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Happy Birkenstocks! This week’s edition of Tuesday’s Travel Tips takes us to Burlington, Vermont! The land of maple syrup and teddy bears, dairy farms and rugged individualists. And lots of Subarus. Burlington was one of our first BlueCities, inaugurated right around this time back in 2000, in the first year that we took to the skies. The Burlington International Airport is cute (and a whole lot smaller than most) and just celebrated its 90th birthday.

Airport Operations Cremember Denis points out that Vermont is known as the 14th star in the Union of the United States, the 1st Republic State in the making of the United States. The city of Burlington has lots of charm, with no lack of spots to get a good sandwich on homemade bread and wash it down with some milk fresh from the cow. If milk is too G-rated for you, the Magic Hat Brewing Company is in town (and they host an annual parade which we’re a part of). American Flatbread is one great restaurant located in the downtown area, relays A320 Captain Michael.

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For many Burlington natives, says Corporate Communications Crewmember Morgan, the world is cleanly divided into two wildly different camps, those who prefer Al’s French Frys, or those that prefer Nectar’s Gravy Fries. Morgan however, is from that special camp that believe both need to be experienced at least once…. a trip to Vermont. After feasting on fries (and some of Burlington’s great micro-brews The Vermont Pub & Brewery, you may want to take a stroll along the Burlington Bike Path or hike around the nearby wooded areas at Oakledge Park or Red Rocks State Park overlooking Lake Champlain. (Bonus points if you spot the Lake Champlain Monster “Champ!“)

This week launches the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction with some great concerts, fun rides, and great shows (Weezer to Bieber!) – and be sure to try some maple sugar cotton candy or sugar on snow! As fall approaches, there’s also no better time to start planning a Burlington trip to explore the mountain towns for fall foliage, incredible dining at the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, simple picturesque craft fairs in Stowe, or maybe just a leisurely stroll apple picking with some warm cider and hot Vermont cider donuts!

Image courtesy of Tracy Kahn

Michael suggests that folks drive to Waterbury, which is about a half hour drive south on Interstate 89 to Exit 10 to take a tour at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory to see how the famous ice cream is made! Or you can go and see the making of delicious apple cider at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in nearby Waterbury Center. While you’re in the area, just up the road from the original Ben & Jerry’s is the Von Trapp Family Lodge. That’s right, that dynamic singing family settled in Stowe, Vermont after fleeing the Nazis in Austria. You can hit the restaurant for some of their delectable European-influenced cuisine, grab a massage at their spa, or partake in one of the outdoor activities that they offer, including snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing in the Winter and hiking and biking in the warmer months.

The last two weeks of September to the first two weeks of October is the best time to come up to Vermont to see the bright vivid colors of the fall foliage on the trees.

Drive about 45 minutes south on Interstate 89 to Exit 8 to the capital city of Montpelier and take a tour of the capitol building, the Vermont State House.

There are many great ski resorts that surround the Burlington area, all within a couple hours drive.  The closest one is Bolton Valley Ski Resort.

You are also only about an hour and a half from the great city of Montreal, Quebec. Some people joke that we DO actually fly to Canada since we fly to Burlington. It’s true!

Michael also points out that the airport has some excellent clam chowder served in bread bowls that puts Boston’s to shame.  There is also a stunning bike path along the Lake Champlain shore. On a clear day, you can see New York State from across the lake, Denis relays.

Do you have some good Burlington travel tips? Leave them in the comments below, or Tweet them using the hashtag #TTBTV.

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This week’s Travel Tips take us to B-more, otherwise known as Baltimore (pronounced Bali-d-more by natives). Nestled just south of the Mason-Dixon line, this northern Maryland city serves up a fun, though sometimes head-scratching mix, of north and south. With sights that span the Civil War to a lingering grunge culture, Baltimore makes for a great weekend trip on our BlueCity tour.

General Manager, David, came up with some great travel tips to his hometown. For those not familiar with the area, he offers, the Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) was originally called “Friendship Airport”. If you’re coming for a day trip to catch some Orioles/Ravens action or for the weekend and staying near the airport, the MTA Light Rail leaves from BWI and will drop you off at M&T Bank Stadium, Camden Yards,

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or just blocks from Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor. What’s even better is that it only costs $1.60 each way!

