Western Cape
Cape Town, with magnificent Table Mountain as its backdrop, has forged an enviable reputation as one of the world's premier tourism destinations. Not only has the Mother City breathtaking scenery, exquisite beaches, Robben Island, world-class golf courses, superb restaurants and a rich history, making it a sophisticated and cosmopolitan destination, but the province also has other treasures to explore. The historic winelands can be enjoyed on the Wine Route, the coastal and mountainous beauty on the Garden Route, Cape Point is where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, quaint fishing villages are worth a visit, the colourful Coon Carnival is a spectacle to behold and whale-watching can be enjoyed May to November and at some places throughout the year, just to name a few exciting activities in this, the "fairest" province of them all.
The climate in the province is typically Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. The exception to the rule is the arid semi-desert of the Karoo, where dry winters and low summer rainfall prevail. Near the coast, summer temperature rises from 15 to 27 degrees Celsius. Inland temperatures are some 3-5 degrees higher. Coastal winters see the mercury dropping to a mild 7 at night and rising to 18 by day. Away from the beach, temperatures are 5-22 degrees Celsius.
Cape Town offers a great variety of domestic and international goods including gold, diamonds, gem stones, leather goods, African curios, art, antiques, ceramics, fashion items, brandy and the world-famous Cape wines. The V&A Waterfront has a variety of shops which are open 7 days with late trading hours and at Greenmarket Square you can shop for almost anything in a typical flea market environment. Eat excellent seafood along the coast including "snoek", oysters, crayfish, lobster, calamari and mussels; also try Karoo lamb and Cape Malay cuisine.
Table Mountain
The summit of Cape Town's world-famous landmark is 1,086m above sea level and was proclaimed a national monument in 1957. Weather permitting, visitors can reach the summit by revolving cableway, which allows a 380 degree panoramic view of this beautiful part of the world. Hiking trails of different degrees can be taken, but experienced guides are strongly advised. Don't miss Lion's Head and Signal Hill.
Robben Island
One of the most significant historical sites in South Africa, Robben Island gained notoriety as a jail for those considered dangerous to the apartheid authorities including, for more than two decades, the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, the island's most famous former prisoner. Tours to the island and visits to the Island Museum can be arranged depending on the weather.
Cape Town
One of the top city destinations in the world, Cape Town has the history, atmosphere, natural beauty, modern amenities and attractions to keep visitors enthralled. It's top tourist draw is undoubtedly the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with its world-class Two Oceans Aquarium, museums, restaurants, boat trips, shopping centres, hotels and entertainment offering a wide variety of activities. Don't miss the beaches e.g. Clifton and Camps Bay, Castle of Good Hope, Ratanga Junction, walking the city's streets where you will discover many historical buildings, museums and art collections, as well as Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the outskirts.
Central & Klein Karoo
The Klein Karoo lies between the Outeniqua, Langeberg and Swartberg mountain ranges, it is an area of contrasting landscapes, magnificent sunsets and ostrich-producing Oudtshoorn. The Central Karoo is dryer and more vast, is the main sheep farming region in the country, is world-renowned for its fossils and its capital Beaufort-West was the birthplace of heart-surgeon Dr. Christiaan Barnard. Don't miss eating Karoo Lamb at one of the fine restaurants.
West Coast
The West Coast is highly popular amongst photographers, artists, adventurers and bird watchers for its unspoilt beaches, magnificent mountain ranges, spectacular spring wild flowers, San rock art and areas attracting large numbers of birds. Many small, picturesque villages dot the coastline, but don't miss Darling for the flowers, Langebaan, Saldanha Bay, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam and surrounds, Vanrhynsdorp for the rock art and Elands Bay for surfing.
Cape Peninsula
The Cape Peninsula stretches from Cape Town's city centre to Cape Point, where the Atlantic and the Indian oceans meet. Along this coast you will find the Western Cape's famous beaches e.g. Camps Bay and Clifton and the nudist beach of Sandy Bay. Visit the enchanting fishing villages of Hout Bay with its famous Mariner's Wharf and Simon's Town with its Boulders beach and seal colony. Activities include bathing, diving, fishing, hiking, visiting museums, forts, art routes, shopping and enjoying the excellent seafood on offer. Carved into solid rock, Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world, starting in Hout Bay and ending at Noordhoek allowing you to enjoy the panoramic scenery at several look-out points.
The Winelands
Home to many of the country's best, award-winning wines, the region features vineyards and fruit orchards in beautiful green valleys surrounded by mountain ranges and dotted with historic towns and villages. Towns that are a must-see include Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, world-famous for their whites, reds, sherries, ports and brandies. Wine routes and brandy routes can be explored including tastings along the way.
Breede River Valley
This is the largest fruit and wine producing valley of the Western Cape and is the country's leading racehorse breeding area. The area stretches from Gouda in the west, McGregor in the south, Montagu in the east to Tankwa-Karoo National Park in the north. This is an area of magnificant views, panoramic lanscapes and towering cliffs, crystal-clear streams, an abundance of trees and indigenous flora such as fynbos and proteas.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route, with its spectacular scenic beauty, runs parallel to the Cape coastline featuring lakes, mountains, tall indigenous forests, amber-coloured rivers, golden beaches and towns along the way. Meandering trails are followed by hikers, the forest invites long, leisurely drives, and the lakes and rivers lend themselves to swimming, boating and fishing. Must-see towns along the way include the Garden Route's gateway, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna with its famous Heads and oysters and Plettenberg Bay. The area is phenomenal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
The Overberg
Hermanus offers the best whale viewing from land in the world with a cliff path stretching from one side of the town to the other and a whale watching hotline. Walker Bay is a nursery for the great Southern Right Whale and don't miss Bientang's Cave where you can taste excellent seafood inside a cave and view the whales. Don't miss the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden with over 5 hectares of cultivated fynbos garden and 195 hectares of natural fynbos; the delightful fishing village Arniston, the southernmost tip of Africa - the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Museum, Caledon for its Wild Flower Show in September and hot mineral springs and the charming colonial town of Swellendam.
If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on gerald@12234455.co.za or call me on 27-0720390184.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Traveling Light: Literally
Traveling Light: Literally
Copyright © 2008 Jennifer Selby Long
Kirk and I are traveling through Spain for 19 days with nothing but carry-on luggage. For months, people have been asking us how. This week, with the summer travel season upon us, I take my first-ever break from business topics to share the secrets of literally traveling light. Most of them apply whether your travel is business or pleasure.
First of all, let's make sure we're clear on why we should be considering traveling light at all, because it does take some effort in advance, and our time is valuable.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that this summer is projected to be the worst ever for congestion and delays. No checked luggage = one less line at the departure airport.
Many airlines are now charging $50 and up to check more than one bag. It's just a matter of time before they start charging for all checked baggage, the same way they charge for drinks. No checked luggage = more money to spend at the destination.
It's no great secret that lost luggage claims are up, too. No checked luggage = no lost luggage.
Here's my favorite: when we arrived in Spain at midnight after 18 hours of traveling, we got off the plane and walked directly to customs and on to ground transportation. No checked luggage = no waiting 30+ minutes at your destination when you're sick to death of traveling and just want to get out of there. When we return, it will be the same sweet story.
We move effortlessly from place to place because we're only carrying 20 pounds each plus Kirk's backpack and my travel bag. Our backs feel great. No checked luggage = feeling good.
Now, let's move on the success secrets for traveling light.
The number one secret is to bring only clothing that can be washed in a bathroom sink and hung to dry overnight. For business, it means a well-coordinated wardrobe of dark suits that can be dry-cleaned through the hotel service if needed. Everything else gets washed out in the sink. It takes 10 minutes in the evening. No big deal. It's not like we're trying to recreate the full wash, rinse, and spin cycles here!
Because we didn't own many items that would dry overnight, and they are not readily available in stores, we spent two months ordering clothes from specialty travel catalogues and then sending back or exchanging all the items that didn't fit.
We learned through this experience that the target market for travel clothes is considerably more, uh, mature than we are, so it took a little creativity to dress our age and not like the shuffleboard-on-the-lido-deck crowd. I wound up buying most of my clothing at the Benetton store near my office when they got in a large shipment of linen.
When you travel light, everything has to coordinate with everything else. We couldn't just throw all our favorites into multiple suitcases. The best way to figure this out is to take a practice trip. We visited Kirk's mom in San Diego in mid-April (that's us on the beach in Encinitas), so we packed as if we were going on our 19-day trip.
It was eye-opening. Even though we thought we had demonstrated extraordinary self-discipline, we saw that not everything really looked good with everything else, and we could cut even more stuff, leaving room for souvenirs. Our souvenirs of Encinitas were two containers of granola from our favorite coffee shop and six books that I just couldn't resist at a cool local bookstore. Nice and bulky and heavy. This was also when I realized I would have to limit the number of books I schlepped around Europe!
This leads me to the second biggest secret to traveling light: We seriously limited the number of heavy things. We did finally decide to pack our iPod and speakers, though, because we love having our collection of Spanish music with us. I ditched a dress and two tops to make room for it. I haven't missed them a bit.
The third biggest secret: Pack enough toiletries to get started, not for the whole trip. When you think about it, this is really mandatory because you can't fit shampoo for three weeks into a 2.5 ounce bottle! Almost anywhere in the world, you can buy a bottle of shampoo, and just leave behind what you don't use by the end of the trip.
The fourth: Plan to buy some souvenirs that you can use while there. I brought only one scarf, even though I knew I'd get sick of it, because I want to buy a second one here. Every time I wear it back home, I'll have a fond memory of my trip.
If you're considering traveling light, to Europe in particular, I recommend that you start with the extremely helpful site ricksteves.com. Although they make some recommendations that I just couldn't imagine doing (like wearing those little white socks with walking shoes and a skirt, yuk), 95% of what you read on the site is excellent, based on years of traveling experience, and they know their stuff. He also sells a few handy gadgets, like a little travelers' picnic kit with sturdy plastic utensils and a TSA-approved corkscrew, which we're about to use now. Cheers!
Jennifer Selby Long, Founder and Principal of Selby Group, provides executive coaching and organizational development services. Jennifer's knack is helping clients navigate the leadership and organizational challenges triggered by change and growth. She knows firsthand that great plans often fail because companies don't take into account the human factors that come into play when implementing them. Visit Jennifer at: www.selbygroup.com
Copyright © 2008 Jennifer Selby Long
Kirk and I are traveling through Spain for 19 days with nothing but carry-on luggage. For months, people have been asking us how. This week, with the summer travel season upon us, I take my first-ever break from business topics to share the secrets of literally traveling light. Most of them apply whether your travel is business or pleasure.
First of all, let's make sure we're clear on why we should be considering traveling light at all, because it does take some effort in advance, and our time is valuable.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that this summer is projected to be the worst ever for congestion and delays. No checked luggage = one less line at the departure airport.
Many airlines are now charging $50 and up to check more than one bag. It's just a matter of time before they start charging for all checked baggage, the same way they charge for drinks. No checked luggage = more money to spend at the destination.
It's no great secret that lost luggage claims are up, too. No checked luggage = no lost luggage.
Here's my favorite: when we arrived in Spain at midnight after 18 hours of traveling, we got off the plane and walked directly to customs and on to ground transportation. No checked luggage = no waiting 30+ minutes at your destination when you're sick to death of traveling and just want to get out of there. When we return, it will be the same sweet story.
We move effortlessly from place to place because we're only carrying 20 pounds each plus Kirk's backpack and my travel bag. Our backs feel great. No checked luggage = feeling good.
Now, let's move on the success secrets for traveling light.
The number one secret is to bring only clothing that can be washed in a bathroom sink and hung to dry overnight. For business, it means a well-coordinated wardrobe of dark suits that can be dry-cleaned through the hotel service if needed. Everything else gets washed out in the sink. It takes 10 minutes in the evening. No big deal. It's not like we're trying to recreate the full wash, rinse, and spin cycles here!
Because we didn't own many items that would dry overnight, and they are not readily available in stores, we spent two months ordering clothes from specialty travel catalogues and then sending back or exchanging all the items that didn't fit.
We learned through this experience that the target market for travel clothes is considerably more, uh, mature than we are, so it took a little creativity to dress our age and not like the shuffleboard-on-the-lido-deck crowd. I wound up buying most of my clothing at the Benetton store near my office when they got in a large shipment of linen.
When you travel light, everything has to coordinate with everything else. We couldn't just throw all our favorites into multiple suitcases. The best way to figure this out is to take a practice trip. We visited Kirk's mom in San Diego in mid-April (that's us on the beach in Encinitas), so we packed as if we were going on our 19-day trip.
It was eye-opening. Even though we thought we had demonstrated extraordinary self-discipline, we saw that not everything really looked good with everything else, and we could cut even more stuff, leaving room for souvenirs. Our souvenirs of Encinitas were two containers of granola from our favorite coffee shop and six books that I just couldn't resist at a cool local bookstore. Nice and bulky and heavy. This was also when I realized I would have to limit the number of books I schlepped around Europe!
This leads me to the second biggest secret to traveling light: We seriously limited the number of heavy things. We did finally decide to pack our iPod and speakers, though, because we love having our collection of Spanish music with us. I ditched a dress and two tops to make room for it. I haven't missed them a bit.
The third biggest secret: Pack enough toiletries to get started, not for the whole trip. When you think about it, this is really mandatory because you can't fit shampoo for three weeks into a 2.5 ounce bottle! Almost anywhere in the world, you can buy a bottle of shampoo, and just leave behind what you don't use by the end of the trip.
The fourth: Plan to buy some souvenirs that you can use while there. I brought only one scarf, even though I knew I'd get sick of it, because I want to buy a second one here. Every time I wear it back home, I'll have a fond memory of my trip.
If you're considering traveling light, to Europe in particular, I recommend that you start with the extremely helpful site ricksteves.com. Although they make some recommendations that I just couldn't imagine doing (like wearing those little white socks with walking shoes and a skirt, yuk), 95% of what you read on the site is excellent, based on years of traveling experience, and they know their stuff. He also sells a few handy gadgets, like a little travelers' picnic kit with sturdy plastic utensils and a TSA-approved corkscrew, which we're about to use now. Cheers!
Jennifer Selby Long, Founder and Principal of Selby Group, provides executive coaching and organizational development services. Jennifer's knack is helping clients navigate the leadership and organizational challenges triggered by change and growth. She knows firsthand that great plans often fail because companies don't take into account the human factors that come into play when implementing them. Visit Jennifer at: www.selbygroup.com
Friday, May 30, 2008
Spacious and Easy To Carry Travel Bags
Spacious and Easy To Carry Travel Bags
Having a nice and spacious travel bag means comfort to carry all the items of necessity safely whether traveling locally or even abroad for personal or business tours. An ideal travel bag should be one that must have the adequate capacity along with the other necessary features like strong handles so as to make it comfortable for the travelers to carry them easily. According to the needs of the customers, travel bags should be made easy to carry and the best type of travel bag that is extensively used these days are the bags on wheels as they can be easily pulled and carried.
Types of bags There are various types of travel bags available in the market nowadays so as to reduce the burden of the customers in carrying their heavy loads while traveling. The different types of bags available include:
- Luggage bags: These travel bags offer style and spaciousness to the travelers. Different cases are there in these luggage bags so that the user can conveniently put their items of use in separate sections and pockets. Travelers prefer to buy lightweight bags so as not to face any problem while carrying them. Key locks and adjustable straps and handles are the main features of these luggage bags that ensure security of your valuables and come in a variety of colors and designs. Leather fabric bags are among the popular ones being durable in quality.
- Backpacks: These bags are not only convenient to carry but are also famous for their feature of cleaning convenience. They have padded and adjustable straps which make them all the more attractive and easy to use. The most common types of these bags are the internal frame bags and the external frame ones. These backpacks are available in a wide range of designs and fabrics such as leather, canvas, polyester, cotton, vinyl, jute and plastic.
- Pet carriers: In order to carry your pets along with you while traveling, you must have a comfortable and spacious pet bag so that you can carry your pet conveniently. These bags are specially made from materials that are ideally suited for pets. The most durable and soft fabrics used to make these pet travel bags are nylon, leather, velvet, faux fur and satin.
- Camera bags: designed with professional and unique looks, these types of travel bags are the best way to take your expensive items like cameras from one place to the other. They are made of strong material so as to eliminate the risk of providing harm to your camera. Thick and water-resistant fabric is used such as high quality leather, nylon, denim and canvas.
- Garment bags: These bags have been specially designed so that the garments of the travelers can be kept intact without facing the problem of wrinkles. They are made of fabrics like cotton, jute, plastic, canvas, polyester, leather and vinyl.
So, according to your travel needs, make sure that you get the best travel bags with pockets and zippers so that you can conveniently put all your belongings in separate compartments of your travel bag.
The article is written by Bomme. You can visit the following website for more useful information about bag and travel luggage at http://www.luggagefortravel.com/
Having a nice and spacious travel bag means comfort to carry all the items of necessity safely whether traveling locally or even abroad for personal or business tours. An ideal travel bag should be one that must have the adequate capacity along with the other necessary features like strong handles so as to make it comfortable for the travelers to carry them easily. According to the needs of the customers, travel bags should be made easy to carry and the best type of travel bag that is extensively used these days are the bags on wheels as they can be easily pulled and carried.
