Hotel reviews: Las Vegas Hilton Hotel

The Las Vegas Hilton Hotel is located on Paradise Road behind the strip. A sky-walk bridge connects the hotel to a giant convention center. The National Association of Broadcasting (NAB) and other organizations that need a lot of space use the convention center for their conferences. The room rates are more expensive during some of these conferences.

Booking a room on-line via the Las Vegas Hilton Website is convenient. You can choose a basic room, a larger room with more amenities, or a room that gives you access to the resort club lounge. The basic rooms are small and clean. The larger rooms are more expensive, have nicer linen, and more amenities, such as robes and slippers. The resort club lounge is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers snacks, drinks, and a view from the 24th floor of the hotel. Beer and wine is available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Paying extra for resort club lounge access was not cost effective for us. We did not find time to go to the resort club lounge on most days and the selection of beer was limited.

Parking, checking in, and checking out are convenient. Parking is free. There is a large parking structure and two lots that are close to the hotel. Checking in is quick and easy at the front desk. Checking out can be done quickly through the television.

The Hilton is a good place to stay if you are a Star Trek or Barry Manilow fan. There is a Star Trek museum with a simulator ride. Barry Manilow was performing during our stay. There was a store full of Barry Manilow merchandise.

People who like to exercise may enjoy the swimming pool, tennis courts, or golfing at the Las Vegas Country Club. The swimming pool is on the third floor and towels are provided. There are six tennis courts and a tennis pro who gives lessons. The Las Vegas Country Club is a private course located next to the Hilton. The concierge at the Hilton can make a tee time for guests who are staying at the Hilton Hotel.

The Hilton has a large casino, a food court, many nice restaurants, and a nice theater. The casino offers all the usual games and slot machines. The food court has pizza, ice cream, and other fast food. Diners have a wide variety of restaurants to choose from including Benihana, Garden of the Dragon, Hacienda Margarita, TJs Steakhouse, and a buffet. Hacienda Margarita is a casual Mexican restaurant with reasonable prices and large portions of food. Garden of the Dragon serves Chinese food and costs almost twenty-five dollars a plate for lunch. The theater has 1,600 hundred seats and a giant stage. There is not a bad seat in the Hilton Theater. Every chair in the theater is within 87 feet of the stage.

The monorail station at the Las Vegas Hilton provides close access to transportation. You can travel the entire length of the strip in less than 15 minutes on the monorail. There are seven monorail stations located along the strip. Security guards use dogs and cameras to monitor the area. Riding the monorail is both safe and convenient. The monorail runs from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday through Sunday. The rates are $5 for one ride, $9 for two rides, $35 for 10 rides, and $40 for a 3-day pass. The air-conditioned monorail is clean and offers a smooth ride above the city.

The Las Vegas Hilton is a good place to stay if you want to be close to the convention center, or if you want an opportunity to golf at the private Las Vegas Country Club.

Driving and parking in New York City

So, you’ve decided, probably against the wishes of your family and friends; that you are going to drive into New York City for the very first time. You are clearly determined, motivated, and hopefully have bullied a few cars out of the way on the local highway as practice. But driving around New York City is about more than being psyched to go bumper to bumper with a taxi. You have to know the rules.

First things first, as you hopefully already know, Manhattan is an island. Remember those beans from history class? Exactly. This little fact will save your sanity when driving in Manhattan nine out of ten times. Why, you ask? Because, as long as you do not leave the island you cannot get that lost. If you are on the island and go over a bridge or through a tunnel all bets are off, but if you stay on the island, I promise you’ll be all right. As long as you have a compass and a map you can always stage a hasty retreat to the side of the road to get your bearings again.

