Colorado, NY, & NJ

Prestige Auto Rentals has two physical locations – in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and in Paramus, New Jersey. Click on the link below to visit our NYC blog or Colorado blog.

Chelsea Piers Sports Complex in New York, NY

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Chelsea Piers Sports Complex is New York’s hub of fitness and active recreation. This multifaceted sports arena is located on the water, on the west side of Manhattan in NYC. Chelsea Piers Sports Complex was built on the once active Chelsea Piers, which were used as a ship terminal in the early 20th century. The Titanic was actually meant to arrive here after its journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

The piers were renovated to be what is now Chelsea Piers Sports Complex—and the changes have been massive. The amenities of the Sport Complex are spread out among all five ports. With that being said, you definitely won’t feel cramped working out at Chelsea Piers Sports Complex. The piers are referred to as venues and serve a variety of interests. There are leagues, competitions, and events hosted here in just about every sport imaginable.

You will find nearly every recreational sporting event possible here or at least the space for it. Everything from dodgeball, baseball, boxing, and swimming can be accommodated at the Chelsea Pier Fieldhouse. The piers are located right on the Hudson River so it’s not surprising that Chelsea Piers Sports Complex has sailing lessons and outings. If you’re visiting the New York area, take your car rental to the piers for a three-hour Fun Sail ride and bask in the NY sun.

I haven’t mentioned golf yet because one of the piers is entirely dedicated to golf! The Golf Pier is located exclusively on Pier 59. There is a multi-tiered outdoor driving range with an automatic ball tee-up system. You can also come and play on the 2,000 square-foot course. If you’re in the area for a short period of time, take your Range Rover rental to the course for a round (or two) of golf or train under PGA and LPGA pros. The professionals at the Golf Club have made Chelsea Piers Sports Complex one of the nation’s leading golf training academies.

There are also junior golf programs available for children ages 4-16. Children can participate in private lessons and youth leagues of any sport at Chelsea Piers Sports Complex. There are activities for all ages, but there is also a daycare to supervise your children while you work out.

Host a corporate outing or family get together at the Golf Pier in one of their private event spaces. For a golf themed occasion, with a view of the Hudson River, come to Chelsea Piers Sports Complex. Every event room has a Full Swing Simulator that allows you to virtually golf on Championship golf courses. Best of all, when you host an event with Chelsea Piers Sports Complex they take care of everything, from serving the food to clean up.

Sport lovers from around the area come to Chelsea Piers Sports Complex for the amenities and sheer impressive size of this sporting arena. The sporting area has gained national attention and has been featured on mutiple television networks. If you want to see what everyone is talking about, visit Chelsea Piers Sports Complex in your Land Rover rental.

New York Botanical Garden, Patrick Blanc’s Vertical Orchid Garden

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This weekend is the last weekend to visit the Orchid Show in the Bronx, New York. For the past 10 years, The New York Botanical Garden hosts an Orchid Show to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the orchid flower. This year’s theme is Vertical Gardens.

The Vertical Gardens exhibit is a massive display of orchids and other exotic plants, covering the room from floor to ceiling. Grab a car rental and head to the New York Botanical Garden for a mesmerizing display of gardening, which ventures into artwork.

The display was arranged to simulate the route plants naturally take in the wild. French designer Patrick Blanc was personally inspired by tropical forests in Malaysia and Thailand. He loved how plants grew up and around, surrounding you with their beauty.

He sought to recreate the look and feel of a forest in his home. These recreations weren’t small by any means. Blanc’s work in The New York Botanical Gardens is even bigger and has an even greater visual impact in larger quantities.

Blanc gained attention for his unique gardening technique, which he calls Mus Vegetale meaning Vertical Garden and now has exhibits around the world. The Orchid Show in Bronx, New York displays over 4,000 blooming orchids and 30,000 plants.

