7 of the Best Places to Visit in Pittsburgh

Many people think that there really isn’t much to do in Pittsburgh considering that it is simply a city of steel and bridges. But, actually, there are plentiful of things to do and places to visit in Pittsburgh and it is, in fact, a haven whether you are a fan of sports, history or culture.

1. Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

The Carnegie Museums are among the best places to visit in Pittsburgh especially with kids. Visitors can get a same day pass for both museums and enjoy a wide variety of exhibits. Several sections of these world renowned museums include hands-on exhibits to encourage children not just to look but also to touch. Other features include a Native American gallery and an art section, which made Child Magazine rank the place as among the “10 Best Art Museum for Kids”.

2. Andy Warhol Museum

Andy Warhol is best known for the Campbell soup labels and pop art and this museum is the ultramodern tribute to this art genius. The place contains over 4,000 of Warhol’s works which include paintings, films and videos, photographs, drawings and many more. The museum also holds exhibits for promising artists who offer unique art pieces just as Warhol.

3. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The most prominent feature of this park is its 13-room Victorian glasshouse whose plants change every season. The estate was donated by Henry Phipps back in 1893 and has since become among the best places to visit in Pittsburgh. Themed gardens include Japanese, aquatic, perennial and children’s. For those checking out the place with kids, the Discovery Garden is the best section to visit as it allows visitors to revel in the butterflies, birds, worms, flowers and plants.

4. Point State Park

Pittsburgh features a “Golden Triangle” right at the city center, the tip of which is the Point State Park. The park contains among the largest fountains in the city which also symbolizes the birth of Ohio. This 36-acre park used to be a British settlement back in 1754 and then turned into Fort Pitt by the British regained supremacy from the French.

5. The Mattress Factory

Nope, this isn’t a museum for beds and mattresses although it used to be a factory of one. It has since become home to one of the best art experiences one will ever find. It currently houses room-sized environments created by in-residence artists.  Aside from its gallery exhibits, the Mattress Factory also offers educational programming including artist talks, workshops, youth summer camps and art-based educational partnerships with several local schools.

6. The National Aviary

Found right across the Allegheny River is an area where 600 of the world’s most awesome birds, representing around 200 species are being displayed. Many of the birds here are currently under threat or are endangered in the wild and are shown through natural exhibits and walk-through habitats.

7. Frick Art and Historical Center

Among the best places to visit in Pittsburgh, this is a cluster of museums and historical buildings, which started out as an 11-room house, found along Reynolds Street. Admission to the site is free and includes access to the Clayton, which is the restored Frick mansion, the Car and Carriage Museum, the Greenhouse, the Frick Art Museum, the Café and the Frick children’s playhouse.

6 of the Top Free Things to Do in Orlando
Orlando may be best known for its awesome theme parks which includes SeaWorld and Universal Studios among many others, but it doesn’t mean getting yourself entertained at the Theme Park Capital of the World has to be pricey. In fact, there are quite of number of free things to do in Orlando. You can simply take a class B RV as they are easy to drive in the city (You can read more about class B RVs on campingfunzone.com) and see how its attractions continuously evolve. All you have to do is look around to see which ones won’t cost you a single penny!
1. Visit the art galleries
There is never a dull day that passes by in Orlando, what with its vibrant arts and culture community. Venues are often open to the public for free or at a discounted price and there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.
Every third Thursday of each month, the Downtown Arts District sponsors art show openings at several different venues, starting at the CityArts Factory, from 6 to 9 in the evening. Another place to check out is the Cornell Fine Arts Museum which is always free for those who present their valid student IDs. Admission is normally at $5 for adults but Bessemer Trust sponsored it in 2014 so it is free to get in.
2. The LEGO Imagination Center
This unique place located at the downtown Disney Marketplace area is a 4,400-square-foot venue of pure fun for both kids and adults. It is pretty easy to find the place, as it is guarded by 12-foot T-rex and a huge 30-foot sea serpent made from LEGO bricks by the entrance. Everyone can try and test their creativity in building blocks – and even compete in a “beat the clock” building contest, all for free.
3. Disney’s Boardwalk
Disney isn’t exactly among the top free things to do in Orlando but you can choose something a little close and simply stroll along Disney’s Boardwalk. It is a 1930s inspired Atlantic coastal village where you can enjoy free, live street entertainment during the evenings. It is often the best place to see comedians, jazz ensembles and other musicians, magicians and other performers for free.
4. Howl at the Moon
For adults seeking something more enjoyable that does not cost an arm and a leg, the Howl at the Moon is the best place for over-21 parties. Happy Hour parties entitles guests to free admission before 11pm, a complimentary buffet from 6 to 8, half off on select drinks before 8pm and no charge for the first drink of the night. Of course, the place also has free weekly specials for everyone to enjoy.
5. Nature and the Outdoors
Those who would rather enjoy the natural beauty and landscape of Orlando, there are quite a number of free things to do in Orlando to simply soak up the sun. The 43-acre Lake Eola Park allows picnic goers to position themselves by the shore and enjoy one of the various free concerts that take place at the amphitheater. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is also free for camping out and roasting marshmallows. Admission to most of Orlando’s parks and gardens are free on certain days or every day.
6. Food and Wine
Foodies will it great news that there are a lot of free things to do in Orlando that involve drinking and eating. The Orlando Brewing Company in the downtown area is home to the only organic brewery and tap room in the Southeast region. Enjoy free brewery tours, free WiFi and free live entertainment. Awesome!

