Free Rides All Day On Your Next Travel Adventure

I'm always looking for ways to save when traveling.  Mainly because in order to go on more trips, I have to convince my husband that I will not bankrupt us!  We went on a trip to Fort Lauderdale a few weeks back and found a way for people to chauffeur us around the city for FREE for the whole day (Thanks to Alex for the tip!).  We started from the cruise port and got a free ride to a restaurant for lunch, then onto historic Las Olas Blvd to catch a water taxi tour and finally to the airport.  We didn't have to rent a car or navigate the crazy city with its even crazier drivers.  A local driver did all the driving for us.

For Lauderdale Beach

If you are traveling this summer and want to get in on this particular saving, you'll have to willingly participate in a pyramid scheme.  But hear me out, it works to your advantage.

You've probably heard of a little something called Uber.  Uber is a ride sharing service operating in 471 cities world wide that allows you to easily find a ride, get an estimate on the cost of your ride upfront and pay, all via an app.  It's a taxi service for a technology crazed world.

You can take advantage of Uber's first time user promotion to get a free ride, up to $22 in value.  You can continue to get free rides by referring friends to use Uber.  You'll get $20 for every person that use your link to sign up and use Uber for the first time.

So to to start getting a free ride on your next trip:

• Download the Uber app or use my link and follow instructions to set up your account.
• When you're ready for a ride, enter your pick up location and destination.  You'll be able to see which Uber drivers are near by and estimated time of arrival.

The cars represent nearby Uber drivers.

• Click on Fare Estimate to see the cost of your trip.
  
• Enter Promo Code "FEELING22" to get a free ride, up to $22 in value (expires 1/1/2017) or if you want to give me free rides use "thaot856ue" and get $20 off your ride and I'll get $20.  I promise this blog entry is not self serving!
• Confirm payment and pick up.

Pretty simple!  While you wait, you can track your driver's location and the time of arrival.  It'll also give you the model of the car so you'll know what to look out for (there's no Uber signage on the car). 

So what's the ride like?: It's very much like a taxi but the drivers are people like you and me.  Some drive full time, others just want to make some extra cash on the side.  Uber takes a percentage of what the driver makes. All drivers undergo an application process and background checks.  Our drivers were very friendly.  

Tipping policy?: The Uber experience is completely cashless, no money exchange hands (it's all via the app).  Tipping is not included in the fare and voluntary.  According to Uber's policy, tipping is neither expected or required. 

Will Uber driver get the money with this promotion?: The ride is free for you but the Uber driver still gets the money due to them. So don't feel bad!

What does the $22 off really mean?: You'll get to use that only once.  So even if your ride is only $15, the entire value of $22 will be used.  

To make the most of your free ride, get all your friends traveling with you in on it.  We got free rides all day in Fort Lauderdale because this happened:

• Husband's cousin | sent referral link, used by husband, so cousin = $10 referral bonus
• Husband | first time user =  $20 off first ride 
• Husband | sent referral link, used by me and my sister, so husband got $20 (1st referral) + $10 (2nd referral) = $30 referral bonus
• Me | first time user = $20 off first ride
• My sister | first time user = $20 off first ride
• Total savings: $100 or around 6 free rides.

Want another way to save?  Lyft, the rival ride sharing app is offering $50 off to first time users, you can find the information here.  I haven't tested out that promotion yet, but will try that on my next trip.  We used a Lyft service in Charlotte last year and had a pleasant experience.  Lyft is easily identifiable by the a pink mustache placed in the front bumper of the car.

Happy traveling friends!

Louisville Restaurants on National TV Shows

Andrew Zimmern with Bizarre Foods at Morris' Deli on Taylorsville Rd. Source.

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is finding great places to eat.  Back when we used to binge watch a lot of Diners, Dive Ins and Dives, Man vs. Food and Bizarre Foods, we usually end up checking out at least one restaurant featured on these shows.  We found some great places to eat that way and it's fun to try them out in person.

