Archive for October, 2008

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I Think I Should Go To Virginia Beach…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

What beach is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the longest pleasure beach in the world? It has to be in Bahamas you say, no wait, it’s in Florida, or in the Caribbean. Nope, nope, and nope. It is Virginia Beach in Virginia. Virginia Beach attracts tourists from all over the country and all over the world, drawn to this expansive, glorious shoreline.

Virginia Beach boasts miles and miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean making it perfect for vacation rentals and other shoreline activities. Virginia Beach vacation rentals provide a major boost to the tourist industry in Virginia Beach due to the splendid locale and abundance of attractions.

Virginia Beach has a ton to offer for families looking for a southern getaway in the state of Virginia. An extremely popular tourist spot located in nearby Williamsburg, Virginia is Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Busch Gardens Williamsburg has thrilling rides and amusements and historic and authentic foods and shops making it the perfect place to have fun but also experience a slice of vintage American culture.

But Virginia Beach is of course known for its long beach and sunny weather. And it does not disappoint in these areas for visitors. You can enjoy a scenic parasailing adventure, or try your hand at deep-sea fishing in the fishy Atlantic. Surfing is also widely enjoyed along the shores. To see world-class surfers, visit the East Coast Surfing Championships where some of the best surfers ride top-notch waves.

A recent trend in tourism is the rise of Ecotourism. And as a premier tourist destination, Virginia Beach does not disappoint. In the wintertime, migrating humpback whales visit Virginia Beach’s coast. During the other parts of the year, it is not uncommon to see dolphins swimming around the coast. Also be on the lookout for nesting sea turtles and other rare species of birds.

Virginia Beach has the ideal combination of historic cultural attractions, sunny, sandy beaches, and ecological delights. For a fantastic guide to places to visit, spots to eat, and other attractions in Virginia Beach, check out Frommer’s guide to Virginia Beach.

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I Live In Michigan! But In Case You Want To Visit…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

I have lived in the great state of Michigan for twenty-two years. It has so much to offer, culturally, historically, and beauty wise that is impossible to condense the attractions into a single blog post. However, I will try my best.

Let us first start on Michigan’s gorgeous west coast. Bordering one of Michigan’s five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is perhaps the most beautiful and conducive for visiting. With sandy shores and dunes lining the coast from Indiana to Canada the summer-time in Michigan offers great places to get sun, stroll the beach, and explore the west coast of Michigan. The west coast of Michigan has many fantastic lodging alternatives for the whole family, or for a couple looking for a private getaway. Make sure to explore all of the Michigan vacation rentals to find whatever suits your needs.

Staying in the lower peninsula of Michigan and traveling inland still offers many great tourist destinations and cultural hotspots. Moving to the east side of Michigan, it is imperative to make a stop into Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is home to the state’s largest Art Fair along with the amazing University of Michigan. Travel down State Street for fine dining and fantastic shopping alternatives.

A great way to travel through Michigan is by driving. So rent a car and travel up the huge mitten-shaped state. Make stops in Lansing, to visit the historic capital of Michigan, and continue on to the beautiful cities of Traverse City and Petoskey to catch a glimpse of beautiful bays and harbors of Northern Michigan.

One cannot forget Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula is oft forgotten by us Lower Peninsulan’s but its proximity to Canada and unique culture, make it a must see destination if you are traveling to Michigan. Make a stop in historic Mackinac City or Mackinac Island and try some of the fudge, or take a lovely carriage ride.

In any season, Michigan has endless possibilities for travelers wishing to view the amazing beauty that permeates throughout the state. Visit travelmichigan.com for ideas and links to amazing travel destinations throughout the Great Lakes State.

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I Think I Should Go To Maine…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

The state of Maine may not be your typical tourist destination. However its natural beauty, with an abundance of forests and extensive coastline, make it a great destination for the outdoorsy and adventurous type looking for an alternative spot to traveling out West.

Known as the “Pine Tree State”, over ninety percent of Maine is covered by forestlands. This is not to be discouraging for potential tourists because the unique dynamic of forests and a gorgeous coastline along the Atlantic Ocean make it an excellent spot for numerous vacation rentals and outdoor activities. Maine vacation rentals highlight the beauty of these forest areas or the expansiveness of the coastline.

