Discover USA: Colorado

By BT Editor
February 18, 2022
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Join Budget Travel as we continue our new series Discover USA. Discover USA explores states, counties, cities, and everything in between. Each week we will explore a new US destination to help you find things to do, itinerary ideas, and plan where to go next.

This week, the beautiful state of Colorado. Colorado is known for unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts.

Explore the Outdoors

Nearly 40 percent of Colorado is federal public land, including four National Parks and eight National Monuments, 42 state parks, as well as hundreds of regional parks and open spaces. Public land is part of what makes the state’s landscape so breathtaking and lifestyle so rich, offering outdoor recreation, wildlife habitats, clean air and water. As the colder weather sets in, Colorado continues to provide exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities and in a much quieter landscape.

Cross-Country Ski at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers incredible groomed cross-country skiing trails including the South Rim Drive, which swishes Nordic skiers and snow­shoers to staggering views of Gunnison’s snow-dusted “black” rock walls.

Winter Hike in Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks: With the appropriate hiking gear, winter can be a wonderful time to experience many of the 155 miles of trails Boulder offers. Enchanted Mesa provides a variety of trails winding among ponderosa pine forests and small meadows, while providing stunning views of the Flatirons. The trail is relatively flat and free from slippery ice, but take strap-on boot traction, like Yak-tracks or Micro-spikes, just in case.

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Ice Fish at Eleven Mile State Park: Spend quality time with friends near Lake George in a homey ice fishing hut while reeling in fleshy kokanee, trout and pike. Out-of-towners or newbies can visit 11 Mile Marina for equipment rentals or guided trips.

Watch Eagles at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area: Among Fort Collins’ greatest outdoor treasures are its 50+ Natural Areas. Every Friday and Saturday beginning Dec. 17, take part in an Eagle Watch from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area. Bald eagles from the north make Fort Collins their winter home. Volunteer Naturalists are stationed at the viewing pier and explain the eagles’ natural history and help visitors view them through spotting scopes and binoculars.

Nordic Ski on the Grand Mesa: The Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, rises east of Grand Junction and is considered some of the best cross-country skiing terrain in the country. The professionally groomed cross-country ski trails, a network that both novice and expert skiers can enjoy, are maintained by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council.

See Frozen Falls Near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: When many people think of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, they think of a desert-like landscape. After all, the park boasts a whopping 30 square miles of sand dunes reaching heights up to 750 feet. The vastness feels even more visceral in winter with the treasurable quietness that a fresh blanket of snow affords. But a real treat is when the famous Zapata Falls, just 11 miles outside of the park, freezes into a 25-foot icy monument.

See the Snow Goose Migration at John Martin Reservoir State Park: Every winter, particularly in January and February, the snow goose northern migration begins on the Great High Prairie. In a typical year, 80,000 to 100,000 snow geese returning from their wintering grounds and heading to their breeding grounds, stop at John Martin Reservoir State Park, just west of Lamar to rest and feed on leftover grain in nearby fields.

Golf at Lathrop State Park: Spanish Peaks Country in southern Colorado is home to Lathrop State Park—Colorado’s very first state park. Proud to have Colorado’s only “state park golf course,” Lathrop attracts visitors year-round who want to get in a game on those warm, winter days. The Walsenburg Golf Course in Lathrop State Park is open daily as long as temperatures are above 32 degrees.

Sled at Mueller State Park: Mueller State Park, 40 minutes outside of Colorado Springs, offers sledding, plenty of snowshoe and cross-country skiing trails and cozy winter cabins with modern amenities for those who prefer to celebrate winter by snuggling up next to a fire with a good book.

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Snowshoe in Rocky Mountain National Park: Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the best ranger-led snowshoe programs in the state. Two-hour excursions begin at both the west (Grand Lake) and east (Estes Park) entrances January through March.

Yurt Overnight at Ridgway State Park: Ridgway State Park's three yurts are found on the park's Dakota Terraces, where mountain views are indescribable and the potential for coziness abounds. The round, tent-like structures can be rented for two nights at a time and are warmed by a propane heater/gas log stove.

