A little bit of this and a little bit of that…

       Not only does Columbia, SC boast to be the hometown of famous individuals, such as Kristin Davis from Sex in the City and Leeza Gibbons, a past host of Entertainment Tonight, but it has a history that dates back a couple hundred years. Way back to 1790 to be exact when South Carolina moved their state capitol from Charleston to Columbia. Since that historic year, war has raged, troops have been trained, and a unique history has flourished in this quaint Southeastern town.

          Since the list of historical places that the city holds is over  100 locations, I only have the time and energy to focus on a few. Hopefully after you get a taste of what the city has to offer, you’ll want to explore even more!

 A place I would like to start is Fort Jackson (http://www.jackson.army.mil/). The fort was erected in 1917 and became the nation’s largest U.S. Army training facility and was started to prepare soldiers for World War I. It has a fascinating history that includes the tumultuous times it took to finish the construction, fires that destroyed pieces of the property, and how it went from housing a few hundred to well over 15,000 men.          Moving on from there is a more light-hearted location that has a vibrant history. Starting out as the House of Peace synagogue (http://www.historiccolumbia.org/rentals/bigapple.html), it was sold in 1936 under the condition that it never be used as a synagogue again. That promise was definitely held when it became the Big Apple dance club shortly after it was sold. Supposedly it is where the Big Apple dance craze originated and the building is open for tours today. It is also being used as a facility that members of the community can rent out for special events.          I hope you enjoyed your mini-tour of Columbia and check back with us later in the week for a fresh, new location!

 

Enjoying the Southern hospitality in Columbia…

Continuing our stay in the south, we have now reached Columbia, South Carolina, http://www.columbiacvb.com/  home to the University of South Carolina.  Columbia is known for its friendliness, charm and southern hospitality, and is filled with fun things to do! 

My first recommended stop is at the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens. http://www.riverbanks.org/ Adult admission is 9.75, which is a great deal for all that is offered here. Besides being home to a wide variety of animals and beautiful gardens, exciting events happen here all year round. Wine and beer tasting festivals, light shows, and special activities during holidays are just a few of the happenings going on here. Be sure to check it out at any time of the year.  

In an artsy mood? You don’t have to be in New York City or Paris to find great art masterpieces. The Columbia Museum of Art http://www.columbiamuseum.org/ is a great haven for people who appreciate art. This museum features works from all over the world starting from the Italian Renaissance to modern times. Monet, Botticelli, and Samuel Kress are just some of the well-known names that are featured here. Admission is $5 dollars for adults and $2 dollars for students.

  After a day full of sightseeing, people in Columbia are typically ready for a fun night on the town. Here you can find many tapas bars, restaurants and clubs. One tapas bar in particular that has been rated high on numerous websites is Gervais & Vine. http://www.gervine.com/   Located on Gervais Street, this trendy spot offers many wines, beers, and over thirty tapas that you can try.  

Be sure to keep checking “Food, Fun and Facts under Fifty Bucks” for Danielle’s next post on the history of Columbia!

The food, fun, and facts of…Columbia, SC

After eating fresh seafood, visiting local attractions and learning about the rich history of Charleston, its time to head a few miles west to Columbia, SC.  During your stay, try not to be swept away by the city’s character and Southern hospitality.  

Located in Columbia’s thriving Congaree Vista District, the Blue Marlin Restaurant hits the spot for spicy seafood cravings.  While you’re here, you might as well try one of the signature dishes that Columbia prides itself on:  Blue Marlin Shrimp & Grits for only $9.95.  This delicious combination of southern favorites has a surprisingly scrumptious taste.  Upon browsing the Web site, notice that Blue Marlin offers separate lunch and dinner menus with roughly the same items.  I recommend going during the restaurant’s lunch hours (11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) since the prices are much cheaper.  Make sure to stop by any day of the week for “A Taste of the Southern Low Country.”  http://www.bluemarlincolumbia.com/index.html

 

Voted for having the best desserts by the Columbia Free Times for nine straight years and found just around the corner from the Blue Marlin, Nonnah’s is one of Columbia’s finest eateries.  If you like cheesecake, pie or pudding topped with chocolate and caramel or berries and cream, this is the place for you.  Regardless of which dessert your taste buds desire, all items are priced at $6.75 and under.  Be sure to check out Nonnah’s online menu for a full listing of these delicious desserts.  Nonnah’s also houses a large gallery filled with beautiful paintings from local artists.  http://www.nonnahs.com/desserts.htm  

Down the street from the University of South Carolina, the Village Idiot offers nightly drink specials and live entertainment.  In addition to happy hour, which lasts from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on weeknights, house liquor is available at $2 a pop all day, every day.  Try to stop by on a Tuesday night for live music and cheap deals on Budweiser and Bud Light longneck bottles.  http://villageidiotpizza.com/specials.html

Looking for something fun to do while in town?  Joanne has all the answers in her next post.

