Budget Alternatives to Zagat's Top NYC Restaurants

The Car-Free Traveler, Lauren Matison, co-founder and editor of offMetro.com. The last time I woke to the sounds of cock-a-doodle-doo, I was in a farmhouse in the south of France, very far from home in Manhattan. While I haven't set my alarm ringtone to "rooster" since that trip four years ago, I do miss omelets with freshly laid eggs and the buzz of bees in the lavender bushes. On a recent morning that finally smelled like autumn in New York, I found myself wondering where a car-less New Yorker can wake up on a farm without having to drive or fly? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are over 129,850 farms in the Northeast, but most do not offer farmcations or easily accessible roads. Not to be deterred, and hungry for a little peace and quiet—and those freshly laid eggs—I unearthed five outstanding spots celebrating a new farm to table to bed movement. The Homestead at Seven Arrows East   Sustainable Slumber: Though just a 45-minute ferry ride from Manhattan, this year-round yoga retreat, education studio, and CSA farm could not feel farther away from the city. Perched on 20 acres of land on the banks of the Navesink River in Monmouth County, New Jersey, The Homestead is lovingly looked after by former Brooklyn farmers Meg, Michael, and Neil and their Maremma Sheep Dogs, trained livestock guardians that live with the goats, which you're welcome to milk. Nestled near 700-acre Hartshorne Woods and Sandy Hook, this sustainable sanctuary thrives on sharing its organic produce and pearls of agronomic wisdom while inviting city folk to roam free, read under an apple tree, and reboot. In addition to the monthly yoga retreats, The Homestead offers classes ranging from beekeeping to soup and bread making to growing and foraging edible mushrooms. If you want to check out the place before spending the night in their cozy, minimalist digs, attend one of their new BYOB vegan farm dinners (http://veganfarmtotabledinner-eorg.eventbrite.com/, $75), featuring a five course menu that, "we feel, demonstrates how luxuriously one can eat from one's own field." (Hartshorne Road, Locust, NJ, http://sevenarrowseast.com/, dorm room for $400, private room for $650 for a three-day retreat, which includes lodging, meals, and workshops.) Get There: Seven Arrows is 45 minutes from Manhattan and reachable via Seastreak Ferry to Atlantic Highlands. Chebeague Island Inn Sustainable Slumber: On the tiny turtle-shaped island of Chebeaugue (that's shuh-Beeg, meaning 'isle of many springs') off the coast of Portland, Maine, this grand hilltop hotel dating back to the 1920s is the kind of hidden gem travelers want but rarely make the effort to find. The journey, which takes you from a scenic train trip to the Old Port to a ferry, is half the fun of the getaway and worth every step. Once you've arrived, there is golf, tennis, boating, bocce ball, free bikes, and plenty of secluded rocky coves reminiscent of a Hopper painting (visit Deer Point and Bennett Cove), but the draw for adventurous foodies will be the Farm to Table package (available late May—October 7). The special includes a two-night stay, daily gourmet breakfast, a box lunch and local bottle of Oyster River Wine, a guided tour of Second Wind Farm, and a three-course dinner for two using produce from the farm. The package requires a $100 donation towards the farm, where much of the Inn's menu is sourced. After learning about Second Wind, island farming and the deep-rooted relationship the hotel has with local farmers and fishermen, join Executive Chef Rowe as he creates your farm-to-table meal. (61 South Road, Chebeague Island, http://www.chebeagueislandinn.com, from $180/night, add on $100 for the Farm to Table package and call 207/846-5155 to book it.) Get There: Take Amtrak to Portland. Hop a taxi or take the 5 Bus to the Metro Pulse station, and walk 10 minutes to the port for the leisurely 90-minute Casco Bay Ferry ride ($11.05 for a round-trip ride). Make arrangements prior to arrival and the Inn will send a complimentary van to pick you up. Sprout Creek Inn Sustainable Slumber: When you open the front door to your cottage, there won't be concrete or rushed pedestrians or cabs, and the only honks you'll hear will be from ducks. You'll want to greet the neighbors-chickens, goats, cows, pigs, sheep, and their babies-who you'll soon get to know on a first name basis. You never thought you'd feel at home on the range, but here, surrounded by green pastures, happy animals, and a private outdoor garden, the farm life suits you-if