Watch Wildlife in State Forest State Park: The winter landscape grants some of the best op­portunities to watch mammals in their natural habitat. State Forest State Park, just east of Walden, is home to more than 600 moose that roam the park’s enormous 71,000 acres.

Horseback Ride in the Wet Mountain Valley: On a bluebird day, with the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east, there’s hardly anything as magical as exploring the Wet Mountain Valley landscape in south central Colorado from horseback. Take a winter ride through a large, unpopulated Colorado valley with Music Meadows Ranch or Bear Basin Ranch.

Arts and Culture

Denver

Meow Wolf - courtesy colorado.com

Meow Wolf Denver: The immersive arts and entertainment company, Meow Wolf, opened “Convergence Station,” their third permanent installation and most ambitious project yet in Denver on Sept. 17. Created by 110 collaborating artists and over 300 creatives, this 4-story exhibition is home to 70-plus installations, including cavernous spaces 30 feet high. Akin to an everlasting gobstopper, guests discover psychedelic, mind-bending art, and an underlying rich narrative, taking them on a journey of discovery into a surreal, science-fictional epic.

The Denver Art Museum's Martin Building Undergoes $150 Million Renovation: The Denver Art Museum’s Martin Building (formerly North Building), is undergoing an extensive, multi-year renovation including the new Anna and John J. Sie Welcome Center, two new dining spaces, the Bartlit Learning and Engagement Center and updated galleries. The entire building is scheduled to reopen to the public on Oct. 24, 2021, in celebration of its 50th anniversary at the end of 2021.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA): The DCPA recently announced the return of the Broadway, Theatre Company, Cabaret and Off-Center seasons featuring 30 shows, which kicks off in November with the Theatre Company’s A Christmas Carol in the newly renovated Wolf Theatre. Broadway shows will also return, starting with Disney’s The Lion King, Hamilton is set to follow with a tentative February 2022 premiere, among several others.

The Beer Spa, a modern-day wellness space that combines a day spa with a craft beer bar, opened recently in Denver. Enjoy beer-inspired spa services while sipping on a locally sourced craft beverage.

The Culture Museum is a new immersive, multi-room art installation in Denver dedicated to celebrating iconic moments in Black pop culture. The museum, which recently opened in the RiNo Art District in Five Points, explores an array of Black culture expressions with themed rooms ranging from ‘90s sitcoms and iconic films, to hip hop music, to the barbershop and family reunions. The featured artists are Sarah Iverson, Jeremiah Black, Regine Cotton, Zaida, Decay Renew, Freedom Waves, and Chance.

Courtesy of rockymountaineer.com

Rocky Mountaineer: Rockies to the Red Rocks Route- Rocky Mountaineer, the luxury train operator, will run its first full season in the Southwest United States in 2022. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route is a two-day rail journey between Denver and Moab with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. The company works with local tourism organizations, hotels and tour operators to curate custom packages that feature tours, activities and stays, so guests can experience even more of the region.

Aspen

Herbert Bayer Center: With a soft opening in December 2021 and grand opening in June 2022, the new Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies will focus on preserving and honoring the art of Bayer, who designed the Institute’s historic campus, influenced the foundations of modern Aspen, and whose work is an iconic expression of the Bauhaus movement in America.

Naturita

CampV: a reimagined historic mining camp, welcomes travelers with restored cabins, glamping tents, curated airstreams and camp spots as well as immersive arts experiences.

Grand Junction

Courtesy of museumofwesternco.com

The Dinosaur Journey Museum near Grand Junction is a regional paleontological and geological museum that tells the story of the history of life in western Colorado and surrounding areas. The hands-on, interactive museum includes over 15,000 fossil specimens in its collections, exhibits and displays featuring discoveries from the region, a viewable paleontology laboratory where dinosaur bones are prepared for display, an earthquake simulator and a “quarry site” where kids can uncover actual Jurassic dinosaur bones.

Golden

Located near Golden, the legendary Red Rocks Historic Park & Amphitheatre, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, is more than just a beautiful place to see a concert. It encompasses 738 total acres of deer, dinosaurs, pines and prairie, geological wonders and spectacular vistas. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geological phenomenon — the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world.