Now that we’ve agreed you’ll avoid bridges and tunnels at all costs; a little bit about the layout of the city. Most streets in New York City are one-way. But before you cry lost; generally if you’re north of Union Square/14th street the streets are on a numbered grid courtesy of those lovely 1800s city planners with silly mustaches. Additionally, again above 14th street, these streets also, generally, follow some rules. Remember to match your O’s and E’s, Odd avenues run South, Even streets run East. If you decide you want to wander down into the trendy, delicious restaurant heaven that is the village, smell the smells of the Chinatown markets, or see the famed financial district, be warned, even with directions you will likely get turned around. There are always street fairs, construction and heavy traffic congestion all over the city. Make sure that you have specific directions to where you are going especially when traveling off the grid, a compass, and a good street map i.e. one written in English with all the streets named with arrows to indicate the direction of traffic, it’s useless otherwise.

The final step in the journey of driving in New York City is the task of parking the car. This can be much more challenging than the actually driving especially if you don’t want to pay a fortune. If you have money to spend and are in the midtown area parking garages are the way to go. Your car is safe, you’ll be able to find it again and it can’t get towed. But take care and read the posted rates.

Guide to a New York City weekend getaway – Part 2

New York City, the heartbeat of America! What could be more exciting and action packed than a weekend getaway to the city that never sleeps? Fast paced, cultural, and alive, New York City has something for everyone.

With many flight options available, La Guardia offers the most centralized location for arrival. Other options include JFK or Newark, New Jersey. Newark often times offers the lowest fares and the commute into Manhattan is fairly quick. You can opt for the shuttles that wait outside the airport or hire a limo that will take you directly into the Big Apple.

Hotels are, of course, ample and the city provides a wide Array of selections from The Hyatt at Grand Central, to a Super 8 in downtown Manhattan. Planning ahead will, of course, get you the best location and rates for your stay.

There are many attractions in this fun-filled city. When thinking New York City, one usually thinks of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, Times Square and taking in a Broadway play. While they are all worth a visit, one might consider some other interesting hot spots.

South Seaport, located in Lower Manhattan is a beautifully designed community on the Hudson River with museums, shops and restaurants. It offers breathtaking views and should not be missed!

Harlem has come a long way. Great places to visit here are the Apollo Theatre and former President, Bill Clinton’s offices, both located on W 125th Street. Cap off your night with a drink at the famous Cotton Club.

Chinatown, located on the lower east side of Manhattan, is the largest Chinatown in the country. Great shops, fresh fish markets, fantastic little shops in every nook and cranny. You will think you stepped right into the country itself!

30 Rock and the Today Show are in the heart of Manhattan. If you have ever wanted to be on television, now is your chance. Get up EARLY and visit the Today Show. The show starts at 7 am and the crowds usually begin lining up as early as 5 to get their spot near the silver gates! Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer, Anne Curry or Al Roker just may come outside to greet you! You can also take in a tour of the NBC Studios or if you are visiting during the winter, a skate on Rockefeller rink is fantastic!

The World Trade Center Visitor Center is a touching tribute to the 9/11 disaster. Walking tours are conducted on a daily basis. Tours are provided by guides whose lives were personally touched by the tragedy and include a view into Ground Zero. Pick up the tour at 120 Liberty Street. They last approximately one hour and the cost is $10.00.

Of special interest to children, a visit to the big city would not be complete without a stop at the famous toy store, FAO Schwartz. It is located on 5th Avenue and is three floors of fun. Two gigantic toy soldiers wait to greet you! If by chance you visit the city in the month of December, make it a point to stop at Macy’s Department Store. Located at Herald’s Square, 34th Street, they have an awesome Christmas Santa and display.

To get the real feel of New York City, you must ride the subway! They are not as difficult to navigate as you might think and they are a great way to get from point A to point B. Purchase a metro-card and you can ride seven days unlimited for $25.00. Pick up a subway map and you are well on your way to feeling like a true New Yorker!

Mammoth Lakes, California: Restaurant and dining guide

A writer is never at a loss for words. A dinner whore, sorry, food critic is never at a loss for words about the food, the ambiance, the food, the staff and the food. Food critics don’t always write for Food and Wine or don’t always have a column in a local paper. Ever since Al Gore created the Internet, anyone who travels and enjoys the dinning experience can critique a restaurant. Let’s go where the foodies and the well traveled eat in Mammoth Lakes.

