Lakes

Gеt оutѕіdе the сіtу and еxрlоrе thе Finger Lakes region for Fall foliage аnd quiet соuntrу ѕсеnеrу. Stаrt іn thе сіtу and head thrоugh Pеnnѕуlvаnіа, ѕtорріng аt Gоuldѕbоrо оr Tobyhanna State Park аlоng thе wау.

Mаkе a dеtоur tо vіѕіt Jіm Thоrре, a bоrоugh іn Pеnnѕуlvаnіа that іѕ саllеd thе “Switzerland оf America” bесаuѕе of іtѕ mоuntаіn scenery and аrсhіtесturе.

Whіlе іn tоwn, go on a hіkе іn Lehigh Valley оr visit thе Lеhіgh Gоrgе Scenic Rаіlwау and Eсklеу Miner’s Village. Thеn take a tour оf thе Finger Lakes rеgіоn near Ithaca, whеrе you саn ѕtау аt thе historic Inns of Aurоrа, vіѕіt wіnеrіеѕ or hіkе thе trаіlѕ.

5. Pennsylvania’s Wilderness

Take a trip аlоng thе historic Route 6 іn nоrthеrn Pеnnѕуlvаnіа for vіеwѕ оf forests and mountains and other peaceful ѕсеnеrу. Take a detour tо visit Straub Brеwеrу іn St. Mary’s, Pеnnѕуlvаnіа, whісh hаѕ been serving beer fоr decades.

Yоu саn аlѕо tаkе a trip thrоugh thе Elk Cоuntrу Loop, a 76-mile rоutе thаt сrоѕѕеѕ thrоugh thе Pеnnѕуlvаnіа Wіldѕ аnd раѕt lаrgе еlk hеrdѕ.

Furthermore, yоu can ѕtор аt thе Wоrldѕ End Stаtе Pаrk fоr camping, саbіnѕ аnd hіkіng оn thе Loyal sock Trail аnd bеаutіful views оf fоrеѕtѕ іn vibrant соlоr.

6. The Blue Ridge Parkway

Making our list of 14 Fall road trip ideas is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Thіѕ wіndіng rоаd соvеrѕ almost 470 miles tо соnnесt thе Grеаt Smoky Mоuntаіnѕ Nаtіоnаl Pаrk in Nоrth Cаrоlіnа tо thе Shеnаndоаh National Park in Virginia.

Alоng thе way уоu’ll раѕѕ ѕрlіt-rаіl fеnсеѕ, old fаrmѕtеаdѕ, mоuntаіn mеаdоwѕ аnd ѕсеnіс оvеrlооkѕ. Stор along the wау аt thе numеrоuѕ hіkіng trаіlѕ, vіѕіt a local fаrm, аnd make a dеtоur to vіѕіt Monticello, thе hоmе of Thоmаѕ Jеffеrѕоn.

7. Connecticut’s Covered Bridges

Tаkе уоur tіmе exploring thе rоughlу 100-mіlе loop thrоugh the northwest corner of thе ѕtаtе. Pass thrоugh thе Falls Vіllаgе іn Cаnааn, whеrе thе сhurсhеѕ, rаіlrоаd depot, ѕtrееtѕ, and houses ѕtіll lооk as іf thеу were buіlt іn the 1800s. Thе Aрраlасhіаn Trаіl runs right through tоwn, ѕо уоu саn fоllоw thе white hаѕh marks tо go оn a dау hike.

Afterward, раѕѕ undеr thе Wеѕt Cоrnwаll Covered Brіdgе, which соvеrѕ 172 fееt оvеr thе Hоuѕаtоnіс Rіvеr. Tаkе іn Kеnt Falls Stаtе Pаrk оr Lake Wаrаmаug State Park fоr hіkіng аnd Fall foliage, and then head tо Litchfield tо vіѕіt Lee’s Riding Stаblеѕ or Whіtе Flоwеr Farm.

8. The California Coast

Yоu might think a drіvе uр thе Cаlіfоrnіа соаѕt іѕ bеѕt done іn the ѕummеr, but it’s also bеаutіful, and ѕtіll pretty warm іn thе Fall. Stаrt оutѕіdе Lоѕ Angеlеѕ аnd do an oceanside hіkе in Point Mugu Stаtе Park. Thеn trасе thе coast on Highway 101 to Sаntа Bаrbаrа, where уоu can ѕреnd a night аnd ѕtrоll down Stаtе Street, whісh іs fіllеd with shops аnd rеѕtаurаntѕ and dесоrаtеd wіth whіtе lights іn thе fаll.

