Spring Break Series – Trips for Empty Nesters

You’ve made it. The kids are out of the house and suddenly your vacation plans aren’t dependent upon scoring the best DisneyWorld tickets or finding the ski resort with the most snowboarding competitions. Now that you’re an empty-nester you can call the shots when it comes to vacations and getaways.

Wondering where to go after years of kid-friendly vacations? Check out these hot spots for couples and empty-nesters!

* Stone Mountain Lodge and Cabins – Stone Mountain, Colorado. Gorgeous mountain landscapes showcase breathtaking views. Cozy and picturesque cabins provide intimate getaways. Contact Stone Mountain Lodge to ask about special Romance Packages.
* Savannah, Georgia. They don’t call it “southern charm” for nothing. History, character, and romance can all be found in heavenly Savannah. Be sure to check out the gorgeous southern mansions and the lovely Tybee Island.
* Homewood Mountain Resort – Lake Tahoe, California. Homewood Mountain Resort is known for attracting empty-nesters and retirees (no collegiate ski bunnies dominating the slopes here). Not sure about your downhill talent? There are ski lessons for all ability levels, plus ice skating rinks and hiking trails.
* San Francisco, California. It’s tough choosing just one resort to hilight amid San Fran’s plethora of charming resorts. Spectacular restaurants abound and walking, cycling, kayaking, and sailing are all available.
* Branson, Missouri. There are 50 live performance venues, 12 championship golf courses, 3 lakes, dozens of museums, plenty of shopping, and a historic downtown area. And you won’t want to miss the Hollywood wax museum and the Titanic museum.

Ready to get away? Gather a group of friends or coworkers and choose your destination. Then, contact an account executive at The BusBank to learn how Charter Bus Rentals can enhance your spring break vacation. Happy travels!

The BusBank’s Superbowl Preview

On the scoreboard, the NFC playoff race Saturday and Sunday provided rather pleasant results. For those people, and safe to say they still exist, who despise Michael Vick and his Philadelphia Eagles, the victory by the Green Bay Packers warranted an array of cheers. On top of that, nothing is sweeter in sports than witnessing the last seed in the playoffs move on to the next round.

On the other end, a downright stunning 41-36 victory by the Seattle Seahawks over the defending champion New Orleans Saints suddenly provided hope for a team that was little more than a laughing stock heading into postseason play. And a team heading into the second round with an 8-9 record overall must be considered a sentimental favorite.

The AFC witnessed a surprise as well as the New York Jets upended the Indianapolis Colts sending Manning and his crew home earlier than most anticipated. As for the Kansas City Chiefs, there miracle run from 4-12 last season to 10-6 this season ended in an expected blowout by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round.

Still, the downright shocking upsets by the Seahawks and Jets provide an interesting scenario heading into the second round of the playoffs. Now a win by the New York Jets over the New England Patriots and Tom Brady may seem a bit more than a stretch. And another win by the Seahawks over the 11-5 Chicago Bears probably appears absolutely impossible. But if these two teams, given practically no shot last weekend, have made it this far they may be more capable than most would give them credit for being. It would also liven up a Super Bowl which has to be growing a little weary of teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Patriots.

But that weariness and, at times, monotony that has engulfed the big game the last several years may take an unexpected twist this season. And no football fan should want to miss it. So book your travel with Charter Bus Texas to witness a Super Bowl that may provide the most shocking winner in years. Who are YOU cheering for in the playoffs?

Explore History on the East Coast

The US West Coast and the Midwest have their qualities. Fabulous beaches, mountain ranges and scenery galore. The South is rich in culture and southern style. But when it comes to historical locations the East Coast wins. If you’re looking for historical hot spots then these East Coast locations are sure-fire winners for your next school trip, work outing, or group getaway.

Boston, Massachusetts. Check out New State House which was originally owned by John Hancock, the Paul Revere House (once owned by its namesake), the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, and the Bunker Hill Monument.

New York, New York. Head to Ellis Island to see where immigrants landed (purchase ferry tickets online in advance!), Ground Zero, Merchant’s House Museum (a peak into 19th-century life), and Belvedere Castle (originally built in 1869 as a lookout).

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Visit the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed) and the Liberty Bell.

Washington, DC. Check out the Lincoln Memorial, the Library of Congress, the Washington Monument, the Washington National Cathedral (6th largest in the world), the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Gallery of Art.

Richmond, Virginia. Head over to Capitol Square and the Virginia State Capitol, Scotchtown (home to Patrick Henry), the Berkeley Plantation (located on the site of the 1619 Thanksgiving celebration), and the 15th-century English manor Agecroft Hall.

Charleston, South Carolina. Visit Edmonston Alston House, Heyward Washington House, and the Aiken Rhett House – all gorgeous mansions built in the 1700-1800s.

When planning your East Coast trip make sure to contact The BusBank to find out how Charter Bus Rentals are the most comfortable, professional and cost-efficient way to travel.

Winter Activities in Chicago

Any true-blooded American kid is bound to groan “There’s nothing to do, I’m bored” at least a million times before reaching adulthood. And then he or she will probably repeat this phrase (even during adulthood) during certain times of the year – namely winter. This is of course magnified during extremely cold or snowy days. Days that might have been fun when the adult was small enough to fit into a snowsuit. Now, the adult stays inside. Bored.

Enough of the winter doldrums. Plan something fun already!

…Still complaining? Here, check out these top Chicago winter activities:

Go Ice Skating. And no, you don’t need to own your own skates. Chicago plays host to several indoor rinks, but one of the best ice rinks is outdoors at the McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink. During the summer the ice rink is nothing more than a cement floor for outdoor dining. Once the temperature drops the rink is filled with ice. It’s one of the prettiest ice rinks around and is surrounded by breathtaking Chicago city views.

Take in a holiday show. Chicago theatres get into the spirit each year with numerous holiday-themed plays and musicals. This year check out Band of America Theatre (showing White Christmas), Porchlight Music Theatre (showing Miracle on 34th Street) and The Goodman Theatre or Drury Lane Children’s Theatre (both showing A Christmas Carol). After the holidays are over you can still head to the Cadillac Theatre and catch a performance of Wicked.

Check out the shops. Macy’s in Chicago (formerly known as Marshall Fields) becomes a magical place during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Gorgeous holiday window decor and dazzling indoor displays (including a 45 foot Christmas tree) are bound to get anyone in the holiday spirit.

Go to the Zoo. The Lincoln Park Zoo is a great outing any time of the year, but from late November until early January the zoo turns into a twinkling winter wonderland. The zoo stays open late (until 9pm) and hosts Zoo Lights – a festival featuring winter displays illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.

Plan for Restaurant Week. Every year top Chicago restaurants participate in Restaurant Week. In late February these high-end restaurateurs offer lunch deals for $22 and dinner for $32 – making Restaurant Week the perfect time to try out some otherwise pricey cuisine.

Contact an account executive at The BusBank to learn how Charter Bus Services Chicago can provide affordable and quality transportation for your winter trip to Chicago. Don’t let winter boredom keep you down. Grab a group of friends and hit the town.

Medieval Times Chicago

Jousting knights, galloping horses, exciting battles, a finger-food feast… Sounds like something out of that Disney movie you used to watch as a kid, right? The magic can be relived. And this time it’s live.

If you’ve never been to Medieval Times before than you are seriously missing out. As one of the most unique family dinner-theatres in the country, Medieval  Times offers a glimpse into the 11th century, complete with a jousting tournament and medieval-style feast (no forks included). Medieval Times has locations throughout the country, but one of the most popular is the Chicago-based branch. Perfect for group outings (from 5 years old to 85 years old), Medieval Times is a must-see.

Here’s what you can expect at the Chicago Medieval Times:

• Medieval action. Jousting, sword fights, and wrestling. Not to mention amazing horsemanship and falconry. All actors wear historically-accurate costumes and weaponry.
• Team sports. During the battle, each section of the audience is assigned a certain knight to root for. (Quite honestly, the cheering rivals the sidelines of any Little League sporting event. That is, it’s wild.)
• 11th century food. Garlic bread, soup, herbed-potatoes, roasted chicken, pastry, and drinks. There’s also a bar for adults and a vegetarian menu.
• Other stuff. Medieval Times also has a dance floor, a display of medieval artifacts, and a medieval torture chamber museum!
• Special rates. Adult, child, and group rate tickets can be purchased online or by calling 1-866-543-9637.
• A full evening of entertainment. The show runs for approximately 2 hours and the castle opens 90 minutes before show-time. (Note: even if you purchase tickets in advance it’s best to show up early. Seating is first-come first-serve.)

Contact The BusBank to speak with an experienced account executive who can help plan your Medieval Times transportation. The BusBank’s Charter Bus Chicago bus rentals offer reliable and cost-efficient service. No worries and no hassle. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

New York City and Chicago – Must See Shows

Fall is the perfect time of year for many reasons, including the smells of autumnal baking and the sights of breathtaking foliage. But don’t let the colorful leaves be the only sights you appreciate this season. Fall may be perfect for pumpkin pies and piles of red-orange leaves, but it’s also the perfect season for theatrical productions in Chicago or New York.

What could be better than grabbing a group of friends, hitting up a local restaurant, and seeing some of Broadway’s top stars perform live? Hotel deals are cheaper in the fall than in the summer and many top productions play during the fall months. No summer crowds to deal with and no rush of holiday revelers.

Here are this fall’s New York and Chicago theater productions that you don’t want to miss:

If you’re headed to New York…

• Memphis – opens October 19th at the Shubert Theatre. This brand new Tony-award-winning musical explores the public reactions when a 1950s radio DJ plays African-American music for his white audience.
• The Addams Family – currently running at the Lunt Fontanne Theater. Staring Nathan Lane as the head of the quirky clan, The Addams Family brings fabulous new life to the classic TV family.
• Driving Miss Daisy – October 25th to January 30th at the John Golden Theater. Featuring James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave in Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic.

If you’re headed to Chicago…Charter Bus Chicago can get you to these great shows:

• The Lion King – September 29th to November 27th at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Based on the Disney movie, this award-winning Broadway musical is a must-see.
• Peter Pan – October 20th-December 12th at the Lookingglas Theatre. Newly adapted for the stage by nationally acclaimed director Amanda Dehnert, this version of the story has a darker twist than the usual theatrical take on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale.
• The Second City – continuous run at Wells St., Chicago. This Chicago-based improv / sketch comedy group is known for hysterical performances and has been called “A Comedy Empire” by the New York Times. Several shows run continuously, including the new hit: Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies.

Contact an account executive at The BusBank to learn how Charter Bus Rentals are the best transportation choice for your fall theater trips!

Wedding Planning New York City

It’s never too early to begin scoping out the perfect resources for a dream wedding. June weddings may be months away, but now is the season to look for the perfect dress, baker, and reception decor.

And where better to look than New York?

If you’re looking for the perfect dress:

1. Visit Kleinfelds (that HUGE store from Say Yes to the Dress!). Boasting the largest selection of designer wedding dresses in the world, Kleinfelds has been serving brides for over 60 years and is THE place to go to find the most current styles in wedding fashion. Both European and American designers are represented at the store, which is located in New York City.
2. Looking for something vintage? Check out Resurrection or The Bridal Garden – both top notch retail stores known for vintage couture and overstock from top designers. These boutiques are also located in New York City.

If you’re looking for the perfect bakery:

1. Check out Soutine Bakery. A New York gem, this little bakery receives rave reviews and is known for making sophisticated picturesque cakes.
2. Visit Baked. New Yorkers rave about this bakery which is known for whimsical and colorful alternatives to traditionally styled cakes. Baked is also known for making fabulous cupcakes.
3. Look into Cake Alchemy’s style of cakes. This New York bakery has been featured in Brides magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful Cakes” article and specializes in unique flavor blends.

If you’re looking for reception hall decor:

1. Go to Props for Today – a warehouse offering authentic antique collections (Marie Antoinette, Early American, Roaring twenties, etc…) and contemporary selections.
2. Check out Chuppah for hand painted custom silk wedding canopies. Chuppah’s silk canopies are created by renowned museum artist Corinne Soikin Strauss.

Make your New York visit hassle-free by taking The BusBank’s Charter Bus New York for your trip.