First of all, this is only going to help out those of you who live in, or will be traveling to, New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.  If you not in, or going to be in those cities, keep reading, though, as there’s something in this for you as well.

Domino’s has launched a “green graffiti” advertising campaign in which their power-wash their “graffiti” onto streets and sidewalks.  Rather than painting something on the sidewalk, they are actually removing dirt and grime, and as they do so they are creating a treasure hunt for residents and visitors.  Here’s what the graffiti looks like:

When you traveling about New York City, Philadelphia, or Los Angeles, and see one of these designs, all you have to do is take your picture in front of it and email it to:  pr@dominos.com.  The first 250 people to send a photo will win a $15 Domino’s gift card good for a Domino’s American Legends pizza.  So grab your digital camera, smart phone, program this email into your address book and keep an eye out for this graffiti.

Read the Domino’s graffiti website for all the rules and legalese.

And now for the part that I promised for those of you not in or around one of the three treasure hunt cities.

Domino’s has made available two $15 gift cards for readers here at Blisstree.  All you have to do win a gift card is to leave a comment here letting Domino’s know which city you think should be featured in an upcoming graffiti treasure hunt.  Leave your comment by July 19th at midnight (Eastern Time), and from those comments I’ll randomly select two winners who will each receive a $15 Domino’s gift card.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, but this is the closest thing around.   And who wouldn’t like FREE PIZZA?!

Photo credit: Domino’s

Post from: Blisstree

FREE Pizza Treasure Hunt from Domino’s

With purchases from a market, you can easily create a picnic lunch or dinner, or stock up your hotel room (or apartment, or wherever you’re staying) with tasty and healthy snacks.

I’m traveling in Italy right now, and a stop at a local market yields a variety of salami and hams, cheeses from the local region, fruits and vegetables, bread and pastries, and a few other little odds and ends.  Add in a little olive oil and a bottle of wine, and I can make a fabulous dinner.

Even if you don’t speak the language, it’s easy to point or gesture at what you want.  Food seems to be a universal language.

Besides food, many markets will include flowers, local crafts, and other agri-business items.  It’s also a great way to meet locals and get some tips about things to do and see, and places to go.

If you’re traveling in the United States, you can refer to the Department of Agriculture’s listing of farmers markets around the country.  At the website you can click on the state and get information for the area, including market location, hours, and contact information.

If you’re traveling abroad, many guide books will list local markets.  Or, check with a local tourist office or look for signs around town.  A front desk clerk at a hotel or property manager at an apartment rental is also a good resource.

Photo credit: SXC

Post from: Blisstree

Good Food for Travelers at Farmer’s Markets

But campuses can provide lots of other fun experiences, even if attending classes is not in your future.

• Most colleges have great architecture and buildings, often with very interesting history.  You can usually find someone who can share with your the history of the campus, covering some of those urban legends that don’t quite make it to the college website.  History buffs are usually eager to share their knowledge with interested visitors.
• Campuses usually have lovely grounds and landscaping.  If you need to find a place to just sit and relax for awhile, have a picnic lunch if the weather is nice, or to study a map and get your bearings, a campus is a safe place to do that.
• You can ask a student for directions or recommendations about somewhere to go or some place to eat.  Since students usually have limited budgets, you will probably get budget friendly suggestions.
• If you need protection from the weather, you can pop into a student union building, a library (most campuses I’ve visited don’t require a student card to go into the general libraries), or even an administration building.  If you’re traveling on the cheap, you may find a study carrel in a quiet corner of the library where you can put your head down for a short nap.
• Student aged travelers can make like-aged friends.
• During non-school times, many campuses rent out dorm rooms at affordable rates.
• College campuses offer affordable dining options. Most campus dining facilities (other than in the dorms) are open to the public, so if you can’t face one more sandwich or cold meal, try finding a campus cafe.  Don’t expect gourmet food, but you’ll get something tasty and filling offered at a reasonable price.  Bring cash, as not all will accept debit or credit cards.

I love visiting colleges,and enjoy walking around looking at the campus.  That’s Boston College in the photo. I loved checking out the combination of gothic and modern architecture on the campus, and since it was a rainy day, I hung out in the library till the storm passed.

Do you have a favorite college campus to visit?

Photo credit: personal collection

Post from: Blisstree

College Campuses as a Vacation Option