Baltimore is famous for its crabs. Don’t forget to use Old Bay on your crabs (Marylanders also put that stuff on everything from eggs to french fries, and more). With the motto, “You dream it, we’ll bake it, you eat it,” Charm City Cakes is a famous bakery in Baltimore that is known for being able to produce any request for a cake, no matter how bizarre. Before Babe Ruth built the Yankees house, the Sultan of Swat called Baltimore his home, and you can visit the house he grew up in.

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Worth checking out is Brewer’s Art for a gourmet menu and crafted beers, the National Aquarium (for the fish you can’t eat), CHAP’S Charcoal Restaurant for some mean BBQ, and Pickle’s Pub, just across from Camden Yards for some pre or post game eats. G&M Restaurant in Linthicum, MD, just minutes from BWI, has some of the best crab cakes you’ll ever eat.

Baltimore offers a large variety of activities from family-oriented fun in the harbor to some exciting nightlife for the big kids. Baltimore is only 35-40 minutes from Historic Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy. Come visit, you’re bound to have a great time!

Do you have some good Baltimore travel tips? Leave them in the comments below, or Tweet them using the hashtag #TTBWI.

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jump from the well-known Woodbury Commons outlet shopping center. Stewart International Airport (SWF) shares its space with U.S. Military and the National Guard. Several old military barracks, in fact, can be seen on the airport grounds.

Customer Service Crewmember Tim points out that SWF airport has bragging rights as being one of the back-up landing sites for the Space Shuttle. The three-mile-long runway also hosts military aircraft that can frequently be seen taking off and landing for missions to Iraq and Afghanistan.

For TV fans, Orange County Choppers is located just minutes from the SWF terminal. The cast of the reality show American Choppers, seen on TLC, has their TV studio and showroom just behind the airport and can often be seen on JetBlue flights to Florida.

And speaking of celebrities, John Travolta can often be seen at SWF, where he parks his personal plane when he is on the East Coast. Singer Darryl Hall from Hall and Oates also houses his personal plane at SWF. And during the United Nations General Assembly, SWF is the most crowded, as personal planes from heads of nations from all over the world park here. Since SWF is only about 60 miles from New York City, princes, presidents and prime ministers from all over the globe fly into SWF and then board helicopters to take them to the United Nations in Manhattan.

Airport Operations Crewmember Jeannine points out that Broadway in Newburgh is the widest Main Street in the country and that Newburgh’s East End Historic District is home to more than 4,000 historic buildings, making it the largest such district in New York State.

Airport Operations Crewmember Monica says that she lives in the beautiful and bountiful Hudson River Valley region and is always glad to offer up her favorite travel tips.  Not originally from the area, Monica married into an agricultural family that has shown her how gorgeous the valley can be.  There are many orchards and fruit farms that offer fresh grown produce throughout the year.  Her favorite belongs to her father-in-law, Pennings Orchards.  The U-Pick apple season is right upon us! Red Delicious, Ginger Golds, Galas and Fujis are some of Monica’s favorites.

Monica’s other favorite outing is to go wine-tasting in the Hudson River Valley.  There are two trails, the Dutchess County Trail as well as the Orange County or Shawangunk Wine Trail, split by the Hudson River.  Monica prefers the Orange County Shawangunk trail.

Jeannine relays that the Newburgh region has many places of interest, including historic attractions in the area, a few of which include The Last Encampment of The Continental Army, George Washington’s Headquarters, The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. You can spend the day visiting The Vanderbilt Mansion, West Point or beautiful Bear Mountain, which has something to do in every season whether it be ice skating or ice fishing in the Winter or canoeing, fishing, visiting the zoo, swimming in the pool or miles of walking trails during the other seasons, as well as a beautiful carousel year-round.

You can visit The Brotherhood winery, the oldest winery in America! They have tours and delicious wine to sample or purchase. For the music lover, you can take in a concert at Bethel Woods with their outdoor setting or go visit the quintessential site of the 60′s Woodstock. For the sports-inclined, there’s the local baseball team The Hudson Valley Renegades, The Goshen Historic Track and Harness Museum which still hold harness races, or The Renaissance Fair which runs weekends from August through September. If you appreciate a good scare, there are plenty of places to go in the fall during the Halloween season like The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House in nearby Ulster, New York.  The Fall is also a great time to go apple and pumpkin picking at one of the many farms and orchards in the area.