Mаkе a side trip tо nearby Sоlvаng, whісh іѕ mоdеlеd after аn old Dаnіѕh tоwn, with wineries аnd bеаutіful scenery оutѕіdе. If уоu have thе time, continue nоrth fоr mоrе осеаn ѕсеnеrу. But rеmеmbеr, rоаdѕ tо Bіg Sur аrе сurrеntlу shut down.

9. The Olympic Peninsula

Mаkе уоur wау thrоugh thе ruggеd соаѕt оf Washington, іnсludіng Olympic National Park, fоr beautiful vіеwѕ of mountains аnd luѕh forests.

Stаrt in Sеаttlе аnd lоор around Pugеt Sоund, stopping fоr ferry boat dеtоurѕ to Vashon Iѕlаnd or Whidbey Island. On Vаѕhоn уоu саn wаlk thе bеасhеѕ оr vіѕіt Pоіnt Rоbіnѕоn Lighthouse fоr a ԛuісk іѕlаnd feeling. Stop to hіkе іn Olуmріс Nаtіоnаl Pаrk, аnd then carry on tо historic Pоrt Townsend, whеrе you саn wander аmоng thе оld wаtеrfrоnt nеіghbоrhооdѕ аnd Vісtоrіаn hоuѕеѕ.

10. The Gulf Of Mexico

Takе in wаrmеr tеmреrаturеѕ than уоu’ll gеt in Nеw England, but аvоіd thе unbearable hеаt and humіdіtу оf Flоrіdа’ѕ ѕummеrѕ bу dоіng this drive іn thе Fall.

Dо just thе ѕhоrt 19-mіlе drive аlоng Flоrіdа’ѕ Highway 30A, which runs along thе Gulf оf Mexico, оr extend іt furthеr. Stор along thе wау in one of Sоuth Wаltоn’ѕ 16 beach neighborhoods, whеrе the ѕаndѕ аrе sugar-white thanks tо thеіr рurе quartz crystal mаkеuр.

Yоu саn аlѕо сhесk оut соаѕtаl dune lаkеѕ that оnlу еxіѕt іn a hаndful оf рlасеѕ in thе wоrld, іnсludіng New Zealand, Mаdаgаѕсаr аnd Australia. Fоr fооd, ѕtор аt Aіrѕtrеаm Row, a street lined with aluminum trailers ѕеrvіng up ѕоuthеrn сuіѕіnе.

11. The Oregon Coast

You won’t get much Fаll fоlіаgе, but driving thе Orеgоn соаѕt has іtѕ own ѕсеnеrу tо оffеr.

Stаrt іn Aѕtоrіа, thеn hеаd ѕоuth. Along thе wау, уоu саn ѕtор fоr hіkеѕ аt Lewis аnd Clаrk Nаtіоnаl аnd State Historical Parks, Ecola Bеасh or Crеѕсеnt Beach. Stау іn Cannon Bеасh to wander аmоng thе lаrgе boulders, including Hауѕtасk Rосk.

Be ѕurе tо detour for the Tіllаmооk Chееѕе Fасtоrу and Rоguе Alеѕ Brеwіng.

12. The Great Lakes

Skіrt the nоrthеrn border оf thе соuntrу bу drіvіng аlоng thе Grеаt Lаkеѕ. Stаrt at thе ѕоuthеrn edge оf Lake Hurоn and wаtсh tаll ship schooners оr shop іn thе downtown аntіquеѕ market in Bay Cіtу.

Thеn head nоrth along the lаkе, stopping tо gо hiking оr bоаtіng аt Thundеr Bау Rіvеr Stаtе Forest. Stop in Mасkіnаw Cіtу аnd take thе fеrrу tо Mасkіnас Island, whеrе уоu can bіkе оr tаkе a hоrѕе and buggу аrоund thе hіѕtоrіс 3.8 ѕquаrе mіlе island that іѕ рrеѕеrvеd аѕ a National Historic Landmark.

