Month: September 2018

How to Enjoy Amarillo, Texas

Places to Visit/Things to Do


If you’re looking to visit an entertaining amusement park, head over to Wonderland Amusement Park. Located in Thompson Memorial Park, the Wonderland Amusement Park is a popular attraction that operates during the months of March through September. The Wonderland Amusement Park is the perfect place to enjoy with your family, especially if you’re bringing your kids with you on your trip to Amarillo, Texas. Wonderland Amusement Park is open different hours, depending on the day and month. To stay updated with their hours, check out their website. Prices also depend on what day you visit. One of the prices you can pay for is the WOW pass, which covers all the rides except certain ones. The prices of the WOW pass range from $16.95 to $24.95. The second pricing option is the Ultimate WOW pass, which covers all the rides. These also range in price, from $31.95 to $39.95.

 


If you enjoy art, consider visiting the Amarillo Museum of Art. Located within the premises of Amarillo College within Amarillo, Texas, you can find the popular art museum. Art-wise, this museum is the most popular in the area. Founded in 1972, the museum displays mainly 20th century art, including watercolor paintings from the artist Georgia O’Keeffe. The Amarillo Museum of Art is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday through Friday, and from 1 pm to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. They are closed on Mondays and major holidays. The Amarillo Museum of Art is a perfect place for an art class field trip, with the pricing available on their website. For normal visitors, admission is free.

 


One of the most popular outdoor attractions is the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Palo Duro is a canyon system in the vicinity of Amarillo. The Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States, only beaten by the Grand Canyon of Arizona. The average width is about 6 miles, but the width reaches 20 miles at certain points. At the state park, you can miles of trails and paths, where you can burn calories while observing the natural wildlife. There are also several campsites where you and your friends or family can stay at. The park is open to the public every day from 7 am to 10 pm. The park headquarters opens at 8 am. To enter Palo Duro Canyon State Park, there are very minimal charges of $5 per adult. For kids under 13, admission is free.

 


Amarillo has plenty of outdoor activities (as you can see above), but many require plenty of walking and exercise. If you just want a relaxing outdoor activity, visit the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. Here, you can view the native flora of the area, as well as many other beautiful plants and trees. The seasonal gardens are comprised of 4 acres of plants, and the gardens also feature an indoor tropical conservatory. The Amarillo Botanical Gardens is open at different hours during the summer season and the winter. During summer hours, they are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 7 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm, and 1 to 5 pm on Sundays. During the winter hours, they are open from 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Friday, Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm, and closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays. Admission costs $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 60 and over, $2 for kids. Those under 5 are free.

 


Who doesn’t like animals? If you do like them, head over to Amarillo Zoo. Here, you can find an assortment of animals, such as bison, panthers, birds, and plenty of exotic creatures. You can also spot lions, giraffes, tigers, bears, and more traditional zoo animals. The Amarillo Zoo is open everyday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. They are closed on major holidays. On Tuesday through Sunday, admission for adults costs $4, $3 for seniors over 62, $2 for kids 3 to 12, and free for those under 3. On Monday, admission for adults costs $2, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for kids aged 3 to 12, and free for those under 3. Having a fun day at this zoo won’t break your account. That’s one of the main reasons you should visit the Amarillo Zoo while in town.

 

Best Way to Tour Amarillo, TX

  • The best way to tour the city of Amarillo (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through Prompt Bus Charters, you can order the buses you need. Prompt Bus Charters is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Prompt Bus Charters can help you. Prompt Bus Charters offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit www.promptbuscharters.com to book your rental bus today!

 

Best Places to Eat/Shop

  • Westgate Mall –Amarillo has two main shopping malls. The Westgate Mall is the more popular of the two. They feature plenty of shops, stores, dining options, and services. Some stores include American Eagle, Dillard’s, Hollister, JCPenney, Pacsun, and more.
  • Wolflin Square – Wolflin Square is the second of the two main shopping malls in Amarillo. Wolflin Square is a more local mall, featuring more services and local businesses than Westgate Mall. They feature home décor stores, simple dining options, services, and more.
  • Ohms Café & Catering – Ohms Café & Catering is one of the most popular sit-down restaurants in Amarillo. The American-International restaurant features plenty of options for different types of eaters, including gluten-free options. Ohms is rated the best fine-dining restaurant in Amarillo by tripadvisor in 2018.
  • Tyler’s Barbecue – Who doesn’t enjoy a great barbecue meal? Enjoy one at Tyler’s Barbecue, one of the most popular joints in the Amarillo area. Tyler’s Barbecue is rated the #1 local cuisine restaurant in Amarillo by tripadvisor in 2018.
  • Evocation Coffee – Everyone needs a cup of joe at one point. Get some amazing coffee and teas at Evocation Coffee. The American café features plenty of items on their menu, mainly for breakfast. Evocation Coffee is rated the #1 coffee & tea café in Amarillo by tripadvisor in 2018.

