Hitting the Links: Top Golfing Spots in Florida

January 2, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Golfing trips are some of the most enjoyable and exciting to plan for you and your friends. There’s just something thrilling that comes from knowing that you get to spend a long weekend with your best pals, while you laugh, chat and reminisce about life. For some, a bad day on the course is better than a great day at the office—no matter where the course is. However, for die-hard golfers, there are certain greens that they are fiercely loyal to.

Whether you are die-hard or not, you cannot deny that some of the best golf courses in the country are found in Florida. With the constant warm and sunny weather, there are golf links available for nearly any level of player to enjoy.

Of course, if you are traveling with your family, they might not agree to a vacation based solely on time out on the course, so you will like the fact that Florida has plenty for them to do while you get some time getting to know the courses in the area where you are vacationing. Be sure to call ahead so that you know what courses are open when you visit.

Below are just a few of the Sunshine State’s most desirable golf courses for you to enjoy. If you are strategic, you can book a stay at Extended Stay Hotels, and choose one that is centralized so that you enjoy a few different greens on the same trip.

1. Jacaranda Golf Club – Plantation, Florida

This is one of the more attractive Southern Florida golf courses because of its beautiful design. This is not a golf course for amateurs, however; some of the most challenging parts of this course include the same backdrop that makes it so aesthetically appealing. Work on your accuracy while trying to get your golf ball on the shortened landing and tough complexes on the Jacaranda Golf Club.

2. Celebration Golf Club – Celebration, Florida

There are plenty of reasons to like this golf club. The course was co-designed by golf course architectural designers that are admired around the world, and is the host of several of Florida’s top golfing events throughout the year. One of the biggest benefits of the Celebration Golf Club is its close proximity to some of Florida’s family parks and attractions, which is ideal for families that want to take time for the whole family to have fun together. Plan a few days with the family at Disneyworld, Universal Studios or Sea World, and then spend a day or two out on the greens as your family recovers from all the fun.

3. Mill Cove Golf Club – Jacksonville, Florida

Players of this Arnold Palmer designed golf course are constantly raving about the rolling greens and lovely layout design. This golf course is ideal for beginners as well as advanced golfers who are looking to hone in specific parts of their game. If you need to work on your handicap, take a look at the private golf lessons and clinics offered here, or if you are interested in just relaxing, enjoy a drink at the clubhouse’s restaurant after a hard day of putting around the course.

Let It Snow and Hail: New Phone Apps That Allow for Winter Fun and Safety

December 30, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The weather outside is indeed frightful in the wintery months, especially in areas of the country where the winter storms can leave you stranded, but with the perks of having a smartphone loaded with holiday and weather apps, you don’t have to worry about life being anything but delightful. As you travel this winter season, make sure that your smartphone is loaded up with apps that will make your travels safe and fun.

Winter Survival Kit App

For those who are traveling to vacations spots in the snow, part of your winter survival kit should also be the winter survival kit app, which was recently developed by the North Dakota State University Extension Service. The app, which works for both Android and Apple phones, helps stranded drivers notify family and friends if you’ve been stuck in the snow, calls 911 and even helps motorists know how long they can keep the engine running to keep the cab warm before carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a problem.

The Winter Survival Kit smart phone app is free for users, and might just be the tool that can save your life if you need help when trapped in the snow.

Ski and Snow Report

For those who are itching to go snowboarding or play in fresh snow, this is the free app for you. This particular app is meant to give you the latest snow conditions and ski opportunities near you, which will let you be able to plan snowboarding weekend trips in a moment’s notice. Ski boarders and snow bunnies alike can also look at the snow and ski conditions of their favorite out-of-the-area slopes and snow destinations, and they can keep tabs on the latest snow news there as well. This is perfect for the last minute getaway travelers, looking for an excuse to leave the area on a three-day weekend.

