Gerrish Lopez

Boston is a city that's played a significant role in American history for centuries, and has hundreds of landmarks to prove it. There's so much to learn, see and do; from traversing the iconic Freedom Trail, taking you across 16 historic sites, to discovering the maritime hub of Charlestown Navy Yard. Boston's compact layout and walkability makes it easy to explore of foot, and that's where Boston's best walking tours come in... Soak up the culture and learn all about the city's most famous attractions with the assistance of an all-knowing guide who's determined to help you make the most of your time in Boston. If you're more into eating than sightseeing, get to know the city's rich culinary scene with a food tour that will steer you towards the best of the best. And once you’ve finished a tour, keep the fun going by checking out the best museums in Boston or hitting up some of the top bars.  RECOMMENDED: ❤️ The best things to do in Boston🏢 The best Boston attractions💰 Cheap restaurants in Boston This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The best hotels in New Orleans range from high-end national brands to quirky, boutique properties, with plenty of options in between. There's something out there to suit everyone – even if you've got a very acquired and niche taste.  These New Orleans hotels offer everything you need for a comfortable stay plus service and attention that will make your visit to the city memorable. A new crop of independent hoteliers has transformed unique spaces into posh retreats, while a handful of historic hotels have stood the test of time and have become attractions in their own right. Plus, many of these hotels even have on-site bars and restaurants that have earned accolades on their own.  Whether you’re a business traveler, party animal or trend-seeking influencer, these hotels have it all. Deciding which New Orleans neighborhood to be based in is always a tough decision – maybe you’re looking to blow off some steam with a French Quarter fiesta, or perhaps you’re more in the mood to decamp to a trendy hideaway in the Marigny – but wherever you decide to stay, you’ll have a perfect spot to rest your head after exploring all the best restaurants and bars in NOLA. February 2024 update: one of our favorite hotels is currently unavailable, so we've replaced it with a new incredible hotel we've found: the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. RECOMMENDED: The best neighborhoods in New OrleansRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in New OrleansRECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans Who makes the cut? W

This Southern city isn’t called Hotlanta for nothing. Sure, searing summer heat plays a role, but there are so many things to do in Atlanta that this town is always hopping. From a buzzy nightlife scene boosted by amazing cocktail bars to culinary offerings that range from classic Southern comfort fare to cutting-edge modern, Atlanta is a treat for all of the senses. The best attractions in Atlanta offer a deeper dive into the history and culture of the city, as well as plenty of opportunities for fun, thrills and even a taste of the great outdoors. Atlanta has world-class museums, a renowned aquarium and attractions dedicated to Atlanta-based companies Delta and Coca-Cola. From sports fanatics and nature lovers to foodies and the athletically-inclined, these Atlanta attractions offer something for everyone. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

From the farthest reaches of the sprawling metropolis that is the ATL you’ll find no shortage of Southern charm and hospitality. The city attracts a mix of leisure and business travelers throughout the year, so it’s always bustling with activity. From historic landmarks and lush green parks to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife scene, the best things to do in Atlanta will please everyone (kids, too). Atlanta offers the opportunity to explore the region's deep-rooted history and the culture that the city has spawned, from its arts and industry to music and theater, not to mention the history of the Civil Rights movement. Once you’ve explored all that Atlanta has to offer, dive into the city’s culinary offerings, where you’ll find a slew of renowned bars and restaurants ranging from classic to cutting-edge.  At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Atlanta🍷 The best bars in Atlanta 🐟 The best things to do with kids in Atlanta🏛️ The best attractions in Atlanta 🌳 The best treehouse Airbnbs in Atlanta🏠 The best Airbnb cabins in Atlanta

