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The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in the U.S.

By U.S. News & World Report

When it comes to summer sipping, nothing beats the panoramic vistas, brilliant sunsets and sophisticated atmosphere of a rooftop bar. And with summer ushering in longer, warmer days, it’s not shocking people are slipping away from their typical indoor haunts and choosing bars that don’t just offer unique cocktails, but also Instagram-worthy views to go with them. From one of New York’s best-kept gems to Seattle’s favorite hipster hangout, these elevated outdoor space across the U.S. offer the perfect spots to unwind and leisurely savor drinks and scenery this season.

[See: The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2016.]

P.O.V. Rooftop Lounge and Terrace at the W Washington D.C.

Aside from a helicopter tour or a private jet, you won’t get a better view of iconic landmarks in our nation’s capital than from the swanky P.O.V. Rooftop Lounge at the W Washington D.C. While the cocktails lean toward the pricier side, they’re well worth it — with innovative seasonal sips like the Jon Burrows, a mix of vodka, sour, seasonal beer and blackberries. Plus, every drink comes with a breathtaking view of President Obama’s backyard and the district’s surrounding monuments.

Mr. Purple at Hotel Indigo

Few other spots in New York City offer the sweeping views of downtown Manhattan found at Mr. Purple at the Hotel Indigo in the Lower East Side. Located on the 15th floor, Mr. Purple’s expansive deck boasts an outdoor bar serving up trendy cocktails like the Summertime Spritz (made with silver tequila, ancho chile liquor, agave nector and fresh lemon). And that’s not all. The space also features a pool that’s highly coveted during the warm summer months and lounge chairs gazing toward downtown Manhattan.

Market Pavilion Pool and Bar

Unwind from the sticky heat of a Charleston, South Carolina, summer with a nitrogen-infused martini at the bustling rooftop of the famous Market Pavilion Hotel. The trendy rooftop offers views of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and City Market. Also equipped with a pool, this outdoor oasis is popular all day long. If nitrogen martinis aren’t your thing, try the infamous Pavilion Punch, made with Myers Dark Rum, cranberry, orange and pineapple juices along with a splash of grenadine. And you’d be remiss to skip pairing salsa fresca or a colossal crab cocktail with your libation as well.

Cindy’s at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Situated in one of Chicago’s most beautiful buildings, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s rooftop bar has quickly become a staple spot for happy hours and tourists since it’s opening in 2015. Even though guests love the exposed brick and expansive views from the roof, it’s the veranda that beckons to crowds far and wide, with its incredible views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. The spirit and cocktail list (referred to as Potions and Elixirs) is vast, with popular options including the “We’ll Always Have Paris” — a blend of gin, fresh strawberries, pistachio milk and rose petal and the “Grey Garden” — a mix of Ketel One Vodka, crème de biolette, jasmine pearl tea and lemon. If you’re hungry, the bar also features a full food menu.

[See: Hotels with the Best Rooftops.]

Acme Feed & Seed

Even though Acme Feed & Seed is just a few steps from the honky-tonk scenes of Music City’s buzzing Lower Broadway, the rooftop bar is more hip than kitsch. The bar’s 360-degree views of downtown Nashville and its iconic landmarks, such the Music City Center and Cumberland River, is just one of the charms of this local favorite. The rooftop also offers live music daily, and a delicious array of innovative cocktails, local beers and wine along with mouthwatering bites, such as hand-rolled sushi and the city’s famous hot chicken.

Pearl’s Rooftop on the Sunset Strip

If you want to experience a taste of Los Angeles in the Roaring ’20s, make Pearl’s Rooftop a stop on your next trip to La-La Land. The cozy space, outfitted with a working fireplace and hanging ceiling plants, boasts incredible views of the Sunset Strip’s bright neon lights, as well as the San Gabriel Mountains that flank the city. Order the namesake Pink Pearl cocktail — a tart, yet sweet combination of gin, aperol, grapefruit, rosé and prosecco. And if you want to savor small bites while you drink, check out Pearl’s expansive food menu, which offers staples such as ahi tuna poke stuffed avocado and half-pound burgers topped with cheddar.

The Highbar at Dream South Beach

Entering the blue-lit Highbar at the Dream South Beach is like stepping inside a 1970’s party in legendary South Beach. During the day, the blazing sun keeps the pool filled with perfectly bronzed patrons sipping homemade margaritas and at a night, the comfortable couches and high cocktail tables are filled with glitzy and glamorous locals who look like they belong in a fashion magazine. In addition to a great atmosphere, the bar offers jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean and a palm-flanked beach, making it one of the best spots to watch the sunset.

Lustre Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Palomar Phoenix CityScape, A Kimpton Hotel

With a refreshing pool, a lush garden filled with succulents and desert plants and panoramic views of downtown Phoenix, Lustre’s picturesque rooftop garden from its perch at the Hotel Palomar Phoenix CityScape offers plenty to swoon over. Locals and tourists alike love to escape the stifling desert heat for a dip and a margarita or daiquiri pitcher while soaking in the sweeping mountain vistas and an eclectic variety of poolside games like champong (or beer pong with champagne).

Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails at Motif Seattle

It’s hard to beat the ambiance at Frolik, Seattle’s hippest rooftop bar. Perched on top of Motif Seattle, a Destination Hotel property, Frolik boasts more than 4,000 square feet of patio space filled with benches, ping-pong tables, a posh candle-lit bar, shuffleboard courts and roaring outdoor fireplaces. The fifth floor offers incredible views of Seattle’s bustling downtown. Known for its revolving collection of the Pacific Northwest’s best brews, Frolik’s hoppy Schooner Exact IPA is a crowd favorite. If you’re feeling daring, sip on something a bit more dangerous, like the Troublemaker — a meld of redemption rye, lillet blanc, lemon juice and a splash of grenadine.

[See: 10 Underrated Romantic Hotels for R&R.]

Ghostbar at Palms Casino Resort

If your perfect night on the town includes hob-knobbing with celebrities, flashing lights, disco music and exclusive VIP treatment, head to Ghostbar, an elusive bar located on the 55th floor of the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. If money is no option, grab a table and order bottle service for you and your closest friends for the ultimate bar experience. If you’d rather mix and mingle, grab a flute of Champagne or a cosmopolitan and sit on one of the plush couches on the terrace where you’ll be met with dramatic views of the Strip.

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The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in the U.S. originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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