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Bare It All This Weekend At Our Top 3 US Nude Beaches

July 1, 2009 at 2:32 PM | 1 Comment

This weekend may be Independence Day, but hopefully it'll be hot and sunny enough on both coasts to celebrate a little something else: freedom from clothing. We've run through our rolodex of scandalous vacations locations to retrieve the the best nude beaches, one for each side of the country and a bonus for Miami.

· Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, NJ
This is the clothing-optional mecca of the East Coast, since it's designated as the largest such beach and even offers police protection over the 5,000 or so visitors who drop trou here every summer weekend. Best of all, the nudity here is legal and within comfortable range of New York City for...you know...showing off your lack of tan lines at a cocktail bar.

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Finland's Throwing A Crayfish Party, And Everybody's Invited

June 30, 2009 at 8:47 AM | 0 Comments

Music festivals, swamp soccer and wife-carrying—there's already so much to do in Finland over summer, and the country continues to attract us in very clever ways, this time going straight for our stomachs.

August and September are crayfish season in Finland, and we've just realized we don't want to miss out on a Finnish-style crayfish party. These shindigs feature, of course, crayfish galore, and lip smacking and finger licking as you try to get the most meat out of your crayfish. But thats not all: "Essential ingredients of a successful crayfish party are a merry mood and schnapps songs." Aside from overdosing on crayfish, you can get drunk with the Finns and sing songs about beautiful women and beautiful crustaceans.

Wikipedia warns us there is now a limited supply of crays left in Finland and many are imported from the US or China, so perhaps taking a night-time crayfish-catching tour is a good strategy—they're easy to book during the summer season. You might however need to take your own schnapps with you.

Related Stories:
· Finland Makes Most of Summer Sunshine With a Slew of Music Festivals [Jaunted]
· Wanna Play Swamp Soccer? Head to Finland This Summer [Jaunted]

[Photo: villoks]

Tear Up California's Mammoth Mountain On Your 10-Speed

June 26, 2009 at 9:17 AM | 0 Comments

Everyone knows that residents of California love their cars, but they’re probably stuck in them a little too much. That’s why we're looking to some offroading at Mammoth Mountain, just of the two-wheeled, human-powered variety. The ski resort has a lot to offer when the weather is warmer, and their mountain bike park has just opened for the season. Even without your car, you’ll be able to fulfill your need for speed with their downhill runs.

Of the different trails and runs for cyclists of all levels, both the Paper Route and Downtown runs will take it easy on you, while the Twilight Zone and Kamikaze represent the more black diamond options. With over 90 miles of trails, you should be able to find one you like, just remember your helmet and pads.

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We Might Consider Paso Robles This Summer After All

June 24, 2009 at 4:26 PM | 1 Comment

The city of Paso Robles firmly believes that tourists will be drawn to a series of their fun-filled summer events. So much do they believe it that they keep sending us offers for "affordable, family-friendly ways to ward off the mid-summer doldrums."

To the city of Paso: please consider this post our very public acknowledgment that, yes, our inbox works. To everyone else: airline prices and checked baggage fees suck and Paso Robles is highly accessible and some of these events genuinely seem interesting. So why not.

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Lake Champlain Turns the Big 4-0-0

June 9, 2009 at 10:54 AM | 0 Comments

It's not every day you turn 400. Heck, it's not every day anything turns 400, but that big birthday is coming up for our old friend Lake Champlain—the Northeast's far quainter answer to the Great Lakes.

Okay well, the lake itself is probably a lot older than 400, but July 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of French explorer Samuel de Champlain’s first sighting of it, and Vermont is going all out for its favorite body of water.

So how exactly do you throw a birthday party for a lake? Vermont has interpreted it as an excuse to celebrate all things aquatic, French, or both. The festivities kick off July 2nd in Burlington with Celebrate Champlain Burlington International Waterfront, a 13-day festival complete with French food, Quebecois artists, and concerts from big names like Tony Bennett and The Roots.

Events coming up in the ensuing months include a boat tour of more than 300 shipwrecks sunk beneath Lake Champlain, a French heritage festival in the tiny town of Vergennes, and tons more historical and education programs throughout the state all year long. For a full list, check out the Celebrate Champlain website.

Related Stories:
· Penguin Plunges Keep Burlington Fit [Jaunted]
· Eat 'n Sleep in Burlington :: Trattoria Delia and Lang House [Jaunted]
· Summer's Swimming Holes [Jaunted]

[Photo: john w]

Three For Free: Summer Weekends at 100 National Parks

June 8, 2009 at 10:47 AM | 0 Comments

If you’ve ever been to the Grand Canyon, you know what a bummer it is to pony up $25 per carload to get into the park. We realize upkeep and facilities aren’t free, but still, it’s a little hard to swallow when you just want to see nature’s beauty. Thankfully, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees for many national parks for three weekends this summer.

The dates of June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16 will be free of charge. The first weekend is Father’s Day, so feel free to take dear old dad out for a hike or two if the weather’s nice. He’ll definitely appreciate the experience of spending time with you in the great outdoors much more than that novelty tie you got him last year.

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Atlantic City's ACES Train Cries 'All Afford' For Summer Travel

May 27, 2009 at 12:57 PM | 0 Comments

By now we really don't need to tell you how much the casinos have suffered during the recession; like us, you've probably received far too many "special weekend escape" mailings and suffered through the commercials promoting your local gambling mecca (Foxwoods--we're talking about you). It's no wonder then that Atlantic City is jumping aboard their own train to funnel in the cash this summer.

