Halloween Holidays

Some ideas for Mid Term Break and Halloween

With the kids back to school this week, it's time to think about Halloween Break if you haven't already. Halloween has become a big festive date in the calendar especially if you have kids. So I've put together some ideas for things to do this Halloween!
see www.massvacation.com

Boston skyline

Boston and New England come into their own this time of year and the new England Fall is legendary for a reason. But to really appreciate witchcraft the town of Salem is a must. The Haunted Happenings events run for the entire month of October and are especially good for those visiting with kids. Anyone with an interest in the occult will be spooked to their full satisfaction.

graveyard from the witch trials in Salem

When I visited Salem last year with my son we had our fortunes told and we went on a tour of the graves and haunted locations around the town. The history of the town is fascinating and you will be truly entertained.
For a full list of things to do in Salem go to the Haunted Happenings Website and get ready for a scarily good time http://hauntedhappenings.org/

Some pictures of Salem taken last year.

Omen Witch store where we had our fortunes told

Salem is steeped in history and stories from the witch trails and you can find actors re-enacting the hysteria on the streets.

This quirky bewitched town, where even the cop cars sport witches emblems, is only a thirty minute train ride from Boston. Made infamous by the witch trials of 1692 where twenty innocent people were put to death for witch craft, Salem has been a source of intrigue for writers for centuries. We stayed at the Salem Waterfront Hotel which has a small and cosy swimming pool. It is also next to the delicious Fin's restaurant which offers incredible seafood.

We took the Trolley Tour to get our bearings and pass the House of the Seven Gables, made famous by author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was impossible to avoid references to the Witch Trials so we go to the Salem Witch Museum to get the full story. Re-enactments of the trials can be seen at the Witch Dungeon and even on the main street. Everything is close by in this pretty town with fine examples of federation houses and brownstones − each labelled with a date and name of the original owner. This is America where the smell of apples and cinnamon resonates through the wooden eaves of the buildings.

Salem witch museum, the best place to learn about the famous trials.

federation house Salem

A trip to Boston and Salem this midterm will set you back this much with Tour America
www.touramerica.ie

or call Dublin  01-8173535

cork -21-2429222

Boston fr€1239 per person

Return direct flights, All taxes and charges

4 Nights accommodation Boston Marriott Copley Square

Return ferry Boston - Salem

Based on 2 adults sharing

Date of departure: 28th October 2016

Our Ref: 519914

Expedia have an offer for a family travelling to Boston for mid-term leaving on Thursday 27th October

  Boston with the family

Return flights and a four night stay in the 4-star Royal Sonesta Boston on the Charles River in Boston for two adults and two children start from €699 per person sharing, including taxes and fees; saving €50 altogether when you book this flight and hotel together with Expedia.ie For this deal fly directly from Dublin to Boston with Aer Lingus on Thursday, October 27th 2016 returning Tuesday, November 1^st 2016.

Salem is a 30 minute car/train ride from Boston, and you can also get there by boat. Expedia.ie offers a Fast Ferry: Boston to Salem for €23.

Disneyland Paris

For kids one of the most magical places to enjoy Halloween is Disneyland. While it is lovely to get some sun this time of year and there are deals to Orlando Euro Disney is much closer and I've found a package from Abbey Travel which might tempt you to treat the kids this autumn.

ABBEY TRAVEL

‘Back to School’ mid-term break offers

With the kids going back to school in the next few days why not plan a getaway for the October mid-term break.

If you book a stay at Disneyland Paris now you can save up to 25% off hotel and park tickets. During mid-term prices for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids start from €1875 including return flights, transfers, 4 nights B&B in Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe and 5 days’ park tickets. Offer is subject to availability. 

TEL: 01 804 7160

http://www.abbeytravel.ie/seasonal-offers/midterm-holidays.aspx

Portaventura with Travalue

I've been to Barcelona in November in the past and pleasantly surprised by the weather - so Portaventura is a sunnier option to enjoy mid-term and Halloween break in Spain. If you haven't been to Portaventura then this three night city break might be the perfect way to try out this lovely part of Spain.

For the most frighteningly fun time of the year, spend Halloween in PortAventura! Get ready for a celebration where mystery reigns!  Become closely acquainted with a greedy sheriff, face the vampire teacher, meet a master pumpkin sculptor and all kinds of amusing characters. Chills are guaranteed!

