Month: September 2018

What to Do in Toronto, Ontario

Places to Visit/Things to Do


You might love the city, but everyone needs to get away from the bustling atmosphere at one point. Consider getting on a ferry and visiting the Toronto Islands, a group of islands that offers a relaxing time out of the city. The three islands are all connected, so you can maximize your fun without hopping on boats after boats. The main island, called Centre Island, is really the center of Toronto Islands. This island features everything from picnic areas, beaches, water sports rentals, and so much more. One of the other activities on Centre Island is the Centreville Amusement Park, which contains offer 30 rides and attractions. The other two islands are more serene, containing old-style homes and gardens. Entrance to Toronto Islands is free, but the ferry rides cost money. Ferry tickets for adults are about $6 and $2.85 for kids aged 2 to 14. During the summer months, the ferries tend to operate anywhere from 6:35 am to as late as 11:15 pm. During the winter, ferry hours are shortened.

 


Have you ever dreamed of living in a grand castle? Well, get to be in one at Casa Loma, a castle built by Sir Henry Pellatt. Pellatt, a former soldier, dreamed of building a castle which overlooked the city of Toronto, which he did. The 98-room estate features basically everything that you would think would be in a medieval castle. The castle features stables for horses, overlooking towers, secret hallways and rooms, and a wine cellar capable of holding more than 1,800 bottles. Outside, you can find a 5-acre garden filled with fountains, sculptures, and other works of art. Casa Loma is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. You can’t enter past 4:30. Admission for adults costs about $23 and about $13 for kids.

 


You might not like learning, but you will like having a great time at the Ontario Science Center. With the intent of increasing what you learn for both adults and kids, the facility features plenty of interactive exhibits. Some exhibits include piloting a rocket chair, explore Toronto’s only public planetarium, and even dance on a dance floor. Ever wonder what you’ll look like when you’re older? Find this out with the facility’s Amazing Aging Machine. Other attractions and exhibits like this fill the science center, giving the visitors so much to do. The Ontario Science Center is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm on the weekdays and from 10 am to either 5 or 7 pm on weekends and holidays. If you visit during the summer, weekday hours for the science center are extended. For adults, admission costs about $17 and about $10 for kids aged 3 to 12. Kids aged between 13 to 17 will have to pay about $12.50 for their tickets.

 


If you’re a history buff or enjoy viewing cultural artifacts from around the world, visit the Royal Ontario Museum. Commonly called ROM, the museum is located within the University of Toronto campus. ROM is the largest museum of world cultures and natural history in Canada, containing millions of artifacts. There are various artifacts on display, from dinosaur bones to Canada’s First Peoples. There is plenty for the kids as well, such as shark jaws, a fox’s den, and more. The Royal Ontario Museum is usually open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm but extended hours until 10 pm on Fridays, but hours can change depending on the season. Admission costs about $15.50 for adults and about $11 for kids aged 4 to 14. Admission covers the cost of most things in the museum, except certain exhibits which may cost money.

 


You’ve probably noticed the CN Tower, the prominent feature of the Toronto skyline, sticking out above the rest of the city. The tower rises to 1,815, earning its title as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Other than looking nice, the tower actually served a purpose in helping transmission between radio towers pass easily. Today’s visitors can arrive at the top of the CN Tower in less than a minute with its elevators. At the top, you’ll find four observation areas, each going higher and higher. The first is the Glass Floor Room, sitting at 1,122 feet. The second observation area is the Lookout Level at 1,136. The third area is the revolving 360 The Restaurant at 1,150 feet in the air, and the Skypod sits at 1,465 feet above the ground. The Skypod is one of the highest observation points for the public in the world. The CN Tower is open for public use everyday except Christmas, but hours depend on what part of the tower you want to visit. Admission for all four observation areas costs about $28 for adults and about $22 for kids between 4 to 12. Booking online may grant you a reduced rate.

 


If you go to a big city, such as Toronto, we suggest you to visit their zoos, many of which are large and enjoyable. The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, as well as one of the largest in the world. Covering over 700 acres, visitors can view over 5,000 animals which are made up of more than 450 different species. One of the most popular exhibits in the Toronto Zoo is the Gorilla Rainforest, the largest indoor gorilla exhibit in North America. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other activities here, from a rope course to a water play area for the kids. The zoo is generally open every day from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, although hours change depending on the season. There are also extended hours on the weekends. Admission to the zoo also depends on the season, but adult prices can be anywhere from about $18 to $22 and from about $11 to $15 for kids aged 3 to 12.