The designs are intentional and mapped out by the botanist, who sketches the layout before planting. Plants respond to their environment and will naturally grow upwards, even if the roots are planted on their side. Blanc knew that he could create a unique garden by utilizing more than the ground and appreciating the vertical route plants naturally take.

There are only two days left of this amazing exhibit! Take a Range Rover rental to Patrick Blanc’s Vertical Garden this weekend and feel like you’re in a forest in the middle of New York! Tickets range from $8-$20. Members of the New York Botanical Gardens can visit for free. This exhibit of wonder and beauty is a can’t miss.

Can’t get enough of the Orchid Show? Take a date in a luxury SUV rental to Orchid Evenings this weekend. The romantic display of orchids, cocktails, and live music has made New York Botanical Gardens the perfect date destination. And this weekend only, on April 21, take part in the exclusive Chocolate Earth pre-party for champagne and chocolate. Learn about the cacao flower and sample different kinds of chocolate.

Red Rocks Amphitheater and Park in Morrison, Colorado

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Red Rocks Amphitheater is only about 30 minutes southwest of Denver, Colorado. This musical venue is one of the few natural-occurring amphitheaters in the world. Entirely crafted by Mother Nature, the only modifications made to this venue have been the addition of seats and a stage. Large red sandstone cliffs surround and enclose the concert area, creating a magnificent backdrop. Nearly 10,000 seats were built onto the descending sandstone in front of the stage. The seats were designed actually more like steps, but bring a seat pad and you’ll be set. The seats were intended this way to keep the venue streamlined and maintain the natural aesthetics of the park.

This sandstone design amplifies sound waves and makes this venue actively sought after by music lovers and musicians alike. What artist wouldn’t want to play at this amphitheater designed for perfect resonance? Big names such as The Beatles, Sting, U2, and Dave Mathews Band have all played at Red Rocks Amphitheater in the past.

Besides typical post-concert traffic congestion, Red Rocks Amphitheater is virtually fault free. Command respect in a Land Rover rental and get out faster than you would otherwise. If you are concerned with post-concert traffic, try leaving before the last song or final encore to make it out faster. The park also recommends carpooling with others to reduce congestion and to help save the earth.

UPCOMING CONCERTS
5.8.12 REO Speedwagon
5.11.12 The Fray
5.19.12 Eric Church
5.28.12 LMFAO
5.29.12 The Shins
5.31.12 Bon Iver

This remarkable place is more than a concert venue. Head over to Red Rocks Park in your car rental for some of the best hiking trails in Colorado. If hiking isn’t your style, be sure to get a tour of the Visitors Center and read about the geological phenomenon that surrounds you. You can also learn about the amphitheater’s history. After that, visit Ship Rock Grille for lunch and finish off with shopping at the Trading Post. The best park about visiting the park when a concert is not in session is you can explore the stage and see the amphitheater in its bare beauty.

Don’t miss the summer movie series, Denver Film on the Rocks, hosted by Red Rocks Amphitheater. The movie series sometimes offers more than films. See a stand-up comedian or smaller bands open up for the film or cartoon. Whatever you do, when you visit Red Rocks Amphitheater and Park, plan to stay awhile. You’ll want to come back for more!

Floating Down the Delaware River in Frenchtown, New Jersey

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Along the Delaware River in central New Jersey you will find one of the most unique day trips in NJ. Take the whole family to Delaware River Tubing for fun-filled day out on the water. Delaware River Tubing is definitely more than tubing. At Delaware River Tubing you can float down the river in an inner tube, raft, canoe, or kayak.

Tubing down the Delaware can take anywhere between two to three hours, depending on the river’s current, and includes a lunch break. Prices for a ride down the Delaware River include a complimentary lunch from the Famous River Hot Dog Man. The lunch stand has been in business for over 20 years and provides the floaters with your choice of meal.