TRAVALUE.IE

Halloween in Port Adventura

Tavalue have a deal to Spain for a family of four this year staying at this lovely hotel

Halloween In PortAventura

€1265 Family 2 Adults & 2 Children

Price Based on 2 Adts & 2 Chd ( under 12yrs)http://www.travalue.ie/deals/holiday/halloween-in-port-aventura/

2 Adts and 2 Chd (under 12 yrs) – 4 Night break €1265

Return flights

10kg Hand luggage per person

Airport transfers

4 Nights accommodation in the 4* Regente Aragon Hotel on a B&B basis

2 Day Pass to Port Aventura

 return flights, airport transfers, 4 Nights in a 4* hotel B&B and a 2 day pass to PortAventura.

TEL: 1890 289 255

Travalue.ie

Alton Towers Scarefest

If you would like a break closer to home and want to take advantage of the weak pound then Celtic Horizons offer a great deal to Alton Towers and taking the ferry means having a mini cruise in the process.

Halloween at Alton Towers Scarefest

ALTON TOWERS SCAREFEST,

October Bank Holiday Weekend, 29^th – 30^th October 2016

Package Includes:

·         Travel by luxury coach & Irish Ferries Ulysses

·         All transfers

·         Entrance to Alton Towers Scarefest on Saturday 29^th October

Cost: €139.00 Adult / €115.00 Child [U/16]

·         Travel by luxury coach & Irish Ferries Ulysses

·         All transfers

·         Entrance to Alton Towers Scarefest on Saturday 29^th October

Saturday 29^th October

From:	Pick up point	Time
Galway	Go Bus Coach Station	03.45

Transfers from Galway are direct to Dublin with Go Bus @ €23pp

There are no pick ups along the way.

Please transfer to the Celtic Horizon Tours coach at Topaz* in Dublin Port, as per itinerary below

07.00hrs               Join your coach at the Irish Ferries (Terminal 1) North Wall

08.05hrs               Depart North Wall on Irish Ferries Ulysses

11.20hrs               Arrive Holyhead

14.30hrs               Arrive Alton Towers – non-stop

21.00hrs               Depart Alton Towers

Sunday 30^th October

01.00hrs               Arrive Holyhead – comfort stop en-route

02.40hrs               Depart Holyhead on Irish Ferries Ulysses.

05.55hrs               Arrive North Wall

*Passengers joining from GoBus / Galway will join our coach at the North Wall.

TEL: 01 629 2000    

EMAIL: info@celtichorizontours.com

www.celtichorizontours.com

Finally Something for the Big Kids

Viva Las Vegas

Las Vegas is my number one go to spot for Halloween. I love this town and they really know how to enjoy festive occasions and Halloween is one of the best! To see all that Las Vegas has to offer go to Las Vegas CVA by clicking on the link. After my last visit I was inspired to write a book - there's so much more to Vegas than you can imagine - It's also close to the Grand Canyon which is on most people's bucket lists.

Every hotel decorates their foyers, bars and nightclubs with such attention to detail you will think you are on the set of a horror movie.

Everybody dresses up on Halloween night and I loved being scared so the old strip is definitely the place to be

This is one of my favourite bar tenders that I'd the pleasure to meet in Vegas. Of course I bumped into Elvis too!

So tune in for Travel Tuesday on TV3's Midday at 11.30 on TV3.

check out this great deal with Tour America

www.touramerica.ie

or call Dublin  01-8173535

cork -21-2429222

Las Vegas fr€789 per person

Return flights, All taxes and charges

4 Nights accommodation Linq Hotel

Based on 2 sharing

Date of departure: 28th October 2016

Our Ref: 519912

Expedia have a great offer for Las Vegas at Halloween

 Las Vegas for couples

Return flights and a four night stay in the 4-star MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for two adults start from €728 per person sharing, including taxes and fees; saving €419 altogether when you book this flight and hotel together with Expedia.ie For this deal fly from Dublin to Las Vegas via Philadelphia with American Airlines onThursday, October 27th 2016 returning Tuesday, November 1^st 2016.

If you really want to soak up the Halloween atmosphere without moving from the comfort of your armchair then my book 4am in LAs Vegas is on €2,99 on amazon kindle. Click here to buy 4am in Las Vegas

For more travel deals keep an eye on the Irish Travel Agents Association website for the latest news and ideas http://itaa.ie/

It's New York Theatre week again!

NYC & COMPANY ENCOURAGES THEATERGOERS TO SAVE DURING NYC BROADWAY WEEK^SM WITH TWO-FOR-ONE TICKETS ON SALE TODAY

—Nearly 20 Broadway Shows Participate from

September 5 to 18—

New York City (August 18, 2016) — NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, is encouraging theatergoers to purchase two-for-one tickets for the next iteration of its biannual program NYC Broadway Week. Tickets will go on sale to 19 of Broadway’s top shows starting at 10:30am today at nycgo.com/broadwayweek for performances taking place from September 5 to 18.