 

Best Way to Tour Toronto, Ontario

  • The best way to tour the city of Toronto (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through busneeds.com, you can order the buses you need. Busneeds.com is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Busneeds.com can help you. Busneeds.com offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit www.busneeds.com to book your rental bus today!

 

Best Places to Eat/Shop

  • Toronto Eaton Center – The Toronto Eaton Center is the one of the largest shopping mall in Toronto, located in the city’s core. The mall features over 6 anchor tenants, and its stores and services total over 250. There are plenty of stores, services, and dining options to choose from.
  • First Canadian Place – The First Canadian Place is another popular shopping mall in Toronto, featuring over 100 stores, shops, and restaurants. The skyscraper features plenty of restaurants to choose from.
  • Yorkville Village – Yorkville Village is another popular shopping destination in Toronto, located in the city’s Yorkville neighborhood. While it only features 2 anchor tenants and a total of 23 stores and services, it is still a convenient place to shop.
  • Yorkdale Shopping Centre – Yorkdale is one of the largest shopping malls in Toronto, featuring 6 anchor tenants and over 250 stores. The indoor complex features plenty of stores, as well as a variety of restaurants to choose from.
  • Scaramouche Restaurant – The Scaramouche Restaurant is one of the most popular sit-down restaurants in Toronto. The French-inspired restaurant features a variety of items on their menu, including vegetarian and vegan friendly options. Scaramouche is rated the #1 fine-dining restaurant in Toronto by tripadvisor in 2018.
  • GEORGE Restaurant – The GEORGE Restaurant is another popular restaurant in Toronto. The French-Canadian restaurant is rated the #1 local cuisine restaurant in Toronto by tripadvisor in 2018. Although pricey ($$$$), the restaurant is a great restaurant serving local food.

 

 

Hope you enjoy Toronto!

 

Things to Do in Boulder, CO

Places to Visit/Things to Do


There isn’t a better landmark in Boulder than the Flatirons. The Flatirons are 5 flat peaks that rise above the terrain of Colorado. They are perfect for hiking and climbing, featuring trails for all ages and levels of experience. Other than hiking, visitors to the Flatirons must admire the beautiful rocks. Don’t forget your camera, as you’ll want to take a lot of pictures. We advise you to take proper precaution when hiking the slopes, as the terrain may be steep and slippery. The Flatirons are available to the public for free from when the sun rises to when it sets. If you decide to drive to this attraction, you will have to pay a small parking fee of $5 when you park your vehicle at the lot on the west side of Highway 93.

 


The Eldorado Canyon State Park has everything for nature lovers. Thick forests of pine, canyon walls, and trails – what more can you ask? At the 885-acre park, you can do a multitude of activities such as rock climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, and so much more. We recommend you bring your camera, as the sights are picture-worthy. If you want to go hiking, you will have to pay an $8 vehicle free for access to the winding trails of Eldorado Canyon. The Eldorado Canyon State Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. To visit the park visit center, head a mile west from the entrance of the park.

 


If you’re looking for a serene place to hike, head over to Boulder Creek Path. While Boulder has many places great for hiking, the Boulder Creek Path stands out mainly due to the fact that there is no automobiles on the path. The 5.5 mile-long trail is laid out next to Boulder Creek. On many days, you can find hikers, bikers, and more on the path. In the creek, you can find kayakers. The Boulder Creek Path is perfect for those who don’t enjoy a rigorous hike, as the trail is pretty easy. The Boulder Creek Path every day all day, even when you feel like taking a midnight stroll. There is no cost for using the path.

 


Perhaps the most popular park in Boulder, Chautauqua Park is a National Historic Landmark that was first established as a retreat in the late 1800s. Today, this park is the host of a multitude of entertainment options, such as concerts and festivals. Even if there isn’t an event going on, this park is the perfect place to relax, with many peaceful trails and gardens. The park features several amenities such as lodging, dining, and auditoriums. The park is open every day all day. The general entrance cost is free, but certain events may cost money. Lodging and dining are also available, but at a price.

 


You don’t have to be an art fanatic to appreciate the collections displayed within the Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art. Leanin’ features one of the largest Western-themed collections that dates after the 1950s. Throughout the collections, you can find pieces based on cowboys to the landscapes of the West. Leaning Tree Museum also features a sculpture garden, one of the favorite attractions of recent visitors. The Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art opens from 8 in the morning and closes at 6 in the evening on the weekdays, from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening on Saturday, and from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening on Sundays. Lucky for you, the museum and its sculpture garden are free to guests.

