Tag: Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. Travel

A Manhattan Travel Guide

In popular culture Manhattan is often viewed to as the center of the universe. When you visit Manhattan, it can certainly feel that way. Manhattan has something for everyone, from a diverse and incredible restaurant scenes and a plethora of iconic attractions, and an amazing variety of entertainment and art. Use this Manhattan travel guide to create a perfect itinerary for your next visit to New York, New York.

Travel to Manhattan to be surrounded by skyscrapers, gourmet restaurants, and cultures from all over the world. To make the most of your visit to this modern and bustling city, be sure to visit these attractions.

Things Not to Miss in Manhattan
• Catch a world famous Broadway show

Before the final curtain drops on the day, see a show on the Great White Way. This theater is home to the Tony-winning production of Chicago, a long-running hit about friendship, fame and all that jazz. Check out more Broadway shows to add touch of only-in-NYC drama to your packed itinerary.
• See all of New York from the top of the Empire State Building

If you want to see as much of NYC as possible, the tallest building in the western hemisphere is going to come in handy. From the top three floors of this site, you’ll be able to take in sweeping views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
• Tour the many famous Manhattan art museums

No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the country’s foremost modern art institution. Explore over 200,000 works including instantly recognizable pieces by Van Gogh, Dali, Lichtenstein and Warhol. An ever-evolving assemblage of photography, painting, sculpture, film and performance art add to the picture.
• Take a long walk in Central Park or along the High Line

Take the R or W subway line from Lower Manhattan to 57th Street to approach the southern border of this famous oasis, adding a refreshing dose of greenery to your visit. The lower portion of the park contains playgrounds, a vintage carousel and lush natural spots like Sheep Meadow, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary and the Pond.
• Take a boat ride out to see The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

From the late 19th century until the 1950s, Ellis Island was the port of entry to the United States for tens of millions of passengers. In the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, it remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s immigrant tradition. These days, it’s a museum where you can see artifacts relating to immigrant history—including, in the Peopling of America Center, the years before station’s opening and after its closure—and even search the records for your own relatives.

When to Go to Manhattan
There is really no bad time to make the trip to the Big Apple but one of the liveliest times for Manhattan travel is during the holiday season when shops decorate their windows displays and the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree is lit up. Spring and fall are also pleasant times to visit the city when the weather is at its best.

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Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta

For nine days in October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of Mass Ascension on crisp early mornings as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky. For ballooning fans worldwide, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a pilgrimage. There’s something for everyone to enjoy . . . whimsical special shapes filled with equal parts of hot air and wonder, and Balloon Glows that create a magical night landscape for spectators to wander. No matter who you are, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will leave you awestruck and wanting more.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For more than three decades, the first week in October brings the smell of roasting chiles and the beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air.

Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally hundreds of balloons will be taking flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park this year.

From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Our signature event remains Balloon Fiesta—which, with 700 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.

Imagine 54 football fields, all put together. That’s the size of Balloon Fiesta Park’s 78-acre launch field! And at this Park’s “playing field,” there are no losing teams and no viewing stands. Guests walk the field and are part of the action.  The balloons are released in what is called “Mass Ascension.” Mass Ascension has been a feature of Balloon Fiesta since its earliest days and is the most spectacular display of sound and color in all of aviation. During mass ascensions, balloons launch in two waves. Launch directors, also known as zebras because of their black-and-white-striped outfits, serve as traffic cops, coordinating the launch so balloons leave the field in a safe and coordinated manner. Weather permitting, balloons begin to launch at about 7:00 AM on mass ascension days, led by a balloon flying the American flag to the strains of The Star Spangled Banner.

Hundreds of thousands of smiling, upturned faces, awestruck by the spectacular beauty of hot air balloons filling the big blue New Mexico sky. What you can’t hear until you walk our field at nightfall is the thrilling roar of hundreds of burners simultaneously igniting, turning the Park into a huge lighted Christmas tree of colorful balloons. What you can’t feel until you join us is the massive joy everywhere around you.

 

There are several events to enjoy besides the actual ballooning.  Anyone is eligible to enter a photo contest.  There are 5 categories:

 

Kids at Balloon Fiesta Photo Entry
Dawn Patrol/Balloon Glow Photo Entry
Mass Ascension Photo Entry
Special Shape Rodeo Photo Entry
AfterGlow Fireworks Photo Entry

There will be an amazing fireworks show once the sun goes down (so bring your lawn chairs!).  Along with fireworks, guests can enjoy Chainsaw Carving.  The 2018 AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational will feature Professional Chainsaw Carvers from all over the world, competing and producing some of the most amazing sculptures you will ever see. Chainsaw Sculpture is a relatively new art form that has gained enthusiasts all over the world. The delicate ballet the carvers perform with a powerful chainsaw is mesmerizing. Come and see what all the buzz and chips flying is all about!  You will be absolutely amazed to see what these artists can do with a log, a chainsaw and 90 minutes!

