EAT:
DeepWood has so many menu options, you should honestly plan a second visit. Even vegetarians, vegans, and those in search of gluten-free options are taken care of here. I recommend the fish. It’s an upscale eatery, which makes it perfect for client dinners. That said, it’s also open for lunch on certain days.

Those looking for a serious seafood dinner need look no further than 89 Fish. This place has fresh fare from the sea, flown in daily (keep in mind: the prices reflect that). The atmosphere is classy but casual, and there’s also a larger-than-usual bar area for those who need to take the edge off during happy hour.

DO:
Particularly in spring, Columbus is one of the most gorgeous cities to explore. Generally, I recommend a nearby urban park to unwind with little-to-no damage to one’s wallet, but here, I’d recommend hiring a bicycle. Columbus Bike Tours & Bike Rentals will rent you a set of wheels to explore the nearby surroundings, and it’s worth heading to Battelle Riverfront Park for a ride along the Scioto River. In fact, those with ample time can peddle on down to Scioto Mile Park for even more outstanding views.

The Columbus Zoo; I know what you’re probably thinking, but hear me out – Columbus has one of the most pristine (and largest) zoos in the nation, and if you haven’t been to a zoo since grade school, now’s the time to change that. Even if you only have a morning or afternoon to visit, the exhibits here are really awe-inspiring. It’ll also get you out of the downtown core a bit, forcing you to explore beyond eyesight.

DRINK:
Typically, I’ll recommend a single spot to unwind after a long workweek. But in Columbus, you owe it to yourself to head to the Arena District. Bar hopping in this area is a well-known event, and even if you aren’t looking to sip too much, there’s plenty of live music and local talents to keep you interested. When in doubt, head to where the locals are flocking.

This is a recurring feature exploring must-visit locales in a variety of cities. If you find yourself traveling to a place for business, why not venture out and enjoy your surroundings?

Better still, a number of major carriers are celebrating new routes to hot Caribbean locales with killer fares. From unstoppable rates to Colombia’s sexy seaside city, to the first-ever direct flights to Martinique, here are the season’s best new ways to save.

Delta: NYC’s Laguardia to Bermuda
In April 2013, Delta debuted daily flights to Bermuda out of LaGuardia. With flight times under 2.5 hours each way, Delta’s new, year-round service may just be the best thing to happen to Queens since the 7 train. Rates from: $215 round-trip

AirTran: Chicago’s Midway International to Jamaica
Chicago winters are the stuff of legend. For Midwesterners in need of a quick dose of vitamin D, AirTran recently launched non-stop service from Chicago to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The new flights operate four days per week, making them ideal for weekend trips. Rates from: $370 round-trip

American Airlines: Miami to Martinique
Located just 150 miles from Barbados, Martinique might seem like a French secret on par with good rosé and aging gracefully. But, with American Airlines’ launch of weekly direct flights from MIA to Martinique’s Aimé Césaire airport, the Gallic isle has never been easier to reach from the mainland United States. Bon voyage. Rates from: $700 round-trip.

JetBlue: NYC’s John F. Kennedy to Cartagena
So, Colombia isn’t technically part of the Caribbean, but Cartagena, its UNESCO-approved historic port, has miles of Caribbean coastline. In late 2012, JetBlue inaugurated direct flights from JFK airport, giving New Yorkers easy access to Colombian beaches. Rates from: $300 round-trip

Seaborne: San Juan, Puerto Rico to Dominica, Martinique, and Guadaloupe
Granted, if San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín airport is your home base, you might not need quite as much warm weather relief as your New York- and Chicago-based brethren. Still, Seaborne’s new routes are pretty big news. As of April 2013, the USVI-based carrier now runs direct flights to Dominica, Martinique, and Guadaloupe. Rates from: $200 round-trip

Want to get started planning your next trip to one of these awesome destinations? Start here!

Have you flown any of these new routes? How was it?

