Podcasts about citypass

Kim and her daughter Amelia went to New York City in December to experience the Big Apple for the holidays. In addition to enjoying the holiday markets, ice skating, and decorations, they went on a quest to find all the of the Taylor Swift related spots in the City. If you have a Swiftie fan, give this episode a listen! Trip Highlights: Kim stayed at the Grayson Hotel near Bryant Park, which has a good location but the rooms are very small and the rooftop bar is pretty loud and crowded They visited from Sunday - Wednesday to avoid the weekend crowds Earlier December is better because the crowds get heavier the closer it gets to Christmas and between Christmas and New Years Ice skating in Bryant Park is much cheaper than skating in Rockefeller Center and if you have your own ice skates, it is free. You need to book your time slot when it opens a week in advance. You get 20 minutes to get your skates and 50 minutes on the ice for your time slot. Kim and Mia used CityPASS New York to see many of the sights. The passes are available digitally and you can book reservations (when needed) from within the CityPASS app. They did Top of the Rock at night and then the Empire State Building during the day. During the holidays, Top of the Rock has a seasonal Christmas pop up bar. There are Christmas Markets at Columbus Circle, Bryant Park, Herald Square, and Union Square to visit. Bryant Park is one of the busiest markets. The storefronts on Fifth Avenue are decorated and Sixth Avenue has a lot of large ornaments and other holiday decorations. They didn't get to visit the lights in the neighborhood of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Taylor Swift Spots in NYC: Housing Works - where Taylor Swift filmed part of the "All too well" video House on Cornelius Street Bus Stop Cafe near Cornelius Street Walk on the Highline Chelsea Hotel See more details in Kim's Instagram post

This episode of Big Blend Radio's “Food Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA features Meg Heinen of CityPASS, who shares how you can save BIG on the top attractions across North America in landmark cities and destinations like Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego & Southern California, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto. Learn more at https://www.citypass.com/ Airing every 2nd Tuesday, this Big Blend Radio show is in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Learn more at: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Photos Courtesy of CityPASS: Space Needle with Seattle skyline with Mount Rainier in the distance; Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Passing Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's “Food Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA features Meg Heinen of CityPASS, who shares how you can save BIG on the top attractions across North America in landmark cities and destinations like Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego & Southern California,  San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto.  Learn more at https://www.citypass.com/  Airing every 2nd Tuesday, this Big Blend Radio show is in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Learn more at: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  Photos Courtesy of CityPASS: Space Needle with Seattle skyline with Mount Rainier in the distance; Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Passing Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's VACATION STATION Travel & Leisure Show focuses on unique holiday attractions, destinations, and festive events and community celebrations across North America.FEATURED GUESTS: * DEBORAH WAKEFIELD of CityPASS, who shares how you can save BIG on the top attractions in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego & Southern California, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto. See: https://www.citypass.com/ * Author and Travel Writer ELAINE MASTERS "Trip Well Gal" shares various holiday events to experience, especially ones that celebrate the season with light shows and displays. See some of her articles:- Holiday lights: https://www.tripwellgal.com/holiday-lights/ - Robolights: https://www.tripwellgal.com/robolights-palm-springs-holiday-lights-show/ - San Diego Lights: https://www.tripwellgal.com/holidays-spirits-and-light-shows-for-grown-ups-in-san-diego/ PHOTO of the View of Rockefeller Center's lower plaza and its annual holiday tree. Photo by Invision, courtesy of CityPASS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's VACATION STATION Travel & Leisure Show focuses on unique holiday attractions, destinations, and festive events and community celebrations across North America. FEATURED GUESTS:  * DEBORAH WAKEFIELD of CityPASS, who shares how you can save BIG on the top attractions in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego & Southern California,  San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto. See: https://www.citypass.com/  * Author and Travel Writer ELAINE MASTERS "Trip Well Gal" shares various holiday events to experience, especially ones that celebrate the season with light shows and displays. See some of her articles: - Holiday lights: https://www.tripwellgal.com/holiday-lights/  - Robolights: https://www.tripwellgal.com/robolights-palm-springs-holiday-lights-show/  - San Diego Lights: https://www.tripwellgal.com/holidays-spirits-and-light-shows-for-grown-ups-in-san-diego/  PHOTO of the View of Rockefeller Center's lower plaza and its annual holiday tree. Photo by Invision, courtesy of CityPASS.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station “Food Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA features Deborah Wakefield of CityPASS, who shares how you can save BIG on the top attractions in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego & Southern California, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto. Learn more at https://www.citypass.com/This Big Blend Radio show is in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Learn more at: https://www.ifwtwa.org/Photo: Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise — Cruise passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. Courtesy of Blue & Gold Fleet / CityPASS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fernbank Museum will offer a vivid immersion into the science of color in the new special exhibit that will open in February. “The Nature of Color” will be on view at the museum February 11 through May 7 of 2023. A statement from museum officials said: “Our world is covered in color — it's woven so tightly into our lives that we rarely stop to question what it is and how it works. Where do colors come from? The new exhibit offers an in-depth exploration of the way color carries information in nature, including how organisms use it to find food, warn off predators and reproduce. The exhibit also delves into the use of color across cultures, where different colors can signal a wide range of meanings, impact emotions and ultimately influence the society around us. This fun and family friendly exhibit features models, cultural objects, media and interactive components that will invite visitors to play and experiment. Guests will be immersed in a kaleidoscope of imagery, interactivity and exploration and can interact with activities such as a “painting” on a floor-to-ceiling canvas using just their hands. They also can experience a colorchanging room, featuring a light lab experiment that provides the opportunity to combine colors to make white light. “The Nature of Color” also brings with it three displays that delve more into the specificities of color. ♦ “Feeling Color” allows guests to create different pigmented combinations to see how their creation affects their emotions. ♦ “Making Color” demonstrates the process of dyeing fabric and the history behind this process. ♦ “Meaning of Color” teaches guests how colors can create a shared identity and shows this through the color red and its use from cave art all the way to college sports. For those who have ever pondered the influence of hue on society — from guiding emotions and the way animals interact in nature to the history of color production — “The Nature of Color” aims to answer these explorative questions and showcase the ways that color ultimately influences every aspect of our lives, museum officials said. Another highlight of “The Nature of Color” is an installation of portraits by Brazilian photographer Angélica Dass, whose work showcases the diversity of human skin tones to challenge socially constructed racial categories and celebrate the beauty and diversity of humans around the world. Also featured is a red chiffon and organza gown by American designer Brandon Maxwell that was created specifically for the exhibit. Fernbank will celebrate the opening of The Nature of Color with a special family-friendly Discovery Day on February 11, featuring a range of activities that explore color, including a special demonstration with Fernbank's youth volunteers to creatively paint a life-sized bear model provided by Behr Paint. The Nature of Color is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York and local presentation is made possible by Behr Paint Company, one of the largest manufacturers of paints, primers, decorative finishes, stains and surface preparation products. “The Nature of Color” is included with general admission at Fernbank and with CityPASS. For more information, go to FernbankMuseum.org. At the fourth annual Wreaths Across America ceremony held in mid-December at Lawrenceville's East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens, 350 veterans were honored as more than 150 people participated in a ceremony that included laying a fresh balsam wreath at every gravesite and reciting aloud the names of those who served. The commemoration was hosted by the Philadelphia Winn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a volunteer women's community service organization who for more than 130 years has promoted historic preservation, patriotism and education. The event included ceremonial wreaths honoring each branch of the military and also honored the nearly 95,000 POW/MIA veterans who have never returned home to their families. The wreaths, complete with red bows, were made in Maine for Wreaths Across America, whose stated mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. More than 3,300 locations nationwide and abroad received veterans' wreaths for ceremonies. Among the participants in the local commemoration were the Georgia State Society, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard and Milita, the Elisha Winn Society Children of the American Revolution, the Parkview High School Marines JROTC Cadets and women's groups and several Boy Scouts and Girl Scout troops, American Legion Auxiliary and VFW organizations. Special guests included Gwinnett County Commission Chari Nicole Hendrickson, District Three Commissioner Jasper Watkins III and Lawrenceville Mayor David Still. Colonel John Haynes, U.S. Air Force (retired), a resident of Lilburn, was the guest speaker. The National Anthem was led by the Philadelphia Winn Chapter chaplain Connie Rifkind and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by siblings Nick and Rebecca Hamrick, members of the Elish Winn Society Children of the American Revolution. The Georgia Society SAR Color Guard and Milita presented colors, performed a three-musket volley and played Taps to conclude the ceremony. For more information on the Philadelphia Winn Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, visit www.philadelphiawinn.blogspot.com. Supporting the 11Alive/Salvation Army Can-A-Thon has been an annual school-wide tradition at Greater Atlanta Christian School for the past decade. This year the GAC community again came together in the fight against food insecurity in the Gwinnett County community and beyond by collecting 22,563 non-perishables, which were delivered to the Salvation Army on Dec. 2. Students from infant to 12th grade rallied their efforts for the past month in varying ways to accomplish their goals. Different incentives and competitions all spurred the number of cans to grow. On Can-A-Thon collection day, each school level's service and leadership groups lent a hand collecting, counting, boxing, packing, and delivering food. On-site at Salvation Army, the GAC Concert Choir serenaded volunteers with spirited Christmas music while student leaders unloaded boxes and presented the donations for the 11Alive/Salvation Army Can-A-Thon. Although Santa Claus has come and gone, there's still time for plenty of “Winter Wonderland” fun to be had at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands through New Year's Day. There are several holiday packages available at Legacy Lodge, the landmark hotel at Lanier Islands, including the Winter Family Fun Package, which is available for groups of two or four. Highlights include overnight accommodations, passes for snow tubing, carnival rides, ice skating and more at Margaritaville's License to Chill Show Island, and breakfast the next morning at Sidney's. After Christmas Day, the focus at Lake Lanier Islands shifted to ringing in 2023 with a pair of New Year's Eve events and accommodation offerings. The New Year's Eve Celebration is an adults-only package featuring overnight accommodations, two tickets to a party and dinner buffet in the Legacy Lodge Ballroom, dancing to the music of Moxie, an open bar during the celebration, a champagne toast at midnight, a New Year's Day brunch for two and late check out on New Year's Day. There's also the New Year's Eve Family Fun Celebration, which includes overnight accommodations, two tickets to the party and dinner buffet in the ballroom, dancing, open bar, champagne toast at midnight and two tickets to Lanier Islands' New Year's Eve Kids Party, complete with dinner, crafts, games, a movie and more. Also included is a New Year's Day brunch for four and late check out, followed by a day for four at License to Chill Snow Island. For visitors reserving a LakeHouse or Villa room, a four-seater resort cart rental is also included. License to Chill Snow Island will be open to the public daily through January 4 and on the weekends until February 26. For more information, visit www.lanierislands.com For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com For more information be sure to visit www.bgpodcastnetwork.com   https://www.lawrencevillega.org/  https://www.foxtheatre.org/  https://guideinc.org/  https://www.psponline.com/  https://www.kiamallofga.com/  https://www.milb.com/gwinnett  https://www.fernbankmuseum.org/             See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this segment I discuss Metro Atlanta Residential Real Estate Market YTD and the last couple weeks, something you should know about Metro Atlanta, the Atlanta CityPass, and answer a listener question, "We received 10 offers for our home and have selected one to be our first buyer. My agent is discouraging me from negotiating with another offer as a back-up because she's saying it's a waste of time. What are your thoughts?"

