El Paso Pictures

Things to do in El Paso

You could easily spend days just walking around the city and taking in the beauty. However, you will want to visit these next few things to truly get the whole sense of the city. The Franklin Mountains boast a lot of great day activities and trips. And they are relatively close by. If you and your college friends are interested in hiking and outdoor fun, this is the spot to go to. McKelligon Canyon aka the Tom Mays Unit is a short drive from El Paso. You will turn towards the mountain via McKelligon Canyon Road. Then you will be going up a windy, small road wrapping around the mountain. Once at the mountain, there are lots of things to do. Biking, hiking, and nature walks are some of the things to do here. There is a small park store and areas to have a picnic as well. Another cool place to drive to is the Transmountain Road. At night you can overlook El Paso all lit up like stars people say. During the day, you can use the hiking facility for a small park donation. Native cacti, yucca and agave surround the trails. It is really a great day trip for you and your friends. Closer to the city, Fort Bliss (an Army Base) is worth a stop. Not only is this place the largest military base in the world, it is also obviously home to the U.S. Air Defense Artillery. On any given day you may even see troops from fellow Germany and Japan, who come here for training. The Air Defense Artillery Museum and NCO Museum are here and allow tourists. If you are coming to El Paso during football season, check out a Miner’s game at the Sun Bowl. Mexico is a day trip every college student must embark on. Mostly because there is a lot of great culture, but also because the drinking age is 18 since most college students are not 21. Buses take tourists to Juarez, Mexico. Depending how close to the border you are staying you can walk across a pretty foot bridge as well or drive your own car. There are a lot of shops and nice places to grab a bite of food.

Nightlife in El Paso

Your best bet is to go across the border for a night out on the town. That is of course if you are not 21. Tequila is abundant both in El Paso and Juarez. The native agave plant produces the strong liquor that people love so much. And it is native to the land. Cincinnati Street is in El Paso. This is a really awesome place to go out at night. The street is littered with bars filled with cheap drink deals and inexpensive, greasy food. You can easily party the night away for minimal money, which is great for any college student.

Dining in El Paso

There are a couple popular local flavors in El Paso courtesy of Mexico. Menudo is in every restaurant. It is a type of soup made with hominy , chile and tripe. You can usually order it spicy or not. Burritos are also very big. Chile con queso is always a top rated burrito. And you will be able to get this dish for cheap, cheap, cheap. Don’t bother going to a nice restaurant. Any local digs will do. If you are going out for something else or maybe a bit more upscale go to Cattleman’s Steakhouse. There is an outdoor balcony, where you can sip drinks and watch the sun set. Their all time famous dish is the 2 lb. T-Bone steak. It may take a couple people to chow down on this. Forti’s Mexican Elder Restaurant is a lot of fun. Not only a restaurant, this piano bar has delicious tortillas and fajitas. Cheap food will steer you to Smokey’s Pit Stop and Saloon, a small chain with great tex-mex, Chico’s Tacos, which actually serves authentic Mexican food, and Avila’s Mexican Food, a family owned operation (try the enchiladas).

Shopping in El Paso

The shopping in El Paso is sparse, especially if you’re looking for upscale stores. El Paso Saddleblanket is kind of a neat alternative to the traditional shopping. Fine Southwest rugs, furniture, jewelry and folk art can be purchased here. Otherwise you will be seeing a lot of souvenir-type stuff, but not a whole lot else. So stick to spending your money on tequila and burritos and leave the shopping to malls back home.

El Paso Travel Tips

• The drinking age in El Paso is 21 and is strongly enforced. It’s a good idea to keep ID on you at all times.
• The summer heat is intense in El Paso so pack accordingly.
• Remember your passport for fun nights out over the border in Mexico!

Phoenix Pictures

Things to do in Phoenix

With nearly perfect weather all year round there isn’t really a bad time to visit Phoenix. This makes planning your trip activities easy. Golf is one of the most popular activities. The Grand Golf Course is one of the rare exquisite dessert golfing courses. The Grand Athletic Club has golfing lessons. You can also enjoy the spa, fitness center, and lap pool. Heard Museum is a gorgeous building that houses Native American Art and well preserved cultural items. The Phoenix Art Museum has over 16,000 pieces of art that spans European, Asian, and Native American works. A fun day trip can be to Piestewa Peak. In the center of the Phoenix Mountain Peaks, a two hour hike will take you to the peak. From there look out on a 360 degree view of the city. For the sports fans take in a Cardinals or Diamondbacks game if you come during the right season.

