By Christina VanGinkel
The first time I visited Colorado, nearly twenty years ago, one of the towns I was fortunate enough to call upon was Cripple Creek. Cripple Creek was still a sleepy little town back then, reminiscent of many old west flavored towns scattered about the state. It sat nestled amongst the mountain vistas that were and still are such a big draw for tourists all over the world. At that time, gambling as a source of revenue was being talked about, but it had yet to make a comeback. Where gambling had once thrived in the over one hundred saloons that dotted the face of the town, and then been banned as the flavorful old west town tamed down, it was once again legalized in 1990.
Home to Limited Stakes Gambling (meaning that all bets are limited to a maximum value of five dollars), Cripple Creek is also home to many fine restaurants, and various attractions including many old west flavored ones. From ghost walking tours, which combine a walk and tour of some of the most celebrated ghost sightings around town, to meeting some descendants of the very mules that made this mining town what it was during the heyday of the mines, there are some unique ways to pass the time in a town known for its casinos.
The state of Colorado itself is a wonderful place to visit. With tourist stops ranging from the tops of mountains to caves, there truly is something for everyone to see and experience in the state. For this reason alone, whether you are considering planning a family vacation or a trip for yourself or as a couple, Colorado is a fine place to consider.
You can take the kids on all sorts of daytrips, and then sneak off to the nightlife that a town such as Cripple Creek offers, for some fun adult entertainment in the form of the Limited Stakes gambling. On the other hand, enjoy the nightlife morning, noon, and night if you are traveling without kids! Several of the casinos also offer arcades for the kids to enjoy some gaming in during the day.
While in Cripple Creek, be sure to enjoy the fine dining in their many restaurants and retire for the night in one of their many historically located hotels. There is plenty to see and do, and if you enjoy gambling, but dislike to fast paced, huge crowds of places such as Las Vegas, then this might be just the atmosphere you have been searching. Unless you come for a visit though, it will be hard to find out if it is all the things, so many people believe it to be.
Located just west of Colorado Springs, which is home to numerous tourist attractions of its own, Cripple Creek was once considered one of Colorado's foremost ghost towns. With laws put in place before the gambling took over the town, many of the original structures were preserved, providing much of the fun of the old west theme that the town has long been famous. While it would not in my opinion still qualify as a sleepy ghost town as it surely was the day I first visited twenty years back, it nonetheless still has a lot to offer for anyone interested in Colorado's historical buildings and history rich in ghost tales. There is the Butte Opera House, which is open year round, and restored to its original 1890's glory, the Cripple Creek District Museum, which is located in the original location of the Midland Terminal Railroad Depot, or the Old Homestead Museum, an original 1890's brothel in Cripple Creek's Red Light District. There are gold mines, rock climbing, hiking, even a skateboard park. Cripple Creek is a town that offers something for everyone in the family.
Fees for these and other attractions vary, with some of the attractions open year round, and others only during the summer months. If you are planning a vacation to Colorado, be sure to put Cripple Creek at the top of your list of towns to stop by and visit. You may end up staying for the whole trip though, as there are attractions and activities all around town, day and night, just waiting to be discovered.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
Wish You Were in Dixie? Visit Historic Richmond
Richmond, Virginia, is famous for lots of things, too many to name; one of the biggest is its ties to Civil War America. Richmond was the home base of the "Confederate States of America," the place where the Confederate White House, occupied by Jefferson Davis, was located. Although time has taken a big toll on America's Civil War sites, many of Richmond's historical homes and buildings have been preserved or restored. Here you'll discover some homes and churches that witnessed Richmond's role in the "War Between the States."
Richmond is such a big city that its historical properties are split into many different neighborhoods. One of these neighborhoods is known as the Franklin Street District. Here you can find 19th century homes ranging from the early 1800s to the Victorian era of the 1890s. Among those that stood during the Civil War are the Cole Diggs House, the Kent-Valentine House with beautiful stately columns, the Ritter-Hancock House, and the Price Home, also known as the Dooley-Madison Rest Home. There is additional amazing architecture spanning decades; you can find some wonderful stone and brick homes that resemble castles with walkways and round rooms.
If you have a tour guide or know someone who is familiar with the area, you may enjoy knowing the name of each individual house you visit. If you love historic homes as I do, you'll probably want many photos (of course, be warned; if anyone is still *living* in these old homes, and in most of them people still are, it may look strange when you point your camera at their house). If you act like a tourist, they will probably leave you alone! Try to get pictures of plaques and markers as well. Some historic homes in Richmond can be toured, so hop online to a place like www.historicrichmond.com (or search the web) and ask the staff there when and where certain tours will be offered.
St. John's Church District (known as Church Hill), is also home to structures that stood during the Civil War era. No visitor should even consider coming to Richmond without seeing St. John's Church. Not only did it stand in the 19th century, but in its older form stood in the days of the Revolution and hosted the "speechifying" of Patrick Henry. The homes of Carrington Row were all constructed in the early 1800s (1818 to be exact) and are uniform in appearance. The Adams-Taylor House, Morris Cottage, and Adams Double House all stood in the 1860s. The Elmira Shelton House, a quaint red-brick home with simple but elegant adornment, is particularly interesting because of its connection to Edgar Allen Poe. His sweetheart (Elmira Shelton) once lived here.
Some historical structures are scattered throughout the city and aren't situated in any particular district. One of these is the Wilton House, an ancient edifice from the mid-1800s. It originally stood outside of town but was later brought into the city limits. The Tudor home known as Agecroft is by far Richmond's most historical building and the most interesting. You may find it difficult to believe it was built in the 1400s even though Virginia was not colonized until the 1600s. It's true! The home was actually moved from England, from an area known as Lancasshire.