Traveling to Maine offers many diverse things to do. These primarily center on enjoying the great outdoors, something Maine never runs out of. Maine has over 3,500 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean and is famous for it’s rocky coasts, numerous harbors and bays, beaches, lighthouses, and fishing spots. Traveling through Maine, one has to make note of the contrast between beautiful shorelines and rugged forests, often times lining up right next to each other.

The largest city in Maine is Portland and is the state, social, and economic capital. Portland offers many cultural sites and attractions including the Portland Museum of Art, the Main College of Art, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra. These give Portland a distinct artistic and cultural flair. Maine is often known as a creative hotbed for artists, poets, and other writers drawn to its natural beauty and relative isolation. Portland provides a nice showcase for these artistic endeavors.

Seasonal travel is definitely important when selecting a time to visit the wonderful state of Maine. Most people prefer summer, when it is often humid and warm, but never hot. With early sunrises and long days, it provides the perfect time to enjoy the long shoreline. During the winter months, many people come to Maine for the skiing and other outdoor winter activities of which there are many. For a great introduction and guide to traveling throughout Maine, visit Frommer’s guide to Maine.

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I Think I Should Go To Florida…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

I have already blogged about numerous travel destinations in the great state of Florida, but let me zoom out the focus and look at what the entire state has to offer. Florida is pancaked by the Gulf of Mexico to its West and the vast Atlantic Ocean to its East. Both of these large bodies of water help characterize the culture and travel spots throughout the state of Florida.

Whether you are along the Gulf or along the Atlantic, Florida has an abundance of vacation homes that are attractively located either near mega tourist attractions or in beautiful isolated areas. So either on the coast or inland, Florida vacation rentals are the best alternative for a vacation stay.

There is never really a bad time to visit the state of Florida. Nicknamed as the “Sunshine State” Florida is characterized by an abundance of sunshine, giving many northern snowbirds a reason to make Florida a travel destination in any season. Both coasts offer fantastic beaches such as in Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Miami, West Palm Beach, just to name a few.

Florida is also home to many of the United States great sports teams and great fans. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two of the NFL’s premier teams. And of course, at the moment, the Tampa Bay Rays are playing the MLB World Series. So when traveling to Florida, make sure to buy a ticket and see one of these great teams.

Agricultural, particularly citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits and tangerines, dominate much of Florida’s economy. These offer great alternatives as tourist spots for the agriculturally minded family. But a majority of the travelers to Florida go to visit the family destination, Walt Disney World Resort. This is the largest vacation resort in the world, consisting of four theme parks and over twenty hotels.

The state of Florida has so much to offer for tourists and travel-goers; warm beaches, historic regions, and family destinations. For a great overview detailing what the whole state has to offer, visit justflorida.org for more information.

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I Think I Should Go To The Outer Banks…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

The Outer Banks in North Carolina is perhaps unlike any other tourist destination in the United States. The Outer Banks are a long string of barrier islands directly off the coast of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the beachfront is open and uninhabited making it a beach lover’s dream. Of course the best time to visit the Outer Banks is in the spring and summer time when it is best to take advantage of the glorious weather.

There are many vacation homes that can be found all over the Outer Banks region. These Outer Banks vacation rentals are situated in gorgeous regions with many providing excellent beachfront locations and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Outer Banks is a confusing series of islands including Bodie Island, Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island. These islands each offer many amazing things to see and do. For example the tallest lighthouse on the East Coast is at Cape Hatteras with the oldest residing on Ocracoke Island. It is fun to explore the dunes and beaches in the areas surrounding the lighthouses. It is also possible to catch ferries and explore other uninhabited islands.

Because the Outer Banks is so unique in its ecological formation, the winds that blow from the sea provide amazing winds for sailing, windsurfing, and other wind related water activities. If you enjoy any of these things, you must take advantage of the Outer Banks winds!

It’s hard to pinpoint one or two things to do in the Outer Banks because each island has so many diverse attractions. But many people choose to visit the Nags Head for modern restaurants and shopping and a trip through a nostalgic Carolinian town.  For an extra dose of history make sure to visit Sir Walter Raleigh’s Lost Colony on Roanoke Island for a glance into what happened to this early United States colony. And for many more great attractions, check out Frommer’s excellent guide to attractions in the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks offers beach goers the chance to take a dive into the Atlantic and into history with many glimpses into early America.