So when a few friends came to visit from San Francisco this week, I started thinking about restaurants in Louisville that made the national spotlight via popular travel and food network shows to share with them.  I knew we had some but was surprised that we have so many!  Most of these restaurants deserve the spotlight, others...you'll have to make your own judgement.

I've compiled a list of restaurants in Louisville featured on some national shows, linking videos whenever possible.  For the rest, I included the episode information so you can watch on your favorite outlet.  These will make for a fun adventure around the town and will delight your next out of town guests.

Best Bars in America

• The Old Seelbach | S2 Ep3: Louisville
• Garage Bar | S2 Ep3: Louisville
• Haymarket Whiskey Bar | S2 Ep3: Louisville
• Holy Grale | S2 Ep3: Louisville
• Rye | S2 Ep3: Louisville
• Joe's Older Than Dirt | S2 Ep10: Bar Games
• The Brown Hotel Lobby Bar | S2 Ep7: Booze and Food
• Four Roses Distillery

Best Thing I Ever Taste

• Cake Flour | S4 Ep6: Cake Walk 

Bite This | S1 Ep9: Louisville

• Harvest 
• Eiderdown 
• Milkwood 

Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations | S3 Ep19, start at minute 20:54

• The Brown Hotel  (full video)
• Against the Grain
• Old Hickory Pit BBQ
• Kern's Kitchen Derby Pie
• The Hungry Pelican
• Morris' Deli

Bizarre Foods America With Andrew Zimmern | S10 Ep7: Louisville, Bourbon and Burgoo

• Wagner's Pharmacy 
• Flavorman 
• Proof on Main
• 610 Magnolia
• Bourbon Barrel Foods
• Morris' Deli
• Garage Bar 

Burgers, Brew and 'Que

• Cresent Hill Craft House | S2 Ep4: Spiced Salty Succulent (start minute 9:20)
• Game | S2 Ep13: Meat Fix four Ways
• Mussel & Burger Bar | Se2 Ep6: Taste of the Tropics 

Eat Street

• Grind | S4 Ep13: Carte Blanche
  Moza Pi |  S4 Ep5: Aloha Portland
  Lil Cheezers | Season 4 Episode 6: Some of This, Some of That

Drinking Made Easy | S3 Ep4

• The Old Seelbach
• Bluegrass Brewing Company
• The Belle of Louisville
• Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar
• Buck's Restaurant and Bar
• The Bar at Blu

Food Paradise

• The Derby Cafe | S5 Ep5: Sandwich Paradise 3  
• Claudia Sanders House | S4 Ep15: Fried Chicken Paradise

Man v. Food Nation

• The Brown Hotel | S4 Ep10: Louisville, KY
• The Comfy Cow | S4 Ep0: Louisville, KY
  Other photos and videos here 

Restaurant Impossible

• The Coach Lamp | S7 Ep4 (CLOSED but still fun to watch!)

Southern Fried Road Trip

• The Cafe | S1 Ep6: Horsing Around in Kentucky
• Smoketown USA | S1 Ep6: Horsing Around in Kentucky

Throw Down with Bobby Flay 

• Hot Brown | S2 Ep13 

Other Spotlights

• Adam Richman's Fandemonium | S1 Ep6 - Horsing Around, Kentucky Style
• Rachel Ray : Super Chefs
• Zagat Next Hot Food Cities #7 Louisville
• Andrew Zimmer's Top 5 Louisville 
• Diner, Drive-ins and Dives (other Kentucky cities)
• The Mind of a Chef | S3 Ep1 to 8 - Chef Ed Lee (narrated by Anthony Bourdain)

For a complete list of restaurants featured on tv outside of Louisville and in other states, check out www.tvfoodmaps.com.  

Beach Bound for $30+

We’ve decided earlier on in the year to cut down on our international travels this year to save money.  You know…because we are adults and we have bills to pay, LOTS of it.  Between Europe and Asia last year, we needed to replenish.  But my poor unsuspecting husband and I didn’t realize the extent of my wanderlust.  By April, I already have 5 domestic trips planned to make up for the lack of an international trip.  I did compromise, otherwise, it would've been 7 trips :)

I also compromised by looking for the best deals to save us money.  After looking for so many flights, I came across a great way to save money via Allegiant and Frontier airlines.  The trick to saving money with these airlines is simple: be flexible, traveling light and start making new friends in Cincinnati and Lexington!