 

 

What to Do in Stamford, CT

Places to Visit/Things to Do


Unfortunately, Stamford doesn’t have any mainstream zoos or aquariums, but you do have the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. This is the closest you can get to a zoo in Stamford, with a small number of animals that includes two otters. The museum and nature center itself is geared primarily for the kids, but any ages can enjoy here. The museum is filled with hands-exhibits, especially those perfect for young ones. The facility is open from 9 am to 5 pm, but hours may change depending on the time of the year. They are also closed on major holidays. Admission into the Stamford Museum & Nature Center costs $12 for adults, $2 less for seniors above 65, $8 for students above 18 with a valid ID, and $6 for kids aged 4 to 17. Members and children under 4 are free.

 


Stamford is full of historical sites. One of them is the Caumsett State Park. This is a state park that is located on a peninsula stretching into the Long Island Sound. The park is located on an English-style estate with sporting and recreational amenities, trails for those who enjoy nature, and more. The manor house is also part of the state park. The estate was owned by Marshall Field III when he purchased the lands in 1921. He named the land after its Indian name, Caumsett. He built upon his estate, adding everything a man could ever want, such as a country club, hunting preserve, and sporting facilities for almost every sport. Caumsett State Park is open from 9 am to 9 pm.

 


Located in nearby New Canaan, Connecticut, is the Glass House. The Glass house, also known as the Johnson house, is a historic home that is made of glass. Built in 1948 and 1949, it was designed by Philip Johnson to be his own home. While it originally started out as his home, it now is one of the most unique attractions in Connecticut. You can book a tour of this unique house anywhere from the beginning of May to the end of November. Tours are given on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They are not open on Tuesday and Wednesday. The hours for every day except Sunday is from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. On Sundays, they open at 11:30 am and close at 5:30 pm. For just a tour of the glass house, tickets cost $25 for one hour. For more in-depth tours of both the house and galleries, there is a higher cost.

 


Stamford has several parks, but Cove Island is one of the most popular. The 83-acre park is also comprised of a beachfront that is located on the Long Island Sound. Cove Island is popular among residents and tourists alike mainly due to its activity opportunities such as rollerblading, biking, walking, barbecuing, swimming, and much more. There is also a tram which you can ride around the island in. One of the main reasons people visit this park is to have a picnic here. Aside from the park itself, the view goes perfect with a bite to eat. To get into Cove Island, there is no fee unless you arrive in a vehicle, in which case there would be a parking fee.

 


A great way to wrap up your visit to Stamford is to visit the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. The 93-acre attraction features several things within their doors, such as events and concerts, children’s camps and educational programs, and more. The botanical gardens showcases the flora and terrain of Southwestern New England. The Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens grounds are open every day from dawn till dusk. The office of the attraction is open from 9 am to 4 pm Mondays through Fridays. If there are special events going on, hours might change. The admission into Bartlett is free, unless certain events charge admission.

 

Best Way to Tour Stamford, CT

  • The best way to tour the city of Stamford (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through Prompt Bus Charters, you can order the buses you need. Prompt Bus Charters is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Prompt Bus Charters can help you. Prompt Bus Charters offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit www.promptbuscharters.com to book your rental bus today!

 

Best Places to Eat/Shop

  • Stamford Town Center – The Stamford Town Center, located in downtown Stamford, is one of the largest shopping malls in Connecticut. The mall is home to 3 anchor tenants, and it features over 100 stores, restaurants, and services.
  • High Ridge Shopping Center – The High Ridge Shopping Center is another popular shopping destination within Stamford. They feature convenient every-day stores like grocery stores, as well as clothing retailers.
  • Ridgeway Shopping Center – The Ridgeway Shopping Center is probable the second most popular mall in Stamford, coming after the Stamford Town Center. While it does seem kind of small, the mall features a decent variety of shops to choose from.
  • Columbus Park Trattoria – Who doesn’t enjoy eating a fancy meal once in a while? If you decide to do so, head over to the Columbus Park Trattoria. The Italian restaurant is rated the #1 fine-dining restaurant in Stamford by tripadvisor (in 2018).
  • Olio – If you’re looking for a great local place to eat at, head over to Olio. The American-International restaurant is both vegetarian and vegan friendly. It is rated the #1 local place to eat at in Stamford by tripadvisor (in 2018).