In this episode, we discover the Tampa CityPASS, a cool way to float along the Rainbow River, and how kids in Central Florida are dealing with bullies. Geno from Q105 and Sean Roberts from 98.7 The Shark tell you all about the Tampa CityPASS. It's a cool way to explore all of what the Tampa Bay area has to offer. CityPASS is a great option if you have visitors coming into town or if you want to just get out and explore Tampa (:50). We also discuss Amrak, a new program that helps kids in the Tampa Bay area overcome bullies by turning their struggles into artistic endeavors. Roxanne Wilder from Q105 speaks with the founder of the non-profit, Sean Roberts (3:03). Plus, Keith Connors from 99.5 QYK tells us all about the Rainbow River and why it's one of his favorite places in Florida (6:29). Join us as we take you on a journey across all of Tampa Bay. We will show you all that this city has to offer lead by the biggest tastemakers in Tampa Bay. We are here to help you experience Tampa Bay in 10 minutes or less! Join us as we take you on a journey across all of Tampa Bay. We will show you all that this city has to offer lead by the biggest tastemakers in Tampa Bay. Hosted by Q105’s Roxanne Wilder from the MJ Morning Show and Geno Knight they will be joined each week by a new tastemaker who will fill you in on something you need to check out. From the biggest events and headliners to small community events to the hottest places to eat to the local hidden gems, we will make sure you know what is going on in our area in one easy-to-digest weekly podcast episode. We are more than just beaches and sunshine! A new episode drops every Thursday at 10a. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

