Tag Archives: tour

Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites! Food Tours

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Dallas’ Most Innovative Food Tours Rock the House!
Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites! have taken Dallas by storm, and by chocolate, barbeque and burgers. We offer specialty food tours to some very unique, off-the-beaten-path, locally owned restaurants and shops. Led by some of Dallas’ most knowledgeable food aficionados, each tour treats you to delicious samples and great drinks as you learn about cool food finds, the history of chocolate or a given food, how it is made and more.

The tours are taken in luxury mini buses and last from three to four hours. During that time, three to four locations are visited and tasty treats are sampled at each location. The tour guides make the tours plenty of fun with interesting facts and contests. Tours (depending on the tour) include wine or beer, water and juice. Kids are welcome too. The tours are like a mini escape from the day to day, and are perfect for individuals, families, friends, groups, special occasions and team building.

In addition to weekend and weekday tours for individuals through the www.DallasbyChocolate.com and www.dallasbitesfoodtours.com websites, Stevens and her guides also do private chocolate tours and tastings for groups. “We have a lot of families, even bachelorettes, seniors, homeschoolers, birthday parties and Girl Scout troops,” she says. “It’s a fun experience and it’s different than the typical shopping trip or stadium tour. Everyone makes new friends, and some guests have booked three or more tours because every tour is different.” Click here for more information.

Check Out Chicago From The Water Aboard Shoreline Sightseeing!

Shoreline Sightseeing

Sailing Chicago’s waterways since 1939, Shoreline has been family owned for three generations and today operates Chicago’s largest and most diverse boat touring fleet with nine major touring vessels and 11 water taxis.

We delight in showcasing Chicago’s vibrant history, famous architecture and breathtaking skyline on a variety of cruise and tour products. Shoreline offers classic Skyline Tours on Lake Michigan, guided Architecture Cruises on the Chicago River, dramatic Fireworks Cruises, guided River Ride/City Walk Architecture Tours and special events such as our popular Brew Cruises and Wine Tasting Cruises. Shoreline Water Taxis make fast, fun connections between Chicago’s major touring destinations including Navy Pier, the Michigan Avenue Bridge, Willis Tower/Union Station and Chicago’s Museum Campus. You can also call on Shoreline Charters for memorable events from casual get-togethers, to corporate meetings, to special celebrations for family and friends. We invite you to explore our website and we look forward to welcoming you on a Shoreline Sightseeing cruise or tour! Visit shorelinesightseeing.com for more information.

First Thursdays Downtown Arts Walk

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This is the perfect opportunity to experience Atlanta’s art scene inside and out! Take a self-guided tour of the galleries — with no beginning or ending point — and move at your own pace as you soak up some fabulous contemporary Southern art. With its growth, First Thursdays has become more than just an arts walk. It’s an event where singles can meet, business people can unwind, and couples can enjoy the beauty of downtown Atlanta’s landscape.

Each month you’re invited to stroll through magnificent buildings and streets to enjoy the beauty of Downtown and the gallery experience. Come take a walk with us the First Thursday of each month, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

First Thursdays ArtsWalk has grown with new programs and additional venues so that art lovers can view the arts, tour the historic districts of Downtown and enjoy various discounts at Downtown restaurants. Click here for more information.

Ride the rails during Chicago ‘L’ Tours

Flickr/Nick KinkaidThe Chicago ‘L’ system has long been the way tourists and locals alike have travelled miles across the city, whether it be to Wrigley Field or downtown for work. Since 1999, there’s also been another use for the elevated tracks: as a way to learn about Chicago’s rich history. Chicago-L.org hosts tours via the ‘L’ tracks through various institutions, including the Chicago History Museum and the Chicago Architecture Foundation. No matter what the tour or what ‘L’ line your guide will take you on, each tour offers tidbits of history and architecture lessons as you ride the city’s public transportation system. While tour fares typically aren’t expensive (usually around $11-$16, and that includes the ‘L’ pass), be prepared to walk.

The City upon “The Hill”

Standing proudly as the epicenter of Washington, DC ,the United States Capitol is not only a historical complex housing the nation’s legislature, but it is also a symbol of the American people and the government.