There is nothing like a night out on The Newburgh Waterfront, offers Jeannine, with its many choices of bars and restaurants as well as the beautiful views. The area restaurants suit many tastes from American to Brazilian to Italian and more. One of the favorites is Torches for good food and music. There is no shortage of restaurants to find in this area.  Check out downtown Poughkeepsie, home of the Culinary Institute of America to enjoy fine dining at its best. There are also a few choices of cruises along the Hudson River including ones that offer live jazz, salsa and more! Nothing makes for a more beautiful and fun night than spending some time walking along the waterfront with views of the river, mountains and the Newburgh Beacon Bridge!

Airport Operations Crewmember Vanessa points out that college football is near, including the Army football team. Come and see them beat The Navy!

Tim’s personal favorite is the Walkway Over The Hudson. The Walkway opened last year and offers a pedestrian bridge which is over three miles long and has become a favorite with locals and even celebrities. R&B singer Theory shot the video for his song “We’ll Be Alright” on the walkway. See below.

Across the Hudson River from the airport is the town of Rhinebeck, which recently hosted the wedding of Chelsea Clinton and attracted worldwide attention.

Airport Operations Crewmember Mike suggests you check out the Storm King Art Center, offering a permanent collection of sculpture, dating from 1945 to the present, including works by many of the twentieth century’s most influential artists on 500 acres of beautiful rolling hills. And it’s just seven miles from SWF!

Do you have any great Newburgh travel tips to offer? Leave them in the comments below, or Tweet them using the hashtag #TTSWF.

One great thing about New York City is that although it can be an expensive town, there are endless activities that you can participate in that cost little to nothing. For instance, rather than pay for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour, you can opt to take the Staten Island ferry for free and enjoy a twenty minute ride with beautiful views of the Statue and Ellis Island and of downtown Manhattan. Rather than pay for a ticket to the top of the Empire State Building, you can take the elevator up to a high floor and see if someone is nice enough to let you look out their office window or visit a friend and go to their rooftop for equally stunning views of the city. There are tons of cheap eats and people watching on a bench is endlessly fascinating and free of charge (though priceless, really, when it comes down to all that you’ll see).

See below for some tips from our eager New York Crewmembers about some local-expert-driven hot spots to check out around town.

Airport Business Planning Crewmember Nathan suggests you fly into LaGuardia Airport because it is easier to access Manhattan than other New York City-area airports (though our terminal at JFK, T5, just happens to offer an extraordinarily lovely airport experience).

One lesser-known fact about New York, says Technical Operations Crewmember Bryan is that there are bricks on the upper level of a building that don’t match the rest of the brickwork at 126 Sterling Place in Park Slope, Brooklyn. While it may seem trivial to many and probably goes unnoticed by most, it is actually evidence of a famous mid-air collision between two commercial jets back in 1960. Most striking about the incident was that all 128 passengers and crew on board both flights were killed, except for one 10-year old boy. Though he died the next day, he was awake for long enough to give interviews with the local papers. There is still a tribute to those victims at the nearby New York Methodist Hospital’s Phillips Chapel.

For instant public transportation and/or walking directions BlueWatch Security Manager Dennis suggests you use hopstop.com. It can also estimate taxi fares and they have an iPhone application. Dennis also suggests you venture into Queens to Ben’s Deli, for hands down, he says, the best pastrami and corned beef sandwich in the five boroughs. It’s just off the 63rd Drive stop on the R or M trains.

Specialist Materials John disagrees with Dennis about the best place to dig into a pastrami sandwich and points out that Katz’s Deli on the Lower East Side has the best pastrami sandwich. He also points out that one sandwich could easily be split between two people. John also recommends Croxley’s Ale House in the East Village for the best wings, The Meatball Shop for the best, well, meatballs, and Crif Dogs, the place to go for true hot dog fans (known for their deep fried bacon wrapped hotdogs).