The river ride ends just north of Washington’s historical crossing on the night of December 25, 1776. Delaware River Tubing then promptly picks you up and transports you back to your car rental. The shuttle service is free. You’re also given paddles to help you steer and to control your speed if you wish to. Be prepared to relax to the sounds of the Delaware River as you float smoothly down the path. Stay together on the river with Delaware River Tubing’s stay together straps. The whole family can float without fear of losing each other, especially little ones.

Make sure you’re prepared for your journey down the Delaware River so that when you get there you can just sit back, relax, and take in the scenic Delaware River. Bring sunscreen and reapply often as you will be in the sun for multiple hours. On sunny days, it’s a good idea to wear a cap or visor and protect your eyes. You want this to be as relaxing as possible. Delaware River Tubing insists, as a safety precaution, that you must wear shoes on the tube. This makes for even more of a reason to keep sunscreen readily available – you don’t want tan lines from your shoes!

After your river ride use the clean bathrooms and showers to freshen up. Don’t forget to bring an extra pair of clothes to change into so you’re dry for your ride home. Delaware River Tubing is the perfect place for anyone looking to be relaxing in the outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. A word of advice: hit the road in your Land Rover rental early and avoid the lines for admission. Get your ticket and sit back for a totally relaxing and fun trip down the Delaware River.

Sky Adventures in Glenwood Springs, Colorado

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Glenwood Springs, CO was named the “most fun small town” in the United States by USA Today. Some of this title can be attributed to the numerous pulse-pounding adventures available, with the picturesque Rocky Mountains as the backdrop. When you come to Glenwood Springs to pick up your car rental, stop by Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for thrills you can only find in Glenwood Springs, CO. The action-packed Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hosts a variety of Colorado high-flying activities, including roller coasters, bungee-jumping, and zip-lining. Just a short drive from Adventure Park you can paraglide across Glenwood Canyon.

PARAGLIDE ACROSS GLENWOOD CANYON

No adventure seeker should go to Glenwood Springs, CO without paragliding from Iron Mountain. Paragliding is for all ages and is slower than hand gliding, which makes it perfect for beginners. Rides last anywhere from 1-2 hours, which allows you to truly soak in the amazing view and take pictures.

What could be better than paragliding across the sky in the Rocky Mountains? Imagine paragliding over the Rocky Mountains with a close friend or family member strapped to you. Launch from nearly 2,000 feet above Glenwood Springs and view the Rockies as only a few have.

There is a myth that you have to be an athlete to paraglide, but this is not the case. No experience is necessary to paraglide, and an expert will be there to prepare you for the safety of your ride. Your instructor will harness you and your partner to the kite. Then he/she will pull the side of the wing to catch the wind. You’ll jog about 100 meters and then it’s time for takeoff! When your kite has enough momentum, you’ll be lifted up off the ground and into the sky.

Once you’re in the air, enjoy a one-of-a-kind view of Colorado. It’s just you, the sky, and the Rockies.  Don’t forget to bring your camera and strap it somewhere with easy access. You’ll want to take advantage of your unobstructed view of Iron Mountain as you soar through the sky. The best weather conditions for paragliding often occur before noon, so prepare to wake up early for a truly unforgettable experience.

MORE ADVENTURES IN THE SKY

Visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for more high-flying adventures. Try bungee jumping 70 feet into Glenwood Canyon, or hop on the bungee trampoline and see if you can jump as high as Iron Mountain. There’s also an alpine coaster that glides over the hills of Glenwood Canyon. You can also race across Iron Mountain on a zip line.  The highlight of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, however, has to be the Giant Canyon Swing. Strap into a coaster-like seat that allows your feet to dangle as you fly 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. Best of all, most of these activities are included with purchase of a general pass to the park.

Take the whole family paragliding in the morning, and then drive to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in your SUV rental for more adventures. Whether you paraglide across the Rocky Mountains, take a scenic tram ride through Iron Mountain, or pan for gemstones in the Colorado River, there is something for everyone in Glenwood Springs, CO.