Throughout the day and night, live music will be available.  This year there is an all-star lineup!

1:00 p.m. – The Noms

2:30 p.m. – Michael Ray

4:00 p.m. – Old Dominion

 

Along with these special events,  much more is offered. Visit the official event website for a full list of events, times and offerings.

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Top Scenic Autumn Getaways

Fall can be a beautiful season with its changing foliage, autumnal sunsets, and cooler temperatures which is exactly why its the perfect time for autumn getaways.  The experience of seeing your typically hot or cold city turn into a crisp brown and maroon cinnamon paradise can put even the grumpiest of us in the pumpkin spice spirit.  But there are some places in the US that really like to show off and we have found the top destinations with the most beautiful fall sights.

 

  1. Katy Trail, Missouri
    The 225-mile Katy Trail runs along the Missouri River for much of the way and cuts right through the state’s wine country. In the 1800s, this area is also where German immigrants settled, bringing their traditions along with them. There are plenty of adorable B&Bs situated along the trail if you need a rest from a long day of biking or hiking through the dense forests and limestone bluffs.

 

  1. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
    Pennsylvania Dutch Country, better known as Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is an idyllic place to visit during the harvest season. There are apple orchards ripe for the picking, corn mazes that hearken back to a simpler time and farmers markets bursting with homemade baked goods and fresh produce. And just 30 minutes northeast, you’ll find “Antiques Capital, U.S.A.” in Adamstown, home to over 3,000 antique dealers, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and, of course, that Amish charm.

 

  1. Boston, Massachusetts
    In the fall, Boston is the destination for crisp weather, history and excitement. Hop across the Charles River to explore Cambridge and sit in Harvard Yard for excellent people watching, then recharge in one of the many independent coffee shops, expand your mind in the 84-year-old Harvard Book Store and finally, grab a cleverly named, famous burger from Mr. Bartley’s. We recommend The Big Papi with a side of sweet potato fries.

 

  1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
    Located in Lake Huron, this island resort is not only a National Historic Landmark, but it is also a portal back in time to when Victorian architecture was prominent and the only modes of transportation were foot, bicycle or horse. Mackinac Island is known for its opulent fall foliage in October, and it is also famous for its fudge. In fact, many of the island’s confectioners have been making fudge for more than a century.

 

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What Are The Cheapest Times to Fly?

We asked the airfare expert: What are the cheapest times to fly?  The time of year you fly matters. Just ask anyone who’s traveled the same route at Thanksgiving vs. any other time of the year and they’ll tell you stories about November holiday fares costing three, four or five times the usual rate. The days of the week you fly matter, too, and it matters year-round.  For U.S. domestic flights, the cheapest days to fly are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For flights to Europe, weekdays tend to be cheaper than weekends. These examples show round-trip fares for travel in June. You can’t always save a third to half-off on airfare as the following examples show by flying the cheapest days but you can usually save something. Try juggling different dates to find the best/cheapest combination. The first step for all airfare shoppers is to compare prices on your route on your preferred dates, then try different day-of-week combinations to see how much you can bring them down. Don’t pass up any savings; you can put those funds to much better use during your vacation.  Also, air fare to Europe are currently at historic lows. If you were thinking of going abroad, this might be the perfect time, but why not save every last dollar you’re entitled to by flying the cheapest days of the week? Check out the examples below:

Boston-Las Vegas
Fly Friday/Sunday: $500
Fly Saturday/Wednesday: $228

Boston-Miami
Fly Thursday/Sunday: $312
Fly Saturday/Saturday: $203

Denver-Seattle
Fly Friday/Sunday: $391
Fly Saturday/Wednesday: $341
Fly Saturday/Tuesday: $333

New York-Paris
Fly Saturday/Sunday: $548
Fly Monday/Tuesday: $470

Check out cheapair.com for more deals!

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Best Thanksgiving Destinations

Want to skip the family reunion and opt for a first-class Thanksgiving destination?  We’ve compiled the top places that will make you glad you ditched the traditional Thanksgiving experience.