Desert experiences vary from light to more active, depending on whether travelers want to dip their toes or immerse themselves in the wilderness. While it’s always possible to plan your own adventure, some outfitters make it easy to fit in a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Here are some of my favorites:

Hotel-and-tour combo:
Guests at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe can join hotel staff for a morning hike (Fridays through Sundays) on trails that wind through the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The resort overlooks the Rio Grande River Valley, the peaks of the Jemez Mountains, and the wilds of New Mexico in all directions, so you’re guaranteed to get quite a view. The resort also has a dedicated on-site adventure center for activities beyond the immediate property. Adventures include everything from mountain biking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains adjacent to the property and hiking in famed Georgia O’Keeffe country to fly fishing, snow shoeing, and day trips to Taos and beyond.

Rafting:
Despite the convenience of having your hotel set up your outdoor experience in the Santa Fe region, there are ample offerings by a wealth of other outfitters. If you’re yearning for some water in the desert, try a whitewater rafting trip on the nearby Rio Grande and Chama rivers with Santa Fe Rafting, Kokopelli Rafting Adventures, or New Wave Rafting. The season tends to run from April through September, with the wild/mild index leaning towards bigger rapids earlier in the season, due to snowmelt.

Fishing:
Or, maybe you want to catch your own dinner? Try your hand at fly fishing with guide services offered by High Desert Angler or The Reel Life. Both offer guide services for fly fishing the rivers and lakes of Northern New Mexico, on both public and private waters.

High-speed:
Back on land, you can go from slow to speedy with multiple programs covering hiking, geocaching trips, and sunset four-wheel-drive tours offered by Santa Fe Walkabouts, Outspire Hiking & Snowshoeing, and Santa Fe Mountain Adventures. YogiHiker combines walks into the mountains with yoga sessions.

Bike:
If your own two feet aren’t fast enough, switch to two wheels with a bike adventure. Mellow Velo has a rental fleet of high-end mountain bikes, road bikes, multi-use mountain bikes, and city cruisers. Their excellent collection of maps is a great help for visitors looking for that perfect mountain or road ride.

Climbing:
Get even closer to the awe-inspiring rocky landscape with a rock-climbing outing. There are plenty of places to climb in northern New Mexico between Santa Fe and Taos to suit a variety of skill levels. The Santa Fe Climbing Center not only has an excellent indoor climbing facility, but also leads a number of different guided trips.

When you’re done, there’s always time to round out your trip with gallery and museum visits, shopping, or a chile-infused meal with a crisp margarita. What are your favorite outdoor activities and companies in Santa Fe?

Fragrant with jasmine and verdant with gardens, the island has been coveted by marauding invaders for centuries: Genoese pirates, swashbuckling Spaniards, and the Moors, not to mention the passing mega-yachts, whose cruisers get serious real estate envy when they spy Saint-Honorat. But the enterprising monks who inhabit the island have laid claim to it since the 5th century. Legend has it that Saint Patrick even stopped to study at Saint-Honorat’s monastery while island-hopping in the 400s. Frère Marie-Pâques, the jolly Commercial Director, used to be a beekeeper near Montpellier before embracing the island life. Another monk, Romain, channels his former Baywatch days as a Riviera lifeguard by swimming every morning in the crystal clear sea. The newest addition to the Abbaye de Lérins’ team is Vincent, who hails from Italy.

Now, back to the winery: The product from these wind-swept vines isn’t any old swill; the monks’ Saint-Césaire and Saint Salonius wines were served to 26 heads of state at the G-20 summit in Cannes in November 2011. “I’m ambitious. These wines will soon rival Romanée-Conti!” Frère Marie-Pâques told me, referring to the famous Burgundy Pinot Noir that can fetch up to 13,000 euros per bottle. And he isn’t joking. After publishing a book about the business last year, Marie-Pâques went on a book tour all over France, marketing their wine and signing copies at superstore chain FNAC, while sporting his friar’s habit.