Manager of Fuel Henry suggests you visit Club freeTime for free events and low-cost things to do around town. For even more tips on the ground, Time Out New York is a weekly where-to guide that will give you the low-down on every event that is happening from music to new eats, but they usually list things that are reasonably-priced. The free version of Time Out is L Magazine, a digest-sized mag that you can find in stands on the street around the city.

Consumer Promotions/Corporate Social Responsibility Crewmember Ben says for authentic, cheap, amazing Caribbean soul food Freda’s is a must!  It’s on 109 and Columbus in the Upper West Side.  You feel like you are in somebody’s kitchen and the food is just to die for.  Ben recommends you try the jerk chicken and candied yams.

As a local artist and musician on the Lower East Side, Ground Operations Crewmember Nadeem tailored a short list full of the variety New York City is known for which includes P.S. 1 contemporary art museum in Long Island City, Bleeker Street Bar, where you can get a “personal pitcher” of beer for $6.50, Tulcingo Del Valle Restaurant & Deli, where the staffers are “mole artists”, and Café Grumpy, a husband-and-wife-owned shop where the baristas have an “utter dedication to the almighty bean.”

Manager Loyalty & Partnership Marketing Nikki thinks you should check out the outdoor roller disco in Central Park on weekend afternoons. New York City’s eclectic mix of roller skaters and in-line skaters boogie to the beat, whilst a resident live DJ plays funky tunes. The moves are fantastic, the vibe always happy and relaxed, and whether you’re a 70s roller disco queen or king, or just trying it out for the first time, you can join in, or simply enjoy watching from the sidelines. I always take visitors to check it out, as it really represents the ‘anything goes’ spirit of New York. See video below.

Analyst Learning Systems Mary highly recommends the Clinton Street Baking Company for the best blueberry pancakes and maple butter syrup ever. It beat out Iron Chef Bobby Flay in Throwdown and always has lines down the street every morning (more than an hour wait). No reservations.

Also, for some authentic Szechuan Chinese food, Wu Liang Ye by Rockefeller Center is awesome. Try their razor clams and spicy tangerine prawns. Also by Rockefeller Center, pick up some wagashi (Japanese pastries) from Minamoto Kitchoan and some Jasmine truffles from Teuscher.

Lead Specialist Materials Leonard says that The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park is a good place to visit. Fort Tryon Park hosts a Renaissance Festival either the last Sunday in September or the first Sunday in October, which is always a fun time. The park is also located at the very north tip of Manhattan and boasts unmatched views of the Hudson River and hiking trails that leave you feeling like you’re no longer in the city. Another place to visit for a refreshing treat is the Lemon Ice King of Corona located on 108th St in Corona, Queens.

Coordinator Audit and Process Effectiveness Christina says for the best chocolate chip cookies EVER, trek to Manhattan’s Upper West Side and indulge in a cookie from LeVain Bakery on the corner of West 74th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. And when she says the best, ask Bobby Flay. He lost to the owners in a chocolate chip cookie throw-down on his show.

Christina also points out that the ethnic cuisine in Queens is unparalleled and is only a quick bus/subway stop from both LGA and JFK. Within 15-20 minutes of both airports you can get to Woodside, which boasts Jollibee, the Filipino version of McDonald’s, Donovan’s Pub on Roosevelt Avenue, known for the best burger in town, and SriPraPhai, consistently rated the best Thai restaurant in New York City.

Do you have any great New York City travel tips to add? Leave your comments below!

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This week we visit the Windy City on our BlueCity tour. Chicago is the third most populated city in the U.S. and, although landlocked, is nestled along Lake Michigan, one of our country’s great inland seas and a historic passageway for trade and travel, not to mention a great place to cool off on hot summer days. Chicago has seen good days and bad, and is famous for, among others things, gangster activity in the 1920′s, it’s deep-dish style pizza, and as a world stage for race relations from the 60′s leading up to present with President Obama calling this “City of Big Shoulders” home.

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the second busiest airport in the world, moving more than 45 million travelers in the past year. You can take the El train from the airport right into downtown for just a couple of bucks. A fun fact about the airport is that is the largest hot dog seller in the U.S. with travelers chomping down on two million wieners each year according to restaurant and concession stand reports.