Brunch in New Orleans is so much more than just a late-morning meal. The concept was invented here, after all (in the 1870s by Madame Begue to cater to workers who finished their shifts after traditional breakfast hours). Brunch is a celebration, even if you’re not celebrating anything in particular. The best brunches in New Orleans include a festive atmosphere, often some live jazz and certainly a good bit of flair. All that, however, is secondary to the amazing food served at brunch. Start with bottomless mimosas or bloody marys then move on to indulgent dishes from Cajun, Creole and Southern traditions. Think boudin omelets, crab beignets, chicken and waffles, praline bacon or shrimp and grits. Brunch is served at both traditional, iconic restaurants and trendy new spots. If you need to recover from a night out at New Orleans’ best bars or just looking for a festive way to start your day before tackling the best things to do in New Orleans, check out these top brunch spots around the city. RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in New Orleans🍻 The best bars in New Orleans📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🎷 The best spots to see jazz in New Orleans🏘️ The best neighborhoods in New Orleans This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Tired of the same old beach destinations? Say hello to the Gulf Coast, where beach days are a little more relaxed and the chill crowds are focused more on catching rays and having fun, less on flaunting trends and snapping IG pics. From Texas to the Florida Panhandle, the Gulf Coast boasts beaches for every style: stunning white-sand beaches with emerald waters, spring break spots that still maintain their chill and hidden retreats offering world-class fishing and outdoor adventure. On top of all that, you’ll find no shortage of Southern charm and hospitality. And did we mention seafood? The bounty of the Gulf is served up mere steps from the source, so you can dine on the freshest shrimp, crabs, fish and more after a long day relaxing on the beach. The best Gulf Coast beaches in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida will make you rethink that vacation to overhyped hotspots. Each beach has its own unique offerings, from art and culture to casinos or camping. Next time you want to hit the beach, consider these Gulf Coast beaches for a fabulous time without all the fuss.

Vancouver is one of the most liveable cities in the world, and it also happens to be a darling when it comes to tourism. Canada’s western metropolis ticks all the boxes, from inspiring nature to fascinating history, with a conveyor belt of bars, restaurants, spas, beaches and more. Long story short? Vancouver is brilliant. The best things to do in Vancouver cover all this and more, with a collection of attractions that are informed by its history as much as its future. There are whales too—from April through October you're practically guaranteed a sighting. Follow our guide to the best things to do in Vancouver and see why this Canadian city truly lives up to the hype and then some. RECOMMENDED: 🍔 The best restaurants in Vancouver🎡 The best attractions in Vancouver🏨 The best hotels in Vancouver

New Orleans is a top destination for big annual events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, for its renowned restaurants and bar scene and—for better or worse—Bourbon Street. Beyond the Quarter and its non-stop party scene, however, you can still find plenty of fun things to do in New Orleans, from world-class museums and amazing architecture to eye-opening history and outdoor attractions. Shop local businesses and unique art, dine at trendy new spots and beloved dives, take in the majesty of the mighty Mississippi, catch some incredible live music and so much more. The best things to do in New Orleans will give you a taste of all the city has to offer, setting the stage for many return visits. This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in New OrleansRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in New Orleans

When summer rolls around, New Orleans gets humid. You can avoid getting hot and sticky by ducking into some of the city’s world-class museums and other attractions where the AC is sure to be cranking. Or check out the seasonal appearance of cool, refreshing dishes at top restaurants and ice-cold cocktails at local bars. But sometimes, you just have to cool off by taking a dip in a big body of water. New Orleans is on the Gulf Coast, so there are plenty of New Orleans-area beaches where you can enjoy the sun and sand within a few hours of the city. These beaches near New Orleans are a welcome summer escape, but they’re great to visit any time of year when you just need to dip your toes into the gentle waters of the Gulf of Mexico. From Mississippi to Alabama to Florida, you can hit up these beaches for a day of fun in the sun—returning in time for a night on the town—or spend a relaxing weekend exploring all that the Gulf Coast has to offer. Whatever your beach ambitions may be, these New Orleans beaches are worth a visit. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

Atlanta lives up to its Hotlanta nickname summer after summer. But that doesn’t mean the entire city retreats into AC-chilled hibernation. There are plenty of things to do in Atlanta in the summer, from outdoor movies and concerts to festivals and after-hours museum events. Parks and rivers offer shade and relief from the heat during the day. While everyone might move a little slower in the summer, there’s no reason to hole up inside—Atlanta’s restaurants and bars are cranking as usual with a few extra chill options on the menu, and there’s no better time to check out the city’s top attractions, both indoor and out. But to really dive into the season, here are the best things to do in Atlanta this summer, from annual events to treasured summer traditions.

