THE NIGHTLIFE OF DENVER: A COMPLETE GUIDE

BY  Sibashree Nov 28, 2024

The Memorial Day weekend in 2024 saw an influx of tourists in Wilmington, NC. This even led to temporary employment in the community, with local businesses recruiting more staff to serve more tourists.  Connie Nelson, the director of Public Relations at Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, has acknowledged this seasonal staffing along with the daily efforts of the lifeguards.  However, the surge in tourists during the Memorial Day Weekend is one of many high points for tourism in this port city. It has always been consistent with its tourism scenario and, is even on the rise recently.  Further, as the location for films like Dawson’s Creek and Iron Man 3, it has earned the nickname “Hollywood East.” So, it’s a favorite among movie buffs. Moreover, Wilmington, the historic port city on the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, offers a wonderful fusion of city tours, culinary explorations, historic tours, and endless outdoor activities.  Therefore, being named the “South’s Best City On The Rise in 2024”  did not surprise those interested in Wilmington tourism.  At Tour and Travel, we have curated some of the best things to do in Wilmington, NC. We want to keep it helpful for all types of travelers. So, we have covered nature and beach experiences, exploring  Wilmington’s historic places and culinary scenes.  Best Things To Do In Wilmington, NC For History Buffs Wilmington, or North Carolina’s Port City, has a long association with history. It takes us back to the Colonial times and since 1739, it has been serving as an important trade and commerce center.  Moreover, the city was associated with the Civil War, the American Revolution, and World War II. Today, you can visit the following historic sites here. 1. Bellamy Mansion Museum Operating Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM Entry Fee: $7 to $15 (Based on Age Groups and Special Groups, Free for Members and Children Below 5) Contact Number: +1 910-251-3700 Founded in 1994, the Bellamy Mansion Museum will complete its 30th year in 2024. Today, it stands tall as an example of the finest antebellum architecture in North Carolina.  The museum is housed in a 19th-century mansion owned by Dr. John Bellamy. He lived here with his wife and 10 children. Further, around 115 enslaved people worked for Dr. John Bellamy, and nine resided here. So, along with the main property of 22 rooms, you must also take a tour of the slave quarters. Another attraction of the museum is the Bellamy Gift Shop. You can buy plates, spoons, fridge magnets, ornaments, caps, books, bow ties, and other souvenirs from here.  Tour And Travel Note A Premium Tour of the museum is available. If you are an adult, you will have to buy a ticket for $20 for the Premium Tour. Students can collect their Premium Tour tickets at $10. However, Premium Tour tickets are not sold online. You have to check the availability and buy yours by calling +1 910-251-3700 (Extension: 308).  2. Battleship North Carolina Operating Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: $6 to $14 (Based on Age Groups and Special IDs, Free for Children Below 5) Contact No: +1 910-399-9100 Battleship North Carolina is the most tragic reminder of World War II. It had 15 stars, and today, it remembers 10000 men and women of North Carolina sacrificing their lives to protect America’s freedom in World War II.  Today, the battleship in downtown Wilmington is a common attraction for history enthusiasts. A tour of Battleship North Carolina will take you at least 2 hours. However, you can spend longer. Furthermore, you can attend interactive programs at Battleship North Carolina throughout the year. These courses are free; you just need to pay the regular admission fee. Tour And Travel Note As a history enthusiast, you can support the preservation of Battleship North Carolina. It does not have the regular backing of the USA government. You can be of great help as a donor.  3. Wilmington Railroad Museum  https://www.instagram.com/p/DABdZTGvZBB/ Operating Time: 10 AM to 4 PM Entry Fee: $8 to $12 (Based on Age and Special Groups, Free for Children Below 2 Years) Contact Number: +1 910-763-2634 Wilmington Railroad Museum is a place to explore history and indulge in nostalgic activities. Here, you can climb on an old steam locomotive of 110 years. Further, in this museum, you will learn about the railroad development in Wilmington and the people working on the railway.  Moreover, the Children’s Hall in this museum has interactive models. Your little ones will love those fun models and customized train tables.  Tour And Travel Note You can get the Polar Express Tickets on Sale on the official website of the Wilmington Railroad Museum. The Polar Express fun takes place every weekend from Thanksgiving Day to New Year.  You will need to pay $5 and a Processing Fee for taking part in this event. The activities include “a reading of the Polar Express,” a surprise visit of Santa Claus and indulging in hot chocolate and cookies.  