“We are thrilled NYC Broadway Week returns to give theater fans the chance to see the world’s best talent at an amazing value,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “This year, we have brand-new shows and long-standing favorites participating in the program, so there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy the popular theater promotion.”

“Broadway Week is a wonderful time for both New Yorkers and visitors to take a break from the summer sun to sit in a cool theatre to enjoy some of our hottest shows,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League. “Thanks to NYC & Company’s innovative 2-for-1 ticket offer, two people can see a Broadway show for the price of one, so savvy theatre fans who love plays and musicals can see twice as many!”

Shows participating in NYC Broadway Week:*

·         Aladdin

·         An American in Paris

·         Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

·         Cats**

·         Chicago The Musical

·         Cirque du Soleil Paramour**

·         The Color Purple

·         Fiddler on the Roof

·         Holiday Inn**

·         The Humans

·         Jersey Boys

·         Kinky Boots

·         The Lion King

·         Matilda the Musical

·         On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan

·         The Phantom of the Opera

·         School of Rock

·         Something Rotten!

·         Wicked

*Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

**New NYC Broadway Week participants

Consumers can enter the Official NYC Broadway Week Sweepstakes, powered by Audience Rewards, for the opportunity to win dinner at Becco and tickets to a Broadway show for the winner and five friends.

Since its launch in January 2011, NYC Broadway Week has cumulatively sold 842,593 tickets, generating $56.4 million in revenue for Broadway. NYC Broadway Week is produced by NYC & Company in partnership with American Express, Amtrak, Audience Rewards, The Broadway League, NBC 4 New York, Telecharge and Ticketmaster, and with support from AARP.

NYC RESTAURANT WEEK RESERVATIONS OPEN TODAY FOR DINING DEALS AT A RECORD-SETTING 387 RESTAURANTS

—NYC & Company’s Signature Dining Program Returns
July 25 through August 19—  

New York City (July 11, 2016) — NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, encourages diners to book now for NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2016 at one of the 387 participating restaurants. In its 24th year, NYC Restaurant Week takes place this summer from July 25 through August 19 and features 49 new restaurants. For menus, photos and reservations visit nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

“With nearly 400 participating restaurants to choose from in over 40 neighborhoods serving more than 30 cuisines, there are more options than ever for diners to eat up in the dining capital of the world,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “Supporting one of NYC’s most important industries, NYC Restaurant Week boosts business during a typically slower season while providing diners the perfect reason to experience new restaurants or return to their favorites at a fraction of the cost.”

NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2016 by the numbers:

• 3 course prix-fixe lunches for $29*
• 3 course prix-fixe dinners for $42*
• Record-setting 387 participating restaurants
• 30+ cuisines
• 49 new restaurants and 338 returning restaurants
• More than 40 neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island
• 26 days (July 25–August 19)
• More than 29,000 posts on Instagram using #NYCRestaurantWeek

                                                           *(excluding beverages, gratuities and taxes)

Among the restaurants participating in NYC Restaurant Week for the first time are Alfredo 100, Almond Tribeca, American Cut Midtown, Bagatelle, Beaubourg at Le District, Becco, Black Barn Restaurant, Bobo, Bocca Di Bacco in Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen, Brasserie Séoul, Bull and Bear Prime Steakhouse, Buttermilk Channel, Capri Ristorante, Charlie Palmer at the Knick, Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano, City Crab Shack, Club A Steakhouse, Craft Restaurant, Danji, Empire Steak House East 50th Street, Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse West 46th Street, Goggan, Il Postino, Il Riccio, Irvington Bar + Restaurant, John Dory Oyster Bar, Kingside, La Chine, La Pecora Bianca, Lincoln Square Steak, Megu, Mulino a Vino, Osteria Laguna, Perrine, Reserve Cut, Rowland's Bar & Grill, Sabbia at Birreria, Strand Bistro, Sushi Seki Bar & Oysters, The Breslin Bar & Dining Room, The Clocktower, The Shakespeare. Tuome, Vandal, Vaucluse, Virginia's, Wollensky's Grill and Zero Otto Nove.

The first and largest dining program of its kind, NYC Restaurant Week welcomes back longstanding participating restaurants such as 21 Club, Delmonico’s, Shun Lee Palace, Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, Nobu, Tribeca Grill, Tavern on The Green and the Russian Tea Room.