Boulder

The Colorado Chautauqua in Boulder is considered the western representation of the “Chautauqua movement” that swept the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is the only Chautauqua west of the Mississippi that has continuously operated with its original structures intact. Located at the base of Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, the Colorado Chautauqua offers outstanding musical, arts and educational programs, charming accommodations in historic cottages and lodges, fine dining at the historic Dining Hall, and direct access to 40 miles of trails and thousands of acres of open space.

Culinary

Breckenridge

Breckenridge Distillery Debuts Interactive Spirits Lab: The Breckenridge Distillery’s new interactive spirits lab allows guests to not only taste award-winning spirits, but the opportunity to delve behind the scenes of spirit production and aging while thieving directly from barrels, blending their own bottles and sampling paired bites from the award-winning kitchen and producer partners.

Denver

Deviation Distilling Opens in Denver’s Dairy Block in Fall 2021: Deviation Distilling transformed an 1800s firehouse into a lively patio, intimate lounge and event space in the heart of Dairy Block’s mixed-used alley in Downtown Denver. Distilling, known for its use of unique global ingredients, will be releasing a new cocktail menu and Dairy-block exclusive spirits as well as offering light, sharable bites.

Courtesy of Tocabe




Tocabe Launches Indigenous Marketplace in Denver: Popular fast-casual Denver restaurant Tocabe has helped elevate Native American food culture and made Native grown and produced foods more widely available, all the while strengthening Indigenous food-supply chains in the U.S. This summer Tocabe expanded operations to launch the Tocabe Indigenous Marketplace. The virtual pantry offers staples and ingredients from Native and Indigenous producers, farmers, ranchers and suppliers throughout the contiguous United States, and delivered directly to people’s doors.

America’s First Full-Service, Alcohol-Free Bar, Awake Opens in Denver: Awake, an inclusive alcohol-free spirit store, bar, and coffee shop opened in Denver this past spring with a charitable mission. Awake is Colorado's first alcohol-free bar with America's most comprehensive, carefully curated selection of alcohol-free beer, wine, spirits and mocktail elixirs.

Grand Junction

- Grand Junction is home to James Beard award semi finalist Josh Nierenberg and his restaurants Bin707 and Taco Party, which is undergoing a major expansion in spring of 2022. Nierenberg has recently partnered with Ramblebine Brewery on a custom menu of perfectly paired bites under the new BlockParty GJ brand and collaborated with local winemaker, Carlson Vineyards, to create the custom High Desert Wine Lab label, which is the house red and white wine for Bin707 and Taco Party.

Boulder

On Saturdays in Boulder, visitors and locals gather at the Boulder Farmers Market. This outdoor market has been a hub for local food and community for nearly 30 years. Unlike many markets, everything is strictly local — grown or raised in Colorado.

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Valentine's Day Deals and Things to Do