Did You Know?Built on 1st May 1979, the Wilmington Railroad Museum completed its 45th year in 2024.  4. Cape Fear Museum of History & Science https://www.instagram.com/p/Csv1rAtISqI/ Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday To Saturday), Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM Admission Fee: $5-$8 (Based on Age Groups), Free for Members and Children Below 5 Years, Reduced Fee for NARM and ASTC Participants Contact Number: 910-798-4370 If you want to know about the culture, history, and science of Lower Cape Fear, the Cape Fear Museum of History & Science will be your go-to destination. You will find over 57000 objects here. It has photographs, a collection of oral history, and digital yearbooks for shedding light on history, science, and culture.  Did You Know?Wilmington became the first designated “American World War II Heritage City” in the USA. It was designated on 2nd September 2020 to commemorate the 75th year of World War II coming to an end.The city got this designation after meeting all the criteria laid out by Congress to preserve the WWII heritage. The city also recognized the veterans and preserved many wartime facilities.  Things To Do In Wilmington, NC: Enjoy Nature, Beaches And Outdoor Activities In Wilmington, NC Indulging in the beach experience is one of the best things to do in Wilmington, NC. You can visit the following beaches here. Wrightsville Beach Kure Beach Carolina Beach Wilmington’s fun water activities include Surfing, fishing, chartering, and cruising. You can also just relax at the beaches and enjoy fun moments with your family.  March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Wilmington beaches, as the temperature is moderate during these months.  Things to Do in Wilmington, NC, For Foodies And Drink Enthusiasts Culinary tourism is one of the best things to do in Wilmington. The Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours are already famous. In these tours, you will visit and explore eclectic restaurants and try their assortments of food. The city is also great for drink enthusiasts with local breweries. Here, we have curated the names of some places to eat and drink in Wilmington, NC.  1. Michael’s On The Waterfront https://www.instagram.com/p/CzcKC4vPtrT/?img_index=1 Phone Number: (910) 769-4252 Opens at: 11:30 AM Michael’s On The Waterfront is a family-owned restaurant. you will find the best American cuisines with a coastal Carolina twist Here. The BBQs and pub fries here are the stars. And don’t forget to try the crab and lobster delicacies here. Furthermore, Michael’s Bar has wines and beers. You can even try the curated cocktails with seasonal flavors.  2. Copper Penny https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgXoumvg8r/ Phone Number: (910) 762-1373 Operating Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM It is one of the best American restaurants and bars in Wilmington. You can try here classics like fish and chips and French onion soup. Further, they make amazing steaks and chicken tenders.  3. The Rooftop Bar Phone Number: (910) 833-5886 Operating Hours: 5 PM to 2 AM The corn fritters at The Rooftop Bar are amazing, and their chunks of shrimp are delicious. Drunken shrimp is another favorite of mine here.  Also, you will get the best pina colada here.  4. Rumcow https://www.instagram.com/p/C-vQgHAvXzc/?hl=en Phone Number: +1 910-769-4659 Operating Hours: 5 PM to 9 PM Fall cocktails are great at Rumcow. Further, you must try avocado fries and chicken and waffles here.  Exploring The Art And Culture Of Wilmington: One Of The Best Things To Do In Wilmington, NC  As the designated historic district of the state, Wilmington also has an evolving landscape of art and culture. I have already mentioned places like Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington Railroad Museum, and Cape Fear Museum of History & Science.  However, the city also has many happening centers for performing arts. Here is a quick overview for you. 1. Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts Contact No: +1 910-632-2285 John Montague Trimble, one of the pioneering theater architects of the 19th century, designed this performing art center. In fact, today, it is the only surviving theatre designed by him.  This center for performing arts is a converted city hall and it has around 500 performances each year. You can visit this Center for Performing Arts on a guided tour.  2. The Wilson Center At Cape Fear Community College Contact No: +1 910-362-7999 The Wilson Center has been the host of The Wilmington Symphony, Kinky Boots, and many other Tony Award winning symphonies.  So, spending an evening here watching a comedy or Broadway show is an experience in itself.  3. Kenan Auditorium Contact No: +1 910-962-3500 The Kenan Auditorium is at UNCW or the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Throughout the year, it houses more than 150 dance performances, musicals, and theatricals.  Also, you can attend the brilliant University productions and award-winning events at Kenan Auditorium.  