 


Who knew a place where they discuss the weather was going to be so popular? Well, this is the case for Boulder’s National Center for Atmospheric Research. Here, scientists study the effects of atmospheric occurrences, such as the greenhouse effect and more. At the research center, you can also view some of the most helpful tools for conducting weather-related experiments. If you don’t just like to observe, there are also a variety of interactive exhibits for all to enjoy. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, guided tours of the research center are held between 12 and 1 pm. The National Center for Atmospheric Research is open to the public from 8 am to 5 pm on the weekdays, and from 9 am to 4 pm on the weekends. Both admission and guided tours are free.

 

 

Best Way to Tour Boulder, CO

  • The best way to tour the city of Boulder (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through busneeds.com, you can order the buses you need. Busneeds.com is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, busneeds.com  can help you. Busneeds.com offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit www.busneeds.com) to book your rental bus today!

 

Best Places to Eat/Shop

  • Pearl Street Mall – Pearl Street Mall might be the most popular shopping mall in Boulder among the tourists. Here, you can find plenty of familiar brands, as well as more local brands. The sidewalks are lined with stores, eateries and cafes, and services.
  • ‘29th Street Mall – The 29th Street is one of the most popular shopping malls in Boulder, among both locals and tourists. Here, you can find stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and more. You can also find plenty of dining options, a few of them including Noodles & Company, Colorado Pizza Kitchen, and more.
  • Boulder County Farmer’s Market –If you’re looking to buy fresh goods and produce, the Boulder County Farmer’s Market is the place you should head to. Here, you can find vendors selling fresh fruits and veggies, cheese, and much more. They also have vendors selling items such as jewelry and pottery.
  • Oak at Fourteenth –Who doesn’t enjoy a fancy meal from time to time? If you decide to go that route while in Boulder, head over to Oak at Fourteenth. The American restaurant is rated the #1 fine-dining restaurant in Boulder by tripadvisor (in 2018).
  • Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery –Who says bar restaurants can’t have good food? The food at Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery is a popular local joint, featuring even vegetarian and vegan friendly options. They are rated the #1 local cuisine restaurant in Boulder by tripadvisor (in 2018).

 

 

Enjoy your Vacay!

Things to Do in Lincoln, NE

Places to Visit/Things to Do


The Nebraska State Capitol is the government seat of Nebraska, located in Lincoln. Other than being the government building, it is more known for its amazing architecture. It features styles like art deco, gothic revival architecture, and byzantine revival architecture. The building itself features a 400-ft tower that is made of limestone. The Nebraska State Capitol was the first state capitol to have a functional tower. In the 1970’s, the capitol was registered as a National Historical Landmark. The building is open from 8 am to 5 pm on Mondays to Fridays. On the weekdays, free tours are available every hour starting at 9 am, with the last tour given at 4 pm. On Saturday and holidays, the building is open from 10 am to 5 pm, with tours are available at 10 am, 11 am, and 1 pm. On Sunday, the building opens at 1 and closes at 5 pm. Tours are available at 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm.

 


The Sunken Gardens is a popular, outdoor attraction in Lincoln, Nebraska. Constructed in 1931, the garden is among the best gardens to visit in the United States and Canada. The garden was originally constructed as a project for unemployed men during the time of the Great Depression. Today, it is among the favorite attractions of Lincoln. The garden’s display is comprised of over 30,000 plants, which “are redesigned to a different theme each year.” Also each year, the garden is host to programs and events, many of which offer visitors to plant annual flora. The garden is open every day of the week from 6 in the morning to 11 at night. There is no entrance costs, but donations are well-appreciated.

 


The University of Nebraska State Museum is the largest natural history museum in Nebraska. It features exhibits of fossils of elephants and other animals, hands-on paleontology exhibits, a weapons exhibit, American Indian exhibits, and more. The museum is also the host to certain events and programs given throughout the year. Many of these programs are for educational purposes. The purpose of the museum is to educate others about the history of Nebraska. The museum, which is located in Morrill Hall, is open daily. On Monday through Saturday (excluding Thursday), the hall is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. On Thursday, they open at 9:30 am and close at 8 pm; on Sundays, they are open from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. The museum costs $6 for adults (above 18), $3 for kids 5 to 18, and free for those under 5. Students and staff at UNL get in for free.