Frontier and Allegiant have been flying out of Lexington and Cincinnati for a few years now, but in the last few months have really increased the number of flights and expanded their destination cities.  Frontier offers 18 direct flight from Cincinnati to destinations such as San Francisco, Orlando, Las Vegas, etc.  Allegiant established a hub in Cincinnati a few months back offering 15 direct flights from that airport and 7 direct flights from Lexington.  How much cheaper are they? See for yourself below.  For example, you can get tickets to Orlando for as low as $60 round trip!

$30 oneway to Orlando, Fl from Frontier Airlines

Flights as low as $48 one way to Las Vegas from Allegiant Airlines

I recently booked flights to D.C. for $90, round trip.  Want to do the same?  Here’s how to make the most of it.

Make new friends in Cincinnati and Lexington

The downside to living in Louisville is you’ll have to drive to Cincinnati or Lexington for these great rates; the upside, both cities are only 1.5 hours each way.  If you have friends or family there, you can park your car there and take a taxi or Uber to the airport.  If your flight saving is significant, research potential long term parking near the airport.

 

Be flexible with your dates as well as your destination

For some destinations, both airlines only fly on certain days of the week, so being flexible on your travel dates can save you a lot of money.  For example, Allegiant offers flights to Baltimore/Washington D.C. mostly on Sundays and Thursdays, choose to travel on those dates to get the best rates.

These airlines might not fly to the city you want, but If you just want to pack your bags and get out of town for a few days, this is a great way to do it.

I once lived out of that backpack for 3+ weeks

Travel Light  
 
Speaking of bags, this is where they get your money.  But learn to travel light and you can save.  With both Frontier and Allegiant, you’ll have to pay extra for your carry-on luggage, your personal item is still free (purse or a very small bag).  Allegiant charges $18 for carry-on or checked luggage while Frontier's rate starts at around $30.  If there’s two of you traveling together, consolidate into one bag so only one person has to pay for the fee.  Last year we had to wear a few layer of clothes, scarves, and cameras at the Scotland airport because we forgot to read the luggage policy.  Before you go, read the luggage policy very carefully to avoid expensive charges.

Other Charges   

Since these tickets are very cheap, they do charge for everything.  Here are a few additional charges to be aware of.

• Picking seats.  If you want to choose your seats in advance, there’s an additional fee.  But if you don’t care where you sit, you’ll get your seat assignment at the airport on the day of your flight for free.
• Service charge.  Allegiant charges a credit card fee, depending on the cost of the ticket, not to exceed $8.  Frontier charges a flat rate of $10 service fee per ticket.   
• Club fee. Frontier’s best rate are the Discount Den rates.  But in order to get this, you’ll have to pay $49.99 club membership that lasts a year and covers up to 6 passengers, if you're one of the passengers.  These fares are much cheaper and might be worth the investment if you plan to do multiple trips in a year.  

Lastly

I haven’t been on either airlines (that’s later in the year) but have traveled with a few budget airlines abroad.  Consistently, since the airfare is cheap, you’ll have to make some compromises.  Drinks and snacks are not free;  the seats are smaller and leg room is minimal; luggage requirements are strict and expensive.  Prepare yourself by reading the policies and guidelines from each airline so are not caught off guard by unwanted expenses and headaches.

Happy traveling!  I’m seeing a lot short weekend trips in my future and a very unhappy husband.

Louisville's $5 All You Can Eat Crawfish!

*Updated 3/16/2018*

Crawfish season is back!  For the best craw fish value in Louisville there is only one place to go, University of Louisville Annual Craw fish Boil. The event is sponsored by the Student Activities Board (SAB) and the Red Barn Alumni Association (RBAA). The proceeds go to Red Barn student scholarships and programs.