The Niagara of Pennsylvania: Bushkill Falls

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Want to see breathtaking waterfalls without driving seven hours to Niagara Falls? Commonly referred to as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”, Bushkill Falls is a fun-filled getaway just two hours from NYC. Fit the whole family in a luxury SUV rental and travel to Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania, located just off Route 209 North in the Pocono Mountains. There is plenty of free parking around Bushkill Falls for your car rental.

At Bushkill Falls park, there are a total of eight different falls to see and four different trails to explore around the falls. There are signs indicating the recommended skill level for each path. For most families, the trails are manageable. There are nicely shaded areas to rest along the paths to rehydrate and catch your breath if need be. Head to the trails in the late spring or early fall to see Bushkill Falls while the leaves are changing and the foliage is most colorful.

More than Hiking

Bushkill Falls is more than hiking, it’s an all-day adventure. There are a number of fun and educational activities for parents or grandparents to experience with their children. As a family, you can go mining for gemstones. Kids will love pretending to be a gold miner for the day and will learn about the gems they find. As a token of their adventure, each participant gets to keep their gemstones! You can also go on a scavenger hunt, play miniature golf, rent a paddle boat, go fishing, or visit the children’s playground. Be sure to check out the indoor exhibits describing the wildlife and land surrounding Bushkill Falls.

After an exciting day of activities, you’ll find a number of clean picnic tables, pavilions, and groves with open grills to enjoy the falls as you have lunch. You’ll also discover food options available at Bushkill Falls as well, including the delectable Fudge Kitchen.

Don’t Forget

  • It’s humid around Bushkill Falls and mosquitoes may be bothersome without bug spray. You’ll be close to all kinds of nature and glad you have it on.
  • You want to be comfortable as you walk around the trails, so make sure you bring a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots.
  • Bushkill Falls is a popular bird watching area so be sure to bring binoculars.
  • Bring extra water bottles and stay hydrated as you walk around the trails. This is a must have in the summer or if you plan to hike all four trails.
  • A jacket in case the temperatures get cooler as you’re hiking.
  • Make sure you stretch before you begin hiking. The trails are rocky, and there are areas of wooden steps throughout the trails.

Make a Weekend of It

After your day at Bushkill Falls, head to a luxurious local hotel and resort in your luxury car rental. There are many nearby lodging options to choose from, and plenty of places to visit in and around Bushkill Falls, including many local shops and restaurants. The park is open April through November, so make your spring getaway plans now.

Weekend in the Finger Lakes: New York’s Wine Country

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Looking for a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the Tri-State area?  Consider the idyllic charm and natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region in Western New York State. The area is known for its narrow, sparkling lakes, welcoming villages, historic museums and century-old wineries that rival Napa Valley’s best.

Wineries

The unique climate of the Finger Lakes area provides just the right temperatures at the right times for growing the best wine-producing grapes. The region is home to over 100 wineries, which are famous for producing Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir, as well as many unique American style wines. The local tourist bureau (http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com) outlines four wine trails for visiting multiple tasting rooms, where friendly owners offer guided tours, share glimpses into the intricacies of their craft and serve up samples of their wares.

While the region’s rolling hills and winding country roads make for an exciting drive in a Land Rover rental, those wishing to sample a variety of wines should consider booking one of the readily available limousine services in the area for a care-free day.  There is also a trolley service that operates out of Geneva, transporting guests to the wineries around the largest two Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake.

Museums

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York is an interesting stop for aviation enthusiasts, as it bears the name of the locally born inventor of the seaplane, and “Father of Naval Aviation.” The museum features many original and reproduced vintage aircraft.

Auburn, NY was a critical stop on the Underground Railroad, and this history is evident in many historic landmarks; most notably the Harriet Tubman home and the William Henry Seward house, both open to the public. In Seneca Falls, just 20 minutes from Auburn in your car rental, the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the National Women’s Hall of Fame stand as memorials to the roots of the women’s suffrage movement.