Just 15 minutes northeast of the airport, you’ll find the Leaning Tower of Niles, not to be

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mistaken with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or anywhere else for that matter. The statue is a replica of the original that leans in that sleepy Italian city, only this one was built in the 30′s and placed in front of a YMCA. If you close one eye and squint at it from across the street, you may just feel like you’re in another country (plus, if you’re from the East or West coasts, you may not have to squint at all to feel that way!).

Not far from the replica is an ode to the very first McDonald’s, which opened on this spot in Des Plaines in 1955. While the original restaurant is no longer flipping burgers, you can check out the museum that it was turned into and then head across the street for the “modern McDonald’s” where you can order up a plate of greasy goodness and enjoy at your own risk.

Airport Operations Crewmember Lisa suggests you check out Navy Pier in the summer, where they have fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays, live music on Saturdays and Sundays in the Beer Garden. Plus it’s free! What could be better than a view of the lake while enjoying a cold brewski and the breeze off the water?

Just outside the city in the suburb of Hillside is the Mount Carmel Cemetery, where Al Capone resides in his final resting place. You can check out his grave and notable others, while digesting that McDonald’s meal.

It would be a downright travesty to visit the home of the deep-dish pizza and not try some. It

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is highly contested which joint serves up the best cheesy, saucy, delicious deep-dishy dough, but the Best of Citysearch 2009 readers voted for their favorites, which list Home Run Inn, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, and La Madia as the top three.  Fluky’s is another naughty food joint that has been prominently featured on TV shows and the like as the best place to get a Chicago-style dog.

Chicago has devoted more than 8% of its land to public parks, composed of 570 parks encompassing 7,600 acres of land. Lincoln Park is the city’s largest park, and sees more traffic than just about any park in the country, except for New York’s Central Park.

Oak Park is another area where you can walk around and catch a slice of Chicago’s history, including the homes that Frank Lloyd Wright designed, as well as the birthplaces of writer Ernest Hemingway, comedian Kathy Griffin, and the voice behind Homer Simpson, Dan Castellaneta. What a diverse hotbed for talent!

Take a stroll down Prairie Avenue for one of Chicago’s foremost historic districts, boasting big

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houses owned past and presently by some of America’s most influential, including the oldest house in the city. For some additional eye candy visit the Garfield Park Conservatory for some of the country’s most stunning landscaping. Always fun for families is the paper scavenger hunt held in the conservatory and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden, where kids can climb a seven-foot-tall seed, among other, fun activities.

Of course, there are endless other activities to participate in and sights and sounds to take in in the busiest city in the Midwest, but we’ll leave the rest to our valued readers, Customers and Crewmembers. Do you have any great Chicago travel tips to offer? Leave them in the comments below, or Tweet them using the hashtag #TTORD.

Manager Station Operations Duty Ray points out that Boston Logan International Airport opened in 1919, and is one of the oldest airports in continual use in the world! Ray also suggests you do the Freedom Trail; you can do it on foot and he’s never heard a traveler say they didn’t get something out of it. Don’t waste time on Cheers, he says!

Boston is famous as one of the twin birthplaces of the United States. Although the

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Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, the Minutemen, Paul Revere, John Adams and many of the other founding fathers were from Boston. The original shots of the Revolution were fired here, and a good deal of the stubborn independence that has come to be part and parcel of the American character were endemic to New England and specifically Boston over a hundred years before we became a nation.

Boston combines the hipness of NYC at a scale that a person can manage without feeling overwhelmed, Ray relates. The city has world class orchestras, bands, museums, universities, parks, and more in an area that’s only 30 minutes from the rolling New England countryside. It’s no wonder travelers come from all over Europe and Asia to access America through the lens of Boston, a timeless, hip, cultured place that you can actually get your brain around (and manage your wallet at the same time!) in just a couple of days. Don’t miss the Duck Tours (Quack, Quack)!

First Officer Joseph says for those who are interested in sailing or a tour of the Boston waterfront, you should check out the sailing ship Liberty Clipper.  She departs at the Aquarium dock three times daily for a two-hour cruises around the harbor.  The dock is easily reachable from the T, just get off at the Aquarium stop.  It’s a great way to see the city from a different angle.  And for those aviation enthusiasts (Joseph knows there are a few), it’s a great way to see Logan airport.

