Tampa To Siesta Key Road Trip | Routes, Stopovers, And Places To Visit In Tampa And Siesta Key

BY  Mashum Jan 30, 2020

With a change in tourist behaviors, New York is all set to exceed the tourism records of pre-pandemic days. This upward graph in tourism numbers has been visible since 2023. In the same year, footfalls in New York crossed the 62 million mark.  Now, regarding the must see places in New York, the iconic ones like the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the High Line continue to cast their charm.  However, breaking the tourism lulls of the pandemic days, tourists are now eager to explore beyond Manhattan. Further, they want to experience the “Real New York City,” away from maddening crowds.  So, in this Tour and Travel guide, I have highlighted the most popular destinations in New York, along with some unique hotspots. It’s like the Frank Sinatra song, “I want to be a part of it, New York, New York Your vagabond shoes, they are longing to stray And step around the heart of it, New York, New York…” Must See Places In New York | Iconic Landmarks In New York  New York remains a dynamic hub for tourism, with a significant increase in visitors and visitor spending. In 2024, the number of tourists to New York City was close to 65 million, which was the second-highest number in the city’s history. “With nearly 65 million visitors this year — the second highest figure in our city’s history — New York City has once again solidified its position as the premier destination in the nation and one of the top travel spots in the world.”Eric Adams, Mayor, New York City So, the city is ready to make a massive economic recovery, with the tourism sector making a strong and steady comeback.  Further, the following must see places in New York remain the heartbeats of the city’s tourism.  1. Central Park | A Quiet Retreat Amidst The Bustling New York City Embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5WYDY2IRu0/ Entry: Free Hours Open: 6 AM to 1 PM Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “The Gates” is making a comeback to Central Park. I was just checking out the Central Park Conservancy website and was elated to find that this transcendental art installation in saffron hue is once again ready to tell the tales of a park reborn. The Shed, a non-profit cultural organization, will be hosting an exhibition called “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City.”This exhibition will open on 12th February 2025, marking the 20th anniversary of “The Gates.”  Once home to the Indigenous Lenape people, Central Park became what it is today with the craftsmanship of Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. Walking, e-scooter tours or biking through the trails are the best ways to explore the manicured, yet natural-looking vistas of the park.  Moreover, Central Park is full of attractions, including the Strawberry Fields, a tribute to John Lenon, the Conservancy Garden, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, etc.  2. The Statue Of Liberty | The Symbol Of Freedom  Entry Fee: Free Ferry Charges: Free for Children below 4 Years, $16.50 for Children Aged 4-12, $25.50 for the Age of 13+, $22.50 for Seniors (62+) Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM The Statue of Liberty was a gift by France, built-in 1886. It is among the most popular symbol of freedom and one of the greatest icons in America. Standing at 152 feet tall, it is one of the tallest statues in the world and weighs around 450,000 pounds. Battery Park offers a great view of the statue from the land. However, the best way to see this statue is by taking a short ferry trip to Liberty Island. You can get up close, take a stroll around the ground and pedestal. And, if you make advanced reservations, you can even go up to the crown. When you take the ferry, you will also stop at Ellis Island and can explore the Immigration Museum. 3. Metropolitan Museum Of Art | Housing 5000 Year Old Artwork Entry Fee: $30 for Adults, $22 for Seniors and Visitors with a Disability, $17 for Students, Free for Children below 12 Years Hours Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday - 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday - 10 AM to 9 PM, Wednesday - Closed Metropolitan Museum of Art, also famously known as MET, was established in 1870. It is one of the most popular museums in the United States of America. The center has an extensive collection of over 2 million artworks, some of which date back to 5000 years. It has three sites. However, Met Fifth Avenue is the centerpiece of the museum. If you are a fan of art and history, this is a place that you should not miss out on. American arms and armors, decorative arts, Egyptians arts, photographs, musical instruments, etc. are some of the many items that you get to explore here. 4. The High Line | The Changed West Side Elevated Line After An Ideas Competition High Line was once a rail line, which has now become a popular tourist attraction of the city. The rail line has now been transformed into a walking trail over the city streets. The linear public park has a wide range of trees and plants. Further, The High Line, or the linear public park, has a wide range of trees and plants. The High Line you visit today survived a demolition order from Mayor Giuliani in 