Author: Shilpa Balakrishnan

Fancy Places to Stay in Austin

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Whether you’re looking for a homely hotel experience or a self-catering stay, Austin, Texas, has plenty of accommodations ranging from classy B&Bs and guesthouses to airstream trailers. On your visit to Austin, consider staying in any of these quirky accommodations to get a taste of the city’s booming hotel scene. The Adams House Located in Central Hyde Park, The Adams House is ideal for all those who are seeking some time out from the bustling city life. Built in 1911, The Adams House, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Adams, was later purchased by Sidney Lock, who converted the property into a bed and breakfast. The property boasts quaint rooms outfitted with queen-size beds, chaise lounges, and walnut antique chest drawers. Guests can socialize in the common room that features chairs, sofas, and TVs with a cable connection. As one of the top guesthouses in Austin, The Adams House is centrally located, within an easy reach to a plethora of restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, and public transportation. There is plenty to see and do within the vicinity …

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Top Things to do in Houston this Weekend

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Houston is a world leader in a variety of industries like space, petroleum and air conditioning. That said, with world-class dining, architectural museums and vibrant art scene, tourists will find plenty of things to do in Houston. If you’re visiting Houston this weekend, be sure to add these fun things to your itinerary. Buffalo Bayou Whether you’re with family, kids or pets, Buffalo Bayou is a great place to spend your weekend. The park features miles of trails where you can choose to stroll the area or rent a bike. If you’re staying in any of the downtown hotels in Houston, consider heading to the park for a run as an alternative to using the on-site fitness center. Art lovers can take a walking tour to admire art works by Mel Chin and Henry Moore. San Jacinto Battleground Historic Site San Jacinto Historic Site is one of the free things to check out in Houston. You’ll get to learn about the birth of Texas and its independence from Mexico in 1836. After a short hike to …

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Best of Philadelphia’s Budget Hotels

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Some of the best things to see in Philadelphia are located in the historic old city. From cozy B&Bs to classy boutique hotels to five-star luxury hotels, you’ll find plenty of affordable hotels perfect for your budget-friendly trip to Philly. Rodeway Inn Philadelphia Located in downtown, Rodeway Inn Philadelphia is within an easy reach to all the major landmarks like The Franklin Institute, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center and Philadelphia Airport. All rooms come with Keurig coffee makers, iron boards and hair dryers.  As one of the cheap hotels in Philadelphia, guests can also enjoy discounted access to the nearby fitness center with a pool. If you’re in the city to watch a game, you’ll love the hotel’s proximity to sport centers likes Well’s Fargo and Lincoln Financial Field. Read: Staying in Philadelphia’s Historic BnBs La Reserve Bed and Breakfast Philadelphia is home to plenty of historic B&Bs ideal for all those seeking a homely ambiance. If you’re looking to stay cheap, book a room at La Reserve Bed and Breakfast, which is a quaint four-storied townhouse …

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5 Side Trips from Philadelphia

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For those who are visiting Philadelphia, consider making some day trips for attractions far different from what you’ll see in the historic city. Here is a list of places within an hour of Philadelphia, some that are accessible through public transportation, and some that simply make a great road trip. Brandywine Valley If you’re a history buff, Brandywine Valley is home to plenty of museums, castles, and natural gardens. One of the spectacular things to see in the valley is Longwood Gardens. Designed by Pierre du Pont, the area is adorned with Italianate gardens, forest trails, and fountains featuring an evening light and music show. A few miles away are the Hagley Museum, where, among many other things, you can check out du Pont’s NASCAR race cars, and the Eleutherian Mills, the du Pont’s historic gunpowder mill. And learn more about American history by visiting nearby Winterthur Museum and the Mt. Cuba Center. Valley Forge Situated about 25 minutes from Philadelphia, Valley Forge is a mecca for visitors who love outdoor activities like zip lining …

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Hipmunk City Love: Hiking Trails in New York

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As a region of diverse landscapes, New York State hosts some of the most famous hiking trails in the world. Whether you’re just a beginner or an advanced hiker, this guide will help you plan a perfect hiking trip based on its difficulty and distance. Appalachian Trail Climbing the Appalachian Trail is arguably one of the best hiking experiences one can relish. As part of the Appalachian Mountains, the trail is about 3500 km stretching through 14 states between Georgia’s Springer Mountain and Mount Katahdin in Maine. In New York State, the Appalachian Trail extends to nearly 90 miles passing through numerous state parks like Sterling forest State Park and Bear Mountain State Park. Backpackers who’ve experience with cold weather conditions can start the trek in February; however, the ideal time is late April during spring. There are plenty of shelters run by AT volunteers, but if you rather camp along the NY trail, consider using tents that are weather proof and lightweight. Catskill Mountains Located within two hours from New York City, the Catskill …

Hipmunk City Love: What’s the Food Scene in Honolulu?

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The food scene in Honolulu has changed over the past ten years. Plenty of food trucks and farmer markets are now taking their craft very seriously. Restaurants and cafes are also working on creating a top-notch Hawaiian ambience by serving diverse food options in every corner. Here’s some details for all those who seek a peek into Honolulu’s flourishing food scene. Where can I Find the Best Coffee in Honolulu? Hawaii has one of the best soil conditions for planting coffee. When in Honolulu, the most common name you’ll hear is the Kona coffee that comes in various caramel and nutty flavors. To taste a good cup of coffee, head to the Lion café on Kalani Street. The café has been around since 1864 and is an ideal spot for people looking for free Internet, although most coffee shops in Honolulu do offer free Wi-Fi. Another place to grab a delightful Hawaiian coffee is at Coffee Gallery, whose coffee is hand-roasted on the North Shore. If you’re looking for just a space to read and …

Hipmunk City Love: Top Kid-Friendly Hotels in Miami

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Whether you’re a fashionista or a beachcomber or an art aficionado, Miami offers a little something for everyone. With the Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island and the Museum of Science, it’s no surprise that Miami has a soft spot for kids. Book a room at one of these kid-friendly hotels so your kids can bask in all the fun the city has to offer. Fontainebleau Miami Beach Club Miami’s most glamorous resorts are not just for adults. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach Club organizes personalized adventure exclusively for kids. At Fontainebleau, the kids can indulge in a plethora of interesting games like the scavenger hunt, art and music, drama and other team-building activities that help to sharpen their skills even during vacation. At night, there is a special program where kids can watch movies and play with their friends. Consider claiming a kid’s passport that features a convincing package of treats and games. Acqualina Resort and Spa The Acqualina Resort and Spa, in nearby Sunny Isles, Florida, has won prestigious awards for being one of Miami’s top kid-friendly …