First Officer Scott says that without a doubt, Santarpios Pizza in East Boston and Mike’s

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Pastries in the North End are easy to get to and unforgettable experiences. Not surprisingly, the pizza at Santarpios is to die for! With thin crust,  lots of garlic and Durgin Park style ‘in your face’ service, everything is great as long as you want pepperoni or sausage toppings (tip: don’t expect Hawaiian pizza!). No need to pay for transportation, Scott offers, just take the airport bus from Terminal C to the airport T (Blue Line station) and walk through the
park to Chelsea street. Best of all, both of these spots are within 20 minutes of the airport if your timing is good (caution: the crowds can be HUGE at both shops — go early).

Inflight Crewmember Patty recommends the North End for some of the best Italian food and pastries. Also, a walk on the Boston waterfront is a must do! Patty posits that Boston is a great walking city with lots of good music, food and culture.

Airport Operations Crewmember Desiree points out that in Copley Square, the 50th floor of the Prudential Tower, has a great view of the city. You can grab drinks or a meal on the 52nd floor at the Top of the Hub restaurant. Museums worth visiting include the Isabella Gardner, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Science.

Ray says the Union Oyster House is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, eating

Ok, so this isn't a place to visit in Boston, but these little guys were first created in Boston by mixing the English Bulldog with the English Terrier

establishments in the country, and is a great authentic New England restaurant. Most people think of Legal Sea Foods, and it’s a good chain, but it’s a chain. Union is a quaint, single building establishment in the same place it has been for nearly 200 years (it opened as a restaurant in 1826 — the building has been in use since 1704 as far as researchers can determine). It’s just a block from another tourist attraction Quincy Market, near Government Center and convenient to both the Green, Blue, and Red lines of the MBTA.

The Atlantic Fish Co on Boylston Street near the Prudential Center is a terrific, and very Bostonian, restaurant without being outrageously priced or requiring formal attire. Symphony Hall at Mass and Huntington Avenues is home to one of the country’s best orchestras. Right down the street are the New England Conservatory of Music, where Jordan Hall features nightly recitals, and the Berklee College of Music, a hotbed of upcoming jazz musicians and home to concerts and recitals by the country’s best and hottest musicians. The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library in the Christian Science Center on Mass Ave is an absolute treasure. You’d have to see it to understand, Ray says, but it’s an amazing exhibit of a globe from the inside.

The Gardiner Museum in “the Fens” is a wonderful museum similar to the Frick Collection by

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New York’s Fifth Avenue, showcasing incredible works of art in a garden setting. If you like jazz, Scullers is a club in the Doubletree Guest Suites in Brighton and gets some of the top acts in Jazz including Branford Marsalis, Manhattan Transfer and more — you can put it together with a dinner and a room package that make a great night. Across the river at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square is the Regattabar, with great internationally famous acts night after night. Finally, in downtown Cambridge is Ryles, another world class Jazz club. The TD Boston Garden will get the great pop acts, and a couple of times a year, historic Fenway Park will get a group like the Stones (last year’s big concert) or Paul McCartney; Fenway has a local baseball team too, but NYC doesn’t acknowledge its existence, Ray comments. Bank of America Pavilion on the Fan Pier near the site of the Boston Tea Party has nightly big time pop and rock concerts in a beautiful ambiance, covered by a tent, where you still get the outdoor feeling and some magical nights.

Inflight Crewmember Laura points out a little known fact, that one of our very own Boston flight attendant’s actually runs a walking tour in Boston.  It begins with a water taxi from Boston and traces a path through East Boston visiting restaurants for samples of food.  It’s off-the-beaten-path, fun, and a great way to learn a little history. Plus it makes your stomach happy! Feel free to offer the discount code “Jetblue” valid for $10 dollars off up to two tickets!

Do you have any great Boston travel tips to share? Leave them in the comments below, or Tweet them using the hashtag #TTBOS.

First Officer Eric points out that the Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the only that he knows of where you can sit in rocking chairs in the terminal! Airports Supervisor Nick adds that the airport is also well known for its “mall-like” feel, with vendors such as DaySpa, Jeweler, Brookstone, Wine Bar, Rum Bar, Carolina Beer Company, Suits and Mens Apparel, hat stores, and a large duty free shop.