When you’ve got clear skies and pleasant temps, there’s nothing better than sipping a cocktail outdoors. Unless you’re enjoying your beverage on a roof high above the city, that is. The best rooftop bars in Atlanta elevate the outdoor drinking experience with stunning sunsets, gentle breezes, twinkling stars and exceptional views. While spring and fall may offer the most desirable weather for imbibing alfresco, these spots are well-prepared for all seasons with everything from misters to heat lamps, so there’s always a good time to sip and scan the skyline. Atlanta’s rooftop bars range from posh hotel bars and swanky nightclubs to neighborhood watering holes and friendly breweries. Along with the views, you’ll find DJs, lounge chairs, lawn games, tasty bites and of course top-notch drinks, from local brews to innovative cocktails. Take your next date or your cocktail hour with friends to new heights. From Downtown to Midtown, these rooftop bars in Atlanta will give you a birds-eye view of the city that can’t be beat. RECOMMENDED: The best bars in Atlanta

Las Vegas has plenty of places to grab a drink. It’s a city built on vice, after all. But what visitors are finding out is that Vegas is a much more sophisticated drinking city than one would think. Mixologists are digging deep into the ingredient bible and crafting amazing cocktails—some enhanced with theatrics such as smoke and fire. These techniques are not only great for Instagram but purposely add a depth of flavor to enhance the cocktail. Ready for an elevated drinking experience? Below, you'll find the best bars in Las Vegas right now, from dive bars and speakeasies to rooftop lounges and resort bars. Raise your glass to these spots! RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas🍤 The best buffets in Vegas🥑 The best brunches in Las Vegas📍 The best things to do in Vegas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Vegas This guide was updated by Las Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

For the vegan ice cream lover, FoMu is the spot. All ice creams, novelties and cakes are made from plant-based ingredients. The signature ice cream, creamy and gelato-like, is made with coconut milk. Flavors are seasonal and made in small batches. You’ll even find novelties like ice cream bars, cookie sandwiches, ChocoTacos, and ice cream cakes.

What is Audubon Zoo? Part of the Audubon Institute—which includes the Aquarium, Nature Center, Audubon Park and organizations that focus on species survival and coastal wildlife—the Audubon Zoo is home to species (many endangered) from around the globe in impressive environs. Is it worth visiting? The zoo’s exhibits are a true glimpse into the habitats of its resident animals. You’ll find plenty of educational opportunities and animal encounters. The Jaguar Jungle is a favorite as well as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp exhibit. In the summer, the Cool Zoo offers a chance to beat the heat, while several events and festivals featuring music and food take place at the zoo throughout the year. Explore the animal kingdom and enjoy the stunning grounds dotted with live oaks (and the occasional roving peacock). Tickets, accessibility and booking Tickets to the zoo feature dynamic pricing based on day and time. Adult tickets are $35 during peak hours, $30 off-peak. Youth tickets are $30 during peak hours, $25 off-peak. Combine your admission with a visit to the Aquarium and Insectarium (located Downtown) to save. The zoo is accessible to all, and wheelchairs are available for rent. Where’s good to eat near Audubon Zoo? The zoo is located at the far end of Magazine Street near the Mississippi River. Head over to Riverbend for laid-back pub grub at Cooter Brown’s or go the other direction for Mediterranean fare at chef Alon Shaya’s Saba or to family-friendly Reginelli’s for pizza.

