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Visit the Seattle Museum of Flight for Free — One Day Only

August 23, 2018 by Fishing4Deals

Here’s your chance to sign up for free tickets to visit the Museum of Flight in Seattle or 1,000 other museums participating in Smithsonian Museum Day.

Save the Date! September 22, 2018 is Museum Day

Admission tickets to the Museum of Flight usually cost $22 per person, but on Saturday September 22, 2018 admission is free thanks to the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day program. You can get a ticket for two people via the Smithsonian Museum Day program, so that is a $44 value!

Not in Seattle? There are 47 other aviation museums offering free admission through the Smithsonian program this year. In fact, the Seattle Museum of Flight is just one of over 1,200 art, science, history, natural history, children’s and aviation museums that will admit ticketed patrons for free on September 22, 2018. Many of the participating museums normally charge admission, though some of the smaller museums are always free.

Smithsonian Museum Day Ticket You must register online in advance to order a ticket and there is a limit of one ticket per email address. Each ticket admits two people. The ticket is valid only for free general admission. It does not include entry to special exhibits or IMAX screenings.

If you’re in Washington, DC, you can get a free ticket to the Kreeger Museum of modern art, the National Building Museum, or the Newseum.

In New York City, check out The Intrepid, the Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt design museum, the Museum of the City of New York, or the Jewish Museum.

In Baltimore, the Museum of Industry and the Trolley Museum are great choices for families.

Find a museum in your locale with this online search tool.

Discover Quirky Attractions Near You on Museum Day

The best thing about the Smithsonian Museum Day is the database of smaller museums. Many museums that may not be on your radar participate in the program because if offers them national exposure.

Consider these options:
The Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez Museum in Jamestown, New York. Where else can you play with an interactive Vitameatavegamin set?
The Ancient Spanish Monastary in North Miami Beach, Florida. This is an actual 12th century Cistercian cloisters that was dismantled and shipped to the United States in 1925.
The Leonardo in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is a really fun hands on science museum.
Gropius House in Lincoln Massachusetts. If you are into Bauhaus architecture this is your place.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. It’s the largest space flight museum in the world!

You can find a museum in your locale with this online search tool.

Where to Find the Hippest Cultural Attractions in Washington, DC

July 4, 2018July 4, 2018 by Fishing4Deals

Residents and visitors to Washington, DC have their pick of a broader array of free cultural offerings than anywhere else in the country.

That’s a bold statement — but one that is justified by the many festivals, private and public museums, embassies, theaters, clubs and parks offering free or low-cost events.

There is no central cultural calendar for the DMV — the metropolitan DC-Maryland–Virginia region. Cultural Tourism DC publishes a daily calendar and a weekly newsletter. They are a good start, but are not comprehensive by any means. The best you can do is to subscribe to the various mailing lists of the places that interest you the most.

Visitors to DC can also look to listings in the Washington Post, Washington City Paper, or Washingtonian magazine but some of the most interesting, offbeat, and fun and free happenings won’t be found there.

I pride myself on knowing about cool and unusual events, but there is a guy who surpasses me tenfold. That would be Ronn, the founder and organizer of the ArtHouse on Meetup.com. He has a knack for ferreting out the hippest cultural events in the DMV! He organizes meet ups for hip house concerts, art openings, walking tours, foreign films and more.

Yes, Meetup.com is actually a great place to find out about fun events and get togethers, many of which are free.

Here is Ronn’s pitch:

Meet with local film and arts lovers to watch indie, foreign and classic films! We’ll also attend art gallery openings, theater performances, Embassy evenings, museums, author readings and interesting concerts. And more often than not, there will be a reception!

The ArtHouse has attracted over 8,000 members, and members may add their suggestions for upcoming events.

Every month, Ronn sends out a bulletin previewing a curated selection of interesting group events for the month. You can access the newsletter online here.

Here is a sample of some of the upcoming July 2018 eclectic listings in the ArtHouse Meetup:

Anyone can join the ArtHouse. It’s not just for singles. What a great way to to have fun and to meet interesting people!

Is there a Meetup group like this in your area?