Panama City Beach courtesy visitpanamacitybeach.com Panama City Beach is a dream escape for couples seeking a romantic weekend getaway this Valentine’s Day. Luxury spas, award-winning restaurants and miles of beautiful beaches and clear, emerald-green waters offer an enchanting, laid-back atmosphere for an unforgettable vacation with your special someone. Whether you prefer exotic adventures like scuba diving, fishing or hiking through state parks, or serene beach days spent with your toes in the sand, Panama City Beach is the perfect spot to explore with your special someone. Adventurous couples can hike or bird watch on the picturesque shores of the Gulf of Mexico at St. Andrews State Park, or get out on the water and try to spot wildlife on a dolphin tour, kayak or paddle board rental. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a side of gorgeous gulf views at Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill then dance the night away to live music. Low-key lovebirds looking to relax can spend the day lounging under the Florida sunshine or treat themselves to a spa day with special Valentine’s spa offers for 2 at Serenity Spa at Sheraton. Conclude the day with a sunset stroll along the destination’s pristine, white-sand beaches before an intimate fine dining experience at Firefly. Seattle - Hot Tub Boat courtesy hottubboats.com If you are in the Seattle area for Valentines or really anytime - have a unique adventure in a Hot Tub Boat. Built entirely in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, the boat can carry 2500lbs of water and 6 grown adults while maintaining stability. Enjoy the ease of the joystick navigation while cruising around and the continuous, adjustable heating. Each boat comes with plenty of dry storage that can handle anything you bring along. Hollywood, Florida courtesy Diplomat Beach Resort The Diplomat Beach Resort is featuring a “Suite Affection” special for couples and besties looking to escape the cold climate this Valentine’s Day weekend. Located in Hollywood, the seaside resort is the perfect destination for those looking for a charming beachfront retreat with easy access to Miami and Fort Lauderdale’s attractions. Now through February 25th get a 20% discount on the cost of any suite room booked for two or more nights, plus two complimentary glasses of champagne or wine upon check in. The package also includes 10% off on cabana rentals, plus complimentary bicycle rentals, and beach lounge chairs. The resort has a variety of amenities, including five culinary concepts ranging from grab-n-go options to alfresco dining: Diplomat Prime, a luxury boutique steakhouse; Playa, a poolside, beachfront Nuevo Latino cuisine with a rum and tequila bar and fresh juice drinks; the breakfast spot Counter Point; the onsite convenience store The Canteen; and the vibrant lobby Hotel Bar. Guests can immerse themselves in the refreshing waters of beachfront pools or the infinity pool terrace and have drinks and food delivered to their private Trina Turk-styled cabanas or upper-deck casitas. New York City - Rom Com Movie Tour samfotograf - I Stock On Location Tours is launching the Private NYC Rom Com Movie Tour in a classic Hollywood car featuring swoon-worthy locations from various romantic comedies shot in New York City! Whether it's a couples trip, girlfriends getaway, or plain old Saturday afternoon, fans can get that warm and fuzzy nostalgic feeling as their tour guide, a local actress, fills them in on charming behind-the-scenes fun facts about picturesque sites featured in the films. On this tour, passengers will stop at Cafe Lalo for a coffee break, where Kathleen Kelly got stood up by her date in You've Got Mail; snag some freshly baked goods at Zabar's, featured in Manhattan; put their starry-eyed opera glasses on at world-famous Lincoln Center, as seen in Moonstruck; recreate the scene where Harry and Sally picked up their Christmas tree every year, and more! The classic car is available for parties up to three. If there are more than three in a party, the vehicle will be upgraded to a Mercedes Sprinter or Sedan. While it's launching in time for Valentine's Day, it will be available after Valentine's Day as well. On Location Tours is partnering with three hotels in Manhattan: Shelburne Hotel & Suites, Gardens Suites Hotel, and Fifty Hotel & Suites to create an NYC combo package: Two tickets to the NYC Rom Com Tour, a bottle of champagne, and a one-night stay at any of the hotels this month.

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Discover USA: Athens, Georgia