just for the weekend. Stock your cottage pantry with artisanal cheese, charcuterie, eggs, produce, pasta, and baked goods at the Sprout Creek Farm market, then roll up your sleeves to milk the cows, feed the sheep or gather eggs. In between a hot air balloon ride (that lifts off from the farm) and a cheese-making workshop, you'll discover this is the easiest place to unplug. Chef Mark Fredette can prepare lunch or dinner, which comes with a complimentary bottle of wine and a cheese plate, so you won't have to dine elsewhere and leave the farm-except for that aerial tour of the Hudson Valley. The next time you're in Whole Foods, pick up Sprout Creek's new Kinkead or Batch 35 cheese and remember how you spent a weekend on a farm two hours north of New York City. When was the last time you thought of cheese as something more than what goes on a cracker? (34 Lauer Road, Poughkeepsie, http://www.sproutcreekfarm.org, the Country Cottage Getaway at Sprout Creek Farm is $475 for a two-night stay for up to five people. To make a reservation, call Andrea 845/485-8438 or email andrea@sproutcreekfarm.org.) Get There: Take Metro-North Hudson line to Poughkeepsie, then a Del Ray taxi, 845/452-1222, for the 15-minute ride to the farm. Ocean House  Sustainable Slumber: Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Montauk, and Block Island, the Ocean House on Watch Hill originally opened in 1868 and comprises 13 acres of oceanfront landscape and a 650-foot private white-sand beach, where you'll spend nights listening to crashing waves and a crackling bonfire. On any given day, complimentary resort activities might include tai chi, a croquet clinic, juicing and cocktail classes, art workshops and movie screenings, and sitting on a plush couch doing nothing but enjoying live jazz. Although there are many reasons to stay here, it's the Farm + Vine series that the Ocean House is most proud of. Every week, the program offers free classes led by a food forager or chef in Seasons restaurant's open exhibition kitchen or community farm. In addition to on-site cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, guests are invited to visit local farms, wineries and fishing docks to select the ingredients for that evening's meal. The monthly Farm + Vine dinner ($95/pp) brings the best New England chefs to prepare hors d'oeuvres and a three-course, wine-paired dinner. The monthly In the Kitchen Culinary Education series will send you home feeling inspired to cook using local, in-season fare after learning some secrets from the resort's chefs. (1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, http://www.oceanhouseri.com/, $400/night. Receive 20% off the best available room rate when you enjoy a Farm+Vine dinner. Call 401/584-7000 for rates and availability.) Get There: Take the three-hour Amtrak ride to Westerly, RI. The resort will send a Mercedes to shuttle you the short drive back and forth; just let them know when you reserve. Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa Sustainable Slumber: Green travelers and the city weary will find this 75-acre refuge on the Hudson River the best place near home to eat good food, reconnect with nature, and just be. You'll start the morning with farm fresh eggs, peach-topped buttermilk pancakes, homemade scones and fair trade coffee. Then you'll stroll a short distance across Swan Pond to visit the heritage chickens, honey bees, angora goats, donkeys, peacocks, and rescued llamas at the Inn's 40-acre organic Millstone Farm. After picking berries and apples in the orchard and eating them above the eponymous waterfall, you'll lie by the pool, looking through floor to ceiling windows that face lush grounds and the Hudson, never feeling more relaxed-and that's before a visit to the spa. Here in Poughkeepsie, you can have your farm and leave it, too. After tennis and a drink by the wood-burning fireplace in your room, you'll head to Henry's Farm to Table for dinner, where you'll smile at the food on your plate, knowing well, perhaps for the first time at a restaurant, just where it came from. (220 North Road, Milton, http://www.buttermilkfallsinn.com, from $300-$400 off peak, $350-$450 peak for two people) Get There: Take the 90-minute Metro-North or Amtrak train ride to Poughkeepsie station. Take a 12-minute Del Ray taxi ride (845/452-1222) to the Inn. offMetro.com promotes a “greener” lifestyle through inspiring day trips and weekend jaunts that are easily accessible via alternative modes of transportation, be it by bike, bus, subway, or boat. Visit offMetro.com for more vacation ideas.