Mogul Restaurant, 1528 Tavern Road – Known as a “hidden gem” on Tripadvisor.com, MsOregon dispenses this tidbit: “This is the best steak house (also other things). in the whole mammoth lakes area. If you are interested in fine dinning in relaxed mode, and great salad bar, please don’t miss this opportunity. We had a wonderful time in Mammoth and found this place on Tavern Rd. A wonderful treat for the end of the day and we will return again, and again. Big things come in little packages.”

Bergers Restaurant, 6118 Minaret Road – For a truly great burger do you know where to go? It’s Bergers! cfam writes “The food is so fresh and tasty, they truly do have the BEST Burgers for miles and miles around! My favorite dish is the Sourdough Patty Melt, so yummy!”

Roberto’s Mexican Cafe, 271 Old Mammoth Road – What is it worth to you? Well to this couple if they lived any closer, Roberto’s might name a table after them. Check out what pedagog7 says “My wife and I are Mexican restaurant experts having dined at the best in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. It is too bad that Robertos is a 5-hour drive from home or we would be there weekly. Lean meats, great sauces, and one of the only places your food will literally sizzle on the serving platter (an absolute necessity for quality Mexican fare). The 3-item combination plate is too much food for me – it is so rare to find quality and quantity at the same place, but Roberto’s has it all! If you are anywhere near Mammoth, don’t miss this one.”

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” The English novelist Virginia Woolf once said. Usual quote from someone who wrote in “A Room of One’s Own.” Was she dining in a room of one’s own when she said this and what was on her plate? Only a foodie could ponder.

The restaurant reviews are unique to those who experienced the atmosphere of the restaurant and the taste of the food. What these reviews share is that the traveler is willing to go back again and again to the same restaurant. The individual or individuals want to create new dining experience at a restaurant they feel comfortable in. Prices are part of dinning out, but don’t always factor in to an already enjoyable experience. Of these restaurant’s reviewed, all were moderately priced.

For more restaurants and reviews in the Mammoth Lakes area log on to tripadvisor.com. Planning a trip is rewarding and enjoyable, Tripadvisor offers information on accommodations, deals, flights and restaurants. Or you can visitmammoth.com to check the local events, accommodations and weather conditions of Mammoth Lakes.

Las Vegas on a budget for first time visitors – Part 4

Las Vegas on a budget or not it is the most fun you can ever have. It is the Disney World for adults. It is possible to enjoy Vegas on a budget. Airfare and hotel specials are pretty easy to find. Accommodations aren’t that expensive.

Now food and entertainment Vegas style will be pretty high priced. But, as a quick get away and a fun filled adventure for you and your honey, well it is possible on a budget.

There are so many wonderful hotels in Vegas. Just walking around and looking at all the different hotels and so many have there own free shows. Enjoying the sights and sounds and lights and atmosphere it is amazing. Truly amazing.

I’m a working Mom and I have to say my husband and enjoyed just the free time. The fact that in Vegas time does not matter. You get up when you want, you go to sleep when you want. Everything is open all the time. There is no time, and it is awesome.

There is entertainment everywhere from the free hotels to just walking around taking in the sights. It is wonderful. Like I said, the adult Disney World. We budgeted $50 dollars a day per each of us for gambling, we had our hotel and flight paid for in advance. So all we needed was our spending money and gambling money.

In the older section of Vegas, old town and such there are plenty of inexpensive restaurants and when you want to splurge the restaurants are amazing. We balanced it all out. And we actually won enough gambling to pay for out trip. No big winnings, nothing the IRS would come after us for but a little jack pot here and there and our trip was paid for.

You can enjoy all the different hotels and just the uniqueness of everything around you, and the free time and the bright lights. It is a wonderful get away for adults and I highly recommend it. Airfare and hotels are still a great deal. Just go with an open mind and a willingness to explore and have fun and the city is yours to enjoy.