Find things to do in Phoenix

Nightlife in Phoenix

There are a couple really great wine bars in Phoenix. Silver and Bomberos are both excellent choices. Silver has a warm inviting atmosphere, while Bomberos has a Latin feel. Enjoy a nice glass of vino as you munch on appertivo. Myst and Axis are the top night clubs. If you feel like dancing these venues stay open well into the wee hours of the morning. Offering up great music selections with drinks that never run empty. Just remember the dress code and cover charge. Also make sure to bring proper ID with you. Phoenix has some of the strictest law enforcement in the country.

Dining in Phoenix

The best part about dining in Phoenix is you can get a celebrity chef specialty at a top tier lounge or a burger at the neighborhood pub. Southwest, texmex, and Mexican specialties top the list here. You can’t go wrong with a large plate of great food and an equally as impressive margarita in your hand. For a change of scenery make a night of your dining experience and go to Broadway Palm dinner theater. Sit back and enjoy a full length Broadway show as you dine with friends. Steakhouses are another popular spot. They all have amazing and sizzling steaks, seafood, and drinks. So you really can’t go wrong.

Shopping in Phoenix

Scorpion bolo ties and cactus-style salt and pepper shakers are the quintessential items one thinks of with Phoenix. Hot sauces are another item tourists like to bring home with them. In Arizona there are a lot of Mexican gifts and in Phoenix there are many souvenir shops. Scottsdale shopping centers are the places to find all the everyday type goods. Biltmore Fashion Park, Dessert Ridge Marketplace, and Paradise Valley are good malls to go to. All are easily within driving distance from the city. Kierland Commons is where you will want to make a trip to if you are looking for some more upscale style shops.

Phoenix Travel Tips

• Phoenix has 300 days of sunshine a year, so no need to bring an umbrella!
• Don’t drink and drive. Phoenix has some of the strictest law enforcement in the country.
• Rent a car to get around outside the city.

Omaha Pictures

Things to do in Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska is a great place for tourism because there are so many things to see: from interesting museums, to great landmarks, parks, events, shopping areas, theaters, and a zoo. To begin with, a couple of the art museums include the Joslyn Art Museum and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Other museums to check out include the Strategic Air & Space Museum, Children’s Museum, and Durham Western Heritage Museum. As for landmarks, check out the Malcolm X Birthsite in North Omaha. Take a tour of the Joslyn Castle, which has four stories and 35 rooms. Also, visit the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens to see where President Ford grew up. Beautiful parks and gardens are scattered through the city, and are perfect for walking, relaxing, or having a picnic. One of these is the Gene Leahy Mall, with paths, a playground, and horseshoes. Other parks include the Heartland of America Park (nice fountain), Memorial Park (floral displays), Elmwood Park (golfing, swimming pool), and the Lauritzen Gardens (botanical gardens). When in Omaha, check out a sports game, whether it be football or baseball. Every Thursday in the summer, Jazz on the Green is held, which is an exciting musical concert series. In the wintertime, the Holiday Lights Festival takes place with ice skating, tree lighting, singing, and fireworks. When in Omaha, definitely head to the Henry Doorly Zoo, which is Nebraska’s number one attraction, with the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, indoor rainforest, and indoor desert.

Nightlife in Omaha

Although Omaha probably isn’t the first place you would think of for great nightlife, you would be surprised at everything this city has to offer. Head to Old Market and you will find a wide selection of cafes and bars worth checking out, including The Dubliner, a great Irish pub. Also, a great dancing nightclub is located in this area of the city, called Banana Joe’s. Also in the Old Market district, Cactus Cafe is a wonderful bar to have a drink with friends or even meet new ones. Gambling and drinking go hand in hand in Omaha, so head to either Harrah’s, Ameristar, or Horseshoe. Harrah’s is popular among a younger crowd for its dance club named Stir. A few other recommendations for your night out include the Dundee Dell, Homy Inn, Saddle Creek Bar, and Upstream Brewery.

Dining in Omaha

Omaha is known for having the highest number of restaurants per-capita in the nation. Knowing this, the wide variety of places to dine is endless in Omaha. The meal that Omaha is typically known for is steak, known as an “Omaha steak”. This can be found pretty much anywhere, as many restaurants offer great steak dishes. If you are dining on a budget, a few good restaurants to consider are Katie’s or King Kong (Greek), Azteca or Los Portales (Mexican), Petrow’s (American), or Zio’s Pizza. In the mid-price range there are a few more options, such as Cheeseburger in Paradise, or the Jimmy Buffet island-themed chain. Charlie’s on the Lake has a gorgeous view of the city and serves delicious martinis. Ahmad’s Persian Cuisine has very authentic food of Persia located in the Old Market. If you are looking to spend a bit more at a restaurant, head to Gorat’s Steak House, where they serve “the finest steaks in the world”. Either that, or check out Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Mark’s Bistro, or Piccolo Pete’s.