Sophie Gackowski writes for HomeAway UK Before the Romans ever set foot on British soil, our unassuming island was well-scarred by warring tribes; yet these were no barbarians. On the contrary, our fertile land was alive with thriving settlements, sophisticated cultures and incredible feats of human ingenuity as early as 5,000 years ago. If you're planning a trip to the United Kingdom, you'll find hundreds of historical settings; from stone circles and hill forts to preserved villages and brochs. But before you book your flights and pencil in your historical itinerary, take a glimpse into the past with seven fascinating ancient sites. Castell Henllys, Pembrokeshire. With four replica Iron Age roundhouses, Castell Henllys is an incredible site for ancient history buffs. Situated in the Wales' Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (a fantastic destination in its own right), it's been built on top of an existing hill fort, some 2,400 years old. Excavated remains have provided architects with an authentic portrait of how the Celts really lived, so today, you can grind flour and make bread just like the Celts did, before exploring the area's beautiful beaches. Head to Ceibwr, an inlet of rocks backed by dramatic cliffs, to spot porpoise. Skara Brae, Orkney. Skara Brae—an ancient village sitting on the white sands of Bay o' Skaill, Orkney—is possibly the most famous of our archaeological sites. Offering an unparalleled glimpse into Scottish life during the late Neolithic period, it's composed of eight separate dwellings, connected by a number of low, winding passages. Amongst the stone beds, seats and shelves, budding historians can glimpse everyday life 5,000 years ago in amazing detail; precious artefacts, including jewellery, gaming dice and religious idols, are displayed in the excellent visitor centre. Chysauster Ancient Village, Cornwall. First occupied some 2,000 years ago, Chysauster Ancient Village has some distinctly Cornish features. Although a late Iron Age settlement, its dwellings are now known as 'Courtyard Houses'; they consisted of an open area (due in no small part to Cornwall's favourable climate!), surrounded by several thatched rooms. You'll also find the remains of a 'fogou' here, an underground passage still shrouded in mystery: whether used for storage, religious ceremonies or refuge is unknown. Travel to the area during spring to admire the beautiful bluebell carpets. Tre'r Ceiri Hill-Fort, Gwynedd. Tre'r Ceiri, or 'Town of the Giants', is thought to be one of the finest Iron Age sites in Wales. Not only does it house the remains of some 150 huts (this is one of our more expansive sites!), but also offers outstanding views to Ireland from its hilltop location, on the eastern peak of Yr Eifl. The roundhouses—some of which are actually rectangular or square—sit alongside well-preserved ramparts and gateways, with walls still four metres high in places. For keen hikers and walkers, it's an absolute must while exploring the stunning scenery of Gywnedd. Dun Carloway, Lewis. It's one of the best preserved brochs in Scotland, and situated on the spectacular Isle of Lewis: Dun Carloway's a must when visiting the Outer Hebrides. But "what exactly is a broch?" I hear you ask. Well, brochs are fortifications found all over the north and west of Scotland, first built some 2,300 years ago. It's thought that they were the dwellings of tribal leaders, imposing and expansive as they were. Indeed, Dun Carloway still sits nine metres tall in places, but also has a great series of underground tunnels and cells. Afterwards, why not visit the nearby Calanais stone circle? Stanwick Camp, Yorkshire. The Brigantes were the most important tribe in pre-Roman Britain, and first lived in the gargantuan Stanwick Camp. Once comprising five and a half miles of ramparts and over 700 acres of land, the site certainly grabs the imagination, if the stories haven't already: Iron Age swords and severed heads are just some of the excavated remains found here! Today, it's a great place for a peaceful stroll: start at the Church of St John (it houses carvings dating back to the 9th century), before making your way up Tofts Hill for great views of Yorkshire. Castlerigg, Cumbria. Located near Keswick, in the Lake District, Castlerigg is one of the earliest stone circles in Britain. Thought to have been raised some 5,000 years ago, its 38 radiating stones surround an inner rectangle of ten; this all points, of course, to significant astronomical alignment, but like so many ancient sites, its exact purpose remains unknown. With panoramic views across to Lonscale, Blencathra and Skiddaw Fell, it's an amazing vantage point. And located as it is just a short drive from Penrith, you can visit King Arthur's legendary Round Table, too. Follow Sophie Gackowski on Google+

