justinbieber
justinbieber
Geeky destinations to discover during New York Comic Con
From glittery vampires to people running from
the undead, New York Comic Con is
the East Coast’s mecca for pop culture fans.
But there are plenty of nerdgasms to be had exploring the city
to see where famous movies and shows were filmed. Plus, we’ll let you know
where you can stay some of these uber-cool locales, along with the best ways to
around town and how to get there.
In a perfect world you’ll be booking your flight to NYC as soon
as you can for the event. But sometimes you’re going to need to book at the
last minute. Just pulling a search on our flight finder for two roundtrip
tickets to New York City from Oct. 8 to Oct. 11, we found some really good
deals. Boston fanboys can fly to the Big Apple for $103, while the good people
of Chicago can get there for $114. Dallas ($175), Atlanta ($197), and Miami
($114) also have direct flights to New York that won’t have you scarfing down
Ramen noodles… well, not any more than usual.
New York Comic Con
flights
We’re good for flights. Now to tackle hotels. New York Comic Con
does an excellent job of negotiating rates for fans coming into town, even
setting up free shuttles at various spots in the nearby area. The
only problem as last-minute travelers know all too well is those hotels can,
and will, be booked well in advance. That isn’t such a bad thing though, as we
can find you a couple of awesome places to stay that are either near or some of
your favorite comic book and pop culture moments.
Let’s start at The Gotham Hotel.
While the name may invoke images of the Caped Crusader, it has a bit more to do
with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Gotham is just a four-minute walk down
East 46th Street to the MetLife Building. And that building, my friends, was
the served as the model of Stark Tower for “The Avengers.” And don’t worry
about the Chitauri – they’re not doing any flybys any time soon.
If you’re willing to make the trek to Tribeca, you’ll find
yourself at the Hilton Garden Inn Tribeca.
It’s a great three-star lodging near a couple of nice parks, but it’s three
minutes away (on foot) from Hook & Ladder 8 – the home of the Ghostbusters.
The exterior is just like you remember from the movies, but the inside won’t
remind you of Venkman, Spangler, Stantz or Zeddemore since interior shots were
filmed in Los Angeles. Still, you can always chat up the brave crew inside to perhaps
get a peek inside the firehouse. There’s even a subtle tribute to the films in
an FDNY shield with the Ghostbuster logo in the middle just outside the truck
entrance.
Let’s turn our attention from the supernatural to Time Lords,
and the Comfort Inn Central Park
West. This comfy not-so-little hotel is right next to Central Park,
which is where Whovians bid farewell to Amy Pond for good in the “Doctor Who”
episode “Daleks in Manhattan.”
“Doctor Who” fans should also find some time to hit up The Way Station in
Brooklyn. This restaurant takes its love of the BBC show to another level with
“Madame de Pompadour sponge cake,” a bathroom decked out like the TARDIS, and
various drinks named after the good doctor(s).
A little time travel can go a long way, kind of like how an epic
superhero battle can. Take the throwdown between Spider-man (Tobey Maguire, not
Andrew Garfield) and the Green Goblin from the 2002 flick, for example. The
Queensboro Bridge was the perfect place for such a fight, and makes for one of
the more picturesque Marvel movie filming locations. A locale you can see if
you’re staying at The Bentley Hotel.
We know the whole reason for this trip is to see some of New
York Comic Con’s guests, which include the likes of Todd McFarlane, Stephenie
Meyer, Bruce Campbell (Ash!!!), Nathan Fillion, and many other awesome people.
But the Javits Center is in Hell’s Kitchen. Hell’s Kitchen is the stomping
grounds of Matt Murdock, a.k.a. Daredevil. And while the show is using various
spots around the city to bring things to life, we can still check out some of
the more noticeable locations. Heck, you might even see them filming this or
other Netflix/Marvel shows with a quick look over at onlocationvacations.com while
in town for NYCC.
Want to check out where mob bosses meet their maker via a
bowling ball, like what happened in the episode “Rabbit in a Snowstorm?” Take a
trip to Whitestone Lanes in
Flushing. It’s open 24/7, so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting the
drop on you. Can’t say the same about a 7-10 split, though.
In episode 6 “condemned,” Daredevil takes Russian baddie
Vladimir to an abandoned warehouse to save him from Wilson Fisk’s thugs. That
warehouse is actually Exit Room NY,
which describes itself as an art gallery/cultural space on Meserole Street in
Bushwick, Brooklyn. It’s about a 40-minute subway ride (take the 7 to 4,5, or 6
trains to the L train) from the Javits Center, so get yourself a seven-day
Unlimited Ride Pass for $31 to use during your stay in NYC.