First Tracks

For those who like to plan road trips to new snow spots across the country, First Tracks might be the choice for you. This app is more likely to work for your desktop or for your tablet, as it is an Adobe Air product created by Hatchling. Find everything from directions to the new ski destination you are visiting to the forecast for the whole weekend on this app. Another addition that this product affords snow seekers is frequent updates on what mountainsides are open for snow sports and which are closed due to poor weather conditions. This might save you hours of travel only to be disappointed in the end.

Fizz Snow

For detailed maps of snowboarding and skiing slopes, this is the ideal app. The freshest snow is documented through this app, which costs smartphone users $2.99. This is perfect for those who are looking for a nice interface while they check out the weather of the area they are heading to. Seven-day and 48-hour snowfall forecasts are also displayed through this app, and you will be able to see the amount of lifts and trails that are open in any given area. New snow reports and visibility are also clearly indicated, so you never have to worry about the weather forcing you to hole up for the season.

Rocking out at Top Music Fests that Cannot Be Missed

December 26, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Music is a huge part of our lives, and it dominates both underground and mainstream pop culture. To commemorate the amazing talent of the United States’ most popular music artists, there are music fests that allow for music lovers to enjoy some of their favorite music from all over the country in just a weekend.

These festivals allow for indie fans to enjoy their favorite artists, and for pop lovers to flock together to dance to their favorite artists. No matter the genre of music, or the lifestyle of the fan, there is a music festival to go to. If you are planning on going this year, make sure to book a comfortable neighborhood hotel room well in advance, as neighboring hotels tend to run out of vacancy quickly.

1. Nerdapalooza – Orlando, Florida

All things nerd and musical can be found at this festival. The nerd culture has a strong following, and visual and digital artists from around the world come together with performers such as I Fight Dragons and Metroid Metal. Everything from nerdcore hip hop to video game music is featured at this festival.

2. SXSW – Austin, Texas

This is one of the biggest festivals in the country, and it has been a leading music event for a quarter of a century. This is also a trade show, so musicians can come and see some of the most legendary musicians, such as Bruce Springsteen, talk about what has helped them be successful.

3. Joshua Tree Music Festival – Joshua Tree, California

This festival, held at beautiful Joshua Tree, was created by a group of family and friends for the sole reason that they love music. Because this festival is in the middle of the desert, it’s important to pack a good amount of food for the duration of the festival, unless you plan on making the 8-mile trek to the nearest civilization. Some of the festival’s more recent artists include Dubconscious, Afromotive and Flowmotion, who love having their audience join in on the musical celebration.

4. Wakarusa – Mulberry Mountain, Arkansas

Wakarusa is held in one of the most unique spots in the world, the Ozarks, near the Mulberry River. Thievery Corporation, Mumford and Sons, Reelfoot and James and the Devil have performed at this festival. Unlike other festivals, Wakarusa offers yoga, Frisbee golf and other fun activities in between the performances. This is a perfect festival for those who love music and the great outdoors. This is the perfect destination after a road trip, and it will sure to be a festival that you will want to attend again.

5. Outside Lands – San Francisco, California

This isn’t just a music festival; this is a food, wine, arts and music festival. There are a plethora of stages, with artists such as Muse, Arcade Fire, Foster the People, Deadmau5 and OK Go being just a few of the big names that have graced the stages here. One of the top features of the festival is the food, which is not the standard festival fair—organic food and wine are the fare to be enjoyed.

Ringing in 2012 in Style: Top New Year’s Eve Destinations

December 23, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

As 2011 winds down, people around the world have already begun planning where they want to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Some prefer to do it quietly, with a glass of wine on their couches, while others prefer to do so with their friends and family at a house party. Others choose to find the biggest, wildest and most exciting spot possible to bring in the new year. The U.S. has quite a few spots that are ideal for celebrating the new year, but depending on what you enjoy, you will want to plan trips to different parts of the country to celebrate. Once you have made your choice on where you want to go, make sure you book a nearby hotel as soon as possible since they will fill up fast!