Shopping in Omaha

With many different types of shops and markets, Omaha can fulfill pretty much any of your shopping needs. If you are looking for a typical mall with a variety of stores, check out either the Westroads, Oak View, or Village Point. Village Point is an outdoor shopping experience with many different stores to choose from. The Old Market provides a unique shopping experience, with interesting shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cute passageways. Borsheims is the largest independent jewelry and gift shop in the United States. Head to the Nebraska Furniture Mart, which offers furniture, electronics, and home decorations and is known as the largest LazyBoy retailer in the nation. For a great second-hand bookstore, check out Jackson Street Booksellers, where you can get a wide selection of used books at reasonable prices.

Omaha Travel Tips

• Omaha is located in tornado alley, so beware of weather alerts particularly between the months of April and August.
• Never insult Nebraska Football or speak in favor of Iowa, because most people in Omaha have pride for their team and have a huge dislike for the people of Iowa.
• Drive carefully in Omaha. The I-80 is a ten-lane highway in which people tend to drive very fast which is a bit scary if you are not used to it.

Aspen Pictures

Things to do in Aspen

Of course, the most obvious thing to do in Aspen is go to the ski mountain, but don’t let this fool you, there is much, much more to do! The four main ski areas in the resort are Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Highlands, and Buttermilk. If you are any sort of snow sports fan then definitely go and try one, or all of these mountains! There’s also tons of snowshoeing, sledding, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing trails to check out. For a more romantic getaway you could try going for a sleigh ride. Not going to Aspen in the winter? Don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do. In the summer, Aspen has many different outdoor things to do including mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting, fly fishing, mine exploration, hot air balloon rides, rodeos, paint ball courses, paragliding, and outdoor concerts. You can even take the chair lift up to the top of the mountain and get a spectacular view. Golfers have it made with two huge golf courses within an hour of the resort. Snowmass Golf Course and River Valley Ranch Golf Club are some great places to check out. Also be sure to hit up Aspen’s music scene like Jazz Aspen Snowmass, on Thursdays, the June Festival, and Labor Day Festival.

Nightlife in Aspen

Aspen’s night scene is more of an indoor cozy sort of one. Instead of clubbing and drinking, folks in Aspen like to keep it peaceful and quiet. Many people go to the mountains and ski/snowboard all night long, with some mountains open until 12 am or later. You can also have a romantic night in by the fire.

Dining in Aspen

Food in Aspen is pretty traditional, with many restaurants catering to tourists. Expect slightly higher prices as this is a ski resort. The Artisan Restaurant in Snowmass has some great options while staying within the town. The Crystal Palace Theatre Restaurant has a great gourmet dinner experience followed by a cabaret revue with political satire, known to locals as a really good time.

Shopping in Aspen

You can find a lot of really great ski shops with awesome gear, as well as nice spas and small, family shops. Downtown Aspen has tons of little, quaint shops with unique and cool clothing. Also, be sure to get over to Snowmass Village where you can find a multi-tiered outdoor shopping center, chock full of ski/snowboard equipment, clothes, and art. There are also really great health spas, like the Aspen Club and Spa, that offer nice massages, fitness classes, facials, pedicures, and everything else to help you relax.

Aspen Travel Tips

• Get to Aspen a day early to adjust to the high altitude.
• Take it slow on the slopes, trails are known to be very rigorous.
• Book early, things can fill up fast during peak winter season.

Dayton Pictures

Things to do in Dayton

Dayton has a great deal to offer visitors, as it is home to appealing museums, countless shops and an attractive parks system. Travelers will enjoy the United States Air Force Museum, one of the world’s largest aviation museums. Featuring more than 300 aircraft and missiles, the museum presents displays that depict everything visitors want to know about the Air Force. Shopping enthusiasts can flock to the Dayton Mall, which houses over 180 specialty shops, restaurants and department stores. For those interested in the arts, The Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in downtown Dayton is a world class performing arts center and the home performance venue of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera, and the Dayton Ballet. The Dayton Ballet is considered one of the oldest and finest professional dance companies in the United States. In addition, the Schuster Center hosts concerts, lectures, traveling Broadway shows, and is a popular spot for other events. The city of Dayton is also home to the Five Rivers MetroParks, an extensive park system that features 24 public facilities in and around the city. Nearby Carriage Hill MetroPark is an ideal place to embark on a hike, cross-country ski trip or horseback ride, depending on the time of year. These parks are great for taking an afternoon stroll or getting together with friends for a fun afternoon.