Sophie Gackowski writes for HomeAway UK We may not share the sunshine that usually defines a trip to the beach, but here in the United Kingdom, we have some pretty spectacular shores. From quaint, cottage-lined quays to rugged and dramatic cliffs, and from traditional fishing villages to isolated, pristine sands, there's something for every seaside lover; and then some. So next time you're visiting our fair, sea-surrounded isle, why not make the most of our incredible coastline? Stretching for some 11,073 miles—and that's just around the main island—you're sure to fall in love with one of these quintessentially British seaside breaks. Brighton, England. Brighton is synonymous with the British seaside: tourists have been flocking here since the early 19th century. From its wonderful promenade overlooking the ocean, to its myriad shops selling buckets and spades—essential tools for the budding sandcastle builder‚this town was seemingly made to create happy childhood memories. Grab an ice cream and enjoy a donkey ride along the sand, or explore its history and heritage, admiring the extravagant architecture of the Royal Pavilion. Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Often described as Caribbean-style coastlines, the beaches of the Outer Hebrides are beautiful. White, powdery sands are lapped by bright, turquoise waves; indeed, the only thing that separates these Scottish shores is their distinct lack of palm trees (and, sadly, warm sunshine). A particular favorite is Bosta Beach, on the Isle of Lewis; a cove where heather-laden mountains loom over its lapping sea, as ancient Iron-age dwellings can be seen in the distance, it's a paradisaical place to spend the day. Cornwall, England. Cornwall, particularly its North Coast, has long been known as a surfing paradise: it has some of the best rollers in the United Kingdom. Situated in the far southwest of the country, however, it's also home to our most southerly point, Land's End, as well as some of the prettiest beaches in Europe. When you're here, don't miss out on quintessentially Cornish products: cream teas, ice cream and pasties are a must, but no evening is complete without sampling the delectable, local seafood. Lobster, anyone? Pembrokeshire, Wales. Head for the Pembrokeshire National Park, and you won't be disappointed: although Wales is often overlooked as a seaside destination, it's home to some of the United Kingdom's most stunning shores. Saundersfoot—a picturesque fishing village—comes highly recommended, strewn as it is with traditional fish and chip shops and pubs selling local ales. It also sits at the bottom of a deep, wooded valley, so you can combine coastal walks with countryside strolls, making the most of both worlds. Blackpool, England. Come rain or shine, Blackpool's a brilliant spot if you want to immerse yourself in the seaside atmosphere of Britain's past. Yet another destination where the Victorians chose to holiday, it's kept much of its old-world charm, particularly in its tower—essentially the Eiffel, in miniature! Famed for its Pleasure Beach, littered with roller-coasters, carousels and coconut stalls, Blackpool's also known for its striped sticks of rock (but watch your teeth on these sweet treats!), and the iconic, if somewhat politically incorrect puppet show, Punch and Judy. Stonehaven, Scotland. If the likes of Brighton and Blackpool all sound a bit too much, then head for the rugged, secluded shores of Stonehaven. With the coastal trail here running for some 150 miles, there's certainly no chance you'll run out of places to explore. A typically Scottish landscape of wind-battered rocks, ancient castles and swaying grasses, it's an ideal destination for the keen walkers among you; and, when you tire of trekking, you can book a tour of a whisky distillery to warm yourself up with a wee dram. Follow Sophie Gackowski on Google+

Labor Day weekend may be just around the corner, but it's not too late to plan the perfect three-day getaway. From coast to coast and around the world, there are plenty of free and budget-friendly activities to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for a Jazz Festival in Chicago, a quirky traditional event held every year in Park City, or an American music extravaganza in Virginia Beach, we've rounded up 11 exciting events and festivals around the country you won't want to miss. SEE THE DESTINATIONS! Daytona Beach: For family-friendly fun on a famous Florida beach While the words Daytona Beach may conjure up scenes from MTV's Spring Break, the area has come a long way since then, and is now much more of a family destination offering a wide variety of kid-friendly events, festivals, and beachfront entertainment fit for all ages. This Labor Day Weekend, catch a free concert at the Daytona Beach Bandshell on Saturday night starting at 7:15 p.m. featuring a performance by Rocket Man, an Elton John tribute band—stick around for a fireworks show starting at 9:45 p.m. Baseball lovers can watch the Daytona Tortugas play ball on Sept. 4th, 5th, and 6th at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, where dogs are welcome and the kids will have a chance to run the bases—don't miss their fireworks show Saturday night. Also while you're in town, stop by the Daytona International Speedway for a