4. Brooklyn Arts Center Contact No: +1 910-859-4615 Visiting the  Brooklyn Arts Center is like indulging in sheer nostalgia and stories of history. It is a 19th-century church converted into a center for performing arts.  It also has a beautiful private courtyard where you can click beautiful photographs.  Upcoming Events At Wilmington, NC Here are some important events in Wilmington, NC, in 2024. So, mark the venues and dates.  EventVenueDatesHadestownThe Wilson CenterOngoing, till November 27, 2024Comedian Cipha SoundsDead Crow Comedy Room | Lush LoungeOngoing, till November 23, 2024BUZZWORTHY! Art in the GardenAirlie GardensOngoing, till December 31, 202430th Anniversary Cucalorus FestivalVarious Venues (Historic Downtown Wilmington)Ongoing, till November 24, 2024 Also read Beginner Tips For Your First Camino de Santiago. Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience.

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 29, 2021

Are you traveling solo? You must know that solo traveling is the biggest trend this spring as Airbnb experiences a 90% surge in year-on-year searches.  This reminded me of my last solo trip to Zion National Park in spring. But why is a Zion National Park Tour so exciting in spring? In this Tour and Travel guide, I will share a detailed overview of spring at Zion National Park, the weather conditions, and the things to do.  Zion National Park Basic Information: Location: 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767Hours Open: 24*7Entry Fee: $20-190 Spring At Zion National Park: What’s So Special About It?  March and April are the spring months in Zion National Park. The days in the park are warmer, helping the wildflowers like Claret cup cactus grow.  However, the nights can be cold as at Zion National Park, there is a change of temperature of around 30 degrees F between day and night.  Further, the accessibility of the higher areas in the park depends on the amount of snowfall in a particular winter season.  Again, when the snow melts, the water level in the river rises. So, the Narrows in the park may remain inaccessible during spring and early summer.  Despite these challenges, spring at Zion National Park is busy with the park shuttle services and The Human History Museum resuming their operations. With the return of the park shuttles, spring is the best time for a scenic drive across the park.  Month Number of Visitors (Average Number from 2019-23)% of Visitors March343,1418%April364,9938% Furthermore, you can even plan camping at the Zion National Park in spring as the Watchman Campground opens this season.  Spring At Zion National Park: Know The Weather Conditions  Zion National Park enjoys pleasant weather conditions during March and April. With decreasing cloud in March, you also enjoy better clarity or visibility.  Further, the chances of precipitation are quite low in these two months. The table below gives you a better idea of the weather conditions at Zion National Park in March and April. MonthsHighest Temperature (Degree F)Lowest Temperature(Degree F)Precipitation ChancesMarch48-69 27-4111-17%April55-7633-489-11% So, a day-long hike or camping in Zion National Park is most suitable during these months. But, what are the other things to do at Zion National Park in spring?  I will discuss them in the next section. Things To Do During Spring At Zion National Park  Spring at Zion National Park is the best for hiking, camping, scenic drives, learning, and guided tours.  1. Hiking With a seemingly endless amount of hiking trails, spring at Zion National Park is the season of exploring. Visit Weeping Rock or check out the sights as you hike Angels Landing, just to name a few. Further, the hiking trails with stunning views are ideal for hikers of all skill levels.  For example, if you are looking for a peaceful and easier hike, The Narrows offering the chance to slip through scaling walls of color, will be the best choice.  Check if the Narrows are closed before you head to the park.   The Zion Canyon Overlook trail and The Watchmen trail offer moderate-level hikes, while trails like Angels Landing and The Subway Trail are challenging. Tour And Travel Note Angels Landing is considered to be the most dangerous hike in the country. People fall off the tall chunk of rock, because of no guardrails. 2. Camping Unfortunately, the South Campground of the park remains closed this season for a long-term rehabilitation project.  So, if you want to camp at the Zion National Park in spring, you only have the Watchman Campground. The Lava Point Campground does not open before May.  Nevertheless, the Watchman Campground, accessible from March to September, is close to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the south entrance in Springdale.  You will get potable water and firewood for sale at the Watchman Campground sites. However, all sites are available on a reservation basis.  Do you want to know about the reservation, amenities, and fees of the Watchman Campground? You can call (435) 772-3256.  