Getting there is a breeze. A 20-minute boat ride from Cannes and you’ll be strolling the island paths, ogling the ancient fortified monastery, partaking in wine tastings, and sitting down for a lingering lunch at La Tonnelle. On the menu at the monks’ resto? Freshly caught fish, Mediterranean vegetables, seared foie gras, and even Lérins mojitos. Pick up some lovely gifts at the monks’ boutique, where their top-notch herbal liqueurs are also sold. Need an even longer escape? You can even do weeklong retreats on the island.

Boats depart almost every hour in the summer months from the Saint Pierre pier next to the Quai Laubeuf parking lot in Cannes. The ticket price is just 14 euros per person. Are you going to Cannes? Tell us about it below!

Kayak the Hudson (June 17, 19, and 21 at 12–1pm) Pier 66 at 12th Ave.
Take in the NYC skyline from a new angle – in a kayak on guided tour on the Hudson River! Dress to get wet and bring a waterproof camera. Trust us, you won’t want to miss any photo ops!

Storytelling: Adventures with Melanie Hamlett (June 17 from 7–8:30pm) St. Mark’s Theater, 94 St. Marks’ Pl.
Join NYC-based storyteller and travel writer, Melanie Hamlett, for a night of laughter around the “campfire.” Comedians who have appeared on The Daily Show with John Stewart, Chapelle’s Show, and The Moth will share their adventures and shoot the breeze with you.

Daily Yoga (June 17–23 from 7–8am) Central Park’s Sheep Meadow, 72nd & Central Park West
What better way to start your morning in a busy city than with a calming hour of yoga in the Central Park? Take in the summer breeze and smell of fresh cut grass as you relax your mind and body.

Breakneck Ridge Solstice Hike (June 21 from 4–10pm) Grand Central, 87 East 42nd St.
How do you shorten the longest day of the year? With a quick five mile hike up Breakneck Ridge, of course. Toss some trail mix in your backpack and leave Manhattan behind for a beautiful sunset. If you choose to take the train up with the group, please note that the time of departure is 4:15pm and costs around $26 round trip.

Volunteer: Garden Day at Van Cortlandt Park (June 22 from 10am–1pm) Van Cortlandt Park Horse Stables, Van Cortlandt Park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave, Bronx
Spend the morning offering up your green thumb at the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park’s Compost Site and Garden houses. Volunteers will help weed, water, and maintain the site while learning how the garden operates and grows healthy, nutritious fruits and veggies. Closed toe shoes and long pants are recommended as is plenty of water, a snack, and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring the kids! Children seven and up are encouraged to come, just list the ages of those under 18 when you sign up to register.

Where the Wild Things Grow: Drawing the Urban Wilderness Children’s Art Class (June 23 from 10–11:30am)
Prospect Park, Prospect Park 9th St. Entrance, Brooklyn
Painter and naturalist Grace Markman teaches children how to draw by observing the nature around them. Your little artists will be inspired by the colorful flowers, trees, and birds on a bright summer’s day. Children five and above are welcome and must be supervised throughout the activity. All art materials will be supplied.

Registration is easy! Simply choose the date and event you want to participate in and add it to your calendar. But, register soon because events sell out fast! Each event page provides a detailed description of the activity and displays a map of the area you’ll be exploring.

Are you signing up for anything? Tell us how it goes!

My mind goes straight to the Rialto, one of the most heavily trafficked parts of an overly toured city. Tucked behind an unassuming storefront, directly across the street from the frenetic (and pungent) fish market is Pronto Pesce, a small fish shop selling local delicacies that were most likely swimming just a few hours prior to your purchase.

I discovered this little gem on the Travel Channel‘s recently wrapped series, No Reservations. Knowing Anthony Bourdain would never steer me wrong, I knew that this had to be a stop on my own itinerary to Venice. And boy, did Mr. Bourdain ever find a prime spot!