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Just minutes from the airport, Nick highly recommends the US National White Water Center, which allows you to exercise your “inner mountain man/woman”.  From intense rapids to rock climbing, mountain biking, and even zip gliding, after your visit you’ll definitely be sore, but with the comfort of a clear mind for the next couple of days. For your inner mountain man or woman hunger, a great off-the-beaten-path place to eat is Jim n’ Nick’s BBQ located in SW Charlotte.

Drug and Alcohol Manager, Lisa, points out that Nascar is huge in Charlotte and that you can now pay a visit to the newly opened Nascar Hall of Fame. Being the second largest banking capitol of the U.S., Charlotte has tons of shopping and ways to pamper yourself and lots of fun activities. The Ballantyne hotel is one such luxury that the city boasts.

Lisa suggests you check out the Dilworth section for a dose of Charlotte history and the Lake Norman area, where a lot of our Crewmembers reside, for some beautiful scenery and good eats. A great spot for family fun is Carowinds Amusement Park, which actually straddles North and South Carolina.

Captain Assistant Chief Pilot David relays that “pilots love facts” and points out the

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Raleigh/Durham International Airport is located in Wake County, North Carolina USA, which is 11 miles northwest of Raleigh, 10.5 miles southeast of Durham, and 17 miles east-southeast of Chapel Hill. He also mentions that the airport covers 5,000 acres at an elevation of 436 feet above mean sea level. Captain David actually goes on to mention such facts as annual passenger volume, average snow and precipitation, the length of the runways, and much, much more but we’ll let you visit the airport website if you want more on that.

Airport Operations Crewmember Theresa points out that the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area is known as the Research Triangle Region (having received its name from the creation of the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in 1959), and is home to a broad spectrum of companies and many wonderful schools. Within 30 minutes of the airport you’ll find UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, NC State and a host of private schools. The abundance of colleges and universities means that, among other things, the Raleigh area is serious about sports. In addition to the college teams, General Manager, Arneesa points out that Carolinans are also serious about the Carolina Hurricanes ( Stanley Cup champions 2006), the Carolina Railhawks (professional soccer team), their beloved Durham Bulls, the Carolina Mudcats semi-pro baseball teams, and Team USA ( Olympic baseball) calls Cary, NC it’s home.

Captain David relays that the Raleigh/Durham area has over 100 golf courses within 60 miles of the airport, including more than 50 in the Pinehurst area, which has hosted both the USGAs men’s and women’s US open championships. Captain David also suggests you check out the Duke University Gardens, the Outer Banks, and North Carolina BBQ. He also points out that WRAL, local CBS 5, was the first TV station in nation to broadcast in HD.

You can drive to the mountains (Blue Ridge) in 3 hours or the beach (Wilmington) in 2 hours! And yes, there really is a Mayberry (Mount Airy, actor Andy Griffith’s hometown). You know, that famous whistling song:

Do you have any great North Carolina travel tips to share? Leave them in the comments below, or Tweet them using the hashtag #TTTNC.

Kingston, the capital and largest city, is located on the southeast coast of the island of Jamaica. As the largest English-speaking location south of the U.S., you’ll have no problem easing in to your getaway.

Montego Bay, the second largest city by population, is a popular vacation destination, known for its beautiful beaches, duty-free shopping, and dazzling backdrop of Jamaica’s low mountains.

With daily service from Kingston to New York and from Montego Bay to New York, Boston, and Orlando, it’s easy to jet with us down to paradise!

Montego Bay

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Kingston

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Do you have any great Jamaica travel tips to share? Leave them in the comments below, or Tweet them using the hashtag #TTJAM.

Kingston, the capital and largest city, is located on the southeast coast of the island of Jamaica. As the largest English-speaking location south of the U.S., you’ll have no problem easing in to your getaway.

Montego Bay, the second largest city by population, is a popular vacation destination, known for its beautiful beaches, duty-free shopping, and dazzling backdrop of Jamaica’s low mountains.

With daily service from Kingston to New York and from Montego Bay to New York, Boston, and Orlando, it’s easy to jet with us down to paradise!