Types of bags There are various types of travel bags available in the market nowadays so as to reduce the burden of the customers in carrying their heavy loads while traveling. The different types of bags available include:
- Luggage bags: These travel bags offer style and spaciousness to the travelers. Different cases are there in these luggage bags so that the user can conveniently put their items of use in separate sections and pockets. Travelers prefer to buy lightweight bags so as not to face any problem while carrying them. Key locks and adjustable straps and handles are the main features of these luggage bags that ensure security of your valuables and come in a variety of colors and designs. Leather fabric bags are among the popular ones being durable in quality.
- Backpacks: These bags are not only convenient to carry but are also famous for their feature of cleaning convenience. They have padded and adjustable straps which make them all the more attractive and easy to use. The most common types of these bags are the internal frame bags and the external frame ones. These backpacks are available in a wide range of designs and fabrics such as leather, canvas, polyester, cotton, vinyl, jute and plastic.
- Pet carriers: In order to carry your pets along with you while traveling, you must have a comfortable and spacious pet bag so that you can carry your pet conveniently. These bags are specially made from materials that are ideally suited for pets. The most durable and soft fabrics used to make these pet travel bags are nylon, leather, velvet, faux fur and satin.
- Camera bags: designed with professional and unique looks, these types of travel bags are the best way to take your expensive items like cameras from one place to the other. They are made of strong material so as to eliminate the risk of providing harm to your camera. Thick and water-resistant fabric is used such as high quality leather, nylon, denim and canvas.
- Garment bags: These bags have been specially designed so that the garments of the travelers can be kept intact without facing the problem of wrinkles. They are made of fabrics like cotton, jute, plastic, canvas, polyester, leather and vinyl.
So, according to your travel needs, make sure that you get the best travel bags with pockets and zippers so that you can conveniently put all your belongings in separate compartments of your travel bag.
The article is written by Bomme. You can visit the following website for more useful information about bag and travel luggage at http://www.luggagefortravel.com/
Planning your Las Vegas vacations carefully will help you to ease your expenses
Planning your Las Vegas vacations carefully will help you to ease your expenses
The best way to travel and take a dream Las Vegas vacation is by organizing your trip and taking advantage of all the available coupons and discounts. For example, depending on the season, many hotels located inside the famous Las Vegas Strip offer some sort of vacationing packs that include free nights, dinners, discounts for drinks and food at the best restaurants in Sin City, massage sessions, etc. There's also very easy to find information about discount coupons for other business in Las Vegas including clubs, shops, restaurants, bars, theaters and adult entertainment establishments.
Now, the simplest way to get some information on the discounts and the coupons is by looking into the Las Vegas informative websites. Most of these sites offer lost of helpful information about tours, hotel rates, vacationing packs, shows and events in general, in addition, you can also book and reserve your hotel rooms, get your plane tickets, rent a car or buy a tour on these sites. The best time for planning your vacations in during what is consider "low season", stay away from big holidays such as Christmas, New Years Eve or from important sports weekends such as Super Bowl weekend or the March madness week. Most hotels tend to raise their prices during holidays and important days in where most visitors plan a trip to Las Vegas, also, most discounts and coupons are not applicable during High season, so be aware of that detail and try to consult the informative websites before you start making plans.
Once you have found a suitable date for you and your pocket, you can start planning your activities. There are plenty of things to see and to do in Las Vegas, the monumental Gambling Capital of the World offers hundreds of options to its visitors, including the world famous shows, lots of concerts, poker events, comedy shows, and dozens of tours and some of the most amazing golf clubs in the United States. There are plenty of companies that will help you to reserve a trip to the best Las Vegas golf courses, like the Dessert Pines, The Falls Golf Club, Painted Desert, Siena Golf Club and Many others.
Using the Las Vegas discount coupons is a great way to expand your options during your vacations, these coupons will allow you to get great discounts in restaurants and shops that otherwise would be inaccessible for you or that will hurt your budget considerably. There are also lots of discounts on tours and car rentals, so don't waste your precious time looking for hours, the best Las Vegas discounts are only a few clicks away from you.
Booking a room in Las Vegas is also tough, since the city is basically made out of hotels. You have Caesars Palace, the Luxor Las Vegas, the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino, Excalibur Hotel and Casino, The Paris Las Vegas, Mote Carlo Las Vegas, the Orleans and many others. But there are also several great Las Vegas Hotels that offer great deals for a family or a solo trip. To check out the rates, you simply have to take a quick look on the internet and search the hotels using keywords like "best prices", "vocational packs", "discount rates", "coupons, "room discount", etc
Passive Harry writes about Las Vegas traveling and vacationing tips. You can read his articles on Las Vegas Hotels and Las Vegas Events to find out more about practical ways to save money during your Las Vegas vacations.
The best way to travel and take a dream Las Vegas vacation is by organizing your trip and taking advantage of all the available coupons and discounts. For example, depending on the season, many hotels located inside the famous Las Vegas Strip offer some sort of vacationing packs that include free nights, dinners, discounts for drinks and food at the best restaurants in Sin City, massage sessions, etc. There's also very easy to find information about discount coupons for other business in Las Vegas including clubs, shops, restaurants, bars, theaters and adult entertainment establishments.
Now, the simplest way to get some information on the discounts and the coupons is by looking into the Las Vegas informative websites. Most of these sites offer lost of helpful information about tours, hotel rates, vacationing packs, shows and events in general, in addition, you can also book and reserve your hotel rooms, get your plane tickets, rent a car or buy a tour on these sites. The best time for planning your vacations in during what is consider "low season", stay away from big holidays such as Christmas, New Years Eve or from important sports weekends such as Super Bowl weekend or the March madness week. Most hotels tend to raise their prices during holidays and important days in where most visitors plan a trip to Las Vegas, also, most discounts and coupons are not applicable during High season, so be aware of that detail and try to consult the informative websites before you start making plans.
Once you have found a suitable date for you and your pocket, you can start planning your activities. There are plenty of things to see and to do in Las Vegas, the monumental Gambling Capital of the World offers hundreds of options to its visitors, including the world famous shows, lots of concerts, poker events, comedy shows, and dozens of tours and some of the most amazing golf clubs in the United States. There are plenty of companies that will help you to reserve a trip to the best Las Vegas golf courses, like the Dessert Pines, The Falls Golf Club, Painted Desert, Siena Golf Club and Many others.
Using the Las Vegas discount coupons is a great way to expand your options during your vacations, these coupons will allow you to get great discounts in restaurants and shops that otherwise would be inaccessible for you or that will hurt your budget considerably. There are also lots of discounts on tours and car rentals, so don't waste your precious time looking for hours, the best Las Vegas discounts are only a few clicks away from you.
Booking a room in Las Vegas is also tough, since the city is basically made out of hotels. You have Caesars Palace, the Luxor Las Vegas, the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino, Excalibur Hotel and Casino, The Paris Las Vegas, Mote Carlo Las Vegas, the Orleans and many others. But there are also several great Las Vegas Hotels that offer great deals for a family or a solo trip. To check out the rates, you simply have to take a quick look on the internet and search the hotels using keywords like "best prices", "vocational packs", "discount rates", "coupons, "room discount", etc
Passive Harry writes about Las Vegas traveling and vacationing tips. You can read his articles on Las Vegas Hotels and Las Vegas Events to find out more about practical ways to save money during your Las Vegas vacations.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Crystal Cave is Sequoia National Park surprise
Crystal Cave is Sequoia National Park surprise
What's great about travel is that there are always surprises, and sometimes an experience that was unexpected will turn out to be the highlight of your trip. In our case, we went to Sequoia National Park to see the trees but we came back talking about the caves.
Oh the giant Sequoia trees are impressive, all right. Who would not marvel at trees that weigh 2.7 million pounds, that are more than 2,000 years old and have branches seven feet in diameter?
More about those later, but along the way to see the trees we stopped in at the Foothills Visitor Center just after we entered Sequoia National Park. There was a line at the counter so we figured something was worth waiting for, so we nudged a little closer to see just what all the fuss was about. The visitors in line were signing up for the Crystal Cave, a guided tour that cost $10 for each adult, less for kids, and that was still another several miles' drive into the park. OK, we told the ticket-seller, we're game.
Next came a long, windy drive -- first up into the park, and then down several miles into a canyon to a parking area. From there, we still had a half-mile walk down a steep trail until it seemed we were almost down to the rushing river below. And then there it was: the entrance to Crystal Cave, mother of all Sequoia caves, or at least the one the public is most invited to explore.
Now this is not just any cave. The entrance is maybe just a little smaller than a railroad tunnel and no one is allowed in without a park escort. The guide will take groups of 70 persons or fewer into the cave and through the maze of many adjacent caves and chambers until, quite honestly, we probably never could have found our own way out. I guess this is why, when a little boy had to go to the bathroom, he was escorted back to the entrance by a second tour guide.
Aside from the spookiness that naturally comes from burrowing so far into the earth and its dark inner chambers, the real pay-off on this tour is the natural beauty. All along the way, from "room" to room, we saw gorgeous stalactites and "curtains," as well as ornate marble and all kinds of crystal formations that made this look like some sort of Hollywood movie set. Fortunately, there are paved, lighted pathways that we followed - our guide never far away - and the rooms had just enough illumination to showcase the formations and their brilliance.
On this hot summer day, the 48-degree temperature of the caves was refreshing. Our 45-minute tour was fascinating every step of the way, and climaxed when our tour guide turned off the lights to show us what total darkness was all about: nothing but black and not a thing visible, even an inch in front of your face. Our guide told us there have been times when the power generator has failed so, at this point, we were just about ready to return to the entrance. While many of the rooms are huge, this tour definitely is not for the claustrophobic.
After the tour it was a fairly steep hike back up to parking lot (something to keep in mind if you're bringing along Great Grandpa or anyone physically not able to climb the grade). But what an experience - well worth the price of admission and clearly the highlight of our visit to the park.
Sequoia is the second oldest park in the national park system - only Yellowstone predates it. Most people come to see the Sequoia trees, which appear in several groves scattered throughout the park. The trees grow to a height in excess of 300 feet, second in height only to the Redwood trees of Northern California, but considerably larger in girth.
With a little research you learn that the Sequoia tree gets so large because it grows throughout its life and it's virtually impervious to disease. They only topple because of natural disasters, which explains how it's possible to have a tree like the General Sherman tree - a park highlight and said to be the oldest living thing in the world. The General Sherman tree is 36 feet in diameter at its base and you could put a 15-story building under its first branch.
The Sequoias are only at certain elevations in the park - generally between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. There are 75 groves in the park with most of the pictures taken in the "Giant Forest" at about 6,500 feet. Four of the world's five oldest trees are found in this grove and park bean counters - or should we say tree counters - say there are 10,657 trees in this five-square-mile grove.
We noticed on our swing through the park that there are numerous walks and hikes through the trees - a really spectacular opportunity to get up close and personal with these giant treasures. In addition to the Sequoias, there are Ponderosa pine, sugar pine, red fir and foxtail pine, all growing to greater than normal size because of the area's climate. If you like the Great Outdoors, there is no better place to marvel at Nature's beauty.
There are also numerous places to stop and enjoy the views from the park. The roads through Sequoia take you high into the Sierra Nevada range and, on a clear day, the views of nearby mountains, or even down into the San Joaquin Valley, are spectacular. The view from Moro Rock is said to be one of the best.
If you want to make a weekend of it, there are several places in the park, and at the edge of the park where you can spend the evening. There are eight lodging facilities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks, as well as several more in the nearby areas of Three Rivers and Lemon Cove.
Several campgrounds in the park offer spaces for RV camping, although some are more primitive and allow only tents. If you're bringing an RV, travel on the park roadways can be a little harrowing at times because roads are steep and narrow in some spots. Leaving Sequoia Park, there is a long downgrade and you'll want to be sure to downshift rather than ride your brakes - the locals told us that vehicles of all sizes come down out of the park with brakes smoking due to overuse.
But whether it's trees or caves you're after, the long, windy road to Sequoia National Park is worth it. After all, some of these trees have been waiting for you since before the time of Christ.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Sequoia National Park is located in the central Sierra Nevada mountain range. You can reach the park from the south by taking Highway 198 east from Visalia. Highway 198 turns into the Generals Highway, the primary road through the park. The north entrance can be reached from Fresno by taking Highway 180 east.
WHAT: Sequoia National Park is famous for some of the largest trees in the world and some of the highest mountains in the U.S. The park also contains more than 100 marble solution caves, including the Crystal Cave, which is shown to visitors in tour groups of 70 people or fewer.
WHEN: Summer is the best time to avoid hazardous driving, as there can be snow in the park up until June. The Crystal Cave tours are offered from May 8 through November 14, weather permitting. No buses, trailers or vehicles over 22 feet long are permitted on the Crystal Cave road, and you'll need to allow 90 minutes from the time you purchase your tickets to get to the cave site.
WHY: Sequoia National Park is one of California's natural treasures.
HOW: For more information on Sequoia National Park, phone (559) 565-3341. For several lodging options, call 866-875-8456. One lodging choice that has been recommended to us is the Plantation Bed and Breakfast Inn in Lemon Cove. This inn has a Gone with the Wind theme, with various rooms named after characters in the film and decorations to match. It's located a short drive from the park's southern entrance. Phone 800-240-1466.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of http://www.californiaweekend.com, focusing on California travel, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which covers Northwest travel.
What's great about travel is that there are always surprises, and sometimes an experience that was unexpected will turn out to be the highlight of your trip. In our case, we went to Sequoia National Park to see the trees but we came back talking about the caves.
Oh the giant Sequoia trees are impressive, all right. Who would not marvel at trees that weigh 2.7 million pounds, that are more than 2,000 years old and have branches seven feet in diameter?
More about those later, but along the way to see the trees we stopped in at the Foothills Visitor Center just after we entered Sequoia National Park. There was a line at the counter so we figured something was worth waiting for, so we nudged a little closer to see just what all the fuss was about. The visitors in line were signing up for the Crystal Cave, a guided tour that cost $10 for each adult, less for kids, and that was still another several miles' drive into the park. OK, we told the ticket-seller, we're game.
Next came a long, windy drive -- first up into the park, and then down several miles into a canyon to a parking area. From there, we still had a half-mile walk down a steep trail until it seemed we were almost down to the rushing river below. And then there it was: the entrance to Crystal Cave, mother of all Sequoia caves, or at least the one the public is most invited to explore.
Now this is not just any cave. The entrance is maybe just a little smaller than a railroad tunnel and no one is allowed in without a park escort. The guide will take groups of 70 persons or fewer into the cave and through the maze of many adjacent caves and chambers until, quite honestly, we probably never could have found our own way out. I guess this is why, when a little boy had to go to the bathroom, he was escorted back to the entrance by a second tour guide.
Aside from the spookiness that naturally comes from burrowing so far into the earth and its dark inner chambers, the real pay-off on this tour is the natural beauty. All along the way, from "room" to room, we saw gorgeous stalactites and "curtains," as well as ornate marble and all kinds of crystal formations that made this look like some sort of Hollywood movie set. Fortunately, there are paved, lighted pathways that we followed - our guide never far away - and the rooms had just enough illumination to showcase the formations and their brilliance.
On this hot summer day, the 48-degree temperature of the caves was refreshing. Our 45-minute tour was fascinating every step of the way, and climaxed when our tour guide turned off the lights to show us what total darkness was all about: nothing but black and not a thing visible, even an inch in front of your face. Our guide told us there have been times when the power generator has failed so, at this point, we were just about ready to return to the entrance. While many of the rooms are huge, this tour definitely is not for the claustrophobic.
After the tour it was a fairly steep hike back up to parking lot (something to keep in mind if you're bringing along Great Grandpa or anyone physically not able to climb the grade). But what an experience - well worth the price of admission and clearly the highlight of our visit to the park.
Sequoia is the second oldest park in the national park system - only Yellowstone predates it. Most people come to see the Sequoia trees, which appear in several groves scattered throughout the park. The trees grow to a height in excess of 300 feet, second in height only to the Redwood trees of Northern California, but considerably larger in girth.
With a little research you learn that the Sequoia tree gets so large because it grows throughout its life and it's virtually impervious to disease. They only topple because of natural disasters, which explains how it's possible to have a tree like the General Sherman tree - a park highlight and said to be the oldest living thing in the world. The General Sherman tree is 36 feet in diameter at its base and you could put a 15-story building under its first branch.
The Sequoias are only at certain elevations in the park - generally between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. There are 75 groves in the park with most of the pictures taken in the "Giant Forest" at about 6,500 feet. Four of the world's five oldest trees are found in this grove and park bean counters - or should we say tree counters - say there are 10,657 trees in this five-square-mile grove.
We noticed on our swing through the park that there are numerous walks and hikes through the trees - a really spectacular opportunity to get up close and personal with these giant treasures. In addition to the Sequoias, there are Ponderosa pine, sugar pine, red fir and foxtail pine, all growing to greater than normal size because of the area's climate. If you like the Great Outdoors, there is no better place to marvel at Nature's beauty.
There are also numerous places to stop and enjoy the views from the park. The roads through Sequoia take you high into the Sierra Nevada range and, on a clear day, the views of nearby mountains, or even down into the San Joaquin Valley, are spectacular. The view from Moro Rock is said to be one of the best.
If you want to make a weekend of it, there are several places in the park, and at the edge of the park where you can spend the evening. There are eight lodging facilities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks, as well as several more in the nearby areas of Three Rivers and Lemon Cove.