How to Snag Tickets for an Amazon Warehouse Tour

May 21, 2018 by Fishing4Deals

I returned from Quebec City, Canada one night to find a package waiting for me.

Inside was a special “security” scarf designed for travelers. The scarf is a wraparound infinity scarf with a secret zipper and a hidden pocket — designed to hold your passport or other valuables when you travel.

I saw the scarf at a travel conference I was attending in Quebec City and found the design to be very clever I decided to order a scarf with a hidden pocket from Amazon. Miraculously, the scarf arrived home before I did!

Seriously, how does Amazon do it? Many items on the site are now available for same day delivery, and many more can be delivered within 24 hours. They must maintain an enormous inventory of items in their regional warehouses!

Amazon schedules tours at these warehouse locations — Amazon schedules tours at these 8 warehouse locations

Amazon calls their regional warehouses “Fulfillment Centers.” There, products are retrieved, packed into boxes and shipped to homes around the country.

Amazon has 75 of these enormous warehouse throughout North America. Each building is about a million square feet.

Eight of the locations are open to the public for free tours.

My husband studied industrial engineering, and factory tours are right up his alley. But it turns out that tours of the Amazon fulfillment centers are very popular and fill up quickly.

How to Book a Tour of an Amazon Fulfillment Center

Amazon offers tours of their fulfillment centers at these eight locations:

Plan ahead to get a ticket for an Amazon Fulfillment Center tour

The free tours are scheduled on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

In the U.S., tours start at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time; and in Canada, at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. local time.

The tours last one hour. Each tour is limited to 35 people.

If a tour is filled up you can join a waiting list to be notified if a space becomes available.

In my experience, the best way to find availability is to check the website in the days following the last scheduled tour. That is when tour dates will be posted for the following month. For instance, if the last scheduled tour is June 19, start checking around that time for the July tours to post.

That will be the best way to snag a ticket!

You can also email tours@amazon.com for help with a reservation.

What Are the Working Conditions at Amazon Warehouses?

Working conditions in the Amazon fulfillment centers have come under heavy criticism. Here are three articles that discuss worker safety and health in some detail.

Pippi Longstocking’s AirBnB in Monrovia, Liberia

April 22, 2018 by Fishing4Deals

My AirBnb Apartment in Monrovia, Liberia — My AirBnb apartment in Monrovia, Liberia

When planning a two week visit to Monrovia, Liberia, I was surprised to find that hotel prices rivaled those in a big U.S. city: $100 per night in a not so nice hotel; $150 to $200 in a mid-range hotel; and $250 at the top end.

My trip was to visit family, and I wanted to stay within walking distance of their place. I had narrowed my search down to a brand new property recommended to me — the Millennium Hotel and Guest House — when I had a brainstorm. Why not check AirBnb.

There were only a few listings in Monrovia on AirBnb — and most of those were for hotel rooms.

However, there was one apartment advertised in what seemed to be the same general neighborhood where my family was staying.

I emailed back and forth with the host, and found out that the apartment was indeed just down the street from my relatives.

What’s more, the apartment had reliable water and electricity, air conditioning, hot water, access to a washing machine and dryer, and even wifi.

It was a two bedroom, two bath, two balcony flat with a full kitchen.

Wow, that would be ideal for my lengthy stay!

I checked back with the owner regarding security, and learned that the apartment was in a walled compound with a security guy present 24/7.

The price on AirBnB was $65 per night.

An AirBnb in West Africa

This was my first trip to Africa, and my first stay with AirBnb, so I was not quite sure what to expect.

I took a chance, and upon booking, was delighted to learn that the name of my place was Villa Villekula.

Villa Villekulla is a fictional house that is the home of Pippi Longstocking, a character in a series of books. She lives there with her horse and monkey, Mr. Nilsson. Outside stands a tree that grows Sockerdricka, a soft drink sold in Sweden. — Wikipedia

Villa Villekula, how delightful!

It turned out to be a little oasis in the middle of Monrovia.