 


The Lincoln Children’s Museum is a 3-story interactive exhibit that is geared mainly for the kids, but enjoyable even for those older. It features hands-on exhibits, educational activities, and day camps. This is an amazing place to take kids for field trips. The children’s museum has had a huge impact on visitors, attracting over 3 million since 1990. Some of the popular exhibits are special exhibits designed for the age of the kids. For those under 3, they start in the Grow Zone. Here, clean and sanitized toys can be found. As they get older, they move onto a mock town, where you can find a bank, an apple orchard, and more. Here, they have a chance to be a doctor, a firefighter, and more. For older ages, there is even more to do. The museum is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, they are open from 1 to 5 pm. Admission for adults costs $9.95, $10.95 for kids, and free for those under 18 months. Members also get in for free.

 


Sheldon Museum of Art has been the premiere place for art in Lincoln for over 50 years. It has provided visitors, students, and faculty an enjoyable place to engage with the unique art and others. The collections of the museum features American art, primarily from the 19thand 20thcentury. Their exhibitions are also noteworthy, featuring several permanent collections. The Sheldon Museum of Art is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Unlike many other art museum in the United States, the Sheldon Museum of Art has free admission. That means you don’t have to pay a price to admire the beautiful art.

 


If you enjoy the outdoors, consider heading over to Trago Park. Trago Park is a grassy area meant for sports and recreation. It features a multitude of things to do like trails for biking and walking, a basketball court, a playground for the kids, and more. There is even a water playground for kids to enjoy. Trago Park is also a great place to enjoy picnics, with open shelters and restrooms. If you want to hit up this park, you will have to do it within their operating hours, as they’re not open 24 hours. They are open every day from 11 in the morning to 7 at night. Admission into the park is free, but certain amenities within may cost you money.

 


The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is a popular animal attraction in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is designed to offer kids interactive, intimate experiences with the animals. Although it is only 10 acres, it is the largest attended zoo per acre in the United States. It attracts over 200,000 visitors each year. The zoo houses over 400 animals. Some of these animals include crocodiles, macaws, bobcats, camels, monkeys, llamas, penguins, leopards, and many more. Throughout the year, special events, camps, and more are held at the zoo. To visit all these animals comes at a cost. Admission for adults costs $9.95, $8.95 for kids and seniors, and free for those under 2. The zoo is open year-round on all days of the week (including holidays), from 10 am to 5 pm.

 

 

Best Way to Tour Lincoln, NE

  • The best way to tour the city of Lincoln (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through Busneeds.com, you can order the buses you need. Busneeds.com is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, busneeds.com can help you. Busneeds.com offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit www.busneeds.com to book your rental bus today!

 

 

Best Places to Eat/Shop

  • Gateway Mall – If you’re looking for a large shopping mall, Gateway Mall is the place to go. It is the largest mall in Lincoln, featuring over 100 stores, dining options, and services. If you’re looking to do some serious shopping, Gateway is the place to head to.
  • SouthPointe Pavilions –Another great place to shop is the SouthPointe Pavilions. This outdoor mall features a great variety of shops, restaurants, and services. They also have a movie theater, where you can enjoy your favorite movies. If you get hungry, you can either eat at SouthPointe or somewhere nearby.
  • Nebraska Crossing Outlets – The Nebraska Crossing Outlets is a convenient shopping center. Although not as large as Gateway Mall or SouthPointe Pavilions, it is still a popular shopping destination, featuring brands like Ralph Lauren, Nike, GAP, Coach, Michael Kors, and more.
  • Leadbelly – Leadbelly is one of the most popular restaurants in Lincoln. The local restaurant is rated the #1 local cuisine restaurant in Lincoln, Nebraska, by tripadvisor (in 2018). The American bar restaurant features the food that will have your stomach begging for more.
  • Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill – Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill is another local favorite in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is rated the #2 local restaurant in Lincoln by tripadvisor (in 2018), after Leadbelly (read above). The American bar restaurant is both vegetarian and vegan friendly.

 

 

Enjoy your Vacation!

What to do in Omaha, NE

Places to Visit/Things to Do


Do you like admiring beautiful art? Head over to the Joslyn Art Museum. Here, you can find mostly European and American art dating between the 1800’s to the 1900’s. Some famous artists include Winslow Homer, Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, and several more. Other than European and American art, the museum is home to an American Indian collection. One of the most admirable things in the museum is the Chihuly glass chandelier. Entrance to the facility is free. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, they are open from 10 am to 4 pm. On Thursday, they are open from 10 am to 8 pm. The museum is closed on Monday and major holidays. Hours for special events may differ.