Daredevil did a bit of double dipping when it came to their
scenes at the Rockefeller Center Roof Gardens. Yes, this is where Fisk had a
chat with Madame Gao to discuss NYC crime boss stuff. But Sam Raimi used the
same spot for a meet-cute of sorts between Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson
after a battle with the Green Goblin. These gardens have been up here for over
80 years, and are sealed off from the public. Don’t worry – you can sneak a
peek at them from the Top of the Rock observation deck.
While checking out all the cool sites around New York that have
been in our favorite shows or movies, we sometimes forget to soak up that
breathtaking skyline. Karen Paige and Ben Urich do a little bit of sightseeing
while uncovering Fisk’s plot to take over Hell’s Kitchen at the Greenpoint
Docks. We recommend taking a ride on the East River Ferry to get a look at the
city from this view to start of your day at the Comic Con.
After a full day of sightseeing, autograph seeking and
full-blown nerdgasms, the only way to top it off is by heading to Foggy Nelson
and Matt Murdock’s favorite watering hole, Josie Bar. The locals in
Williamsburg know it as the Turkey’s Nest, a local dive bar on Bedford Ave. for
over 35 years. You could get a shot or two of the hard stuff, it’s known for $7
margaritas and beer at low prices.
If you need a little more visual searching for your New York
Comic Con experience, try this cool interactive map below.
Traveling the SEC: See Athens, Georgia Bulldogs football in new light
When it comes to experiencing the sheer
passion of college football, the University of Georgia is unlike any other.
Saturdays in Athens are made for Bulldog football. So what do you need to know
about coming to town? We’ve got you covered.
Getting there
The great thing about Athens is that it’s so close to Atlanta, so you can fly into town and just rent a car for the70-mile drive. You could also opt to fly into Charlotte, which is three hours away. Don’t forget
you can stay up to date on prices for either airport with little effort with
our Price Alerts.
Where to stay
Like many of the SEC schools, UGA is a place where you had
better make your hotel reservations way in advance. If you’re looking to stay
near campus, then you’ll want to keep an eye on Hilton Garden Inn, Georgia Gameday Center and Holiday Inn – University Area – all three of these hotels
are within walking distance of campus. But you’re going to find a good deal on
hotels all down West Broad Street.
Things to do
Athens has a lot of great things to do, but the town has its
roots in music history. The Georgia Theatre has
been where bands like the B-52s, R.E.M. and Widespread Panic got their start
here while many of the founding members studied at the University of Georgia.
Kids of all ages will have their fair share of fun at World of Wonder. It’s the
largest community playground in the state and has enough mazes, swings, tunnels
and bridges to keep anyone busy for hours on end. If you’re looking to relax
before you get whipped up into a football frenzy, then you’ll can spend time
getting lost in the 313-acre oasis that is the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.
Eat, drink & play
Playing is all Athens is about in the night before a game. “This
is serious stuff,” Georgia alum Holly Hunt says. “The night before the game,
everyone goes ‘downtown’ to the restaurants and bars on Clayton Street to start
pre-gaming with other Dawg fans and celebrating the impending victory. Some
popular spots for dinner areAmici's (Best.
Wings. Ever), Mellow Mushroom, The Grit and Transmetropolitan.
For after dinner drinks you can always find a crowd at Flanagan's [and the Half
Moon Pub], Allgood Lounge, and Georgia Theater.” Those looking to close
out the need with some grub can do it at the local Waffle House or a local
favorite, The Grill.
Gameday pointers
Athens takes on a different persona when gameday rolls around.
“The guys are often in red pants and black polos, while the girls are in
dresses with all of the red and black accessories they can pile on,” says Hunt.
The odds of you running into a guy like in the video above, however, is slim.
But don’t worry if you’re in town to cheer on the visitors as they’ll welcome
you with proper southern hospitality. There’s loads of free parking at the
south end of campus, but you’ll need to get there at 7 a.m. (school rule,
folks) in order to tailgate. Holly notes the real tailgating comes to life at
the North and East Campuses, and near the Coliseum/Snelling Dining Hall. “There
are tents for miles, food for days, and lot of coolers with cold beer and
whiskey. The mornings usually involve grabbing a biscuit at Chick-fil-A on the
way to campus or if you are the real deal, you make breakfast at the tailgate.