Outdoor Recreation

Lake effect snow makes for great skiing in the Finger Lakes, and it is home to more than 20 cross-country skiing trails and parks. There are also several excellent downhill skiing facilities nearby, including Greek Peak, with 32 trails and eight lifts. Attached to Greek Peak is Hope Lake Lodge, a resort and spa hotel with its own indoor water park.

The Finger Lakes are just a four to five hour drive from the NYC area in a luxury car rental.  Lodging opportunities in the area range from highly rated resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts. A wide variety of romantic getaway packages, combining lodging with food, shopping and attraction discounts are also available. Reserve your room and your transportation today, and treat yourself to a relaxing break from the norm.

Vail Winter Mountain Games, Snowmass Mardi Gras & More

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On the heels of another exciting Winter X Games at Aspen, the entertainment focus in shifts toward Vail and Snowmass, Colorado for fun festivals and live events this February. Vail will host the first annual Winter Teva Mountain Games, while Snowmass gears up for its annual Mardi Gras party and some big names in music and comedy make their way to the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek.

Winter Teva Mountain Games presented by Eddie Bauer

Professional and amateur adventure sports athletes will descend upon Vail Mountain this February for the first annual Teva Winter Mountain Games, the first winter adaptation of the popular summer event. The four-day competition will feature unique sports such as mixed/ice climbing; mountain cyclocross, Nordic and telemark skiing; Big Air and dual slalom biking; ski mountaineering and more, with $60,000 in prize money up for grabs.  There will also be free concerts and films, an interactive expo area, and demo events.  Rent a Range Rover and come check out the action, taking place from February 9-12.

Snowmass Mardi Gras Celebration

The biggest Mardi Gras party in the mountains returns to Snowmass for its 29th year. From mask-making and face-painting for kids, to the raucous annual parade, to crawfish boils and live music at local bars, this Fat Tuesday bash offers fun for all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts can start the day off with the 20th Annual Mardi Gras uphill race, “The Mother of All Ascensions,” at 7:00 AM sharp.

This invigorating uphill climb departs from the base of Fanny Hill on the Base Village Plaza and climbs 1,741 vertical feet to the High Alpine Restaurant.  There will be goodie bags for all participants, and over $15,000 in prizes and awards will be given away at the High Alpine post race party and pancake breakfast. So grab your snowshoes and your craziest Mardi Gras costume, and head to Snowmass in your luxury car rental to take part in a day of excitement you won’t soon forget.

Vilar Performing Arts Center

The Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek is a beautiful, 530-seat theatre that provides an intimate backdrop for year-round performances from many diverse genres, including plays and musicals, concerts, dance, classical music and comedy. This month, the center welcomes country music star Randy Travis, who will perform live on Sunday, February 19. Travis has sold over 20 million records and won 7 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most successful country artists of all time. Ticket prices range from $98 to $152.

Standup Comedian Brian Regan takes the stage at the Vilar Center on Sunday, February 26. Regan’s observational and relatively clean humor, typically covering everyday events such as shipping a package with UPS or playing racquetball, has endeared his material to a wide audience.  He has become a late night TV staple, appearing over 20 times on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”  All tickets for Brian Regan are $58. Reserve a Land Rover rental to arrive in style at any of these entertaining events.

NYC in February: Ice Skating, Restaurants & Live Events

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While February can bring cold, harsh weather to New York City, there are still plenty of exciting events and activities going on, both indoors and outdoors. February can be a great time for travelers to visit NYC, as the cold weather does tend to make more discounted hotel rooms and flights available.

Ice Skating

New York City offers some of the most scenic outdoor ice skating in the country. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is a romantic winter tradition that dates back to the Christmas of 1936. As the most famous place to skate in the Big Apple, it’s also usually the most crowded.

