Tag: Hipmunk

Hipmunk Hotels: California Dreaming in Half Moon Bay, Venice, Pismo Beach, and more

By Jill Meinecke on September 8, 2016

There’s nothing like a trip to California: dreamy coastlines, amazingly fresh produce, and a laid-back vibe. To get the most out of your stay in the Golden State, consider a stay at hotels in the following locations.

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Half Moon Bay via Flickr by mtch3l

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is located 30 miles south of San Francisco and offers some of the best sweeping coastline views in all of California. Once a place where “rum runners” smuggled alcohol to nearby inns during Prohibition, taking advantage of the area’s coves and dense fog, Half Moon Bay today thrives with a small-town coastal charm — and some of those inns are thriving restaurants today.

A historic downtown district has plenty of shops, restaurants, and galleries to peruse during your visit. You won’t be disappointed in the fresh seafood at area restaurants, either.

Venice

There’s never a lack of things to do in Venice Beach, a gathering place for hippies, beatniks, and artists. Try walking up and down the boardwalk, close to your stay at the conveniently located Venice on the Beach Hotel, eating street tacos and falling for a salesman’s latest push. Street performers abound, and this “Coney Island of the Pacific” tempts visitors with amusement attractions, specialty shops, fortune tellers, a drum circle, and more. Don’t forget to gawk at hard bodies at the world-famous “Muscle Beach,” an outdoor workout area.

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Venice Beach Boardwalk via Flickr by young grasshopper

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach, located in Central coastal California, is along the famous Highway 101 and is the midway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Known for its “Classic California” vibe, Pismo Beach offers visitors activities like fishing from its 1200-foot pier, wine-tasting, ATV sand dune riding, surfing, and more.

Come in June to walk around the annual classic car show. You can see vehicles from yesteryear in pristine condition along a dramatic coastal backdrop. Or if seafood is your thing, make a visit in October for the annual clam festival.

Oxnard

Back down in Southern California is Oxnard, home to some of the sweetest strawberries you ever tasted. Just a short drive from Los Angeles, Oxnard will have your senses pumping at the California Strawberry Festival every summer.

In addition to its delicious produce, Oxnard is home to the Channel Islands National Park, an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Just a quick boat ride from the mainland offers ample opportunity to kayak, snorkel, and bird watch around these five islands. You can take guided wildlife tours to discover this somewhat isolated island chain.

Fresh Oxnard Strawberries via Flickr by Kimberly Mahr

Roseville

Once a railroad town, now Roseville is a major urban city in metropolitan Sacramento. Pack a picnic and listen to live music for the Music in the Park series. Old Town’s Vernon Street is the place to be Tuesday nights in the summer for music, arts, and food vendors.

Make sure you save time for the city’s largest open market, Denio’s Farmers Market and Swap Meet, to hunt for treasures untold. During your comfortable stay at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott, take advantage of Roseville’s close proximity to the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Lake Tahoe, and Napa Valley.

Posted in: Best Hotels in California, California Hotels, Half Moon Bay, Hipmunk, Hipmunk Hotels, Oxnard, Pismo Beach, Roseville, Venice, Venice Beach

Travel

Spacious Hotels Near NYC in Weehawken, Jersey City, White Plains, and more

By Jill Meinecke on August 23, 2016

This post was originally published on Tales From a Fork by Sarah Kim on June 16, 2016.

If you’re traveling to New York City but want more space and amenities than the average Manhattan hotel, try opting for these accommodations. These spacious hotels are only a quick ride away from the Big Apple.

22662503780_4e71ab6a09 — View of Manhattan from Weehawken via Flickr by John Cunniff

Weehawken

Weehawken is one of the best destinations if you want to see a panoramic view of New York City, from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge. Once you’re done marveling at the expansive skyline from Hamilton Park or Gregory Park, you can head to New York City via bus, ferry, or train.

For history buffs, you can visit the infamous dueling grounds site of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, which occurred on July 11, 1804. The Weehawken Water Tower is also a sight to see as it dates back from 1884, which makes it the oldest in the state, and resembles the Plaza del Vecchio in Italy.

Jersey City

Jersey City is easily accessible to both downtown and midtown Manhattan through the PATH train, ferries across the Hudson, and busses. It’s close to attractions such as the Colgate Clock, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse, and gives you more bang for your buck with hotels like the Dharma Home Suites JC, which offers a grand view of Manhattan, a fitness center, and even a kitchenette. There are multiple boat companies for aquatic enjoyment such as boat tours, waterskiing, jet skiing, and speed boat tours.