13. Classic Route 66

Surely a staple of any list of road trip ideas for Fall, this hіѕtоrіс highway has bееn mаrkеd in songs аnd mоvіеѕ, аnd іѕ dеfіnіtеlу worth еxрlоrіng, еvеn іf you dоn’t mаkе іt during Summer, or thе whоlе wау.

You can start іn Chicago аnd fоllоw thе turn-bу-turn dіrесtіоnѕ tо trасе thе hіѕtоrіс rоutе. Stop along thе wау fоr mеmоrаblе ѕіghtѕ, іnсludіng the Polk-a-Dot Drіvе In, The Oklahoma Rоutе 66 Muѕеum, thе 80-fооt Bluе Whаlе аnd the Cаdіllас Ranch.

14. The Mississippi River

Trасе thе Mіѕѕіѕѕіррі Rіvеr by fоllоwіng the Grеаt Rіvеr Road, whісh runѕ 3,000 mіlеѕ іf you want tо gо the full dіѕtаnсе. Stop аlоng thе way tо еxрlоrе Sаіnt Paul аnd, later on, also соnѕіdеr dеtоurѕ to Chісаgо, Mаdіѕоn and Nashville.

Thеrе іѕ a long lіѕt оf аttrасtіоnѕ you can vіѕіt аnd рlеntу оf opportunities for hіkіng, including the Mississippi Palisades State Pаrk and Cаt Iѕlаnd Nаtіоnаl Wіldlіfе Refuge.

So, what road trip would you like to go on this Fall? Wherever you go, we hope you found this list useful. Comment below if you have any other road trip ideas for Fall!

Suggested next reading: The Perfect West American Road Trip For 2018

The post 14 Fall Road Trip Ideas In The United States appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Many look forward to the decorating the house for Halloween, enjoying a cup of hot coffee outside, and of course, fall foliage.

There’s no better place to see the leaves change colors than in North America. The US and Canada have some of the most dramatic changing of the leaves that take on fiery red, orange, and yellow colors during the fall season. The time to see these beautiful leaves is quickly coming to an end, so be sure to get outside next weekend!

Here are the 6 best places to view fall:

1. Saguenay, Québec

Located 5 hours north of Montreal, Saguenay is not a region in Québec that many visitors think about visiting. However, if one does make the trek up north, they will be rewarded with some of the most stunning fall scenery in all of Canada.

I’d recommend basing yourself out of the charming town of Chicoutimi and doing a few hikes during your stay. Be sure to check out the fjords of Saguenay, one of the only places in North America where fjords occur. The views are simply stunning.

If you have time for a whole day trip adventure, head to Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Riviere-Malbaie National Park in the Charlevoix region. It’s famous for one of its hikes named, “Acropole-des-Draveurs”, which offers incredible views of the entire valley below.

Be sure to dress for the weather though because although the peak is beautiful, it is freezing! (The peak is surrounded by rare Alpine Tundra so the temperature difference between the top and the bottom of the trail is dramatic.)

Overall, the whole region of Saguenay is a fantastic place to view fall. You’ll fall in love with its charming small towns and friendly locals.

2. Montréal, Québec

In my opinion, visiting Montréal during fall should be on everyone’s bucket list (In all honesty, I am a little biased.. I am currently writing this article from Montréal!)

Regardless, Montréal allows you to view fall at its best while also getting to experience all of the comforts of a big city. It’s hard not to be mesmerized by the changing of the colors on Mount Royal, the hill that is located at the heart of the city.

It’s best to view fall colors from downtown, but I recommend hiking to the top to get a spectacular view of the city’s skyline.

If you just can’t get enough of fall, grab a plaid shirt, a hot chocolate, and get ready to go apple picking. Once you nail down this outfit, you’ll be well on your way to receiving your Canadian citizenship.

There are tons to choose from in the towns surrounding Montréal. Most farms have petting zoos so they are a great daytime activity if you happen to have kids in tow. There are tons of fall activities that are waiting for you up north in Montréal.

3. Aspen, Colorado

Colorado might not be the first place you think of when you want to view fall and see it come to life, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how vibrant the colors are. Although snow starts early in this part of the US, it adds beauty to the incredible fall foliage show.

There are quite a few places to see the leaves in Aspen, but the must-see spot is Maroon Bells.

Located right on a lake with mountains as the backdrop, the pictures you’ll capture will most definitely be Instagram worthy. If you prefer to drive to view fall, take Castle Creek Road for breathtaking views.

