Budget-Friendly Travel for Thrill-Seekers

Hunting for an electrifying way to feel a rush without breaking the bank? There are numerous options for daredevils to fulfill their hunger for adventure without shelling out a fortune. Discover a bundle of adventurous activities to spike your adrenaline that you can do in any state in the U.S. Get ready to maximize your thrills and minimize the bills with these seven daring ideas for thrill-seekers. 

Embark on a Haunted Pub Crawl

A haunted pub crawl – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Searching for an exciting excursion for a group? Get a healthy dose of boos and booze on a haunted pub crawl as you visit bars, old and new, along a fright-filled pub crawl. Experience the buzz of spine-tingling ghost stories, lively entertainment, and energetic people as you explore a variety of drinkeries haunted by spirits and specters.

Sip on a cocktail and prepare for an adventure flowing with tales of murder, mayhem, and macabre entities. Along the way, you’ll discover the best bars in the area, accompanied by a good dose of haunted history, making for an evening as spooky as it is spirited. 

Book a Bone-Chilling Ghost Tour

A ghost tour – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Depart on a gripping adventure and explore the dark history of your city on a local ghost tour. These fascinating expeditions can shed a new light on your hometown, whether you’re living in a big city like New York or a small one like Williamsburg, VA.

Allow an expert tour guide to shepherd you down city streets that have been walked by thousands of people before you and learn the local lore, legends, and mysteries hidden in your hometown. Discover shuddersome beings and chilling phantoms as you explore a past filled with skeletons that you never knew existed. You might never look at your city the same way again.  

Set Out on a Brew Tour

A brew tour – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Why not slake your thirst and your longing for adventure all in one sensational evening? Consider booking a city brewery tour for a night soaked in fascinating stories and fresh-poured beers. Along a brew tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample bold brews as your tour guide tells compelling tales about the bars and businesses surrounding you. 

Learn insider tips from experts in the craft beer scene as you steep in the sudsy atmosphere of your city’s best brewpubs and tap houses. It’ll be an experience you never forget when you drink in the stories of hop-headed pioneers and brewery legends perfectly paired with a pint or two. 

Venture on a Night Hike 

Searching for a rousing activity that’s a little less crowded? Consider taking a trek by headlamp and setting out on a night hike nearby. Even if you walk a path you’ve traveled many times before, the way it transforms under the moonlight is truly exhilarating — almost as if walking an entirely new trail.

With the heat of the sun gone and no other hikers around, it's just you, the crickets, the bats, and whatever else lurks in the darkness. Consider hiking to an elevated location and pausing for a bit of stargazing for a little relaxation before you begin the invigorating trek back down.

Just be sure to equip yourself with the proper equipment: sturdy hiking boots, proper attire, and a reliable headlamp or flashlight. Also, double-check that your location allows for hiking after sunset. Many national parks allow hiking after dark, but so do other local trails in many cases. 

Take a Leap and Go Indoor Sky Diving

There’s nothing more thrilling than leaping from a moving plane and free-falling as if weightless. However, the price can be scarier than the actual jump. Why not fulfill your thrill-seeking tendencies by indoor skydiving instead? While an actual sky dive can cost hundreds of dollars per person, indoor skydiving costs a fraction of that. 

During this airy adventure, you’ll be placed in a vertical wind tunnel that simulates the exact experience of free-falling without the difficult-to-control factors like weather. Here, jumpers can practice their form and attempt stunning air tricks while appearing weightless in this simulated skydiving excursion. 

Chill Out With a Cold Plunge

Looking for a short but invigorating way to get an adrenaline spike? Consider trying a cold plunge. A trend that has become especially popular in recent years, this ice-cold undertaking is both riveting and moderately inexpensive. 

During a cold plunge, your body reacts by increasing your heart rate and breathing. It's shocking because it activates your sympathetic nervous system, putting you into an intense state similar to a fight-or-flight response. Yet after you get out of the icy water, you’ll experience an incredible feeling of relief and relaxation, kind of like that buzz you feel after getting off a roller coaster. 