Several campgrounds in the park offer spaces for RV camping, although some are more primitive and allow only tents. If you're bringing an RV, travel on the park roadways can be a little harrowing at times because roads are steep and narrow in some spots. Leaving Sequoia Park, there is a long downgrade and you'll want to be sure to downshift rather than ride your brakes - the locals told us that vehicles of all sizes come down out of the park with brakes smoking due to overuse.
But whether it's trees or caves you're after, the long, windy road to Sequoia National Park is worth it. After all, some of these trees have been waiting for you since before the time of Christ.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Sequoia National Park is located in the central Sierra Nevada mountain range. You can reach the park from the south by taking Highway 198 east from Visalia. Highway 198 turns into the Generals Highway, the primary road through the park. The north entrance can be reached from Fresno by taking Highway 180 east.
WHAT: Sequoia National Park is famous for some of the largest trees in the world and some of the highest mountains in the U.S. The park also contains more than 100 marble solution caves, including the Crystal Cave, which is shown to visitors in tour groups of 70 people or fewer.
WHEN: Summer is the best time to avoid hazardous driving, as there can be snow in the park up until June. The Crystal Cave tours are offered from May 8 through November 14, weather permitting. No buses, trailers or vehicles over 22 feet long are permitted on the Crystal Cave road, and you'll need to allow 90 minutes from the time you purchase your tickets to get to the cave site.
WHY: Sequoia National Park is one of California's natural treasures.
HOW: For more information on Sequoia National Park, phone (559) 565-3341. For several lodging options, call 866-875-8456. One lodging choice that has been recommended to us is the Plantation Bed and Breakfast Inn in Lemon Cove. This inn has a Gone with the Wind theme, with various rooms named after characters in the film and decorations to match. It's located a short drive from the park's southern entrance. Phone 800-240-1466.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of http://www.californiaweekend.com, focusing on California travel, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which covers Northwest travel.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Germany Travel Tour
Germany Travel Tour
By John F Douglas
If you are planning a vacation to Europe, one of the countries that are a "must see" is Germany. It is a beautiful country filled with exciting things to do all year round. There is something for everyone in Germany.
The first thing that you will notice, when entering any city in Germany, is the amazing architecture. You will be taken aback at just how many architectural structures there are present. Roman baths and medieval monasteries along with baroque palaces and gothic cathedrals are just some of the ancient structures which fill the cities of Germany. Germany may be the only country in the world which offers this abundance of building styles. It is certainly the ideal vacation for the architectural enthusiast.
Many literary authors were born in Germany. Authors like Goethe and Schiller, as well as the Grimm brothers were born in Germany and their works have been captivating people for centuries. There are many different attractions in Germany; however, none are finer than the museums of this incredible country. There is a museum for just about every category from history to hygiene.
If you are a classical music lover, Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Brahms are just a few of the famous composers born to Germany. Their music can be heard in any one of a hundred different music theatres and opera houses throughout the country. If you are a modern music fan, there are several hundred live music clubs throughout the country for you to choose from.
It must also be remembered that Germany is known for its vast beer production, with more than one thousand two hundred breweries that produce five thousand different types of beer. Of course, when visiting Germany, it would be rude not to try as many as possible! The beer can be found on tap in every single establishment throughout the country. However, if you require a softer beverage to beer, then you can try the mineral water, which flows from over five hundred and fifty natural springs throughout the country.
For the children, the amusement parks of Germany are some of the best to be found. The Belantis theme park in Leipzig offers many different attractions to children of all ages. This amazing amusement park offers everything from fantastic waterslides to fantasy journeys with mythical characters.
However, Rust offers the biggest amusement park in Germany. There are over one hundred different rides for tourists to choose from in the Europa Park. There is literally something for everyone in this theme park, and if you did want to extend your stay, then there are several different themed hotels to choose from at very reasonable rates.
Germany offers a great shopping experience. The most fantastic time to shop in Germany is at Christmas. There are over two thousand five hundred different shops every year which are decorated with festive backdrops, including tinsel and Christmas lights, which offers a truly unique Christmas shopping experience for any visitor.
For more information on excursions, short breaks, and vacations to Germany and other europe vacation destinations, just visit www.myeuropeanvacations.com today.
Article Source: A1-ArticleDirectory.com
By John F Douglas
If you are planning a vacation to Europe, one of the countries that are a "must see" is Germany. It is a beautiful country filled with exciting things to do all year round. There is something for everyone in Germany.
The first thing that you will notice, when entering any city in Germany, is the amazing architecture. You will be taken aback at just how many architectural structures there are present. Roman baths and medieval monasteries along with baroque palaces and gothic cathedrals are just some of the ancient structures which fill the cities of Germany. Germany may be the only country in the world which offers this abundance of building styles. It is certainly the ideal vacation for the architectural enthusiast.
Many literary authors were born in Germany. Authors like Goethe and Schiller, as well as the Grimm brothers were born in Germany and their works have been captivating people for centuries. There are many different attractions in Germany; however, none are finer than the museums of this incredible country. There is a museum for just about every category from history to hygiene.
If you are a classical music lover, Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Brahms are just a few of the famous composers born to Germany. Their music can be heard in any one of a hundred different music theatres and opera houses throughout the country. If you are a modern music fan, there are several hundred live music clubs throughout the country for you to choose from.
It must also be remembered that Germany is known for its vast beer production, with more than one thousand two hundred breweries that produce five thousand different types of beer. Of course, when visiting Germany, it would be rude not to try as many as possible! The beer can be found on tap in every single establishment throughout the country. However, if you require a softer beverage to beer, then you can try the mineral water, which flows from over five hundred and fifty natural springs throughout the country.
For the children, the amusement parks of Germany are some of the best to be found. The Belantis theme park in Leipzig offers many different attractions to children of all ages. This amazing amusement park offers everything from fantastic waterslides to fantasy journeys with mythical characters.
However, Rust offers the biggest amusement park in Germany. There are over one hundred different rides for tourists to choose from in the Europa Park. There is literally something for everyone in this theme park, and if you did want to extend your stay, then there are several different themed hotels to choose from at very reasonable rates.
Germany offers a great shopping experience. The most fantastic time to shop in Germany is at Christmas. There are over two thousand five hundred different shops every year which are decorated with festive backdrops, including tinsel and Christmas lights, which offers a truly unique Christmas shopping experience for any visitor.
For more information on excursions, short breaks, and vacations to Germany and other europe vacation destinations, just visit www.myeuropeanvacations.com today.
Article Source: A1-ArticleDirectory.com
Russian River canoe trip ideal for families
Russian River canoe trip ideal for families
The lazy days of summer are straight-ahead and that means it's prime season for one of Sonoma County's favorite family adventures - a Huck Finn type of getaway that is neither expensive nor difficult to get to. For decades people of all ages have made their annual pilgrimage to the Russian River to get a river-level view of some of the best scenery and wildlife California has to offer.
The Russian River flows through such famous Wine Country destinations as Geyserville and Healdsburg before it makes its way out to the sea through gentle hills covered with thick redwood forests and teaming with rare birds and other wildlife. About a 10-mile stretch of the river from Forestville to Guerneville is ideal for calm-water canoeing or kayaking and a local company called Burke's Canoe Trips helps make it even easier by providing canoes, kayaks and a shuttle service that will return you to your car near Forestville.
The Russian River, in this case, is not exactly the "rushin'" river. If you're looking for a lot of fast water and river rapids, there are other California rivers that will fill that bill, but not this one. In fact, the water here is so tame that it's really not all that good for inner-tubing because in some parts you can't keep enough forward motion without a lot of paddling. For that reason, canoes and kayaks -- which seem to glide over the water with little effort -- are ideal.
It's not that you won't get a few thrills. As the people from Burkes' Canoes told us, there is just enough fast water to make things interesting. There are a few points in the river where channels of current can carry you into tree branches along the shore, or get your canoe turned around in a whirlpool if you don't guide your canoe to the right area. But the good news is that, even if you flip, the water's relatively warm, not very deep and you'll be carried forward to a calm area in literally just seconds.
We opted for a canoe on our trip down the river and were advised to keep all of our cameras or anything that could be water-damaged in a safe water-tight plastic bag. We also had been told to wear our swim suits, and were required to wear lightweight life-preservers. Looking at the calm water near the launch area, it almost seemed silly to worry about flipping over and we were wondering why there was so much emphasis on preparing to get wet.
Once our canoe was packed with a few minimum provisions such as sunscreen and a cooler full of drinks and sandwiches, we set out tentatively from the launch point. Canoes are inherently unstable - at least if you haven't been around them for awhile - and it took us a few minutes to get comfortable with our balance and to get some confidence we could maneuver properly. But alas, our Boy Scout training soon kicked in just fine even though it had been decades - and probably a 20 percent weight gain -- since we had last put paddle to water.
Within about two minutes we faced our first challenge - avoiding a fairly fast river current pushing everything toward the wooded right shore. We aimed our canoe to the left bank, paddled quickly and managed to coordinate our front and rear paddles just enough to avoid the hazard. It wasn't a perfect approach, but it was a confidence builder. We looked forward to honing our paddling skills as we faced new challenges further down the river.
Soon we were into a calm stretch of water, barely moving but only requiring a gentle paddle to keep making good forward progress. This was when we really started to take in the natural beauty of the river - the thick forests of giant trees and the continuous ballet performed by the birds of the Russian River such as the Great Blue Heron and osprey. Along the way we would see turtles and deer as well. We also enjoyed paddling by the charming vacation cabins that are perched above the river in many strategic locations along this stretch of the Russian. Spectacular bridges span the river at various points although most of this float was away from the highway, making it feel even more remote than it actually is.
We spent the next four hours or so alternating between negotiating some of the stronger currents - or what you might call very small rapids -- and quietly paddling on a beautiful blue-sky spring day. We stopped only for a few minutes to have a sandwich on a spectacular sandy beach - although we're told most people linger at these beaches to swim, sunbathe and just hang out with their fellow travelers for hours on end.
After mastering maybe a dozen fast-current bottlenecks and with less than a few hundred yards to go to our finish, we were feeling supremely confident that we had regained the canoeing prowess of our youth. And then the unthinkable happened: we flipped. We had run aground in some shallow water and momentarily forgot that you don't dislodge a canoe by shifting your weight. We were wet, but not really cold - and we did immediately retrieve everything except a wayward paddle that we followed downstream a hundred yards to pick up.
Our pride was wounded. But we did feel better later when the Burke's Canoe people told us that fully one half of their customers flip at some point along this seemingly calm and idyllic stretch of river.
Nearby accommodations
Back in our car, we now drove the 10 miles back down to Guerneville where we would spend the night. With parks and trails and redwood scenery all just minutes from downtown, Guerneville is a popular destination for outdoors enthusiasts as well as those who love the charm of colorful small towns. Guerneville has a quiet Main Street - much busier on weekends - that offers a number of crafts shops and hometown restaurants. We enjoyed taking a couple of drives outside of town to places like Armstrong Woods with its trails through deep redwood forests. Many visitors drive just a few miles down to Jenner where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean.
We spent the night at the West Sonoma Inn and Spa, a stylish group of buildings at the edge of Guerneville where the resort takes advantage of the natural redwood scenery and nearby vineyard views. The innkeepers here have gone the extra mile in providing a lot of extras for guests that often are not found in small-town lodging facilities - plush beds, fireplaces, granite counter tops, wet bars, private decks and mini-kitchens. Our unit was unusually spacious and, because of a more spread-out configuration, each unit seemed quite private and very quiet. Grounds were richly landscaped and maintained.
A light European breakfast is offered at the West Sonoma Coast Inn that includes gourmet organic coffee, juice, fresh fruit and pastries. Prices at the inn start at less than $100 which, today, is a bargain in a highly desirable tourist area. That's especially true when you realize that the inn is considered by many to among the best and most luxurious lodging options in Guerneville.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: The Russian River is in Sonoma County and the put-in point for Burke's Canoe Trips is about 70 miles northwest of San Francisco.
WHAT: Burke's Canoe Trips have been popular with couples and groups of all sizes for decades and are self-guided trips down a 10-mile stretch of the Russian River. The company furnishes the canoe and safety gear and then picks you up in their shuttle bus at the end of your trip, near Guerneville.
WHEN: The trips start each year at the end of May and continue throughout the summer. Weather is generally sunny and in the 80's.
WHY: Russian River canoe trips are a great way to see river scenery in a spectacular part of California where you'll enjoy both redwood forests and abundant wildlife. It's also a social experience since many people do the trip in groups.
HOW: For more information on Russian River canoe trips, phone 707-887-1222 or visit www.burkescanoetrips.com. Burke's Canoes charges $58 per canoe for use of the canoe, safety gear and pick up on the company shuttle. For more information on the West Sonoma Coast Inn, phone 1-800-551-1881 or visit www.westsonomainn.com.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, covering California travel and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, featuring Northwest travel.
The lazy days of summer are straight-ahead and that means it's prime season for one of Sonoma County's favorite family adventures - a Huck Finn type of getaway that is neither expensive nor difficult to get to. For decades people of all ages have made their annual pilgrimage to the Russian River to get a river-level view of some of the best scenery and wildlife California has to offer.
The Russian River flows through such famous Wine Country destinations as Geyserville and Healdsburg before it makes its way out to the sea through gentle hills covered with thick redwood forests and teaming with rare birds and other wildlife. About a 10-mile stretch of the river from Forestville to Guerneville is ideal for calm-water canoeing or kayaking and a local company called Burke's Canoe Trips helps make it even easier by providing canoes, kayaks and a shuttle service that will return you to your car near Forestville.
The Russian River, in this case, is not exactly the "rushin'" river. If you're looking for a lot of fast water and river rapids, there are other California rivers that will fill that bill, but not this one. In fact, the water here is so tame that it's really not all that good for inner-tubing because in some parts you can't keep enough forward motion without a lot of paddling. For that reason, canoes and kayaks -- which seem to glide over the water with little effort -- are ideal.
It's not that you won't get a few thrills. As the people from Burkes' Canoes told us, there is just enough fast water to make things interesting. There are a few points in the river where channels of current can carry you into tree branches along the shore, or get your canoe turned around in a whirlpool if you don't guide your canoe to the right area. But the good news is that, even if you flip, the water's relatively warm, not very deep and you'll be carried forward to a calm area in literally just seconds.
We opted for a canoe on our trip down the river and were advised to keep all of our cameras or anything that could be water-damaged in a safe water-tight plastic bag. We also had been told to wear our swim suits, and were required to wear lightweight life-preservers. Looking at the calm water near the launch area, it almost seemed silly to worry about flipping over and we were wondering why there was so much emphasis on preparing to get wet.
Once our canoe was packed with a few minimum provisions such as sunscreen and a cooler full of drinks and sandwiches, we set out tentatively from the launch point. Canoes are inherently unstable - at least if you haven't been around them for awhile - and it took us a few minutes to get comfortable with our balance and to get some confidence we could maneuver properly. But alas, our Boy Scout training soon kicked in just fine even though it had been decades - and probably a 20 percent weight gain -- since we had last put paddle to water.
Within about two minutes we faced our first challenge - avoiding a fairly fast river current pushing everything toward the wooded right shore. We aimed our canoe to the left bank, paddled quickly and managed to coordinate our front and rear paddles just enough to avoid the hazard. It wasn't a perfect approach, but it was a confidence builder. We looked forward to honing our paddling skills as we faced new challenges further down the river.
Soon we were into a calm stretch of water, barely moving but only requiring a gentle paddle to keep making good forward progress. This was when we really started to take in the natural beauty of the river - the thick forests of giant trees and the continuous ballet performed by the birds of the Russian River such as the Great Blue Heron and osprey. Along the way we would see turtles and deer as well. We also enjoyed paddling by the charming vacation cabins that are perched above the river in many strategic locations along this stretch of the Russian. Spectacular bridges span the river at various points although most of this float was away from the highway, making it feel even more remote than it actually is.
We spent the next four hours or so alternating between negotiating some of the stronger currents - or what you might call very small rapids -- and quietly paddling on a beautiful blue-sky spring day. We stopped only for a few minutes to have a sandwich on a spectacular sandy beach - although we're told most people linger at these beaches to swim, sunbathe and just hang out with their fellow travelers for hours on end.
After mastering maybe a dozen fast-current bottlenecks and with less than a few hundred yards to go to our finish, we were feeling supremely confident that we had regained the canoeing prowess of our youth. And then the unthinkable happened: we flipped. We had run aground in some shallow water and momentarily forgot that you don't dislodge a canoe by shifting your weight. We were wet, but not really cold - and we did immediately retrieve everything except a wayward paddle that we followed downstream a hundred yards to pick up.
Our pride was wounded. But we did feel better later when the Burke's Canoe people told us that fully one half of their customers flip at some point along this seemingly calm and idyllic stretch of river.
Nearby accommodations
Back in our car, we now drove the 10 miles back down to Guerneville where we would spend the night. With parks and trails and redwood scenery all just minutes from downtown, Guerneville is a popular destination for outdoors enthusiasts as well as those who love the charm of colorful small towns. Guerneville has a quiet Main Street - much busier on weekends - that offers a number of crafts shops and hometown restaurants. We enjoyed taking a couple of drives outside of town to places like Armstrong Woods with its trails through deep redwood forests. Many visitors drive just a few miles down to Jenner where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean.