1. Las Vegas, Nevada—Perfect for Partiers

There’s a party in Las Vegas every weekend, but for New Year’s Eve, the celebration reaches a whole new level of fun, excitement and insanity. The midnight fireworks display is not just shot off one of the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip; the impressive fireworks display is shot off from the roofs of various hotels and casinos for everyone to see. Obviously, you want to get into the hottest Las Vegas club events if you can, as there are top-rated artists and musicians at each event. However, if you cannot get onto the VIP list, take to the streets. One of the biggest parties of the year is right on the strip itself, which is littered with beer stands for those who are looking for the perfect view of the fireworks.

2. New York City, New York—Perfect for Couples

No New Year’s Eve celebration list would be complete without the Big Apple’s New Year’s Celebration in Times Square. The event always has big name celebrities hosting the celebration, and the Times Square ball drop is always televised around the country. People from all over the world come to join in the festivities, though it can be frigid outdoors. To make this celebration complete, make sure that you have a special someone to kiss as you ring in the New Year. The entire square celebrates without alcohol, so if you are hoping to celebrate with a large glass in hand, you might want to book a table at a nearby hotel for some pre-celebratory drinks.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana—Perfect for Music Lovers

If you feel like big jazz and holiday swing are the perfect way to ring in the New Year, then plan a Mardi Gras-style New Year’s Eve celebration in the French Quarter. The New Year’s Eve celebration in New Orleans is produced by the Crescent City Countdown Club, which is dedicated to helping Jackson Square become the most beautiful place to enjoy the New Year. The Brass Band will play all the New Year’s favorites as fireworks illuminate the sky and reflect in the waters of the Mississippi.

4. Key West, Florida—Perfect for the Fabulous

If you don’t feel like dancing down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, then check out the 801 Bourbon Bar on Duval Street in Key West. This pub, located on the main party strip of the city, has a giant red high heel drop down at the stroke of midnight. Seconds before midnight, a drag queen is lowered in the shoe and pops the cork from a ceremonial champagne bottle to drink in the new year.

Toys and Tips to Keep You Calm and Relaxed While Flying

December 12, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

You’ve finally gotten your paid time off, and you’ve booked the vacation of a lifetime. There’s nothing keeping you from relishing in your well-deserved, luxurious, relaxing time—except for the flight to get you to your destination and the seemingly eternal wait at the airport.

Nowadays, it doesn’t matter what time of the year you fly, what day of the week you fly or where you fly. Regardless, the plane is usually filled to the brim, and chances are that you will have people smashed next to you on either side. More than likely, you’ll end up more stressed out and aggravated by the end of the flight, leaving you a pile of nerves at your destination.

Luckily, there are certain steps that you can take and things that you can do to keep yourself calm, relaxed and relatively stress free. You can even take items meant to soothe and relax you throughout the flight so that you don’t have any reason to lose your cool and be too aggravated to enjoy your vacation.

1. Fly non-stop, not direct.

There is a difference! Non-stop flights go from Point A to Point B with no touchdowns anywhere, while direct flights touch down at various airports. This can cause delays, which could add hours to your flight if things turn out badly. It’s better to bite the bullet, pay a little more and book a non-stop flight.

2. Buy travel insurance.

With airlines filing for bankruptcy protection after feeling the economic crunch and with turbulent weather conditions, it’s better to be prepared rather than to lose your cash because of something that you couldn’t control. Your travel insurance costs will vary, depending on where you travel, but it will not be more than a small percentage of your entire package. Some websites allow you to purchase just flight insurance, or just medical coverage, so you can tailor fit your purchase to your needs.

3. Rock your favorite tunes, watch your favorite movie or play online.

If you carry on a laptop, mp3 player, or DVD player, you’ll instantly have a more enjoyable trip. Airlines have recognized this, and some offer wireless support and headphones for passengers to use. If, for some reason, you forget your computer or other electronic devices, some airlines that offer WiFi also have laptops for use on their planes, and you can take advantage of this for a nominal fee.