Montego Bay

Image courtesy of rappensuncle on Flickr

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Image courtesy of davidgardner on Flickr

Kingston

Image courtesy of marcoannunziata on Flickr

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Image courtesy of eimaj on Flickr

Do you have any great Jamaica travel tips to share? Leave them in the comments below, or Tweet them using the hashtag #TTJAM.

Our enthusiastic Crewmembers from both coasts put their heads together and came up with a plethora of travel tips for Portland east (PWM) and west (PDX).

PDX Airports Supervisor, Kristie points out that Portland, Oregon is referred to as the City of Roses and each June there is a huge Rose Festival with a great parade, and of course, many beautiful award-winning roses cultivated there, many of which can be seen at the ‘can’t be missed’ Rose Garden that sits at the top of the northwest part of the city. From the gardens, one can see a spectacular view of the city and the famous mountain peak, Mount Hood, another travel hot spot for hiking and summer skiing or snowboarding-year-round!

Portland, Oregon is also well-known for its craft beer (think endless options of brewpubs) and the Dungeness crab fresh from the Oregon coast.

Airport Operations Crewmember Ron mentions that the Columbia Gorge has excellent hiking trails in all different lengths and difficulty levels, with absolutely beautiful scenery. His personal favorite is called Angel’s Rest.  The city is known for being very bicycle friendly, so if that’s your thing, bring your bike. After all, we’re waiving bike fees for the month of July in honor of Tour de France!

The MAX (Portland’s light rail system) has a free downtown loop, as does the city streetcar. It makes exploring downtown really easy. Portland, Oregon has too many good restaurants to list, but some of Ron’s favorites include Nicholas, a great Lebanese restaurant. It’s really tiny and there’s always a line. Bring cash or checks because they don’t take credit. Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille has the best kahlua pork and Korean chicken Ron’s ever had (even better than what he had in Hawaii!). The Montage has lots of off-the-wall dishes and picnic style seating.

The other white meat, Portland, Maine has plenty to offer as well. Airports Crewmember Ana points out that Maine is the lighthouse state with more than 60 to boot. The area has 5,500 miles of coastline and about 2,000 islands off the coast. Interestingly enough, Maine also produces 90% of the country’s toothpick supply and is also home to Chester Greenwood, who invented the earmuffs in 1873 (which you should consider donning if you visit during the winter months).

A friendly travel tip to watch out for moose when you’re visiting, as they are large and can accidentally cause a lot of damage just by virtue of their size. Portland, Maine is a walking city; it’s only a ten minute drive from the outer limits to downtown.

Ana suggests you check out Portland waterfront historic district, the Old Port, for a good live music scene. Casco Bay Lines in downtown Portland takes you to the islands. The Portland Museum of Art and the Portland Graffiti Arts Gallery are colorful, worthy stops along the way, and East End Beach is a quaint coastal area within walking distance from downtown. For some good Portland eats, Ana suggests you go to the Portland Lobster Company for some good lobster or to DiMillo’s, a floating restaurant! The Dog Fish Bar and Grille and Gilbert’s Chowder House are other tasty, New England choices.

Inflight Crewmember Chris suggests you check out the town of Yarmouth, 15 minutes north of Portland, for its Clam Festival every third weekend in July. Not just for seafood lovers, this small town goes nuts with thousands of visitors every year! There’s a themed parade on Friday afternoon, free music and entertainment at several venues all weekend long, and a wicked big carnival. Don’t miss the Firemen’s Muster on Saturday (kind of an Olympics for firefighters – you may get wet!), and dancing and fireworks in the evening. This town-size party is way too much fun!

And now a shameless plug from Chris to drop by Clay Play, his paint-your-own pottery studio in Yarmouth, and express your creative side.

Inflight Crewmember Christina recommends you check out the Portland Children’s Museum. A MUST SEE, she says, is the flagship store of  L.L.Bean open 24/7 every day, only 15 minutes north of Portland.  Also available on the waterfront are an array of fishing excursions; everything from whale watches, deep sea fishing to ride with the Lobstahmen, where you can catch and band the claws of your own Lobstah for dinnah! Fall is also a great time to visit with apple picking, county fairs, and the brilliant colors of the foliage.

Do you have any great Portland, Maine or Oregon travel tips to share? Leave them in the comments below, or Tweet them using the hashtag #TTPORT.