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Seaport cities offer something special, and Duluth is no exception. Located in Minnesota on the north shore of Lake Superior and the westernmost point of the Great Lakes, this port city is a hub for shipping cargo around the globe. A tourist destination for the …
Medford is one of the most visited cities in Southern Oregon and the fourth-largest metro area in the state. While Oregon has many charming small towns, Medford has more of an urban landscape; it is an all-season travel destination known for its laid-back and serene atmosphere. Medford is located in an ancient volcanic area with Crater Lake (an amazing place to explore) and Mt. McLaughlin, but history isn’t all it offers. If an outdoor adventure is the ultimate goal or a quick holiday with the family is on the cards, Medford might be the best vacation spot.
Experience paddle boarding, hiking, camping and so much more during summers. Zipline with the kids, taste some cheese, and enjoy the mysteries of underground caves and give everyone a holiday they’ll never forget. Enjoy an unforgettable and adventurous travel experience in Medford with picturesque lakes, eventful theaters, food and pub crawls, wine-tasting fishing, boating, camping and so much more. Medford has so much to offer the avid explorer.
Medford is Southern Oregon’s largest city and summer is the best season to visit Medford, Oregon. The Southern part of the state is the warmest and driest during this season.
That being said, the best months to travel to Medford, Oregon is between April and September. However, it does rain a little in May.
By September autumn starts kicking in which makes Medford a city for fall foliage. The bottom line is, no matter when someone decides to visit Medford, the city’s laid-back and serene atmosphere will be pleasing for every season.
How to get around Medford, Oregon – bus, train, taxi’s, bike rentals and rented cars.
The Rogue Valley International Medford Airport is the closest to the city and has multiple commercial flights serving the airport. The airport is only three miles from Downtown.
To get to the city center, visitors can either book a taxi or rent a car at the airport. A taxi from the airport would approximately cost $17-$20.
The RVTD local city bus runs at regular intervals to the central area.
Medford does not have rail service in the city. However, the easiest way to get in and around Medford is by renting a car. Medford is a short drive from the northern California border and the city’s location gives it easy access to major highways.
Another way to get exploring the city is the bus system in Medford. There are bus routes as far as Jacksonville and Phoenix.
Medford, Crater Lake, Oregon – best time to visit is during the spring and summer months.
SpringHill Suites Medford is in proximity to the Medford Airport. It is mainly a business hotel with all business amenities. The hotel is relatively new, so it has smart TVs installed in each room with direct Netflix connections.
The complimentary breakfast is a delicious spread to start the day with and the in-hotel steam and sauna are the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
This hotel is located on Interstate 5, making it easily accessible to all the outskirts of cities and towns. The rooms are spotless, and spacious, with modern furniture and a welcoming atmosphere.
Their in-house restaurant serves delicious and freshly cooked meals all day long. Nearby attractions include Crater Lake, the Community Park Sports Complex, and the South Oregon Speedway.
Bambu – the best pan Asian restaurant in Medford, Oregon serving dishes with a delicious twist.
Bambu has been named the best Pan-Asian restaurant in Southern Oregon. From authentic Japanese to Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino, Bambu serves every dish with a classic twist.
They also have a stunning range of vegetarian dishes. Chef Adam Ward is known for brewing magic in the kitchen which is why this place is running full almost all the time.
This is an award-winning, vibrant restaurant that serves gourmet pizzas that is stone baked. They also have a patio area open all through summer and offer salad platters, Thai and Chinese pizza options, and various vegan and gluten-free crust options.
Going back to 1975, Rosario has maintained quality over quantity and makes some of the most authentic Italian dishes in the city.
With a delicious menu and everything made from scratch, even their flakes, they serve a variety of wood-fired pizzas, mouthwatering ravioli, and pasta.
Portal Brewing Company, Medford, Oregon serves the best house-made beers with delicious pub grub food.
For a fan of house-made beer, this is one place not to be missed. Portal Brewing Company serves some delicious brews alongside fast-moving pub-grub food.
The restaurant has a rustic finish and an inviting vibe and their most interesting dish is the grilled sausage stuffed in a pretzel.