4. Pack light.

One of the most aggravating parts of the flying process is waiting for your luggage at the end. There’s always a slight risk that you’ll only end up with the clothes on your back and whatever carryon items you brought with you, but there are ways to minimize that risk. There are several checkpoint friendly luggage pieces that you can purchase to use as carryon luggage, and you’ll be able to skip the wait at the luggage drop-off completely.

Remember: the goal of this trip is to relax, enjoy yourself and have a once in a lifetime experience. Do not let something as simple as a bad flight ruin your chance to enjoy your vacation.

Gnoshing at the Top Five Best Breakfast Spots in the U.S.

December 9, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Breakfast is the champion of all meals; it’s got everything that you need to keep you going throughout the day. Doctors and nutritionists have agreed that breakfast is important for a healthy lifestyle, so even while traveling, you need to get a meal that is nourishing. When traveling, it can be hard to find a place that’s got exactly what you’re looking for in a delicious meal.

There are breakfast spots all over the U.S. that claim to have the best pancakes or the best omelets you’ve ever had. To help you find which restaurants are able to deliver the best meal you’ve had in the morning, follow this list and see just how these places offer you a flavorful way to kick start your morning.

1. Salud – New York City, New York

Everyone is in a hurry in New York, especially during the morning rush. Salud, an organic restaurant, offers an adorable environment to enjoy a smoothie in the morning or a hot chocolate on chillier days for people who need a quick pick me up in the morning. For people who have time to sit down and enjoy a full meal, the family-owned organic restaurant has plenty to offer. Make sure to try a macaroon with your favorite smoothie blend, as they are made perfectly.

2. Bongo Room – Chicago, Illinois

There are few breakfast spots that are worth waiting 20 minutes for, but the Bongo Room and its intimate atmosphere is one of those places. The pancakes at this breakfast and brunch restaurant are known all around the city, and every season brings new flavors for everyone to enjoy. There are vegetarian options on the menu, and every meal is large enough to share. After waking up from a great night’s sleep in your hotel, try the tomatillo salsa scramble or the banana bacon flapjacks for a real treat before doing some sightseeing!

3. Flap Jack Family Restaurant – Lansing, Michigan

It can be hard to get your children to eat while on the road, so it’s important to find a place that serves options that they will actually want to eat. It’s hard to go wrong with pancakes, which is the ultimate child-friendly breakfast food. Flap Jack Family Restaurant makes no qualms about its family-style service. It’s not a high-end restaurant, but the quality of the ingredients is top of the line. Parents can enjoy the hearty skillets, while their children can feast on fluffy pancakes and gobs of toppings.

4. The Griddle Café – Los Angeles, California

A popular hole-in-the-wall almost seems like an oxymoron, but the Griddle Café, located right on Sunset Avenue in Los Angeles is one of the top celebrity spots that lives up to its hype. Not only are you likely to see a star or two eating breakfast at this landmark; you are likely to fall in love with everything on the menu. The cheesecake French toast is a perfect example of what you’d expect to find in the thriving diner that serves A-list celebs. You can even purchase mixes for some of their most popular dishes, such as the red velvet pancakes, to make at home.

5. Stoby’s – Conway, Arkansas

This restaurant is not for wimps; the large portions and hearty platters are definitely worth being on several top breakfast spot lists. The homemade biscuits are perfectly paired with “old-fashioned, real-deal breakfast gravy.” The omelets are gigantic and are smothered in cheese. If you’re dying for something new, ask for Stoby’s spicy white cheese dip on top for a bang.