Other scenic skating options are available in Manhattan, including Wollman Rink at Central Park, and Citi Pond at Bryant Park, both just a short walk from Times Square or a short drive from anywhere in your luxury car rental. All offer skate rental, lockers for valuables, and lessons for beginners. Ice skating in New York City is great for either a romantic date night or a fun family outing.

Restaurant Week

Another great date night option is NYC Restaurant Week, running through February 10. Monday through Friday, diners can choose from a large number of upscale restaurants offering special “prix fixe” menus (three pre-determined courses) for $24.07 at lunch and $35.00 at dinner. First time participants in this year’s Restaurant Week are Asellina, Bann, HanGawi, Kibo, La Promenade de Anglais and Marble Lane. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

Winter Sports

NBA Basketball and NHL Hockey both offer plenty of high-octane excitement, and both are going strong in New York in February. Plenty of options are available for taking in a hockey or basketball game. Madison Square garden is home to the NY Knicks of the NBA, and the NY Rangers of the NHL. The Prudential Center in New Jersey hosts both the NJ Devils in hockey and the NJ Nets in basketball. A third NHL team, the New York Islanders, plays its home games at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island.  For an action-packed evening, why not take a group of friends to a basketball or hockey game in a Range Rover rental?

Concerts

Live music is always a great option on a cold New York City night. A sampling of acts passing through in February includes Barry Manilow at Radio City Music Hall, for four nights: February 10, 11, 12 and 14. Aretha Franklin will also do two shows at Radio City, on February 17 and 18; while Van Halen, with special guests Kool & The Gang, will appear February 28 and March 1 at Madison Square Garden.

There’s plenty of entertainment to go around in NYC, even on a brisk February day.  Crank up the heat in your New York auto rental and venture out into the city to enjoy any of these great events. You’ll be glad you did.

Winter Getaway to Lake Placid, New York

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Lake Placid, New York is home to America’s oldest winter resort, and it has been a popular getaway for NYC residents for generations. Since the original Lake Placid Club kept its doors open for the winter of 1905, winter fun-seekers have made the small village a favorite destination for winter sports and relaxation amid the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.

Lake Placid is perhaps best known for hosting two Winter Olympics: The third winter games ever organized in 1932, and, most recently, in 1980. The 1980 games were the site for the “Miracle on Ice,” when a group of American college hockey players and amateurs defeated the gold medal-favored Soviet Union national team on the way to an unlikely gold medal victory. It was at the same Olympics that Eric Heiden won five gold medals in speed skating, still the most gold medals won by a single athlete at any Winter Olympics.

Nearby Whiteface Mountain is a ski resort that not only hosts international professional events, but also caters to beginners and families. Whiteface features over 80 runs ranging from beginning to expert, 11 lifts, a gondola, terrain parks, back country expert trails, and a Kids Kampus for young beginners. Lessons from professionals are available for beginning and intermediate skiers to hone their skills. Whiteface has the greatest vertical drop in the Eastern U.S., and is just a five-hour drive in a NYC car rental.

Fans of Olympic sports and history can get the free “Ultimate Winter Passport” with the purchase of a three day lift ticket at Whiteface. This package includes admission to the Olympic Sports Complex, ice skating on the Olympic Speed Skating Oval, admission to the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex (to watch the professionals, of course) and admission to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Maybe most exciting, the package includes a 20% discount off the Lake Placid “Bobsled Experience,” where anyone can take a trip down the bobsled run with a professional driver and brakeman.

The area’s multitude of trails isn’t just for skiing. Take your New York auto rental to Lake Placid to try a variety of winter sports. Experience the natural beauty of the Adirondacks by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or even via a dog sled ride. You’ll see the snow-covered countryside in a new and exhilarating way.

A winter trip to upstate New York in a NYC luxury car rental is a unique opportunity to feel like an Olympian, try a new, offbeat winter sport, or relax and enjoy the pristine majesty of this unique area of the country.