The “Queen City of the Ozarks”, because of its location on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozarks, or also known as the “Birthplace of Route 66″, Springfield, Missouri is the third largest city in this state. The later nickname of the city was given after in 1992 the Route 66 Association of Missouri designated Springfield as the official Birthplace of Route 66. Sixty six years before that, in 1926, the highway was officially named “U.S.66” in a telegram at a meeting of highway officials in Springfield. The city is home to many stories about its name and nicknames, as it is home to many and very interesting places and sights.

1. Visit the Fantastic Caverns

This is probably one of the most amazing places in Springfield. You will be able to explore a one of its kind cave – it is the only one you can see in North America, although there are three more in different places in the world. You will see the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, soda straws with glittering minerals and much more, while taking a ride in a Jeep-drawn tram! If you haven’t seen the beauty and magic of this cave, you should definitely go and explore it!

2. Go to Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

A beautiful spot in Springfield where you can enjoy the nature and the peace and quiet. Although the garden is open only from April to October, during that time there is a lot to see and do. There are special event nights such as the “Romance in the Garden”, which include floating, stargazing and other activities depending on the event. The garden is open to weddings and other celebrations too. But if all you want to do is take a walk and enjoy the view, you should go around the waterfall, the Tea house or the lakes – the view is gorgeous!

3. Go to some of the famous spots in Springfield

There are many spots in this city which carry a lot of history and certainly tell stories you have probably never heard of. One of this spots is the Park Central Square where brass plaques are inlaid into the pavement, showing the place where the Wild Bill Hickok–Davis Tutt shootout took place, marking the beginning of the Wild West era. Another spot to visit is the World’s Largest Fork. Yes, it is an actual fork sticking out of the ground which people say you can spot even from space! Isn’t it amazing?!

4. Visit the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center

When talking about the Springfield’s nickname – the “Birthplace of Route 66″, we should mention the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center. If you ever had any questions about Route 66, this is the place where you can ask and find all the answers. There is a lot of information about the highway and the surrounding area, so you can find out about other interesting places for your next stop!

5. See the Festival of Lights

Since the summer is no longer in town, the temperatures are dropping and you are probably wondering what to do during this time of year in Springfield, this might be your thing. The festival is held at Jordan Valley Ice Park where you can enjoy ice skating and can stroll around the shops full of holiday stuff. The festival starts in November 21, 2015 and continues until December 31, 2015 which makes it a perfect place to spend the New Year’s Eve!

Things to do in Wildwood, New Jersey

Part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area, Wildwood is a popular summer resort destination. The New Jersey city is pretty small, but very lively, especially during the summer when its population grows from 5400 to 250,000 people! The city, and the surrounding communities that share the name, derives its name from the wild flowers found in the area. The city and the surrounding communities (there are four of them) that have the same name, are named after the wild flowers that grow in the area. At first Wildwood was a borough, but in 1912 was incorporated as the city we know today. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Wildwood easily became a summer resort in the last decade of the 19^th century. Today the city is a home to numerous hotels, motels, shops, bars and clubs who welcome guests from all over the United States!