Top Tips for Buying the Perfect Gifts for on-the-go Travelers

December 5, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Having a techie in the family is both a blessing and a curse. You’ll always have someone to go to when your computer is acting up, and someone to help explain what steps to take when trying to sync your phone’s music to your laptop’s playlists. On the downside, it’s almost impossible to buy them the perfect gift for any occasion, as they tend to buy their favorite items as soon as they come out. This leaves you wondering what technology to buy someone special and leaving you grasping at straws if you don’t know what gadgets and toys are popular.

If you’re looking for something for an anniversary, a birthday or a holiday, it’s best to begin your purchasing by reading up on what’s available, setting a budget for purchases, and reading up on what other travel techies are writing about online. Travel techies are in a league of their own, and knowing what the tools and equipment that they enjoy using are will greatly help you in your search for the perfect gift.

1. Set a budget for yourself.

If your spouse, child or relative needs the “best” gadgets for traveling, you need to know how much each item costs and where you can purchase them for less. There are many online technology review websites dedicated to helping individuals find the right priced tools and equipment they want to purchase, and they can actually help people on a budget find what they can afford in a certain category of technology.

2. Look on the manufacturer’s website for ideas.

Perhaps you want to purchase your traveler a nice gift, but you cannot find exactly what they are looking for online. When this happens, go to the manufacturer’s website and see if they have equipment that is comparable to what your techie is looking for. For example, if you are looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones for your son, who likes to listen to music while traveling, go to the company that manufactures the headphones he likes and see what is available. You may be able to find better headphones than the one he wants at a better price.

3. Ask for a wish list.

Travelers have wish lists of what they want, just like anyone else. All you have to do is ask what your traveler is interested in purchasing. This might take a little of the surprise out of purchasing a special gift for someone, but at least you’ll know that what you purchased is exactly what he or she wanted. If you don’t want to ask your loved one specifically what he or she wants, go online to see other techie gift wish lists.

4. If all else fails, go with gift cards.

If you want to be certain that your gift is going to be perfect for your loved one, go with a gift card. This allows your techie traveler to find the tablet that is ideal for traveling that he or she has had his or her eye on. If anything, this will allow you to save time on what to purchase them, and the traveler can opt to save up the gift card and use it towards a more expensive item that he or she would not be able to purchase otherwise.

Tablet Gadgets: Getting More Out of Your Tablet

November 21, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Even if you’ve already joined the legions of tablet fans, you may have only uncovered a fraction of how useful these little machines can be. With the accessories now available, many users are finding that their tablets can replace many of their other devices, especially during travel, when packing light really calls for a less-is-more approach. By selecting just a few of the small add-ons for your iPad, Galaxy Tab or other similar device, you, too, may find that you can have all the networking, entertainment, composing and presentation capabilities you need, courtesy of your tablet.

Precision Pointers

One of the major complaints many people have about tablets—at least in relation to extensive use—is how touchy the touchscreens can be. If you can’t hit the right angle, have bigger fingertips or lack just the right degree of pressure, you can find yourself inadvertently closing pages, typing an entire sentence incorrectly or (maybe even more frustrating) not getting anything to happen at all. Here’s where a stylus can save you hours of aggravation. The Targus Touch-Screen Stylus (about $17) is compatible with most tablets (and other touch-screen devices). Its rubber tip is sturdy, but it will not scratch the screen as you turn pages, type or draw. Targus’ deluxe model, the 3-in-1 Stylus ($40), gives you a touch-screen stylus with a ballpoint pen and a laser pointer (with low and bright settings)—all in one compact and classy design.

Comfortable Keyboards

Even with a great stylus, most of us prefer a real keyboard for doing extensive composing. Fortunately, the most popular tablets do offer add-on keyboards—all running in the $60-$100 range. One of the best Bluetooth wireless (and relatively universal) keyboards is the Scosche freeKEY. Marketed as flexible (it actually rolls up!) and waterproof, it may be a traveler’s dream with it’s advertised battery life of sixty hours before recharging is needed (retractable charging cable is included).