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I Think I Should Go To Palm Springs…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

We have not discussed many tourist destinations that are not along the seashore, but that is because not many tourist destinations have as much to offer as Palm Springs, California. Located in southeast California, the desert town of Palm Springs encapsulates the mountains and desert life to provide a plethora of relaxing activities for adventurists and travel goers.

Palm Springs is a self-described “desert oasis” and for good reason. The vacation homes that litter the desert and surrounding mountain areas are testament to the natural beauty that exudes over the entire area. It is not hard to find Palm Springs vacation rentals that match the exact specifications of every visitor or traveler. These rentals offer great stays for the whole family or as a secluded getaway for couples.

Palm Springs has many attractive features making this dynamic city a great spot for the culturally inclined. The architecture of Palm Springs is characterized by what is known as Desert Modernism. Buildings with glass, clean lines, and natural usage of materials, make for stunning sights and artistic places to visit. Palm Springs was even named as a “Dozen Distinctive Destination” in 2006 due to the richness of the architecture in the city.

Palm Springs is not for the lazy. If you enjoy lying in bed all day, stay away from Palm Springs. There are numerous famous golf courses around Palm Springs, perfect for the casual golfer or the more serious golf pro. Visit the Classic Club for a great public course, or head over to Desert Willow Golf Resort for a championship course. But these are only a few of the many extraordinary courses sprinkled over this desert oasis.

Those traveling on a budget should be made aware of this great list of 18 Free Things To Do in Palm Springs. These are also not for the lead foot in your family, and include hiking, biking, and even exploring Native American culture.

Palm Springs may not be the best place to bring the kids, but it offers fantastic dining in a culturally forward town that places strong emphasis on entertaining people’s minds as well as their legs.

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I Think I Should Go To Indian Rocks Beach, Florida…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

Many travelers to Florida have not heard of Indian Rocks Beach, located on Florida’s west coast along the Gulf of Mexico. But for those that visit Indian Rocks Beach, this is fine by them. It remains a charming small town, with glorious white beaches and a close proximity to Walt Disney World Resort, and other larger Florida attractions.

Many people choose to stay in Indian Rocks Beach because it provides seclusion and privacy that are often not found in a glorious beachfront town such as Indian Rocks Beach. Many visitors choose to stay in vacation rentals along the beach or just inside the city of Indian Rocks Beach. The Indian Rocks Beach fl condos for rent provide luxurious accommodations and great locations to fully enjoy all that Indian Rocks Beach has to offer.

The main strip of Indian Rocks Beach is the Gulf Boulevard that runs north and south along the coast. It is a great drive up to the north to check out Belleair Beach and the other surrounding areas of Belleair Shores. Continuing back down south is Indian Shores and the Redingtons. Most beach access is free, though parking is sometimes limited. The beaches offer many of the same amenities that can be found on other public beaches. In interesting attraction in the Indian Rocks Beach area is the Beach Art Center. The Beach Art Center is open for those who wish to experience and view visual art and craftwork done with natural materials and local artists. Definitely a must see in Indian Rocks Beach.

As noted earlier, Indian Rocks Beach is very close to other large Florida attractions such as Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and Walt Disney World Resort. These large tourist destinations are perfect for the whole family. It is an easy drive from Indian Rocks Beach and offers a great alternative to the larger resort cities. For more information on dining and local entertainment in the Indian Rocks Beach area, visit the official tourist website at http://www.indianrocksbch.com/.

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I Think I Should Go To San Diego, California…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

San Diego, California is located in the heart of Southern California, just north of the Mexican border. Unbeknownst to most people it is the eighth largest city in the United States. So what do most of its residents find so attractive about this SoCal destination? It’s a combination of gorgeous beaches, a rich cultural art scene, and many family friendly attractions that give San Diego its appeal.

Many people forgo San Diego as a tourist destination, but it has many vacation homes along the Pacific Ocean along with other San Diego vacation rentals in and around the San Diego region.  These provide attractive spots for families or travelers’ looking to experience all that San Diego has to offer.

On a budget? All of San Diego’s beaches are free to the public! So grab your beach-gear, your swim trunks, and lie on one of the glorious San Diego beaches. Another great place to visit on San Diego if your dollar is spread a little thin is Mission Bay Park. There are many places to fly kites, ride a bike, or simply stroll through the 4,600 acre-aquatic Park. This also leads into the Mission Beach Boardwalk, a scenic three-mile boardwalk along the Mission and Pacific Beaches.

