Flashpacker Guy

Backpackers with a bigger budget

Top 5 Free Business Listing Sites To Exploit For Local Visibility

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Gone are the days when a business could afford to list on conventional yellow page listings and sit back. Today, small businesses need to invest in listing their ventures on every viable platform-on and offline to increase their reach and visibility. The modern customer will resort to using the search engine when they want to find your business. Surprisingly, over 60 percent of your potential clients will now use mobile search to find you. If you haven’t listed on a mobile friendly listing site, and you don’t have a serp tracker tool you could miss out a lot.

Even though you are always busy pushing your business forward, you need to set time to review and claim some of the most formidable business listing sites. When you identify a potential site, you have the power to post relevant information in an optimized way that lets your customers find you with a click of a button. Interestingly, there are niche listing sites that make it easier for you. Research will help you know the listing that will have the most positive result for your ROI.

When claiming a listing site, consistency is the name of the game. Whether it’s a paid or free listing, you need to come off as authentic. Always post info that is relevant, original and relevant. It helps your SEO efforts if you have consistent info in the following categories:

  • Business name.
  • Physical and virtual address.
  • Primary phone number.
  • Website.
  • Business hours/availability.
  • A Meta description of your business.
  • Business category/type.
  • Logo and relevant graphics.

Here are 5 free business sites you should list your venture on.

1. Google My Business

Google is the father of search engines. It’s imperative that you list on the definitive and free Google My Business site. When listed well, your business not only benefits from wide local exposure, but it can be viewed globally. You get your business listed locally as a mobile friendly entity and it is possible to locate you on android and IOS. Your local prospects will be able to find you with the confidence that you have what it takes to meet their needs. With your business on GMB, it’s possible for your website to jump up in ranking. You can use GMB to track whoever is searching for your name and what they are really interested in. The listing is free.

2. Merchant Circle

This is a free listing network that focuses on small business exposure. You can connect easily with local customers and other ventures in your area. Use merchant circle to advertise and boost listings, capitalize on marketing tools and post blogs with an aim to grow your venture. You can share as much as you want about your business and you can connect directly with customers looking for your products.

3. Manta

Manta comes off as one of the largest and online listing resource that is dedicated to the welfare of startups. Not only does it boost your visibility, but it gives you an opportunity to be found though local search. This directory records millions of visitors each month, and it categorizes search into different classes for individual ventures, niches and location specific listings. It’s easy to register on the site and you can add a huge volume of business specific details telling your prospects what you are all about. The free or accredited listing has their benefits, but if you choose the pay to play option, Manta provides you with a host of features and packages that allow you to use ads on their site.

4. DexKnows

With this listing site, you get to know how your customers review and think of your business. It lets you know how well you are engaging your prospects such that you can strategize with your online and offline ads. The DexKnows mobile app lets your users to search with easy taps and they can review and favorite your venture on the go. This site will amplify your websites chances of ranking higher. The registration is free and you have to contact them to claim your listing. Chose DexKnows and pick monthly listing packages, get ads and site specific insight that lets you expand your reach,

5. BBB Local Business

If your business isn’t listed on the Better Business Bureau, you need to do it now. You can choose from the free listing, or you can opt for the accredited alternative. BBB gives your venture a comprehensive run down and you can enjoy an accreditation badge and link back to your website. You can write a detailed business description and a citation too. The ever impressive traffic volumes on this site have a huge impact on your ROI. You can get realistic ROI estimates, if you pick the accredited version. With the accredited option, it takes less than four months to realize your ROI targets.

There are many business listing sites that don’t cost you a dime to list your venture. You only need to know that a given site is perfect for your small venture. Surprisingly, some of these local listings you want to ignore have a high Alexa rank. If your budget isn’t all that, you can consider starting on the local listings. You will be surprised by their potential in just a few months.

Air Track is the Key Equipment for Gymnastics

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Nothing can be a better alternative for the tumble air mat to make the free time at home after the kids come from school, kids need a safe and enjoyable place to tumble, wrestle or jump, airtrack is the good solution for what they need. Also, for a young gymnast, keep on practicing at home safely become their main concern and it is a great way to improve their gymnastics skill in high efficiency. Air track is an ideal item to extend the practice time and take lots of fun to the kids by providing a soft and padded surface for all kinds of activities.