behind-the-scenes look at all things NASCAR. Hotels in this part of Florida are super affordable over Labor Day Weekend, too, with rates at the Courtyard Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport starting at $109 a night and rates at the Residence Inn Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport starting at $159 a night. Lake Tahoe: For carnivals, boat races, and great discounts on ski gear On Saturday, Sept. 5th, you'll have the opportunity to board one of South Shore's two Mississippi paddlewheeler boats, California's Tahoe Queen or Nevada's M.S. Dixie II, for the 23rd annual Great Lake Tahoe Sternwheeler Race, a unique only-in-Tahoe experience that can be yours for from $25 per adult ($10 per child) including brunch and drink specials. If you'd rather be a spectator, cheer runners on from the sidelines as they compete in the fourth annual Heavenly Mountain Run, racing from the California Base Lodge at 6,565-feet all the way up to the Tamarack Lodge at 9,150-feet. You can also enjoy live music with an impressive fireworks display over the lake Sunday night starting at 8:30 p.m. Another notable weekend event is the 6th annual Sample the Sierra Festival on Sept. 6th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bijou Community Park, where you can sample fresh farm-to-table food and wine creations by local chefs and farmers. Don't miss the chance to stock up on ski gear for next season at the annual Heavenly Sports Labor Day Tent Sale, where you can save up to 70 percent on ski and snowboard equipment at Heavenly's California Main Lodge on Sept. 5th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 6th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sept 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Puerto Rico: For a no-passport-required Caribbean beach break Airfares to this sizzling U.S. island (no passport required!) are around $445 for Labor Day travel. Sound good? Picture yourself lounging on the beach listening to the waves crash in the distance, fruity drink in hand. Spend some time exploring Puerto Rico at your own pace with this travel package to San Juan that includes ocean view accommodations at La Concha Resort, a Renaissance Resort located in San Juan's trendy Condado neighborhood. You'll also get daily breakfast for two at the resort's Ocean Café Restaurant among other perks, from $186 a night. (Note: While Labor Day falls during the Atlantic/Caribbean hurricane season, the NOAA has predicted a quieter season than average for 2015, with only 1 to 4 hurricanes, and possibly only 1 ranked as a Category 3, serious, hurricane.) RELATED: 25 Incredible Road Trips BT Readers Love The Jersey Shore: For beachside water parks on the pier The beaches along the Jersey Shore have definitely bounced back from last year's storm damage with style—some of them even made our list of America's Most Awesome Boardwalks, and Ocean City, N.J. was featured as one of BT's favorite beach towns. This Labor Day weekend, pay a visit to one of New Jersey's many beachside waterparks, like Raging Waters and the Ocean Oasis Waterpark & Beach Club at Morey's Piers in Wildwood, now celebrating its 46th season, for a fun way to cool off in the hot summer sun, whether you prefer to relax in the lazy river or take on adrenaline-pumping attractions like the Cliff Dive slide and WipeOut. Waterpark passes start at $44 for adults and $36 for children under 48". Seniors over age 65 get in for $20 with a valid photo ID. Paris: The perfect place for a romantic three-day weekend getaway A three-day weekend in Paris? Yes, you can! In fact, Budget Travel Senior Editor Jamie Beckman just did it. Find a neighborhood that you like, book a comfortable hotel, and relax—don’t overschedule and you’ll enjoy exploring on foot, visiting green spaces, and soaking up the romance. Hotel 29 Lepic’s stellar location, near the Sacré-Coeur basilica and Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, is tough to beat for the price (from about $70 per night, 29lepic.fr). And though average airfares from the U.S. to Paris are around $1,063 right now, WOW airlines has round-trip flights to Paris out of Boston and Washington, D.C., starting at about $384 after taxes. Washington D.C.: For free concerts and kayaking on the Potomac Each year on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, the National Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert for the public on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol at 8 p.m. While no tickets are required, it is recommended that you get there early to get a good spot—gates open as early as 3 p.m. and you can watch them rehearse at 3:30 p.m. The 27th annual DC Blues Festival is slated for Saturday, Sept. 5th at the Carter Barron Amphitheater from noon to 7:30 p.m., with performances by Sharrie Williams, James Armstrong, and The Mojo Priests among others. You'll also have the opportunity to attend vocal, guitar, and harmonica workshops led by talented Blues artists at the John Cephas Workshop Stage. The DC Blues Festival is free and