Many gyms offer single cold plunges for a relatively inexpensive amount. For those looking to take it up a notch, you may also be interested in seeking out cryotherapy chambers. Although more costly than cold plunging, these vertical iceboxes that one stands in for just a few minutes are just as thrilling.

Spend The Night in a Haunted Hotel

The Lizzie Borden House – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

No matter where you live in the United States, chances are there’s a haunted hotel not far from you. Yes, there are world-famous haunts like the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Hotel Del in San Diego, the Omni Parker in Boston, and the Stanley in Estes Park, Colorado — a place scary enough to spook Steven King. But there are plenty of less-traveled options hiding in plain sight, too. 

​The Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada, offers affordable rooms year-round. Decked out with hundreds of eerie painted clowns throughout the lobby and rooms, the nightmare doesn’t stop there. It’s also located right next to the Old Tonopah Cemetery, filled with the fading graves of miners and other strange characters of the Old West.

Likewise, the Dude Rancher Lodge in Billings, Montana, has a pretty haunting history, with multiple rooms linked to inexplicable activity. Paranormal researchers have recorded strange occurrences at this unassuming lodge, while guests have reported ghost children in the hallway. Bonus points if you bring your own ghost-hunting tools when you spend the night. 

Hair-Raising Trips and Enticing Tips

No matter whether you live on the West coast, East coast, or anywhere in between, there are plenty of opportunities for thrills and chills not far off. So grab your favorite adrenaline-seeking friend and plan an unforgettable journey together, be it a pulse-pounding ghost tour, thrilling outdoor adventure, or exciting new activity you’ve always wanted to try.

Why Flex Seal Products Have Become a Go-To Favorite in Our Home

Finding reliable, easy-to-use home repair solutions can feel like a never-ending challenge. That’s why discovering a product line that truly does what it promises is such a relief. For us, Flex Seal has become one of those rare brands we trust—one that consistently makes home maintenance simpler, quicker, and a whole lot less stressful.

A Company Built Around Practical Solutions

Flex Seal has earned a reputation for creating products that solve everyday household problems. Their philosophy is simple: make repair tools that anyone can use, without needing special experience or complicated instructions. From sealing cracks to coating surfaces, the company focuses on versatility and ease of application.

What we appreciate most is that Flex Seal products are designed for real-life situations—leaks, drafts, cracks, and unexpected fixes that pop up around the home.

A Look at Some Standout Flex Seal Products

Over time, we’ve tried several items from their lineup, and each has found a place in our home toolkit:

1. Flex Seal Liquid

This thick, rubberized liquid is one of the company’s signature products. It can be brushed, rolled, or poured onto surfaces to create a flexible, waterproof seal. We’ve used it for small outdoor fixes and even preventative maintenance—anywhere we wanted a durable protective coating.

2. Flex Seal Spray

The spray version is probably the easiest way to patch or seal something in a hurry. It goes on smoothly, fills in small gaps, and dries into a strong, rubber-like layer. It’s been especially handy for quick repairs in areas where using a brush would be awkward.

3. Flex Tape

This one has become a staple in our junk drawer. It’s thick, rubberized, and incredibly strong—great for temporary fixes or emergency situations. Whether it’s sealing something outdoors or temporarily stopping a leak until a bigger repair can be done, Flex Tape delivers a surprising amount of strength for its simplicity.

4. Flex Paste

For those times when we need something thicker that can be molded or shaped, Flex Paste has been a helpful addition. It’s easy to apply and works well for sealing, filling, and protecting small areas.

How Flex Seal Helps Us in Our Home

One of the biggest advantages of Flex Seal products is the confidence they give us. Instead of letting small problems grow into bigger ones, we can take care of issues right away. These products aren’t a substitute for major repairs, but for day-to-day fixes and preventative maintenance, they have made our lives noticeably easier.

From sealing outdoor surfaces to patching minor leaks, these tools help us stay ahead on home care without spending a lot of time or money.

Final Thoughts

It’s rare to find products that are both simple to use and genuinely effective, but Flex Seal continues to deliver on that promise. Their lineup has become a reliable part of our home repair routine, and we’re grateful to have easy solutions on hand whenever we need them.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or someone who just wants straightforward fixes for common household issues, Flex Seal is definitely a brand worth keeping in your toolkit.