Every kid has different needs in gymnastics tumble track, so the air track from factory comes in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes, you are sure to find the appropriate one to satisfy your kids°Ø demand. We offer the air mats with the size at 10ft to 50 ft length available, even more, the sizes and colors can be customized to your needs and preference. You don’t need to worry about the thickness of our mat, it is thick enough to protect your kids away from the danger of getting injured and bruise. Our different colors are also the key factors to attract your eyes, we never receive any complaint about the color, the right color you choose is just what you prefer.

You never regret to get a great mat from a factory, as we are air track manufacturer, no matter the quality or the price, both are ahead of the competition comparing to other suppliers.

Getting an air trak at home for your kids or young gymnast is the best way to encourage them to move forward to an active lifestyle.

With the help of soft, comfortable and durable air gym mat, kids will be active in their after-school free time, also this will inspire them to the pursuit of a goal in a healthy lifestyle.

Four Countries to Visit to Get Your High On

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Drugs have always existed alongside human civilization, from ancient Mexicans using peyote in their religious ceremonies to New York yuppies addicted to caffeine. No matter how many times governments criminalize drugs, it is undeniable that humans have and will always have an interesting relationship with mind-altering substances.

One of the reasons people enjoy using drugs is the high that they experience from it. If you’ve always wanted to try getting high without the risk of getting arrested, you’ll be happy to know there are a number of countries where you can do just that. Here are four thrilling travel destinations with a flourishing and legal drug culture.

The Netherlands (Amsterdam)

Thanks to its notably relaxed drug laws and high tolerance for drug use, Amsterdam is always at the top of any list of countries where you can enjoy a good high. In the capital city of the Netherlands, you can walk into a coffeeshop (their name for designated areas where you can smoke weed and purchase soft drugs) and browse a menu with all the drugs they have for sale.

Amsterdam classifies drugs into two types: soft drugs, which are legal, and hard drugs, which are illegal. Soft drugs include different kinds of cannabis like weed, hash and oil, and psychoactive mushrooms. Heroin, LSD, cocaine, and morphine are considered hard drugs and are therefore forbidden. Minors are not allowed to use any type of drugs.

Czech Republic (Prague)

Many drugs are legal to possess in small quantities in the Czech Republic. Particularly, people are allowed to carry up to five ecstasy pills and 1.5 grams of meth and heroin for personal use. Marijuana was recently decriminalized, and now, people can possess a maximum of 15 grams of flower and 5 grams of hashish, all for personal use.

Aside from possession, growing up to five cannabis plants is also allowed at home. The tolerant policies as well as thriving tourism have given the capital city of Prague a reputation as party capital for its many drug-friendly clubs where you can get high on weed and ecstasy. Some bars also said to sell soft drugs over the counter.

Mexico 

Mexico may be notorious for its violent cartels and for being at the center of the War on Drugs launched by the US and by Mexican president Felipe Calderón, but this country actually has initiated some liberal policies on drug use in recent years.

In 2009, it has become legal in Mexico to possess drugs for personal use in small quantities. Specifically, you are allowed to possess 50 milligrams of heroin, 5 grams of cocaine, and 0.015 grams of LSD. Take note that using and growing cannabis is still illegal in Mexico, but you can wait a few more years for this to change because policies for its full legalization are underway.

Portugal 

Portugal is one of the countries at the forefront of initiating progressive drug laws. Since the nation decriminalized the possession of small quantities of all kinds of drugs in 2001, drug use among youths as well as cases of HIV and drug overdose has notably decreased. It is also not considered a criminal offense to possess up to ten days’ worth of drugs.

Take note that cannabis is illegal in Portugal, but the drug is is still very widespread. Additionally, the country has a thriving legal hemp market with stores all over that sell all kinds of hemp products.

But First, a Few Reminders

Despite these relatively gentler policies on drug use, you still have to consider your own physical condition. Your allergies and other preexisting conditions, as well as your tolerance for drugs, still affect your use of any drug.

If you happen to work in any of the aforementioned countries, take note too that you may need to pass workplace drug testing, as employers may have zero-tolerance policies at work. This is applicable especially if you’re in the health-care industry and other sectors where safety is critical, such as in operating machines.