With a scheduled visit, you can take a peek at politicians bickering through bills, peruse through an important collection of American art, and tour the stately dome that has long served as the international symbol of democracy.

The guided tour beings with a quick film, “Out of Many, One,” which highlights the important impact of Congress upon our daily lives. An informative tour detailing interesting facets of Capitol Hill’s unique history and its breathtaking beauty will definitely impress any visitors!

Insider tip: If you visit when the Congress is in session, you can request visitor passes for the Senate and House Galleries to see your favorite politicians in action!

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Laurel Hill Cemetery for ’Til Death Do Us Part: The Love Stories of Laurel Hill

Gravesites don’t usually come to mind on the most romantic day of the year, but couples looking for an out-of-this-world Valentine’s Day can head to Laurel Hill Cemetery for ’Til Death Do Us Part: The Love Stories of Laurel Hill. Red wine and snacks follow the hauntingly romantic tour. February 12. 3822 Ridge Avenue, (215) 228-8200, thelaurelhillcemetery.org

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade 11AM-4PM

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 11AM-4PM Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of New York City’s greatest traditions. On this day, everyone is Irish! The annual procession marches up past Fifth Avenue past St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th Street all the way up past the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 83rd Street.

The first parade in NYC took place in 1766 when Irishmen from the evolutionary War brought the tradition to our New World. The military units continued to march each year until after the War of 1812 when local Irish fraternal and beneficial societies began sponsoring it.

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Moonlight Tour of Monuments

Experience the sights, lights and beauty of the DC holiday season on a moonlight tour of monuments. On-board you’ll see some of the city’s most popular monuments such as the Capitol Building, the White House, the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument. The trolley makes 2 stops at the Lincoln Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this truly magnificent city as you join the professional tour guides for entertaining anecdotes and historical information along with a sprinkling of bewitching ghost stories of the spirits that haunt our nations capitol.

www.trustedtours.com/store/Monuments-by-Moonlight-Night-Tour-C211.aspx1

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Plan an Urban Adventure in Philadelphia

Exploring a new city can be overwhelming. Fortunately, sites like ours can help give you the inside tips for Philly hotspots. However, sometimes it is nice to have someone take you by the hand to help you really experience the city. Philadelphia Urban Adventures provides a knowledgeable fun team that offers a variety of tours.  Every vacation deserves a few beers, so what not learn something along the way? The Philly On Tap Tour, run by Philadelphia Urban Adventures, takes you to the city’s most unique, friendly, and eclectic watering holes. The tour runs from 5pm-7pm, providing an unforgettable happy hour.  Enjoy staple Philadelphia beers; learn about local breweries and the history behind popular drinking establishments in the city. You’ll quickly find out why Philadelphia is one of America’s best beer cities, and be ready in time for a night out on the town! Visit www.philadelphiaurbanadventures.com to book your tour!

Insiders Tip: Tours are unavailable on Sundays and Mondays, so keep that in mind when planning your next Philadelphia trip!

Kristen Celins reports on The Reading Terminal: Food for the Brain

Since the early 1990s, the Reading Terminal Market has become one of Philadelphia’s most popular tourist destinations.

With so many vendors and tasty treats to try- the market can be a bit overwhelming for a new comer or even a Philadelphia veteran. The “Taste of Philadelphia” food tour rolls everything into one tour around the market that is sure to enlighten and make your taste buds water.  Carolyn Wyman, author of the ultimate “Great Philly Cheesesteak” book, leaves from the market information desk at 12th and Filbert every Wednesday and Saturday at 10am to reveal Philly’s favorite sandwiches, breakfast foods and snacks in the city.

 Wyman’s wealth of information about Philadelphia food history leaves no stone unturned and you even get to try a few of the Philadelphia staples along the way!

 At an affordable rate of $15.95 per adult and $8.95 for children this 75-minute tour won’t eat away at your wallet or your time- only your appetite!

Insider’s Tip: Plan to eat before or after the tour. Although there will be sampling, it is more of a talking than tasting tour!

Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Tour 10/1 – 10/31

“What do you get when you combine a cursed privateer, a pyromaniac circus ringleader, a demon spat out of the pits of Hades, a homicidal opera diva, and a deranged nanny? An experience unlike anything else in Boston!”
If you’re looking to explore the spookier side of Boston then look no further. The Ghosts & Gravestones tour will invite you to walk through 400-year-old burial grounds while you hear the haunted tales of those buried beneath you. You will explore some of Boston’s most haunted sites like the Omni Parker House as well as the scene of the infamous Boston Strangler’s final strangle.

http://www.ghostsandgravestones.com/boston/gravestones-ghost-tour.htm

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Fall Foliage Spectacular Tour

Fall Foliage Spectacular Tour 10/1 – 10/31

Enjoy the spectacular New England countryside as the leaves turn a multitude of colors during the fall season. A pleasant tour of foliage display is capped by a stop at a native orchard for apples and cider.

http://www.partner.viator.com/en/4566/tours/Boston/Fall-Foliage-Spectacular-Tour-from-Boston/d678-3978TOUR11

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Bikin’ Obama Style

Everyone these days wants a piece of the Obama touch in Chicago. His Hyde Park abode, Table 52 where he Valentine-wine & dined Michelle and of course, Michelle’s favorite boutique, Ikram. Well it’s easy to get a taste of all things Chicago plus Obama with The Obama Bike Tour by Bobby’s Bike Hike Bicycle Tours.

The tour brings riders through Hyde Park & Kenwood (to ooh and ahh over the mansions), includes political commentary with visits at the University of Chicago campus, Museum of Science & Industry, Obama’s current residence, his barbershop, and his b-ball court in Jackson Park.

If politics ain’t your thang, then the Lakefront Neighborhood Tour, City Lights at Night Tour or Kid’s Tour if you have rug rats, will probably suit you all the more.

Seeing as Chi-town was voted the most friendly biking city, you really have no reason not to discover the windy city a la two wheels! Even if you can’t bike to save your life – these tours are rated as “ridiculously easy” and “kindergarten easy!”
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Get Inside the Ultimate Mansion- The White House

From the beginning with the Adams to the glamorous Kennedys to the cool Obamas, the White House has been anything but the humble home for the most powerful families in the U.S.- if not the world.

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If you’re lucky enough to get a spot in the exclusive tour, you’ll be able to walk the same steps as the most powerful figurehead in the world. You can go through the state dining room that can host up to 140 heads of states for formal dinners. Then you can make your way through the iconic red, blue, and green rooms, where Obama himself sits to prep for press conferences. Also included in the tour is the party place, The East Room, the Vermeil Room, and the Library that holds 2700 books from American authors or about American history.

Getting this kind of access comes with a few hoops. To visit the White House you have to have a request submitted through your Member of Congress (!) up to six months in advance. The upside, is that all the hard work comes with no price, the tour is free!

You know what they say, the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the careful planners get an all access pass to the most enviable address in America.

Walk Amongst Greatness with the Frank Lloyd Wright Tour

Oak Park, just a quick jaunt on Chicago’s green line train, is like walking into a Hallmark movie. It’s so charming and beautiful here that the hustle and bustle of Chi-town seems light years away. In addition to the picturesque main brick streets, mansions and bistros, this is also the hometown of architectural genius Frank Lloyd Wright.

Year round, Chicagoans Picture 11and tourists alike gather for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and several other of his architectural designs. Wright’s home, where he lived from 1889 to 1909, will inspire even the most apathetic of design lovers. Its facade and interior design make most gawk in awe, and suddenly everyone can’t help but snap away a hundred photos.

Custom private tours are also an option at the house, educational programs and year round special events take place so be sure to check the calendar before your visit. The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust also has a museum and gift shop so don’t worry, you don’t have to leave empty handed.

Insider’s Tip: Advance tickets are highly recommended. Purchase tickets here or call 1.800.514.ETIX (3849).

The Pentagon’s Secret Five Star Experience

The Pentagon. Those two words are enough to conjure up images of “Top Secret” signs hanging on closed doors, like the kind shown in movies. Well, those doors are actually not as closed as you might think. By making a reservation in advance, the symbolic building known as the headquarters of the Department of Defense opens up via a guided tour.Picture 7

The tour takes about 90 minutes and covers nearly two miles, visiting numerous displays and memorials that have had a significant place in our nation’s history. All the tours are free, and there’s an option to go it alone on a private tour or in groups of five or more. You can also visit the Pentagon Memorial, which honors the victims of 9/11, any day of the week without a reservation.

Just seeing the unique architectural design is an amazing experience as well. As the largest office building in the world, it’s virtually a city in itself with 23,000 employees, 4,200 clocks, 691 water fountains, 284 restrooms, two cafeterias and six snack bars located throughout the 6,5000,000 square foot floor area. The most amazing thing is that, despite having 17.5 miles of corridors, it takes seven minutes- at most- to walk between any two points in the building.

Legends Live On at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Picture 19As star-studded as Hollywood itself, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery has been the final resting place for the stars of the silver screen since the beginning of the movie era. Thousands come each year to see pin-up Jayne Mansfield, Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer and legendary film director Cecil B. DeMille’s tombstones. As the “resting place of Hollywood’s immortals,” this is a unique mix of both the living and the not soon to be forgotten: the cemetery is a historic landmark that shares half of its lot with Paramount Studios.

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery offers a myriad of walking tours.  The Hidden Hollywood Tour uncover the lost stars’ resting places, like Birth of Nation’s Henry B. Walthall; The Jewish Heritage Tour explores the lives and contributions of many of its Jewish persons; the tours would not be complete without The Cemetery of the Stars Tour that shows the A-list of the interred people.

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is also host to many events year round, like the “Dia De Los Muertos” festival, that is one of the biggest of its kind. Sure, it may be a little morbid, but they don’t call it Hollywierd for nothing!

Escape to Rome at the Franciscan Monastery

When you think of D.C. architecture, the first thing that comes to mind is usually not a Roman style building. Yet, that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery .Picture 6

This DC National Historical Monument is absolutely stunning. Stroll through the gardens and take a moment to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Undergroudn, there’s a replica of Roman catacombs, which is quite an experience in itself. There is also an archive, a library, and bones of Saint Benignus of Armagh, brought from the Italian Roman Catacombs.

The Byzantine style church was designed by the Roman architect Aristide Leonori and built in 1898. Around the church is the Rosary Portico, with 15 chapels commemorating Jesus and Mary. The monastery grounds contain replicas of shrines in the Holy Land, as well as a greenhouse. The Franciscan Monastery is definitely a unique landmark in the middle of the nation’s capital.

Shoreline Sightseeing

It’s a sight for sore eyes, indeed, on the Shoreline Sightseeing’s famous Architectural River Cruise tour. You’ll travel the historic Chicago River, and see over 40 of the city’s edificial wonders. Embark on the Skyline tour to get a taste of the impressive urban scape, or feel the wind in your hair during a Water Taxi tour that’ll take you to the docks of the Navy Pier and other lake shore sites in no time flat.

Tour Boston with Free Audissey Guide

One of the easiest ways to get to see the city of Boston is on Picture 22your own schedule but just how do you know where to go and what sights to see? Audissey Guides offers a free one-hour downloadable tour that will show you a unique side of Boston most tourists never get to see. Some of the narrators include Michael Patrick MacDonald, author of All Souls: a Family Story from Southie, Luigi ‘Big Lou’ DeMarco whose family owns Caffe Graffiti, a local hangout in the North End and Dicky Barrett, lead singer of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. On the one-mile tour, you will be led down secret alleys and hidden paths to uncover the pulse of the real Beantown. On the award-winning audio tour, you will visit the former headquarters of the Boston Mafia, meet a Boston Mayor elected from a jail cell, and sip a cappuccino with locals in the North End. There is a walking map to guide you along the tour route – simply visit the website and download the Zip file of tour and a PDF map.


Alcatraz

Take a boat ride to and a tour through the small island full of rich history. Alcatraz was one of the first US forts on the west coast, an infamous federal penitentiary, and occupied by Native Americans for eighteen months. Alcatraz also has gardens, tide pools, and a view of the city like none other. For a highly entertaining and educational excursion, visit Alcatraz Island.