Kim is back to traveling and this week she fills us in on her recent Seattle staycation and her mother-daughters trip to Vail, Colorado. About Our Sponsor - Atlas Ocean Voyages Today's podcast is brought to you by Atlas Ocean Voyages.  If you have ever dreamed of cruising to Greece or Egypt, now is the time to book! Atlas Ocean Voyages just introduced its expedition ship World Navigator. This small ship, luxury vessel is built for adventure in a sustainable, energy-efficient manner.  Perfect for adventurous families or multi-generational groups, its compact size and small guest count of fewer than 200 passengers, means a higher space to guest ratio and more intimacy and personalized service. From August through September 2021, World Navigator will sail 7 separate 12 night itineraries to Greece and Egypt. And its small size and agility means she can dock in smaller ports, avoiding large crowds and getting a more authentic experience. And this summer, arrivals in Greece do not coincide with any other cruise ships in port! Bookings are all inclusive, including both airfare and excursions. The ship's facilities and protocols reflect state of the art public health guidance. With stringent public health protocols followed by staff and crew with pre-boarding and pre-embarkation PCR testing provided for all passengers. Social distancing will be maintained with small group shore excursions. Atlas welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something brand new'      To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com and we thank them for their support. Seattle Staycation There are two many tourist districts in Seattle, one is downtown not far from Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and the waterfront, and the other is at Seattle Center, where the Space Needle, MoPop, the Science Center, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass is located. You can use the monorail to get between these two main areas. Kim and her girls stayed at the newly remodeled Fairmont Olympic Hotel downtown. You can have afternoon tea in the newly redecorated lobby and lobby bar -- and they are very good about food allergies. A great way to explore the city is with CityPASS. For the Seattle CityPASS you can go to three of the following five attractions: Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Harbor Cruise, MoPop, and Woodland Park Zoo. The Pacific Science Center is usually included as an option but it is currently closed and scheduled to reopen in late 2021. Many attractions currently require reservations but the CityPASS system makes this easy to do online -- although it pays to do it a week or more in advance. If you can, try to plan your days to visit the Aquarium and Pike Place on the same day (and do a harbor cruise if that is your choice). Then visit the Space Needle, Chihuly, and MoPop on the same day since they are all very close to each other. You can then visit the zoo on the third day of your trip. However, you should consider the weather forecast and try to pick a clear day to visit the Space Needle. Right now MoPop has a special Disney Villians and Heroes Exhibit (not included in the CityPASS) Pike Place Chowder in the waterfront area is a great place for lunch. Woodland Park Zoo currently has a very cute baby gorilla. Summer Trip to Vail Note: Kim and her family were hosted by Vail Resorts. All opinions are her own. If you fly into Denver, you can take the Epic Mountain Express shuttle to Vail, which is about a 2.5 hour trip depending on traffic (Denver is known for bad traffic) Kim stayed in the Manor Vail condos, about a 10 minute walk from Vail Village (there are also shuttles). Manor Vail is next to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens In Vail Village there are many restaurants and shops, an indoor bowling alley, and outdoor cornhole, which is a lot of fun Give yourself time to adjust to altitude but rest, drinking a lot of water, and an oxygen shot can help. You can go horseback riding in Vail with a two hour trail ride through a magical forest. Alpen Rose is a great spot in town for dinner. From Lion's Head you can take the Eagle Bahn Gondola At the top of the mountain there is an Epic Discovery park with ziplines, a mountain coaster, trampolines, a rock wall, and a lawn slide. Eating at the top of the mountain is expensive so be prepared or eat before you go. The ziplines and ropes course is currently closed for the summer. Picnic Vail will arrange a picnic for you at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, including set up and clean up, complete with food and interactive games to play together. If you can visit during the week it will be less crowded in Vail Village and at the activities If you decide to rent a car, rent in advance and be prepared for long lines and high rates this summer. There are also more flight cancellations this summer as travel gets back into gear and airlines struggle to bring employees back on board. Full Episode Transcript [00:00:00.060] - Kim Tate Staycation and vacations. Find out what Kim's been up to this summer.   [00:00:16.530] - Announcer Welcome to Vacation Mavens, a family travel podcast with ideas for your next vacation and tips to get you out the door. Here are your hosts, Kim from Stuffed Suitcase and Tamara from We3Travel.   [00:00:31.620] - Tamara Gruber Today's podcast is brought to you by Atlas Ocean Voyages. If you've ever dreamed of cruising to Greece or Egypt, now is the time to book Atlas. Ocean Voyages just introduced its new expedition ship, The World Navigator. This small ship luxury vessel is built for adventure in a sustainable but energy efficient manner. It's perfect for adventurous families or multigenerational groups. It's compact size and small guest count of fewer than 200 passengers means a higher space to guest ratio and more intimacy and personalized service.   [00:01:01.500] - Tamara Gruber From August through September 2021, World Navigator will sail seven separate 12 night itineraries to Greece and Egypt, and its small size and agility means she can dock in smaller ports, avoiding large crowds and getting a more authentic experience. And this summer, arrivals in Greece do not coincide with any other cruise ships in port bookings are all inclusive, including both airfare and excursions. The ship's facilities and protocols reflect state of the art public health guidance, with stringent public health protocols followed by staff and crew.   [00:01:30.390] - Tamara Gruber With preboarding and pre embarkation PCR testing provided for all passengers, social distancing will be maintained with small groups shore excursions. Atlas welcomes travelers to come back to something brand new. To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOcean Voyages.com, and we thank them for their support. So Kim, I'm sure you're like melting over there in Seattle in this heat wave. Are you ready to hop on a cruise ship to Greece?   [00:01:56.760] - Kim Tate Yes. That sounded pleasant when you were saying it. I was thinking it'd be so nice to stand out on a cruise deck with the ocean. And, you know, that cool ocean breeze sounds so amazing right now.   [00:02:08.310] - Tamara Gruber Yeah. And, you know, I love the small ship concept. Sounds like really good to me. And the fact that it can go into the smaller ports and the more authentic kind of places and not have any other cruise ships and ports. You're not fighting with all those other gazillion passengers.   [00:02:22.710] - Kim Tate You know, that's huge, I think, because we all I mean, those of us who have cruised on mega ships, which is everything I've done, you definitely get that sense of kind of being the herd at the end of the dock as you all come off and everybody's trying to sell you stuff and it's just chaos.   [00:02:40.800] - Kim Tate So I like the idea that it's just a small ship and kind of sounds like it's more of an intimate feel and you probably get more, you know, like you think when you step off and there's not a bunch of people you can kind of enjoy taking in the scenery a little more. You're not worried about all the hustle and bustle and hurrying somewhere, right?   [00:02:57.630] - Tamara Gruber Exactly. Yeah. Well, I'm by the time this comes out, I'm actually going to be back from my trip from Greece, assuming all goes well. But you've had a few little trips of your own recently and I would love to hear more about them. So do you want to tell us a little bit about your staycation first?   [00:03:15.690] - Kim Tate Of course, yeah. I'm so excited to get a chat a little because you've been so busy traveling. So finally, I got to dip my toes back in the summer travels and our first trip was more of just a staycation and it was with Seattle. And what happened is basically it was that CityPASS had reached out and said, hey, are you still in Seattle? Do you want to, you know, use some CityPASSes and enjoy some of the sights now that they're opening back up?   [00:03:39.060] - Kim Tate And I said, absolutely, let's do it. And so I actually arranged with the Fairmont in Seattle, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, which I've never stayed at before. And it's kind of considered one of those classic original hotels in Seattle that people will actually come in to kind of tour and get a look around. And they have a brand new lobby design and a brand new lobby bar that they just opened. So I reached out to them and they hosted us for two nights.   [00:04:07.260] - Kim Tate And one thing I'll say is for people who are planning a trip to Seattle, I don't know much about Seattle. I consider, of course, Seattle's spread out and has tons of neighborhoods and each neighborhood has some benefits and nice parts to it. But if you're going to do like the traditional touristy things, there's kind of a downtown district that's more of the business district and it's just up from kind of Pike Place Market and the wharf and the aquarium and all the all the cruise sports kind of are nearby there. And then a little further up is Seattle Center. And that's where I mean, I know, you know this that's where they have MoPop and the Space Needle and Chiluly is there as well as the science center. So there's two main kind of tourist sectors. And I personally love staying in the more the downtown corridor that's near Pike Place, that's just I like that area better.   [00:05:01.530] - Kim Tate It just has kind of a vibe that I like. So that's where Fairmont is. It's kind of in that area. And we really liked our stay there. I stayed in a King executive suite and then they gave us a connecting room for the girls, which was a double and. Again, it's just so nice I mean, the rooms are nice, very clean, you know, fresh linens and all of that, the lobby is just amazing there.   [00:05:25.170] - Kim Tate And we actually had afternoon tea at the Fairmont, which is something they're well known for. All Fairmont's are known for.   [00:05:30.990] - Tamara Gruber I was going to say, yes, I always think I mean, I love Fairmont Hotels. They're just wonderful. I've stayed in that area a couple of times, but it's always been the Westin. But the Fairmont's definitely are known for the tea, so you got to do that.   [00:05:44.370] - Kim Tate So we did do that one day and it was so nice. The girls and I both liked it and I thought, they were so helpful with Mia's allergies. So we had said, you know, nuts and eggs are an issue. And they actually brought her out her own little tray of food and then and our own tray that Lizzy and I could eat off of. And so it's just things like, you know, we had chicken salad.   [00:06:08.220] - Kim Tate Some of our sandwiches were like chicken salad on little piece of lettuce, whereas they just gave her little bits of chicken without the mayo for the salad part. And then the all the sweet treats they provided were vegan. So no eggs and then didn't have nuts. So she was very happy. And it was nice that they recognize that. And then, of course, the tea aspect, it's so fun for them. They really enjoy that because we each you know, each of us got to choose our own type of tea.   [00:06:34.950] - Kim Tate And then they bring the pot and you have your glass and your little strainer and you can pour it. And they just it was just nice. And the other thing is the seating areas they have they're in the lobby for it are all cozy seating, you know, which has become so popular, I think, with hotels now. But, you know, we had like a couch and two armchairs and that was to kind of whatever you call poufs, which, of course, we didn't use because there was just three of us.   [00:06:59.760] - Kim Tate But it's just a really it's kind of a fun seating area where you can relax a little bit. And so we talked and we spent, I would say, about an hour and 15 minutes just kind of enjoying our experience there. So that was a lot of fun. And I was glad that we got to experience one of the Fairmont Classic things to do.   [00:07:16.410] - Tamara Gruber Did you guys get dressed up for it too?   [00:07:18.510] - Kim Tate We did. Yeah, we did. I had each of the girls and I was kind of nice. So then we went back up to our room, changed into more, you know, normal everyday clothes. And we we used, which is something I did with you. We use the monorail a lot and it is under construction. Now, the Westlake Center is under construction right now, but they're still operating the monorail, which is such a convenient way, like I said, to get between those two areas.   [00:07:44.070] - Kim Tate And that was the funny thing about the monorail is built with the 62 World's Fair when the Space Needle was built. And so it's got this futuristic feel, but it is just like a monorail, kind of like it Disney or, you know, anything like that. The thing that throws most people off, because I heard tourists on the train, they didn't get that. There's literally one stop. It's just a back and forth shuttle of sorts. So that's one thing to keep in mind.   [00:08:08.310] - Kim Tate It's not like this really long. You're not going throughout the city in it.   [00:08:12.270] - Kim Tate Yeah. You're not getting a tour. Exactly. Yeah, that's a great way of saying it. So but we use that a lot just to get up there, because like I said, with the CityPASS, which is one of the reasons we're there, your admission if you buy a CityPASS ticket, you automatically get admission to the Space Needle and the aquarium, which, like I said, are in the two different sectors. And then you also get to choose three attractions from a list of five.   [00:08:35.850] - Kim Tate So it's you can either take a little harbor tour with Argosy Cruises. You can go to the Museum of Pop Culture, also known as Mo Pop, used to be called Experience Music Project. And then you can go to the Woodland Park Zoo, you can go to Chihuly garden of glass or you can go to the Pacific Science Center. The Pacific Science Center is still closed right now and isn't set to reopen until the end of this year. Late this year or so, that one wasn't an issue for us.   [00:09:02.310] - Kim Tate So we chose to do the Space Needle. The aquarium, MoPop, the zoo, and Chilhuly. And the thing to think, the thing that we did on that, that is something you have to keep in mind right now. A CityPASS is the fact that you have to make reservations in advance for a lot of these places because they're still just doing limited capacity. And so I was a little worried about how that would work. However, the CityPASS system is really just works great.   [00:09:28.140] - Kim Tate They have everything streamlined and it's all done electronically. You know, through a website, you just click on, say, make a reservation. The hardest reservation to make was the aquarium. They had the most limitations. And like I said, because of the location of things, I tried to pair the aquarium up on a different day, whereas I compared, like the Space Needle and Chihuly and MoPop, I wanted to pair them together since they're all in one area and then the zoo is a little further north.   [00:09:55.470] - Kim Tate So when we checked out of the hotel, we just drove up to the zoo and did that before we drove home. So, yeah, it was a fun day. You know, they're just such classic things to do in Seattle, the Space Needle, it was a beautiful, clear day. It was very busy. So we once we turned it, you know, scanned our tickets for entrance. It was probably about a half an hour. Till we got to the elevator, so they have kind of a queue line that wraps around the gift shop of all places, but you stand in that line and then you you don't actually get to shop.   [00:10:27.370] - Kim Tate It's kind of an overlook over the gift shop. But you then get to the elevators and they have a couple of different elevators that they start taking people up. There's actually four elevators on different sides. And I didn't even realize that. It's so funny. I've been up the Space Needle a few times and I've never really considered that it does make a difference which elevator you get your view. I mean, obviously. So the four elevators that face different directions give you a very different view.   [00:10:53.020] - Kim Tate So we are lucky enough to get the which I consider one of the best elevators, which is more of the south facing elevator. So you can see Rainier as you're going up and you also see the Puget Sound a bit. And whereas if you're on the north side, you see like the Lake Union, Lake Washington, University of Washington, kind of that angle. So it's an interesting thing to keep in mind is just that depending on what elevator you get, your view up is a little different.   [00:11:16.900] - Kim Tate But once you get in, you know, I walk around when you're like, yes, yes, that's I was going to say, of course, once I get to top, it doesn't matter what the view is, it's strictly just when you're in the elevator, they have to it's got kind of the window view. But, yeah, once you're at the top, they've got the interesting thing is they've got it open. However, they've started doing something.   [00:11:35.410] - Kim Tate I think this might have just been I'm curious if this will stick around. I saw that they did close it for the summer. And so I'm wondering if this is going to be an off season thing or how this works. But they did close sections of the viewpoints and they had put private tables there and they sold packages to people where you could go do like wine tasting and appetizers up on the needle. And it was a table for two. And I think they had maybe some for four as well.   [00:12:02.270] - Kim Tate So if you did it with another couple, but it is something to keep in mind so you don't get quite the wide open look as you used to. However, when I was doing the research, I noticed they closed. There was no more tickets for that. So I'm wondering if during peak summer they're getting rid of that. And that's more of an off season thing to help fill dollar bills that say, you know what, I'm trying to.   [00:12:23.890] - Tamara Gruber So, I mean, the Space Needle, they just redid that, like not that many years ago. So I remember when you and I met up there. Yes. It after we did the cruise. Right like that. It was recently done and it looked, you know, looked things looked really nice. Yeah, it is really nice. They have a few they have kind of that the you know, they've got the glass walls now and then they have these glass benches or maybe it's not glass, plastic or whatever it is, but basically it's clear.   [00:12:51.130] - Kim Tate So you can get the sensation, like you can sit on the bench and lean back, you know, so slightly angled out on the glass if you feel brave enough. And so there's a couple of things where they try make it interactive like that and then you can go down. So that's the upper level. And then you go down one level and that's where they have the rotating floor. That's the glass. And so you can stand on the floor and kind of see yourself rotate over the Seattle center area.   [00:13:15.370] - Kim Tate And then, of course, you still have the windows to look out, but it's not the open air like on the upper level. And so there are two levels that you can explore. And then they have a little, you know, bar up there. So some people choose to you know, I don't know how the reservations work for that. But, you know, it's just something to keep in mind. But they are it's a fun thing to do, especially if it's a clear day, which since you have to make reservations, it's a little more, you know, to make sure you time that right.   [00:13:42.850] - Kim Tate So I did definitely look on for a weekend. I looked on the weather forecast and I chose the day there was seemed, you know, it was like partly cloudy and sort of cloudy. We had a beautiful, beautiful view of Mt. Rainier in the city skyline. So it was gorgeous.   [00:14:00.790] - Tamara Gruber And so it's nice and it works out, especially with your Seattle weather, right?   [00:14:04.840] - Kim Tate Yeah, exactly. Our Seattle weather man, it's like you already said, we're dying now. So it's crazy, our weather. So that's the one thing we did. And then we actually had worked it. We actually did that on the first day. And like I said, how I tried to pair everything up. But the aquarium we did that evening. So we finished up the needle, went and got lunch and then came back and then walked down and did the aquarium, which is, you know, it's it's renowned and people love it.   [00:14:32.530] - Kim Tate It's my girls really wanted to go there. That was the number one thing they wanted to do. I think it's a fine aquarium. It's not like Monterey Bay Aquarium or it's not, you know, like some of these massive aquariums that you hear about the Seattle aquariums. Not like that. The cool thing about the Seattle Aquarium is that it's really focused around, like the fact that it sits over Puget Sound and they actually funnel water from the sound through some of their exhibits.   [00:14:55.660] - Kim Tate You get a real sense that these are the animals, this is the climate, this is the habitat that you're looking at right out here. And I think that's the neat the neat part of it is that it is so tangibly linked to the Puget Sound. So that's one cool thing. They they're little. They my girls love their little otters and they were not out and visible. So we were kind of bummed on that. But it's neat to be down there.   [00:15:20.860] - Kim Tate And like I said, it's on the waterfront, which is always a fun, fun place to walk around and see.   [00:15:28.000] - Tamara Gruber Yeah, I remember when I was there just to hanging out at the otters for quite a while because they are so cute is a bummer that they're not that they weren't swimming. They are there are a lot of fun to watch. And I do have to say something really quickly about if you're the type that likes to buy souvenirs, all these Seattle attractions do an amazing job with their gift shops. I don't know who curates them or whatever, but we end up always browsing and walking through the gift shops and they they just somehow find the cutest little things that they procure. And so allow time for that and money for that.   [00:16:03.340] - Kim Tate If you like buying souvenirs, because the gift shops at the Space Needle, especially, we bought actually a puzzle for my mom. That was from the sixty two World's Fair. That was really cool. And the girls got Lizzy got two sweatshirts. But anyways, the Seattle Aquarium was great. We went back then we went we went and got dinner and then kind of called it a night. And then the next day we did Chihuly and Mo Pop.   [00:16:30.370] - Kim Tate I'm sure a lot of people have heard of Dave Chihuly. He's a major glass artist that he actually studied in the Seattle area for a while. And that's why there's such a tie to him there. I can't remember where he's originally from. I'm blanking right now. But he helped found some of the glass school stuff in Seattle. So he's a big name for the Seattle Glass art community. But that usually garden and glass exhibit is just beautiful. It's not if you've been there once, it doesn't really change.   [00:16:57.700] - Kim Tate It's but it's got the most amazing artistry when you can really look at the artistry of the pieces instead of just like, oh, cool. It's a big piece of art sculpture that's cool. And you kind of get past it. But then when you actually start diving in and looking at the unique striations or little bumps here and you think of how that was done with hot molten glass, it really is quite, quite amazing artistry.   [00:17:23.080] - Tamara Gruber Yeah, his work is is amazing. I've I mean, I think everyone's seen it even if they don't know that they've seen it. You know, there's so many pieces and so many places from like know casinos to airports and all that, that that museum is really spectacular.   [00:17:37.780] - Kim Tate Yeah, it's quite beautiful. And they have a nice little, you know, cafe near there that we actually ate at on this trip. And I love that cafe because it's kind of fun. They have these it's a really eclectic it's like collectors. They have they have like a whole bunch of old accordions hanging from the ceiling. And then they have these old radios on the wall. And I don't know, it's kind of fun on our our table.   [00:18:01.570] - Kim Tate There was a hollowed out section. So under the glass top table, there were, I think, old radios. It's just cute.   [00:18:08.140] - Tamara Gruber Yeah, I remember the food is good. It wasn't just like, you know, some places would have a like a restaurant cafe and it would be like, you know, burgers and fries and stuff like.   [00:18:17.210] - Kim Tate Yes, this one. Nice. Yeah, this was flatbread. Pizzas is what they had going on right now and definitely pricey. But the the pizzas were delicious. We each got one and yeah, it was well done. And you can see them cook in the pizzas, you know, nearby. So it was great. So that was a nice little stop. And again, it's right next to the Space Needle, but we had done that the previous day and then we went over to Mo Pop, which I actually upgraded from our CityPASS.   [00:18:44.500] - Kim Tate Right now they have a Disney Heroes and Villains costume exhibit, which was six dollars more per person. So I actually paid that and upgraded our CityPASS. The CityPASS covers the the museum itself and then the extra exhibit cost more. But we've been. To MoPop before, and it's it's just kind of a fun, fun thing. It was funny because I was just there in March with Mia when it was still kind of, you know, things were still kind of locked down and they had just recently reopened and there was nobody in there.   [00:19:13.870] - Kim Tate And they had a Minecraft exhibit that she was really wanting to go see. And so we had gone and done that and there was nobody in there. And, you know, you get there and they gave us these little styluses to use. And now when we when we went there and it was, you know, June, everything's open again. And they still have the timed entry. But there was so many people. And, you know, Lizzy was kind of sad because she didn't get to see the Minecraft exhibit because they got rid of that, of course, to bring in the Disney exhibit.   [00:19:40.030] - Kim Tate And there was just it was there was a lot of people visiting. And so tourism is definitely back in Seattle. We had one of our favorite places that Mia loves is called Pike Place Chowder, and they are down this kind of back alley is what it's called near Pike Place Market. And we thought, oh, yeah, we'll just hop over there and get you some food. And that was our first experience, like our first day down there.   [00:20:02.860] - Kim Tate We went down there to go get lunch there. And I was like, wow, OK, tourism's definitely back because the line was all the way to the street. And, you know, it's just it was just kind of funny. It was it was great. It's great to see that people are back and visiting the city and spending money. And so we were you're like, oh, I have to wait in line.   [00:20:20.690] - Kim Tate Exactly. Especially when it's a staycation. Right? You're like, oh, this this is my town. I want to just be able to do whatever I want. And why didn't I take advantage of this before everyone came back? So, yeah, it's but it was good. So we didn't get the chowder there. But I don't remember where I was going with this when I went off on that.   [00:20:41.950] - Tamara Gruber I've been to MoPop twice and I do love that they always change those exhibits because, you know, it makes it very fresh. But I do I think the first time I visited, I didn't realize that I was in a temporary exhibit. So I came back and I told Glenn all about this whole Star Trek exhibit. So when we were there for the cruise, we're like, we got to go, we got to go.   [00:20:57.610] - Tamara Gruber And we went there and he's like, there's no Star Trek exhibit. But then I think it was like Marvel, which, you know, he loved, you know, having that thing, all the Marvel costumes. Right.   [00:21:06.380] - Kim Tate But yeah, that was good. That's always that up upper level is the one that they use. And they do I think I think sometimes the visiting exhibits are just amazing. We there's another one that we always like. That's the fairy tale which is down. There's the floor of horrors, which is kind of freaky. And then there's the, you know, fairy tale exhibit, which is kind of fun. But we it's funny because things must be getting busy again, like I said, because there is a few things when me and I were there in March that she wanted to show Lizzy, like one of it was I'm trying to think is a crown from some I can't think of which show now.   [00:21:44.530] - Kim Tate And it was on loan somewhere. And then another piece that was in the Harry Potter memorabilia was on loan and they had put something else instead. And we're like, oh, man. You know, I was just kind of funny how sometimes the rotate to you, so but they have a few like inset places and of course, Nirvanas huge there. And that's a big part that people a lot of people do pilgrimages to Seattle to do the whole nirvana and grunge movement thing.   [00:22:13.690] - Kim Tate So that's a big part of it there. Sound lab, which they normally have, which our kids love, and it's very hands on thing that is still closed. So they don't have the sound lab open. But the Heroes and Villains exhibit with Disney was amazing. It was so neat, especially because I like Disney and just the costuming. It makes you realize how much costumes make characters really stand out. And I think it's just it's really cool to see that.   [00:22:42.260] - Tamara Gruber Yeah, those are really neat, especially for like fantasy kind of shows like that, like where you said it's it is so much about the costume. Like I'm thinking of you and I were in Belfast and we went to the Game of Thrones exhibit all the you know, the different costumes for them.   [00:22:58.000] - Kim Tate Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And the Belfast one was cute or cool with the Game of Thrones because they had a lot of the accessories and props as well. This one didn't have as much like the props. It was definitely the costumes. So but anyway, so that was kind of cool. And then, like I said, our last day we went to Woodland Park Zoo, which is kind of just normal zoo. They do have a baby gorilla, which was born in January and it still looks so small.   [00:23:25.540] - Kim Tate And we were seen and the mom was just holding it. And it was funny just the way seeing her hold it and just the way she would like pat his head, like just, you know, and this kind of maternal way. It was so sweet. And yeah.   [00:23:39.670] - Tamara Gruber So I remember seeing your story about that and just how cute and sweet it is.   [00:23:43.990] - Kim Tate It's so adorable. Yeah. Yeah. So that was kind of our little Seattle staycation. It was great. There was just you know, it was I really do think that when you're going to do the traditional tourist things and even being locals, we still like to do some of these tourist things. The CityPASS really is a great way to do it, and especially if I think I did the math and basically you have to do three things.   [00:24:07.350] - Kim Tate You can do four and already save money. And then, of course, you get an extra bonus item as well. So if you're if you're planning to visit for it depends on how the math works. But most of it is if you're planning to do four of the things, then yes, makes a lot of sense.   [00:24:22.020] - Tamara Gruber And I like the way, you know, in Seattle, they're so clustered able to do like if you could get the timed entry tickets. And, you know, when this science center opens, like, you know, the way then the Space Needle and the Chihuly and the Science Center, it's like you can just so easily walk to all the three.   [00:24:38.040] - Kim Tate All those. Yeah. Same at the Science Center. It's right there as well. So. Yeah. Yeah. And then the crew. Yeah, yeah. It's all together. And then the Argosy Cruises is down by the aquarium, so that's very easy to get in the right place anyway.   [00:24:50.790] - Tamara Gruber So it's exciting to be there. So it's like you can really fit it into a weekend or definitely a three day weekend, but even a two day weekend because sometimes you feel like I'm never going to be able to fit all this in if I'm just visiting for a weekend. But I think. Yeah, yeah, CityPASS is great. And like, not only I mean, it may not be the case now, but there are some times when you can skip the line to you.   [00:25:12.570] - Tamara Gruber And I did that in New York when I went to the Empire State Building. And that saves you I mean, I could save you a couple of hours sometimes.   [00:25:19.590] - Kim Tate I agree. Yeah. It can be really useful to be able to do that. I didn't have that at the Space Needle. They used to a long time ago. So I don't know if they'll ever bring that back. But it's not a not a thing they're right now. But yeah, when you can skip the line, they normally promote or publish that. And that's very helpful. Yeah. So, yeah, that's right. I agree. Yeah, it was good.   [00:25:40.590] - Kim Tate And I think a weekend, it works for a weekend. It depends how busy you want to be because if you want to it's definitely that. But we're going to be doing attractions all weekend long and not having a lot of downtime when you get you eat and just kind of wander between the two things. So we'll see how long the advance reservations last. And that just requires a little bit of advance planning. But like I said, we were able to get reservations.   [00:26:02.670] - Kim Tate No problem. I booked, I believe, the day before. So like I said, the aquarium was the hardest one. That one was one where it would have made more sense to book it a week out and book that one first. So just a heads up on that. But yeah.   [00:26:15.450] So from that, we just got home from Vail, which was very different. But I'm excited to share all about that trip. And we so from Seattle, we flew into Denver and then we took the epic Mountain Express shuttle from Denver to Vail.   [00:26:33.030] - Kim Tate And we've taken a shuttle system like that to Keystone as well before. And so all those from Denver to all of those kind of mountain resorts, it's about a two to two and a half hour trip. But traffic is definitely the the asterisk on that.   [00:26:50.340] - Tamara Gruber Yes.   [00:26:50.880] - Kim Tate Yeah, yeah. I mean, you've been in the area, too, but Denver traffic can really throw a kink into things. There's construction a lot of times, especially with the summer and then just a lot of people coming in and out of Denver in all directions to go to the suburbs. And so that's just something to keep in mind, is that traffic can be an issue. Hopefully it's not, especially in the summer. It's less of an issue in the winter.   [00:27:14.400] - Kim Tate Sometimes there's avalanches or, you know, roads are closed down for a few hours. And so that can be an issue. But it is standard. I've done like I said, we've done it twice and both times it's been about two to two and a half hours. And they do allow they have us a middle midway spot that they will actually say, does anybody need to use the restroom or get something to drink? And they have like it's kind of funny because it's a privately owned store and Starbucks that's actually owned by the by Epic Ski, you know, Vail Resorts that does the epic.   [00:27:46.800] - Kim Tate So it's kind of funny. So they they stop there and they have, you know, front curb parking for the shuttles and you can go in and go to the restroom. And then of course, seems like all all of us bought Starbucks as well. So it's a smart little a very contained system. You get all the.   [00:28:05.600] - Kim Tate Yeah, exactly. Yeah. Yeah, they've got it figured out. So anyways, that's but that's good. So we headed to Vail and we actually stayed at this condo resort type community called Manor Vail. And it is just I want to say east, but I don't know my map perfectly for Vail. So it could be us, but it's just about ten minutes walking distance like outside of Vail Village, but really connected availability, if that makes sense to you just kind of wandering in to get to the main center.   [00:28:34.620] - Kim Tate It might not even be ten minutes, but about ten minutes would be the safe thing to say. So we walked. So you have so many different accommodations, things. So, you know, always going to be like directly in the village.   [00:28:47.730] - Tamara Gruber But I mean, I remember when we a couple of summers ago stayed in Copper Mountain and we were right in the village. There's downsides to that, too, because like the music playing and stuff like that. So it's sometimes it's not too bad to have, like, a little bit of a walk.   [00:29:00.450] - Kim Tate Yeah, we actually really liked it and there is a free metro shuttle system and we chose to walk because it was not bad. We did get rained on once and we just dealt with it. The girls were give me a hard time. They're like, we're from Seattle, Mom, like, chill out, it's fine. And I was like, don't you want to take the bus? But yeah. So it was it was great.   [00:29:22.080] - Kim Tate And so they do have a bus that, you know, operates regularly, like every I think they say like five, eight minutes, you know, a bus is coming around and takes you and then so on. The other end is Lionhead, which is where another one of the big gondolas is and between where we stayed in Manor Vail and Lion's Head is about one mile, but it's about a 30 minute walk just because of curves and in and out of streets.   [00:29:42.750] - Kim Tate And we did that walk, we know one day and it is a little longer, but it's totally doable. And so I you know, we really liked it. We fell in love with Vale Village. It was it was so nice. And just what you expect of those kind of, you know, European folsky villages, it was just nice. And I think that's a hidden those are hidden destinations in the summer, although it's certainly definitely it certainly seemed busy.   [00:30:06.680] - Kim Tate I'll say that, you know, which is great to see.   [00:30:09.480] - Tamara Gruber Yeah. I mean, I've only experienced it a little bit, but I really love mountain resorts in the summer and I have not been Vail. But when I whenever I see anyone's pictures, it just looks like a little Swiss town. And I'm like, oh yeah. It just it looks so cute. And I just I would love to do this today. It's just so it's just nice to be, you know, in the mountains because they have so many activities like those those resorts are so good about, you know, like you don't have to leave that resort.   [00:30:35.040] - Tamara Gruber There's so much to do. Right.   [00:30:36.840] - Kim Tate Right. Well, it's so nice to be able I mean, there's so much to eat. I just there's so much. And so we're we're out Manor Vail. It's actually right next to this Betty Ford Alpine Gardens area and park. And so we had this beautiful view of the water and people were, you know, go over there and they sometimes have little festivals and there's an amphitheater over there. And it's just really neat. And like you said, there's just there's stuff to do.   [00:31:00.930] - Kim Tate And even if, you know, like in the center of town, there's this big Solaris, which is a kind of luxury condo, I think, resort. And they have a big space. They have like the lower level are all restaurants and shops. And then upper levels are the rooms. And on the lower level, they have this place called Bowl, which is an indoor bowling alley. And then outside they have cornhole in kind of an open green space that kids were playing soccer while we were playing cornhole.   [00:31:26.580] - Kim Tate And there's just they can sell you drinks and there is seating and you can just hang out and chat. And so it's a really it's kind of one of those villages where you could easily just go find a place to people watch and sit and drink and eat and chat. And so I think it's a really good social town, if that makes sense, like it's a good place to go, be social as a family or with friends for sure. Yeah.   [00:31:48.840] - Kim Tate So yeah, our first so we flew in and the first day we arrived we just took it easy and we had dinner at our, you know, after a long travel day, we just had dinner at our hotel which they have like a little restaurant there. And then the next day we got up to go horseback riding. And one thing is, Lizzy, she got up and she was going to go. She was like, oh, I'm not feeling good.   [00:32:08.910] - Kim Tate And it took her a while to get out of the room. We were a little late because we were just buying her. We bought her some oxygen shot and she got there and there was a booking issue. They only had two of us and they were going to add a third. But she's like, you know, honestly, I don't feel good anyways. And we didn't want her to, like, pass out on top of her horse or be uncomfortable.   [00:32:27.810] - Kim Tate Yeah. So the we had gotten, you know, driven there by the hotel. And so they we called and they were going to come back and get her and take her back to the room. And we told her just to drink lots of water, eat food, rest, take some of the more of the oxygen shot. And then so me and I went on the horseback ride and I was we made the right choice because we actually went up quite a bit like took a bit of an elevation because we wanted to out to our to her, to our to her anyways, changing ours there, but headed up the mountain.   [00:32:56.790] - Kim Tate And it was just beautiful. It's nice to go horseback riding. We did it through Vail Stables, which was right across from where we were staying at at Manor Vail. So it was an easy, really easy get to thankfully they drove us. It's oh, it's across the main interstate. So you can't, like, walk there and it's quite up the hill a little. So but it was it was fun. We had our little horseback ride and it was the nice thing.   [00:33:20.550] - Kim Tate Like one of the one of the parts was they called it magical forest and it was where it was a really narrow path. And of course, it was a trail ride. So single single-file line, but it was just through these aspen trees and just the green and the white bark of the aspen trees and just like little birds chirping. And we actually heard they were like, that's a moment that was talking, you know, like to make these funny noises.   [00:33:44.280] - Kim Tate And so it was just it was really nice. It's a great way to kind of get that mountain, you know, Aspen feel. And then, of course, we got on a couple little meadow outlooks where you could look down and see Vail Village in the distance. So that was pretty cool. But yeah. So we did that. Yeah, and then once we came back and got to the room, Lizzy was feeling much better and was ready to go out to lunch.   [00:34:05.810] - Kim Tate And so thankfully, she had adjusted with the rest and water and oxygen. We had gone into the village and did a little bit of shopping, like souvenir shopping for some sweatshirts and just getting a feel for the village a little. And then we went back to our room and we were thinking about going swimming, but it looked like there was rain moving in. So we decided to just that we wouldn't do that. And then we ended up going to dinner that night at a really famous place in the village called Alpen Rose, which when you're talking about like Suess, this is total Bavarian, I think, a little restaurant in the heart of the village.   [00:34:42.410] - Kim Tate And it was so perfect. It's kind of one of those things where, you know, we had a busy day and then there was some rain and we just were looking for a good evening meal. And this place was just amazing. It's a very it's I wouldn't call it very limited menu, but it's a small menu because what they do, they do really well. If that makes sense and they put us in this front little it's kind of a house is what it feels like, maybe like a chalet, because it's kind of open, like not tons of little rooms, but the lower floor definitely felt kind of like a house.   [00:35:15.020] - Kim Tate And they put us at the front, a front window bench seating table, which was just so cute. And you could totally they have an outdoor patio as well. And it was just amazing. We loved it. And it was kind of one of those things we had. We all three of us got hot chocolates which were served in these kind of enamel mugs that just looked really cute with the whipped cream. It was just it felt like we were like you said, it felt like we were at a European ski village and just enjoying some great pasta, Mia got salmon, and it was it was awesome.   [00:35:49.670] - Tamara Gruber Yeah. I was going to ask if you had, like, schnitzel or something like that because it seemed like it would the kind of place.   [00:35:54.390] - Kim Tate That's exactly. They had it on the menu. There is schnitzel on the menu. But yeah, we were we realized we got a few because there was a big pretzel. I don't know if you saw the picture that, you know, they had a massive pretzel. And then we also got this. I can't even think of the name of it, but there is kind of like fried potato bites of sorts. And we got so full we realized that Lizzy and I should have just shared because we both ordered the pasta carbonara, which featured grandma's pasta, which was like fresh made pasta.   [00:36:23.930] - Kim Tate And we realized we should just shared it because after the appetizers and, you know, the hot chocolate and everything, we we both didn't finish our our plates of pasta.   [00:36:32.240] - Tamara Gruber I feel like there's always so many times when Hannah and I are traveling and we're like, when are we going to learn that we need to just share?   [00:36:37.730] - Kim Tate Yeah, I think you should we should know that, like when you order appetizers, but you order the appetizer and then you're like, OK, well, what are you going to order for your main dish? Then you just kind of forget that there's going to be this other food that's about ready to arrive, right?   [00:36:49.160] - Tamara Gruber Yeah. And, you know, sometimes menus are exciting and you're like, well, that sounds good. And that sounds good.   [00:36:54.920] - Kim Tate Yeah, exactly. So, yeah, we that was our we ended our day on that one and the next day we like I said, we walked over to Lion's Head, which is such a fun walk. I mean it really is like I said, and I don't know how to say this enough, but part of the appeal was just wandering and kind of going into shops. And there's so many little patio seating areas where you could just go, OK, let's go get a drink here.   [00:37:17.060] - Kim Tate We'll have an appetizer here. I think it would be really fun to do that is where you just kind of visit one place and get something here and then go to another place, get another drink and eat something there and just kind of wander around, I think would be a real fun way to enjoy that village. So we wandered and walked over to Lion's Head and we ended up going up the Eagle Bahn Gondola because we were headed up to the top of the mountain to be able to go on there.   [00:37:41.840] - Kim Tate They have it's called Epic Discovery, and it's basically kind of like an adventure park at the top, OK? And they've got, you know, zip lines and ropes courses and a big giant lawn slide. And they've got this little roller coaster, mountain coaster thing. And then they also had little kids. They've got like kids bouncy like trampolines, and they got a kid zip line. And then they have like a rock climbing wall and a kid's lawn slide as well.   [00:38:06.170] - Kim Tate So it works well, like there's some little kid things as well. And we were there and then lightning moved in in the area. And so they had to shut everything down. So they shut the gondola down. So we did a couple of passes on the slide. And then unfortunately, we weren't able to do any more of the activities. And we actually kind of just waited up there. They had a food place, so we grabbed some food.   [00:38:26.090] - Kim Tate I'll be honest that the food was extremely pricey at the top of the mountain. So once they it's kind of like once they have you there, they know you don't have an option.   [00:38:36.800] - Kim Tate So we did get some we got some fries and some drinks because we weren't sure how long we'd be waiting. And then we they opened back the gondola and we thought, well, instead of waiting on the line, we'll go wait and hope that they open the coaster back. They opened both gondolas, but they didn't open the epic discovery things and the zip lines and the ropes courses were both already closed for the summer, I don't know if they're going to do a renovation, but to me it looked like it was probably just staffing because those things, I think, require a lot of staff for getting in and out at a higher level of training, probably also just for insurance and security. So those were not open. And so we went back down the gondola and just kind of again explored the village a little bit and hung out. We got lunch and then we headed back to our room to get ready because we were doing something really cool, which was called Picnic Vail, which like I said, remember how I said Manor Vail is right next to the Betty Ford Gardens.   [00:39:36.060] - Kim Tate Actually it's this company. I think it's a lady like she started up this business called Picnic Vail. And she basically comes and sets up a little one of those outdoor picnic, the charming outdoor picnics for you outdoors. And she found for us because she was like, well, we don't know if it's going to sprinkle again because it had rain. Like we said, that we got stranded up on the mountain because rain and we got back down.   [00:39:58.020] - Kim Tate It wasn't raining anymore. So we went over to the gardens and it was sunny and gorgeous. And she had set us up in this little picnic underneath the bow of an evergreen tree, like it was kind of open and it was so cute. She had a table set up and it was just like this gorgeous charcuterie board. And then we had water. And then she also had a table of games, which was really fun.   [00:40:19.530] - Kim Tate I didn't realize that would be part of it. So when we were thinking, I was like, oh, it's probably going to be about an hour, you know, just eat and chat and then we'll go. But we got there and she had, like, ladder ball set up, you know, the little ladder ball we have. Those are fun. Yeah. And so we had ladder ball and then there was also like this conversation starters.   [00:40:37.590] - Kim Tate It's the, you know, that Scandinavian word for like cozy home. h y y g y e.   [00:40:46.990] - Tamara Gruber Yeah.   [00:40:47.460] - Kim Tate Anyways that was like a conversation starter game and we had a lot of fun doing that. We kept just passing around the cards and we draw and ask questions for the other people and it was just fun. It was a great conversation thing and and then yeah. Ladder ball and there was something else. I'm blanking out what it was, but we had just a great time. We really enjoyed it. So and again, she was able to make sure that there was no nuts or eggs on the board.   [00:41:11.490] - Kim Tate So that worked out well as well and really good with that.   [00:41:15.810] - Tamara Gruber So that was a nice change from being just always restaurants to have something like that. And when I saw pictures of you doing like a lot of guys assume that that was like where the cornhole was and like other games, like in the village.   [00:41:27.840] - Kim Tate So that's, you know, yeah, it was our own private little experience, you know. So it was great. It was I mean, it was fun. The funny thing was they were also doing a festival of sorts.   [00:41:39.900] - Kim Tate It looked really small. It wasn't massive, but they had live music. So we had heard the live music the night before. And then when that happened on that was Friday night, they had live music again. So she was like, I didn't realize you'd get live music with your, you know, with your picnic. So we sat there. Is this kind of funny because the festival is like right there and we get to hear the live music while we enjoy things.   [00:42:00.870] - Kim Tate So it was great. It was a fun little experience. And and the nice thing is she you know, she leaves like her name and her phone number. So you get two hours and then she's like, if you want to leave early or just give her, you know, 20 to 30 minute heads up because she cleans everything up for you. And the food, of course, since it's in a park, she doesn't want there to be attract animals.   [00:42:20.850] - Tamara Gruber So, yeah, that's really neat, because when I saw it again, I just assumed that, like, you picked up a picnic from a place that does picnics, but you picked up a picnic and there they are and they included games. But I didn't realize, like, they set it up for you. They set it up for you. Is you like. That's exactly it was it was a nice service. Yeah.   [00:42:37.590] - Kim Tate Yeah, it was great. Yeah. You do nothing. So and there was even take home containers. She's like, oh there's containers if you want to take home any leftovers. And we're like, well we've been eating well and we leave tomorrow so there's no time for us to eat it. So thank you though. But yeah, you, you don't have to do any of the cleanup. She acts like there's a bag there for garbage if you do open stuff, wrap garbage and things.   [00:42:57.210] - Kim Tate But yeah, it's all done for you. And that was what was so nice. And I think for families it's it would be so nice for moms. I mean, it was so nice for me to just show up and the kids fix their own food and all of that. And then we had games that they played and we're having fun with. And then I just called her and I'm like, OK, we're ready to wrap up. And then she showed back up and it was I mean, and you don't have to do that.   [00:43:19.200] - Kim Tate If you go the two hours, which we could have, it was just the girls were getting a little tired. So I was like, go ahead. You know, we just did fifteen minutes earlier. So we said, you know, meet us at some fifteen and yeah, it was just awesome. So I think it was it was cool. Like I tried to start folding the blanket because we as she left to really cozy blankets as well in case it got chilly and I had pulled one out and she's like, don't, don't do that.   [00:43:41.340] - Kim Tate Stop being a mom. I get it. I clean up everything.   [00:43:43.800] - Kim Tate You know, it was awesome. So I think for for being on vacation, it was a really fun way to, you know, just relax. And it was unique for the girls as well. So they were engaged more on playing and, you know, just kind of the game, you know, varied the games. She had like four different games. There, so you definitely have enough where kids get bored with one thing, you can move to something else.   [00:44:04.780] - Kim Tate So it was great.   [00:44:05.550] - Tamara Gruber Yeah, and you're not like waiting for the server to come over to order and then waiting for your food. And then we had another check and all that kind of stuff. So.   [00:44:13.650] - Kim Tate Yeah, exactly.   [00:44:14.760] - Tamara Gruber Yes. Sounds like a great getaway. Now I'm like, OK, Colorado next year.   [00:44:19.500] - Kim Tate Yes, I loved it. I you know, the girls were saying, like, because I asked them, I say, what is this some place you would want to come back to? You know, what did you think? And they were like, yes, they absolutely loved it. And like I said, the Vail Village was really cool. I definitely I would give I mean, I think it depends on what you're looking for. But I did notice, you know, we arrived Wednesday and even like coming in and seeing what we saw Wednesday and then Thursday, the difference between Friday and then when we left on Saturday is quite remarkable.   [00:44:47.880] - Kim Tate So it definitely, I think, attracts weekend visitors. And so if you can visit during the weekday, you might have more of a a little more laid back. But then again, if you're looking for like the live music and a lot of the if you like that vibe of the socialization and stuff, the weekends are great for that. So that's just something to keep in mind.   [00:45:08.610] - Tamara Gruber Yeah, no surprise, I guess. But I think the other thing is, like you mentioned, just kind of planning for that traffic and stuff, right?   [00:45:16.740] - Kim Tate Yeah. Yeah, that's true. And I asked them, I said, is it tied to like rush hour, like you should get into the airport during a certain time and not during, you know? And they said, well, that's some of it. But a lot of it, they said, is just the construction. You can't always be sure. But like our return trip, he said, like, he brought us some wide way instead of going, like closer to the city.   [00:45:38.130] - Kim Tate He took a different route because he said, you know, he was looking at traffic and he's like, oh, you know, 70s really bad. So we're going to do 70. What? I don't remember it. It was so just something to keep in mind that you can probably ask if you are getting a shuttle. And they do know kind of the if you're not renting a car, the shuttle people kind of know the tricks to try and avoid some of it.   [00:45:59.310] - Kim Tate So but definitely I would think you just try and avoid that standard rush hour ideas of, you know, into the city and out of the city, I'm guessing.   [00:46:07.200] - Tamara Gruber And was your shuttle like one of the big charter busses or more of like a sprinter and yet more sprinter than the first one? When we arrived, we were the only ones. So I don't know how this. Yeah. So I don't know how they time the I don't know how they manage the pickups. Like, I don't know if we just got lucky randomly. I don't think they booked it as a private, you know, private experience. So but on the way home there were two other, we were the third and we're the last pick up.   [00:46:36.690] - Kim Tate And but thankfully there was a nice couple on because Mia and I both have motion sickness issues and they were sitting in the front and I was like, oh, I didn't even realize because we were the only ones on the way there. I hadn't realized it wasn't going to be a private thing. And so I asked the driver and he's like, well, you should have made a request for, you know, that you needed to sit in the front.   [00:46:53.970] - Kim Tate And he's like, we have this one front seat. And the next would be right next to the two people for two hour trip because it was like a three seat, like the front seat, three seats. Does that make sense? And so I just spoke up and asked the couple. I was like, you know, do you guys need to sit in the front by any chance? I was like, my daughter has bad motions. And they were like, oh, no problem.   [00:47:12.840] - Kim Tate And they move back one. So thank goodness it wasn't an issue.   [00:47:15.870] - Tamara Gruber That's good, because the one time that I took one of those shuttles, I thought we were all set because they picked us up and like the village where where we were and we were like the first ones on. So we sat right in the front. And then it's like and now we're going over here where you're getting on like the real shuttle, you know? And so they brought us to another meeting place and then we were the last ones. And so we were literally like against the back wall.   [00:47:40.140] - Tamara Gruber And and we were jammed in, like the whole thing was full. And we're Hannah and I were just we felt terrible the whole time.   [00:47:46.170] - Kim Tate Yeah. I have a feeling that it you know, you could get the bad luck of the draw and be could get sixteen passengers, I'm thinking. But we didn't have that experience. So that wasn't one of the big, big ones. It definitely was a sprinter van, but still it's for sprinter. So you know, and didn't think about the option of is always renting a car but yeah. You don't really need it when you're there say probably especially these days when you're paying so much for cars.   [00:48:13.230] - Kim Tate And can I just mention, like, the whole car rental thing, because I know we've talked about it off and on like one hand and I just flew to California, we waited in line to pick up our rental car because there was remember how we've talked about how, like, you know, if you're Emerald Club or whatever, like you, you don't have to you can, like, bypass the line. There was no there was no bypass.   [00:48:31.290] - Tamara Gruber It was like the desks were closed and it was like go to the garage. And then there's just like one line in front of, like a little not even a kiosk, but like a podium in the garage. And there was shows they were so short staffed. So it's again, it's another thing we're like a lot of people got laid off and it's taken a while to like hire people back and train them up and everything. And so we waited in that line for definitely over an hour.   [00:48:53.850] - Tamara Gruber And I talked to a friend of mine that rented a car in Savannah. She flew down, I think it was either Savannah or Charleston. And she waited in line for over two hours. Oh, my goodness, to pick up the car.   [00:49:05.160] - Kim Tate That's horrible. Yeah, that's what I'm hearing. So just something to build in your stomach. Exactly. Yeah. Is be prepared for that.   [00:49:13.170] - Tamara Gruber Yeah, I, I'm really glad I decided to drive from like San Francisco to L.A., L.A. to California to Arizona, renting a car each time.   [00:49:22.140] - Tamara Gruber Yeah. Originally I was thinking, oh I'll just fly, fly. But I'm like, oh it's going to be such a pain. And what if they don't have car, you know, like just I want to deal with all the hassles. And then I was so relieved.   [00:49:31.320] - Kim Tate Yeah, that's good. Yeah, that sounds dreadful. I'm you know, I'm wondering what we'll have because that was one of the reasons I was looking forward to our our rental was oh it's you know, I don't know if we're alema inside or whichever one it is. And you can get the skip the line if you do the advance check. And so be interesting to see at LAX if they have it staffed that way better, I don't know.   [00:49:53.860] - Tamara Gruber Yeah, yeah. I mean it's hopefully better, but everything you know kind of has this.   [00:49:59.520] - Kim Tate Yeah. Well we've seen what's happening also with flights and everything. I know one of our mutual friends, Leslie, she's stuck in Connecticut for an extra two days because Southwest just canceled a bunch of flights, including the one they were supposed to be on south of the flight on me like I was before the flight. And I spent my entire tour of University of Arizona walking around in like 110 degree heat, trying to figure out how I was going to get from Arizona to Houston in that afternoon.   [00:50:27.750] - Kim Tate So, yeah, super stressful, like it's in Southwest has been doing this a lot.   [00:50:32.580] - Kim Tate I think this is definitely a summer where everyone the demand is just higher than what the capacity the work capacity is right now. So if you do not already have vacation plans, I would definitely recommend a road trip, you know, near you in your own car.   [00:50:49.860] - Tamara Gruber Well, it's funny. I read an article recently that American was having people volunteer to work in the in the airport. And I'm like, oh, my gosh, who wants to do that? You know, like to be the one that's maybe like getting yelled at or something. But I think they're more like directing people to different places. But yeah, they're like asking office workers to come volunteer to work for jobs and like, that's that's a that's a huge ask.   [00:51:16.140] - Tamara Gruber Like, why are you not paying that? They're not. I don't know. I understand. Like, I know. And they got bailed out. So it's like they don't have the funds. Yeah. And then I've also seen and hear I've heard a lot of people complaining about cleanliness in hotel rooms. I don't know what your experience has been, but they're saying that, you know, everyone's saying they're up to the standar