1. Go to Wildwood Beach

The first place you need to go to when in Wildwood is the beach. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the city has a very wide beach area, enough for everyone to put his towel and enjoy a day or two under the sun. The sand in nice, the water is clean and there is even a water slide for those who are brave enough. Take your friends, some sun cream and head out to the beach. And don’t forget to take a picture of the big Wildwood sign at the entrance!

2. Have a Breakfast in The Sky

This is probably the best way to start your day! Forget the old fashioned way to have breakfast – now you can enjoy the first meal of the day in the air! Right on the beach of Wildwood you will see a big Ferris wheel which makes this experience possible. Who knew that a good view could make your pancakes taste even better! They say breakfast is the most essential meal of the day, so do not skip it!

3. Go to Wildwood Boardwalk

The spot you should definitely see is the Wildwood Boardwalk. It has something for everyone – shops, games, rides, Ferris wheel and many more. Remember how you used to enjoy this as a kid? Well, now you can go back in time and bring out the child in you, because the Wildwood Boardwalk is a magical place! During the summer it can get pretty crowded, but you will definitely have a lot of fun, so I guess it is worth it!

4. Visit the Fudge Factory

There are many shops in the city of Wildwood, but one that really stands out is the Fudge Factory. This place has a wide range of chocolates, candy, nuts, pastries and of course – fudge. They say this is the best fudge in town, but if you want to be sure just go and try it, and believe me, when you go there you will be literally like a kid in a candy shop! This is just heaven for all sweet-toothers!

5. Don’t miss the Wildwoods International Kite Festival

This amazing festival is usually held in May when the weather is already nice and the beginning of the summer months attracts many tourists and visitors. The festival takes place on the Wildwood beach where the wind is enough to help you fly your kite. There are usually kite workshops and championships, many games and the best part – an illuminated kite fly! You shouldn’t miss it!

This town of only 5,300 people is situated on Mount Desert Island, Maine in the United States. Although it is not big, the town is a popular tourist destination in this region and has a lot to offer to its guests and to its locals. Bar Harbor is situated on Frenchman Bay and has amazing views from the famous Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park which are one of its treasures. Back in the 19th century Bar Harbor was home to the largest hotel in North America and was famous with many other impressive estates. And although many of them burned in the 1947 fire, you can still see some of these buildings while walking on Bar Harbor’s old streets.

1. Go to a Photo Safari

A good way to explore and enjoy the nature of Bar Harbor is the Photo Safari. It is a photography tour around Arcadia National Park led by a professional photographer. It doesn’t matter if you have never dealt with photography, there are groups for all levels – beginners and advanced. The tour is great if you want to learn something new while exploring the beauties of the park!

2. Visit the Abbe Museum

A small, but very interesting place to go and learn more about Bar Harbor’s history and culture. You will find out how Maine’s native people – the Wabanaki, lived and will be able to see many archaeological discoveries and other exhibits. You can take all of your family there, because it will be pretty educating for everybody and you can buy them some special souvenirs from the gift shop too! The museum first opened in 1928 and has worked since then, remaining one of the popular places in the small town of Bar Harbor.

3. Try the Acadia Air Tours

If admiring Bar Harbor’s beauties from the ground isn’t enough for you, you should try the Arcadia Air Tours. This is probably the best way to explore the area – flying in a small bi-plane, leaving all your troubles on the ground! I guarantee you you will love the flight even if you are not into flying. You can see everything – the Acadia National Park and the Cadillac Mountain, and feel the freedom of flying! The view from up there is amazing and you will have and unforgettable memory!

4. Go shopping

For a small town Bar Harbor is actually very lively. The place is full of different shops, offering something for everyone! A must-stop place is The Christmas Vacation Shop which is famous with its unique Christmas ornaments made by the owners. Another artsy place is “A little mad” where you can find handmade jewelry, bags and other beautiful things. And if you are a book lover, you should definitely visit one of the book shops in the center of the town – they hold amazing treasures!

5. Try Horseback riding

Bar Harbor’s parks, mountains and woods offer many trails not only for hiking, but also for horse riding. You can even ride along the beaches while enjoying a beautiful sunset! It is great for experienced riders, but it will not be a problem if you have never ridden a horse before too. You should just ask for some expert lessons before you sit on the saddle!