We spent the night at the West Sonoma Inn and Spa, a stylish group of buildings at the edge of Guerneville where the resort takes advantage of the natural redwood scenery and nearby vineyard views. The innkeepers here have gone the extra mile in providing a lot of extras for guests that often are not found in small-town lodging facilities - plush beds, fireplaces, granite counter tops, wet bars, private decks and mini-kitchens. Our unit was unusually spacious and, because of a more spread-out configuration, each unit seemed quite private and very quiet. Grounds were richly landscaped and maintained.
A light European breakfast is offered at the West Sonoma Coast Inn that includes gourmet organic coffee, juice, fresh fruit and pastries. Prices at the inn start at less than $100 which, today, is a bargain in a highly desirable tourist area. That's especially true when you realize that the inn is considered by many to among the best and most luxurious lodging options in Guerneville.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: The Russian River is in Sonoma County and the put-in point for Burke's Canoe Trips is about 70 miles northwest of San Francisco.
WHAT: Burke's Canoe Trips have been popular with couples and groups of all sizes for decades and are self-guided trips down a 10-mile stretch of the Russian River. The company furnishes the canoe and safety gear and then picks you up in their shuttle bus at the end of your trip, near Guerneville.
WHEN: The trips start each year at the end of May and continue throughout the summer. Weather is generally sunny and in the 80's.
WHY: Russian River canoe trips are a great way to see river scenery in a spectacular part of California where you'll enjoy both redwood forests and abundant wildlife. It's also a social experience since many people do the trip in groups.
HOW: For more information on Russian River canoe trips, phone 707-887-1222 or visit www.burkescanoetrips.com. Burke's Canoes charges $58 per canoe for use of the canoe, safety gear and pick up on the company shuttle. For more information on the West Sonoma Coast Inn, phone 1-800-551-1881 or visit www.westsonomainn.com.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, covering California travel and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, featuring Northwest travel.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Travel England - The New Forest National Park
Travel England - The New Forest National Park
If you every come to the South Of England on a vacation then you simply must not miss a trip to the New Forest National Park , The Newest national park in the UK and One of the Worlds Heritage national park sites.
The Idea for national parks first started in the United States and one of the first national park was Yosemite of course.
Since that time many other countries have adopted this way of protecting and preserving the unspoilt habitats of the world for future generations and for the preservation of endangered species as well.
The New Forest has a few endangered species itself but nothing like the American bald eagle that is now increasing in numbers due thankfully. The New Forests most wildly known species are of course the deer and the lovable little roguish New Forest Pony.
Centuries and centuries ago the New Forest was to all intents and purposes open land but then one of the kings on of the day decided to make it a royal forest only to be used for the royal pursuit of hunting, and local folk who had lived off the land for centuries found themselves unable to hunt the land for food to feed their family, penalties for contravening the law were severe and in later time fatal.
Fortunately over time sanity prevailed and today you will find many animals wandering the forest grazing as the local "commoners" exercise their right to graze their live stock on the common ground.
The New Forest is also home top some of the oldest woodland in England with an oak tree said to be over 400 years old, Not as grand and the giant redwoods although there are a few of those here as well.
A holiday in the New Forest opens up a wide diversity of activities for those on vacation here from simply going on one of the forest walks to mountain biking (only not too many mountains here so very suitable for younger children) and if you are a horse rider then you will be in seventh heaven as there are no riding restriction across the open country side.
If you are having a family holiday the Park has a number of really olde worlde New Forest cottages you can rent and if you have a penchant for the quaint then you will just love the old thatched roofs and if your lucky gardens that literally take you out into the forest from your back door.
If you prefer the outdoor lifestyle then the forest has a number of designated campsites with and without facilities so you can camp the easy way or the hard way , the choice is up to you.
One of the most popular areas of the New Forest has to be the picturesque Village of Beaulieu which is actually part of a massive 7000 acre estate (by UK standards) estate belonging to the Montagu family who's ancesters have owned the land and property since the early 1500 after the dissolution of the monastries by King Henry VIII.
Part of the estate is used for the National Motor Museum which must rank as one of the best museums of automotive history in the world with exhibits that span motoring history not only by age but also by achievement as a number of land speed record breakers are exhibited here.
There is also the Abbey to visit which whilst not to much to see these days still gives you an idea of the grandeur and power of the church in early british history.
The now Beaulieu Palace house itself was originally the gatehouse to the abbey here although it has been subsequently extended.
A holiday in this part of England isn't only restricted to the forest though as just a short drive away you have some of the best beaches in England all with blue flag designations for their cleanliness. They are even building the northern hemisphere's first artificial ref here as well for the local surfing community so if you like to surf you can try it out UK style.
Poole in the County of Dorset is not only famous for having one of the worlds largest harbours, but also for the number of famous people who live here, and one particular area has the most expensive house prices in the whole of England, still. That's what you must pay to rub shoulders with the Rich and Famous I guess.
All in all the South Coast of England makes for a fantastic UK family vacation
The New Forest National Park is one of the newest National Parks in the world but its beauty has been admired for centuries. To find out more about The New Forest or New Forest Accommodation visit the newforestguides.com website.
If you every come to the South Of England on a vacation then you simply must not miss a trip to the New Forest National Park , The Newest national park in the UK and One of the Worlds Heritage national park sites.
The Idea for national parks first started in the United States and one of the first national park was Yosemite of course.
Since that time many other countries have adopted this way of protecting and preserving the unspoilt habitats of the world for future generations and for the preservation of endangered species as well.
The New Forest has a few endangered species itself but nothing like the American bald eagle that is now increasing in numbers due thankfully. The New Forests most wildly known species are of course the deer and the lovable little roguish New Forest Pony.
Centuries and centuries ago the New Forest was to all intents and purposes open land but then one of the kings on of the day decided to make it a royal forest only to be used for the royal pursuit of hunting, and local folk who had lived off the land for centuries found themselves unable to hunt the land for food to feed their family, penalties for contravening the law were severe and in later time fatal.
Fortunately over time sanity prevailed and today you will find many animals wandering the forest grazing as the local "commoners" exercise their right to graze their live stock on the common ground.
The New Forest is also home top some of the oldest woodland in England with an oak tree said to be over 400 years old, Not as grand and the giant redwoods although there are a few of those here as well.
A holiday in the New Forest opens up a wide diversity of activities for those on vacation here from simply going on one of the forest walks to mountain biking (only not too many mountains here so very suitable for younger children) and if you are a horse rider then you will be in seventh heaven as there are no riding restriction across the open country side.
If you are having a family holiday the Park has a number of really olde worlde New Forest cottages you can rent and if you have a penchant for the quaint then you will just love the old thatched roofs and if your lucky gardens that literally take you out into the forest from your back door.
If you prefer the outdoor lifestyle then the forest has a number of designated campsites with and without facilities so you can camp the easy way or the hard way , the choice is up to you.
One of the most popular areas of the New Forest has to be the picturesque Village of Beaulieu which is actually part of a massive 7000 acre estate (by UK standards) estate belonging to the Montagu family who's ancesters have owned the land and property since the early 1500 after the dissolution of the monastries by King Henry VIII.
Part of the estate is used for the National Motor Museum which must rank as one of the best museums of automotive history in the world with exhibits that span motoring history not only by age but also by achievement as a number of land speed record breakers are exhibited here.
There is also the Abbey to visit which whilst not to much to see these days still gives you an idea of the grandeur and power of the church in early british history.
The now Beaulieu Palace house itself was originally the gatehouse to the abbey here although it has been subsequently extended.
A holiday in this part of England isn't only restricted to the forest though as just a short drive away you have some of the best beaches in England all with blue flag designations for their cleanliness. They are even building the northern hemisphere's first artificial ref here as well for the local surfing community so if you like to surf you can try it out UK style.
Poole in the County of Dorset is not only famous for having one of the worlds largest harbours, but also for the number of famous people who live here, and one particular area has the most expensive house prices in the whole of England, still. That's what you must pay to rub shoulders with the Rich and Famous I guess.
All in all the South Coast of England makes for a fantastic UK family vacation
The New Forest National Park is one of the newest National Parks in the world but its beauty has been admired for centuries. To find out more about The New Forest or New Forest Accommodation visit the newforestguides.com website.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
A Quick Tour Of Italy - The Emilia Subregion
A Quick Tour Of Italy - The Emilia Subregion
If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It may be the only region of Italy named for a road, one constructed by the Ancient Romans almost 2200 years ago. This article describes the Emilia subregion, a bit of its history, its many tourist attractions, local food, and local wine. A companion article presents Romagna, the eastern "half" of the region.
Our tour of Emilia starts at Piacenza, an Etruscan city proud of its baroque statues, a Thirteenth Century Palace, Palazzo del Comune, and a Cathedral with a very interesting bell tower. Art museums display both Etruscan and Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Italian art.
Opera lovers shouldn't miss the town Busseto with the villa where Guiseppe Verdi lived and worked and the theatre that performed his works. The historic city of Parma is known for Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. Besides its great food there are churches and museums to see and opera to see and hear. Modena and its surroundings is the home to the now deceased opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, Maserati and Ferrari sports cars, and balsamic vinegar. Be sure to see Modena's old city, the Twelfth Century Duomo (Cathedral), and the Palazzo dei Musei (Palace of the Museum) and taste some balsamic vinegar. Stop by Modena's four hundred year old delicatessen, said to be the world's oldest.
Bologna boasts the oldest university in Europe with the first woman to teach officially at a European University. Because of all the students the city does not shut down early. There is an unfinished cathedral and some towers, one of which leans.
Ferrara, a UNESCO world heritage site, was featured in the famous movie The Garden of the Finzi-Continis. There's a castle with a hanging garden, and moat, a drawbridge, and dungeons. Make sure to see the nearby Gothic Duomo (Cathedral). You can visit Ferrara's ghetto and Jewish Museum which was formerly a synagogue. Finish your tour at Europe's oldest wine bar where the famous scientist Copernicus once lived and drank here.
Emilia-Romagna, in particular Emilia is a world famous gourmet destination. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy - The Emilia Region for a sample menu and more information on Emilia-Romagna wines as well as an in-depth examination of Emilia's tourist attractions. Try some Lambrusco DOC red wines, which are often fizzy or frothy. Frankly in Emilia-Romagna the wine isn't as good as the food.
Levi Reiss has authored alone or with a co-author ten computer and Internet books, but to tell the truth, he would really rather just drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He knows what dieting is, and is glad that for the time being he can eat and drink what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website http://www.travelitalytravel.com/ and his global wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com/.
If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It may be the only region of Italy named for a road, one constructed by the Ancient Romans almost 2200 years ago. This article describes the Emilia subregion, a bit of its history, its many tourist attractions, local food, and local wine. A companion article presents Romagna, the eastern "half" of the region.
Our tour of Emilia starts at Piacenza, an Etruscan city proud of its baroque statues, a Thirteenth Century Palace, Palazzo del Comune, and a Cathedral with a very interesting bell tower. Art museums display both Etruscan and Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Italian art.
Opera lovers shouldn't miss the town Busseto with the villa where Guiseppe Verdi lived and worked and the theatre that performed his works. The historic city of Parma is known for Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. Besides its great food there are churches and museums to see and opera to see and hear. Modena and its surroundings is the home to the now deceased opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, Maserati and Ferrari sports cars, and balsamic vinegar. Be sure to see Modena's old city, the Twelfth Century Duomo (Cathedral), and the Palazzo dei Musei (Palace of the Museum) and taste some balsamic vinegar. Stop by Modena's four hundred year old delicatessen, said to be the world's oldest.
Bologna boasts the oldest university in Europe with the first woman to teach officially at a European University. Because of all the students the city does not shut down early. There is an unfinished cathedral and some towers, one of which leans.
Ferrara, a UNESCO world heritage site, was featured in the famous movie The Garden of the Finzi-Continis. There's a castle with a hanging garden, and moat, a drawbridge, and dungeons. Make sure to see the nearby Gothic Duomo (Cathedral). You can visit Ferrara's ghetto and Jewish Museum which was formerly a synagogue. Finish your tour at Europe's oldest wine bar where the famous scientist Copernicus once lived and drank here.
Emilia-Romagna, in particular Emilia is a world famous gourmet destination. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy - The Emilia Region for a sample menu and more information on Emilia-Romagna wines as well as an in-depth examination of Emilia's tourist attractions. Try some Lambrusco DOC red wines, which are often fizzy or frothy. Frankly in Emilia-Romagna the wine isn't as good as the food.
Levi Reiss has authored alone or with a co-author ten computer and Internet books, but to tell the truth, he would really rather just drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He knows what dieting is, and is glad that for the time being he can eat and drink what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website http://www.travelitalytravel.com/ and his global wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com/.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Delta King offers riverboat experience in Sacramento
Delta King offers riverboat experience in Sacramento
Who can resist the charm of an early 20th-century riverboat - a true paddle-wheeler that once offered prohibition-era drinking, jazz bands and gambling for its fun-loving passengers? Fortunately there's no need to travel to the Mississippi - and no, we're not talking Disneyland. The Delta King awaits your exploration dockside in Old Sacramento.
Just like passengers back in the 1920s, today's guests enjoy enchanting river views, great food and drink and a cozy stateroom unlike any other accommodation you may have experienced. But unlike those early passengers, you will have to be content with scenery that remains pretty constant. The Delta King isn't going anyplace anytime soon.
But then it doesn't need to. This historic 285-foot boat is docked along the Old Sacramento riverfront which, today, has been turned into a hip collection of good restaurants, eclectic shops and trendy night spots that draw millions of tourists and local residents alike.
The Delta King and her identical twin, the Delta Queen, were christened in 1927, the same year that the vessels began voyages between San Francisco and Sacramento. The trip took more than 10 hours and staterooms were available for $3.50. But for a dollar, you could bring your own blanket and find a spot to sleep on the cargo deck. This river service continued for about 13 years until the boats were moved to San Francisco Bay and used by the U.S. Navy as net tenders, floating barracks, troop transports and hospital ships.
After World War II, the Delta Queen was sold and moved to the Mississippi where she still operates. And therein lies the reason the Delta King doesn't travel too much these days: the Delta Queen took the Delta King's engines. The Delta King has been towed ever since.
As if that weren't enough indignity for the King, the boat sank in San Francisco Bay in 1982 and remained underwater for 18 months. It took a five-year renovation to bring the Delta King to its present tip-top condition.
The elegance and craftsmanship are apparent the moment one enters the lobby area where the rich red oak paneling and fixtures create an impression of opulence. The dining room, too, has that feeling of classic comfort, and a wide stairway and oak banisters bring to mind those images of the grand stairway in the Titanic. It's easy to imagine how special this river voyage must have been for 1920's revelers anxious to slip away from a hard week's work to enjoy a taste of the forbidden fruit (i.e. alcoholic beverages).
The staterooms on the Delta King are actually twice the size of the rooms back in boat's river-going days. There are 44 rooms located on a couple of decks and offering either a view of the river, or a view of the ongoing activities along the dock front in Old Sacramento. The river views are slightly more expensive.
We found even the larger rooms to be small, but no smaller than expected for a stateroom on board an authentic riverboat. Our room had a queen bed on one side, a single bed on the other, and a tiny bathroom - with an unusual six-foot high toilet tank -- in the middle. Color TV with cable was available on the queen bed side. The stateroom was a cozy place to kick off your shoes and read the paper or relax - but there was much to experience just footsteps from the Delta King dock.
Old Sacramento, as one local visitor official told us, was once the skid row of Sacramento until, in the 1960's, a major re-development project was initiated to restore many of the historic buildings and attract new business into the area. As it was explained to us, somebody made a huge mistake putting Interstate 5 within just three blocks of Sacramento's prime riverfront and, until the re-development, that had the effect of cutting off this very historic and picturesque location from the rest of downtown.
The history of Old Sacramento dates back to 1839 when this became the first commercial settlement in the area. When gold was discovered in nearby Coloma in 1849, the business community along the Sacramento River began to boom. Hotels, saloons, bathhouses and outfitting stores were all set up to take care of the local miners.
Today, Old Sacramento attempts to re-create much of that early atmosphere and it seems to be working - it now attracts more than 5 million visitors each year. Although we noticed several commercial vacancies in the area, that might just be because Old Sacramento is now considered one of the most expensive places in Sacramento to do business.
The area has been restored with cobblestone streets, gaslamps and wooden sidewalks, and you do get the feeling of walking through a town from the Old West. Of course there are a few tip-offs that this particular Wild West town has been somewhat tamed: T-shirt shops seem to abound and there are plenty of candy and chocolate stores, not to mention pizza and just about anything else today's explorers may want to eat.
Just down the dock from the Delta King, we had dinner at Joe's Crab Shack - not unique to Sacramento by any means, but a place that seemed to attract the city's 20-somethings in droves. We also read someplace that Old Sacramento - with some very nice restaurants including the Delta King's own Pilothouse -- had been voted in a magazine poll as the best place in Sacramento to take a first date. That gives you some idea of how the area has become to Sacramento what the Gaslamp is to San Diego, or Pioneer Square is to Seattle.
For history buffs, Old Sacramento also has a number of museums including the California Military Museum, Discovery Museum History Center, the Old Sacramento Interpretive Center, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum.
Maybe topping the historical list is the California State Railroad Museum which is said to be one of the country's best railroad museums. The 100,000-square-foot museum features many actual railcars as well as a million-pound steam locomotive. A train station replica allows you to see what a 19th Century station was like and, in spring and summer months, the museum offers steam train rides.