On the property there was a banana tree, several coconut trees, hibiscus, bougainvillea, bird of paradise, lantana, philodendrum, and all manner of colorful tropical vegetation

I particularly enjoyed staying in a residential neighborhood rather than a hotel in the business district.

There’s Good News and There’s Bad News

The good news is that I totally lucked out with my first AirBnb rental. I landed a huge apartment, comfortably furnished, with friendly neighbors and reliable service.

The bad news is that my apartment at Villa Villekulla is actually meant to be a long-term rental and will probably not be available on AirBnb for long.

If you are planning on travelling to Liberia or elsewhere in West Africa, it is worth checking out listings on AirBnb before booking a guesthouse or hotel.

You just might find comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price!

Lush tropical foliage in Monrovia, Liberia

I was totally charmed by the private garden in this compound.

Alaska Residents Earn Frequent Flyer Miles on Groceries!

January 24, 2018 by Fishing4Deals

Set it and forget it. Earn Alaska Air miles at Safeway.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Safeway have partnered to allow Alaska residents and visitors to earn frequent flyer miles shopping for groceries.

This is one of those “set it and forget it” deals. You won’t earn a ton of miles, but rather can get a steady stream of miles that can keep your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan balance growing and active.

Alaska Airlines Shop & Fly — Here’s the Deal

If you are a Safeway or Carrs Club Card member, you can earn air miles when you grocery shop in the state of Alaska with your Safeway Club Card.

Once you enroll online at http://www.safeway.com/ShopStores/Alaska-Air.page, you can earn 100 Mileage Plan miles for every $300 you spend on eligible purchases. Carr’s shoppers can enroll here.

That’s not a ton of miles, but it is essentially free miles.

There are a few catches. Your enrollment expires after one year, so you need to remember to enroll again annually.

Also, big ticket items are excluded from earning miles. For example:

Beer, Wine, Spirits, Tobacco, Fuel, Milk, Prescriptions, Bus Passes, Fishing/Hunting Licenses, Postage Stamps, Money Orders, Lottery Tickets, Phone Cards, Gift Cards, and Sales Tax.

This isn’t the motherlode of airline miles, but for the minimal effort required, it may be worthwhile for some readers.

See the Intrepid for Free!

September 21, 2017 by Fishing4Deals

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is is a military museum in New York City that showcases the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier and houses the submarine USS Growler, the Concorde SST, and the Space Shuttle Enterprise.

Admission tickets usually cost $33 per person, but on Saturday September 23, 2017, admission is free thanks to the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live program.

This year, 1,250 museums and cultural institutions across the country are participaing in the Smithsonian program, which offers two free tickets to those who register online.

If military museums are not your thing, you can visit the City Museum of New York or the Cooper Hewitt design museum for free. However, you must download you tickets in advance for this September 23, 2017 event.

If you’re in Washington, DC, you can get free tickets to the Kreeger Museum of modern art, the National Building Museum, or the Newseum.

Find a museum in your locale with this online search tool.

Museum Day Live! is an annual event.

Tour a Dozen Scottish Distilleries for Free!

September 20, 2017 by Fishing4Deals

This past summer, I spent a glorious two weeks in Scotland.

The primary object of the trip was to partake in the incredible Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Because I also wanted to see the countryside, I signed up for a small group tour to the Isle of Skye with Rabbies.

One of the surprise stops on the tour was a visit to the Dalwhinnie distillery. Whisky isn’t my cup of tea. But who could resist sampling an intense glass of hot chocolate with a wee dram of whisky?

A basic tour of the Dalwhinnie distillery costs £12 but you can get in free if you join their club, the Friends of the Classic Malts.

What’s more, as a Friend of the Classic Malts, you are eligible for a free tour of twelve Scottish distilleries, along with a complimentary dram of single malt Scotch whiskey at each stop. Basic tours at the distilleries can cost between £5 to £12.

Most locations also offer a more extensive tour that typically includes extra tastings.

To take advantage of this great offer, you can sign up with Friends of the Classic Malts online. Download your pass, and bring it with you when you travel to Scotland.