Keep in mind too that drug laws are ever shifting in different parts of the world. So before you pack your bag and travel to an exciting new country, seeking a nice high, do your research and make sure you are fully prepared for the policies that lie ahead.

Fight The Boredom Ways To Keep Yourself Entertained Between Travel Activities

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Even when we are experiencing the adventure of traveling somewhere, the feeling of being boredom can always creep in.

In such hours of sheer dullness, some of us resort to watching movies in our hotel room, while some prefer listening to music while almost being passed-out on the rental bed.

Then there are those who choose to lay back with a large book in their hands, while another segment likes to get busy with their phones or laptop.

Some may think of taking a break between these hours of adventure as wasting their time at a foreign location, but the fact of the matter is that a change in location – no matter how pleasant – can make you mentally exhausted at times, and by doing familiar or non-physical activities during hours of boredom could actually make you all recharged for your next day of excursions.

So whether you may have recently experienced this phenomenon or might actually be planning to travel in the near future without having to go through it, we have put together a short list of activities that you can put to use the next time you find yourself in such a situation.

The following list of activities, even while getting some help from your wallet, do not move towards breaking the bank at all, so you can enjoy them without affecting your travel budget.

Play Online Games

Yes, your phone might be the Holy Grail of apps and you may most certainly go through it for the run of the mill games, but there are specialized services that allow casual gamers a chance to try their hands at a particular niche – without having to run a daylong simulation of their own.

One such segment of gaming would be online gambling platforms or casinos that allow users to indulge in how a casino experience could turn out to be for them on their travels without having to actually walk into Vegas to do so – well, that is if you are not already there for your travels.

Binge Watch the Night Away

Even while staying in a hotel, you no longer have to resort to the old model of Video on Demand.

As long as you have your laptop or even your phone handy with you, all that you need to do is sign in to Netflix or Hulu – or if you are a fan of offbeat shows, Amazon Prime – and break out those pillows to sleep to the scenes of a new or beloved series or movie.

To take things up a notch, you call up the room service and order some late night snacks, which brings us to the next section.

Order Room Service

The dreaded room service, you ask? You don’t want to hike up your hotel bill, you say?

We understand.

Ordering room service does not mean that you are lighting a proverbial fire to your wallet, but if you actually follow room service ordering tips that guide you through the process of having a delicious plate of food without regretting its price tag, then you can actually kill that feeling of boredom with a flavor-packed bite.

Get Those Board Games Out

While being way less conventional than the aforementioned ideas, playing interactive group games such as the ever-divisive Monopoly or the immensely popular Catan could prove to turn your evening from being full of ennui into a spectacular game night that you and your travel party would cherish for years to come.

Whatever you do, remember not to pick feuds over the game no matter how tempted you get to win by any means. After all, you have to travel the next day with the same group you would be fighting with over some fake-cash.

Remember to Take Time to Rejuvenate to Enjoy Your Travels

It’s understandable if you want to enjoy every second of your vacation outdoors especially if you have limited time on your hands before you get back to your everyday life; however, you need to keep in mind that you would not be able to enjoy the picturesque backdrops or the marvelous local experiences that you travelled all the way for if you do not have the mindset to take pleasure in them.

Therefore, whenever you feel the need to sit back and relax, go ahead and take a few hours to yourself. It will only prove to enhance your travel experience by providing you with a fresh set of mind during your vacation when you need it the most.

Mighty Fortress Church Helps With Knowledge of Scriptures

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One of the best things for a follower of Christ is to know the Bible. The only way one can know the Bible is by reading and studying it. However, there are some passages in the Bible that can be looked at in a group setting. After all, the common belief is that a religious leader is required to interpret the texts. Fortunately, some of the more honest leaders of church like Bishop Thomas Williams will encourage people to do all of the studying for themselves and share with one another so that they can keep themselves grounded.

One thing that is interesting when it comes to the faith is that a lot of believers have not read the Bible. They rely a lot on the teacher to tell them everything about the Bible. However, one would be hard pressed to find a believer who does not have a Bible. Everyone has a Bible in their home. Therefore, they have access to the Bible. Perhaps the one thing that is keeping them from reading the Bible is that they find the whole process to be a little intimidating because of the size of the Bible and what they have heard about it as far as being confusing.