What is the French Quarter? The French Quarter is the city’s oldest and best-known neighborhood. It’s home to Bourbon Street, where many first-timers go to party. But the Quarter offers so much more, from gorgeous architecture, history, antiques, local boutiques, great food, music and views of the Mississippi. Is it worth visiting? The French Quarter is a must-visit neighborhood, introducing the city’s history and culture. It’s a treat for all the senses, and a compact area you can explore for days. Tickets, accessibility and booking Some of the old cobblestone streets in this old neighborhood can be tricky, but the French Quarter is entirely walkable. Royal Street—a destination for antiques—is closed to vehicle traffic during the day. For a free French Quarter history lesson, download the HNOC’s French Quarter Tours app to hear about important sites and stories as you walk around. Where’s good to eat in the French Quarter? The Quarter is home to classic, elegant restaurants like Galatoire’s, more contemporary options like Palm and Pine and beloved dives like Coop’s Place. There are really too many top French Quarter restaurants to name, so as long as you avoid the tourist traps (you’ll know), you’ll have a great meal.

What is the Garden District? The area was originally developed with large lots surrounded by gardens, hence the name. The neighborhood is more elegant and opulent than the French Quarter, home to oak-lined streets and Victorian, Italianate and Greek Revival mansions. The boundaries include a section of Magazine Street—a prime shopping and dining destination—and the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Is it worth visiting? The iconic neighborhood is certainly worth a visit, and when you take a tour, you can see firsthand the homes featured in films like Benjamin Button and TV shows like American Horror Story. Tickets, accessibility and booking Roam the garden district on your own—check out this helpful list of neighborhood landmarks—or take a guided tour from the likes of Two Chicks Walking Tours for more insight. Where’s good to eat in the Garden District? Magazine Street has a slew of restaurants and bars that are all worthy dining options, but the most iconic restaurant in the area is Commander’s Palace. The crown jewel of the Brennan food empire, this landmark restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining since 1880.

What is Mardi Gras World? This 300,000-square-foot working warehouse has been home to Blaine Kern Studios, one of the city’s premier float builders since 1947. Many of the floats that appear in Carnival parades (as well as parades in other cities, including the Universal Studios Mardi Gras parade) are made right here. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the studio, learn about the history and tradition of float-building, and get up close and personal with the magnificent works of art. Is it worth visiting? No matter what time of year, you can experience the fun of Carnival season with a visit to Mardi Gras World. The facility also plays host to a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. Tickets, accessibility and booking Admission to Mardi Gras World is $22 for adults, $14 for kids age 2-12 and $17 for military, students and seniors. A free shuttle picks up from Canal Street (call to schedule). Where’s good to eat near Mardi Gras World? You’ll have to walk a bit, but there are plenty of great places to eat near Mardi Gras World. Head to the food court at Riverwalk Outlets for a few local options, including Mr. Shrimp’s Kitchen. The nearby Warehouse District has a slew of offerings including Cochon Butcher for sandwiches. Or head to Magazine Street for even more options, like Gris-Gris’s elevated Southern fare.

at the helm, you know this Central Texas-style barbecue joint will be good. Located inside the Quickie Pickie (a big upgrade from former food truck park digs) with indoor and outdoor seating, La Barbecue serves up brisket, pork ribs, and house-made sausage. Sandwiches are tasty too, both straightforward options and over-the-top ones like La Frito Loco (pulled pork, chopped beef, chipotle slaw, fritos, cheese, and jalapeños).

Tinned fish, charcuterie, and other luxurious small plates set the stage for unique wines at this Downtown Crossing wine bar. Small producers, especially female winemakers, are the stars of the list of primarily natural wines. If you’re not familiar with natural wines, the friendly staff is willing to help. Sample from the list of wines by the glass, or—if you commit to two glasses—they’ll open any available bottle for you. For your non-wine-drinking friends, there’s also a solid craft beer list.