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station “Food Wine & Travel Show” we talk with Deborah Wakefield of CityPASS, a company that creates discounted, bundled admission tickets for the top attractions in 14 North American destinations. Using CityPASS can save you up to 50% on admission to the very best attractions in 11 North American cities, and up to 30% on admission to Southern California's top theme parks, including Disneyland. Plus, you'll skip many main ticket lines using CityPASS. From the Empire State Building and Houston Museum of Natural Science to LEGOLAND and the Seattle Space Needle, Deborah talks about some of the attractions and theme parks where CityPASS is available Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California, Tampa Bay, and Toronto. Learn more at https://www.citypass.com/ Broadcasting every 2nd Tuesday, this Big Blend Radio show is in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Learn more at: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station “Food Wine & Travel Show” we talk with Deborah Wakefield of CityPASS, a company that creates discounted, bundled admission tickets for the top attractions in 14 North American destinations.Using CityPASS can save you up to 50% on admission to the very best attractions in 11 North American cities, and up to 30% on admission to Southern California's top theme parks, including Disneyland. Plus, you'll skip many main ticket lines using CityPASS. From the Empire State Building and Houston Museum of Natural Science to LEGOLAND and the Seattle Space Needle, Deborah talks about some of the attractions and theme parks where CityPASS is available Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California, Tampa Bay, and Toronto. Learn more at https://www.citypass.com/Broadcasting every 2nd Tuesday, this Big Blend Radio show is in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Learn more at: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