If you’d like a keyboard that doubles as another accessory, check out Samsung’s soft-touch, full-sized keyboard dock for the seven-inch Galaxy Tab, which lets you charge your tablet while using it. The built-in headphone jack in the dock can also come in handy if you’re trying to work during a layover in a busy (and loud) airport. Another two-fer is the Adonit Writer for the iPads. This Bluetooth keyboard is fashioned as part of a protective carrying case for the iPad, and it also folds to provide an angled prop, secured by magnets, for the tablet itself as you use the keyboard. The lightweight (1.1 pounds) keyboard and case still leaves you with all the carrying convenience of a tablet.

Serious Sounds

Okay, maybe an MP3 player isn’t that much extra to carry along, but hey, when the goal is to simplify, why not fully outfit your tablet as your sole music and entertainment device? With the number of earbuds, headphones and speakers out now, it’s pretty easy. You can choose among brand-specific models and universals, as well as a wide variety of the quality levels (and prices). For the Motorola Xoom alone, choices range from $15 earbuds to Monster Lil Jamz High Peformance Headphones ($100). As you might expect, iPad’s options run pricier, from about $40 to upwards of $400. If you want something that’ll work for your iPhone and your Android tablet—and something good for your budget in case you lose it—the GE 98974 Voip Stereo Headset (around $15) gets solid reviews.

While a tablet may not fully replace your laptop or iPod (after all, how handy is a tablet while you’re jogging?), perhaps during business trips and vacations you can equip that one mighty little machine to efficiently and compactly serve your needs, and give you one less device to schlep along and keep track of on the road.

Fast Food Picks and Pans

November 18, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

“May I take your order, please?” All of us hear those words at one time or another through a car window or at an airport food court counter—especially when we’re in a hurry to grab a bite and get on our way. Yet we all know that fast food is not exactly synonymous with healthy eating. However, many fast food chains have jumped onto the healthy-eating bandwagon, and even more significant, several health-focused organizations and publications have come out with fast food dining guidelines and even praise for some of the menu items.

Apps-etizers

To make the whole process easier, before you even consider eating fast food, there are also both apps and websites that you can access through mobile phones to help you make the best possible choices right from the start of your meal. A couple of the best are Fast Food Calorie Counter(iPhone, $.99; Android, $2.99) and The Fast Food Explorer website.

Belt-Healthy Burgers and Sandwiches

When easy grab, go and eat is a priority, sandwiches are a natural choice. Unfortunately, most fail the healthy-eating test, being loaded with fat in the fillings—fried (and deep-fried) meats, slathered-on creamy sauces and cheeses—plus overloads of sodium (in processed and salty meats and cheeses). Still, there are a number of fast food sandwiches, and even a burger or two, that can make the grade according to nutritionists, like the following:

  • Subway, Panera Bread and Au Bon Pain’s lean meat sandwich options, like grilled chicken or roast beef, with light vinaigrette-style dressings and plenty of healthy veggies (ranging from 300-400 calories)
  • Starbucks’ Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich (420 calories)
  • Wendy’s Jr. burger (only 320 calories)
  • Burger King’s Whopper Jr. (340 calories).

Satisfying Salads

It’s all too easy to think you’ve chosen healthily when you order a salad, but watch out! Many fast food salads are loaded with fatty dressings and often topped with things like cheese, bacon and fried chicken. The result is a meal as high or higher in saturated fat as a full-sized burger. This doesn’t mean you have to give up everything but lettuce, though. Au Bon Pain, for example, has the following several great salad choices, all of which received four-to-five star health-conscious ratings from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine:

  • Garden Salad
  • Charbroiled Salmon Filet & Yellow Peppers Salad
  • Mediterranean Chicken Salad
  • Thai Chicken Salad
  • Tuna Salad

Another four-star winner is Subway’s Subway Club Salad with Fat-Free Italian Dressing.