The following classic distilleries participate in the program:

Blair Athol
Caol Ila
Cardhu
Clynelish
Cragganmore
Dalwhinnie
Glenkinchie
Glen Ord
Lagavulin
Oban
Royal Lochnagar
Talisker

At your first distillery visit, show your pass and request a “Friends journal.” You can collect stamps in the journal at each distillery that you visit. If you collect all twelve stamps, you are rewarded with a Quaich, the traditional whisky sharing cup!

Earn “Extra” Club Carlson Points via Online Shopping

June 23, 2017 by Fishing4Deals

Earn extra points shopping via Club Carlson app

Club Carlson is out with an update to its app that includes a new feature called “Extras.”

The “Extras” feature allows you to earn Club Carlson points if you initiate your online shopping in app.

At launch, only a few online businesses are participating.

Delivery.com: 8 points per $1 spent
Jet: 6 points per $1 spent
eBay: 6 points per $1 spent
iTunes: 6 points per $1 spent
Groupon: 10 points per $1 spent
SeatGeek: 10 points per $1 spent

Certain types of purchases are specifically excluded so be sure to read the terms and conditions extra carefully.

With the exception of Hilton, most hotel chains do not operate online shopping portals. Club Carlson’s in app “Extras” feature, while not the most lucrative offer, may be of interest to some.

$30 Amazon Gift Card from Country Inn & Suites

June 23, 2017 by Fishing4Deals

$30 Amazon Gift Card for 2 Stays at Country Inn & Suites — Club Carlson Summer 2017 Promo

Club Carlson is out with its summer promo and it’s a twist from the usual offer.

Instead of earning bonus points for stays, Club Carlson is offering an Amazon gift card.

The offer is fairly straight forward. Stay two nights at a Country Inn & Suites hotel in the U.S. or Canada by September 4, 2017, and receive a $30 Amazon gift card.

Remember to stack this promo with points or cash back by booking your stay through a shopping portal or via the Club Carlson app.

Travels with Mitzy

June 21, 2017 by Fishing4Deals

Me and Mitzy at the Four54 Grill in Lancaster, PA — Mitzy and I at the Four54 Grill in Lancaster, PA Photo by Joel Shprentz

Have I mentioned Mitzy, our ten year old cockapoo?

We don’t often travel with our dog, but last weekend’s road trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania was the exception.

When looking for a dog friendly place to eat, we turned to BringFido.com.

The Four54 Grill in central Lancaster was rated 5 bones, so we thought we would give it a try. The restaurant is located right next door to the Lancaster Science Factory.

There was ample outdoor seating and the patio was well shaded.

Upon arrival, the owner immediately greeted us with a giant water bowl and biscuits for Mitzy. We ordered inside, and they brought the food out to us.

The Four54 Grill claims to have the best burgers in Lancaster County and they may well be right!

Pet Friendly Hotel in Lancaster, PA

Huge front lawn at the Courtyard Marriott Lancaster, PA
Photo by Joel Shprentz

We chose the Courtyard Marriott in Lancaster because of its pet friendly policies. The Courtyard welcomes dogs under 75 pounds, and the fee is a reasonable $15 per night.

Upon checkin, we received a goody bag Mitzy. The hotel is surrounded by lots of grassy areas for exercising your dog.

Where to Eat in Bel Air, Maryland

BringFido.com led us to a surprising find in the historic downtown of Bel Air, Maryland. The Sunny Day Cafe is a breakfast and lunch place with lots of outdoor tables.

The cafe was hopping on a Sunday afternoon.

The menu features brunch items like omelets, crepes, and a few Greek specialities.

But the big surprise was the daily special: a gigantic crab cake with a cup of Maryland crab soup for $11.

We are always in search of the best crab cake in Maryland. Well, we found a serious contender at the Sunny Day Cafe in Bel Air, Maryland! Moist, spicy, not a lot of filler — and quite the deal!

Sad News in Bel Air

Heroin Overdoses and Deaths — Heroin overdoses and deaths year to date

Bel Air, Maryland is the county seat of Harford County. The county is due north of Baltimore County, with a rural and suburban population of just 250,000.

The county is battling a public health crisis of epic proportions.