Head to Dorchester for traditional Irish breads and scones as well as pies, cakes, and cookies, all baked fresh. The classic Irish soda bread is top-notch, but don’t miss treacle soda bread, barm brack, or brown soda bread. There’s a whole cafe menu as well, with soups, sandwiches, and more Irish favorites like black pudding and Irish sausage rolls.

Eataly is currently hosting Boston’s only truffle-centric pop-up. Situated in the heart of Boston’s premier Italian food emporium, Il Tartufo e Il Vino is dedicated to fresh Italian truffles and fine Italian wines. Executive Chef Sam De Los Santos offers a menu full of truffle-friendly dishes; customers have the option of adding truffles to any dish for an upcharge, and those looking to celebrate can buy and enjoy an entire truffle right at tableside.

This Seaport stalwart hosts celebratory groups and corporate types for festive cocktails and a crowd-pleasing, pan-Asian menu of familiar favorites. Specialty nigiri and signature maki tantalize with interesting ingredients including marinated chinese celery, Wild Sockeye salmon, and yellow pepper sauce. The restaurant is exceptionally group-friendly, and perfect for private dinners and special occasions. A highlight for sushi-lovers is the unlimited sushi menu, available on Wednesdays starting at 5pm. 

Saus is a casual, counter-service joint offering made-from-scratch comfort foods enhanced by a plethora of condiments and toppings. There’s a whole section of poutines with toppings like carnitas, kimchi, and sambal for extra heft. There are a few tasty sandwiches and salads, plus friks—a few varieties of dressed-up beef and pork sausages served on Iggy’s brioche. But the centerpiece is the hand-cut, twice-fried fries. Choose from fifteen different homemade sauces, from basic ketchup to more creative options like hot beer mustard, Avo-Goddess, bacon-parm, or Secret Saus.

Chef Andy Husbands has invested more than two decades of barbecue practice and planning, in the process becoming a world champion pitmaster and author. His menu showcases slow-cooked meats and savory sides such as sweet-spicy coleslaw and cornbread with honey sea salt butter. The bar carries more than 200 whiskies, and the craft beer list offers something for everyone.

Soon you’ll be able to head to your local grocery store to pick up pre-made margs as easily as a six-pack of beer. A bill making its way through the legislature would relax restrictions on where canned cocktails can be sold, making them more readily available for purchase. Until now, only liquor stores operated by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board have been permitted to sell ready-to-drink cocktails. This class of beverage is defined as any premixed drink of 16 ounces or less made with distilled liquor, with an ABV of no more than 12.5 percent. The bill—which passed both chambers of the state legislature—would allow grocery stores and other businesses to apply for a permit to sell the beverages. Canned cocktails and other ready-to-drink cocktails like High Noon and locally-made Stateside and Surfside have dramatically increased in popularity. Senator Mike Regan, author of the bill, said it would offer consumers more choice by "providing access to these products at all of the places consumers currently shop for alcoholic beverages—state stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, beer distributors and even their favorite local bar." A press secretary has confirmed that Governor Josh Shapiro will sign the bill into law. Canned cocktails will then be available to carry out in 60 days, unfortunately not in time for the big Labor Day weekend.

Southwest has offered a one-of-a-kind, open seating policy for more than 50 years. This week, the airline announced it’s ending open seating in favor of assigned seats and premium seats with more legroom. The longstanding policy has irked many customers who complain of “seat-savers,” sneaky strategies for getting a good seat and increasingly expensive early-bird fees to secure a better spot in the boarding line. In a statement, Southwest revealed that 80 percent of its current customers prefer assigned seating. "Although our unique open-seating model has been a part of Southwest Airlines since our inception, our thoughtful and extensive research makes it clear this is the right choice—at the right time—for our customers, our people and our shareholders," said CEO Bob Jordan. By doing away with open seating, Southwest can introduce premium seating similar to most other airlines. They can charge more of course, and passengers will likely be happy to pay for the extra legroom. While the exact layout of the cabins have not yet been revealed, the premium seats will take up about a third of the available seats on a plane. Southwest has not shared when open seating will officially end, but they expect to announce further details in September at an investor meeting. In addition to the end of open seating and the addition of premium seating, Southwest will add red-eye service starting in February of 2025, with more routes added in March and June. The first red-eye flights include Las