1999. However, four years later, the “ideas competition” hosted by Friends of the High Line highlighted the potential of this “ugly eyeshore” to get transformed into one of the must see places in New York. So, today, the 1.45-mile-long greenway with over 500 species of plants reminds me of the headline on the front page of the New York Times. It read, “Frog of a Railroad to Become Prince of a Park.” Moreover, glass railings line the park, which gives it a more natural feel. From here, you get an amazing view of the bustling city of New York. You can access the high Line on different points from Gansevoort to 34th Street. Some of the access points only provide stairs, whereas others have elevators as well. 5. Times Square | At The Crossroads Of The World Exhibiting tall, bright billboards and displays, Times Square is one of the must-visit places in New York. While it is exciting at any time of the day, it truly livens up in the evening. This is the site where New York celebrates its New Year's Eve and where the Ball Drop happens at midnight. It is a busy street, which is always crowded with people, but still has a unique character to it. Bleachers are installed on the other end of where you can sit and admire the hustling scene. Time Square got its name in the year 1904, and before that, it was known as Longacre Square. Also, if you are looking to find the best food trucks in NY, then I would recommend visiting vstreetfood.com/food-trucks/new-york/. New York is considered the city that never sleeps, and it is true. No matter what time of the day it is, there is something you can do or explore here. Above are some of the places that you must visit in New York. And while you explore these destinations, you will come across a bunch of others on your way because they all are closely connected. Also, when in Times Square, you must not forget to explore the best food trucks in NY, especially vstreetfood.com/food-trucks/new-york/. The Must See Places In New York | Hidden Gems You Will Fall In Love With  As promised, here, I will discuss some hidden gems in New York. These must see places in New York are eclectic and they represent the true spirit of the city beyond the glitz and glamor of Manhattan.  Here we go! Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site https://www.instagram.com/p/DBo43aGy2u9/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Wednesday – Sunday:10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fee: Free Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is the boyhood home of the first US president born in the USA.  Today, this historic site offers a 45-minute tour guided by a ranger or volunteer. Stone Street Historic District  In the Financial District of Manhattan, Stone Street has created a world of its own. This cobblestone street or the Stone Street is one of the oldest in New York and a simple stroll through it is an experience for the dark academia fans.  Further, Stone Street will take you back to 1658, when the residents of the area petitioned this street.  Museum At Eldridge Street https://www.instagram.com/p/DEN06khzba7/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Sunday - Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday: Closed Entry Fee: Adults: $15, Students & Seniors: $10, Children 5 - 17: $8, ‘Pay What You Wish’ (Mondays and Fridays) Located in the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Museum At Eldridge Street symbolizes the realization of immigrant dreams. The Eastern European Jewish immigrants built this synagogue in 1887, and it was the first grand synagogue (purpose-built) in the USA.  Today, the museum stands out with its architectural excellence and unique exhibits.  Morgan Library https://www.instagram.com/p/DDSHkw8o6um/?img_index=4 Hours Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 Am to 5 PM, and Friday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM Entry Fee: Free for Children below 12, $13 for Students, $17 for Seniors, $25 for Adults The Morgan Library and Museum is a treasure trove of rare books, prints, manuscripts, and prints.  Located in Madison Avenue, the library and museum has an opulent setup with the collections of financier Pierpont Morgan. Ground Zero Museum Workshop https://www.instagram.com/p/CTwub4yLFU1/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 12:30-2:30 PM, Sunday: 1-2:30 PM, Wednesday: 1:30-3:15 PM, Monday and Tuesday: Closed Entry Fee: Children (Ages 4-12) - $25.00, Adults (Ages 12+) - $32.00, Seniors (Ages 65+) - $25.00 Ground Zero Museum Workshop is the best place to find the most realistic account of the Ground Zero “Recovery Period.” You will find images, artifacts, and 100s of exhibits to take you through what happened at Ground Zero and how everyone recovered from that. Further, today, the Ground Zero Museum Workshop is one of the best places for dark tourism in the USA. Read Also: 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 7, 2023