3. Scenic Drives The scenic drive route through Zion National Park runs for around 54 miles. The route starts at Highway 9 and stretches to Mt. Carmel Junction.  Usually, it takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete the scenic drive.  During the drive, you will cross the visitor area in the park and visit the Zion Canyon and Checkerboard Mesa area along with all the iconic landmarks.  4. Learning https://www.instagram.com/p/CeTjKIXueGW/ Your visit to the Zion National Park in spring is incomplete without the learning experience at the Human History Museum.  The museum remains open from 10 AM to 5 PM. However, it has extended hours of operation in summer.  The Human History Museum is the perfect combination of stunning visuals and educational information regarding the park and surrounding areas and cultures.  Here, you’ll find a 3D model of the park and learn more about the American Indian culture and early inhabitants of the area, as well as the creation of the park itself. Moreover, you can buy books and souvenirs from the Museum shop.  5. Guided Tours Exploring the vast landscape of Zion National Park with an expertly trained and fully knowledgeable tour guide is a lifetime experience.  The crafted guided tours through the first national park in Utah give you various perspectives about nature, geology, wildlife, and iconic landmarks of the park. Further, some of these guided tours are available seven days a week.  Moreover, you can take part in various adventure activities through these guided tours. So, try horseback tours, rock climbing, jeep tours, and hiking. Let’s Enjoy Spring At Zion National Park  Yes, spring at Zion National Park is lovely with clear skies. However, the threat of cold, rain, and sleet still exists and you must keep yourself updated with the latest weather developments.  Mornings and evenings bring chilly temperatures. So, be prepared with beanies, gloves, long underwear, light jackets, and long-sleeved shirts.  Further, wear sunscreen as the Sun shines brighter and the day becomes warmer.  Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 17, 2024

Washington is notable for its exceptional natural beauty, which includes three national parks, more than 8,000 lakes, and 155 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. However, the Evergreen State is also among the wealthiest in the nation; in 2022, the median household income in the state was $84,247, nearly $6,000 higher than the national average. Major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon call Washington home, and there are plenty of excellent job opportunities there. Even though the Seattle area is still a popular place to relocate, there are many other towns throughout the state's interior and along its coastline that entice newcomers with their picturesque surroundings, outdoor-oriented lifestyles, close-knit communities, and family-friendly amenities. Here are 7 of the best places to live in Washington state, as rated by locals. Best Places To Live In Washington State It can be tough to zero in on one city to call home when you choose the Washington state to pick from. But we are listing the best places to live in Washington state to make your life easier. Take a peek. Cheney It's worth considering other universities in eastern Washington besides Gonzaga. Eastern Washington University, a public university with 11,000 students and 800 faculty members, is located in Cheney. Although EWU is not the biggest university in the state, a sizable portion of Cheney's population attends it. The population of the city is about 10,600 during the summer months. In academic terms, this increases to 17,600 inhabitants. For students who prefer to be fully immersed in campus life but are concerned about getting lost in a bigger city, EWU is an excellent choice. Families looking to live or work close to a university may find it to be a good alternative to other towns on this list. Cheney is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Washington state for young adults. Spokane Although many of the greatest areas to live in Washington are located in the east, people tend to concentrate on the western side of the state. In stark contrast to the rainy weather in Seattle, the eastern portion of the state is level and experiences a desert climate. Spokane, which is located near the Idaho border, is the 99th most populous city in the country. With 500,000 residents, Spokane serves as a hub in opposition to Seattle. For those who prefer to be outside, Spokane is a sanctuary. Within a few hours of the city, one can find hiking and rafting in addition to ski resorts. The men's basketball team at Gonzaga University, which is based in Spokane, draws fans from all over the nation. In the NCAA March Madness tournament, the Bulldogs are always a formidable opponent.   