Chill-Fighting Chilis and Soups

In cooler weather (or after sitting in an over-air-conditioned office all day), soup is a natural comfort-food choice, and several fast food restaurants offer up some choices that can offer that comfort in pretty healthy form, like the following:

  • Chick-fil-A’s Hearty Breast of Chicken Soup (140 calories, 1.5 grams of fat)
  • Quizno’s Creamy Broccoli Cheese (175 calories, 9 grams of fat)
  • Quizno’s Chili (145 calories, 3.5 grams of fat)
  • 13.25-ounce bowl of Panera’s Vegetarian Black Bean soup or French Onion with Asiago Cheese (180 calories, 4 grams of fat each)

Even Desserts!

Of course, we can’t forget the call of the sweet tooth. Fruit is, of course, the healthiest choice, but sometimes, we just want something gooier and more, well, decadent—at least in taste. Even here, there are comparatively healthy choices available at the fast food counter. The following three options that make Fitness Magazine’s list are all at just 3.5 grams fat:

  • McDonald’s Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream Cone (150 calories)
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Lil’ Bucket Strawberry Shortcake (150 calories)
  • Pizza Hut’s Cherry Dessert Pizza (240 calories/slice)

Discovering a New-Old Trend in Long Beach’s Retro Row

November 14, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Vintage shopping and “antiquing” are the rage right now, especially with a topsy-turvy economy. Reusing furniture and clothing and purchasing secondhand products is not only better for the environment, but it’s also a quick way to save money, all while being on trend.

The city of Long Beach has made a lifestyle out of buying second hand, and there are literal streets of shops and special events dedicated to selling previously loved furniture, art and clothes. The following are some of the best spots for purchasing your new favorites.

Retro Row

The intersection of Cherry Street and E. 4th Street in Long Beach is the beginning of a strip of street that is affectionately dubbed ‘Retro Row’ by locals. This unique, funky and vibrant part of town has vintage, artistic, musical and contemporary elements fused together. Literally everything from new roller skates to old record players can be purchased on this street.

Some of the funniest and kitschiest items are available at Lil Devils Boutique, which is a rockabilly and vintage store, designed specifically for dressing children in the trendiest attire available. If you want your toddler in Chuck Taylors, band t-shirts and sporting a mini pomp, this is the shop for you. There are also some great gag t-shirts available as well, in addition to pretty and creative diaper bags meant to accessorize Mom’s style, instead of detracting from it.

There are events for every interest going on year-round on 4th Street, with many occurring at the same time. This means it’s best to make plans to stay for a great long weekend to appreciate a little of each event.

Long Beach Antique Market

This isn’t your average flea market. Hipsters, bargain hunters and antique shoppers converge to find their latest steal at this market, which is considered to be one of the best swap meets in the Los Angeles area. Home décor, antiques and vintage pieces are just a few of the items found on the third Sunday of every month at the Veterans Stadium, rain or shine. Admission is affordable, and with a few hundred dollars in cash, you could leave with one-of-a-kind items that would cost double or triple at a retail or antique shop. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and arrive early, as the “best” items for sale usually disappear within a few hours.

The Long Beach Antique Market is also unique in the fact that the items sold cannot be “new;” they have to be considered vintage or antique. The 20-plus acres of shops each have unique curios to make your home or wardrobe more distinguished. Another bonus; the prices set by the vendors are not always firm, so don’t be afraid to haggle to make your purchase a steal.

The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary, though old, isn’t the first place people think of for purchasing antique or vintage items. However, the Queen has its own vintage shop on board: Queen Mary Couture. Found on a ship that pays homage to an era when art deco reigned, it seems fitting to find 40s and 50s-inspired clothing and trinkets for sale within the shop’s walls.

The wares for sale at these shops are constantly replenished, so it may be best to make seasonal trips. These Long Beach hot spots are great alternatives to traditional shopping, and require at least a day dedicated to each area. Make sure to plan accordingly so that you have plenty of time to enjoy each of them with time to spare.