Join Budget Travel as we continue our new series Discover USA. Discover USA explores states, counties, cities, and everything in between. Each week we will explore a new US destination to help you find things to do, itinerary ideas, and plan where to go next. This week, we invite you to Discover what Athens, Georgia has to offer. Athens is known for its eclectic mix of Southern traditions, modern attractions, and a vibrant arts scene, which includes incredible live music. The vibe and energy that gave birth to R.E.M., the B-52s and Widespread Panic is alive and well today through a variety of events and attractions. Culinary Athens Beer Trail Akademia Brewing - courtesy visitathensga.com The Athens Beer Trail is the newest beer getaway and adventure in the south. Visit all six local breweries to discover their individual approach to craft beer. Along the way, we guarantee you'll find new flavors, new friends, and enjoy the Athens creative vibe. It's not every day you get prizes for drinking beer. But luckily for you, that’s how the Athens Beer Trail rolls. Athens Beer Trail launched in October 2021 as a collaboration between Visit Athens GA and all local breweries. Condor Chocolates Condor Chocolate, birthed by Athens natives and brothers Nick and Peter Dale, is a bean-to-bar chocolate shop that starts every creation with cacao from Ecuador, their mother's native country. After thriving in Athens’ Five Points neighborhood, a second location opened in Downtown Athens on November 24, 2021. The new shop and café features large windows allowing guests to watch small batch chocolate production in action. It also introduces Condor's own coffee, called Peña. The coffee is named after the Choco Toucan, which lives in Ecuador’s coffee-growing regions and is named after the Chocó forest, not after chocolate. Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the state-of-the-art Decent Espresso machines which will be the first of this kind in Athens. Cafe Racer Coffee + Donuts Sugar Daddie at Cafe Racer - courtesy of caferacer78.com Cafe Racer Coffee + Donuts is located on Highway 78— located 10 minutes east of Athens, Georgia. This drive thru only, is known for not only their coffee but their amazing potato donuts and big ole biscuits. Try the Sugar Daddie a classic potato donut stuffed with classic creme patissiere + topped & torched classic crème brûlée style offered only on Saturday and Sunday. Or if big ole biscuits are your thing see if you can handle the BB King a double stacked mustard fried sausage patties with sharp cheddar cheese + spicy pickle chips + drenched in Racer Sauce ™️ or the TaterBoi , Jalapeño cream cheese, fried hash brown patty, racer sauce, scrambled egg, cheddar cheese. Add some hot sauce if you've got the courage. If 10 minutes is too far for you dont despair Cafe Racer will be opening a Cafe Racer 2 right in Athens on West Broad Street in Spring/Summer 2022. Arts and Culture Athens Music Walk of Fame courtesy visitathensga.com / Jason Thrasher Athens may be best known on the world stage as the birthplace of some of America’s best-loved bands, including R.E.M., the B-52s, Widespread Panic and Drive-by Truckers. The Athens Music Walk of Fame debuted in 2020 and passes by several renowned music venues like the Georgia Theatre, 40 Watt Club, and Morton Theatre. Inductees will be added each year. A free app uses proximity beacons to share sights and sounds. The Walk of Fame is a must-see attraction for all music fans and is a perfect daytime activity before heading to listen to live music in the evening. Porcelain & Decorative Arts Museum The newest part of the state’s official 313-acre garden, the Porcelain & Decorative Arts Museum features eight different gallery spaces that blend conservation, botanicals, art, beauty and curiosity. The Museum is a must-see for all art, history, garden and nature enthusiasts. Free, timed tours of the museum can be scheduled. Adjacent to the building is the Garden of Discovery and Inspiration where visitors can connect to the living botanical collection that is represented on so much of the porcelain pieces in the museum. After a soft opening during Covid, the dedication of the museum and surrounding Center for Art and Nature will be in April 2022. Bulldog Statues Around Athens courtesy visitathensga.com Dozens of larger-than-life bulldog statues stand guard throughout Athens, a public art display that is fun for all ages. Whether you are a fan of public art, a die-hard UGA Bulldog, a kid or a kid at heart, you'll enjoy seeking out these statues while you are there. These bulldog statues are the original Selfie Spots in Athens! Athens' Mural Alley Sandy Creek Park surrounds Lake Chapman and features a variety of activities and facilities. Athens Mural Alley is a public art project to beautify the alleyway that connects Clayton Street (by Classic City Cycling) and Washington St. The project is a collaboration among the Athens Area Arts Council, Athens Cultural Affairs Commission, Athens Downtown Development Authority and Lyndon House Arts Center. To find additional murals throughout Athens checkout this list of 29 murals. Explore the Outdoors Sandy Creek Park Sandy Creek Park surrounds Lake Chapman and features a variety of activities and facilities. Swim at the only beach in Athens-Clarke County. More than 28.000 square feet of sand and more than a half-acre of water. Hikers, walk or even horeseback ride on over 16 miles of trails that are over easy to moderate terrain. There are also playgrounds, fishing, dog parks, a disc golf course, sports areas, and rental pavillion facilities. Sandy Creek Nature Center Five minutes down the road from Sandy Creek Park is 225 acres of woodlands and wetlands at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. Here is your gateway to outdoor exploration. Twelve trails, an Education and Visitor Center that includes live reptiles, amphibians, marine and freshwater aquariums and interactive natural history exhibits, a 1815 Log House and several wildlife observation areas. You can also explore their small planetarium and newly-expanded exhibit hall with interactive learning centers that feature the wetlands, coastal, woodlands, agricultural and urban environments of Northeast Georgia. Alice H. Richards Children's Garden courtesy visitathensga.com The Alice H. Richards Children's Garden is an exploration and a journey, not something you just walk through. Everything is designed with attention to detail and an interactive, educational component. The 2.5-acre garden contains a variety of fun, immersive locations, including a chestnut tree house, fossil wall, giant water-misting mushrooms, vegetable garden, a replica of a North Georgia cave, and more — all designed to be learned from, crawled through and touched. Children can water plants, dig for dinosaur bones, see underneath the soil for how plants grow, and frolic in a forest treehouse. There are gigantic ladybugs to crawl over, water features, fun sculptures, and much, much more. CARD WIDGET HERE