River rafting in Rogue River, Medford Oregon – the most thrilling experience
Bring out the adventure seeker from within and raft or kayak at one of the most beautiful rivers in Medford.
Rogue River is famous for its whitewater rafting experiences, and there are multiple companies offering to guide the visitor through it. The lower Rogue River is wild and scenic but the upper sections are not accessible to the public.
There are half-day and full-day river rafting trips to choose from.
Mount Ashland ski – Medford, Oregon – a ski resort for a relaxing ski expereince
Only 45 minutes away from Medford, near the Oregon-California border, is the ski zone at Mount Ashland. This is one activity to look forward to for the ones who enjoy the sport of skiing.
The local mountain playground at Mt. Ashland is known for its majestic views and natural beauty. Mt.Ashland offers live passes per day and season passes. The ski season lasts between mid-December to mid-April.
The heart of Oregon overflows with diversity and cultural uniqueness. According to research, the indigenous people have lived here for over 15,000 years.
Set ashore on the Rogue River, Roxy Ann Peak, and the Table Rocks, get in touch with locals or guides who can take one around this rich land.
This 7-acre park is open on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month. It makes for a free, family outing. Grab a picnic and head to this park to enjoy a bright sunny day as the kids play and stroll around the park.
Medford’s summers are incomplete without visiting some of its pristine lakes. This picturesque and quaint lake is located 30 miles south of Medford.
It is the perfect summer spot as it offers several outdoor activities like fishing, boating, cycling, hiking, and more. Visitors can even camp at Hart-Tish Park adjacent to the lake.
Sitting on the eastern part of the city, Prescott Park is spread over 1,700 acres of land. It has the Roxy Ann Peak seen from Medford. The Park is the closest hiking spot to Medford.
There are several trails in and around the park and the uphill climb to Roxy Ann Peak is slightly difficult, but totally worth the effort.
Lavender farms at Applegate, Medford, Oregon is an immersive experience to do.
This Applegate Lavender escape operates during peak lavender season that starts from June till Late September. This farm is family owned and operated and is located in Ruch near Jacksonville only 25 minutes from Medford.
Visitors can come and stroll through the beautiful lavender farms and shop for organic oils freshly produced and squeezed at their gift shop.
Medford is famous for its vineyards. The Augustino Estate and Vineyard is in the botanical region of Southern Oregon that has a wide range of vineyards. Augustino has two tasting rooms, and the Big Red Barn is located in Applegate Estate.
The entire estate is built with light wood and sits within a forest-like setting. The whole place feels extremely authentic and welcoming. Come by and indulge in a delicious wine-tasting experience and take home some varied memories, and their in-house wines.
They also have on-site rentals called the Winery Cabins, Farmhouse cottage, and the Cowboy Cabin.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon is a gorgeous lake formed as a result of a volcanic eruption.
This is one of the best natural features in the West of America. An hour’s drive from Medford will take the visitor to the Crater Lake National Park which has the bluest water visitors will ever see.
This lake is a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred over 7000 years ago; Crater Lake is one of the three deepest in all of the United States.
The ice-blue waters are a result of rain and snow melt, and the area is best known for hiking and photography. The Rim Rail at the Rim village has the best views of the lake.
A drive of 75 miles towards the West of Medford is this underground monument housed in the Siskiyou Mountains. Check out a guided tour to learn about these magnificent caves.
There are 90-minute excursions for kids and adults, or one can take a longer guided tour that lasts over three hours.
Rogue state park, Medford, Oregon – is a gorgeous location enjoy boating, rafting, picnic and camping
This campground sits by the picturesque Rogue River. Valley of Rogue State Park is a good excursion for people who wish to relax and unwind by the Lake by pitching a tent or hiking and bringing in a picnic.
This is also an incredible photography spot in the city. During Autumn, the park is filled with breathtaking fall foliage.
An ideal holiday in Medford will last at least a long weekend. However, with less time in hand, one can still cover the prime attractions of Medford.
Start off the day by heading to the rogue river and spend time exploring the spot for a few hours. There are several activities lined up by the river, like boating, fishing, swimming, and picnic spots to relax by.
For families with children, visitors can head to the Kid Time Children’s museum and spend over an hour or two exploring activities with their kids.
