Bank of America has partnered with more than 100 museums across the U.S. in the “Museums on Us” program. Here’s the deal, the first full weekend of each month through 2009 and into 2010, Bank of America cardholders with an ATM, credit or check card receive a free general admission.

This is a great opportunity to check out a museum in your backyard during a “staycation” or when tripping across the country on summer vacation. Museums are participating in some of our favorite vacation destinations. The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk (adult admission is $7) is something to do when vacationing in Virginia Beach. Nearly 40,000 objects spanning nearly 5,000 years of history are housed in the Italianate-style building facing the Hague Inlet of the Elizabeth River. Check out the world-renowned glass collection, expansive photography program, Art Nouveau furniture along with the comprehensive survey of European and American painting and sculptures and art representing African, Asian, Egyptian, Pre-Columbian and Islamic cultures.

Or, if flying into Miami for a vacation in Key West or to take a cruise, check out the Miami Science Museum (adult admission is $18). The South Florida museum provides fun, interactive and educational exhibits focused on science and technology. Innovative exhibits are changed out every three to four months, offers wildlife and planetarium programs and holds special events throughout the year.

There are at least 100 more museums we could describe but we’ll let you check out the Bank of America Museums on Us site here to find a museum near you. Remember, this offer is valid the first full weekend of each month. Being a Bank of America cardholder definitely has its benefits.

Hey, foodies! Yes, we’re talking to you. The hottest thing about Arizona this June isn’t the pavement but the inaugural Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest. The 16-day culinary event is guaranteed to be a party for the taste buds as well as the wallet.

Here’s the scoop, a variety of Sedona restaurants are offering three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus beginning Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Diners will be able to select an appetizer, entree and dessert. There are three different price points fitting every foodie’s dining budget.

The Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest Web site lists all the participating restaurants but here are our picks from each price point:

Modest Dining $19.95
Dine like a Sedona local at the hopping Blue Moon Café with cooked-to-order entrees and portions mama used to serve. Dining options are outdoors on the patio (where Fido’s welcomed) and inside.

Classic Dining $29.95
Okay, we admit the name of this Sedona restaurant piqued our interest and although it’s a favorite with tourists, the Southwestern cuisine on the menu is worth the trip. We’re talking about the Barking Frog Grill which proclaims to be “An American restaurant with a Southwest bark!” Don’t worry, you won’t find any dishes made with amphibian frogs on the menu.

Elegant Dining $39.95
Planning a date night during the Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest? Reserve a table at Cucina Rustica for the romantic atmosphere, magical musicians and Continental cuisine. Enjoy an adult beverage before or after dinner on the outdoor patio to take in a perfect Sedona evening.

Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest is coordinated by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Ready to book your Sedona vacation? Check out the best accommodation rates available June 15 – 30, 2009. Importantly, don’t forget to tip your server!

Photo Courtesy: Sedona Chamber of Commerce

The good people over of AAA are making it easier for AAA members to save money while vacationing in the United States and Canada. A free GPS-based application called, “AAA Discounts,” for the iPhone is now available. First in a series of AAA applications planned for the iPhone, the app displays retail locations participating in the AAA Show Your Card & Save program. There are more than 100,000 discounts being offered throughout the U.S. and Canada. On average, AAA members each save $100 annually which pays for the cost of membership and then some.

It’s pretty sweet how technology and the discounts come together. The iPhone app pinpoints a user’s location then displays all merchants within the area offering an AAA discount.  The search can be customized by selecting business categories of interest including entertainment, shopping and travel. Details of the AAA discount are provided as well as address, telephone number and the best route from the current location with narrative directions.  The AAA Discounts app works on the iPod Touch as well when the user has access to WiFi.

Need roadside assistance? Select the “More” option to request assistance and the GPS location is transmitted, too. Not an AAA member? What are you waiting for? The only way to take advantage of these savings is to become a member and the AAA Discount app makes it easy to become one. A few finger taps connect you with an AAA membership counselor to begin savings and peace of mind with roadside assistance. Kinks are still being worked out of the free AAA Discount app but it’s still fabulous to have when traveling this summer.

Yup. There’s an app for everything.