When you’re preparing to take a long trip on the road, it’s crucial to prepare yourself for the journey, both physically and mentally. Being properly rested, and knowing that your car is ready for the trip, are just a few important things to consider. To help you further here is a handy guide about car collisions and traveling long distances safely: Safety is a prime rule when it comes to road travel. Although you can always take the help of the best criminal appeal lawyers if you are wrongfully caught in a car collision, it’s always better to keep things safe from your side first. With all this and many more, here is a curated masterpiece. 3 Common Causes of Car Accidents When Traveling The more time we spend on the road, the more likely we are to experience a car accident. With this in mind, it’s important to understand what types of car accidents are common. A car accident attorney can help you deal with the aftermath of a crash as well: 1. Side-Impact Car Accidents Many different things can cause side-impact crashes. Side impact incidents regularly occur at intersections, mainly as a consequence of a misunderstanding of which vehicle has the right of way. Sideswipes typically involve collisions between vehicles traveling in different lanes parallel to one another, for example when a truck turns into a lane and collides with a car that the driver did not realize was there. If this happens to you and you believe you were not at fault, then you can call a truck accident lawyer for compensation. Even in 2023, side-impact car accidents will continue to happen often. Defensive driving methods that have stood the test of time can significantly lower your risk. Be extra cautious, always look both ways at stop signs and stop lights, and avoid speeding to make the yellow light. This will help prevent the typical T-shape accident. Always check your blind area before changing lanes, and pay attention to other drivers' lane changes when passing vehicles to assist in preventing sideswipes. 2. Front-Impact Car Accidents A significant fraction of fatal and injury-causing car accidents involve front-impact collisions, in which the front end of one vehicle strikes the front of another or an object on the side of the road, such as a tree or telephone pole. It's crucial to modify your driving to the conditions because front-impact collisions are frequently brought on by slick roads or other weather-related variables. In the rain and snow, go more slowly so you'll have more time to respond in case your automobile suddenly loses control. And stay away from anything that can cause you to lose focus on the road. 3. Rear-End Car Accidents In dense commuter traffic on highways and thoroughfares, drivers are more likely to be involved in rear-end collisions. The most frequent causes are driving excessively quickly, aggressively, or without enough distance between you and the car in front of you. Keep an eye on your speed and leave plenty of room in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly slams on the brakes. Slow down, switch to the right lane if it's safe to do so, and patiently let tailgaters pass to prevent being rear-ended. You can also stay safe with the aid of modern automated braking technology. Rear-impact collisions can be decreased by using forward-collision warning systems, which emit audible tones or display visual signals to help the driver swerve or brake in advance of a collision. 3 Tips for Avoiding Collisions When Traveling When you’re getting ready to take on a long road trip, you’ll need to do a lot more than prepare a few hours of podcasts. Here are three crucial tips you should use to avoid collisions when traveling: 1. Pay Attention to Your Blind Spots To ensure that you have the best possible visibility of the surroundings around your car, adjust your mirrors as necessary. Turn around to make sure a car is not in your blind area before relying exclusively on your mirrors. Never presume that a semi-truck will see you because they have significant blind areas. When you’re traveling long distances, it can be easy to become too lax about blindspots, but you must remain vigilant if you want to keep yourself and your passengers safe. 2. Avoid Distracting Driving Habits Avoid being distracted while driving, whether you are traveling from home to work, or to an entirely different state. Never drive while texting, watching videos, or doing another extremely distracting task. The best course of action if your children are shouting or fighting, or if you're dealing with another overwhelming distraction, is to stop and pull over. Avoid anything that diverts your attention from driving, even for a moment. One of the most frequent reasons for car accidents is distracted driving, so making sure you have a good grasp on your driving environment will keep you safe on the road in 2023. 3. Regularly Maintain Your Vehicle Make sure your car is capable of the journey before embarking on a long road trip. This entails adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and remembering dates. Consider dates like the last time you had new brakes installed, fluids updated, tires installed, and more. When kept in good condition, your car will run better and be safer to drive because it has been handled with care. You’ll also save yourself a ton of money and frustration by being proactive with, and on top of, needed vehicle maintenance. If you plan on driving across large swaths of unpopulated land, being careful about vehicle maintenance becomes especially important. Additional: Sizzling Summer Road Trip Destinations Your Next Road Trip: 4 Tips Before You Depart

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 19, 2023