For the second half of the day, grab a quick lunch or takeaway, and head to Applegate Lake which is 45 minutes outside the city. Try reaching there before sunset to enjoy the views across the aquamarine waters.
Medford is known for nature, tranquility, delicious pears, and wines. Medford is central to many adventurous activities in and around the city. Applegate Lake, Crater Lake which is a volcanic monument, and Rogue Park are some of the most visited spots around the city.
Medford, OR gets most of its snow between December and February and accumulates an average of four inches per year. Oregon is home to some of the most scenic skiing trails in the US, but Medford proper doesn’t necessarily get enough for winter sports.
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Manhattan is often the first destination within New York City that visitors head to—and it’s often the busiest of the city’s five boroughs.
As a major financial and commerce hub, with various neighborhoods and world-famous landmarks, out-of-towners can come across many places in Manhattan for sightseeing, dining, and shopping. Here’s an introductory travel guide to Manhattan.
Some of the best resource guides on Manhattan are local newspapers, video and online blogs, and NYC & Company, the city’s tourism board.
The first thing to know when visiting Manhattan is to understand how to get around. Geographically, much of Manhattan goes by what’s known as the Grid. Established by the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811, in response to the city’s swelling growth of population, the Grid is a layout plan that was developed going northward, from above Houston Street to then 155th Street.
It works like this. Manhattan’s avenues run north (uptown) to south (downtown) and streets run east to west (crosstown). The middle portion of Manhattan is generally referred to as Midtown.
Most of the streets are numbered, with 1st avenue starting on the east side of Manhattan and then ascending as they go to the west side (which ends with 12th avenue) or uptown.
Exceptions include cross streets such as Broadway and Columbus, Lexington, Park and Madison avenues. 6th Avenue is more so referred to as the Avenue of the Americas. Before 14th Street, streets go more by names and can be routed differently.
Autumn is probably one of the most beautiful times to visit Manhattan, as the season ushers in events such as Village Halloween Parade and New York Comic Con and fall foliage. Yet the most famous time to visit Manhattan is around the holiday season, to view the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and other festively decorated venues.
Winter can slow the pace of Manhattan down, where there are various tourism promotions to encourage more foot traffic. However, it’s best to dress in layers as temperatures can vary.
Summer is often a busy season, but the weather gets pretty hot and humid. Crowds can gather for Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular or wait in line for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park at Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre.
Usually, January and February are wintry cold months, but they could be cost-saving. During this time of year, special discount promotions can be offered through NYC & Company, the city’s tourism board, or special rates offered through hotels.
There are a number of ways to get around Manhattan. Walking is often a top option but taxicabs and Uber are other alternatives. Citi Bike, a bike rental share program, is another choice but taking public transit is very common.
Run by MTA, New York City’s subway treks all around Manhattan. This underground transit network encompasses stops at stations placed throughout the borough.
Now through at least 2024, the MTA MetroCard can be used as a tender for entering the subway system, only requiring a single swipe; as of January 2023, the cost is $2.75, but it is subject to increase. If buying a new MetroCard, there is an additional $1 fee on top of the pay-per-ride amount purchased, but the card can be reused and refilled.
The MTA has begun implementing OMNY, a contactless payment system that works by tapping a credit or debit card or smart device with a digital wallet onto a reader. It charges the same current fare price.
Each subway line has a color-coded letter or number with specific routes; some intertwine with others. While their set routes are displayed on maps, they can be altered at times because of required track maintenance, weekend and holiday schedules, or sudden changes.
Use Google Maps and refer to MTA Weekender for mapping out and checking the status of subway routes. MTA also runs the public bus system, which also takes OMNY and MetroCard.
From high-end hotels, to major hotel chains, to boutique properties, Manhattan has many lodging options.
Some visitors may choose to stay in Midtown, due to its proximity to Grand Central Terminal and other major spots, but consider staying in another Manhattan neighborhood to get a different perspective. Here are some of the top-ranked hotels in Manhattan.
The Lexington Hotel, Autograph Collection
A bagel is a famous New York City order.
Dining in Manhattan can please any appetite, with NYC classics, fine dining, cuisines from cultures all over the world, or trendy dishes.