For only $5, you'll get all-you-can-eat crawfish, sausage, corn, rice and beans, and drinks. Hot dogs are also available.  The seasoning is on the mild side but the value is hard to beat.

Here are the details:

• Date: Friday, April 20, 2018
• Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 
• Location: George J. Howe Red Barn, 2011 S. Brook Street, 40208. 
• Cost: $5 (cash only)
• Parking: Park at the lot by the Red Barn or the University Club.  
• Tip:  If you like your crawfish more spicy, bring your own hot sauce!

If you want to cook your own crawfish at home, check out my previous post for some tips on where to find fresh crawfish in Louisville. Happy eating!

A Preview to Doc's Cantina

*Updated 12/27/2016: Restaurant is currently CLOSED*

For a girl who loves to eat, there is no better birthday surprise than winning a free dinner for four to the soft opening at Doc's Cantina, the long anticipated replacement of Tumbleweed down by the River.  I brought my husband and parents along for a nice Saturday treat.  It was my parents' first Mexican food experience and my mom still uses the Vietnamese way to flag down the waiter, with a raised hand and a "woo woo, hey hey" (since she can't speak English :).

Here's your preview ahead of the restaurant's April 5th opening!

The Building
The old subdued Tumbleweed building is now replaced by a brightly colored building that brings to mind a more tropical setting.

I can't say I'm a big fan of the tacky colors that make this building stand out like a sore thumb, but once I step inside, it makes sense.  The walls are cheerfully decorated with flowery and Mexican themed murals, bright ceilings and sparkling lights.  I immediately like the casual and cheerful atmosphere.

The Menu  
Expect to see soups (corn, chicken or pork), 6 types of sandwiches, an assortment of taco choices, traditional Mexican must haves (burrito, fajitas, enchiladas, mole, etc.), seafood entrees, 8 brunch items (think chorizo and eggs), salads and a variety of side dishes.  The menu also boasts an impressive collection that includes bourbon, beer, cocktails, margaritas, and wine.  Most of the items on the menu are reasonably priced around $9 - $12, the more expensive menu items are around $15 - $20, commonly expected of seafood dishes and entrees.  Complete menu here.

The Service
Friendly and attentive staff, but with all new restaurants, expect a few stumbles here and there.  Our food came out quickly.

The Food
The more accurate description of the food should be Modern-Mex rather than the Mex-Mex boldly painted on the building that conjures up images of authentic Mexican food.  The food is a mix of traditional dishes and dishes with a modern American twist.  The salmon and grapefruit, burger on brioche buns, the bacon wrapped hot dog are a few examples of the twist.

Items we ordered:

Freshly made salsa and chips

Shrimp ceviche

Mexi Burger Sliders

Mexi Burger Sliders

Chicken Tinga

Baja Fish Tacos

Lychee Paloma

The complimentary chips and salsa were freshly made and free as a starter at each table.  My husband loved his Mexi Burgers with bacon, cheese, and pico on brioche buns.  A good value for three sliders at $12.  My parents enjoyed their chicken tinga and fish tacos, each got a set of three tacos that came with rice and refried beans.  Both were good but the chicken tinga sauce could benefit from a little more flavor and heat while the fish tacos need more flourish.  The shrimp ceviche (I ordered corvina) lacked the citrus that makes it so distinctive and very pricey at $12 for such a small portion, with no chips or anything to go with it.  The lychee paloma packed a punch, so watch out!

Over all, an enjoyable food experience (thought not spectacular), for now I'll reserve the final verdict until subsequent visits to try other items on the menu.  The great location, decent prices, good sized menu, and drink options will keep me coming back, especially on a warm sunny day after a long walk across the bridge or a leisure bike ride.  It's definitely a step up from Tumbleweed food and a welcomed addition to the Waterfront.

Doc's Catina opens to the public on April 5, 2016.

Doc's Cantina
1201 River Road
Louisville, KY
502-tacos32 (822-6732)
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Parking: Street or Waterfront Park.
$3 private parking across River Road.  Bring the receipt and Doc's will take $3 off your final bill.