In Episode 108, Greg and Pam discuss Atlanta, Asheville, and a disorganized KAL. Special thanks to avery-maher Avery for the intro! SPONSORS We are Knitcrate Ambassadors! Are you the kind of knitter who would enjoy receiving a surprise package of yarn in the mail every month? Then you need to sign up for a Knitcrate subscription. Every month, you will receive a selection of curated yarn, a pattern specifically paired to use with the yarn, and a treat. Use code KD20 at checkout for 20% off your first package when you sign up for a subscription. NOTES Dear Listeners We would love to have YOU record and introduction to the show! You can find details in the Ravelry Group Pages or on our website here. Note on Ravelry Links Note that many of the links in our show notes refer to pages on Ravelry.com. If visiting Ravelry causes you harm, please be cautious clicking links. If you are interested in a link that is inaccessible to you, you can email info at unravelingpodcast dot com and Greg and/or Pam will happily send you the information. Yarn In the News Alice malicejp shared an article with us from The Verge about the issues of inclusive sizing in knitting patterns. Greg's Projects Greg is working on his Christmas socks with yarn from KnittyAndColor. In order to avoid second-sock-syndrome, he knits the second sock first and he's done with that, now! So just one more sock to go. Greg is (not) working on Frog and Toad by Kristina Ingrid McGowan. His wife's birthday has come and gone, so he can work on it without being secretive now. This year's Romi's 2021 Spring Mystery Shawl KAL started and Greg recovered from the carnage caused when he destroyed some yarn by crushing beads. He is using yarn from A Verb For Keeping Warm. Pam's Projects Pam is working on the Namaste Yoga Socks by Brenda Castiel. She is using Ice Yarns Print Sock. She worked on her Spinning for Socks Socks. She is basically using the Vanilla Latte Socks pattern by Virginia Rose-Jeanes. Pam worked on her goals blanket using the Cosy Stripe Blanket by Attic24. She started with a Double Crochet Foundation (actual term) and used this tutorial. She is using Stylecraft Special DK. Pam's cousin Lisa is making the Granny Stripe Blanket from Attic24. She is using KnitPicks Mighty Stitch. Book Club We are in between books right now and are taking a brief “summer break”. When we start up again, our book club book will be The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes. Current/Upcoming Unraveling Events Some of our community members started a disorganized KAL for making sweaters/tops/vests… any kind of torso garment. There is some great discussion in the thread! Miscellaneous We mentioned the Black Mountain Yarn Shop in Black Mountain, NC. We mentioned the Chocolate Fetish and French Broad Chocolate in Asheville, NC. Greg enjoyed having a CityPass when he was in Atlanta. Greg's family enjoyed milkshakes from The Yard. We mentioned the duet Curt Smith and his daughter, Diva, performed of “Mad World.” Pam is reading the book The Knitting Circle. She is watching Anne with an “E”. Greg is continuing to enjoy The Expanse series of books. This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link to Cooperative Press, Amazon, or Knitcrate and subsequently make a purchase, we'll receive a small commission from the sale. You pay the same, and the commissions will help cover our podcasting expenses. Our opinions are always our own. Find us all over the Internet Subscribe in iTunes: The Unraveling Podcast Podcast RSS Feed: Unraveling Podcast Twitter: @UnravelingPod Facebook: Unraveling Podcast Instagram: @UnravelingPodcast Ravelry Group: Unraveling Podcast Greg is KnittingDaddy on Ravelry, @KnittingDaddy on Instagram, and also writes the KnittingDaddy blog. Pam is pammaher on Ravelry  and @pammaher on Instagram