Newcomers and longtime establishments round out this mix. Most may require advanced reservations that can be done via their website or booking services such as OpenTable or Resy.
Start your morning with a bagel with schmear from popular bagel shops such as Ess-a-Bagel, Murray’s Bagels, Black Seed Bagels, and Tompkins Square Bagels.
Pizza is synonymous with NYC with places to order from subject to preference. Depending on where travelers go, they can order slices and/or whole pies. High-ranking spots in Manhattan include Prince Street Pizza, Joe’s Pizza, Rubirosa, Lombardi’s, Pronto’s, and John’s Of Bleecker Street.
Delis are an NYC institution, in serving specialties such as pastrami on rye and egg creams. While Katz’s Delicatessen is on many a visitor’s list, other good Manhattan delis include Sarge’s and 2nd Avenue Deli.
Manhattan has the oldest restaurants in New York City. They include Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan, whose roots go back to the time of the American Revolutionary War; Delmonico’s, within the Financial District and with past customers including Mark Twain; Old Homestead, the longest continuing operating steakhouse in America; and PJ Clarke’s, which was founded in 1884. Also within this list, Keen’s Steakhouse has some interesting decor. Its ceiling is adorned with clay smoking pipes belonging to their club members.
Food halls are also a popular trend. Among them, Chelsea Market is the former location of the Nabisco Cookie Company. This one-time factory now holds various eateries and retail businesses. Other Manhattan food halls include Urban Hawker, Essex Street Market and the Market Line, The Hugh, Urbanspace at 570 Lex, Mott Street Eatery, and Tin Building by Jean-Georges.
While Manhattan has much to offer visitors, here are a few must-dos.
Attending a Broadway show is a must, as many musicals and plays are put on at theaters within or off of Times Square. Hot tickets can extend to “Hamilton,” “Wicked” and “Six: The Musical.”
Learn more about the history of theater in NYC at The Museum of Broadway, also located in Times Square. Then spend some time in Times Square, a major tourist attraction.
The Museum of Broadway tells of the history of theater in New York City through a timeline of events and then rooms full of props, costumes, and other memorabilia from musical and drama productions that were groundbreaking.
Manhattan’s museums center on art, history and other interesting topics. Travelers can spend a whole day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, whose collection holds over 5,000 years of art from around the world.
It is located along Fifth Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in “Museum Mile” that includes El Museo del Barrio, the Museum of the City of New York and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Other noteworthy art museums include the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
The American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side has an incredible dinosaur wing; it’s across the street from the New York Historical Society. On the Lower East Side, the Tenement Museum is inside a real-life tenement that tells the stories of the people who once lived here. The National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum commemorates the attacks on this fateful day in 2001 along with the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Whitney Museum of American Art
American Museum of Natural History
National September 11 Memorial and Museum
See New York City differently from up above. Presently, Manhattan has five year-round observation decks. Each has a different take on the city skyline.
The Empire State Building is the long timer of this bunch, as this landmark NYC skyscraper has both its original 86th-floor observatory and 102nd-floor observatory. The building also has exhibition spaces highlighting different periods of its history since its opening in 1931.
Top of the Rock, which is positioned 70 floors above Rockefeller Center, has three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks. Beginning in February 2023, the mezzanine level and the observation decks will be under construction, but the venue will remain open.
Located between the 100th and 102nd floors of the One World Trade Center, One World Observatory offers views from an indoor climate-controlled space. There’s also a restaurant, ONE Dine, and bar, ONE Mix, on the 101st floor, with New York-inspired menus.
Located at Hudson Yards, The Edge is said to be the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. It is suspended over 1,100 feet up with 7,500 square feet of outdoor space. Its glass floor has visitors looking 100 stories down, while angled glass walls lean over the city. There’s also the opportunity to scale the outside of this skyscraper, then lean out and look down.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt opened in 2021 and puts a spin on the meaning of an observance deck. Summit One Vanderbilt is described as a three-level multisensory art immersion where, first on the 91st floor, visitors encounter an exhibit called Air by Kenzo Digital that is full of floating balloon-like orbs.
Then on the 92nd floor, there’s a glass-bottom ledge extending 1,100 feet over Madison Avenue. On the 93rd floor, there’s a Nordic-themed café and a glass-bottom exterior elevator.