open to the public. Want to enjoy the great outdoors during your long weekend? Consider renting a kayak or canoe from the Thompson Boat Center for a totally different view of the city from the Potomac. Canoe rentals cost $16.50 per hour or $33 for the day and can hold up to three adults or two adults and two small children. Rent a single kayak for $16.50 per hour or $44 per day, or a double kayak for $22 an hour or $55 per day. RELATED: 20 Best-Kept Secrets of Washington D.C. Chicago: For free art fairs and a jazz festival The 37th annual Chicago Jazz Festival takes place this year from Sept. 3rd to Sept. 6th at the Chicago Cultural Center in Millennium Park. Admission is free and you'll have the chance to view performances by Muhal Richard Abrams, Jose James, and Dee Dee Bridgewater among others. From Friday to Monday, Washington Park is home to the 26th Annual African Festival of the Arts, an event featuring exhibitions by Chicago's best artists. General admission tickets cost $20 for adults at the gate, $15 in advance; family and weekend passes are available for $40. Click here for more fun things to do in Chicago year-round. Virginia Beach: For three days of bands on the beach—and a half-marathon Music lovers, rejoice! For three days over Labor Day weekend (Fri-Sun), more than 20 bands will take the stage for the 32nd annual American Music Festival playing all kinds of music—rock and roll, jazz, blues, country, and R&B—by local, regional, and national bands on a giant beachfront stage on 5th Street as well as several outdoor stages at the 17th Street Park, the 24th Street Park, and the 31st Street Park. Highlights include big-name artists like the Steve Miller Band on Friday night, Rebelution, The Wailers, and G. Love & Special Sauce on Saturday night, and a performance by Sheryl Crow on Sunday night. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. This year, you can purchase a Passport Pin for access to all three shows, from $40 when purchased in advance. Those seeking a more active vacation can sign up for the Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half-Marathon, a race through the streets of the city on Sunday, Sept. 6th, that raises money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Registration prices may vary; check the website for more details. Miami: For parties, brunches, and bike rides on the beach Party people won't want to miss Reload, a pool party event from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6th, at the Shore Club featuring international DJs and the best house music in South Beach. Refuel at the Shore Club's Sunday brunch, where ladies pay $44 per person including unlimited mimosas and bellinis (men must pay $44 for the brunch plus an additional $20 for unlimited drinks)—access to the Bloody Mary bar is an extra $20. Tickets to the Reload pool party start at $40 per person for all day access or from $30 per person for pool party access between noon and 3 p.m. Early bird tickets start at $10 per person when ordered ahead of time online. Take a spin on Miami's public bike sharing program,Citi Bike Miami (operated by Deco Bike Miami), for a spin, and rent a bike anywhere from 30-minutes to a full day. 30-minute passes are available for $4; one-hour passes for $6; two-hour passes for $10, four-hour passes for $18; and one-day passes are available for $24. Looking for a calmer beach experience? Stake out the perfect spot on any of Miami Beach's seven miles of sand. The best part: it's free. DON'T MISS: 20 Most Awesome Boardwalks in America Park City: For historic parades and the Running of the Balls Labor Day is more commonly referred to as Park City Miner's Day in this part of Utah—a tradition dating all the way back to 1898. Each year there's a celebration in honor of the area's rich mining heritage, complete with a community pancake breakfast, live music, races and games for the kids, the Funky 5K Fun Run, and the annual Miner's Day Parade down Historic Main Street. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the celebration is the annual Running of the Balls, a charity fundraising event held on Monday at 10:45 a.m. where participants "adopt" a ball for $5 (or 5 balls for $20), and watch in awe as thousands of them are released down Main Street, racing to the bottom of the hill. The first ten to reach the bottom of the street are tracked, earning their owners a grand prize of airline tickets, season ski passes, or any number of other donated surprises. LEGOLAND: Kiddie paradise in Florida & Southern California If you’ve got little ones, LEGOLAND is like Paris for kids—always a good idea. With fun rides, hands-on activities, and a hotel that feels like it’s built out of those iconic colorful blocks, the theme park’s So. Cal and Florida locations are a fun way to say bye-bye to summer. Even better, if you purchase LEGOLAND dollars (now available on the TravelEx currency exchange) through Labor Day you’ll get free parking, free admission to the park’s water park, and a free order of the theme park’s famous Granny’s Apple Fries.