The shops in Old Sacramento - no matter how tacky some of them may be - are almost all housed in historic buildings. Among those 53 buildings still standing is a firehouse built in 1853, California's first theater, and the B.J. Hastings Building which was the western terminus for the Pony Express.
Whether it's boats, trains, history or eclectic shopping, Old Sacramento and the Delta King are an "excursion" into history worth taking any time of year.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: The Delta King is located in Old Sacramento, just off Interstate 5 in Sacramento and just a few blocks from the State Capitol and other government offices and attractions.
WHAT: The Delta King is an authentic sternwheeler that has been refurbished to provide cozy accommodations in a colorful location.
WHEN: Any time of year. The Delta King offers dinner theater for several multi-week periods throughout the year. Old Sacramento crowds are much bigger in summer.
WHY: An excellent combination of unique lodgings, fine restaurants, shopping and many historical museums. The Old Sacramento area is just 28 acres altogether which means that everything is within walking distance, including nearby state attractions.
HOW: For more information on the Delta King, phone 1-800-825-5464 or go to www.deltaking.com. For more information on Old Sacramento, go to www.oldsacramento.com.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, focusing on California travel, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, covering Northwest travel.
Who can resist the charm of an early 20th-century riverboat - a true paddle-wheeler that once offered prohibition-era drinking, jazz bands and gambling for its fun-loving passengers? Fortunately there's no need to travel to the Mississippi - and no, we're not talking Disneyland. The Delta King awaits your exploration dockside in Old Sacramento.
Just like passengers back in the 1920s, today's guests enjoy enchanting river views, great food and drink and a cozy stateroom unlike any other accommodation you may have experienced. But unlike those early passengers, you will have to be content with scenery that remains pretty constant. The Delta King isn't going anyplace anytime soon.
But then it doesn't need to. This historic 285-foot boat is docked along the Old Sacramento riverfront which, today, has been turned into a hip collection of good restaurants, eclectic shops and trendy night spots that draw millions of tourists and local residents alike.
The Delta King and her identical twin, the Delta Queen, were christened in 1927, the same year that the vessels began voyages between San Francisco and Sacramento. The trip took more than 10 hours and staterooms were available for $3.50. But for a dollar, you could bring your own blanket and find a spot to sleep on the cargo deck. This river service continued for about 13 years until the boats were moved to San Francisco Bay and used by the U.S. Navy as net tenders, floating barracks, troop transports and hospital ships.
After World War II, the Delta Queen was sold and moved to the Mississippi where she still operates. And therein lies the reason the Delta King doesn't travel too much these days: the Delta Queen took the Delta King's engines. The Delta King has been towed ever since.
As if that weren't enough indignity for the King, the boat sank in San Francisco Bay in 1982 and remained underwater for 18 months. It took a five-year renovation to bring the Delta King to its present tip-top condition.
The elegance and craftsmanship are apparent the moment one enters the lobby area where the rich red oak paneling and fixtures create an impression of opulence. The dining room, too, has that feeling of classic comfort, and a wide stairway and oak banisters bring to mind those images of the grand stairway in the Titanic. It's easy to imagine how special this river voyage must have been for 1920's revelers anxious to slip away from a hard week's work to enjoy a taste of the forbidden fruit (i.e. alcoholic beverages).
The staterooms on the Delta King are actually twice the size of the rooms back in boat's river-going days. There are 44 rooms located on a couple of decks and offering either a view of the river, or a view of the ongoing activities along the dock front in Old Sacramento. The river views are slightly more expensive.
We found even the larger rooms to be small, but no smaller than expected for a stateroom on board an authentic riverboat. Our room had a queen bed on one side, a single bed on the other, and a tiny bathroom - with an unusual six-foot high toilet tank -- in the middle. Color TV with cable was available on the queen bed side. The stateroom was a cozy place to kick off your shoes and read the paper or relax - but there was much to experience just footsteps from the Delta King dock.
Old Sacramento, as one local visitor official told us, was once the skid row of Sacramento until, in the 1960's, a major re-development project was initiated to restore many of the historic buildings and attract new business into the area. As it was explained to us, somebody made a huge mistake putting Interstate 5 within just three blocks of Sacramento's prime riverfront and, until the re-development, that had the effect of cutting off this very historic and picturesque location from the rest of downtown.
The history of Old Sacramento dates back to 1839 when this became the first commercial settlement in the area. When gold was discovered in nearby Coloma in 1849, the business community along the Sacramento River began to boom. Hotels, saloons, bathhouses and outfitting stores were all set up to take care of the local miners.
Today, Old Sacramento attempts to re-create much of that early atmosphere and it seems to be working - it now attracts more than 5 million visitors each year. Although we noticed several commercial vacancies in the area, that might just be because Old Sacramento is now considered one of the most expensive places in Sacramento to do business.
The area has been restored with cobblestone streets, gaslamps and wooden sidewalks, and you do get the feeling of walking through a town from the Old West. Of course there are a few tip-offs that this particular Wild West town has been somewhat tamed: T-shirt shops seem to abound and there are plenty of candy and chocolate stores, not to mention pizza and just about anything else today's explorers may want to eat.
Just down the dock from the Delta King, we had dinner at Joe's Crab Shack - not unique to Sacramento by any means, but a place that seemed to attract the city's 20-somethings in droves. We also read someplace that Old Sacramento - with some very nice restaurants including the Delta King's own Pilothouse -- had been voted in a magazine poll as the best place in Sacramento to take a first date. That gives you some idea of how the area has become to Sacramento what the Gaslamp is to San Diego, or Pioneer Square is to Seattle.
For history buffs, Old Sacramento also has a number of museums including the California Military Museum, Discovery Museum History Center, the Old Sacramento Interpretive Center, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum.
Maybe topping the historical list is the California State Railroad Museum which is said to be one of the country's best railroad museums. The 100,000-square-foot museum features many actual railcars as well as a million-pound steam locomotive. A train station replica allows you to see what a 19th Century station was like and, in spring and summer months, the museum offers steam train rides.
The shops in Old Sacramento - no matter how tacky some of them may be - are almost all housed in historic buildings. Among those 53 buildings still standing is a firehouse built in 1853, California's first theater, and the B.J. Hastings Building which was the western terminus for the Pony Express.
Whether it's boats, trains, history or eclectic shopping, Old Sacramento and the Delta King are an "excursion" into history worth taking any time of year.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: The Delta King is located in Old Sacramento, just off Interstate 5 in Sacramento and just a few blocks from the State Capitol and other government offices and attractions.
WHAT: The Delta King is an authentic sternwheeler that has been refurbished to provide cozy accommodations in a colorful location.
WHEN: Any time of year. The Delta King offers dinner theater for several multi-week periods throughout the year. Old Sacramento crowds are much bigger in summer.
WHY: An excellent combination of unique lodgings, fine restaurants, shopping and many historical museums. The Old Sacramento area is just 28 acres altogether which means that everything is within walking distance, including nearby state attractions.
HOW: For more information on the Delta King, phone 1-800-825-5464 or go to www.deltaking.com. For more information on Old Sacramento, go to www.oldsacramento.com.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, focusing on California travel, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, covering Northwest travel.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The NASCAR Coca Cola 600 Race: Everything You Need to Know to Have the Time of Your Life
The NASCAR Coca Cola 600 Race: Everything You Need to Know to Have the Time of Your Life
NASCAR is one of the most well enjoyed of the American pastimes, and for good reason. While many people have heard of the NASCAR Daytona 500 race, there are other races to attend as well—many of them just as popular as the Daytona 500 itself. One of these races is the Coca Cola 600, a 600 mile race held at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC the weekend of Memorial Day. This is a stock car race, one of the things that attracts die hard fans of NASCAR stock car racing from all around the world. As a matter of fact, this race falls into the top five of all of the NASCAR races put together, something that is rather high honors in the racing world. The hotels in the area fill up in one to two nights; the camp grounds are reserved well in advance and packed to the brim with enthusiastic campers and racing fans.
A Bit of History on the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 Race
Like every other true NASCAR race, the Coca Cola 600 does have some history behind it. It has gone through several name changes, from the World 600 to the Coca Cola or Coke 600. From there it was changed to the Coca Cola Racing Family 600, and then was put back to the near original Coca Cola 600.
This race was designed to offset some of the popularity that the Indian 500 race was experiencing, and it succeeded in doing so. To date, the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 race has better television ratings and a higher viewership on television than the Indianapolis 500. These races occur on the same weekend of Memorial Day, making it prime time for true racing fans across the world. The races have even been scheduled in a way that allows fans to make it from the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 to the Indianapolis 500 and be able to participate in both races, something that wasn't made clear if it would be possible in the beginning. Nowadays, the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca Cola 600 are held on the same day. Of course, this makes a problem for some drivers who are not able to do over 1000 miles in one day, but those who have the grit and are determined to be successful have been known to do both races with ease, leaving the first race to make it to the second just in time.
Camping at the NASCAR Coca Cola 600
One of the best things about the time when the Coca Cola 600 rolls around is that it gives die hard NASCAR fans a chance to get in one place together and cut up. This can include anything, from drinking to games and other activities. Music, friends, fun—this is the type of thing that a successful NASCAR campout consists of. If you have never partaken in NASCAR camping before, the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 is a great place to start. Although the weather tends to be a little warm and sticky, those who have RVs should not have much of a problem dealing with the heat.
There are many different ways to camp out at this race. RVs with a hookup is obviously the most effective and pleasurable way to go about camping at a race like that. There are other ways to go about it as well, like RV camping without the hook up and even tent camping. Depending on what your camping style is there are many ways to enjoy the race, some of them even from the infield.
Of course, the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 is one of the most popular races on the NASCAR schedule, so reservations for camping spots anywhere even close to the infield are going to be in high demand. Make your reservations as early as possible to avoid disappointment as these things tend to fill up very fast. If you are excited about the event, think about the thousands and thousands of others who are excited about it as well.
The Coca Cola 600 is a huge event for racing fans all over. It is one of the hottest commodities on the NASCAR 600 schedule. It draws fans from all over the globe to the hot Carolinas and even more to their television sets, glued to the screen for lap after lap of NASCAR fun.
Join the Roadwarriors to view the trip right from your computer. http://www.Roadwarriorslive.com
You can even ride shotgun as they are going down the road at http://www.roadwarriorslive.com.
This week he is traveling to a NASCAR Race and transmitting live video all the way up to the race.
You can also win souvenirs by leaving a comment on their Blog at http://www.roadwarriorslive.com/blog
NASCAR is one of the most well enjoyed of the American pastimes, and for good reason. While many people have heard of the NASCAR Daytona 500 race, there are other races to attend as well—many of them just as popular as the Daytona 500 itself. One of these races is the Coca Cola 600, a 600 mile race held at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC the weekend of Memorial Day. This is a stock car race, one of the things that attracts die hard fans of NASCAR stock car racing from all around the world. As a matter of fact, this race falls into the top five of all of the NASCAR races put together, something that is rather high honors in the racing world. The hotels in the area fill up in one to two nights; the camp grounds are reserved well in advance and packed to the brim with enthusiastic campers and racing fans.
A Bit of History on the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 Race
Like every other true NASCAR race, the Coca Cola 600 does have some history behind it. It has gone through several name changes, from the World 600 to the Coca Cola or Coke 600. From there it was changed to the Coca Cola Racing Family 600, and then was put back to the near original Coca Cola 600.
This race was designed to offset some of the popularity that the Indian 500 race was experiencing, and it succeeded in doing so. To date, the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 race has better television ratings and a higher viewership on television than the Indianapolis 500. These races occur on the same weekend of Memorial Day, making it prime time for true racing fans across the world. The races have even been scheduled in a way that allows fans to make it from the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 to the Indianapolis 500 and be able to participate in both races, something that wasn't made clear if it would be possible in the beginning. Nowadays, the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca Cola 600 are held on the same day. Of course, this makes a problem for some drivers who are not able to do over 1000 miles in one day, but those who have the grit and are determined to be successful have been known to do both races with ease, leaving the first race to make it to the second just in time.
Camping at the NASCAR Coca Cola 600
One of the best things about the time when the Coca Cola 600 rolls around is that it gives die hard NASCAR fans a chance to get in one place together and cut up. This can include anything, from drinking to games and other activities. Music, friends, fun—this is the type of thing that a successful NASCAR campout consists of. If you have never partaken in NASCAR camping before, the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 is a great place to start. Although the weather tends to be a little warm and sticky, those who have RVs should not have much of a problem dealing with the heat.
There are many different ways to camp out at this race. RVs with a hookup is obviously the most effective and pleasurable way to go about camping at a race like that. There are other ways to go about it as well, like RV camping without the hook up and even tent camping. Depending on what your camping style is there are many ways to enjoy the race, some of them even from the infield.
Of course, the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 is one of the most popular races on the NASCAR schedule, so reservations for camping spots anywhere even close to the infield are going to be in high demand. Make your reservations as early as possible to avoid disappointment as these things tend to fill up very fast. If you are excited about the event, think about the thousands and thousands of others who are excited about it as well.
The Coca Cola 600 is a huge event for racing fans all over. It is one of the hottest commodities on the NASCAR 600 schedule. It draws fans from all over the globe to the hot Carolinas and even more to their television sets, glued to the screen for lap after lap of NASCAR fun.
Join the Roadwarriors to view the trip right from your computer. http://www.Roadwarriorslive.com
You can even ride shotgun as they are going down the road at http://www.roadwarriorslive.com.
This week he is traveling to a NASCAR Race and transmitting live video all the way up to the race.
You can also win souvenirs by leaving a comment on their Blog at http://www.roadwarriorslive.com/blog
Temecula wineries have come of age
Temecula wineries have come of age
While the 23 wineries of the Temecula Valley are a fraction of what you might find in ever-popular Napa - with at last count, something like 300 local wineries - Temecula's wine-tasting experience is getting high marks from travelers who have happened on this scenic valley almost by accident.
Located just off the well-traveled Interstate 15, between Temecula vineyardRiverside and San Diego, the gently rolling hills and scenic vineyards of the Temecula wineries now are becoming a destination in their own right. Not just a gimmick to boost local tourism, the wineries of Temecula make good wine - and presumably good money - turning the fruit of the Valley into wines that are satisfying even the most sophisticated palates.
And, as festive visitors now pack many of the tasting rooms on weekends, wineries continue to pop up at the rate of two to four per year, according to Linda Kissam, executive director of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. Big resorts are opening, too, such as the South Coast Winery's new Resort and Spa that was estimated to cost $20 million but cost well over that. Not to worry - the resort already is on its way to paying off that investment with its 76 villas booked solid on weekends even before the resort was completely finished.
"The whole goal here," says Mark Zovic, South Coast's general manager, "is for Temecula wineries to be taken seriously." With many more visitors every year making Temecula part of their Southern California vacation plans, it seems like the area is now being taken plenty seriously.
Zovic compares Temecula wineries to the Napa Valley of 20 years ago when its tourism infrastructure was catching up with the growing popularity of the region. But one of the local winemakers pointed out there is a big difference - many of Temecula's wines are already considered competitive with Napa and certainly not 20 years behind in the attainment of overall quality.
One vintner who feels pretty good about the quality of his Palumbowines is Nick Palumbo, a 38-year-old grape grower who just two years ago opened his own winery, Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery. Picture a 20-year-old rambler farmhouse set on 12 acres of vineyards and you see that the emphasis in this business is on family. The oak barrels containing the 1,500 cases of wine he produces each year are piled high in what was once Palumbo's three-car garage.
Palumbo grows the grapes and "drives the tractor every day" up and down his vineyard rows to make sure the four varieties of grapes he is using will be the quality needed for his special wines. He's an example of what you'll find elsewhere in Temecula - a vintner who is willing to stand there a few minutes and tell you how it's done. That's another difference from Napa, the locals say: almost all of the Temecula wineries are family-owned.
"If I didn't have control of the vineyards," Palumbo says, "I wouldn't have control of the quality."
Palumbo says the reason his mom-and-pop operation can produce wine commanding the highest prices of all Temecula wineries is "I can do a lot more tricks than the other guys can." For example, he can split his lots and make a big difference in taste by using different yeast in each lot and then blending the two together.
Over at Ponte Family Estate Winery, the emphasis is a little different, according to owner Roberto Ponte. "I was confused before," Ponte explains. "I thought it was all about the wine."
The people who visit his winery, Ponte says, are interested Pontein a getaway experience, and wine just happens to be part of that. Beginning with a concept of "a day in the country," Ponte set about to create a kind of mini-theme park all built around his winery and surrounded by hundreds of acres of vineyards. Opening in the summer of 2003, Ponte Family Estate Winery offers one of the Valley's largest tasting rooms and a gift shop - similar to what you find in Napa - and also serves gourmet California cuisine in the popular Smokehouse Café.
Visitors are encouraged to stroll the grounds of the winery where they will find park-like pathways and exhilarating vineyard views in addition to the many features of the winery such as the giant stainless steel containers, the wine storage area ("where the wine sleeps," Ponte says) and other buildings and processes related to winemaking. The setting is popular with couples who choose the winery for a wedding backdrop, and Ponte has a large event tent used for meetings and parties.
With the exception of the new South Coast villas, most of the accommodations near Temecular wineries are bed-and-breakfasts or small inns, and there aren't many of them. That's one reason that Luis and Sherry DiBernardo are enjoying early success with their new bed-and-breakfast inn, the Castle. Built three years ago, the Castle was designed to be a spectacular home for the DiBernardos but they left one wing of the home unfinished just in case they decided to become innkeepers. In January of this year, they did just that.