A city full of history…

The city of Charleston, S.C. (http://www.charlestoninsidersguide.com/historic-sites.php) is so rich in history that it would take days to elaborate on everything. Numerous battles of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War were fought on the very ground that surrounds the city. With every step that a traveler takes down their streets, the buildings and homes tell a unique story that only a small southern town could tell. Although there are numerous businesses that offer tours through the city, walking through on your own can be just as exciting and entertaining.

 Just to warn you, I definitely can not inform you about every aspect of Charleston, but I will try my best to highlight two locations that I found interesting. Starting at the heart of any city, the City Hall building (http://www.awod.com/cwchas/musearch.html) is a virtual museum of American history. The building itself is still fully functional, making it the 2^nd oldest chamber that is still in use in the U.S. today. It started as the First Bank of the United States when it opened in 1801 and converted to the City Hall in 1818. The walls are decorated with original portraits of George Washington, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, and many more. To see all of this significant work, the chamber is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and it’s free for you to roam.

          As I mentioned, several battles of famous wars were fought around Charleston. There are great battle sites that are easy to find and visit. There is Fort Sumter (http://www.nps.gov/fosu/) and Fort Moultrie, which is a sector of Fort Sumter that specializes in educating people about seacost defenses that America has used for the past 171 years.

          Either way that you wish to explore, Charleston is chest full of historical treasures that are waiting there for your exploration. Walking is a free and cheap way to see the city and nothing beats that.         

Next up: Columbia, South Carolina!

Good times in Charleston

After reading Lindsay’s great dining tips in Charleston, it’s time to find out more about the attractions there!

Charleston http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/  is one of the most beautiful cities in the South. As a girl who loves the beach, I recommend spending some time on the shores just a few miles away from Charleston. Folly Beach, Kiawah and Seabrook Island are a few of the beaches that many tourists frequent while in the area.         

When not at the beach, there are still numerous activities to enjoy in Charleston. The Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum located in Charleston Harbor http://www.patriotspoint.org/ is a great place to bring families. It is home to famous naval ships such as the USS Yorktown, the USS Laffey, and many war planes from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Adult admission is only $15.00.         

If you are in Charleston during certain times of the year there are special festivals that take place. One of these is Piccolo Spoleto, which is a jazz and music festival that runs from May 23-June 8. http://www.piccolospoleto.com/home/default.aspx The MOJA Arts Festival http://www.mojafestival.com/ is another event that takes place in Charleston which has a wide array of African-American and Caribbean art. This festival takes place between September 27-October 7, and has been chosen as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s top 20 events for several years.          

Stay tuned for the next post which will feature Danielle’s historical facts about Charleston!

Charleston: Seafood at Its Best

Now that spring break is well behind us, let’s get back on track.  Continuing our road trip and heading further south from our last location, Pinehurst, N.C., we cross over the state border into beautiful South Carolina and finally reach our destination just over 200 miles later in downtown Charleston.  It’s time to get coastal.   

Charleston, S.C., is a personal favorite of mine when it comes to dining out.  A seafood lover for as long as I can remember, I always take full advantage of the city’s fresh catch and delicious seafood ensemble.  If you’re looking for great food at a great price, try Hyman’s Seafood on the main strip (Meeting St.).  The portions are large and the food is inexpensive.  I would suggest tasting a variety of foods with a combo platter of three, five, or seven (plenty for two to share).  Hyman’s Seafood is also a favorite amongst celebrities.  http://www.hymanseafood.com/  

Quick Tip: A. W. Shuck’s is a seafood restaurant, ideally located next to the market, with a satisfying menu and hilarious slogan: “Big Mussels, Great Legs & Fantastic Tails. Come Get Fresh with Us.”  T-shirts are $14.95 for one or at a discounted price for up to three.  http://www.cfcofcharleston.com/store/index.php?manufacturers_id=11  

In the midst of Waterfront Park, the Roof Top bar offers a relaxing atmosphere as well as an impressive range of beer, wine and mixed drinks at a reasonable price.  For something local, try the bottled Palmetto Amber or Palmetto Lager.  There’s nothing better than overlooking the historic downtown area with a good ole’ fashioned drink in your hand.  Don’t forget your camera for that perfect photo op at sunset.  

  

Check us out later in the week as Joanne delivers some valuable insight on Charleston’s top attractions and Danielle digs up the city’s amazing history.

Cruisin’ the beaches…

After you have heard all about Lindsay and Joanne’s travels, it’s time to hear all about my adventures on the Carnival Victory. My friends and I embarked on March 2 for a seven day cruise to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten, with a few days at sea thrown into the mix. Not only did I enjoy the gobs of food at my disposal, but I loved seeing the Atlantic and Carribbean while cruising through crystal blue waters. 