“Summer is a festive time in NYC, and our culinary community provides an engaging setting for our guests and their families, friends, and colleagues to have a meaningful dining experience. We look forward to providing the quality, variety, and hospitality that makes New York City the dining capital of the world,” said Tracy Nieporent, Chairman of NYC & Company’s Restaurant Committee.

Returning this summer is an exclusive offer for American Express® Card Members. Card Members can enroll any eligible American Express® Card, use their Card to spend $35 or more at any participating restaurant and get a $5 statement credit up to four times. To learn more and enroll in this offer, visit www.americanexpress.com/nycrestaurantweek. Terms apply.

NYC Restaurant Week is promoted through exclusive content on nycgo.com; out-of-home media in the five boroughs; print and digital advertising, including promotion through media partner Time Out New York; commercials running in NYC taxicabs and on Toshiba Vision in Times Square; and through social media posts using #NYCRestaurantWeek.

About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information, visit nycgo.com.

Heading Stateside with the kids this summer? Get On Yer Bike!

Venice Beach

Walking and sightseeing can be a chore for teens and tweens but put them on a bike and it becomes an adventure. All of these five US cities have really great bike tours. You won't be disappointed and the kids will LOVE IT!

Mark and Nicole on Venice Beach

LA

Take a walk past Santa Monica Pier to Perry's, an icon of the beach scene for nearly forty years. Perry's have twelve cafes dotted along the coast from Santa Monica to Venice Beach. A cycle is a great way to take in the views. I recommend rental by the hour rather than a tour because once we got to Venice Beach the kids wanted to stop at the stalls and soak up the atmosphere. The kids loved this windy cycle path even though we had to dodge the roller-skaters along the way. The last of the hippies and hells angels gather here and there are funky cafes to stop by for a break. Two hours is long enough to take in the cacophony of music and it's five dollars to visit the freak show or get a henna tattoo.

Bike and Roll Washington DC

Washington DC

The Bike and Roll Tour (39$ for adults 29$ for kids) is the very best way to visit the presidential monuments. Fully guided, the tour took us past The White House, Washington Monument and down National Mall from Lincoln to Jefferson down by the Potomac River. The Einstein statue outside the Science Museum was a great stop and I made sure my son rubbed the statues nose to ensure wisdom to help him with his studies.

Jefferson Memorial Washington DC

Boston

Urbanadventours is the best way to see the city of Boston from Fenway Park through the Emerald necklace and back to The Freedom Trail. The City Tour is good for kids over ten-years as it does involve going on cycle lanes in the city centre and can be busy. It takes three hours and costs $55. www.urbanadventours.com

 

Urbanadventours Boston

New York

Take a bike or quadcycle around Central Park. A quadcycle is $35 per hour and the perfect amount of time to leisurely see the lake and the sights. Kids love to be on the move so this is a great way to get to see the Alice in Wonderland statue, Strawberry fields and the chess and checker house. www.bikenewyorkcity.com

Times Square New York

San Francisco

The very best way to see the bridge and absorb the breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay is by bike. It is a long cycle but the kids won't be board. A guided tour takes up to three hours and ends at the pretty town of Sausalito where we stopped for lunch and took a ferry ride back to the city. www.baycitybike.com. Tours are $55 dollars per person but you can do this without a guide and rent by the hour.

Golden Gate to Sausalito

NYC & COMPANY SPOTLIGHTS NEW YORK CITY’S NEW FOOD HALLS

New York City (June 20, 2016) —NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, invites visitors and locals to discover New York City’s new and trending food halls, featuring an array of dining possibilities, from casual eats to high-end restaurant offerings.   

“New York City’s food halls are an exciting way to experience the City’s vibrant and evolving food scene,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “From new openings like TurnStyle and The Pennsy to mainstays like Chelsea Market and Grand Central Market, there are so many fantastic food hall options to choose from, giving visitors more reasons to return again and again.”

New York City has long been home to popular food markets like Arthur Avenue Retail Market, Chelsea Market, Eataly, Grand Central Market and Gotham West. In addition to these iconic places, the City is experiencing a trend in the rise of food halls, celebrating cuisines from around the world.  

Highlights of recent openings include:

Berg’n: Since opening in 2015, the Brooklyn-based food hall in Crown Heights has quickly emerged as a local hotspot for its trendy food offerings. Visitors and locals can sample tasty burritos at El Meat Hook, Filipino-inspired cuisine at Lumpia Shack and pulled pork and brisket at Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque. Led by the founders of Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg, Berg’n is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit bergn.com for more information.

