U.S. Cities Archives - Travel Blue Book

5 “Weird” Things to Do in Portland

January 28, 2016 By Mel 5 Comments

Portland, Oregon is place after my own heart with its unofficial slogan of “Keep Portland Weird.” The third biggest city in the Northwest, Portland has the distinction of being one of the most environmentally friendly places in the world. That’s not a big surprise right? We all knew west coasters are tree hugging hippies, and Portland is probably the American leader in that cliché.

And please don’t misunderstand, I love me some tree hugging hippies. They’re awesome.

The weather in Portland is fantastic – with warm, dry summers and chilly, wet winters. This has created the perfect climate for growing roses and earned Portland the moniker “City of Roses.” So, you can head to Portland and expect to see some of America’s best.

Are you ready to keep it weird? Here are some of the best things to do in Portland! [Read more…]

6 Panama City Beach Attractions You Can’t Miss

January 19, 2016 By Greg Johnson Leave a Comment

Known as the “Spring Break Capital of the World,” Panama City Beach, Florida isn’t just for college kids any more. Located on the northern Gulf Coast, PCB is home to about 27 miles of powdery-white sand beaches. The warm Floridan sun and brilliant green waters make Panama City Beach one of Florida’s top beach destinations for groups of all ages.

Even though it’s known as a Spring Break destination, the frat party atmosphere only lasts a few weeks. The rest of the year, PCB is a great place to take the whole family. Here are 6 Panama City Beach attractions you shouldn’t miss on your next visit to the Emerald Coast! [Read more…]

Kid-Free Orlando: Where to Go and What to Do

September 15, 2014 By Lauren May 2 Comments

Kid-Free Orlando: 3 Fun Things to Do for Adults

Orlando at Night (Photo Credit: By Bill Dickinson (websites [2][3]) ([1]) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons)

When most people think of Orlando, there’s usually one obvious place that immediately springs to mind. They envision hordes of mouse-eared kids screaming for more candy and rides. What a miserable vacation, am I right?

Don’t let that nightmare scenario scare you away from Central Florida! Believe it or not, grownups can have a great time in the theme park capital, too – without the hassle of waiting in those long lines at overcrowded amusement parks. From club-hopping to concerts, tee-time to antiquing, Orlando offers so much for adults to enjoy. So, if you are looking for some kid-free fun, here are 3 areas to check out in Orlando that you’ll love. [Read more…]

Family-Friendly Daytona Beach Attractions

August 4, 2014 By Lauren May Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: By ILA-boy (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Daytona Beach, Florida is no longer just a destination for racing fans and rowdy spring breakers. Today, it’s a great place to bring the kids for sand, sun, and surf. Split your time between enjoying the beach, boardwalk, or one of the other numerous family-friendly Daytona Beach attractions in the area. Your trip can be as laid back or as action packed as you want it to be. [Read more…]

Spending the Perfect Day in Sitka, Alaska

July 14, 2014 By Mel 5 Comments

Fortress of the Bear (Photo Credit: By Mel)

Located on Baranof Island about 90 miles southeast of Juneau, Sitka is seriously one of the stranger parts of Alaska. Originally a Russian town, their influence still permeates the little downtown area – from the old Orthodox Church to the tons of Russian tchotchkes you can pick up in the numerous souvenir shops.

When I used to work on cruise ships, this was never my favorite stop. That was until a friend came onboard to cruise with me for a week and I realized Sitka was actually the easiest stop to decide what we were going to do for the day!

So, if you’re headed to Sitka for the day, here’s the perfect itinerary for your time there: [Read more…]

First Friday in Missoula, MT

July 8, 2014 By Anne Keery 2 Comments

Photo Credit: By functoruser via flickr and Creative Commons

On the first Friday of the month, every single month, regardless of if it is January 1^st or not, the art galleries and shops in downtown Missoula, Montana are open. More than open, they are open late and celebrating!

Missoula’s First Friday is a decentralized event, with lots of different galleries, businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and retailers participating by featuring artists. Galleries change-up their features and coordinate show openings to fall on these evenings. Then, from 5 until 8 PM, or sometimes later, they are open. Different places have a variety of snacks, drinks and free wine on offer. You can sip on a drink while you wander through. Several galleries have musicians, from one person acts, to harpists, to multi-person bands. In June 2014, there was a wandering brass band downtown! [Read more…]

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor – 8 Fun Things to Do

June 24, 2014 By Lauren May 5 Comments

Photo Credit: By Jawed Karim via Wikimedia Commons and Creative Commons

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers exploration and entertainment for all ages. Tourists and locals alike enjoy the exciting attractions and variety of dining options that are situated around this historic seaport. From history buffs to science geeks to foodies, there’s something interesting for just about everyone. Check out these 8 fun things to do at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor: [Read more…]

Top 5 Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska

June 9, 2014 By Mel 7 Comments

Mendenhall Glacier (Photo by Mel)

Juneau, the capital of Alaska and brief home of Sarah Palin, is a must see stop on any Alaskan adventure. As part of the inside passage into Alaska, it has slightly better temperatures than lots of other cities in America’s biggest state, making summer a great time to check it out.

Here are the top 5 things to do in Juneau: [Read more…]

New York City: Skip the Tourist Spots and Go Here

April 21, 2014 By Jacque Carrington 1 Comment

View from Brooklyn Bridge Park (Photo Credit: By Fredverillo (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons)

When you think of traveling to New York City, you probably think of the usual touristy suspects: Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, Grand Central Station, and the Empire State Building among others. Believe me, these are definitely visit-worthy, but they do not encompass what NYC really has to offer.

There is so much to do and see within each of the 5 boroughs that it’s nearly impossible to do everything you’d like to in one visit. I lived in NYC for 2 years after college (and currently live about an hour away), so I still go back to visit friends and my husband’s family frequently. Here’s a list of some off-the-radar places to visit while you’re there. [Read more…]

5 Must-See Sights in Philadelphia

April 14, 2014 By Lauren May 1 Comment

Photo Credit: By Tony the Misfit on Flickr ([1]) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Often overlooked and underrated, Philadelphia is actually one of the most interesting East Coast cities to visit. History, diversity, and culture all come together to create this dynamic Pennsylvania metropolis. There’s a lot for visitors to explore in the City of Brotherly Love, but here are 5 must-see sites in the downtown area that are definitely worth your time. [Read more…]