Spice World - Diced, Peeled & Convenient

Diced, Peeled & Convenient:

With brand new products joining an array of options in time for peak cooking season, Spice World offers the missing ingredients for fresh, flavorful family meals and holiday appetizers

At last, both novice chefs as well as everyday meal preparers have new answers to avoiding tears and smelly hands from chopping garlic and ginger. When it comes to the secret ingredients behind impressing your family, friends, neighbors and office party peers, one can literally say the missing ingredient is now in the bag.

The purveyors of Spice World products have introduced new products such as Fresh Diced Garlic and Peeled Ginger — ideal for cooking up zesty chili, champion chicken wings or the garlicky goodness in a potato salad that you can proudly present at the cookout or reunion. These packaged ingredients in leading national grocery produce sections and available online are the latest in a diverse line-up of trending flavors also including Ginger & Garlic Fusion and other ready-to-use and squeezable options proving popular in meal or snack prep.

There’s always something new from Spice World, and here’s news of the latest products available at stores or online.

Spice World Fresh Diced Garlic

Packed with the bold flavor you’ve come to know and love from Spice World; the company’s new Fresh Diced Garlic is freshly packed and easy to add to all your cooking creations. Packed in a resealable package that locks in freshness, Spice World Fresh Diced Garlic is simple to use and contains only one ingredient: delicious garlic. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or adding the final touch to a favorite recipe, it’s as convenient as it is flavorful.

Spice World Organic Fresh Diced Garlic

Spice World’s USDA-certified Organic Fresh Diced Garlic works with your busy lifestyle and desire to serve more nutritional meals. Add tons of flavor and value to your diet without the hassles of peeling and dicing. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or looking for all-natural ingredients, Organic Fresh Diced Garlic is the perfect shortcut for adding organic flavor with added convenience.

Spice World Peeled Ginger

Skip the hassle of peeling, and enjoy the convenience of Spice World’s perfectly prepped Peeled Ginger! With bright, zesty flavor, Peeled Ginger adds a fresh kick to stir-fries, smoothies, marinades and beyond. Whether you’re spicing up your dinners with a ginger zing or looking for a pop of freshness, Spice World Peeled Ginger makes it easier to incorporate bold ginger flavor into your kitchen creations. It’s fresh, fragrant and ready to go!

Spice World Garlic & Ginger Fusion

There’s no better duo of flavors than ginger and garlic — and now you can bring the best of both worlds to your kitchen with Spice World Garlic Ginger Fusion. This ready-to-use blend combines the bold flavor of garlic with the zesty zing of ginger, making it perfect for stir fries, marinades, sauces and more. Whether you’re cooking up something special or adding a twist to your everyday meals, Spice World Garlic Ginger Fusion delivers rich flavor and convenience in every spoonful.

Behind the Flavors

Customer research, including data about the recipes accessed the most online, demonstrates a growing preference for preparing new meals that break typical routines. Additionally, garlic is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense ingredient known for its medicinal properties (attributed largely to the compound allicin) linked to benefits for heart health, immunity and more.

“On our website and social channels, we’re inspiring consumers every day with cooking ideas from around the country you can make easily at home,” said Chris Kiser, CEO of Spice World, Inc. “Our newest products such as fresh diced garlic and peeled ginger allow you to prepare new culinary creations without the hassle.”

Deeply rooted in its founder’s original vision since 1949, Spice World is dedicated to helping consumers elevate the way they eat, delivering innovative flavors that remove common obstacles of prep time, seasonality and clean-up. Anchored by the fresh bold flavor of garlic, company offerings also include zesty ginger, Easy Onion and hearty shallots, offered in ready-to-use, peeled and squeezable versions, plus ready-to-use seasoning blends.

Popular Trending Recipes

Even influencers such as celebrated 4-year-old Chef Penny Kay, making pesto caprese grilled cheese, and YouTube influencer Pauly Shore, making BBQ garlic crabs, have demonstrated deft delicacies using Spice World in the mix. The company touts “Flavor without Boundaries” and is featuring a variety of seasonal recipes on its website. Here are five popular recipes to make memorable meals this season – with the flavorful convenience of Spice World products:

Garlic Mango Glazed Chicken Wings

Why use bottled wing sauces when you can make your own? Just pulse these ingredients in your blender and brush before grilling for a sweet and spicy result.