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5 Reasons you should add Martha's Vineyard to your bucket list

There’s truly something for everyone on Martha’s Vineyard, whether you’re in town for a family vacation, planning a romantic getaway with your loved one, or seeing the world solo. Once you arrive on the Island, either by taking The Steamship Authority (SSA) ferry from Woods Hole in Falmouth or by air into Martha’s Vineyard Airport, you’ll find plenty of beaches, lighthouses, museums, restaurants, bars, and historical attractions to keep any traveler busy. Best of all, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to have a great trip, thanks to an abundance of alternative accommodations like campgrounds, hostels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and lots of free and affordable things to do. Here are five reasons why Martha’s Vineyard definitely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. There’s plenty to see and do outdoors From beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails to fishing, golf, yoga, and wildlife-viewing, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Martha’s Vineyard. Start by visiting two of the Island’s most popular outdoor hangouts: Menemsha Public Beach in Chilmark, a great spot for families to spend a day on the water, and Aquinnah Cliffs, home to hiking trails and views of the unique red and orange clay cliffside and Aquinnah Lighthouse. For a memorable outdoor yoga experience, head to Island Alpaca Company of Martha’s Vineyard in Oak Bluffs, where you can get your stretch on alongside these fascinating creatures in the middle of their pasture. Animal lovers should also visit Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in Edgartown for the chance to learn more about the Island’s unique habitats and try your hand at birding. Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at public or semi-private courses on the Island, including Mink Meadows Golf Club in Vineyard Haven, Farm Neck Golf Club in Oak Bluffs, or Royal and Ancient Chappaquiddick Links in Edgartown. Those who enjoy fishing can get local tips from tackle shops or hire fishing charters and try catching bluefish, tuna, sea bass, fluke, and squid. The island has a fascinating history To fully understand the history of the Island, start with a trip to the Aquinnah Circle Cultural District, home to the stunning Aquinnah Cliffs, Aquinnah lighthouse, and Aquinnah Cultural Center, where you can learn all about Martha’s Vineyard’s original inhabitants, the Wampanoag, and visit shops owned by local Indigenous people. For a look at the Island’s diverse heritage and maritime background, visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven to see stories of the many cultures and people who have come to call the area home, learn how lighthouses helped through the ages, and explore the Thomas Cooke House, formerly the home of Martha’s Vineyard’s earliest attorneys during the 18th century. The Museum also happens to be the steward of the Edgartown and East Chop Lighthouses, which are also worth checking out, as is the Aquinnah Lighthouse, formerly known as Gay Head Light. History buffs should also make time for a historical walking tour through Edgartown, run by the Vineyard Preservation Trust, which takes guests past the Vincent House (built in 1672), the Village Green, the John Coffin House, the Old Whaling Church, and the Dr. Daniel Fisher House & Gardens, among other historic sites throughout the area. Keep an eye out for famous people and places Not only is Martha’s Vineyard home to the world’s oldest operating platform carousel—The Flying Horses Carousel, built in 1876 and entertaining guests at its current location in Oak Bluffs since 1884—it’s also been known to appear in movies and TV shows from time to time. Fans of the Jaws film franchise will recognize “Amity Island” as none other than Martha’s Vineyard, with famous scenes filmed along