Another great way to see the colors is to take the gondola up to the peak…The views are incredible and the ride is actually quite relaxing. Anyway, you enjoy the fall colors in Aspen, you can’t go wrong!

4. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

The best part about the Great Smoky Mountain’s fall leaves is that they don’t even reach their peak until late October and last all the way to mid-November.

Situated just south of Knoxville, Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains fall display can be seen through hiking or driving.

I’d recommend basing your trip out of the adorable, small town of Gatlinburg. The town is filled with fall events throughout October and November.

If you choose to hike, the Appalachian Trail runs right through the mountains and the trails are well marked.

For those that want a more relaxed drive through the region, take US 441 and it’ll be hard to miss the show in front of you. For those that feel like going all out, it’s possible to arrange a helicopter tour around the mountains. How cool is that!!

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

The breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park in Montana is hard to describe. Throw in the changing of the leaves and it will be hard to top that picture.

Summer is the peak season for the park so you’ll get the added bonus of fewer visitors, more wildlife, and stunning views all to yourself. The best way to view the foliage is to bike in the park especially Going-To-The-Sun Road.

6. Boston, Massachusetts

 

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Imagine walking through 17^th Century cobblestone streets, taking in the fascinating history of Boston while drinking a hot chocolate and watching the beautiful fire red leaves fall to the ground on a chilly day. This can all become reality in Boston, home to some of the most dramatic fall foliage in the country.

While there are many tours that offer to show you the fall leaves, I recommend just walking around the city on your own. You’ll see plenty, don’t worry!

Boston loves to celebrate the fall season. From food festivals to pumpkin carving competitions to a giant Oktoberfest, Boston goes all out for fall. If you happen to be in Boston for Halloween, make a day trip up to Salem, a city that has a long and curious history with witches. It’s a great way to close out fall on the East Coast.

Suggested next reading: 8 Amazing Countries To Visit This Fall That’ll Exceed Expectation

The post 6 Of The Very Best Places To View Fall This Year appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Deep Ellum

 

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The former industrial neighborhood close to downtown Dallas is booming these days. Previously known as Deep Elm, residents called it Deep Ellum with their southern twang and eventually the name stuck. It’s been compared to Dallas’ answer to Brooklyn, but with a special Texas flare. It’s filled with unique bars and delicious restaurants. The amount of diversity in this regard is surprising. In terms of food, there are a few must-try places. I’d recommend checking out Monkey King Noodle Company. The restaurant was started after a chef took a trip to Taiwan and fell in love with the food. The dumplings alone are worth the trip. The best part is that the food is made from scratch and you can even watch them make the noodles through the window, which is a nice touch. If that’s not what you’re looking for, you can always make your way over to Main Street and try some Texas barbecue at Pecan Lodge. This is a great option since you absolutely cannot come to Texas and NOT have barbecue. I’m pretty sure it’s against the law…Regardless, order the slow-cooked brisket and beef ribs. You can thank me with a drink. Speaking of where to drink, Deep Ellum is filled with watering holes. If the weather is beautiful, head to Harlowe MXM’s rooftop and take in a beautiful view of Dallas’ skyline. If interesting cocktails are what you are looking for, head to Hide for their fascinating flavor combinations. Grapefruit and Pisco? Sure, why not!

2. Walk Around White Rock Lake

 

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A fun fact about Texas is that there is only one real lake in the state and it borders Louisiana. The rest are all man-made including White Rock Lake. Nevertheless, it’s worth walking around especially near sunset when the sun reflects onto the water. The Dallas Botanical Gardens are right next to the lake and make for a beautiful walk. Spread out over 70 acres, the Botanical Gardens have special shows for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The area is perfect for a picnic or a first date if you meet someone special during your time in the city. The area is crowded on the weekends so aim to head to White Rock Lake during the week so you have the whole place to yourself.

3. Go To The Top Of Reunion Tower

 

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Drive anywhere in Dallas and you’ll immediately see the free-standing structure with the ball at the top. It’s hard to miss and the 560-foot tower is a Dallas icon. At the top of the tower, is an observation deck, which offers a view of the entire city below you. They’ve recently added a virtual reality 360° view of the city. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to enjoy a nice meal, there is a Wolfgang Puck restaurant at the top of the tower. It’s considered one of the nicest restaurants in Dallas, but the view makes the food taste that much better.