 

 

Enjoy your Trip!

 

The Providence Vacation – Providence, RI

Places to Visit/Things to Do


The State House is the active seat of Rhode Island government, but it more known for its amazing architecture. The State House’s dome is the fourth largest self-supported dome in the world. The largest is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. A painting by a Rhode Island artist can be seen from inside of the dome. The State House also contains artifacts of American history. Some of these include a gun from the Battle of Gettysburg, a portrait of George Washington, and even a replica of Liberty Bell. Free guided tours of the State House are available starting at 9 am and ending at 2 pm. Tours last about 50 minutes. The State House is open all year Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

 


Clustered on the campus of the Rhode Island School of Design, you can find their museum. Inside, you can find more than 91,000 works of art put on display. Some pieces came from famous artists, such as Money, Degas, and more. Gothic and Medieval collections are also on display within the museum. The RISD Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday through Sunday. On Thursday, hours are extended until 9 pm. Entrance for adults costs $12 and $3 for kids aged 5 to 18. If the admission is too pricey for you, consider heading to the museum on a Sunday or the third Thursday evening of each month. Fees are waived on these days.

 


Who doesn’t love animals? If you do, head over to Roger Williams Park Zoo, where you can find over 100 species of animals. While this may not seem like a lot, the experience is still enjoyable especially for the young ones. The zoo and its animals are spread over the facility’s 435 acres. Some animals include giraffes, moon bears, and snow leopards. Expect to see even more exhibit in the future, as the museum continues to expand. The Roger Williams Zoo is also one of the oldest in the country, opening to the public in 1872. The zoo is open from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon from October to March, and they stay open one extra hour from April to September. Entrance to the zoo for adults costs $17.95, $12.95 for kids aged 2 to 12, and discounted costs for seniors over the age of 62.

 


Looking for entertainment in Providence? The Providence Performing Arts Center is a popular venue known for its history and its events. It originally was known as Loew’s Movie Palace when it opened in 1928, then it later became the “Jewel of Weybosset Street.” The building itself was designed by George and C.W. Rapp of Chicago; they incorporated columns of marble, crystal chandeliers, and more into their designs off the venue. One of the best to enjoy the center is to attend one of their shows or performances. Hours and prices depend on the show or performance. If you want to catch one of their shows, stay updated with their website.

 


If you enjoy cooking, or want to learn more about it, the Culinary Arts Museum is the place to go. Covering 25,000 square feet on the Johnson & Wales University campus, the museum showcases basically everything about cooking. From vintage cookbooks and tools to learning about famous chefs, the Culinary Arts Museum has it all.They even pay respect to chefs who have cooked for American presidents.The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. Entrance for adults costs $7, a dollar less for seniors, $4 for college students, and $3 for kids 5 to 18.

 

 

Best Way to Tour Providence, RI

  • The best way to tour the city of Providence (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through Prompt  Bus Charters, you can order the buses you need. Prompt Bus Charters is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Prompt Bus Charters can help you. Prompt Bus Charters offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit promptbuscharters.com to book your rental bus today!

 

Best Place to Eat/Shop

  • Providence Place –Providence Place is a huge shopping mall with everything you need. Inside, you can find traditional mall stores, as well as some local stores. Providence Place also has an amazing foodcourt with a variety of cuisines.
  • The Arcade Providence – The Arcade Providence is a historic shopping mall that was built in downtown Providence in 1828. The Arcade is one of the oldest malls in the country. Inside, you can find shops, restaurants, and services.
  • Federal Hill –Home of the Italian immigrant community of the 19th century, it is most known for its history and food. You can take several food tours in the area. The district features many Italian restaurants, shops, and more.
  • Gracie’s – Who doesn’t like a nice, fancy restaurant. Well, that is what Gracie’s is. The American restaurant is also both vegetarian and vegan friendly. Although pricey ($$$$), it is rated the #1 fine dining restaurant in Providence by tripadvisor (in 2018).
  • Waterman Grille –What better than tasty local food? After you eat your fancy meal at Gracie’s, head to Waterman Grille for another meal. The American restaurant, which features mainly seafood, is also both vegetarian and vegan friendly. It is rated the #1 local restaurant in Providence by tripadvisor (in 2018).

 

Enjoy your Vacation!