Guests can roam throughout their landscaped grounds to Dibernardosenjoy the countryside views that begin with the swimming pool and groves of olive trees right on the property. The Castle itself is not just a name - the European décor and furnishings, the high ceilings and chandeliers all add to the medieval feeling. One end of the Great Room has a stone wall and long breakfast table befitting King Arthur. Medieval paintings cover another wall. The four guestrooms also share in this motif to one extent or another, and most include Jacuzzi tubs.
For the DiBernardos, Temecula's burgeoning wine industry and the wide open spaces were enough to lure them from the San Fernando Valley, where Louis had been involved for many years in investment banking. The couple bought the property because they loved the 'crickets, frogs and stars in the sky' and now it's like getting paid to have a party every weekend."
Visitors to Temecula wineries will find they can reasonably visit between four and six wineries in a day - most of the wineries are clustered in an area along Rancho California Road. But wineries are not the only attraction in town - the city's Historic Oldtown is a popular day trip for people from surrounding communities. A number of historical buildings are highlighted in a walking tour of the area, and there are many festivals held throughout the year to bring attention to the area.
If shopping is your thing, about 15 miles north on Interstate 15 is the Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall, which includes dozens of outlet stores, each offering discount prices on brand name merchandise.
There are seven championship golf courses in the area, as well as lakes for fishing. And, if you want to try something totally unique, local hot air balloon companies will give you an angle on the valley you won't get from anywhere else - a dreamy view from hundreds of feet above the gorgeous Temecula Valley Wine Country.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Temecula is located on Interstate 15, about half way between San Diego and Riverside. Much of the Temecula Valley Wine Country is just a few miles east of I-15 on Rancho California Road. Temecula is easily included in any Southern California vacation itinerary.
WHAT: Temecula wineries have become a popular day trip for Southern Californians, but now is beginning to become a destination resort area with several new accommodations being built in the past couple of years. With many lodging rates in Temecula still reasonable, those looking for cheap vacations need look no further. It's an easy, no-muss, no-fuss way to visit California wineries.
WHEN: Any time of year. California wineries generally harvest August to September and you can see more of the grape and wine production activities at that time. Temperatures are best in the winter months. Weekends are quite busy, so weekdays are highly recommended. If you go on a weekend, visit the most popular tasting rooms in the morning, about 10 a.m. when they open. If you're booking one of the local inns and resorts, be sure to ask about travel deals and vacation packages. Sometimes last minute travel deals are available.
WHY: Temecula is a good place to visit California wineries and be able to talk one-on-one with vintners and see how they make wine. And, like other wine-growing regions, it's very scenic.
HOW: For more information on Temecula wineries and accommodations, contact the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association at (800) 801-WINE or visit www.temeculawines.org.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, focused on California travel, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which covers Northwest travel.
While the 23 wineries of the Temecula Valley are a fraction of what you might find in ever-popular Napa - with at last count, something like 300 local wineries - Temecula's wine-tasting experience is getting high marks from travelers who have happened on this scenic valley almost by accident.
Located just off the well-traveled Interstate 15, between Temecula vineyardRiverside and San Diego, the gently rolling hills and scenic vineyards of the Temecula wineries now are becoming a destination in their own right. Not just a gimmick to boost local tourism, the wineries of Temecula make good wine - and presumably good money - turning the fruit of the Valley into wines that are satisfying even the most sophisticated palates.
And, as festive visitors now pack many of the tasting rooms on weekends, wineries continue to pop up at the rate of two to four per year, according to Linda Kissam, executive director of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. Big resorts are opening, too, such as the South Coast Winery's new Resort and Spa that was estimated to cost $20 million but cost well over that. Not to worry - the resort already is on its way to paying off that investment with its 76 villas booked solid on weekends even before the resort was completely finished.
"The whole goal here," says Mark Zovic, South Coast's general manager, "is for Temecula wineries to be taken seriously." With many more visitors every year making Temecula part of their Southern California vacation plans, it seems like the area is now being taken plenty seriously.
Zovic compares Temecula wineries to the Napa Valley of 20 years ago when its tourism infrastructure was catching up with the growing popularity of the region. But one of the local winemakers pointed out there is a big difference - many of Temecula's wines are already considered competitive with Napa and certainly not 20 years behind in the attainment of overall quality.
One vintner who feels pretty good about the quality of his Palumbowines is Nick Palumbo, a 38-year-old grape grower who just two years ago opened his own winery, Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery. Picture a 20-year-old rambler farmhouse set on 12 acres of vineyards and you see that the emphasis in this business is on family. The oak barrels containing the 1,500 cases of wine he produces each year are piled high in what was once Palumbo's three-car garage.
Palumbo grows the grapes and "drives the tractor every day" up and down his vineyard rows to make sure the four varieties of grapes he is using will be the quality needed for his special wines. He's an example of what you'll find elsewhere in Temecula - a vintner who is willing to stand there a few minutes and tell you how it's done. That's another difference from Napa, the locals say: almost all of the Temecula wineries are family-owned.
"If I didn't have control of the vineyards," Palumbo says, "I wouldn't have control of the quality."
Palumbo says the reason his mom-and-pop operation can produce wine commanding the highest prices of all Temecula wineries is "I can do a lot more tricks than the other guys can." For example, he can split his lots and make a big difference in taste by using different yeast in each lot and then blending the two together.
Over at Ponte Family Estate Winery, the emphasis is a little different, according to owner Roberto Ponte. "I was confused before," Ponte explains. "I thought it was all about the wine."
The people who visit his winery, Ponte says, are interested Pontein a getaway experience, and wine just happens to be part of that. Beginning with a concept of "a day in the country," Ponte set about to create a kind of mini-theme park all built around his winery and surrounded by hundreds of acres of vineyards. Opening in the summer of 2003, Ponte Family Estate Winery offers one of the Valley's largest tasting rooms and a gift shop - similar to what you find in Napa - and also serves gourmet California cuisine in the popular Smokehouse Café.
Visitors are encouraged to stroll the grounds of the winery where they will find park-like pathways and exhilarating vineyard views in addition to the many features of the winery such as the giant stainless steel containers, the wine storage area ("where the wine sleeps," Ponte says) and other buildings and processes related to winemaking. The setting is popular with couples who choose the winery for a wedding backdrop, and Ponte has a large event tent used for meetings and parties.
With the exception of the new South Coast villas, most of the accommodations near Temecular wineries are bed-and-breakfasts or small inns, and there aren't many of them. That's one reason that Luis and Sherry DiBernardo are enjoying early success with their new bed-and-breakfast inn, the Castle. Built three years ago, the Castle was designed to be a spectacular home for the DiBernardos but they left one wing of the home unfinished just in case they decided to become innkeepers. In January of this year, they did just that.
Guests can roam throughout their landscaped grounds to Dibernardosenjoy the countryside views that begin with the swimming pool and groves of olive trees right on the property. The Castle itself is not just a name - the European décor and furnishings, the high ceilings and chandeliers all add to the medieval feeling. One end of the Great Room has a stone wall and long breakfast table befitting King Arthur. Medieval paintings cover another wall. The four guestrooms also share in this motif to one extent or another, and most include Jacuzzi tubs.
For the DiBernardos, Temecula's burgeoning wine industry and the wide open spaces were enough to lure them from the San Fernando Valley, where Louis had been involved for many years in investment banking. The couple bought the property because they loved the 'crickets, frogs and stars in the sky' and now it's like getting paid to have a party every weekend."
Visitors to Temecula wineries will find they can reasonably visit between four and six wineries in a day - most of the wineries are clustered in an area along Rancho California Road. But wineries are not the only attraction in town - the city's Historic Oldtown is a popular day trip for people from surrounding communities. A number of historical buildings are highlighted in a walking tour of the area, and there are many festivals held throughout the year to bring attention to the area.
If shopping is your thing, about 15 miles north on Interstate 15 is the Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall, which includes dozens of outlet stores, each offering discount prices on brand name merchandise.
There are seven championship golf courses in the area, as well as lakes for fishing. And, if you want to try something totally unique, local hot air balloon companies will give you an angle on the valley you won't get from anywhere else - a dreamy view from hundreds of feet above the gorgeous Temecula Valley Wine Country.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Temecula is located on Interstate 15, about half way between San Diego and Riverside. Much of the Temecula Valley Wine Country is just a few miles east of I-15 on Rancho California Road. Temecula is easily included in any Southern California vacation itinerary.
WHAT: Temecula wineries have become a popular day trip for Southern Californians, but now is beginning to become a destination resort area with several new accommodations being built in the past couple of years. With many lodging rates in Temecula still reasonable, those looking for cheap vacations need look no further. It's an easy, no-muss, no-fuss way to visit California wineries.
WHEN: Any time of year. California wineries generally harvest August to September and you can see more of the grape and wine production activities at that time. Temperatures are best in the winter months. Weekends are quite busy, so weekdays are highly recommended. If you go on a weekend, visit the most popular tasting rooms in the morning, about 10 a.m. when they open. If you're booking one of the local inns and resorts, be sure to ask about travel deals and vacation packages. Sometimes last minute travel deals are available.
WHY: Temecula is a good place to visit California wineries and be able to talk one-on-one with vintners and see how they make wine. And, like other wine-growing regions, it's very scenic.
HOW: For more information on Temecula wineries and accommodations, contact the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association at (800) 801-WINE or visit www.temeculawines.org.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, focused on California travel, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which covers Northwest travel.
"Happiness Can Be Bought In Hawaii"
Happiness Can Be Bought In Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the world's biggest tourist attractions for people from the United States and Asia. The climate, scenery, and what's been made of it can easily be explained with one word - bliss. If your anything like me you have considered not just travelling but living in such a paradise.
My research has shown that the cost of living is generally 30 to 60 percent higher than the United States national average. Generally, a family of four should have a household income of at least $110,000 to be able to live comfortably in Hawaii. This cost difference is easily justifiable with the amazing attributes you obtain on any of these breath taking islands. More than 90 percent of the food on the islands are imported and they only carry a 7 day supply of perishable goods. This is generally because the land is too expensive to grow large amounts of crops to help offset this measure. The cost of shipping the large food supply greatly affects the cost of living. Fortunately, warehouses such as Costco and Sams Club have recently setup locations on the islands that have dampened the cost of products and foods for smart shoppers.
Hawaii is made up of about 4.1 million acres. About 50 percent of this land is owned by the federal government. Another 20 percent is owned by seven different private land owners and 30 percent is owned by all other people and businesses. These statistics also explain why supply and demand play a role in the cost of real estate.
With the current status of US foreclosures climbing, it is a great time to search for real estate deals in Hawaii. Cost of living and economy slowdowns affect these high cost of living markets much more than lower standard markets. People that purchased properties or housing using ARM mortgages or those who have been laid off in the recent slowdowns may be forced to sell their estates at a loss due to rising payments or not being able to meet their mortgage obligations. This can definitely work in your favor if you are looking for a great deal in paradise.
If you are able to afford to live in this blissful place it is definitely worth looking into. Whether you enjoy the city life, perfect climate, or incredible scenery Hawaii can definitely meet your needs. If you haven't been to any of the islands take the time to browse the internet for housing, scenery, and city pictures. You're surely in for a treat.
Find Hawaii Homes For Sale at Adrhi. Article written and distributed by Steve Cancel at Secure Link - Michigan Web Marketing.
Hawaii is one of the world's biggest tourist attractions for people from the United States and Asia. The climate, scenery, and what's been made of it can easily be explained with one word - bliss. If your anything like me you have considered not just travelling but living in such a paradise.
My research has shown that the cost of living is generally 30 to 60 percent higher than the United States national average. Generally, a family of four should have a household income of at least $110,000 to be able to live comfortably in Hawaii. This cost difference is easily justifiable with the amazing attributes you obtain on any of these breath taking islands. More than 90 percent of the food on the islands are imported and they only carry a 7 day supply of perishable goods. This is generally because the land is too expensive to grow large amounts of crops to help offset this measure. The cost of shipping the large food supply greatly affects the cost of living. Fortunately, warehouses such as Costco and Sams Club have recently setup locations on the islands that have dampened the cost of products and foods for smart shoppers.
Hawaii is made up of about 4.1 million acres. About 50 percent of this land is owned by the federal government. Another 20 percent is owned by seven different private land owners and 30 percent is owned by all other people and businesses. These statistics also explain why supply and demand play a role in the cost of real estate.
With the current status of US foreclosures climbing, it is a great time to search for real estate deals in Hawaii. Cost of living and economy slowdowns affect these high cost of living markets much more than lower standard markets. People that purchased properties or housing using ARM mortgages or those who have been laid off in the recent slowdowns may be forced to sell their estates at a loss due to rising payments or not being able to meet their mortgage obligations. This can definitely work in your favor if you are looking for a great deal in paradise.
If you are able to afford to live in this blissful place it is definitely worth looking into. Whether you enjoy the city life, perfect climate, or incredible scenery Hawaii can definitely meet your needs. If you haven't been to any of the islands take the time to browse the internet for housing, scenery, and city pictures. You're surely in for a treat.
Find Hawaii Homes For Sale at Adrhi. Article written and distributed by Steve Cancel at Secure Link - Michigan Web Marketing.
"Longboat Key FL - A Private Island Paradise"
Longboat Key FL - A Private Island Paradise
Longboat Key is an eleven mile long island that stretches between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. There are 8,000 permanent residents that occupy condominiums, townhouses, single-family homes and luxury estates. The island offers endless activities while also providing a relaxing, secluded environment.
Longboat Key is known around the world for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking water views, fine dining, great weather and luxury lifestyle.
Things to Do on Longboat Key
Longboat Key is a national and International tourist attraction. The gorgeous weather and outstanding water views create the perfect environment for visitors while they enjoy local activities, such as boating, fishing, jet skiing, golf, tennis, shopping, fine dining and more.
The Longboat Key Club & Resort offers several amenities and is open to tourists and their club members. Some of the amenities they offer include: 45 holes of golf, tennis courts, on-site marina, indoor and outdoor restaurants, spa and fitness center, wedding planning and facilities, and beach-front pool.
Longboat Key Real Estate
Longboat Key offers a wide range of architectural styles and the right Realtor can help any buyer find the home they have always dreamed of. Both national and International home buyers are looking for a home or condo that meets the needs of their lifestyle. Some want a condo on the beach and some want a secluded estate with access to the water, while others just want to be close to the golf course. No matter what you are looking for, Longboat Key has it.
The condos and homes on Longboat Key provide a retreat to those visiting their second or third home. The island is quiet, luxurious and magnificent. Longboat Key is a wonderful place to buy if you are looking for the perfect Florida waterfront home.
Longboat Key is only minutes away from St. Armand's Circle where tourists and residents enjoy shopping, world-class dining, cultural activities and more. The mainland of Sarasota is only a short drive way and Money Magazine named Sarasota the "Best Small City in America.
Sarasota has become a popular place for celebrities to buy a home because it is private, charming and it is a great place to raise a family. Sarasota has world-renowned beaches that have been listed as one of the "Top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world" to visit. There are nationally-recognized arts and cultural activities, such as the Sarasota Film Festival which brings in famous actors from around the world. If you visit Longboat Key you need to visit Sarasota because it is a rare gem that is still hidden, it provides a refuge for those looking for privacy and the environment is so stunning you may never want to leave.
John Allen is a luxury Sarasota Realtor and Broker of Allen Real Estate Services, Inc. (http://www.buysarasota.com). He represents buyers and sellers of Longboat Key real estate, condos and golf course propereties.
Longboat Key is an eleven mile long island that stretches between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. There are 8,000 permanent residents that occupy condominiums, townhouses, single-family homes and luxury estates. The island offers endless activities while also providing a relaxing, secluded environment.
Longboat Key is known around the world for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking water views, fine dining, great weather and luxury lifestyle.
Things to Do on Longboat Key
Longboat Key is a national and International tourist attraction. The gorgeous weather and outstanding water views create the perfect environment for visitors while they enjoy local activities, such as boating, fishing, jet skiing, golf, tennis, shopping, fine dining and more.
The Longboat Key Club & Resort offers several amenities and is open to tourists and their club members. Some of the amenities they offer include: 45 holes of golf, tennis courts, on-site marina, indoor and outdoor restaurants, spa and fitness center, wedding planning and facilities, and beach-front pool.
Longboat Key Real Estate
Longboat Key offers a wide range of architectural styles and the right Realtor can help any buyer find the home they have always dreamed of. Both national and International home buyers are looking for a home or condo that meets the needs of their lifestyle. Some want a condo on the beach and some want a secluded estate with access to the water, while others just want to be close to the golf course. No matter what you are looking for, Longboat Key has it.
The condos and homes on Longboat Key provide a retreat to those visiting their second or third home. The island is quiet, luxurious and magnificent. Longboat Key is a wonderful place to buy if you are looking for the perfect Florida waterfront home.
Longboat Key is only minutes away from St. Armand's Circle where tourists and residents enjoy shopping, world-class dining, cultural activities and more. The mainland of Sarasota is only a short drive way and Money Magazine named Sarasota the "Best Small City in America.
Sarasota has become a popular place for celebrities to buy a home because it is private, charming and it is a great place to raise a family. Sarasota has world-renowned beaches that have been listed as one of the "Top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world" to visit. There are nationally-recognized arts and cultural activities, such as the Sarasota Film Festival which brings in famous actors from around the world. If you visit Longboat Key you need to visit Sarasota because it is a rare gem that is still hidden, it provides a refuge for those looking for privacy and the environment is so stunning you may never want to leave.