Of course, there is also a whiskey and Coke or Miller Light in your hand with a
UGA koozie.”
Is there a place that we missed
that’s makes Athens perfect for a college football getaway? Let us know in the
comments section below.
Traveling the SEC: Brave “The Swamp,” Gators football in Gainesville
Florida vacations are
usually all about fun in the sun. For Florida football fans, trips to the
Sunshine State are all about seeing the Gators play at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
(better known as “The Swamp) in Gainesville. But there’s a lot more to
“G-Ville” than just doing the Gator Chomp in the stands.
While Gainesville is a great place to watch a college football
game, it’s a bit off the beaten path. While you canfly into town, there
are no direct flights. We suggest you best travel options are to fly into
either Tampa (130
miles) or Orlando (111
miles) and enjoy the drive to UF.
Where to stay
Skyscanner has several great hotels in Gainesville you
can stay at for a weekend. Just remember that the hotels close to the stadium
(like Holiday Inn – University Center & Gainesville Lodge)
tend to fill up in advance game weekends. Luckily, there’s a huge concentration
of places to stay just off of I-75 to the west of campus and south of the area
on US 441 that you can book as short as a month in advance.
Things to do
Gainesville really has something for everyone. Want to shop?
Head downtown for shops that cover everything from goodies for the kids to
vintage clothing and savory destinations like Mark’s Prime. History buffs will enjoy the Dudley Farm Historic State Park to how farming has
taken shape over time. Nature lovers and anyone just looking to have a fun time
should drive 30 minutes north of Gainesville to Ginnie Springs in the small
town of High Springs. Ginnie Springs is a privately owned park on the Santa Fe
River, and is perfect for folks looking to lounge around in an inner tube with
a cold beer in hand. But just make sure you’re ready to party hard there as
it’s a popular spot with students in the area.
Eat, drink & play
This is a college town, so you know you’re going to find some
good food, drinks and fun. Beer aficionados will find paradise in a pint at
German restaurant Stubbies & Steins,
where they serve everything from Abita Abbey Ale to Zywiec Porter. Those
looking to do a little drinking and dancing will want to hit up Simon’s
Nightclub. And for those that partied a little too hard the night
before can get killer ribs and a proper breakfast to cure any hangover at David’s
BBQ.
Gameday pointers
If you’re planning on parking at the stadium, get there early –
way early. Traffic gets very heavy in town around 10 in the morning. Parking
gets pricy right next to “The Swamp,” so think about parking at a house in
neighborhoods north of University Avenue. They usually charge anywhere from $10
to $30 to park, but usually come with an added bonus of partying with the folks
that live where you park. And if you decide to have an adult beverage or five,
just stay in the parking/tailgating area. Stories are prevalent about the local
police ticketing folks that step into the street with an open container.
Do you have something you love
to do at Florida football games that we missed? Sound off in the comments
section.
10 New York attractions you can’t afford to miss
New York City is
one of the greatest cities on the planet, with incredible attractions to see
and experience that are unique to the city. Let’s take a look at the best
attractions to see while vacationing in the Big Apple
1. Broadway
Home to a plethora of plays the entire year round, Broadway
provides entertainment for all in the family. Whether coming to see The
Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, or The Book of Mormon, the options abound in the little
area in Manhattan known for having some of the biggest stars performing in
front of live studio audiences.
2. Empire State Building
Offering amazing views of the city, the Empire
State Building is an iconic landmark on the island of
Manhattan. On any given day the location is visited by thousands of tourists,
and it’s for a good reason: there is simply no other building in the city that
allows you to fully take in all of New York.
3. Chelsea Piers
4. Long Island
Long Island is a solid 3 hour drive from end to end, and offers
a serene respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Escaping for a day
trip is highly recommended, as quiet beaches and beautiful towns are located
throughout the island.
5. Central Park
Right in the heart of Manhattan is one of the most beautiful
parks in the world: Central Park. A
horse drawn carriage ride offers a romantic tour of the park, and in the winter
the beauty of the snow covered grass against the backdrop of the city is a
sight to behold.
6. Times Square
Full of tourists and buskers alike, Times Square is a unique New York experience that
all travelers must see for themselves. Make sure to recreate your own iconic
photograph, or enjoy a nice lunch on the steps of the TKTS booth (which also
offers great discounts on show tickets!). And there are plenty of cool hotels to
stay in the area that keep you in the middle of the action.