City Kitchen at Row NYC: The Times Square food court, located within the Row NYC Hotel, opened in March 2015 and features a diverse collection of vendors such as Azuki Sushi, Dough, Gabriela’s Taqueria, ilili Box, Kuro Obi ramen, Luke’s Lobster and Whitman’s New York. For more information visit citykitchen.com.

Hudson Eats: The upscale dining terrace located in Lower Manhattan’s Brookfield Place features many of New York City’s top casual eateries, including Black Seed Bagel, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, Chop’t, Dig Inn, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Num Pang, Skinny Pizza, Sprinkles and Umami Burger. The 30,000-square-foot space provides seating for up to 600 guests and offers views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty. Additional information can be found at brookfieldplaceny.com.

Le District: Brookfield Place is also home to an authentic French shopping district serving artisanal French foods. The 30,000-square-foot space boasts a brasserie-style restaurant called Beaubourg, the Market and Garden District offering French groceries, and a café where guests can snack on chocolate, coffee, macarons and croissants. Visitbrookfieldplaceny.com for more information. 

The Pennsy: Just steps from Madison Square Garden, the high-end food hall is home to vendors The Cinnamon Snail, Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, Mario by Mary, Lobster Press and The Little Beet. The space also includes an indoor dining lounge, an outdoor patio space and a full cocktail bar serving daily happy hour and new drink specials throughout the week. For more information visit thepennsy.nyc.

Queens Night Market: The large, family-friendly open-air night market in Queens features independent vendors selling merchandise, art and food that celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the borough. The market is located outside the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and currently runs every Saturday through August 20^th. The market is open from 6:00 pm through Midnight. For a complete list of upcoming vendors visit queensnightmarket.com.

UrbanSpace Vanderbilt: Less than a five-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal, the Midtown food hall features over 20 artisanal and chef-driven food concepts, including notable Brooklyn pizza joint Roberta’s, popular doughnut chain Dough and the Red Hook Lobster Pound. Additional information can be found at urbanspacenyc.com.  

TurnStyle: Manhattan’s new underground food hall and retail space located in the Columbus Circle subway station holds over 30 small restaurants and shops, including Blossom du Jour, Bolivian Llama Party, Doughnuttery, Dylan’s Candy Bar, The Pizza and Yong Kang Street. A MetroCard is not required to gain access to the market. Visitors can enter at Columbus Circle or 57th Street and Eighth Avenue. Visit turn-style.com for the complete list of shops and restaurants. 

Upcoming in 2016: 
Eataly: The popular Italian marketplace, home to restaurants, food and beverage counters, a bakery, retail items and cooking classes is expected to open a 40,000-square-foot outpost at 4 World Trade Center later this year. Visit eataly.com for additional information.       
The Great Northern Food Hall: In early summer 2016, internationally acclaimed chef Claus Meyer will open a Nordic-inspired food hall inside Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall. The 5,000-square-foot space’s offerings will include baked goods, granola and Danish open-faced rye sandwiches called smørrebrød. For updates, visit grandcentralterminal.com. 

Gotham Market at The Ashland: Gotham West Market, the day and night dining destination in Hell’s Kitchen, will be opening a new location this fall inside The Ashland in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene. The 16,000-square-foot space will have a pop-up place for local chefs and restaurateurs, in addition to full-time food vendors like Apizza Regionale (Italian fare), Flip Bird (rotisserie chicken), Mu Ramen (bowls of noodles, burgers and Japanese snacks) and popular Midtown barbeque restaurant Mason Jar. Visit gothamwestmarket.com for more information. 

Upcoming in 2017:
Bourdain Market: American chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain will be opening a 155,000-square-foot international food market on Manhattan’s Pier 57 in 2017, which would make it the largest food hall in New York City. Complete details have not been announced, although the space will reportedly feature over 100 vendors from around the globe. For more information visit bourdainmarket.com.

Empire Outlets Marketplace (MRKTPL): Scheduled to open in November 2017, Empire Outlets will become New York City’s first shopping outlet, located in Staten Island’s waterfront St. George district and featuring 100 shops of the finest brands. Within the complex, an innovative artisanal food market, called Marketplace (MRKTPL), will showcase the best local and international purveyors. It will be Staten Island’s first artisanal food hall. Visit empireoutletsnyc.com for more information.

Upcoming in 2018: 
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards: When open in 2018, the Restaurant Collection at Hudson Yards will feature 12 luxury restaurants, including a steakhouse and American grill by chef Thomas Keller. The final 10 restaurants have not been confirmed, although Spanish chef José Andrés and Greek seafood chef Costas Spiliadis will reportedly be adding outposts to the collection. For updates visit hudsonyardsnewyork.com. 

for more information see www.nycgo.com