The display case, upon first glance, isn’t really all that impressive – especially if you don’t know what it is you’re looking at. Fortunately, the people behind the counter speak English relatively well and are more than willing to explain what it is you see.

I asked for a sampling of everything. Greatest decision ever. The store clerk set to work, piling a plate high with smoked swordfish, squid eggs, salted cod spread, sardines, shrimp, shark, and tuna. Add to that, crusty, rustic bread and tiny glasses of Prosecco, which are filled generously and often. (Prosecco, to Venetians, is like morning coffee and completely acceptable for consumption before 11am.)

Pronto Pesce opened in 2007 as a simple fish market with takeaway service, but since then has grown to become an eat-in establishment, as well. There are fewer than 20 seats in the entire store and through large glass windows diners can gaze out at the raucous action at the Rialto.

The patrons that wander in and out are undeniably local – not a Nikon or a fanny pack in sight! If you are on a trip to Venice this is a perfect spot for a light lunch, an afternoon buzz and a peek into what Venice would be like without anyone but Venetians. Pronto Pesce can be found at San Polo 319 in historic Venice.

Traveler’s tip: Because Venice is mostly occupied with tourists, I wouldn’t recommend spending more than one or two days in the city. Hotel rooms and most restaurants are out-of-this-world expensive, and you are essentially visiting a giant outdoor museum. The city is a must-see, for sure, but Italy is home to towns that are just as picturesque and infinitely more authentic. Fortunately, Italy’s extensive rail network makes a quick trip to Venice entirely possible. Visit Trenitalia for train fares and schedules. A high-speed train from Rome takes less than four hours, making Venice a great destination for a weekend jaunt.

Got any hidden local hotspots in Venice to share? Tell us about them below!

Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands

Known for it’s beautiful tulips, Amsterdam is actually home to the world’s largest garden. Offering a kaleidoscope of colors among seven million tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, Keukenhof Gardens is a must-see for all generations. While there, enjoy the brightly colored grounds, or see one of 30 indoor flower shows, featuring an array of over a dozen different types of flowers. For the avid gardener, Keukenhof offers nature lessons and gardening tips from experienced growers. If you bring the kids along, fear not, there is plenty for them to do. Keukenhof has a playground, petting zoo, maze, and a scavenger hunt through the park. Open daily from 8am–7:30pm from mid-March to mid-May; tickets for adults are about $19, while children (4–11 years) are about $9.

Villa d’Este, Tivoli, Italy

Also known as the Tivoli Gardens, Villa d’Este resembles a picturesque page out a fairytale. Filled with beautiful fountains and sculptures dating back to the mid 1500s, visitors will be knee-deep in Renaissance culture and history. Floral archways give way to meticulously trimmed, bright green bushes as you walk along the famed Le Cento Fontane (The Hundred Fountains) or behind one of the cascading waterfalls throughout the gardens. Open at 8:30am and close one hour before sunset; ticket prices vary throughout the year, so call or visit their site for more info.

Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center, Springfield, Illinois

For a more rustic, but by no means less beautiful landscape, visit the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Inspired by the Midwestern landscape of Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana, visitors will encounter plants native to those three states in which Lincoln called home, such as Buckeyes, Larkspur, and various species of vibrant wildflowers. Bird hikes, nature book groups, and walking trails are just some of the many activities offered to visitors here. Perhaps the most endearing feature is the plethora of wooden park benches, with quotes from Lincoln, scattered about the 100-acre park. Open daily from sunrise to sunset; entrance is free, but you may want to call ahead as some events have admission fees.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

If you look hard enough, you can find a garden, even in the most unlikely of places. Known as the most beautiful garden in Africa, Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 and became the first botanic garden in the world devoted to a country’s native flora; it’s also part of a nature reserve, which houses animals and a variety of species of birds. Spring flowers blooming in the garden include lilies, conebushes, daisies, and fynbos plants. Walk the garden alone or go on a themed walk, visit an artist exhibition, or enjoy a special concert. Open daily September through March from 8am–7pm; daily April through from 8am–6pm; admission is about $4.63 for adults and about $1.10 for kids.

Nong Nooch – The Gardens, Chonburi, Thailand

If you’re looking for a garden with variety, look no further than the Nong Nooch Gardens in Thailand. From French and Asian gardens to the Butterfly and Pottery gardens, Nong Nooch has it all. With new additions and constant updates, Nong Nooch is ever changing, featuring strong architectural shapes and lines in one garden, and soft, delicate swirls and twirls in another. Open from 8am–6pm; included in the $15 ticket price is full access to the park as well as Nong Nooch’s famous Amazing Thai Cultural shows and Elephant show.

Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, Canada

Take in the 55 acres of family-owned flora at The Butchart Gardens. Rhododendrons, magnolias, pansies. and tulips are currently in bloom along with many other varieties listed on the Weekly Flower and Foliage Report. As you wander throughout the gardens, feel free to toss a coin in the many spouting fountains as you enjoy the colorful scenery. If you plan on visiting the gardens on Mother’s Day, take Mom to afternoon tea or a specialty buffet. Rates as well as hours of operation vary from month to month so visit the site for more information.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Salzburg, Austria

You may recognize parts of the Mirabell Gardens from the beloved classic, “The Sound of Music,” where Julie Andrews frolics around a Pegasus fountain in a garden with luscious green hedges. Opened to the public in 1854, Mirabell Gardens features classic designs from the Baroque age in Europe. It’s known for its unique Dwarf Garden, which has a multitude of tiny, misshapen marble creatures, as well as the “Heckentheater” or “hedge theatre,” which is now used for summer concerts and performances. Always open and free of charge to the public.

Huntington Library, Art, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California

Originally purchased in 1903 as a ranch, the Huntington Botanical Gardens is home to more than 14,000 types of plants and 12 different gardens. Perhaps the most unique is the Desert Garden, which features several varieties of cactus plants from oldest to newest and biggest to smallest species. Nearly 100 years old, the 10-acre cactus garden is a must-see for those looking for an unexpected garden experience. Hours of operation and admission fees vary depending on the day, so visit the website to learn more.

Claude Monet Gardens, Giverny, France

You don’t have to be an art lover to appreciate the beauty of a painting by Monet. Visit the Claude Monet Gardens, where the he found much of his artistic inspiration. Walk along paths lined with trees, plants, and an array of flowers. Carnations, roses, poppies, pansies, bellflowers, sweet pea, and blue thistle are among the large variety of flowers featured throughout the gardens. Open daily from March 29–November 1, from 9:30am–6pm; tickets for adults are about $12, while children are $8 (admission is free for children under the age of seven).

Stourhead Gardens, Warminster, England

Opened in 1740, Stourhead Gardens has continually maintained its reputation as an elegant landscape. With a lake as the centerpiece, temples, beautiful grottoes, exotic trees, and bright flora surround the gardens. Take a walking tour or roam around by yourself (you can easily get lost in the beauty). Step inside and take a grand tour of Stourhead House; you’ll learn about classic paintings and works of art. A visual retreat to visit year round, Stourhead Gardens is a beautiful escape to the English era of mansions and marble. Hours of operation are from 9am–7pm; ticket prices vary depending on how much of the Gardens you wish to see.

What are some of your favorite gardens around the world? Did we miss any?

1. Full Throttle, Six Flags Magic Mountain, California

The tallest, fastest looping coaster in the world, Full Throttle begins with a 70-mile per hour launch into the record-holding 160-foot tall loop. Two more launches follow, including one backwards from a dark tunnel. If you’re looking for a white-knuckle ride that can make you scream like a six-year-old, this is it.

2. Outlaw Run, Silver Dollar City, Missouri

Western-themed Outlaw Run hurls you through both the world’s first double barrel roll inversion on a wooden coaster and the world’s first outside banked turn on a wooden coaster. It also boasts the world’s steepest drop, 81 degrees, and at 68 miles per hour, it’s the second fastest wooden coaster anywhere.