From June 1 thru July 5, AC's new ACES train direct service to and from New York City will run a summer special of $29 coach seats, each way. This saves about $20 per ticket, with which you could spoil yourself and upgrade for $25 to first class.

The deal, aimed at bringing staycationing New Yorkers down the shore to spend a few dollars, is appropriately named "All Afford!" Face it folks: it's either this train with food and beverage service included, or climbing aboard a dirty bus armed with KFC. We've done plenty of the latter, so perhaps it's time to suck it up, take the train, and leave the hand-i-wipes at home.

Related Stories:
· ACES Train [Official Site]
· ACES Stands For 'A Better Way to Get to Atlantic City' [Jaunted]
· Train TravelCoverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ACES}

Chi-Town's Free 'Instagreeters' Tour Obama's South Side

May 12, 2009 at 2:01 PM | 0 Comments

If you're a Chicago local giving in to a "staycation" this summer or a tourist keeping your trips domestic, the city is going to try their best to attract you down to their newest, hottest spot: President Obama's former residence.

Located on the south side of the city in the Hyde Park neighborhood, the Obama house is just one stop on the free walking tours leaving every Saturday from June 6 to September 26 at 10am thru 3pm from the Hyde Park Arts Center. Now you know we love free stuff, and so this tour appeals in terms of cost (none!) and historical and architectural significance.

When you aren't snapping pics of Obama's street, you're "Instagreeter" guide will take you by Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House and the University of Chicago. Tours are first-come, first-served and no reservations are needed; simply show up at the Arts Center and relish being away from the typical tourist traps of downtown and the north side.

Related Stories:
· New InstaGreeter Outpost in Hyde Park Features Free Walks of President Obama’s Neighborhood [ExploreChicago]
· Chicago Offers Free Walks through Obama's Neighborhood [TravelPulse]
· Chicago's 'Bean' To Get Some Serious Competition This Summer [Jaunted]
· Chicago Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Obama's House photo: Abitare]

Chicago Caters to the 'Staycationers' This Summer

May 5, 2009 at 10:47 AM | 0 Comments

While New York City may undoubtably be the king city of cheap things to do to bide your time, Chicago is surprisingly stepping up to give it a run for its money this summer.

From wholesome activities like neighborhood scavenger hunts to an exhibit on the city's gardens, the Windy City is working overtime to supply its glut of summer tourists and even the locals with affordable events to look forward to this summer. Since Chicago remains one of our favorite cities for kicking it urban style, we of course like a few of the events better than others, and yes, they are free.

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Labor Day Travel: Banjo Bonanza in Missouri

August 22, 2008 at 1:30 PM | 0 Comments

If your Labor Day to Missouri don't inclue sumo wrestling, then you're probably headed to the 40th Annual Bluegrass Pickin' Time. (Hard to believe that it's already been 40 years!) About 130 miles outside of St. Louis, the small town of Dixon is definitely ready for this year's fun.

Things kick off on Wednesday evening before the holiday weekend with a fish fry, and you're even encouraged to bring a dish to share. Starting Thursday night, the festival will start kickin' with the Bluegrass Pickin' Time Band. After that, things start around lunchtime every day and don't stop until about 10 pm.

In addition to all the music, there will be craft vendors scattered about the park and even a quilt show. [Ed.: Now *that's* Midwestern.] Instrument workshops will also be held so you can get some tips and tricks from the pros to improve your own bluegrass skills. Tickets for the full four days will run you just $35.

Related Stories:
· Bluegrass Pickin' Time [Official Site]
· Labor Day Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of the 2007 Event: Bluegrass Pickin' Time]

Labor Day Travel: Missouri Japanese Festival

August 22, 2008 at 12:00 PM | 0 Comments

When you think about hotbeds of Japanese-American culture, St. Louis probably doesn't spring to mind. But it should, because the Gateway City is home to one of the largest Japanese gardens in America, the 14-acre expanse at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

And every Labor Day weekend for the last 32 years, the garden has hosted one of the premier Japanese festivals in the US.

The three-day Missouri Botanical Garden Japanese Festival, August 30-September 1, features a wide array of Japanese cultural activities, including martial arts demos, Zen enlightenment workshops and everybody's favorite, sumo wrestling. Ten bucks gets you admission to everything.

Related Stories:
· Missouri Botanical Garden Japanese Festival [Official Site]
· Labor Day Travel Coverage [Jaunted]
· Culture Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Ryan Rumberger, Missouri Botanical Garden]

Brooklyn Music: Last Pool Party This Weekend

August 21, 2008 at 9:45 AM | 0 Comments

This weekend marks the end of an era for Brooklyn's awesomely (or insufferably) hip neighborhood of Williamsburg.

For the last three years, one of the neighborhood's undeniable summer highlights has been the pool party concerts at the (waterless) McCarren Park Pool, where indie rock faves like The Hold Steady, Of Montreal and the Black Lips have rocked out at free weekend shows.

But the city has decided to turn McCarren Park Pool back into an actual pool, which, to be fair, could be pretty cool come next summer. So indie vets Yo La Tengo will play the last ever pool party, this Sunday at 2 pm. (The non-free Clear Channel series at the pool continues next week with Sonic Youth.) If you're planning to show up for some nostalgia this weekend, plan to arrive early--lines this summer have been insanely long.

Related Stories:
· McCarren Park Pool Parties [Official Site]
· Brooklyn Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Penningtron]