What makes a powerful passport? The annual Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations the passport holder can enter without a prior visa. While the U.S. is still one of the stronger passports, it has dropped in the rankings once again for 2024, continuing a ten-year slide from number one in 2014. A U.S. passport holder enjoys access to 186 out of 227 destinations around the world visa-free. By comparison, Singapore ranks as number one in the Index, with passport holders gaining access to 195 destinations without a prior visa. France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain share the number two spot with each granting visa-free access to 192 destinations. At number three are Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea and Sweden with 191 destinations. The U.K., Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland rank number four with 190. A lack of reciprocity brings the U.S. down in passport strength. While U.S. passport holders can access 186 destinations, the U.S. only allows 45 other nationalities to enter the country without a visa. This puts the U.S. at number 78 in the Henley Openness Index. The gap between the country’s ranking in the Passport Index compared to the Openness Index is the second biggest globally, behind Australia and just ahead of Canada. Find the full report here.

A new study has revealed the best public school system in the country, and Massachusetts comes out on top along with schools in four other East Coast states. The study by WalletHub ranked schools in all 50 states and Washington D.C. based on 32 quality and safety metrics including student performance, school funding, incidents of school shootings, bullying rates, class sizes and teacher credentials. From elementary classrooms to high school halls, students in Massachusetts are acing it across the board with top-tier test scores in reading, math and college-level AP exams. Three other East Coast states—Connecticut, Maryland and New Jersey—follow the Bay State, with Wisconsin rounding out the top five. Massachusetts spends a hefty $21,906 per pupil, earning it fifth place in spending nationwide. It also ranked as the second safest state for schools, just behind Delaware. Connecticut, boasts the best ACT scores in the country and shines in safety. The state also scored high marks for having the lowest rates of illegal drug use, youth incarceration and students carrying weapons on campus. Maryland stands out for its superior safety measures, also earning kudos for its inclusivity, mandating equal digital access for students with disabilities. On the flip side, the states with the poorest performing public schools are grappling with high dropout rates, subpar test scores, frequent bullying and high incidents of threats and injuries on campus. Louisiana, Alaska, Arizona, Oklahoma a

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), strong community fitness results in individuals having strong personal fitness. The ACSM’s annual American Fitness Index ranks the country’s 100 largest cities based on more than 30 health indicators. Maintaining its spot at the top of the list of the fittest cities in the U.S. is Arlington, Virginia for the seventh time in a row. So what makes a fit city? The Index looks at factors including whether people in a city walk or bike to work, how much a city spends on public parks, food security, smoking rates, overall mental health and the quality of sleep residents get. Arlington excels in community and environmental indicators. According to the report, nearly 88 percent of Arlington residents said they had exercised in the previous month, 76 percent of residents get at least seven hours of sleep per night and just over 3 percent of residents smoke—the lowest rate in the U.S. Following Arlington on the list of fit cities is neighboring Washington, D.C. Nearly 38 percent of D.C. residents report consuming two or more fruits a day—the highest rate among the 100 cities. More than 21 percent said they eat three or more servings of veggies per day, the second highest rate. Like Arlington, D.C. is a walkable city, and residents ranked among the top five cities where residents get plenty of exercise, use public transportation and bike or walk to work. Seattle comes in as the third fittest city, with the third-highest rate of