Portland In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is not the only significant city. The Columbia River divides Washington and Oregon, with Portland, Oregon, situated along its border. Nike and Columbia Sportswear have their corporate offices in Portland, a sizable city. Vancouver, Washington is the state across which Portland is located. Many people who live in this city make the daily commute into Oregon. One city to another can be reached by car in fifteen minutes, although traffic may make it take longer. The fact that Washington does not impose a state income tax is one advantage of relocating to Vancouver. This can save you money. Ocean Shores The coast of Washington has many of the best places to live, with huge rocky outcroppings and thick fog making for enigmatic and fascinating beach walks. Selecting the best city to stay in along the Pacific Ocean is difficult. One well-liked location is the town of Ocean Shores, which is home to about 6,000 people. If you enjoy going fishing and cooking your catch, Ocean Shores is a great place to call home. It is known for the Razor Clam and Seafood Festival held every year in the spring. Sand and wood artists from all over the nation come to the Sand and Sawdust festival in the summer. For those who enjoy the sea and the arts, this town is fantastic. Olympia Seattle is not the capital city of Washington, despite its size. It is Olympia's turn to receive this honor. Both cities are situated near water, and they are about an hour's drive apart with minimal traffic. Olympia has 46,000 people living in it, far fewer than Seattle. Olympia is a center for theater and the arts. Fine art organizations such as the Olympia Symphony Orchestra as well as the Olympia Family Theater are popular among the locals. Families can enjoy hiking or lounging on the waterfront with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier on the weekends. Whether you work in government, this is a great city to live in. Tacoma Those who wish to live in a more tranquil area but still commute into the city frequently choose Tacoma, which is only thirty minutes from Seattle's downtown. Known for Port Defiance, a park and family recreation area combined, it is situated along the water. Look into Tacoma if you want to live in the Seattle region but are having trouble locating the perfect spot. This town offers waterfront living in addition to being a center for the art and culture. You might find that there's more to do than you thought. Tacoma will prove to be more than what you expect. It is easily one of the best places to live in Washington state. Seattle Seattle is not only Washington's most populous city, but it also has a large metropolitan area spanning the Puget Sound. Many locals drive and ride their bicycles for work, averaging 138 hours a year (28.4 minutes each way) in the downtown area. Nonetheless, a lot of people believe that living in Seattle is worth the expense and commute. Along with dozens of other businesses, the city is home to the corporate offices of Amazon, Microsoft, Costco, Expedia, Alaska Airlines, and Starbucks. Seattle is home to the NFL's Seahawks, MLB's Mariners, NHL's Kraken, and NBA's Supersonics. Seattle is for you if you like a work-hard, play-hard lifestyle. What Is The Pacific Northwest? The states in the northwest of the nation that are bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountain Range to the east are collectively referred to as the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The two states that are mentioned in the PNW the most are Washington and Oregon. But the area also includes portions of California, Idaho, and Alaska. Does Washington Have A State Income Tax? Nine states do not impose an income tax, including Washington. The following states don't have a state income tax: Florida, Alaska, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. States without income taxes either decrease the services provided to citizens or find other ways to raise money. To avoid paying taxes, some Washingtonians commute to Oregon. What Is Seattle Famous For? In addition to being the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle was once home to a sizable grunge music scene. The city has gained notoriety over the last ten years as the home of Amazon and is a sought-after location for tech companies to establish their operations. Living in the city has become more costly as a result. Wrapping Up States like Washington are our favorites because they have so many wonderful cities to choose from. There were so many, in fact, that we had to start by providing you with a list of three towns that you should definitely visit. We understand that you may be experiencing analysis paralysis right now. Where does one call home with so many wonderful options? If you're searching for a large city, Seattle is the only option. There is no doubt about that. However, if you're willing to settle for a somewhat smaller city, Spokane or Tacoma are a better option than Seattle. No matter where you choose to call home, never forget that we will assist you in getting there. Let us know if you choose to relocate to Washington. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best places to live in Washington state, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Temples, Markets, And More: Your Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!