Deciding on the optimal time for a successful fishing trip involves more than just grabbing your rod and heading to the lake.  Fishing weather and timing play a major role in enticing fish to actively bite. Understanding the intricate factors impacting fish behavior can make the difference between an epic day of catches or an empty-handed outing.  The concept of peak fishing weather windows may seem complicated for novice anglers. However, learning a few basics about weather patterns, seasons, times of day, and other influential elements will set you up to unlock the ideal moments.  Arm yourself with this vital timing knowledge to begin consistently landing trophy catches during your fishing ventures. Paying Close Attention to Time Zones  Believe it or not, time zones actually matter quite a bit when seeking the best fishing times. Fishing weather models track fishing hours based on time zones because this helps predict two prime factors - sunlight and warmth throughout the day. Fish tend to bite more around sunrise or sunset due to the shifting positions of the sun, and weather warmth greatly impacts how fish metabolisms function.  So even just a single-hour difference east and west can shuffle the peak activity periods.       While apps and sites may list general guidelines for top fishing hours, anglers should always cross-reference the recommendations with their specific time zone for improved accuracy. Adapting Strategies to Match the Weather Weather elements like temperature, wind levels, and precipitation greatly affect fish behavior patterns. As fishing weather shifts day-to-day, expert anglers learn to alter tactics to make the most of the conditions dealt to them. On hot, sunny days, fish instinctively head to deeper waters, offering refuge from the intense heat.  Successful anglers rely on bottom-running rigs with weighted lures to reach the fish in their cooler hideouts.  Alternatively, overcast days with little to no wind often present almost perfect opportunities to break out topwater lures and fly rods for epic surface strikes.   During rain storms, savvy lifelong fishermen turn to chatter baits and spinnerbaits - lures with vibrations that realistically mimic bait fish struggles.  This extra commotion cleverly attracts active predators looking for an easy meal. In essence, closely observe the variables nature offers up to decide on good weather for fishing and then strategize your approach accordingly based on the presence of both positive and negative conditions. Attuning Your Efforts to Seasonal Patterns Fish species follow natural annual cycles regarding their prime feeding and spawning activities. Tuning into these annual patterns will clue you into recurring windows of exceptional fishing via yearly cycles like: Spring - Pre-spawn staging makes for very active biting before the actual spawning season begins. Target warmer, shallow waters to catch fish aggressively feeding to fuel up for spawning.  Summer - Post-spawn feeding frenzies happen as fish regain strength after spawning stress. Focus on productive structures hosting large amounts of insects and bait fish.  Fall - Fish prepare for winter months by voraciously feeding to pack on extra weight. Bump up lure sizes for reaction bites from these feasting fish. Winter - Deep, slower, subtle presentations are often best as the whole fish moves and feeds remarkably less. But cold snaps quickly heating up water can trigger short intense reaction bites. Related: Six Important Factors To Consider Before Planning Alaska Fishing Trip Fine-Tuning Tactics to Different Times of Day  Beyond major influences like weather patterns and seasons, the actual time of day also significantly impacts which fishing strategies will be most productive. Early Morning hours often allow peaceful fishing conditions as the waters calm. Target shallow water structures while fish actively chase bait, revealed by the slowly growing morning sunlight.  Mid-Day sun can quickly send fish retreating into thicker cover or considerably deeper channels away from the brightness. Slow down presentations by utilizing jigs or crankbaits capable of running deeper. Dusk brings another wave of vigorous fish activity. Break out those trusty topwater plugs and get ready to capitalize as bait fish also become more active. Remain alert to shifts in fish behavior based simply upon the natural passage from morning to afternoon to evening. Vary approaches appropriately as needed. Conclusion While rather intricate at first, once fully grasped, the concepts around prime fishing times can bring order to the complex puzzle of precisely when to catch more fish. Heed key patterns related to time zones, unpredictable weather factors, seasons, and daylight conditions. Combine these elements with area-specific knowledge regarding fish behaviors and frequently favored structure spots.  Then, narrow down the most promising timing windows to strategically play the odds in your favor for an epic haul.  Eliminate the pure guesswork and stack the deck towards success by unlocking the secrets of timing for a winning day of fishing. Read Also: A Guide To Traverse City Beach – 10 Best Beaches To Explore 10 Best Restaurants On Sanibel Island – Tour And Travel Guide When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked?