Biking isn’t just for kids on dirt bikes or adults in spandex. More people are biking in cities all over the country now more than ever before, and with good reason: bicycling improves muscle tone, promotes fat and calorie burning, strengthens the heart, relieves stress, and even helps with coordination. If you’re an avid cyclist or a newbie visiting a bike-friendly city, these hotels across the country will help you pedal your way to a fun and healthy getaway.

1. The Heywood Hotel, Austin, TX

Austin is an up-and-coming bike town, and the Heywood is one of the reasons for this. The owners of this sleek Austin hotel almost dare you to not cruise the city on two wheels. The Heywood provides free bikes (with helmets, locks, and maps and even a bike-friendly scavenger hunt) and is in close proximity to parks and trails.

2. Bowery Hotel, New York, NY

This Lower East Side hotel, as well as many hotels in New York City, offers guests complimentary bicycles to cruise around this bike-friendly neighborhood. It’s also very affordable and has a rooftop garden: what more could you ask for?

3. Hotel Monaco, Portland, OR

The Monaco and other Portland hotels have bikes, gear, and maps, all gratis for their guests. Take one of the hotel’s bikes on one of the city’s many bike-friendly streets and trails, or join one of the themed bike tours, and explore the area’s history, neighborhoods, beer, or wine.

4. Hotel Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Located right next to The Windy City’s expansive Lincoln Park, Hotel Lincoln in Chicago has free loaner bikes for guests to explore not only this 1,208 acre, Lake Michigan-adjacent urban paradise, but also any of Chicago’s other many bike-friendly neighborhoods.

5. Hotel Palomar, Philadelphia, PA

Philly is another city trying to make its environs more bikeable. The Palomar is all about health and exercise, and not just the kind offered by two wheels; the property also makes jogging and yoga accessible to all guests. After hopping on one of the free bikes, guests can cruise the nearby City Center as well as the scenic Kelly Drive Loop.

Travelers with a hankering to explore a new city on two wheels may be limited in the area they can cover, but there’s no comparing the feel for a city they’ll get when on a bike. You may need to be a bit careful, but the sense of adventure a bike will bring out in your trip will make it all worthwhile.

This post was originally posted by The Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on September 28, 2015. 

For visitors to the Pacific Northwest this fall, there is no shortage of activities in Seattle, the region’s largest and fastest-growing city. Baseball fans can check out aMariners game, foodies can stroll around Pike Place Market for hours, and brave souls unafraid of heights can take in the unparalleled view from the Space Needle. But travelers who find themselves with free time, and with access to a car, may want to consider the following four day trips, which highlight the lush beauty unique to the Emerald City and the surrounding area, particularly in the Autumn season.

The San Juan Islands:

About a three-and-a-half-hour drive north, the San Juan Islands are a must-see destination for out-of-towners. The San Juan Islands are composed of 172 individual islands, but four (San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island) are served by ferries and feature activities for visitors. For wine aficionados, visiting San Juan Vineyards, located on the main San Juan Island, is well worth the drive –  their well-regarded wines have won many awards. Those with fond memories of the filmFree Willy should also be sure to go whale watching while exploring the islands, with the best time for viewing occurring from late May to October. All four islands have hotels and inns for those wishing to stay overnight, with the Earthbox Inn and Spa offering the perfect ambiance to relax.

North Cascades National Park:

Northwest of Seattle is the North Cascades National Park, which is about a four hour drive from the city. Many come here to camp, and the jagged peaks, engulfed by hundreds of glaciers nestled among cascading waters, ensure an unforgettable experience. No other U.S. park outside of Alaska contains as many glaciers, in addition to diverse wildlife: bald eagles, moose, bears, grey wolves, and more than 200 species of birds. If you’d prefer a day trip in the park as opposed to camping, try staying at the budget-friendly Red Roof Inn near the Seattle-Tacoma Airport (Sea-Tac).

Olympic Peninsula:

Three hours west of Seattle is the Olympic Peninsula, home to temperate rainforests and the Olympic Mountains. There is no shortage of activities with fishing, sailing, boating, and hiking being among the most popular. The Peninsula is also famous for its lush scenery featured in Hollywood blockbusters like the Twilight series. Those wishing to stay in and around the peninsula have a plethora of options, while nearby Olympia offers budget-friendly hotels like Red Lion Hotel or the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites.

Mt. Rainier National Park:

For aspiring mountain climbers, the three hour drive south to Mt. Rainier National Park is a must. Mt. Rainier is an iconic part of Washington state’s landscape, standing at 14,000 feet above sea level. An active volcano, Mt. Rainier has the largest glaciers in the U.S. outside of Alaska. Most climbers require two to three days to reach the summit, with experience in glacier travel and self-rescue required. About half of the 8,000-13,000 climb attempts per year are successful, so only the brave at heart should undertake the climb. Less experienced mountain climbers shouldn’t feel left out though, as the entire park is open for hiking, backcountry skiing, camping. Photographers should definitely pay a visit – you won’t see anything else like it in the U.S. Try staying in nearby Tacoma, at either the Hotel Murano or the Silver Cloud Inn, for affordable, modern luxury.

This post was originally posted by TheHipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on September 23, 2015. 

I love cocktails. I love cocktail bars. I love dive bars and swanky bars and everything in between. I love bars with a subdued, relaxed vibe. I love bars that are raucous and lively. Let’s face it; I just love bars.

When I travel my modus operandi is to drop my bags and ask the hotel concierge where the nearest bar is. Many times they simply refer me to the hotel’s own bar, and I’m fine with that. I’ll order my drink, relax, and scope out my fellow patrons. It’s a great way to decompress and engage in one of my favorite activities: people watching.

New York City hotels are numerous, and therefore it’s safe to assume that it’s rife with hotel bars as well. It’s also a large city so investigating each and every one of these bars would be a time consuming and hangover inducing job. Pay me well enough and I just might take that challenge.

But, in the absence of time I’ve elected to focus on one the city’s most popular areas, Times Square. If you find yourself in need of a break from from the crowds and chaos, duck into one of these hotel bars in Times Square and relax with a much needed cocktail.

Hotel Edison

The Hotel Edison at Times Square features one of the city’s most iconic bars, the Rum House. As the name implies, Th4e Rum House focuses on specialty cocktails featuring small batch rums from around the world. Live jazz music is available Wednesday through Saturday nights, and the decor combined with the music creates an atmosphere that can’t be beat. For those who might need a bit of morning inspiration, the Rum House also offers six different Bloody Mary choices.

The Intercontinental Times Square

With the luxury and impeccable service that the Intercontinental chain is known for, it’s no surprise the the Intercontinental Times Square delivers all that and then some. Their Ca Va’s Fireside Lounge serves up inspired cocktails in an incredibly luxurious setting. Try one of their specialty drinks before or after a Broadway show.

Waldorf Astoria New York

Could it get any fancier than the Waldorf Astoria New York? The name is synonymous with luxury, and a visit here will have you rubbing elbows with the city’s movers and shakers, and maybe a celebrity or two. Try a hand-crafted cocktail with a side of live jazz at the Peacock Alley Bar & Lounge, or head to the Bull and Bear, consistently voted as one of the best bars in the entire world.

Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan

With a stunning view of the lights and action on Broadway, the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan and its Broadway 49 Bar and Lounge is a sublime place to enjoy a cocktail. The bartenders here create fresh, seasonal cocktails and there is an extensive list of specially selected wines by the glass.

The hustle and bustle of Times Square can be exciting, but sometimes you may simply need a spot to relax and decompress away from the crowds. Duck into one of these cocktail bars and let the spirits carry you away.

This post is sponsored by Hipmunk. All content and opinions are my own, and I really do love bars.

Some people love big cities. The hustle and bustle and the seemingly endless activities draw crowds of people eager to experience these monoliths of culture. Los Angeles is one such city. With its glamorous history and decadent ambience, it’s no wonder that Los Angeles is high on the lists of many travelers.

But what if you’re looking for something different? Perhaps something that celebrates the natural beauty of California instead of the sometimes over-the-top feel of Los Angeles?

If you find yourself with a car and the two hours it takes to drive there, Lake Arrowhead is like a haven of serenity just outside one of the biggest cities in the world. Located in the stunning San Bernardino National Forest, and tucked against the shores of the beautiful alpine lake of the same name, Lake Arrowhead brings together delightful scenery, numerous hotels and restaurants, and abundant peace and quiet.

Nature lovers will be thrilled at the many hiking trails in and around the National Forest. Many hotels, such as the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa actively encourage their guests to explore the surroundings with guided hikes on Saturdays, each hosted by a member of the San Bernardino National Forest Service Association. This is a fantastic way to learn more about the plants and animals that call this ecosystem home.

During the summer months Lake Arrowhead Village bustles with activity. Learn to water ski, take a leisurely cruise around the lake on the Lake Arrowhead Queen boat tour, or attend one of the numerous free concerts held at Center Stage. If you’re visiting with a group, table reservations can be made for the concerts so you’ll truly be center stage.

Shoppers will will feel right at home amongst the many outlet stores that has made Lake Arrowhead a premier destination for fashionistas. From clothing and shoes, to art and children’s items, Lake Arrowhead has it all. Be sure to keep an eye on their coupon website to save even more.

If you’re more foodie than fashionista Lake Arrowhead has it all. Try Bin 189 for an innovative new American take on breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or try a craft beer and an innovative pub style menu at Pj’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. If you’re craving pizza, Thai cuisine, or even sushi, Lake Arrowhead satisfies all those urges, and then some.

In the winter months Lake Arrowhead becomes a sports lover’s dream. Four ski resorts grace the area; Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley are all open to skiers and snowboarders. Rim Nordic caters exclusively to snowshoers and cross country skiers, and also offers an ice skating pond.

Some people thrive in a city. Some people prefer the great outdoors. The best part of Southern California is that both are easily accessible. However, when you land at LAX you might find yourself skipping the taxi bound for Hollywood and move toward the rental car counter instead.
Lake Arrowhead, here we come!