Nightlife in Dayton

Although Dayton may not seem like the most happening city when it comes to a nightlife scene, there are several good places to grab a drink, have a dance, and meet new people in a cool setting. If you’re hitting the bars, there’s Vue. Vue is one of the coolest treasures Washington Township has to offer and is a true hidden gem. In downtown Dayton, there’s the the Dublin Pub – set at the corner of the infamous Oregon District. Built to look like it’s straight out of Ireland, the Dub Pub (as the locals call it) has a friendly feel, lots of live bands, and a great collection of Irish whiskeys and beers on tap. For those who like to get their groove on, Dayton has a few dance spots, three of which are all very close to one another. Near the corner of Second and St. Clair is Pearl and Hammerjacks, and just down the road is the Foundry. Pearl is small, but draws a decent crowd. They are also open until 3 or 3:30, which makes it a good place to hit after finishing up at the other spots in town. The multi-level Hammerjacks is a good place because it has something for everyone; a lounge area, a bar with pool and other games, and a large dance floor. The Foundry is a warehouse turned club and they are open very late for the hard core dancers, and the environment makes it a great place to rock out.

Dining in Dayton

The city of Dayton boasts any number of high-flying restaurants from A to Z that are ethnically diverse, architecturally interesting, or historically significant. Ajanta specializes in fresh vegetarian and classical Indian dishes prepared daily, while Zola’s treats patrons to cooking “from scratch” with emphasis on healthy dining. In between are dozens of chains and independent eateries reflecting the variety of cuisine choices. Tumbleweed Southwest Mesquite Grill & Bar uses mesquite logs to flavor steaks, ribs, chops and Mexican favorites while The Thirsty Dog serves upscale brew pub fare. Therapy Café downtown features small plate fare and desserts for lunch and dinner within a wireless Internet atmosphere. The National City 2nd Street Public Market’s eclectic range of hearty sandwiches, exotic soups or salads, international specialties and gourmet coffees make any nosh an entertaining adventure. Flying Dog Food Pavilion at RiverScape MetroPark has an eclectic menu from cotton candy to grilled chicken and Southern Slaw Dogs, along with cones, sundaes and banana splits. The century-old Stockyards Inn, east of downtown on Third Street, ranks as Dayton’s most historic dining venue, specializing in steaks, barbeque and prime rib. Dig in!

Shopping in Dayton

As mentioned, Dayton has a lot to offer its visitors in terms of shopping. Aside from the aforementioned Dayton Mall, there are other great shopping centers minutes away from downtown such as the Greene, the Mall at Fairfield Commons, and the Towne and Country Shopping Center. For those who are shopping on a budget, Dayton offers many thrift and discount stores, as well as the Prime Outlets a short drive away.

Dayton Travel Tips

• The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates public bus routes in the Dayton metro area.
• The United States Air Force Museum is a must-see for aviation fans.
• The international calling code is 1 + 937 if dialing from a long-distance phone.

Richmond Pictures

Things to do in Richmond

Richmond is full of museums, monuments and historical landmarks. A must see is the Museum of the Cofederacy, which boasts the largest collections of Confederate records, artifacts and other treasures from the period. The Hollywood Cemetery is also a great place for students visiting during the summer months. Here you can find the final resting places of Presidents Taylor, Tyler, and Monroe as well as scores of Confederate soldiers. Another point of interest in Richmond is the Edgar Allan Poe museum. For those looking for a little adventure, the James River has many rapids which are great for white water rafting. The rapids are class III but may become class IV in the right weather conditions so make sure to utilize the various tours that are offered.

Nightlife in Richmond

A trip to Richmond is not complete without a visit to the Capital Ale House. This bar has over 40 beers on tap and more than 200 bottled beers. It also features a game room and a great atmosphere. Keep an eye out for various specials and promotions such as $1 burgers. The Cary St. Cafe is a self proclaimed hippie bar that features great live music ranging from jam bands to bluegrass and reggae.