You don’t need to plan a lot of shows or expensive entertainment before hand. Just book the flight, get the hotel, and go. Walk around the city and explore and take in all the excitment. Enjoy all the wonderful hotels and their beauty and share an exciting time. Let you tiem there plan itself. No need to book anything but the hotel and airfare ahead of time. You will find plenty to do and see just being there. And don’t forget to get downtown to the older section, it is awesome.

Restaurant profiles: Rosemarys Restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada – Part 4

Location:

8125 West Sahara Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89117

Phone

702-869-2251, Fax: 702-869-2283

Website;

http://www.rosemarysrestaurant .com/

Description

Chefs Michael and Wendy Jordan offer a warm welcome to Rosemary’s, a neighborhood restaurant that is a respite from the glitter and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip.

A review of awards and accomplishments quickly reveals this is a restaurant solidly based on French cooking principles. Dishes reflect American regional influences from their travels and experiences around the United States. Chef Michael feels that every dish has a story and recalls experiences from New Orleans, the Deep South, and the Midwest.

Wine or beer pairings to your menu are Rosemary’s specialty.

Hours

11:30 am – 2:30 pm, Monday – Friday

5:30 – 10:30 pm daily

Cover Charges

Rosemary’s has no cover charge, but you should be aware of the corkage policy.

Other Information

From Trip Advisor

* Rosemary’s Restaurant is rated Number 2 of 1,661 in popularity in Las Vegas.

* Recommended for romantic and business occasions.

* Located approximately 30 minutes by taxi from The Strip.

* Food, ambiance and service are considered world class.

* Favorites include barbequed shrimp with blue cheese slaw, and pan seared sweetbreads.

From Lonely Planet

* Cuisine is New American/Cajun

* Lonely Planet writes, “Yes, it’s in a strip mall, and it’s a long drive from the Strip. But once you bite into such divine offerings as Texas barbecue shrimp with Maytag blue-cheese slaw or grilled pork chops with Creole mustard sauce, you’ll forget about all that.”

* Michael Jordan, Chef at Rosemary’s, believes that beer is as dynamic and diversified as the world of wine.

From the Wine Spectator

* Click here for a mouth-wateringly spectacular review of a seven course tasting dinner at Rosemary’s. The meal begins with a potato quenelle with Ostera caviar and closes with a Dessert Storm. They tasted 19 wines and used 252 glasses.

*While this might seem an extravagant exhibition of Rosemary’s talents, this winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence also receives high praise and strong recommendations as a quiet change of pace from the glitz and glamour of The Strip.

Sources

http://www.lasvages-hotels.tri padvisor.com/Restaurant-g45963 -d422615-Reviews

http://www.rosemaryrestaurant. com/pdfs/lonleyplanet.pdf

http://www.rosemarysrestaurant .com/pdfs/CityLife-Aug2007.pdf

http://forums.winespectator.co m/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/508609

California Delta is Water Recreation Paradise

If you’ve ever driven southbound through California’s Central Valley, you probably have been surprised to see an ocean-going freighter making its way into Stockton.

Yet ships do call on Stockton – and have for decades – as they make their way to the state’s interior through an intricate set of waterways sometimes called the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta or the Sacramento Delta, or just the California Delta. The point is it’s a delta not unlike what you see in the Deep South and, in fact, there are some surprising connections between Louisiana and the California Delta. Anyone who has visited Isleton for its famous Crawdad Festival can testify to that.

It’s also eerily similar to the rural roads and towns near New Orleans where levees keep the river from flooding the countryside. In this case it’s not the Mississippi that you worry about but the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers that creates a water system carrying 47 percent of California’s water runoff. Most of the land of the inner Delta is under sea level, generally between 21 and three feet below.

Lots of water means lots of water recreation for parched residents of the San Joauin Valley, who enjoy boating in this area and visiting the interesting small towns throughout the Delta.