Victory Cruise Lines, recently relaunched by industry veteran John Waggoner after the bankruptcy of former parent company American Queen Voyages, has opened bookings for its inaugural 2025 season of cruises. The two-ship cruise line will be one of just a few to sail the Great Lakes. The Victory I and Victory II will cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the French-Canadian Maritimes, with sailings round trip from Chicago or between Chicago, Toronto, Montreal and Milwaukee. Victory will operate 36 sailings beginning in April 2025, 33 of which will sail all five Great Lakes. “As long-time enthusiasts of maritime adventures, my wife Claudette and I are thrilled for the team to open reservations of the inaugural season and we prepare to sail these magnificent waters,” said Waggoner in a statement. The season will kick off with a special 10-night cruise from Portland, Maine to Toronto. The New England and Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise will be hosted aboard the 190-passenger Victory I by Waggoner and his wife Claudette and will include a passage through the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Great Lakes. The public is welcome to join the christening of the Victory I in Toronto on April 27 and Victory II at Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 12. Itineraries for the 2025 season include nine-night Ultimate Great Lakes sailings from Chicago to Toronto—sailing all five Great Lakes, stopping in Escanaba, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Cleveland and Niagara Falls (Port Col

West Baltimore is one step closer to gaining a transit hub. Amtrak just unveiled new renderings for the future West Baltimore MARC Station, part of the ambitious Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program. These fresh designs, shaped by the feedback from the local community and stakeholders, were created in collaboration with MDOT MTA. “We are so excited for the public to see the transformational West Baltimore MARC Station,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “This is the next step in creating an interconnected transit hub for the West Baltimore community, which will provide access to the local bus network, MARC trains, and the future Red Line light rail line.” The station will include restrooms, an enclosed waiting area, local transit connections, elevators, protected and illuminated sidewalks, public art and more. The new, fully-accessible station is a cornerstone of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, aimed at revitalizing a 10-mile stretch of the Northeast Corridor with major infrastructure upgrades. The project includes constructing a new tunnel for electrified passenger trains, a $50 million West Baltimore Community Investment Program to benefit neighborhoods along the new route, new road bridges, modern rail infrastructure and more. The entire program is set to be completed by 2035. Amtrak and MDOT MTA are working on a construction timeline for the new station and will keep the public updated as planning and design progress. View current renderings here.

The anticipation and excitement that builds on your way to visit a popular attraction can quickly turn to frustration just outside the gates. You’re almost there and progress grinds to a halt: you’ve hit a parking snag. From crowded parking lots far from the entrance or parking that costs more than the attraction’s admission, these U.S. attractions have been called out for having the worst and most expensive parking options. A new report by Moneybarn Car Finance ranks the parking situation at the most popular tourist attractions in the world, factoring in the average three-hour parking cost, Tripadvisor reviews, parking spaces within a 10-minute walk, and walking distance to the nearest parking lot. The report reveals the attractions with the best parking options, but unfortunately, no U.S. attractions made the list. Conversely, many made the list of the worst and most expensive parking. The attraction ranked as the worst for parking in the world is the Griffith Observatory in L.A. If you drive to the top you may have to drive back down and walk, because parking is often full during peak hours. About one of every five one-star reviews of the attraction mention parking as a big negative. Following the Observatory are Niagara Falls, Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. The U.S. also tops the list of attractions with the most expensive parking. Coming in at number one is Grand Central Terminal, which will cost you an average of $59.16 for three hours of parking. Grand Central is follow

Planning a trip to a new city typically involves poring over reviews to find out which attractions are worth a visit. No need to waste time or money on a crowded, overrated attraction. For a little inspiration and a head start on research, the team at Jackpot City Casino analyzed online reviews of dozens of popular tourist attractions in the U.S.—focusing on the presence of negative words like "overrated," "overpriced" or "boring" in reviews—to determine the most overrated, underrated and positively-rated attractions. As it turns out, the U.S. attraction with the most positive reviews is right here in our backyard. The Lincoln Memorial, the monument dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln, has been revealed to have the most positive online reviews of all the top attractions in the U.S. Just 0.16 percent of all reviews for the Memorial have negative words. Honest Abe would be proud. Following the Lincoln Memorial is Central Park, with just 0.19% of reviews containing negative words and Golden Gate Bridge at 0.24 percent. D.C. is also home to the attraction with the most negative reviews: nearly one out of every 10 reviews of the Smithsonian Museums (9.81 percent) include negative words. Of these, 1,029 reviews include the word "overrated" and 144 mention "disappointing". Navy Pier in Chicago and the Hollywood Walk of Fame follow close behind.