Fortunately, Mighty Fortress Church is very helpful when it comes to scriptures. One of the first things they do is help people get comfortable with the scriptures. They help people understand that the scriptures is not as hard to understand as they are made to believe. While there are a lot of things that they have to figure out including how to rightly divide the truth, this can be handled with the help of study groups. Mighty Fortress Church is committed to the growth and the relationships of people who are interested in following Christ.

Mighty Fortress Church is the type of church that actually takes the truth and helps people bring it to life to them. They get to not only learn about the faithful in the scriptures but also get to learn about the flaws of the individuals. This can help them gain encouragement for what they are going through. One thing that Mighty Fortress Church is going to avoid is giving the impression that life is going to be very easy and luxurious for people who decide to follow Christ. While there are a lot of amazing wonders that happen, there are also a lot of trials that people encourage each other through.

3 Spooky Spots to Experience Savannah at Its Most Haunting

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If you are considering a visit to the mysterious Georgia city of Savannah, then hopefully you are a person who is not afraid of a potentially frightful adventure. You’d better be prepared to experience some haunted and historical aspects of Savannah if you decide to travel here. The following sites in Savannah just might scare your socks off simply by reading about them. Believe it or not, you might actually come face to face with a ghost. Seriously, these kinds of encounters have commonly been reported around this city!

The Mercer Williams House

Image via Flickr from Clinton Steeds

This interesting house was designed by New York architect John S. Norris for General Hugh W. Mercer, who was the great-grandfather of the famous Johnny Mercer. Construction of the house began in 1860 but was later interrupted by the onset of the Civil War. However, it was later completed around 1868 by the new owner, John Wilder. Numerous tragic events have taken place on the property throughout its existence. The former residents of the Mercer Williams House supposedly had supernatural experiences there, such as ghost encounters. Come visit this eerie place, and find out for yourself about whether or not it’s truly bone-chilling.

The Owens-Thomas House

This house, which has fine architecture and beautiful surroundings, also has a pretty dark past. Behind the beautiful and classy look of this place, there is also a long history of slavery by some of its early owners. Quite a few other tragedies have been witnessed here, as well, such as the fire of 1820, the Civil War, and yellow fever. Because of all of these occurrences, there have been apparent sightings and sounds of various spirits in and around the house. If you aren’t overly frightened already, then you should try exploring this house for yourself and see what you might come across.

The Hamilton-Turner Inn

The Hamilton-Turner Inn, which was made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is well-known for the paranormal activities that occur within it. This lovely bed and breakfast offers comfortable accommodations, excellent food, and maybe even a few chills and thrills. Some of the supernatural activities that have been reported here include the sounds of laughter from children, billiard balls rolling around on the higher floors, and sightings of a peculiar, cigar-smoking man sitting on the roof. Give this place a chance and you just might be in for the time of your life.

If you are not paralyzed with fear at this point, then you should really go to Savannah and try to have some supernatural experiences of your own. After all, it does have a reputation for being one of America’s most haunted cities. If thrills are what you’re after, then give it a go! No matter what ‘haunts’ you, this guide to Savannah, Georgia, will help you find it. Come for the scares, and stick around for the wonderful atmosphere, great food and drink, and fun attractions that are sure to thrill all.

Put Your Travel Face on with Prescription Sunglasses

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With the seasons of winter and spring passing, most of us would be making travel plans to enjoy some time off with our loved ones.

Whether you are staying back to enjoy the cold within the distant lands or taking an international expedition to get some much needed warmth, if you are traveling, you will most likely be spending most of your time outdoors – which also calls for making some important decisions about your attire.

Of course, you will need proper winter wear or swimsuits depending on where you are going, but if you wear prescription glasses, then you would also have a looming sense of dread about having to keep squinting your way under the sun no matter how the weather gets to be for you. After all, you can’t just put on usual sunglasses due to obvious repercussions of a blurry vision.

Fortunately, there is a very easy solution to that problem that often gets overlooked, which is the simple decision of wearing prescription sunglasses that are bound to give you the comfort that you seek while also making sure that you get to have a clear vision through them.