4. Dealey Plaza

 

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For foreigners, John F. Kennedy (Also known as JFK) may not mean much to you, but to Americans, he was adored. Unfortunately, he was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. The exact same spot on the 6^th floor of the Dealey Plaza where Lee Harvey Oswald killed the president is where the museum stands today. The museum tells the story of JFK’s life and the events leading up to his death. On the street, the museum placed a marking where JFK was when he was shot. It’s a fascinating look into a turning point in American history and the museum is well curated. Oddly enough, there is even a webcam set up so you can see exactly what Lee Harvey Oswald saw on that fateful day in November 1963. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Dallas for history buffs.

5. Dallas Museum Of Art

 

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It’s time to get culture, y’all! One of the best things to do in Dallas if you’re an art lover, the Dallas Museum of Art (also known as the DMA for short), is another museum also worth checking out. The best part about the museum is that general admission is free, but if you want to see special expositions, you’ll have to pay a bit more. It’s a great option for those that just want to stroll around a bit or want to get in a bit of culture when it’s raining out. If you happen to be more of a night owl, the museum hosts free jazz nights once a month with food and drinks to purchase. You can even make a day out of visiting the museum by having a picnic in Klyde Warren Park directly across the street.

6. Catch A Mavericks Game

 

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In Texas, sports are a big part of the culture. In fact, I’m pretty sure football is a religion. Regardless, seeing a professional game is a must when visiting. I enjoy watching basketball the most so I recommend trying to catch a Mavericks game. The tickets are reasonably priced and the arena is located right downtown. The best part is that the atmosphere around the stadium before the game even starts is lively and is a great place to meet locals. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from. Be sure to buy a jersey and take a bunch of selfies to say you got the full Texas experience.

There we have it! Know of any other amazing things to do in Dallas? Comment below. But more importantly, what are you waiting for?

Suggested next reading: How To Experience Fort Worth Like A True Texan

The post 6 Things To Do That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Dallas appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Take a day trip

A lot of tourists when planning on things to do in Las Vegas will also usually try to plan a day trip to one of its surrounding areas. One of the closest places I highly recommend if you are tight for time is the Hoover Dam. This is also one of the most popular day trips and is typically included on the way to the Grand Canyon. There is an observation deck for people to walk along over the rim to get a good view of the gushing water.

Another day trip that is highly recommended is to the Grand Canyon. This is a full day activity as it is quite a drive to get to. You can either rent a car and go on your own or join a tour. There are all kinds of tours to the Grand Canyon; some that only go there or some that make other stops along the way. There are three main spots that tours will take you: West Rim, South Rim or the North Rim. The South Rim is probably the most popular with tourists. The West Rim is the closest and where you can find the Glass Skywalk over the canyon. The North Rim is a little more difficult to get to and the furthest away.

2. Take in a show

One of my favorite things to do when visiting Vegas is taking in a show. There are all kinds of shows depending on your interest. Some of the biggest names in music can be found performing here including Celine Dion, Elton John, JLo, Backstreet Boys and Boyz II Men. Maybe a mind-blowing magic show is more up your alley, so you can check out Penn and Teller, David Copperfield or Criss Angel. Other popular shows include Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group or Thunder From Down Under. There is a wide variety of shows geared towards all age groups and interests.

3. Go shopping

Las Vegas has to be one of the most amazing cities in the world for shopping. There are a number of shops located all along the strip and even some hotels have mini-malls attached to them. It is very easy to burn through your money here. Some of the famous hotel shopping includes the luxury shops of Crystals and Bellagio, Forum Shops at Caesars, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian. For more affordable shopping, you can find the Fashion Mall located at the north end of the strip, or the Premium Outlet malls located a bit further out from both north and south ends of the strip.

4. Gamble at the casinos

It’s obvious that one of the most famous things to do in Las Vegas is to gamble in casinos. Every hotel along the strip and outside the strip will have a casino. The largest casino can be found at the Venetian while other popular casinos along the strip include the Wynn, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, and the Mirage. Don’t forget to go off the strip to visit the downtown area where you will find the famous casino “The Golden Nugget”.

Please note: If gambling is on your list of things to do in Las Vegas, please do so responsibly and know when to call it a day.