3. Transformers: The Ride 3-D, Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

I know. Transformers: The Ride 3-D isn’t exactly new – it opened last year at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Singapore – but the Orlando version, which opens June 20, 2013, improves the already spectacular battle with new projectors and screens. Fight with a 30-foot Optimus Prime against Megatron and his Decepticons in a battle zone that spans two stories.

4. Gatekeeper, Cedar Point, Ohio

Faster, longer and taller than other “winged” coasters, the aptly named Gatekeeper dominates Cedar Point’s entrance. Riders race at speeds up to 64 miles per hour along a circuit that includes two dive loops, an Immelmann loop, a giant corkscrew, and two zero-g rolls.

5. Iron Rattler, Six Flags Fiesta, Texas

Originally built in 1992, the Rattler received a makeover and new name, Iron Rattler, just in time for this summer season. The rechristened ride stands 18 stories high and features the first zero-g barrel roll on a hybrid coaster plus four over-banked turns, the most of any roller coaster in the world.

6. Dinosaurs Alive!, North Carolina, Minnesota, and Missouri

The Dinosaurs Alive! parks feature life-size animatronic dinosaurs that thrash their tails, gnash their teeth and roar in themed settings. So far, there are seven parks in the United States and one in Canada. This summer the concept opens in Carowinds, NC, Minneapolis, MN, and Kansas City, MO.

7. Hades 360, Mt. Olympus, Wisconsin

Voted the Best New Ride by Amusement Today when it opened as Hades in 2005, Hades 360 adds a loop and a new over-banked turn for 2013. The revamped ride also extends its 800-foot underground tunnel to 1,400 feet but retains the 90-degree underground turn in complete darkness that makes you feel like you’ve truly entered the underworld.

8. Aquatica, Sea World San Diego, California

Let’s be clear: Aquatica isn’t a ride, it’s a waterpark. And, no, it isn’t the first of its kind either. Sea World introduced the concept in Orlando in 2008 and in San Antonio in 2012. But the new San Diego experience, which lets you zip down waterslides, lounge on a beach, and watch a flamingo parade, definitely deserves a mention.

9. Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, Sea World Orlando, Florida

Another Sea World offering, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin replaces the park’s 24-year-old Penguin Encounter with an adventure from the penguin’s point of view. Bring a jacket. The interactive ride features 55-foot-tall glaciers and claims to be the world’s coldest theme park attraction.

10. Safari Off Road Adventure, Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari, New Jersey

More than 12,000 animals from six continents populate Safari Off Road Adventure, the 350-acre safari component of the world’s largest theme park. Board an open-air vehicle and let guides drive you to roaming park animals. It’s the closest thing to a safari you can experience without the expensive plane ticket to Africa.

What’s your favorite amusement park attraction? Are you planning on seeing any of these this summer?

Getting to Ellis Island and Liberty Island: Statue Cruises is the official tour operator to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. They offer ferries to the islands from Battery Park in Manhattan and New Jersey’s Liberty State Park. While the ferry schedule hasn’t been released yet, you can buy tickets here in one of three different tiers.

Tip: Don’t be fooled by other operators, their prices will be jacked-up with fewer extras!

“Reserve with Crown” ticket is the priciest of options ($20 for adults, $12 for children), but offers the most access to the sites: You get to go up in the crown, priority entry in the ferry’s boarding line (saving you wait time), access to the grounds of Liberty Island, an audio tour of Liberty and Ellis Islands, and limited access to Ellis Island, specifically, the Wall of Honor.

Check for updates: Though the Statue of Liberty National Park is planned to open in July, Ellis Island is closed indefinitely, with no plans for reopening this year. Before you go, make sure to check the status in case things have changed. Access to the island and it’s museum is regularly free.