San Diego offers a multitude of fine dining and entertaining nightspots. So if you are looking for excellent cuisine and some dancing to burn off the calories, head to places such as Anthology or Onyx for live music and DJ’s. Other more popular destinations include the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, providing rock n’ roll nostalgia and fun for the whole family.

For the wine aficionados, San Diego has many award winning wineries offering tasting and tours. Make sure to visit Bernardo Winery, Inc and Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards. Wine is the perfect compliment for a romantic trip and to relax after a day full of sun and fun.

San Diego has is a large city wrapped in the shell of a small charming village. Offering beaches, parks, wineries and an excellent nightlife, San Diego is the perfect spot for any traveler. Make sure to visit Frommer’s guide to San Diego for other great tips.

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I Think I Should Go To Ocean City, Maryland…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

Ocean City, Maryland remains a premier Atlantic Ocean resort town rivaling Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach for supremacy along the Atlantic Coast. Travel goers and tourists head to Ocean City for fantastic beaches, a fun, energetic boardwalk full of shopping and dining, and fantastic golfing all year round.

Smaller than its neighboring tourist destinations, Ocean City offers a whole lot, for a whole little. Lodging in the city is easy to come across with hotels, condos, and other Ocean City Maryland vacation rentals available for families or couples looking to escape reality.

Ocean City, Maryland located directly on the Atlantic Ocean means long, glorious stretches of beachfront. If you enjoy getting a tan, building a sand castle, or people watching, Ocean City offers up some of the finest beach laziness in the country. Right along the beach is the fantastic Ocean City Boardwalk, recently named the third best boardwalk in the country on the Travel Channel. Along the Ocean City Boardwalk, you can find a plethora of dining, games and amusements, and shopping. Consider renting bikes rollerblades at Sailing, Etc. to fly past slow moving tourists.

For families or the kid at heart, Ocean City, Maryland has many amusement parks including the Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Ocean City Pier Rides, and Baja Amusements all offering thrills, spills and fun for those of all ages. After an invigorating day of amusements, take the whole family out for an Ocean City delight: steamed hard-shell crabs! Of course they are fresh from the ocean served directly to your plate!

If the crowds at Ocean City are too overwhelming, the calmer waters around Ocean City, including Assawoman, Sinepuxent, and Montego are perfect for fishers, sailors, and other water sport enthusiasts. These show off the extensive ecological beauty off the Maryland coastal region, full of birds and other natural wildlife.

Ocean City also has a great nightlife for those looking to unwind a little after a long day at the beach. Check out Frommer’s guide to Ocean City’s energetic nightlife. Ocean City is a great destination along the Atlantic Ocean providing fun and sun for the whole family.

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I Think I Should Go To South Padre Island…

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

In my exploration of travel destinations across the United States, I have yet to discuss anything in the state of Texas. So let’s begin with an essential vacation spot: South Padre Island. South Padre Island is a barrier island and resort community located off the coast of southeast Texas. South Padre Island has been popularized as a spring break destination for residents of Texas, Oklahoma and Mexico. But it has much more to offer than just booze and babes (though you can find plenty of those!)

Many people traveling to South Padre Island rely on a variety of lodging alternatives including hotels, condos, and camping. South Padre Island rentals are very easy to locate and provide luxurious accommodations for the whole family or for a romantic couples getaway.

The beaches on South Padre Island are the main draw for tourists and spring breakers. Clean, sunny and warm, the beaches right along the Gulf of Mexico are free to visit. You can find many rental services offering jet skis, boats, and chairs for those who prefer to be more active. An interesting service for the kids is to hire a sandcastle expert to help build an enormous sandcastle. What a way to spend the day!

Fishing on the Gulf of Mexico is an amazing way to cruise around the island and search for the biggest catch you can find! There are plenty of charters and captains, which can be found on the official South Padre Island tourist site. Besides renting a boat, there are a few piers that offer plentiful fishing spots. These include Fishbones Fishing Pier and Jim’s Pier.

But most people come to South Padre Island for the vibrant and energetic nightlife. Hot spots in the area include Boomerang Billy’s Beach Bar & Grill, Louie’s Backyeard and the Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill. All of these establishments offer great dining, a fun atmosphere, and lots of music for those who want to hit the dance floor!

South Padre Island is a great place to make a trip if you are looking for lots to do and lots more people to party with. The weather is fantastic, the water is warm, and the nightlife is hopping, South Padre Island is the place to be.

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