John Allen is a luxury Sarasota Realtor and Broker of Allen Real Estate Services, Inc. (http://www.buysarasota.com). He represents buyers and sellers of Longboat Key real estate, condos and golf course propereties.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
"Flamengo District: Home of the Art Déco and Art Nouveau Buildings"
Flamengo District: Home of the Art Déco and Art Nouveau Buildings
We know you have heard of Copacabana and Ipanema, but what about the Flamengo district in Rio? I bet you do not know that the Flamengo neighborhood hosts the most amazingly designed buildings in Rio, including the famous Biarritz, the Flamengo "little Castle" and even a Carioca version of New York's legendary Dakota building. Located between the city centre and Botafogo, Flamengo lies on the edge of Guanabara Bay, having the most spectacular view of the Sugar Loaf. The beachfront area is dominated by the Flamengo Park, "Parque do Flamengo" that was built on nearly 300 acres (1.2 km²) of land reclaimed from the bay and is to date the world largest in-city park. Until the 1950s, Flamengo and Catete were the principal residential zones of Rio's wealthier middle classes and that may be the reason why some of these landmark buildings were constructed here. Let us now walk through some of these living treasures.
Biarritz Building: Perhaps the most well known building in Flamengo district is definitely the Biarritz Building, located at Praia do Flamengo, 268 (268 Flamengo Beach). Considered an art-deco masterpiece in Rio, the Biarritz has its construction finalized in the beginning of the 40´s, being a copy of an existing building in Paris, on Montaigne Avenue. This art-déco landmark was designed by French architects Auguste Rendu and Henri Paul Pierre Sajous, who designed two other art deco structures in Flamengo: the Tabor Loreto Building (Flamengo beach corner with Paysandu) and the Saint Trinity Church (located at Senador Vergueiro Street ) built in 1938. Some of the reasons for Biarritz's elegance fame include its rounded balcony with its yellow awning and imposing marble entrance hallway. The Biarritz has 2 apartments per floor and a unique winter garden in Rio designed with a lovely water fountain.
Seabra Building: Designed by Italian architect Mário Vodret, from the Instituto Profissionalizante de Roma, the Seabra Building, a.k.a. the Carioca Dakota, was finalized in mid 30s, the second building at Flamengo Beach. The Seabra Building is considered the most "ghostly" in Brazil, with its eclectic architecture mixing the Moorish, the Gothic and Tuscan elements. Experts identify Seabra building's lines with Chicago architect Louis Sullivan The building has 4 apartments per floor and a facade that greatly resembles the famous Dakota building, John Lennon's home in New York. A legend says the Portuguese Commendatore Gervásio Seabra commissioned Vodret the building after falling in love with the architecture of a castle in Tuscany. The building's psychedelic entrance was built to haunt: floors with several designs made of Italian marble, different wall paintings finished with whale oil and immense iron luster.
Flamengo "Castle" - Castelinho do Flamengo: Designed in 1916 by Gino Copede, it had its plan signed by Francisco de Santos, since Copede was Italian. Originally, it was the residence of the Portuguese construction mogul Commendatore Joaquim da Silva Cardoso. The building, which sometimes is referred to as the haunted house, shows eclectic art-nouveau architecture mixed with gothic and baroque lines. Nevertheless, the Italian tendency stands out, with a high slate-roof-tiled tower. Abandoned for several years and damaged from a fire, the building was restored by the City Hall and from 1993 on, the Castelinho do Flamengo has held the Cultural Center Oduvaldo Vianna Filho, (doing honor to the Brazilian playwright). Today the Castelinho do Flamengo offers rooms for video exhibitions and theatrical performances, a coffee bar, and a video library with 1800 movies in its catalogue.
Tabor Loreto Building: Taking over the corner of Praia do Flamengo with Rua Paissandú, the project of Henri Sajous articulated the two facades of the building through the cylindrical volume of the corner, which was furnished with glass and grated with delicate ornamentations, smoothing the encounter of the two ´portions of the building. The result is an elegant and proportional set of lines.
Paysandu Hotel: This is another epoch building worthwhile paying a visit. The Hotel façade and the hotel hanging sign couldn't represent more the art deco style. The hotel reached its popularity peak in the fifties, when it accommodated Uruguay National Soccer Team during the 1950 World Cup in Rio. Uruguay eventually won the cup adding prestige to the hotel. Botafogo, one of the most traditional soccer teams in Rio, also used to Paysandu Hotel to prepare for its important games. Mythical soccer player Mané Garrincha and Nilton Santos were frequent guests of Paysandu Hotel.
These are only some of Flamengo´s architectural gems. Other art buildings in the neighborhood include the Modern Art Museum, Julieta de Serpa teahouse and the outstanding twin buildings Hicatú and Itaúba at Senador Euzébio street. Visiting Flamengo, if you are careful enough, you will be able to find a pearl in every walk, apart from its natural beauties. If you love architecture and art, try to settle in this charming neighborhood on your next trip to Rio. But don't forget to bring your camera along! Original photos of these buildings in Flamengo can be found at Belavista´s Rio Carnival Blog.
Andre is a partner at Belavista-Rio and works directly with tourists to find their dream apartments in Rio. Please visit Belavista-Rio and find a full list of apartments in the best neighborhoods of Rio such as Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, Flamengo, Lagoa and Barra da Tijuca. Please visit http://www.belavista-rio.com/site/home and find lovely apartments to spend your ultimate jade beach vacations.
We know you have heard of Copacabana and Ipanema, but what about the Flamengo district in Rio? I bet you do not know that the Flamengo neighborhood hosts the most amazingly designed buildings in Rio, including the famous Biarritz, the Flamengo "little Castle" and even a Carioca version of New York's legendary Dakota building. Located between the city centre and Botafogo, Flamengo lies on the edge of Guanabara Bay, having the most spectacular view of the Sugar Loaf. The beachfront area is dominated by the Flamengo Park, "Parque do Flamengo" that was built on nearly 300 acres (1.2 km²) of land reclaimed from the bay and is to date the world largest in-city park. Until the 1950s, Flamengo and Catete were the principal residential zones of Rio's wealthier middle classes and that may be the reason why some of these landmark buildings were constructed here. Let us now walk through some of these living treasures.
Biarritz Building: Perhaps the most well known building in Flamengo district is definitely the Biarritz Building, located at Praia do Flamengo, 268 (268 Flamengo Beach). Considered an art-deco masterpiece in Rio, the Biarritz has its construction finalized in the beginning of the 40´s, being a copy of an existing building in Paris, on Montaigne Avenue. This art-déco landmark was designed by French architects Auguste Rendu and Henri Paul Pierre Sajous, who designed two other art deco structures in Flamengo: the Tabor Loreto Building (Flamengo beach corner with Paysandu) and the Saint Trinity Church (located at Senador Vergueiro Street ) built in 1938. Some of the reasons for Biarritz's elegance fame include its rounded balcony with its yellow awning and imposing marble entrance hallway. The Biarritz has 2 apartments per floor and a unique winter garden in Rio designed with a lovely water fountain.
Seabra Building: Designed by Italian architect Mário Vodret, from the Instituto Profissionalizante de Roma, the Seabra Building, a.k.a. the Carioca Dakota, was finalized in mid 30s, the second building at Flamengo Beach. The Seabra Building is considered the most "ghostly" in Brazil, with its eclectic architecture mixing the Moorish, the Gothic and Tuscan elements. Experts identify Seabra building's lines with Chicago architect Louis Sullivan The building has 4 apartments per floor and a facade that greatly resembles the famous Dakota building, John Lennon's home in New York. A legend says the Portuguese Commendatore Gervásio Seabra commissioned Vodret the building after falling in love with the architecture of a castle in Tuscany. The building's psychedelic entrance was built to haunt: floors with several designs made of Italian marble, different wall paintings finished with whale oil and immense iron luster.
Flamengo "Castle" - Castelinho do Flamengo: Designed in 1916 by Gino Copede, it had its plan signed by Francisco de Santos, since Copede was Italian. Originally, it was the residence of the Portuguese construction mogul Commendatore Joaquim da Silva Cardoso. The building, which sometimes is referred to as the haunted house, shows eclectic art-nouveau architecture mixed with gothic and baroque lines. Nevertheless, the Italian tendency stands out, with a high slate-roof-tiled tower. Abandoned for several years and damaged from a fire, the building was restored by the City Hall and from 1993 on, the Castelinho do Flamengo has held the Cultural Center Oduvaldo Vianna Filho, (doing honor to the Brazilian playwright). Today the Castelinho do Flamengo offers rooms for video exhibitions and theatrical performances, a coffee bar, and a video library with 1800 movies in its catalogue.
Tabor Loreto Building: Taking over the corner of Praia do Flamengo with Rua Paissandú, the project of Henri Sajous articulated the two facades of the building through the cylindrical volume of the corner, which was furnished with glass and grated with delicate ornamentations, smoothing the encounter of the two ´portions of the building. The result is an elegant and proportional set of lines.
Paysandu Hotel: This is another epoch building worthwhile paying a visit. The Hotel façade and the hotel hanging sign couldn't represent more the art deco style. The hotel reached its popularity peak in the fifties, when it accommodated Uruguay National Soccer Team during the 1950 World Cup in Rio. Uruguay eventually won the cup adding prestige to the hotel. Botafogo, one of the most traditional soccer teams in Rio, also used to Paysandu Hotel to prepare for its important games. Mythical soccer player Mané Garrincha and Nilton Santos were frequent guests of Paysandu Hotel.
These are only some of Flamengo´s architectural gems. Other art buildings in the neighborhood include the Modern Art Museum, Julieta de Serpa teahouse and the outstanding twin buildings Hicatú and Itaúba at Senador Euzébio street. Visiting Flamengo, if you are careful enough, you will be able to find a pearl in every walk, apart from its natural beauties. If you love architecture and art, try to settle in this charming neighborhood on your next trip to Rio. But don't forget to bring your camera along! Original photos of these buildings in Flamengo can be found at Belavista´s Rio Carnival Blog.
Andre is a partner at Belavista-Rio and works directly with tourists to find their dream apartments in Rio. Please visit Belavista-Rio and find a full list of apartments in the best neighborhoods of Rio such as Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, Flamengo, Lagoa and Barra da Tijuca. Please visit http://www.belavista-rio.com/site/home and find lovely apartments to spend your ultimate jade beach vacations.
Holidays in Corfu
Holidays in Corfu
At the beautiful Corfu Island, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and indulge in some extravagant shopping in the maze of its tapered streets. As a tourist, you can explore Corfu either by foot or rent a vehicle and go around this beautiful town named Corfu too, after the Island. The natural beauty of the island is just breathtaking and you can also get to know more about the history that the island encloses. This beautiful island has lots to offer, from resorts and innumerable beaches to some of the best and stunning sand sweeps.
Spending holidays in Corfu-
Corfu offers some of the best beaches for its tourists with plenty of options to enjoy under the sun. The second biggest water park in Europe is at Corfu where you can enjoy a number of slides and other activities. So you can enjoy the water sports riding the banana boat, jet-skis, windsurfing, and scuba-diving. Enjoy the game of golf in the lush green surroundings of the town, horse riding around the town as well as the beach, and also experience the excitement with mountain biking.
Food, Drink, and Night Life -
From the restaurants, caterers to night clubs and bars, Corfu caters to the needs of everybody. After dinner, you can enjoy a relaxing time with drinks at some of the local bars.
Pelekas Café- You can enjoy the cool ambiance of the café and enjoy a wide variety of coffees from Espresso, Frappe, Cappucino and the most famous amongst the visitors, the Greek coffee. You can enjoy some great variety of beers, both local and imported ones. As the day transforms into the night, the party here at Pelekas Café is ready to come alive.
Staying at Corfu-
Corfu offers some of the best villas that offer packaged villa holidays and only villa holidays accommodation. From countryside farmhouses and holiday villas with pools to a cottage with nice view of the blue sea water, you name it and Corfu has it. Tourists can arrange their personal travel arrangements while staying here.
Shopping-
There is a lot to shop at Corfu. The local artists have their proficiency in making the olive wood statues. Goods made exclusively by leather, gold, and pottery items are very famous in Corfu. There is a mixture of French, Venetian and British architecture backdrop to some of the dissimilar street markets. You can easily bargain about the prices with the traders but that is not needed much as the prices here are already so low.
Language-
Indo-European language or Greek language is the oldest and the most spoken one here.
If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.last-minute-holidays.me.uk/. You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and a Last Minute Holidays.
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site -
Simon Johnson
At the beautiful Corfu Island, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and indulge in some extravagant shopping in the maze of its tapered streets. As a tourist, you can explore Corfu either by foot or rent a vehicle and go around this beautiful town named Corfu too, after the Island. The natural beauty of the island is just breathtaking and you can also get to know more about the history that the island encloses. This beautiful island has lots to offer, from resorts and innumerable beaches to some of the best and stunning sand sweeps.
Spending holidays in Corfu-
Corfu offers some of the best beaches for its tourists with plenty of options to enjoy under the sun. The second biggest water park in Europe is at Corfu where you can enjoy a number of slides and other activities. So you can enjoy the water sports riding the banana boat, jet-skis, windsurfing, and scuba-diving. Enjoy the game of golf in the lush green surroundings of the town, horse riding around the town as well as the beach, and also experience the excitement with mountain biking.
Food, Drink, and Night Life -
From the restaurants, caterers to night clubs and bars, Corfu caters to the needs of everybody. After dinner, you can enjoy a relaxing time with drinks at some of the local bars.
Pelekas Café- You can enjoy the cool ambiance of the café and enjoy a wide variety of coffees from Espresso, Frappe, Cappucino and the most famous amongst the visitors, the Greek coffee. You can enjoy some great variety of beers, both local and imported ones. As the day transforms into the night, the party here at Pelekas Café is ready to come alive.
Staying at Corfu-
Corfu offers some of the best villas that offer packaged villa holidays and only villa holidays accommodation. From countryside farmhouses and holiday villas with pools to a cottage with nice view of the blue sea water, you name it and Corfu has it. Tourists can arrange their personal travel arrangements while staying here.
Shopping-
There is a lot to shop at Corfu. The local artists have their proficiency in making the olive wood statues. Goods made exclusively by leather, gold, and pottery items are very famous in Corfu. There is a mixture of French, Venetian and British architecture backdrop to some of the dissimilar street markets. You can easily bargain about the prices with the traders but that is not needed much as the prices here are already so low.
Language-
Indo-European language or Greek language is the oldest and the most spoken one here.
If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.last-minute-holidays.me.uk/. You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and a Last Minute Holidays.
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site -
Simon Johnson
Turkey Holiday - Land of Turks
Turkey Holiday - Land of Turks
Situated between Europe and Asia, Turkey seems to have the best of both continents with it. Turkey is a developing Eurasia country that also borders with the Middle East. Holiday in turkey is a perfect thought, especially, if you are interested in its ancient and historical background as well as its archeological treasure. The first ruler of this land of Turks was Kemal Ataturk.
Things to do in Turkey
When visiting the Turkish land for a holiday in turkey, there are numerous things you can do to make your holiday a memorable one. These are:
- You can enjoy the adventure loaded activities like water sports in the Mediterranean and Aegian resorts, such as windsurfing, diving, water rafting sailing and water skiing. You can do mountain climbing, rock climbing on the famous mountain ranges like the Kackar Mountains (in Black Sea region) and Mount Ararat (in eastern Turkey). - You can go shopping in Istanbul grand bazaar as well as along the streets of up market Nisantasi and Istiklal Caddesi. The Istanbul grand bazaar is known as world's largest and biggest covered market.
- You can also go trekking and skiing in turkey to enjoy your Turkish holiday. The Lycian Way stretches to 500 km and is between Fethiye and the Antalya, offering a great trekking region along with amazing greenery to add to the trekking experience. You can also go skiing in various resorts such as south of Bursa, Palandoken, Erciyes and many more.
- Go golfing at various golf courses spread across the resorts and the major golfing area is in the Belek's Mediterranean resort.
- Do not forget to relish the Turkish bath in your Turkish holiday; these are famous as 'Hamam'. The best of hamams are situated in the Istanbul, such as Cagaloglu Hamam ( sultanahmet) and Galatasaray Hamam (Beyoglu).
- If you are visiting in the months of June and July for your holiday in turkey, do not miss the Ballet festival and Aspendos International Opera.
Things to see in Turkey
Some of the top most Turkish attractions not to be missed when holidaying in turkey are Goreme Open-Air Museum, Ancient City of Ephesus, Kaymakli, Turkish Hamams, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), Swan Bar, Topkapi Palace, Kapadokya Balloons, Yerebatan Sarayi (Underground Cistern), Sultanahmet District, historic town of Safranbolu, Ishak Pasa Palace, Lake Van, Mediterranean city of Antalya, Bodrum, Bosphorus suburbs, Sumala Monastery (54 kms fromTrabzon)and more.
Best time to visit or holiday in Turkey
Visit Turkey in winter if you wish to enjoy your Turkish holiday with winter sports. But if you wish to holiday in turkey while enjoying the sun, sand and beaches, make sure its summer when you holiday in the land of Turks.