  1. St. Regis Aspen Resort, Colorado
    At the St. Regis Aspen Resort, you can expect Thanksgiving-themed food and afternoon spent on the slopes or at the spa. At sundown, guests congregate by the front entrance for the ceremonial sundown champagne sabering while there are nightcaps and roasted s’mores at Shadow Mountain Lodge from 9 p.m. until midnight.
  2. MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas
    Las Vegas’s the Park turns into a winter wonderland on the Monday before Thanksgiving, when its first-ever tree lighting ceremony will feature a 60-foot-tall Silver Tip Fir tree adorned with 3,000 holiday ornaments and 13,000 lights, plus 16-foot-tall Ornament Tunnels. After visiting Santa, listening to carolers, and taking a spin on the ice skating rink, guests can pop over to MGM Grand across the street to watch football at TAP with Turkey Sliders or a T-Day Plate with all the fixings, a special Thanksgiving day menu at Michael Mina Pub, or delicacies like oyster foie gras at Iron Chef Masaharu Moritmoto’s spot Morimoto.
  3. Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, Hawaii
    A Hawaiian paradise for Disney-lovers of all ages, Aulani has plenty of special Thanksgiving offerings for those fleeing the mainland. Give thanks with seaside dining at Aulani’s restaurant Ama Ama, celebrate with a Hawaiian-style Harvest Feast, live music, and characters in the Kaiona Ballroom, indulge in a Thanksgiving buffet at Makahiki—including oysters, crab claws, green tip mussels, and a poke station—or just grab a quick turkey-lunch to-go before finding your inner kid at the resort’s Rainbow Reef snorkeling experience, one of its two water slides, on the lazy river, or by exploring its awe-inspiring collection (the island’s second largest) of original cultural artifacts.
  4. Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee Located on 4,200 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, luxury retreat Blackberry Farm is an ideal place to spend the holidays, with a staggering list of events and offerings for the long weekend. There’s a welcome reception, a performance by composer Jonathan Wolff (best known for the Seinfeld theme song), family bingo, family trivia, a Turkey Trot 5K, a turkey fry tradition of peanut soup and angel biscuits for lunch on the lawn, teen game night, flag football, and, of course, special Thanksgiving dinners in the Barn and in the Dogwood, featuring Blackberry Farm’s renowned gourmet cuisine.
  1. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, Rancho Santa Fe, California

Located half an hour north of San Diego, Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa is throwing their first-ever 5K Turkey Trot this year, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Later in the day, guests can enjoy a feast over live music at the resort’s signature restaurant Veladora, where executive chef Jarrod Moiles has prepared a buffet with both classic favorites and gourmet alternatives, including roasted pumpkin bisque, chilled seafood, mac and cheese with herb bread crumbs, slow roasted turkey breast, chorizo, and herb stuffing.

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Frugally Traveling the Irish Coast

The Irish Coast lends itself to spectacular sights and experiences that one would think would cost an arm and a leg- not so! Start out at Kai restaurant, in Galway, which is a welcoming, cozy place headed by a New Zealand chef, Jessica Murphy.  Grab a coffee and a scone to fuel up for the day and you are only out a few dollars. Head towards Galway, considered by many the cultural backbone of Ireland to visit the Galway Cathedral. It’s free but paying the suggested donation of 2 euros won’t put you out…it’s a little over 2 American dollars. Explore the charming Galway by foot and when you get hungry, stop at Kai, a welcoming, cozy place headed by a New Zealand chef, Jessica Murphy. A delicious bowl of carrot and miso soup was only 5 euros and came with a thick slice of dense, multigrain bread, that probably would have sufficed as a small meal. Next, head over to the charmingly ramshackle bookshop Bell, Book and Candle and receive a quick lesson in literary history from the owner, Paul Deacy. For about 6 euros you can buy 2 books to read while on vacay. Quay and Shop Streets teem with pedestrians, shops and street musicians- all free entertainment and people watching!  After that, take off for a scenic drive. If you spend any amount of time driving in Ireland, you’ll be spoiled by the number of beautiful old castles you pass, but Dunguaire Castle, in the southeastern corner of Galway Bay, is one of the stateliest. After walking the grounds, it was onto one of the true natural wonders of Ireland: The possibly bewitched Cliffs of Moher. They’re easy enough to find: Just follow the road signs, pull into the big lot and pay the 8-euro admission (4 euros if you book online in advance like all the other tourists). But go beyond the tour buses and continue south, and you’ll notice signs for an alternate parking lot that claims to get you closest to the actual cliffs. It’s slightly tricky, but continue until you find Liscannor Walk and a small private lot, where you’ll pay just 2 euros to park. It’s a manageable uphill walk to the cliffs from there, along a stone wall and past curious cows as you make your way toward the water.  Watch the sunset from there, basking in your financially guilt-free day.

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