Conoce la importancia del ODS 3 "Salud y bienestar" (¿Habías oido de la Talasoterapia, o del turismo médico?) y ODS 4 "Educación de calidad", así como de su relación con el turismo. ¿Sabías que Nueva York planea ser la ciudad más sostenible del mundo en el 2050? En el cotilleo, Marisol nos cuenta de su viaje a esa ciudad, cómo lo vivió después de haber estado en una nevada histórica y por qué la gran manzana cautiva a tanta gente.Síguenos en https://www.instagram.com/cotilleoviajero/

Focusing on spring city destinations across North America, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Deborah Wakefield of CityPASS and Douglas MacKenzie of Visit Phoenix. Featured music is “Travel Song” from the album “Double Take” by guitarist Micha Schellhaas Thanks to International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association for sponsoring this segment. LINKS:https://www.citypass.com/https://www.visitphoenix.com/http://michamusic.com/https://www.ifwtwa.org/ https://blendradioandtv.com/big-blend-radio-shows/

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s special Spring Travel Showcase, it’s all about Spring Vacation in City Destinations Across America. Deborah Wakefield of CityPASS shares how the company creates discounted, bundled admission tickets for the top attractions in 14 North American destinations. From desert wildflowers to baseball and music festivals, Douglas MacKenzie of Visit Phoenix discusses the spring events, attractions, and activities in beautiful Phoenix, central Arizona.   Thanks to the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) for sponsoring this segment. Featured music is “Travel Song” from the album “Double Take” by guitarist Micha Schellhaas. 

We have talked about the Big Apple before from a local's perspective and the borough of Brooklyn, but what do you do on your very first visit to NYC? Tamara and Kim talk with Claudia from The Travelling Mom to get her advice (and share their own) about what to do, where to stay, what tours to take, and where to eat for NYC first-time visitors. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara about NYC 03:14 - Talking with Claudia Laroye 06:15 - Planning your stay 10:30 - Traveling into and around the city 14:44 - Favorite hotels 19:12 - Must see attractions 24:40 - Tours 27:48 - Food locations 32:30 - Broadway tickets 37:12 - Final tips 37:45 - Claudia’s favorite travel gear 38:50 - Coming up next for Claudia ABOUT CLAUDIA LAROYE Claudia Laroye is a travel writer and editor living in Vancouver Canada. She is the founder of The Travelling Mom, editor of Twist Travel Magazine and writes freelance articles for print publications around the world. Follow Claudia Laroye on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. TIPS FOR VISITING NYC When you are planning to visit New York City you must think about how long you want to spend there. There is so much to see, even locals probably haven’t seen it all! Whatever you plan on doing, try not to over book yourself. Give yourself time to just walk around not rush from one location to the next so that you can fit it all in. Try to only choose five to ten activities if you plan on spending a long weekend. This is more than enough to fill your time. You should also plan on using the subway system, it can really help you get places without traffic or tiring yourself out walking to the other side of the city. Make sure to wear good comfortable shoes. You will be logging a lot of steps on your days in the city. Depending on what you plan on visiting in the city you should really look into getting a CityPASS. This might just save you some money on your visit. It can also save you some time too as the CityPASS allows you to skip the line at some attractions like the Statue of Liberty. Depending on which airport you are flying into, you can catch a train into Penn Station. You should keep in mind though that depending on the time of your flight and when you will be getting on a train, these are commuter trains so during rush hour they will be very packed and may have standing room only. Depending on the time of year you plan on visiting, hotel stays can get pretty pricey. January is usually pretty cost effective in terms of hotel prices. You should also keep in mind that rooms in NYC are usually compact. With that in mind you can figure out the best options for you and your family. The Best Western Plus Hospitality House is a really great place for families to stay. The location is great, plus they have some areas inside that offer great space to hang with the family. The rooms offer ensuite kitchens that you can stock up on food and snacks, that is great for late night and early morning hunger. These are must see locations for first time visitors to the Big Apple. Empire State Building - this is a very iconic place to visit and the views from there are just stunning. Time Square - it is free and a great place to walk around both during the day and night. Walking The High Line Walking through Central Park See a Broadway show Visiting some museums The MoMA The Natural History Museum The Guggenheim The Metropolitan Museum Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum For those that really love art there are some other smaller museums around the city. 9/11 Memorial Statue of Liberty Rockefeller Center - with the skating rink in the winter months If you want a great introduction of the neighborhoods in NYC, the hop-on and hop-off tours are great for first time visitors. But other than that, depending on what your interests are there are tours for almost everything. If you really want to see a Broadway show when you are visiting you should look into booking through the theaters ahead of time. If you are not sure if you want to go or can afford it, try the TodayTix app/website. FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR Claudia made sure to wear really great walking shoes/boots to NYC and likes pairing them with her black Athletaleggings and her Lululemon wraps and sweaters. MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST Dial 7 Car Service The Benjamin Hotel WestHouse Hotel Marriott Moxy Hotels Episode 150 - Things to do in Brooklyn Tips for Visiting NYC for First Timers - The Travelling Mom Fable & Lark Tour Shake Shack The Smith Restaurant Ellens Stardust Diner BareBurger - offers vegan options Chelsea Market Turnstyle Underground market Eataly Wagamama Headout NYC FOLLOW US AND SPREAD THE WORD! If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email at podcast@vacationmavens.com. You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!

  Sujets traités :  La France condamnée pour pollution de l'air par la justice européenne (gaz NO2), l'agglomération de Strasbourg est concernée La préfecture du Bas-Rhin lève l'alerte sécheresse. Toutes les restrictions d'usage de l'eau sont levées, suite aux pluies des deux dernières semaines 4ème jour de grève des facteurs dans la vallée de Villé. Ils protestent contre la réorganisation des tournées et une charge de temps de travail supplémentaire liée à une suppression de poste 4ème jour de grève également pour les personnels des laboratoires d'analyses qui a pour but de protester contre la baisse du financement des laboratoires de 205 millions d'euros en 2020 A Scherwiller, il est posisble de visiter le méthaniseur des deux vallées, mis en service en mai 2018. Il produit du biogaz. Prochaines visites les 30 octobre et 27 novembre. Plsu d'infos sur http://m2v-biogaz.fr/ Premier bilan encourageant pour le Citypass à Colmar proposé par l'Office de tourisme pour découvrir les richesses de Colmar à tarif préférentiel Le festival d'humour de Colmar c'est jusqu'à dimanche.  Point sur les sports du week-end

Sujets traités :  La France condamnée pour pollution de l'air par la justice européenne (gaz NO2), l'agglomération de Strasbourg est concernée La préfecture du Bas-Rhin lève l'alerte sécheresse. Toutes les restrictions d'usage de l'eau sont levées, suite aux pluies des deux dernières semaines 4ème jour de grève des facteurs dans la vallée de Villé. Ils protestent contre la réorganisation des tournées et une charge de temps de travail supplémentaire liée à une suppression de poste 4ème jour de grève également pour les personnels des laboratoires d'analyses qui a pour but de protester contre la baisse du financement des laboratoires de 205 millions d'euros en 2020 A Scherwiller, il est posisble de visiter le méthaniseur des deux vallées, mis en service en mai 2018. Il produit du biogaz. Prochaines visites les 30 octobre et 27 novembre. Plsu d'infos sur http://m2v-biogaz.fr/ Premier bilan encourageant pour le Citypass à Colmar proposé par l'Office de tourisme pour découvrir les richesses de Colmar à tarif préférentiel Le festival d'humour de Colmar c'est jusqu'à dimanche.  Point sur les sports du week-end

CityPASS not only saves you money but also saves time while offering a rich, memorable experience at several attractions, not just one. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/

CityPASS not only saves you money but also saves time while offering a rich, memorable experience at several attractions, not just one. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/

Want to save big bucks in New York, Chicago, Denver, and many other major American cities? Use discount coupons provided by CityPass for major attractions in many metro areas. Hear how it works from Mike Gallagher, president and CEO of CityPass, when he visits TRAVEL ITCH RADIO Thursday, May 31. LIsten live at 8p EDT when Dan Schlossberg and Maggie Linton interview Mike on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio.com or check out the archived show on Facebook.