Vineyard Haven Harbor, Cow Bay Beach in Edgartown, East Chop, Menemsha, Harbor, Gay Head Light in Aquinnah. Perhaps the most popular filming location is the American Legion Memorial Bridge, now known simply as “Jaws Bridge,” which is now a popular spot for another reason among visitors and locals: jumping off the bridge into the water 12–15 feet below. In the film, it’s where the shark famously swims into Sengekontacket Pond and goes after another innocent beachgoer. Martha’s Vineyard has also appeared in a number of movies (Sabrina, Stuck on You, Jumping the Broom, and Chappaquiddick, among others) as well as TV shows like Our Kind of People and The Vineyard. It’s also known as being a bit of a celebrity stomping ground, with big names like James Taylor, Carly Simon, David Letterman, Spike Lee, and former President Barack Obama all owning homes here, and a flurry of celebs including Larry David, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Murray, who vacation on the Island in summer. You never know who you’ll spot here, so keep your eyes peeled—but remain respectful. Enjoy locally sourced dining and vintage shopping If you’ve worked up an appetite after a long day of sightseeing, there’s a Martha’s Vineyard restaurant with your name on it. Whether you’re craving ocean-to-table seafood, farm-to-table favorites, a good old fashioned clambake, or a chill night at a neighborhood pub. Open seasonally during the summer, Chilmark Tavern, Beach Plum, and The Sweet Life café (open year round) are popular among visitors, residents, and celebrities alike. Looking for something lighter? In West Tisbury, pick up picnic-perfect fruit, veggies, meat, cheese, and snacks from the Farmer’s Market, held on Wednesday and Saturday from mid-June to late-October. When it comes to retail therapy, antiques and vintage pieces are the way to go. Start by scouring the Oak Bluffs Open Market, a vintage flea market meets crafts fair meets farmer’s market held on Sunday from late-May to mid-October, and the Chilmark Flea Market, the oldest outdoor flea market in Martha’s Vineyard, open Wednesday and Saturday from the mid-June to mid-September. Otherwise, stick to locally-owned boutiques for all your shopping needs, including popular brands like Vineyard Vines, Menemsha Blues, and The Black Dog, which all got their start here on the Island. Accommodations options are abundant The beauty of Martha’s Vineyard is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a memorable vacation. Families can save money by making it a camping adventure at Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground, which has plenty of room for tents and RVs, rustic cabins you can rent, and amenities like picnic tables, laundry areas, a recreation hall, showers, bathrooms, a playground, and a general store. Rates range from $59 to $195 a night depending on which kind of space you want to rent (tent and RV sites or one- and two-bedroom cabins) and when (it’s only open seasonally from late May to late-October). Travelers of all types should consider staying at HI Martha’s Vineyard Hostel in West Tisbury, which offers seasonal accommodation from May to October. Rates start at $38 a night for dorm-style rooms with bunk beds or $99 a night for private rooms, and all stays include perks like complimentary Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, easy access to public transportation via VTA bus, fully-stocked shared kitchen space, and a sand volleyball court to play in.Otherwise, you can find a variety of accommodations options ranging from fancy splurge-worthy hotels to homey inns and bed and breakfasts all throughout the Island. Vacation home rentals are also quite popular so check online marketplaces and local real estate companies, too. Rates are typically lower during the winter, spring, and fall seasons, so you might also luck out with an off-season deal if you’re not visiting during the summer months. CARD WIDGET HERE