The Delta region is comprised of 738,000 acres in six counties, so you could seemingly wander around in there for years without finding a way out. We recall one time navigating the Delta on houseboat where our navigation charts were the only way to ensure we would ever be heard from again.

But that, of course, is the appeal of the California Delta. Traveling to the Delta is a fast trip from the San Francisco Bay area. After all, one of the Delta’s largest cities, Antioch, is comprised largely of people who live in the Delta region and commute daily to San Francisco. From there you just cross a bridge and all of a sudden you’re driving on lonely two-lane roads skirting the canals and levees, turning every which way until, voila, there’s another little town to explore and check off your list.

On our most recent trip to the Delta we decided we’d spend the night in some rather unusual “waterfront” accommodations: a 40-foot Bluewater yacht with its own dock, located at the confluence of Georgiana Slough and the Mokelumne River. The Dockside Boatel has an Isleton address, but this is one of the places you’ll want to call for directions. The owner will be happy to give them to you and will be there to greet you because she lives in a house just a few yards onshore from the dock.

This was a great base of operations for forays into the Delta region and an excellent choice if you love being dockside and enjoy the sounds and slight wave action of the water. We had the dock to ourselves and there are two chairs on the dock perfect for fishing, reading the paper, watching the sunset or just overall taking in the sights and sounds of the Delta tributaries.

A 40-foot boat is a good-sized boat and a chance for non-boaters to sample what it would be like to have a large boat for regular getaways. You’re not going to drive this boat anywhere because it’s being rented as a floating bed-and-breakfast inn, but it’s no more costly than staying in a room at someone’s home. The boat has a parlor area, a galley (kitchen), a stateroom with two beds down below, a head (bathroom), and plenty of space out on the aft deck for sitting. (Special note to landlubbers: as boaters know, heads can be a little temperamental and this one is no exception).

Breakfast is delivered to your door at whatever time you prefer, and ours was a well-prepared hearty combination of French toast, sausage, eggs and two kinds of juices. We were impressed with the quantity of food for what we considered a nominal nightly rental rate. Lower priced B and B’s are more apt to give you a cinnamon roll and send you on your way.

While there are several small towns within easy driving distance, we especially enjoyed Isleton, where you do start to get the connection with Louisiana. We’re told that Louisiana residents actually do come here to live and they seem to bring some of that Cajun spice right along with them. Check out the crawdads served at Isleton Joe’s or Ernie’s or, better yet, plan your trip for the Crawdad Festival each June. While you can catch crawdads in the Delta, thousands of crawdads are shipped in from Louisiana — pre-spiced — for the festival.

We drove many backroads in the Delta where we found numerous marinas, each with a restaurant and some variation of waterfront dining. There were state parks where it was easy to pull off and find a canal-front location to have a picnic. There were draw bridges that were great for photos. And t was fun to see the many variations of boats plying the inland waterways during our visit, including a 19th Century sailing ship that was offering rides from the Antioch Marina.

If you drive along Highway 60, you’ll encounter several different towns – Isleton, Rio Vista, Locke, Walnut Grove and Ryde – which will each give you a taste of life in the Delta region and of the history that created this unusual destination. Check out the restored Ryde Hotel, just south of Walnut Grove where you can almost hear the voices of the party-goers who once traveled here by sternwheeler. Or stop by Rio Vista, considered the biggest town in these parts with 5,000 people. This is Bass-fishing Central where the annual Bass Festival attracts 35,000.

We couldn’t leave the Delta without getting on a boat – a boat that actually moves, that is – so we dropped by H2O to Go Boat Rentals, located between the cities of Rio Vista and Lodi and rented our own 17-foot runabout for a couple of hours. This was a late-model (almost new, in fact) bowrider that sped us to several locations along the Delta waterways giving us an entirely new perspective of the Delta. Sure enough, we came upon one of those ocean freighters that was headed into Stockton. It was time again to freak out a few more of those travelers headed down the interstate.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: The California Delta is generally located between Sacramento and Stockton and then southwest to Antioch or northwest to Suisun Bay. It’s easily accessed from all of those areas.