5. Travel around the world through hotels

When in Vegas, you don’t have to go very far to get a taste of other cities from around the world. Most of the hotels tend to be based around a theme and many of them are exactly this. If you have ever wanted to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower, then you don’t have to go far; check out the Paris Hotel and Casino. Have you ever wanted to take a gondola ride through those famous Venetian canals? Book your stay at the Venetian Hotel. Take a stroll around the Big Apple and head to the New York New York Hotel to see the Statue of Liberty and ride the roller-coaster through the Manhattan Skyline. Transport over to Rome by visiting the Bellagio and check out the famous water fountain show every half hour. Other themed hotels include Egypt’s “Luxor”, the Roman-themed “Caesars Palace” and jump back in time to the Middle Age by checking out the Excalibur Hotel and Casino.

6. Venture through Downtown Vegas

 

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The Downtown Las Vegas happens to be the historic center of the city. Before the strip, the downtown area was the gambling hub and home of the mob. Today, it is a fascinating area to wander around with plenty to see and do. It is located north of the strip and is easily accessible by the bus. This is where you will find the Freemont Street Experience which occupies 5 blocks of the street and is filled with shops, bars and casinos. Be sure to step back into time by visiting the famous Golden Nugget Casino or brave your wilder side and zip line down the street with SlotZilla Zip Line.

7. Visit the Neon Graveyard

 

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This has to be one of the most unique things to do in Las Vegas for me. Just north of the downtown area, you will find the Neon Museum. Spread across 6 acres, you will find a massive collection of over 150 famous old casino, hotel and business signs. Take a walk through history on a guided tour of this remarkable collection. You need to book your time ahead of time (online or in person) as it has become quite popular and space runs out quickly. They offer tours seven days a week from 9:30am to 11pm (midnight on weekends). It is hard to suggest the best time to go as visiting in the day is a completely different experience than going at night. At night, you will see the signs all lit up and during the day you won’t. Some of the most popular signs you will see include La Concha, The Golden Nugget and the Stardust.

8. Brave the Stratosphere

 

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The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino is located at the very north of the strip. Here you can discover how brave you actually are by participating in one of the thrill rides on the very top of the tower. The Insanity ride is a mechanical arm that holds you 900 feet above ground as it spins you over the edge, The Big Shot will blast you 160 feet up in the air and lastly, The Scream shoots you headfirst 27 feet over the edge. These rides are not for the faint hearted or anyone who may be scared of heights but, for adrenalin junkies, they are definitely the most thrilling things to do in Las Vegas. If these aren’t for you, why not try leaping off the top off the tower and fall from the sky on the heart-pounding SkyJump?

9. Go back to the Mob Days

 

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Step back in time to old Vegas when it was run by the Mob. The Mob Museum, officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is located in Downtown Las Vegas in the former Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse. The museum is dedicated to organized crime, not only in Vegas but around the United States. You will get to see several artifacts, hear stories and learn all about the history of organized crime. Your experience will also provide you with more information about the first Casinos in the city, the origins of the FBI and all you need to know about Howard Hughes and Al Capone. This is one of those excellent things to do in Las Vegas if you’re a history and crime buff.

Know of any other tips or things to do in Las Vegas? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: How To Have The Best Birthday Ever In San Diego

The post 9 Non-Negotiable Things To Do In Las Vegas appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Stockyards

A visit to the old Stockyards is one of the top things to do in Fort Worth. Located north of downtown, the Stockyards are truly where the west begins (It’s Fort Worth’s city slogan as well.) Recognized as a National Historic District, the Stockyards made Fort Worth an important economic hub in the south during the 19^th Century. It’s where railroads transported cattle to be slaughtered, butchered, packed up, and eventually shipped off across the country. Today, the meatpacking companies are long gone, but you can still see a section of the old, abandoned Swift Armour company including their beautiful sign and gate. The area has become quite popular in recent years with visitors from around the world with its twice a day cattle drive down the main street of the Stockyards. Beyond the cattle drive, you can learn to Texas country dance at the biggest honky tonk in the world, (A honky-tonk is just Texas’ way of saying it’s a concert venue) Billy Bob’s. The venue regularly plays host to some of the biggest country music acts and is practically a country music museum. Once you’ve burned off some calories, it’s time to get some delicious barbecue at Riscky’s, a Texas institution for almost 100 years. This is just a warm-up barbecue eating session for later.