Designed for people who wear prescription glasses throughout the day, these sunglasses provide the same level of clarity while adding that extra layer of shade in order to shield your eyes from blinding sunlight that one experiences during outdoor excursions.

Getting prescription sunglasses doesn’t mean that you have to subject yourself to a limited selection of designs or wear unsightly frames just because you have to. These sunglasses that support lenses ranging from single vision, bifocals and multifocals are provided by renowned names in fashion, such as Gucci, Fendi and Jimmy Choo.

This means that no matter what type of frame complements the shape of your face perfectly, you are going to find a stylish design easily with the slew of choices provided by these top-tier designer brands.

But having famous fashion-houses behind them does not mean that prescription sunglasses are too delicate for everyday use, since they are just as sturdy as your everyday glasses (even more so in cases). For that extra layer of protection, you can go with options such as scratch-resistant coatings so that your new purchase remains safe even while you ski in the snow or sunbathe amidst the sand.

Even while being offered by brands that never fail to deliver on style and comfort, prescription sunglasses do not break the bank for the one who buys them, and remain affordable for every price point.

Therefore, before you embark on your next adventure, make sure that you grab a pair of this essential accessory to make your experience squint-free. Your retinas will be thanking you – and so will your future self when those vacation pictures come out.

5 Amazing Things Happening In Africa

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Africa has been given a bad reputation over the past few decades. Everything from war, to famine, and to poverty has stricken this continent, and the image of Africa has since been seen in a negative light.

However, this is a new century and with this new century comes a new outlook on Africa from not only the world but from the people on this continent.

So if you are unaware of what is going on in Africa and why this century will be the century that this continent sees a huge overturn on its image continue to read on.

5 Amazing Things Happening In Africa

# 1 – The Tourist Industry Is Booming

Right now the Serengeti Safari traveling packet is one of the most highly desired places for people who visit the continent to visit. The wildlife, the landscape, and the environment have been received very well by tourist. Going on safari holidays is something that’s only going to become more and more popular. From safaris to major sporting events like The England Rugby Tour, Africa never fails to entertain!

# 2 – Nigeria Will Become A Major Economic Power In The Near Future

Nigeria, Africa’s Richest Country, is looking to become a major global economic player in the near future. This is a result of many young people looking to become entrepreneurs as well as the Information Technology sector that has become very popular across the continent.

# 3 – Civil Wars Are Declining

To add more warm good news to this fantastic fire of positivity, the amount of civil wars this continent has been so heavily plagued with for decades are finally coming to a halt and may civil wars that were once a prominent part of the continent are no longer having a stay.

# 4 – Growing Middle Class

Africa’s middle class is growing, and this is due in part to the many jobs and opportunities that have come as a result of China and Africa’s relationship. Although there is still extreme poverty in a particular section so the continent overall there seems to be a steady increase in the economy.

# 5 – Promising Demographic

Unlike many countries in Europe which are seeing a decline in their population as well as specific places in Asia – Africa is looking to hold half of the human population sometime in 2050.

The Future Looks Bright

This is a new center that we are in and this century is looking to be a monumentally different century and for many reasons. Aside from many countries that were once poor, this may also be the century that we land the first man on Mars. What a time it is to be alive.

4 Authentic Indian Restaurants in Queens, New York

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Are you planning a trip to New York City? Untapped Cities ranks Queens as one of New York City’s most diverse communities. For anyone who wants to experience the city’s Indian culture and cuisine, a visit to Little India in Jackson Heights, Queens, is a must. Strolling down Roosevelt Boulevard, you could be in Mumbai with all the colorful saris while pungent aromas of chaats transport you to New Delhi. Explore the following four authentic Indian restaurants you can find in Queens.

Jackson Diner

If you’re in Jackson Heights and you’re hungry for Indian cuisine, try the neighborhood icon Jackson Diner. Nibble on tandoori wings or sample a samosa before trying the Chicken Lajwab, a curry dish full of succulent dark-meat chicken seasoned with tomato and ginger with a brightened accent of cilantro. Don’t forget the naan.

Samudra Restaurant

If you are a vegetarian and looking for an authentic Indian restaurant, look no farther than Samudra Restaurant. The Paneer Pakora — an Indian-style cheese marinated in Indian spices, dusted in chickpea flour, and deep fried — is amazing.