WHAT: The California Delta is where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers converge to take runoff waters from the Central Valley through a channel to San Francisco Bay and then out to the Pacific Ocean. There are actually a number of islands in this area, all created by natural and man-made channels. The earthen levees in the area have allowed extensive farming throughout the Delta and boating in the Delta area feels like you are driving your boat through farmlands.

WHEN: Boating is best in the summer months, but a temperate climate allows recreation and travel in this area any time of the year.

WHY: The Delta’s waterways are fun to explore and the variety of towns, marinas, parks, lodgings and unique down-home restaurants adds to the overall appeal.

HOW: For more information on the Delta, contact the California Delta Chambers and Visitors Bureau at www.californiadelta.org or phone (916) 777-4041. For more information on the Delta’s Dockside Boatel, go to www.deltadocksideboatel.com or phone 510-919-2197. To learn more about boat rentals on the Delta, go to www.h20rents.com or phone 209-810-6755.

Behind the scenes secrets of the New York City real estate market

The secret behind the New York City real estate market can be summed up in one word: hype.

Realtors, developers, politicians and media outlets do a superlative job of marketing the benefits and excitement of living in New York City. That is, after all, their jobs. And since many of their victims already have a mythical view of New York engrained in their consciousness, they are as susceptible to overpriced real estate as they are to believing that poets live in the West Village.

Of course, there are the laws of supply and demand. But is there an economic theory that explains why an otherwise reasonable person will pay 40, 50 or 60% of their income to live in a run-in-the-mill apartment in a run-in-the-mill neighborhood? There is clearly another factor at work here.

Call it the New York City mystique, call it the magic of the big city lights, call it the promise of fame and fortune, call it the center of the art and fashion world…call it hype.

New York City is not nearly as distinct as it used to be. Chain stores and fast food joints abound. Funky and inexpensive independent shops and restaurants can no longer survive. Artists, musicians and writers can no longer afford to live in New York’s famously bohemian neighborhoods and practice their craft. True, they attempt to develop new enclaves, but before long the lawyers and stockbrokers arrive, along with astronomical rents.

There has always been a disconnect between the image of New York City and its reality. One wonders if there will be a tipping point as that gap grows larger and larger. It’s doubtful. The latest generation of New Yorkers think that it’s normal to have a Starbucks on every corner with a Gap across the street. They expect it. Just like the mall at home.

And yet New York is still considered by many as the only place to be. Even if that includes a real estate market that is completely out of sync with the incomes of the vast majority of its residents. Supply, demand and a healthy serving of hype.

It remains to be seen whether the current economic crisis will have any significant impact on real estate prices in New York. 2009 promises to be a very interesting year in determining the city’s financial future, as well as the new attitudes and priorities that may manifest as a result .

Not that any of this matters to the very wealthy. Or to the frat boys crammed in with three roommates in Gramercy who will get married and move to Jersey in a few years. Or to the Carrie Bradshaw wannabes, in complete denial of their credit card balances.

The New York that lives in their minds is the essential secret behind the seven-figure price tag on that studio apartment downtown.

15 Great Ways to Save Money in Las Vegas

By planning ahead, seeking out the best online deals and following the money-saving tips listed below, you can enjoy significant savings on your Las Vegas vacation getaway – without sacrificing any of your comfort or enjoyment.

1. Seek out discount Las Vegas show tickets, budget accommodations convenient to the Las Vegas Strip and individually tailored Las Vegas vacation packagesbefore you arrive in Las Vegas.

2. If possible, plan your Las Vegas trip during the off-season (summer months) and you will discover significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.

3. Check out some of the free things to do in Las Vegas such as the Fremont Street Experience, a lively nightly show that takes place in the heart of downtown Las Vegas and features 12.5-million lights and 550,000 watts of concert-quality sound.

4. Enjoy one of the many all-you-can-eat buffets that can be found throughout Las Vegas.

5. If you don’t mind staying off the Las Vegas Strip, you will discover numerous budget motels and hotels near the McCarran International Airport, along Boulder Highway and in downtown Las Vegas.