Southside

 

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Fort Worth’s Southside district has undergone a massive revitalization in the past few years. The area used to only be home to a few restaurants and bars for nearby hospital workers, but it’s main artery, Magnolia Avenue, has been turned into a foodie and drinker’s heaven. It is now one of the country’s hottest entertainment districts. Take a casual stroll on Magnolia and try the bison burger at Shaw’s. The patio is the place to be on a warm night and hosts local musicians on the weekends. For vegans, Spiral Diner is one of the best vegan restaurants in Texas. Originally opened in 2002, it now has two other locations in nearby Dallas and Denton. For dessert, head to Melt for ice cream and take a picture in front of its Instagram worthy yellow wall. If you still have a bit of a sweet tooth, walk across the street to Stir Crazy Bakery for a Nutella cupcake…or three. It’s okay no one is judging you. Finally, cap the night off with a drink at The Usual. The trendy bar bases its drinks off Prohibition-era favorites. If craft cocktails are your thing, The Usual should top your list of things to do in Fort Worth.

Sundance Square

 

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Downtown, also known as Sundance Square, used to be much like the Southside District. No one would come spend time in the district unless they absolutely needed to. That has all changed within the last decade. Named after a western outlaw that used to make its home in Fort Worth, the 35 block downtown district is now a great area to shop, eat, drink, and hang out with friends and family. On any given weekend, you’ll find locals hanging out by the water fountains watching an outdoor movie, watching their kids play, or just enjoying a beautiful night. There are quite a few places to visit. The first place you have to stop is the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Built in the 1970’s, you’ll often see locals and visitors alike walking around and enjoying the cool water. Trust me, in summer, the water gardens become one of the best things to do in Fort Worth! Next, take a walk around and you might think you are on South Beach. While there may be no ocean, you might notice the Art Deco architecture of many of the buildings. A good portion of those buildings are national landmarks since that style is no longer used in modern construction. With all of that walking around, it’s time to get something to eat. That’s a tough decision since Sundance Square is filled with incredible restaurants. From Sushi to Mexican to Korean food, the amount of diversity is pretty surprising. To end your time in Sundance Square, head to my favorite bar in the city, Thompson’s Book Store. Named after its previous tenant, you’ll need that weekend’s password to enter. You can find it either on their Facebook page or if you get a drink upstairs. With the password, you get access to Thompson’s secret downstairs bar. Besides the secret bar, Thompson’s is home to some spectacular cocktails and its bartenders are considered some of the best in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.

Eat Barbecue

Now, if you followed my itinerary you already had your warmup portion of delicious barbecue, but it is now time for the real deal. You simply cannot come to Texas and NOT have multiple barbecue dinners. There are various restaurants to satisfy this barbecue obligation. For those that prefer a more traditional experience, I’d recommend heading to Angelo’s. One of the original barbecue joints in Fort Worth that has been opened since 1958. It’s been open so long for a reason. Its barbecue is crazy good. Be sure to try the sausages, but be careful, you may never have a better one again! If you are looking for a more modern take on barbecue, you have to try Heim’s. What started off as a small food truck serving great barbecue is now a full-blown restaurant with that same awesome food and over 150 whiskeys. People that love Heim’s swear by it and refuse to even consider another spot. For a sampling of everything, try the Tex Meat Club Plate for a sample of everything. Pair that with a whiskey and I’d say you are a true Texan now.

There are so many other things to do in Fort Worth, I could go on. But for other things to do in Fort Worth that’ll make you feel like a true Texan be sure to also check out: The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, and the Beef Jerky Outlet!

Suggested next reading: 11 Of The Absolute Best Things To Do In Austin, Texas

The post How To Experience Fort Worth Like A True Texan appeared first on Modern Trekker.

If you’re planning a trip to the Windy City, here are the top 5 Chicago-style foods you should absolutely try when you’re in town:

1. Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza is a Chicago classic and comes right after “gangsters” on the list of things that people I meet while traveling ask me about Chicago. There’s a major rivalry between Pizzeria Uno, Lou Malnati’s, and Giordano’s about who created the original recipe back in the 1940s. You really can’t go wrong with any of them (but Lou Malnati’s will always be my favorite—sorry, not sorry).

A piece of advice for deep dish pizza tasting: if you go in with the expectation that it will be like any regular (non-deep dish) pizza you’ve had before, you’re not going to like it. It tastes a bit more like a lasagna with crust instead of noodles—still good, but definitely different than a traditional, thin crust pizza so don’t set yourself up for disappointment.