Empire State Building
Top of the Rock
One World Observatory
The Edge
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Made famous in movies and on TV, Central Park is one of Manhattan’s top attractions. It sits in the middle of the Upper East and Upper West sides and is home to a zoo, various statues and gardens, a castle, bridges, and meadows. While many wander around the park on their own, guided walks led by park staff are held regularly.
Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is smaller than most NYC parks but it has the famous Washington Square Arch and is based near much of the neighborhood’s activity.
Bryant Park, right behind the New York Public Library, holds events such as an annual holiday market with an ice skating rink and a movie night series in the summer.
The High Line is a public green space on what was once a freight rail line with its direction going to and from the Chelsea/Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. Riverside Park is on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and had a scene in the film, “You’ve Got Mail.”
Manhattan consists of many neighborhoods varying in what they’re known for. Most can be reached by subway along with a bus, cab and Uber.
Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood with tea shops, bakeries, grocery markets, and restaurants and eateries reflecting the diversity of Asian cuisines such as Cantonese. Try dumplings, dim sum, Peking duck, steamed rice rolls, congee, and pork buns.
Suggested spots include Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Hop Kee, Mott Street Eatery, and the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. It’s also the location of a Lunar New Year Parade, which rings in this holiday season.
The Lower East Side was once home to arriving immigrants and has become a trendy neighborhood known for hip restaurants and cool street art.
Much of its history relating to those of the Jewish faith who came to reside in the Lower East Side is still prominent at Russ & Daughters, a Jewish appetizing store that also has a separate café, and Yonah Schimmel’s Knishery, which is known for their knishes. Other places to see include Economy Candy, Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery, Dirty Candy, and Essex Market.
The Apollo Theater
Harlem is rich in Black history, which can be experienced in many ways. Attend a performance at the Apollo Theater or visit the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture. The Abyssinian Baptist Church permits the public to attend a worship service but note to dress modestly and practice respectful observance.
Try soul food at Sylvia’s Restaurant, Melba’s, Amy Ruth’s, or, for vegans, Seasoned Vegan. Another famous Harlem restaurant is Red Rooster Harlem by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. Jazz clubs are also popular such as Bill’s Place and Minton’s Playhouse.
SoHo is a trendy shopping neighborhood but it also has incredible cast iron buildings and art galleries. The East Village has a gritty legacy but it’s seen as a cool place to be. Popular spots in East Village include McSorley’s Old Ale House, Death & Company, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and Book Club Bar.
Little Italy gives off a touristy vibe but crowds still come out every September for the Feast of San Gennaro Festival. Travelers can also still find old-school Italian dining at Benito One, Umberto’s Clam House, and Lunella. After dinner, buy a cannoli from Ferrara or Caffe Palermo.
The perfect day in Manhattan comes down to what travelers most enjoy about the city. Heading over to the Empire State Building for a tour is probably a must for most visitors, especially those on their first trip to New York.
But some adventurers may want to spend a meandering afternoon in Central Park, while others will want to sample breakfast, lunch, and dinner at restaurants that can hold their own against Brooklyn’s offerings.
Whatever visitors decide to do, the memories are well worth planning a vacation to Manhattan.
As with any major city, crime can occur. In Manhattan, it’s best to stay aware of one’s surroundings and safeguard valuables. Avoid wearing anything flashy or expensive looking.
In the evening, stay near well-lit areas especially around ones with restaurants and nightspots. Also at night, avoid walking while wearing headphones or along side streets or residential streets as they are usually quieter and darker at night.
The same advice applies to the subway. Usually, it is crowded during rush hour (usually from 8 to 10 am) and then the evening crowd (from 5 to 7 pm). For safety reasons, try to not stand right up against the platform.
Try to avoid taking the subway late at night, as there are fewer people around and trains can run slower. If you still have to go, try to get into a subway car that has other people or is near the onboard subway conductor. Take an Uber or taxi instead. If you’re approached by panhandlers, avoid eye contact and keep walking.
Manhattan can be expensive, but here are some money-saving tips.
Manhattan is known for its culture, entertainment, and art. Highlights include immersive art experiences, great food (including gelato), and dives into history—like the Manhattan Project.