6. Look for free publications such as I Love Las Vegas magazine, which contain a multitude of discount coupons to Las Vegas shows, attractions, restaurants, health spas and specialty shops.

7. Before you book your Las Vegas accommodations, check if they offer guests a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning.

8. Check out comprehensive online guides to Las Vegas such as VegasAreaGuide.com for in-depth information on Las Vegas discount show tickets, accommodations and vacation packages.

9. Establish a budget for Las Vegas gambling and souvenirs. Most importantly, stick to your budget!

10. If you are an AAA or AARP member, take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Las Vegas vacation.

11. If possible, try to avoid Las Vegas during holiday weekends and Spring Break when prices are higher and the casinos, restaurants, nightclubs and attractions are most crowded.

12. Take it easy on the slot machines, which typically provide the worst odds in the casino.

13. Shopping for Las Vegas souvenirs? Check out some of the factory outlet stores such as Las Vegas Premium Outlets or the Las Vegas Outlet Center.

14. Take advantage of the convenience of the Las Vegas Monorail, which runs along the Las Vegas Strip and offers a variety of ticket options, including unlimited one-day passes that start at just $9.

15. Planning to get married in Las Vegas? You can choose from a myriad of wedding chapels and the marriage license fee is just $55.

Keep it in check: Managing a modest budget in New York City – Part 8

A major expense in NYC is travel. The easiest way to avoid spending all your money on getting around? The MetroCard. If you want to get around and explore as much of NY as possible, skip the cabs and get a MetroCard. You can get unlimited ride for the day ($7) or for a week ($22), and it is good for both the Subways and Busses.

The other cost that will drain your funds very quickly are meals. If you avoid the Times Square area you can find a lot of inexpensive restaurants just a few blocks away. You can get inexpensive Chinese at 38th Street Restaurant (273 W 38th Street), Mexican at Ah Chihyahua (330 E. 53rd Street), Pizza at Angelo’s (1697 Broadway), or Vegan at Bunchberries (222 E. 53rd Street).

If you aren’t staying with friends or family, you will need a hotel. Prices are constantly changing based on the season, and I would highly recommend going to Hotels.Com, Orbitz, and Priceline to find the best deal.

So, the next question is what you plan on doing while you are in NYC? If you love the outdoors, the Bronx Zoo (www.bronxzoo.com) has a special on Wednesdays that allows you to pay what you can, and is open from 10 AM 5 PM 365 days a year. If you arrive between 10 AM and Noon on a Saturday, you can get free grounds admission to the New York Botanical Garden (www.nybg.org). If that doesn’t fit your schedule, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens (www.bbg.org) offers free weekday admission from November through February, and on Tuesdays year round. Downtown Alliance (www.downtownny.com) offers free walking tours at Noon every Thursday and Saturday.

If you love shopping, but don’t want to pay full price, try going to Find Outlet (www.findoutlet.com). With a convenient location in Chelsea, you can find many great clothes at over 50% off. Some great examples are given on their website. Beacon’s Closet (www.beaconscloset.com) has some great deals on vintage clothing and has 2 locations in Brooklyn.

A lot of people go to NYC to experience the Arts. If you aren’t too picky about the show you want to see, and you have luck, you have a few different options for going to a Broadway show. Playbill has a great article (www.playbill.com/news/article /82428.html) which tells you about shows that will let you save money either by lottery, coming in early on the day of the show, or by getting Standing Room tickets when the show is sold out. You can get front row seats for some of Broadway’s blockbusters for as low as $20. You can also go to the TKTS booths and get discounts of 25 to 50 percent on shows they are offering at the time. If you would rather see the opera, The Met (www.metoperafamily.org) has tickets as low as $15.

So those are some quick pointers for your time in NYC. Have lots of fun, and remember this is your vacation. Decide on one or two things to splurge on, and use some of these tips to keep the rest of your budget in check.

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