With seven authentic chaats, any one will whisk you away to Jaipur as you close your eyes and indulge. Looking for the perfect dosa? The restaurant offers more than 15 types of dosa, with a flavor for everyone. Spinach, however, is the most popular flavor. To enjoy more of this hearty cuisine, you’ll want to book a room at a nearby Queens hotel.

Seva Indian Cuisine

Located in nearby Astoria, Queens, Seva Indian Cuisine will take you on a flavorful journey through India. Start with the Masala Crabcake, made from lump crab seasoned with garam masala, mint, and a lemon cilantro sauce. Try the Chicken Tikka Masala slow cooked in the clay oven and served in a light tomato-cream sauce.

Spice things up with the Chicken Vindaloo prepared with sun-dried Kashmiri red chili, potato, and tamarind, and finished with a fiery sauce. Wash it all down with a creamy lassi, and you’ll feel like you traveled to New Delhi yourself.

Yaar Indian Restaurant

Also in Astoria, Queens, Yaar Indian Restaurant is ranked at the top of Foursquare’s Best Indian Restaurants in Queens, scoring a 9.2. Start with the trio of samosas and you’ll be on your way. Lamb, chicken, and vegetable stuffing offers a wonderful variety to this Indian staple. This restaurant is also known for its Lasuni Gobi, a tasty dish of roasted cauliflower with garlic and scallions. If you have trouble deciding which entree to choose, try the Tandoori Mixed Grill, a savory selection of Seekh Kabab, Malai Kabab, tandoori chicken, and shrimp with basmati rice.

Whether it’s Northern Indian or Southern, Mumbai, New Delhi, or Bangladesh, Queens can transport you to these places with an authentic culinary experience. Whether you are from India and looking for that homestyle meal, or you’re traveling to New York City and have a passion for Indian cuisine, Queens delivers.

A Walker’s Guide to Syracuse, New York

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So, you’re heading to Syracuse, New York. You might be visiting the city’s famed university or you might be there for different reasons. Either way, whether you’re looking to keep a smaller budget, you don’t want to deal with the hassle of traffic or other issues, or you don’t want to have to rent a car, you can still get around easily.

With the right choices, a stop in Syracuse without a vehicle is not only able to be done, but you might even find it to be quite enjoyable. Here are some great ways to get around Syracuse on foot.

Taking Public Transport

Syracuse has public bus transportation services that include a wide variety of routes to help you navigate the city. There are also special options available for people with disabilities.

In addition, there are numerous taxi and cab companies that do business in Syracuse. If you intend to use one, it is best to study up on which one would suit your needs best before you start your travels.

Where You Should Stay

There are several hotels near Syracuse Hancock International Airport, the region’s main airport, a number of which provide shuttle services. In addition, booking a room in one of these hotels keeps you close to Downtown Syracuse, and, as such, you’ll stay within walking distance of several attractions and an array of options for dining out.

If you’re there specifically for Syracuse University, you might be inclined to stay near the Skytop, University Hill, or Westcott neighborhoods. The Westcott neighborhood also features the scenic Thornden Park and hosts an annual cultural fair. Should your business or pleasure in Syracuse take you to the New York State Fairgrounds, you might want to look into lodging arrangements in the Lakefront neighborhood.

What Attractions Are Available

If you happen to be staying in the Lakefront neighborhood, you won’t be far from Destiny USA. The largest shopping mall in the State of New York, Destiny USA also features numerous restaurants and several other amenities, such as an IMAX movie theater, a mirror maze, and a rope-climbing course.

A short journey south and you can reach the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. There are also a variety of museums to visit in the city. Among these are the Everson Museum of Art, the Erie Canal Museum, and the Saint Marianne Cope Shrine & Museum.

Sports fans have a number of entertainment options. Along with numerous college and other sporting events, depending on the time of year, one can also take in a Syracuse Chiefs baseball game or a Syracuse Crunch hockey game.

If you’d like to just enjoy a number of the sights and sounds of other attractions the city has to offer, groups of up to 13 people at a time can take a pedal tour around the city. With a little innovation and research, getting around Syracuse, New York can be an enriching and unique experience. Skipping the rental can save you a little bit of your hard-earned money as well.