7. Statue of Liberty
Gifted to the United States by the French, the Statue of Liberty is a massive and beautiful
edifice that has recently been reopened to the public. Its size is something to
behold, and the lawn around the statue offers some of the best picnic views in
New York.
8. The High Line
This elevated, urban park is located on the west side of
Manhattan, and is quintessential New York City. Formerly an elevated railway
location, the High Line is now home to community farmer’s
markets, artists, and much more. The other park in New York City, High Line is
a hidden gem for tourists and locals alike!
9. 9/11 Memorial Museum and Plaza
10. Radio City Music Hall
Is there a place you can’t miss
when visiting New York City? Let us know in the comments section.
8 inappropriate places around the world to take selfies
There’s been some backlash against a teenager
that took a selfie as she toured the Auschwitz concentration camp.
We've even seen NBA players taking
questionable selfies. While people love the instant gratification social media
provides, here are some places where selfies should be avoided.
1. Auschwitz - Poland
In the pantheon of bad ideas for selfies, Auschwitz is
going to be at the top of the list. This concentration camp is a living part of
history, providing stark reminders of what man can do to fellow man. While
there are many photo opportunities in this destination in Poland, a
self-portrait isn’t one of them.
2. El Valle de los Caídos – Madrid, Spain
There’s more than enough things to see in Madrid. Yet many
tourists find themselves going just outside the cityto see the “Valley
of the Fallen.” There’s no doubting the beauty of the building
situated in the Sierra de Guadarrama. But the real issues for many of the
Spanish population is that many folks – some of them fascists paying homage –
come to see General Francisco Franco’s tomb inside this Catholic basilica. So
you could probably imagine how some people might look at you as you take a
selfie with his final resting place.
3. USS Arizona Memorial – Honolulu, Hawaii
The attacks on Pearl Harbor by Japanese imperial forces are
commemorated at the site of where the USS Arizona sunk on December 7, 1941. It’s a must
for anyone travelling to Honolulu for the fact that you’ll actually see the
wreckage directly underneath. A wreckage that still leaks between 2-9 quarts of
oil each day. There’s a solemn silence about the place that really has no room
for someone to take a picture that could get them trolled mercilessly.
4. Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Washington, D.C.
The Vietnam War was a divisive topic amongst Americans for many
decades. And that division held true when Maya Lin unveiled the simple, yet
elegant design in 1981. But that’s changed over the years with over 3 million
visitors annually coming to the memorial. It’s a
place that encourage photos of the names en masse. Even “rubbing” a name with a
pencil on a piece of paper is fine. But many could see how taking a selfie with
a name – even a name of a family member – could be considered poor judgment.
5. Anne Frank House – Amsterdam, Netherlands
The secret home of Anne Frank and her family is one of
the biggest tourist attractions in Amsterdam. Knowing how someone could live in
hiding from the Nazis for the better part of two years is incredible.
There’s a statue of a little girl in front of the home that’s quite
popular for photo ops. But you can see some people making… uh, interesting…
choices on taking a photo.
Still, that’s a little better than having Justin Bieber write something
profoundly dumb in a guestbook.
6. Mussolini’s Crypt – Predappio, Italy
There’s more than enough great things to see and do in the whole
of Italy. Yet there are tens of thousands of tourists that
come to central Italian town of Predappio on a consistent basis. Why? It’s the
hometown of former Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Despite the best efforts
of the government, between 80,000 and 100,000 still come to see Mussolini’s
crypt. Selfies are still taken with his bust in the background, but you can’t
get souvenirs of “Duce” since the sale of fascist souvenirs was outlawed in
2009.
7. Killing Fields – Choeung Ek, Cambodia
The fact that the Khmer Rouge ruled over Cambodia during the
late 1970s is upsetting. The fact Pol Pot survived that and still lived until
1998 leaves me gobsmacked. One of the most enduring areas of that time is the
Killing Fields. Choeung Ek, just outside of Phnom Penh, remains the best known of the mass graves
with many bodies still buried there today. And while there is a wonderfully
peaceful Buddhist memorial at the location, it isn’t really the place to make
your mark on Twitter.
8. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe – Berlin,
Germany
There’s no gray area in the name of this memorial, nor should
there be. The 2,711 concrete slabs in a grid pattern gives the feel of a
cemetery. It’s a place of reflection and not your typical memorial within the city limits of Berlin. And certainly a place to give
pause before taking any photographs.
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