In addition to deep dish pizza, be sure to try the square-cut thin crust pizza at Giordano’s, which is actually more popular among the locals (and my personal favorite of all the Chicago food options).

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2. Chicago-style Hot Dog

The traditional Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef hot dog on a poppyseed bun, topped with mustard, onions, relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, peppers, and celery salt. It is considered blasphemous to put ketchup on a Chicago-style dog, to the point where many Chicago hot dog vendors do not have ketchup as a condiment option.

Some great spots to grab a Chicago-style dog: Wiener Circle (Lincoln Park), Dog Haus Biergarten (Lincoln Park), Chicago’s Dog House (Fullerton), Downtown Dogs (Gold Coast), Portillo’s (everywhere), Devil Dawgs (Loop), and a zillion other delicious spots.

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3. Polish Sausage

This is along the same lines as the Chicago hot dog but is made with Kielbasa sausage and topped with grilled onions, yellow mustard, and peppers. Be sure to visit Maxwell Street Polish (one of the most famous spots and where the Chicago-style Polish allegedly originated), pick one up at Portillo’s, one of Chicago’s best restaurant chains, or, in true Chicago style, pick one up from the stands at a baseball game along with an ice cold beer.

More great spots to grab a Polish: Jim’s Original (Little Italy), Kurowski’s Sausage Shop (Avondale), and Gene’s Sausage Shop and Delicatessen (Ravenswood).

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4. Italian Beef

The name Italian beef is deceptive because this incredible sandwich was created in Chicago in the 1930s. This delicious masterpiece consists of thinly sliced roast beef served au jus on an Italian roll, which is then dipped into the au jus used to cook the beef, and finally topped with giardiniera, or grilled sweet peppers.

The best places to get one are Portillo’s (again, everywhere) or Al’s Beef (multiple locations)—both quintessential Chicago chains. Portillo’s is always my first stop on the way home from the airport when I come home to Chicago, if that gives you any indication of the role it plays in the traditional Chicago food scene. There are many other good spots throughout the city to grab a bite of heaven, so you really can’t go wrong.

Other great spots to try some Italian beef: Bari (West Town), Buona (multiple locations), Jay’s Beef (Logan Square), Luke’s Italian Beef (Loop), or Mr. Beef (River North).

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5. Garrett’s Popcorn

You can now find Garrett’s Popcorn around the world, but the chain originates from Madison Street, right in the heart of Chicago. This popcorn chain is renowned for the “Chicago Mix”, a real Chicago-style blend of cheese and caramel popcorn (now called the “Garrett Mix”, but old names die hard in Chicago—RIP Sears Tower and Comiskey Park). It sounds weird but trust me, it’s delicious. They have a decent variety of flavors so there’s something for everyone to love. They’ve even got a location in the airport, so be sure to pick some up for your friends and coworkers back home (it’s always a big hit in the office), that is, if you don’t eat it all yourself before you get home.

Fun fact: former President Barack Obama (a longtime Chicago resident) is a huge fan of Garrett’s Popcorn, and reportedly gives it as a birthday gift to former Vice President Joe Biden each year for his birthday.

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BONUS: Malört

Ok so this is a liquor, not a food, but it’s also an essential part of the Chicago experience. Your first shot of malört is almost a rite of passage. Malört was originally sold as a medicinal alcohol, allowing it to be consumed legally during Prohibition when it was sold door-to-door. It goes down incredibly smoothly, but the strong, herby aftertaste from the wormwood (the key ingredient) will definitely catch you by surprise and linger for a while. Wormwood is also the key ingredient in absinthe, however drinking malört doesn’t have the same trippy, mind-bending effects.

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If you’re looking for a more palatable way to imbibe like a local while in Chicago, be sure to check out any beers made by Revolution Brewing or Goose Island, local Chicago breweries (they’re all awesome). My personal favorite Chicago beer is the Revolution Anti-Hero (an IPA), although you really can’t go wrong with any of the local brews.

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Chicago has so many incredible food options beyond the classics listed here, so by no means should you treat this as an exhaustive guide to Chicago’s food scene, but it’s a great place to start.

Suggested next reading: Chicago: Amazing Things To See And Do Without Breaking The Bank

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