Our first stop was Puerto Rico, where we enjoyed a sunny afternoon and explored the night life. We ate dinner at a local eatery, dining on their fried plantains and fresh calamari. Señor Frogs was the next stop, where we danced until it was time to get back on the boat at midnight. 

In St. Thomas we had all day to discover the island, so we took a cab to Morningstar Beach, which was breathtaking and secluded. There were only a few other families there from a resort that was close to the beach and an open air restaurant was located right next to the water. We lounged around all day and chomped down on a lunch of grilled chicken wraps and french fries. 

Our last stop was the pristine island of St. Maarten. We hopped in a cab and took off to Orient Bay. The beach was a great place to stay for the day. Vendors scattered down the beach offered parasailing, JetSkis, water trampolines and a variety of other activities. Restaurants and bars were all within walking distance and the food was reasonably priced. After a morning of lounging, we took a cab back into the port to explore the shops located there. I found great deals on souvenirs and locally-made jewelry. 

We’ll be back in a few days with insight on the historic South Carolina town of Charleston. Look forward to getting back to traveling for less than $50!

Frolicking in Fort Lauderdale!

This past week I enjoyed myself on the beaches of sunny south Florida. Fort Lauderdale is a city full of great food, exciting activities, and beautiful beaches. My days there were primarily spent on the beach, and later in the day I would go out to dinner and dance the night away with friends!  

There are amazing places to eat in Fort Lauderdale that are relatively inexpensive. My favorite place was St. Bart’s Coffee Company http://www.stbartscoffee.com/ located on the main beach road. This café offers delicious wraps, salads, smoothies, and coffee. Not only is the food amazing, but the service is great too! Definitely a must visit for people vacationing in Fort Lauderdale. For seafood lovers, Coconuts http://www.coconutsbahamagrill.com/ is another great restaurant option in Fort Lauderdale. Located just off of the beach road, Coconuts offers a wide variety of fish. I personally enjoyed the fresh catch of the day–mahi mahi. 

 The main activity in Fort Lauderdale relaxing on the beach! However, when not on the beach there are fun things to do for college students. A main hangout spot is called Beach Place http://www.galleryatbeachplace.com/. There are many bars and restaurants here as well as shops. Downtown Fort Lauderdale is also full of ritzy boutiques for those of you who have a little extra cash to spend.  

Nightlife in Fort Lauderdale is always exciting. There are many clubs and bars located downtown such as VooDoo http://www.voodooloungeflorida.com/ , Automatic Slims http://www.automatic-slims.com/ , and many more. While in these clubs I saw celebrities such as former NBA player Dennis Rodman, and Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress!  

Stay tuned for more Spring Break details on Travel4fifty.com!

Spring Break Adventures to Die For

As mentioned last week, Spring Break has already come and gone.  Despite many efforts to prolong those lazy days of soaking up the sun, it’s back to reality and back to more great travel tips on www.travel4fifty.com.  The next couple of blog posts will cover the food, fun and facts of three different Spring Break trips that each blog author experienced.  Keep in mind that each of us splurged on Spring Break this year because we’re seniors, so every destination’s events don’t necessarily fall within the blog’s $50 limit.  Consider all previous inexpensive road trips as a means to save money for this week-long vacation. 

Norwegian Western Caribbean Cruise

I (Lindsay) embarked on a seven-day western Caribbean cruise with an all-inclusive package aboard the Norwegian Majesty.  Setting sail out of Charleston, SC, I spent three days at sea catching some rays on the upper deck, eating my heart out at the delicious Seven Seas restaurant and dancing the night away in Frame 52 before stopping in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Key West. 

   

On Tuesday, March 4, I arrived at the beautiful Cayman Islands just in time to catch a bus to Stingray Island.  Along the way, I visited the town of Hell, tasted rum cakes at a local store and toured Seven Mile Beach.  Swimming with the stingrays was an experience I will never forget and something I suggest everyone try if given the opportunity. 

 

The last destination of the trip was in Key West, FL.  Here, a group of us walked around the city to see all the sights that Jimmy Buffett’s old stomping grounds had to offer.  We went to Mallory Square to watch the famous pink sunset, had a delicious frozen concoction at Fat Tuesdays and munched on conch fritters, a Key West specialty, all day.   

 

Below you’ll find an approximate budget of the week’s events.    

All-inclusive package (food, lodging, tax)	$525
Drink package (alcohol)	$322
Stingray excursion	$45
Scooter rental	$30
Scooter insurance	$25
Service fee ($10 per day)	$70
Total expenses	$1,017
On-board credit	$25
Casino earnings	$20
Total credit	$45
TOTAL	$972

A little vacation…

Hello readers!

 We just wanted to let you know that it’s that wonderful time of the year again for college students…Spring Break! For the next week, we will be lounging beachside or cruising the Carribbean.

We promise to give you accurate information about the destinations we visit as soon as we return!

 Have a great week!