White Plains

White Plains is a fashionista’s playground with more than 150 upscale stores, such as Neiman Marcus, Burberry, Gucci, and Brooks Brothers at the Westchester Mall. For culinary travelers, there’s Blue Hill restaurant, which is a farm-to-table fine dining restaurant focused on local and sustainably grown foods. After shopping, dining, and exploring the beautiful Kykuit gardens, moving on to Manhattan is easy because it’s only half an hour away.

6057340022_5c73a4f7a9 — Kykuit Gardens by Anne Hemond via Flickr

Rye Brook

Rye Brook is a picturesque village that’s a brisk 30-minute drive or hour train ride from Manhattan. It boasts five parks and lush greenery wherever you go. Its number one activity is the Doral Golf Course, where you can get in a full round of golf and stay at the Doral Arrowwood hotel.

This hotel sits on 114 acres of woodlands, providing an all-around haven for relaxation and fun with a nightclub, indoor and outdoor pool, three different restaurants, pub with pool tables, and tennis courts. It’s only 3 miles from the Westchester County airport and includes an airport shuttle so you don’t need to deal with the long lines at JFK or LaGuardia.

Stamford

Stamford is a thriving metropolis located just 45 minutes on the train from New York City. It’s a popular destination for business travelers, but because of it’s rising influx of great restaurants and trendy bars, this place is becoming the next hotspot for young professionals in their 20s and 30s.

If focusing purely on food and drink isn’t your thing, and your aquatic side wants to shine, head to the Cove Island Park to enjoy the beach, Cummings Park to fish, or Chelsea Piers to swim.

Posted in: Cheap Hotels in New York City, Hipmunk, Hotels, Jersey City, Manhattan, New York City Hotels, Rye Brook, Stamford, Weehawken, White Plains

Beverage Food Travel

Cities Less Traveled: 3 Craft Cocktails Worth the Trip to Brooklyn

By Jill Meinecke on August 5, 2015

New York City teems with enough bars to never imbibe the same drink twice. While Manhattan undoubtedly sees its fair share of new cocktail joints, a burgeoning era of experimentation is brewing in the outer boroughs. The slightly more adventurous beverage aficionados might want to experience what’s going on in the city’s most populous and beloved borough, Brooklyn. Known for its eclectic, hipster vibe after undergoing a funky urban renaissance, Brooklyn is a mecca for the artisan-at-heart. Check out these 3 craft cocktails worth the trip over the bridge.

The Dear Chicago at Dram

Chicago’s nickname may be the “Second City,” but that doesn’t mean it can’t inspire one of the best cocktails in the Big Apple. Dram, a mixology bar in Brooklyn, serves up The Dear Chicago – an elixir made of up Citadel Gin, Merlet Pear, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Pierre Ferrand dry Curacao, Letherby Malort, and celery bitters. Always stirred, never shaken, this drink pays tribute to Chicago when it features artisan gin inspired by moonshining. A standout cocktail among many notable creative pours in Brooklyn, The Dear Chicago allows drinkers to enjoy two great cities at once.

The Clover Club at Clover Club

Tucked in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill, Clover Club is long-time New York City bar owner and world-renowned bartender Julie Reiner’s brainchild. A no-frills atmosphere to enjoy a solid beverage program is what Reiner’s after, and she wholeheartedly delivers with a cocktail so aptly named, it begs for a second round. The Clover Club is simple yet refined with its 5 ingredients – gin, vermouth, lemon, raspberry, and egg white. The raspberry is sweet, but never overpowering, and the egg white’s frothy consistency makes for an excellent, mouthy finish. Perhaps Brooklyn’s best-kept secret among locals, snag yourself a seat at Clover Club’s bar and ask for the house specialty.

Papa’s Pride at Ba’sik

There’s something great about a place that doesn’t forget the old classics and turns their bar offerings up a notch with hand-crafted, ingenious craft cocktails. Meet Ba’sik, the neighborhood Brooklyn joint on Graham Avenue pouring up Papa’s Pride – bourbon, ginger, mint, lemon, soda, and bitters. They even divvy out bar snacks like spiced nuts and the ba’sik bar pie served grandma style. If you don’t know what that means, just go for their Papa’s Pride first, then try to crack grandma’s secret recipe later.

Brooklyn might not be the first place that comes to mind when envisioning a hip scene to indulge in a handmade alcoholic beverage, but its reputation as a leader in the craft cocktail community is gaining popularity.

Whether you live in Manhattan or halfway across the world, sampling these cocktails gives you a good reason to check out and check into a cheap New York City hotel for a great night’s rest. You won’t have to cut the night short at your favorite Brooklyn watering holes with so many New York City hotels to choose from. ♦

This article is part of the #HipmunkCityLove Project.

Posted in: #HipmunkCityLove, Brooklyn, Cheap Hotels in New York City, Craft Cocktails, Hipmunk, Manhattan, New York City, New York City Hotels