If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.direct-holidays.me.uk/. You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and browse Direct Holidays. Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our website - Luki Johnson
Situated between Europe and Asia, Turkey seems to have the best of both continents with it. Turkey is a developing Eurasia country that also borders with the Middle East. Holiday in turkey is a perfect thought, especially, if you are interested in its ancient and historical background as well as its archeological treasure. The first ruler of this land of Turks was Kemal Ataturk.
Things to do in Turkey
When visiting the Turkish land for a holiday in turkey, there are numerous things you can do to make your holiday a memorable one. These are:
- You can enjoy the adventure loaded activities like water sports in the Mediterranean and Aegian resorts, such as windsurfing, diving, water rafting sailing and water skiing. You can do mountain climbing, rock climbing on the famous mountain ranges like the Kackar Mountains (in Black Sea region) and Mount Ararat (in eastern Turkey). - You can go shopping in Istanbul grand bazaar as well as along the streets of up market Nisantasi and Istiklal Caddesi. The Istanbul grand bazaar is known as world's largest and biggest covered market.
- You can also go trekking and skiing in turkey to enjoy your Turkish holiday. The Lycian Way stretches to 500 km and is between Fethiye and the Antalya, offering a great trekking region along with amazing greenery to add to the trekking experience. You can also go skiing in various resorts such as south of Bursa, Palandoken, Erciyes and many more.
- Go golfing at various golf courses spread across the resorts and the major golfing area is in the Belek's Mediterranean resort.
- Do not forget to relish the Turkish bath in your Turkish holiday; these are famous as 'Hamam'. The best of hamams are situated in the Istanbul, such as Cagaloglu Hamam ( sultanahmet) and Galatasaray Hamam (Beyoglu).
- If you are visiting in the months of June and July for your holiday in turkey, do not miss the Ballet festival and Aspendos International Opera.
Things to see in Turkey
Some of the top most Turkish attractions not to be missed when holidaying in turkey are Goreme Open-Air Museum, Ancient City of Ephesus, Kaymakli, Turkish Hamams, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), Swan Bar, Topkapi Palace, Kapadokya Balloons, Yerebatan Sarayi (Underground Cistern), Sultanahmet District, historic town of Safranbolu, Ishak Pasa Palace, Lake Van, Mediterranean city of Antalya, Bodrum, Bosphorus suburbs, Sumala Monastery (54 kms fromTrabzon)and more.
Best time to visit or holiday in Turkey
Visit Turkey in winter if you wish to enjoy your Turkish holiday with winter sports. But if you wish to holiday in turkey while enjoying the sun, sand and beaches, make sure its summer when you holiday in the land of Turks.
If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.direct-holidays.me.uk/. You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and browse Direct Holidays. Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our website - Luki Johnson
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Alaska Fishing Lodge - A Trip To Remember
Alaska Fishing Lodge - A Trip To Remember
By Kevin McCarthy
When fishing in Alaska timing is everything. In other words each species of fish has a time when they are most available and when there is an abundance of that particular fish. When booking a reservation with one of the resorts, check to see if the fish you want to catch are available during your visit.
Besides seeing the sights and experiencing seasonal changes in weather there is just plain relaxing. Consider stopping at the nearest Alaska fishing lodge. There are so many packages available and so many offers that you surely will find one for your family.
A great Alaska fishing lodge is one that offers all the amenities with easy access to the water. Any package should include close proximity to the oceanfront lodging, great meals, guide services and fish processing. So you get everything you need all in one trip. There are many choices in fishing lodges. Alaska also offers a great variety and quantity of fish to be caught. They can be caught in different regions of the state and at various seasons. Alaska most popular fish is the salmon and the runner up is halibut. In the South central region there are various choices of fishing lodges. First, Alaska Tree Tops Fishing Lodge. Then there is Alaska Accommodations and Fishing Charters, Alaska Adventure Company, LLC Wilderness Place Lodge. In the southeast region there are several selections in lodges such as Alaskan Advantage and Shelter Cove Lodge and Salmon Falls Resort. The southwest offers the Alaska Rainbow Lodge. There are many more selections of Alaska fishing lodges that are available. By searching the web or logging onto cleverfishing.com you may find out which lodge is best to suit your needs and who offers the best package and pricing.
Alaska Fishing Lodges are perfectly located in areas where the waters are abundant with the different species of fish. Usually, these lodges are situated in a place where trout, northern pike, and grayling mostly inhabit the waters.
Moreover, some types of lodge also house a place where king salmon are abundant especially during the months of June and early part of July. Most lodges also provide a wide variety of fishing equipment, from rods to tackles and lines.
Most fishing lodges offer valued deals on shelter, food, and fishing equipment rentals. How can you select what is best for you? Decide on what region has the fish you are looking to catch. Pricing varies on lodges, regions, seasons and packaging. A package can start from $75 and range up to thousands of dollars. Guides are included in these packages to show you the region and where the fish reside, how to catch them best and when is a good time to go fishing.
Alaska fishing lodges are fully staffed with professional fisherman who have been guiding on fishing subjects for many years. They love fish and will give the best fishing experience to maximize your chance for success. This should keep you coming back for more. Alaska fishing lodges offer stays from four to seven nights and offer a variety of options to meet the clients needs and desires. Most of the lodging are owned and operated by Alaskan residents.
Most Alaska Fishing Lodges are built big enough to occupy 16 guests, in which each guest can avail of personal and individualized services. In addition, because it carries the true Alaskan heritage, Alaska Fishing Lodges offer services and products that can be afforded by anyone. With its affordable rates, the place is inhabited by people, who mostly want to enjoy life and fishing but cannot afford to buy the pleasures in expensive beaches and lodges.
Normally, Alaska Fishing Lodges are made up of logs; sturdily build to provide each angler optimum convenience and comfort. It is known for its spacious interiors, creatively decorated with the right embellishments, thereby, setting the mood for fishing and wilderness.
Among all fishing lodges available in the industry today, the Alaska Fishing Lodges are among the most treasured and most popular fishing lodges in the United States. With all these beautiful features present in every Alaska Fishing Lodge, there is no better place to enjoy fishing and the wilderness like what this particular lodge can offer. Staying in an Alaska Fishing Lodge is, indeed, an ultimate fishing experience.
FREE REPORT: The Clever Way To Plan and Budget the Fishing Trip of Your Dreams. EBOOK: Everything Clever You Ever Wanted To Know About Fishing
Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com
By Kevin McCarthy
When fishing in Alaska timing is everything. In other words each species of fish has a time when they are most available and when there is an abundance of that particular fish. When booking a reservation with one of the resorts, check to see if the fish you want to catch are available during your visit.
Besides seeing the sights and experiencing seasonal changes in weather there is just plain relaxing. Consider stopping at the nearest Alaska fishing lodge. There are so many packages available and so many offers that you surely will find one for your family.
A great Alaska fishing lodge is one that offers all the amenities with easy access to the water. Any package should include close proximity to the oceanfront lodging, great meals, guide services and fish processing. So you get everything you need all in one trip. There are many choices in fishing lodges. Alaska also offers a great variety and quantity of fish to be caught. They can be caught in different regions of the state and at various seasons. Alaska most popular fish is the salmon and the runner up is halibut. In the South central region there are various choices of fishing lodges. First, Alaska Tree Tops Fishing Lodge. Then there is Alaska Accommodations and Fishing Charters, Alaska Adventure Company, LLC Wilderness Place Lodge. In the southeast region there are several selections in lodges such as Alaskan Advantage and Shelter Cove Lodge and Salmon Falls Resort. The southwest offers the Alaska Rainbow Lodge. There are many more selections of Alaska fishing lodges that are available. By searching the web or logging onto cleverfishing.com you may find out which lodge is best to suit your needs and who offers the best package and pricing.
Alaska Fishing Lodges are perfectly located in areas where the waters are abundant with the different species of fish. Usually, these lodges are situated in a place where trout, northern pike, and grayling mostly inhabit the waters.
Moreover, some types of lodge also house a place where king salmon are abundant especially during the months of June and early part of July. Most lodges also provide a wide variety of fishing equipment, from rods to tackles and lines.
Most fishing lodges offer valued deals on shelter, food, and fishing equipment rentals. How can you select what is best for you? Decide on what region has the fish you are looking to catch. Pricing varies on lodges, regions, seasons and packaging. A package can start from $75 and range up to thousands of dollars. Guides are included in these packages to show you the region and where the fish reside, how to catch them best and when is a good time to go fishing.
Alaska fishing lodges are fully staffed with professional fisherman who have been guiding on fishing subjects for many years. They love fish and will give the best fishing experience to maximize your chance for success. This should keep you coming back for more. Alaska fishing lodges offer stays from four to seven nights and offer a variety of options to meet the clients needs and desires. Most of the lodging are owned and operated by Alaskan residents.
Most Alaska Fishing Lodges are built big enough to occupy 16 guests, in which each guest can avail of personal and individualized services. In addition, because it carries the true Alaskan heritage, Alaska Fishing Lodges offer services and products that can be afforded by anyone. With its affordable rates, the place is inhabited by people, who mostly want to enjoy life and fishing but cannot afford to buy the pleasures in expensive beaches and lodges.
Normally, Alaska Fishing Lodges are made up of logs; sturdily build to provide each angler optimum convenience and comfort. It is known for its spacious interiors, creatively decorated with the right embellishments, thereby, setting the mood for fishing and wilderness.
Among all fishing lodges available in the industry today, the Alaska Fishing Lodges are among the most treasured and most popular fishing lodges in the United States. With all these beautiful features present in every Alaska Fishing Lodge, there is no better place to enjoy fishing and the wilderness like what this particular lodge can offer. Staying in an Alaska Fishing Lodge is, indeed, an ultimate fishing experience.
FREE REPORT: The Clever Way To Plan and Budget the Fishing Trip of Your Dreams. EBOOK: Everything Clever You Ever Wanted To Know About Fishing
Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com
Visiting Cape San Blas For The First Time
Visiting Cape San Blas For The First Time
By Laurel E.
Cape San Blas is an exquisite peninsula which offers 17 miles of white sand beaches which are never crowded, so you will be able to truly enjoy your stay without any headaches, crowds or traffic jams. It is situated in Florida, 50 miles SE of Panama City. It offers quiet beach conditions for families and friends in an “Old Florida” style. Additionally, the beaches of Gulf County, where the Cape is located, remain pet friendly – a rare and welcome find for families who wish to travel with their “four-footed” family members.
At Cape San Blas you can rent kayaks and explore the grass flats of the Bay, and you also can go scalloping during scallop season, or just enjoy the incredible surroundings. You will find dolphins, starfish, stingray, and lots more sea life and wildlife. There is a lot to see, once you know where to go and what to do in this beautiful location!
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, which is situated at the end of the Cape, offers miles of white sand beaches with striking formations of dune, as well as a forested interior and perfect climate conditions for year-round outdoor recreation. At the park (which has a total area of 2,516 acres) you will find more than 200 species of birds, including endangered species like the peregrine falcons. In autumn, monarch butterflies and hawks arrive at Cape San Blas on their way to Mexico. The location is filled with raccoons, bobcats and deer.
At the Cape there are lots of things you can do! You can go fishing, and you’ll find perfect conditions to do so. The waters of the Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico from Carrabelle to Mexico Beach are well-known for their very rich marine life, thanks to the nutrients carried down on the Flint, Chattahoochee, Oclocknee, St. Marks and Apalachicola rivers. If fishing isn’t among your favorite activities, then you might want to try biking. There is an open 8 mile bay and beach side trail which starts from Salinas Park and ends at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Also you will find 20 miles of bike roads between Panama City and Port St. Joe. These roads offer perfect biking conditions as they are flat and very smooth so you won’t run into any bumps or other typical biking hazards. Among other activities you can enjoy at the Cape, consider some of these options: sailing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, snorkeling, crabbing, diving, scalloping, jet skiing and many others.
When it comes to attractions, Cape San Blas has a lot to offer. In addition to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, you might want to visit Cape San Blas Lighthouse, which is very popular among tourists. Another alternative is Black’s Island, which offers perfect conditions for snorkeling and scalloping. An interesting place that you should visit is Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, which is the 2nd largest Estuarine Research Reserve system in the nation. There you’ll find exhibits of the local flora and fauna as well as an aviary and many live giant fish tanks.
You will find a subtropical jungle at the Apalachicola National Forest which is the second largest in the state of Florida. The jungle hosts bears, panthers and alligators which attract lots of tourists every year. If you are interested in a glance of the past, at Apalachicola Historic District you will find lots of old homes and buildings dating from 1930s. A tour is the perfect way to find out about the rich history of the area.
Another interesting place to consider visiting is John Gorrie Museum State Park, where you will find a replica of Gorrie’s ice-machine, which was built from his 1851 patent specifications. As a matter of fact, he was the first one to build an ice-machine. If you want to find out more about the marine life in the area, then you should go visit the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory which has a 25,000 gallon aquarium and also has lots of native marine life, marshes and bays exhibits.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to do, a lot of places to visit in Cape San Blas. Our guests never get bored while visiting our incredible “Forgotten Coast”. The area is a fabulous vacation spot because no matter what your tastes are, you will find something to do that fits your interests. And if what you want to do is just relax and enjoy the quiet, pristine, uncrowded beauty of the Cape, that’s what a lot of us do as well!
Cape San Blas is an exquisite peninsula which offers 17 miles of white sand beaches which are never crowded, so you will be able to truly enjoy your stay without any headaches, crowds or traffic jams. It is situated in Florida, 50 miles SE of Panama City. It offers quiet beach conditions for families and friends in an “Old Florida” style. Additionally, the beaches of Gulf County, where the Cape is located, remain pet friendly – a rare and welcome find for families who wish to travel with their
Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com
By Laurel E.
Cape San Blas is an exquisite peninsula which offers 17 miles of white sand beaches which are never crowded, so you will be able to truly enjoy your stay without any headaches, crowds or traffic jams. It is situated in Florida, 50 miles SE of Panama City. It offers quiet beach conditions for families and friends in an “Old Florida” style. Additionally, the beaches of Gulf County, where the Cape is located, remain pet friendly – a rare and welcome find for families who wish to travel with their “four-footed” family members.
At Cape San Blas you can rent kayaks and explore the grass flats of the Bay, and you also can go scalloping during scallop season, or just enjoy the incredible surroundings. You will find dolphins, starfish, stingray, and lots more sea life and wildlife. There is a lot to see, once you know where to go and what to do in this beautiful location!
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, which is situated at the end of the Cape, offers miles of white sand beaches with striking formations of dune, as well as a forested interior and perfect climate conditions for year-round outdoor recreation. At the park (which has a total area of 2,516 acres) you will find more than 200 species of birds, including endangered species like the peregrine falcons. In autumn, monarch butterflies and hawks arrive at Cape San Blas on their way to Mexico. The location is filled with raccoons, bobcats and deer.
At the Cape there are lots of things you can do! You can go fishing, and you’ll find perfect conditions to do so. The waters of the Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico from Carrabelle to Mexico Beach are well-known for their very rich marine life, thanks to the nutrients carried down on the Flint, Chattahoochee, Oclocknee, St. Marks and Apalachicola rivers. If fishing isn’t among your favorite activities, then you might want to try biking. There is an open 8 mile bay and beach side trail which starts from Salinas Park and ends at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Also you will find 20 miles of bike roads between Panama City and Port St. Joe. These roads offer perfect biking conditions as they are flat and very smooth so you won’t run into any bumps or other typical biking hazards. Among other activities you can enjoy at the Cape, consider some of these options: sailing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, snorkeling, crabbing, diving, scalloping, jet skiing and many others.
When it comes to attractions, Cape San Blas has a lot to offer. In addition to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, you might want to visit Cape San Blas Lighthouse, which is very popular among tourists. Another alternative is Black’s Island, which offers perfect conditions for snorkeling and scalloping. An interesting place that you should visit is Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, which is the 2nd largest Estuarine Research Reserve system in the nation. There you’ll find exhibits of the local flora and fauna as well as an aviary and many live giant fish tanks.
You will find a subtropical jungle at the Apalachicola National Forest which is the second largest in the state of Florida. The jungle hosts bears, panthers and alligators which attract lots of tourists every year. If you are interested in a glance of the past, at Apalachicola Historic District you will find lots of old homes and buildings dating from 1930s. A tour is the perfect way to find out about the rich history of the area.
Another interesting place to consider visiting is John Gorrie Museum State Park, where you will find a replica of Gorrie’s ice-machine, which was built from his 1851 patent specifications. As a matter of fact, he was the first one to build an ice-machine. If you want to find out more about the marine life in the area, then you should go visit the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory which has a 25,000 gallon aquarium and also has lots of native marine life, marshes and bays exhibits.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to do, a lot of places to visit in Cape San Blas. Our guests never get bored while visiting our incredible “Forgotten Coast”. The area is a fabulous vacation spot because no matter what your tastes are, you will find something to do that fits your interests. And if what you want to do is just relax and enjoy the quiet, pristine, uncrowded beauty of the Cape, that’s what a lot of us do as well!
Cape San Blas is an exquisite peninsula which offers 17 miles of white sand beaches which are never crowded, so you will be able to truly enjoy your stay without any headaches, crowds or traffic jams. It is situated in Florida, 50 miles SE of Panama City. It offers quiet beach conditions for families and friends in an “Old Florida” style. Additionally, the beaches of Gulf County, where the Cape is located, remain pet friendly – a rare and welcome find for families who wish to travel with their
Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com
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