Dining in Richmond

Many of Richmond’s restaurants can be found in the historic district downtown called Shockoe Bottom. There are numerous establishments that cater to all price levels. American, Italian, Chinese, and various other cuisines are represented throughout the city. For great food on a budget, check out Vito’s, the place to go if you want subs, pizza, burgers, or calzones. For a more high-end dining experience check out The Tobacco Company. What was once an old, abandoned, tobacco warehouse is now a beautiful dining and entertainment destination.

Shopping in Richmond

Carytown is a must visit for those looking to shop. The prices are rather high but the high-end clothing, art, and antiques are worth it. The location also features some great places to stop for lunch.

Richmond Travel Tips

• In order to optimize your experience, take advantage of guided tours of the various museums and points of interest.
• Take some time while in Richmond to enjoy the history in one of America’s oldest cities.
• Richmond is generally a driving city with plenty of roadside parking so it is important to be willing/able to rent a car if visiting.

Halifax Pictures

Things to do in Halifax

Halifax’s main attractions are the ports and beaches. There has been a lot of tourist attractions built up around the ports. One port, The Waterfront, is home to many historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and other entertainment. You can also find a lot of harbor boat tours that launch from there during the summer. If you’re into canoeing then head down to the St. Mary’s Boat Club on 1641 Fairfield Road on Saturdays and Sundays to rent canoes. Do we have any hockey fans? Canada is known for its world-class hockey teams and Halifax is no exception! While Halifax doesn’t have a major league team they do have a major junior league team, the Halifax Mooseheads. These games are known to be great and near-NHL level while maintaining a $10 ticket price. A great idea for students on a budget!

Nightlife in Halifax

Halifax has a couple of great night clubs that you should definitely check out. The “Liquor Dome” is a great one located on Grafton Street. It features three different clubs: Dome, Cheers, and Attic, all linked together. You pay one fee and get access to all three. Cheers has live bands for those who love music. The Attic is a combination of bar and nightclub with a few small dance floors. The Dome is the premier dance club with many large dance floors and cheap drinks.

Dining in Halifax

For cheap eating in Halifax, walk along Spring Garden road, there’s a lot of different restaurants and pubs which also serve food. If you’re looking for upscale dining then there are many other options. Chateau Briand over on Granville Street serves up some great European cuisine. Italian lovers should go to Da Maurizio’s located on Lower Water St. inside the Brewery Market. Have your eye on seafood? Five Fisherman has you covered.

Shopping in Halifax

The best place to go would be the Farmers’ Market on Lower Water Street. It’s the oldest running Farmers Market in North America featuring a crazy maze of underground halls and passageways. Just make not sure not to haggle prices.

Halifax Travel Tips

• Be careful in the North End of the city where crime can be high.
• Watch for people crossing the road if you are driving as there are a lot of crosswalks in Halifax.
• Be careful of the ice if visiting during winter.

Knoxville Pictures

Things to do in Knoxville

College football is the main thing to do in Knoxville. Neyland Stadium, one of the largest college football stadiums in the country, hosts games every week that are incredible. Be careful, school spirit runs high at UTE and the fans are very supportive of their team. There’s also some arts in the town, with the Clarence Brown, Black Box, Tennessee, and Bijou theater all within driving distance of the city. These companies put on great shows and sometimes feature mainstream acts. Knoxville also hosts all sorts of festivals from the Dogwood Arts Festival to the Blooms Days Garden Festival. Come check out all the cool thing to see and buy.

Nightlife in Knoxville

The best thing to do in any college town at night is follow the crowd. To hit up a good party, whether at the best local bar or frat house, be sure to follow the leader and you’re sure to find somewhere great to go. In the chance you don’t, there are some good clubs within the city limits. Try Baker Peters and Naples.

Dining in Knoxville

Knoxville has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the U.S. so you are sure to find something you like for a great price. Many places offer student discounts so bring your i.d. The best places to try are Aubrey’s, Calhoun’s, The Chop House, and Downtown Grill and Brewery. These places are known to be the best of both worlds, with great atmosphere and food at a low price. Enjoy!

Shopping in Knoxville

Besides the typical bookstore, Knoxville has some great malls and markets that are fun and cheap while still maintaining quality. The West Town Mall, located a few miles west of Knoxville, is a typical mall with standard chains. Also be sure to try Market Square in the downtown where you can find just about anything you’re looking for.

Knoxville Travel Tips

• This place gets busy during football season.
• Low-income areas of the downtown should be traveled carefully.
• Knoxville is very hot in the summer.