Ingredients

Spice World Garlic (choose one)

1 cup Spice World Ready-to-Use Garlic

1 cup Spice World Squeezable Garlic

30 cloves, minced Spice World Fresh GarlicSpice World Fresh Garlic

4 lbs chicken wings

3 cups diced mango

¼ cup dark brown sugar

¼ cup sliced scallions for garnish

Instructions

To make sauce, combine all ingredients, aside from chicken, and pulse in a blender a couple of times.

Coat the grill with a tiny amount of butter or oil to ensure the wings don't stick. Make sure to fan away any flames while placing the chicken on the grill; the smoke will tarnish the flavor.

Brush the wings with sauce and grill until done.

Toss in the remaining sauce, season with soy sauce and hot sauce, and garnish with scallions and red peppers. Sweet, hot, spicy, garlicky, and wonderful.

Turkey with Garlic Butter

‘Tis the season for this favorite! Plus it serves eight (8) family members, friends or guests.

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

Spice World Easy Onion

½ cup Spice World Chopped Easy Onion

Spice World Garlic

1 bulb Spice World Fresh Garlic

1 (2 lb) whole turkey, skin on

1 celery stalk, chopped into long strips

¼ cup kosher salt

2 Tbsp black pepper

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

Spice World Garlic

3 tsp Spice World Ready-to-Use Garlic

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp sage, chopped

1 tsp thyme, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F.

In a medium sized bowl, stir together the softened butter, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and herbs.

Remove any packets and giblets inside the turkey and pat it dry. Then place the turkey on a large wire rack roasting pan.

Take the butter mixture and spread it generously over every inch of the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Sprinkle the turkey with salt and pepper evenly.

Peel and halve the bulb of garlic, stuff the turkey cavity with it, the celery stalk, and the yellow onion.

Place the turkey in the oven for 30 minutes, and then turn the heat down to 350°F. Tent the turkey with foil and cook for another 2 hours, or until the turkey reaches 165°F. Baste the turkey every 15 to 20 minutes with the butter dripping in the pan.

Remove the turkey from the oven and foil, and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving and serving.

Easy Onion Cavatappi Mac and Cheese

This recipe serves ten (10) and takes only one hour to prepare!

Ingredients

Spice World Easy Onion

½ jar Spice World Chopped Easy Onion

2 lbs cavatappi pasta

2 lbs shredded cheese (We recommend a blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella)

2 quarts heavy cream

1 quart half and half

¼ tsp garlic powder

30 cloves, minced Spice World Peeled Garlic

4 lbs chicken wings

3 cups diced mango

¼ cup dark brown sugar

¼ cup sliced scallions for garnish

Instructions

To make sauce, combine all ingredients, aside from chicken, and pulse in a blender a couple of times.

Coat the grill with a tiny amount of butter or oil to ensure the wings don't stick. Make sure to fan away any flames while placing the chicken on the grill; the smoke will tarnish the flavor.

Brush the wings with sauce and grill until done.

Toss in the remaining sauce, season with soy sauce and hot sauce, and garnish with scallions and red peppers. Sweet, hot, spicy, garlicky, and wonderful.  

Turkey with Garlic Butter

‘Tis the season for this favorite! Plus it serves eight (8) family members, friends or guests.

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

Spice World Easy Onion

½ cup Spice World Chopped Easy Onion

Spice World Garlic

1 bulb Spice World Fresh Garlic

1 (2 lb) whole turkey, skin on

1 celery stalk, chopped into long strips

¼ cup kosher salt

2 Tbsp black pepper

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

Spice World Garlic

3 tsp Spice World Ready-to-Use Garlic

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp sage, chopped

1 tsp thyme, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F.

In a medium sized bowl, stir together the softened butter, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and herbs.

Remove any packets and giblets inside the turkey and pat it dry. Then place the turkey on a large wire rack roasting pan.

Take the butter mixture and spread it generously over every inch of the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Sprinkle the turkey with salt and pepper evenly.