What to see: If you want to learn even more about the Statue of Liberty than what’s already on your audio tour, hop on a free Park Ranger-guided tour (also available on Ellis Island). You’ll learn about why and how the Statue was made, the Island’s history, and hear about some of the Lady Liberty’s many symbols.

On Ellis Island visit the Third Floor which houses the Dormitory Galleries; they detail how certain emigrants traveled to America and about their new lives here. According to the island’s website, “Although most immigrants processed at Ellis Island stayed between three and five hours, about 20 percent stayed overnight in dormitory rooms until their cases could be cleared.” Also on the Third Floor: Library Hall displays portraits of immigrants from Central Europe along with excerpts from their oral histories.

Participate in a free genealogy workshop at the museum: It provides instruction about how to gather, interpret, and use historical data to trace family histories.

Take a free tour of the Ferry Building, which chronicles the story of the United States Public Health Service. Keep in mind that you have to sign up for the program beforehand as spaced is limited. Tours are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and some weekends at 11:30am and 2:30pm.

On a dime: You can bring food on to Ellis and Liberty Islands. So, if you’re looking to avoid the lines at concessions (and the overpriced fare), just pack a picnic and enjoy it outside, weather permitting, of course.

If you want to get close to Liberty Island and Ellis Island without spending a cent, just hop on the free Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal. The boats leave every half hour (sometimes more frequently) and gets about as close as you can get to the national landmarks without actually visiting. Get your camera ready because you won’t want to miss any of the prime photo ops of Lady Liberty and NYC’s skyline!

You can also purchase a CityPASS for New York which gives you speedy access (at a discounted group price) to popular tourist spots like the two islands, The Empire State Building, and more. Keep in mind, though, CityPASS doesn’t include crown access, so you’ll have to pay extra for that.

Did we miss any tricks or tips? Share your own with us below!

But a new generation of Richmond residents is giving their historic city new life. From a pristine performing arts center in an emerging downtown district, to an incredibly exciting restaurant scene, and a recent $100 million investment in capital architecture, the energy is palpable. Here’s where to get a piece of the action.

EAT:
Nashville and Charleston might get all the ink, but Richmond is quickly becoming one of the South’s best cities for foodie travelers. Think modern takes on southern classics at native Virginian Jason Alley’s unstoppable Comfort and Pasture restaurants, Mediterranean small plates made with local produce at Secco wine bar, and inventive veggie fare at The Roosevelt. Explore a little and journey to Richmond’s Glen Allen suburb to try steamy Szechuan cuisine by Peter Chang, the Chinese chef with a national following.

DO:
Take in a show at the newly renovated Richmond Centerstage, a performing arts center on the city’s budding Grace Street. The complex hosts local acts like the Virginia Opera, as well as touring performers like Lyle Lovett and Bill Maher.

Or go back in time at the Byrd Theatre, a landmark theatre in trendy Carytown. The opulent, 1,300-seat cinema dates back to 1928, and screens both new releases and local independent films for a mere $1.99 per person!

Few people know more about historic and modern-day Richmond than Maureen Egan of Real Richmond Food Tours, who takes small groups of the hungry and the curious throughout her adopted city. From roadside barbecue in Church Hill, to eating along Abraham Lincoln’s route up the James River, Egan has the skinny on the city.

DRINK:
Sample the city’s burgeoning craft brewers Legend and Hardywood at Mekong, an unassuming Vietnamese restaurant and unexpected beer mecca. Founded by chef and Belgian beer enthusiast An Bui, Mekong has an award-winning beer bar that is frequented by a passionate community of local drinkers.

Heritage, a buzzy new restaurant in the Fan District, serves new American fare like hanger steak with tomato molasses and house-made charcuterie, plus an inventive seasonal cocktail list favored by culinary insiders. Sip an Angostura Sour, made with heaping spoonfuls of namesake bitters, or raise a glass of the Lion’s Tail, which features a mix of lime, Fighting Cock bourbon, and allspice. Here’s to the South!

What are your favorite spots in Richmond? Tell us below!