Mondays can be a real drag, but Wendy’s just announced a sweet deal that can help beat the Monday blues. Every Monday through September, you can score a Honey Buddy breakfast biscuit for just $1. Honey Buddy is the new name for the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, and Wendy’s thinks the tasty breakfast biscuit is just the thing to help you make it through "Unhappy Hour"—the dreaded start of the work week. The sweet and savory Honey Buddy features breaded, all-white meat chicken topped with creamy maple honey butter tucked inside a fluffy buttermilk biscuit. Your new favorite breakfast buddy will be just $1 with any purchase during breakfast hours, exclusively in the Wendy’s app. Just select the "$1 breakfast sandwich with any purchase" deal from the "offers" tab before adding the Honey Buddy to your cart. You can also scan the app in-store to use the offer. While the offer is ideal to get you going on a Monday, it’s actually available any day of the week for breakfast. However, you can only take advantage of the offer once per week. Get your weekly $1 Honey Buddy breakfast now through September 30.

The 2024 Rammy Awards were just announced, recognizing the crème de la crème of Washington D.C.'s vibrant dining scene. Hosted by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), the big event took place on July 21 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with a record 2,500 culinary enthusiasts in attendance. Like a D.C. version of the James Beard Awards, the Rammys are bestowed upon rising star chefs, outstanding wine programs, exceptional staff, and, of course, top area restaurants. The primary winners must be RAMW members and are determined by an anonymous panel of judges in the food media and hospitality industry, but a slate of awards voted on by the public can be given to any area restaurant. Several recipients of the Rammys’ Washington Monument-shaped glass trophies have already earned prestigious accolades, including Perry's chef Masako Morishita, Anju chef Angel Barreto and Peruvian tasting room Causa. Here are the 2024 Rammy Award winners (* denotes publicly-voted categories): New Restaurant of the Year: Ellie Bird Cocktail Program of the Year: Silver Lyan Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Masako Morishita, Perry’s Beer Program of the Year: Zinnia Wine Program of the Year: Apero *Favorite Gathering Place: Mi Vida *Best Brunch: Duke’s Counter *Best Bar: Bar Chinois *Favorite Fast Bites: Fava Pot *Hottest Sandwich Shop: Colada Shop Casual Restaurant of the Year: La Famosa Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Lutèce Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year: R

The 2024 Paris Olympics are just around the corner, and Paris is buzzing as athletes and fans flock to the city from all over the world. If you can’t make there in person, you better believe there will be non-stop coverage and an eye-popping number of ways to watch the games right here in the U.S. Whether you just want to watch the glittery opening and closing ceremonies, you’re building out your own schedule of events to follow or you’re looking for a deep-dive into all the sports and star athletes, there will be plenty of Olympic content to consume once the games begin. When are the 2024 Paris Olympics? The Paris Olympics will be held from July 24 to August 11, 2024. The Opening Ceremony is on July 26, and the Closing Ceremony is on August 11. How to watch the Olympics on TV in the U.S. The Paris Olympics will be broadcast on NBC and many of its affiliates on regular TV and cable. Watch sports with longer running times like swimming heats, soccer, basketball, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, rugby, cycling, volleyball and water polo on USA Networks. CNBC will broadcast boxing, cycling, rugby and skateboarding. E! will include coverage of track and field, gymnastics, canoeing, diving, equestrian, artistic swimming, breaking, fencing and water polo. Find the full broadcast schedule—which will be regularly updated—at NBCOlympics.com. What time will coverage be on? NBC will provide daytime and primetime coverage of the Olympics. You can watch any event at any time on Peacock o