Sponsored by Martha's Vineyard

Join Budget Travel as we begin our new series Discover USA. Discover USA explores states, counties, cities, and everything in between. Each week we will explore a new US destination to help you find things to do, itinerary ideas, and plan where to go next. This week, we invite you to Discover what the State of Mississippi has to offer. The "Magnolia state" is widely known for its BBQ, magnolias, catfish, bluegrass music, and southern charm. Explore the Outdoors Image courtesy visitmississippi.org In Mississippi, visitors will find no shortage of outdoor recreational opportunities. From breathtaking views at Gulf Coast beaches, towering forests, rivers and lakes and more, all offer exhilarating and adventurous experiences. Parks: An abundance of festivals, historic sites and outdoor recreation events make Mississippi’s system of national, state and local parks a welcoming, family-oriented vacation destination. Throughout the state, travelers will find many opportunities for camping, hiking, equestrian activities, wildlife viewing and much more. Many of Mississippi’s state parks provide modern amenities for visitors to enjoy, including boating areas, fishing spots, hiking trails, disc goal courses, beaches, playgrounds and picnic areas. Cycling: Mississippi has a wondrous wealth of paved and unpaved bike trails. But one of the greatest joys of biking in Mississippi is the opportunity to experience history, in addition to the scenic vistas, off-road detours and colorful scenery that are found along the journey. The Natchez Trace, which stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee is unlike any other scenic route in the country, thanks to its historic sites and numerous markers that tell the story of the Trace's 10,000-year history. Waterways: The rivers and streams in Mississippi offer some of the most fun and most scenic outdoor adventures in the state. Adventure out on the Mississippi River with Quapaw Canoe Company, or paddle Black Creek, Mississippi’s only designated National Wild and Scenic waterway. Further South, the Gulf Coast region offers multiple opportunities for waterway adventures. There are currently seven Blueways, or water trails, that have been mapped out for recreational canoers and kayakers including the Pascagoula River Blueway, the largest free flowing waterway in the lower 48 states. The mild climate in Mississippi means the state’s waterways are ripe for fishing year-round. With 119 public lakes open and ready for action, a great day of fishing is never far away. Some of the most popular places to fish in Mississippi include: Grenada LakeArkabutla LakeEnid LakeHernando DeSoto River Park There are also plenty of opportunities to go fishing on the Gulf Coast, with options ranging from night fishing on the shore to a deep-sea, multi-day charter. Arts and Culture One of the most notable aspects of Mississippi is the rich culture that’s saturated the land for generations. Mississippi has played an integral part in shaping the history of America, as well as several artistic and cultural movements that people across the country enjoy today. The Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson is Mississippi’s largest art museum that has over 4,000 works, including the world’s largest collection by and relating to Mississippians and their diverse heritage. Many works can be seen in the permanent collection, New Symphony of Time. The Art Garden offers Wi-Fi and al fresco dining and hosts outdoor events. Since 1979, the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale has been working to conserve Mississippi’s blues legacy. As the state’s oldest music museum, this Clarksdale arts center has interpreted and cultivated an understanding of this native Mississippi art form for decades. Exhibits include collections of artifacts, memorabilia, instruments and more from some of the state’s most prolific blues musicians, like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. History and Civil Rights Image courtesy visitmississippi.org The new, interactive Mississippi Civil Rights Museum also in Jackson explores the true stories of the Civil Rights movement, and shows how those events shaped a state and changed the world. After taking in the fascinating exhibits at the museum, visitors can venture to some of the 25 sites on the Mississippi Freedom Trail to experience history at the source. Deeply intertwined in the fabric of Mississippi’s past are the legends of the blues and country music that defined the genres forever. The Mississippi Blues Trail showcases the powerful influence of Mississippi’s Black musicians on an unforgettable journey through blues history. The trail showcases the people and places that shaped the genre through notable markers, influential locations, and museums. Culinary For foodies looking for an inexpensive way to enjoy the very best BBQ on a budget-friendly getaway, the state of Mississippi is the perfect destination. A few of the many notable BBQ restaurants to visit around the state include Corky’s Ribs & BBQ in Olive Branch, The Shed BBQ in Ocean Springs and One & Only BBQ in Southhaven. Image courtesy visitmississippi.org Stop along a few locations on the Hot Tamale Trail, located throughout the Mississippi Delta region. Today, the Hot Tamale Trail in the Mississippi Delta not only celebrates the history hot tamales share with our state, but it also enables visitors and locals alike to find eateries providing them on their menus. Throughout the region, no two hot tamale recipes are alike, and along the Hot Tamale Trail, you can find variations that feature pork, beef, or turkey, corn flour instead of corn meal, and toppings like chili and cheese. See below for a few culinary focused events in Mississippi: March 19, 2022 Shaggy’s Rez Fest – Crawfish & Country Music Festival (Brandon) March 25-26, 2002 The South MS Boucherie BBQ Festival & Competition (Tylertown) April 20-24, 2022 29th Annual Crawfish Music Festival (Biloxi) April 23, 2022 18th Annual Mudbug Bash (Hernando) Other Notable Attractions: Hattiesburg Zoo (Hattiesburg)Mississippi Aquarium (Gulfport)GolfCasinos CARD WIDGET HERE