Peel and halve the bulb of garlic, stuff the turkey cavity with it, the celery stalk, and the yellow onion.

Place the turkey in the oven for 30 minutes, and then turn the heat down to 350°F. Tent the turkey with foil and cook for another 2 hours, or until the turkey reaches 165°F. Baste the turkey every 15 to 20 minutes with the butter dripping in the pan.

Remove the turkey from the oven and foil, and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving and serving.

Easy Onion Cavatappi Mac and Cheese

This recipe serves ten (10) and takes only one hour to prepare!

Ingredients

Spice World Easy Onion

½ jar Spice World Chopped Easy Onion

2 lbs cavatappi pasta

2 lbs shredded cheese (We recommend a blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella)

2 quarts heavy cream

1 quart half and half

¼ tsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp salt

½ tsp pepper

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions, then set aside.

Add all liquid ingredients and the Spice World Ready-To-Use Easy Onion to one pot, and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat.

Add the blended cheeses in small portions. Keep mixing until it's incorporated into a thick sauce.

Add the cooked pasta back in and mix.

Sprinkle it with your favorite crispy topping, and enjoy!

Ginger Shrimp Stir Fry

Ginger, garlic and soy sauce bring out authentic flavor that’s unbeatable. Remember: shrimp doesn’t take long to cook; and once you mix all the vegetables back in, you’ll have a healthy meal for everyone at your table. This serves four (4) and takes just 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

Spice World Ginger (choose one)

2 Tbsp Spice World Squeezable Ginger

2 Tbsp Spice World Ready-to-Use Ginger

Spice World Garlic (choose one)

2 Tbsp Spice World Ready-to-Use Garlic

2 Tbsp Spice World Squeezable Garlic

12 cloves Spice World Fresh Garlic

12 cloves Spice World Peeled Garlic

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup water, divided

½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tsp salt, or to taste

Pepper to taste

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 lbs frozen precut stir-fry vegetables

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and 2 Tbsp of water.

In a medium-sized bowl, toss shrimp with salt and pepper.

Place a large skillet or wok on medium-high heat and coat with one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the frozen vegetables and stir to coat them with the oil. Continue to stir periodically for five minutes.

Add two tablespoons of water. Cover and cook for three minutes, or until the vegetables are fully cooked.

Transfer vegetables to a heat-resistant bowl and return the empty skillet or wok to the stovetop. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and add the shrimp. Cook for three minutes, turning periodically.

Add the sauce from step one and toss to coat. Add the vegetables back to the skillet and gently stir for a few minutes. Serve hot.

Asian Vegetable Beef Soup

This soup is so satisfying, full of vegetables and flavorful beef. Make sure you have leftovers as you’ll crave this again! This recipe serves six (6) and takes an hour and a half to prepare.

Ingredients

Spice World Garlic (choose one)

1 tsp Spice World Squeezable Garlic

1 tsp Spice World Ready-to-Use Garlic

2 cloves, minced Spice World Fresh Garlic

2 cloves, minced Spice World Peeled Garlic

Spice World Ginger (choose one)

1 Tbsp Spice World Squeezable Ginger

1 Tbsp Spice World Ready-to-Use Ginger

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 Tbsp canola oil

2 cups water

1 cup beef broth

½ cup dry red wine

½ cup soy sauce

6 green onions, chopped

3 Tbsp brown sugar

2 teaspoons sesame oil

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

1½ cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1½ cups carrots, julienned

1 cup sliced bok choy

1½ cups uncooked long-grain rice (optional)

Salt

Instructions

In a Dutch oven, brown meat in oil, then drain. Add the water, broth, wine, soy sauce, onions, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and cayenne. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.

Stir in the mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy; cover and simmer an additional 20–30 minutes longer, or until the vegetables are tender. Finish with salt, if needed.

Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions (if serving over rice).

Divide rice among 6 soup bowls, ¾ cup in each; top each with 1 cup of soup.

Now that we’ve tempted you with all these options, it’s time to get cooking! Readers can visit spiceworldinc.com for both a store locator for new products and a free supply of additional fresh recipes. The company’s Instagram channel is also a great way to stay connected with great food and snack ideas!