Spring break is just around the corner and summer vacation planning is in full swing. Have you created your travel budget yet? This week, Kim and Tamara teach you how to save money when you are booking your trip and tips for saving money on vacation too. ON THE PODCAST 00:32 - Sponsor Wanderlist 02:32 - Planning with a budget in mind 04:56 - Activity prices add up 06:50 - Budget saving tips for flights 15:37 - Tip for saving money on accommodations 19:40 - Includes breakfast or not? 24:34 - Hotel packages 25:16 - Meals and snacks 30:16 - Saving money on attractions 32:26 - Local and work discounts 38:01 - Booking early vs. last minute 40:42 - Budgeting for kids 42:47 - Getting more money for vacation TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON VACATION Create a trip budget before you leave so you know how much your vacation is going to cost. Before going on your trip, think about the day to day activities you would like to enjoy. Even if these activities are not expensive on their own, they tend to add up by the end of your trip. If you don’t plan for them ahead of time you could be putting out more money than you planned to for your trip. If you are on a strict budget for you vacation. Make sure to add in tip money to your calculations, whether its for maid service, concierge, taxi rides, est. Hotel tax and resort fees are another item you should keep in mind when budgeting your trip. Do your research on airline deals, some may not be worth the price cut. If you find a rate for a room on another booking site that the hotel does not offer on their site, try picking up the phone and calling, they may honor that rate if you book directly through the hotel. It never hurts to ask about deals! If you check with your hotel, they may accept packages. Then you can use Amazon and ship snacks and things right too your hotel. This is a great budget tip as well as a packing tip, since you won't have to pack more for just your snacks. Some hotels may charge you for holding the package now so you want to make sure you check with them and find out exactly what they need on the label. If you are going to a city you may want to look into a CityPASS. They will include a lot of different sites and museums. Check to see what the pass offers to see if it will be worth it for you and your family. The more you plan the better off you will be! Booking last minute does not always offer cheaper deals. See what you can sell on eBay or Craigslist to help add to your vacation fund.   MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST Travel Budget Vacation Cost Worksheet Stuffed Suitcase - Average Vacation Costs Airfare Watchdog Best Budget Airlines for Families Travelmath Vacation Rentals - Podcast The World is a Book Hotel Tonight App Helping Kids Budget for Souvenirs 5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation FOLLOW US AND SPREAD THE WORD! If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035#. You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!

You can call it the City by the Bay, Fog City, SF, San Fran...just don't call it Frisco. This week we are chatting with Leslie Harvey from Trips with Tykes to get her best tips for exploring San Francisco with kids. ON THE PODCAST 032: Chatting with Tamara from Nashville 055: Nashville food tour 2:50 Nashville food scene 7:00 Grand Ole Opry 9:41 Union Station Hotel 12:01 Welcoming back Leslie Harvey 13:30 How long to spend in San Francisco 15:12 Must do sites in San Francisco 17:15 Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf 18:39 Getting to the city from the airport 20:03 Getting around the city 21:36 Walt Disney Family Museum 22:38 Best time of year to visit 23:25 Day trips from San Francisco 25:50 Distance to Disneyland 30:56 Best hotels for families 35:00 Best restaurants for families 38:38 Budget tips 41:29 Best place to take a family photo 43:55 Final tips 45:28 Leslie's favorite travel gear 47:55 Tip of the week ABOUT LESLIE HARVEY Leslie Harvey publishes Trips With Tykes, a family travel blog that focuses on the joys and challenges of travel with babies, toddlers, and young kids. Her travel passions include all things Disney as well as air travel, even in spite of her constant battles with the TSA over her toddler's juice box. Leslie is a former attorney and mother of two children, ages 8 and 3. She's originally from Alabama but now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home. Follow Leslie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google +. TIPS FOR EXPLORING SAN FRANCISCO WITH KIDS You need at least three days to visit San Francisco and you can easily spend up to a week. Must see sites in San Francisco include: Lombard Street, Alcatraz, Ferry Building, Pier 39, Alamo Square (with the Painted Ladies from Full House), Golden Gate Park, Walt Disney Family Museum, and Chinatown You must book tickets for the boat to Alcatraz in advance Pier 39 (where the sea lions are) / Fisherman's Wharf is very touristy so it is worth a visit but don't plan on spending all your time there The Aquarium by the Bay is a great way to learn about the local ecosystem If you drive, get an app to find parking but it would be best to leave the car at home and use public transportation To get from the airport, you can take a BART train to Union Square but if you are staying elsewhere, you may want to take an Uber or Lyft. It is about a 30-minute drive without too much traffic. Use public transportation in the city and if you want to get out of the city, you can rent a car for the day from an office in the system The cable car is used as a tourist attraction and not as much for reliable transportation Summer is the foggiest but September is the sunniest and warmest so fall is the best time to come. Winter is the rainy season. Best day trips from San Francisco include Sonoma or Napa, Muir Woods, Monterey, or the East Bay like Oakland Disneyland is a 5-6 hour drive from San Francisco Hotels are centered in Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf. Union Square is more centrally located. You need to watch the convention schedule because when large conventions come into town hotels sell out and are extremely expensive (check the Moscone Convention Center schedule). The Westin St. Francis is expensive but you can find deals if you travel off peak. The Fairmont on top Nob Hill is also great with a fun tiki bar. If you use Airbnb, be careful about what neighborhood you choose. Check the San Francisco Chronicle's top 100 restaurant list for fine dining options. Good dining options for kids: Yank Sing dim sum Burritos in the Mission District Ethnic food Food trucks (Off the Grid has pop up locations) There are many free things to do in San Francisco Do the math on CityPass or GoCard to see if it will pay for itself Using the sharing economy (Uber, Lyft, etc) to save money Limit how many museums you do as they are expensive Be prepared that you may need to walk a lot of hills and plan your route accordingly BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO Take a photo with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background from the scenic overlook across the bridge (if you head north to Sausalito) Another great spot to take a family photo would be at the Chinatown Gate, in Alamo Park, or at the corner of Haight & Ashbury FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR Leslie wears a pair of black Mary Jane-style Crocs when she visits San Francisco. Just don't wear sneakers or you will look like a tourist. TIP OF THE WEEK The fog in San Francisco makes it feel much colder than you think it will be. Be sure to bring a raincoat but also something thicker and dress in layers. MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST Walk Eat Nashville Food tour Hattie B's Hot Chicken Grand Ole Opry Union Station Hotel Nashville Aquarium by the Bay Walt Disney Family Museum Two Days in San Francisco with Kids Is CityPass San Francisco worth it? Family-friendly wineries in Sonoma Tips for Driving the California Coast Tips for Visiting Hearst Castle with Kids Westin St. Francis  Yank Sing dim sum 25 Free things to do in San Francisco FOLLOW US AND SPREAD THE WORD! If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035# You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!

If you want to teach your kids some early American history, there is no better place to start than the birthplace of the American Revolution...Boston. But there is so much more to do on a visit to Beantown and this week we interview local Leah Klein to get her tips on visiting Boston with kids. ON THE PODCAST 00:39 - Talking with Tamara about Boston 03:15 - Boston CityPASS 05:30 - Favorite things to do in Boston 10:11 - Talking with Leah about Boston 13:30 - Must do things in Boston 16:09 - Good age for the Freedom trail 16:45 - The Tea Party Ships & Museum 18:05 - Activities on the water 19:25 - Planning a longer trip to the east coast 22:45 - Best way to get around 24:43 - Where to stay in the city 30:55 - Leah’s favorite restaurants 36:20 - Money saving tips 38:18 - CityPASS 39:33 - Best place to take a family photo 41:28 - Favorite travel gear 44:20 - App of the week 44:48 - WINNERS for Lonely Planet book giveaways ABOUT LEAH KLEIN Leah lives across the river from Boston, in Cambridge where she raises her family. She is always looking for the next thing to do in the city or on her next family trip. Leah writes about food, family, and city living. Follow Leah on Twitter and Facebook. TIPS FOR VISITING BOSTON WITH KIDS The Freedom trail is 2.5 mile red line that goes past a lot of historical sights. It walks you through some of the events that happened in the beginning of the American Revolution. CityPASS covers the Aquarium, Boston Museum of Science, Harbor cruise, you can also go up to the top on the Prudential building. If you are traveling with young kids, you should definitely visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. If you have in the middle school and up range, you may want to check out doing the Freedom Trail with their phone app or even a Harbor cruise. Fenway Park is a great mix to get a little bit of sports and history. Salem is easy to get either by driving or by taking the ferry. Even if you are not interested in the history of witches, there are plenty of other things to visit and explore in the area. Lawn on D is a great place to hang out, with a lot of activities and events. The North End is great for pizza, canoles, gelato, etc. BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO Taking a picture with the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture is cute. If you like a more water related, any of the pedestrian bridges have great backdrops of the water. FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR Leah has a rule when she travels, no jeans and no workout shoes. They are bulky to pack and make packing harder. She likes to wear her ‘Sarah Campbell’ pants, which is a local designer. Pairing them with ‘Three Dots’ or ‘Splendid’ tops that are made of really comfortable fabric. APP OF THE WEEK Freedom Trail app MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum Fun Things to do in Boston in the Winter Bewitched by Salem, but not why you think FOLLOW US AND SPREAD THE WORD! If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035# You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening! Pin this This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission.

Wait Jay Lawrence tells about his experience at Universal Studios in Orlando. Zee Michaelson jumps in with luxury camping and ideas on why you can't sleep in luxurious resort accommodations. Jay Norden shares his experience on the High Desert in Joshua Tree. Mari Van Dyke is Re-Discovering small towns in America. If you are into adventure Zee has some suggestions for Expedition Cruises. About a CityPass in Chicago?

I'm giving away $282 in free passes to Atlanta attractions through CityPass! Atlanta travel vacation podcast: Hyatt Place Downtown Atlanta Varsity restaurant CNN World Headquarters Tour Six Feet Under Restaurant 407-205-9250 podcast hotline. Show notes @ http://SavingsAngel.com/podcast

I'm giving away $282 in free passes to Atlanta attractions through CityPass! How to score 2 free candy bars & free coffee every day - all month long! Everyone gets a FREE Redbox rental! Where you can get hidden money that really works! What's Betterment - and why everyone raving about them? My wife and I reveal how much weight we lost this week. 407-205-9250 podcast hotline. Show notes @ http://SavingsAngel.com/podcast.

The best way to stretch your budget in the big city is to use CityPASS coupons. Learn how when Mike Gallagher visits TRAVEL ITCH RADIO with Dan and Christine tonight at 8p on iTunes andBlogTalkRadio.com.

06/26/14 - The team discusses this week’s Disneyland news, including a new guided tour at California Adventure, plus a small increase for Southern California CityPASS.

04/17/14 - The team discusses this week’s Disneyland news, including another hotel building increase in the Anaheim area, plus passholders bring-a-friend event at Knott’s Berry Farm and the winner of our photo contest.