 


A great zoo to visit while you’re in Omaha is Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Here, you can really have a great animal experience with penguins, gorillas, sharks, and much more. The zoo also has an IMAX Theater, which plays documentaries. For the kids, the zookeepers hold animal presentations each day. The zoo is open everyday from 9 am to 5 pm. If you’re visiting during the winter season, there might be shortened hours. Entrance costs anywhere from $9.95 to $19.95, depending on the age of the visitor and season. For the theater and some other attractions, there are additional fees.

 


Another attraction you can’t miss while in Omaha, the Durham Museum is popular with both locals and tourists alike. The Durham Museum is associated with the Smithsonian Institution. At this museum, you can find exhibits which team about Omaha’s history. Some of these exhibits include those on Plain Indians, early dwellings of settlers, and more. Since the Durham Museum building is actually a restored train station from 1931, there are interesting train cars on display. The museum’s layout and exhibits help visitors understand what life was like back for the early settlers and natives. The Durham Museum is located in the Old Market area. They are from 10 am to 8 pm on Tuesday, and from 10 am to 5 pm from Wednesday through Saturday. On Sundays, they open at 1 and close at 5 pm. Admission costs $11 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7 for kids 3 to 12. Kids under 3 get in for free.

 

  • Omaha Children’s Museum


If you have kids with you on your Omaha visit, you MUST bring them here. Located in the Old Market area, the Omaha Children’s Museum is a place for kids to let their imaginations run wild. The Creative Arts Center, which is located within, lets kids make arts and crafts, then keep them. For the younger kids, there is also an Imagination Playground. This contains a farm, a firehouse, and a market, as well as other hands-on exhibits. Entrance to the Omaha Children’s Museum is $12 for adults and above 2. For seniors, it is $11; it is free for kids under 2. The museum is open all year; on Tuesday through Friday, they are open from 10 to 4 pm. On Saturday, they are open from 9 am to 5 pm; on Sunday, they open at 11 am and close at 5 pm. During the summer, the museum is open on Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm.

 

  • Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha Botanical Gardens


If you enjoy nature and its beauty, you might want to consider heading over to the Lauritzen Gardens. Also known as the Omaha Botanical Gardens, it features flowers, herbs, and more. Other than outdoor gardens, there is also an indoor conservatory. Other than the gardens, there are three miles of trails on which you can explore nature’s plants. For those who don’t want to walk, a tram is available for $3 per person. The $3 covers “an hour-long narrated tour of the 100-acre property.” The tram is available only through the months of May to October. The Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha Botanical Gardens is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, but they stay open until 8 pm from between May to September. The extra hours are for the Garden Twilight, a summer event that happens every year for visitors to enjoy the garden beauty at dusk. Admission for adults is $10, $5 for kids 6 to 12, and free for those younger than 6.

 

 

Best Way to TourOmaha, NE

  • The best way to tour the city of Omaha (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through busneeds.com, you can order the buses you need. Busneeds.com is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Busneeds.com can help you. Busneeds.com offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit busneeds.com to book your rental bus today!

 

 

Best Places to Eat/Shop

  • The Crossroads Mall –The Crossroads Mall is one of the best places to shop in Omaha. They are filled with a large selection of retailers, dining options, and services.
  • Oak View Mall –Oak View is another popular mall in Omaha. This is the place for shopping at popular retailers and enjoying a variety of food from their food court.
  • Old Market – Old Market is the heart and soul of Omaha. Here, you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and more. Not only can you shop and eat here, but you can enjoy as Old Market is home to many popular attractions.
  • One Pacific Place –One Pacific Place is another amazing place for shopping, as well as dining. It contains many popular retail stores, along with some of Omaha’s most popular restaurants.
  • 801 Chophouse – 801 Chophouse is an American steakhouse with a high price tag. But according to its visitors, the money is worth it. 801 Chophouse is rated the #1 fine-dining restaurant in Omaha by tripadvisor (in 2018).
  • Block 16 – Omaha has great local cuisine, but the Block 16 is considered one of the best. The American restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly, but it has the foods meat-lovers enjoy. Block 16 is rated the #1 local restaurant in Omaha by tripadvisor (in 2018).

 

Enjoy your Vacation!