Don't forget to learn all you can about Richmond and its role in the pivotal "War Between the States" before visiting the city, since it is most famous for that association. Look for the canals lying outside the city. Near the canals you'll find a building steeped in history; the Tredegar Iron Works. Almost all of the cannons used by the Southern Army during the war were made right here in Tredegar. The place itself was built in 1837, a mere twenty-four years before the start of the war.
Driving will probably not be an easy feat in Richmond even on the "slowest" hours of the day. This is where it helps to take a bus, tour, or other form of public transportation so you don't frazzle your nerves trying to get around. You shouldn't be afraid to ask directions. Even if you're a "Yankee," I guarantee Richmond's citizens *will not* bite. And don't try to put on a fake Southern accent to blend in; it's very noticeable, and all they will hear is a "Yankee" trying to sound like a Southerner!
By Lacie Schaeffer
Richmond is such a big city that its historical properties are split into many different neighborhoods. One of these neighborhoods is known as the Franklin Street District. Here you can find 19th century homes ranging from the early 1800s to the Victorian era of the 1890s. Among those that stood during the Civil War are the Cole Diggs House, the Kent-Valentine House with beautiful stately columns, the Ritter-Hancock House, and the Price Home, also known as the Dooley-Madison Rest Home. There is additional amazing architecture spanning decades; you can find some wonderful stone and brick homes that resemble castles with walkways and round rooms.
If you have a tour guide or know someone who is familiar with the area, you may enjoy knowing the name of each individual house you visit. If you love historic homes as I do, you'll probably want many photos (of course, be warned; if anyone is still *living* in these old homes, and in most of them people still are, it may look strange when you point your camera at their house). If you act like a tourist, they will probably leave you alone! Try to get pictures of plaques and markers as well. Some historic homes in Richmond can be toured, so hop online to a place like www.historicrichmond.com (or search the web) and ask the staff there when and where certain tours will be offered.
St. John's Church District (known as Church Hill), is also home to structures that stood during the Civil War era. No visitor should even consider coming to Richmond without seeing St. John's Church. Not only did it stand in the 19th century, but in its older form stood in the days of the Revolution and hosted the "speechifying" of Patrick Henry. The homes of Carrington Row were all constructed in the early 1800s (1818 to be exact) and are uniform in appearance. The Adams-Taylor House, Morris Cottage, and Adams Double House all stood in the 1860s. The Elmira Shelton House, a quaint red-brick home with simple but elegant adornment, is particularly interesting because of its connection to Edgar Allen Poe. His sweetheart (Elmira Shelton) once lived here.
Some historical structures are scattered throughout the city and aren't situated in any particular district. One of these is the Wilton House, an ancient edifice from the mid-1800s. It originally stood outside of town but was later brought into the city limits. The Tudor home known as Agecroft is by far Richmond's most historical building and the most interesting. You may find it difficult to believe it was built in the 1400s even though Virginia was not colonized until the 1600s. It's true! The home was actually moved from England, from an area known as Lancasshire.
Don't forget to learn all you can about Richmond and its role in the pivotal "War Between the States" before visiting the city, since it is most famous for that association. Look for the canals lying outside the city. Near the canals you'll find a building steeped in history; the Tredegar Iron Works. Almost all of the cannons used by the Southern Army during the war were made right here in Tredegar. The place itself was built in 1837, a mere twenty-four years before the start of the war.
Driving will probably not be an easy feat in Richmond even on the "slowest" hours of the day. This is where it helps to take a bus, tour, or other form of public transportation so you don't frazzle your nerves trying to get around. You shouldn't be afraid to ask directions. Even if you're a "Yankee," I guarantee Richmond's citizens *will not* bite. And don't try to put on a fake Southern accent to blend in; it's very noticeable, and all they will hear is a "Yankee" trying to sound like a Southerner!
By Lacie Schaeffer
Fort Matanzas - Florida's Forgotten Outpost
When researching historical attractions in St. Augustine, Florida, the Castillo de San Marcos, built in the 17th century, is immediately one of the first things you will find. Unfortunately Fort Matanzas, located near adjoining Anastasia Island and completed in 1742, is largely ignored. This fort, though small, is still a great St. Augustine side-trip. Remember that the only way to get to Fort Matanzas is by ferry; the structure actually sits on a patch of land known as "Rattlesnake Island." Don't let the name fool you; this barren strip is actually one of St. Augustine's most beautiful places because it hasn't been completely taken over by development as many other nearby places have.
Fort Matanzas is a Spanish fort and helped to keep pirates and other enemies at bay during the turbulent years between 1700 and 1750. The English sieges in 1702 and again in 1740 made the soldiers even more determined that, although the Castillo guarded the main city, another fort would be needed to protect the back end of St. Augustine. Thus Fort Matanzas, so named because of the French "matanzas," (slaughters) that happened near this site, was begun.
It is important to learn every aspect of St. Augustine's history that you can possibly can before arriving. Learning the history behind Fort Matanzas opens the door to a part of history nearly forgotten. Once you arrive on "Rattlesnake Island," take time to read the signs that explain the function of the fort and the history of the surrounding area. You can tour the inner rooms of the fort, including the main lookout, soldiers' quarters, cannon deck and other small but fascinating places. The sentry box may be of particular interest to small children.
The soldiers' quarters area is especially small, but a well-appointed room where you can see what life was like in the 18th century. If you've visited the Castillo, you will notice that some of Fort Matanzas's rooms are like smaller versions of the rooms in the Castillo. The officer's quarters are still a very tight squeeze but the furniture is somewhat finer, perhaps from showing off the difference in rank. Some parts of the fort may only be accessible at certain times, so check to see what your tour will cover when you arrive. Be sure to remember the fort is not very large and there are small spaces, tight squeezes and narrow sentry boxes to navigate around. Keep on eye on younger children. Please remember to tell children not to climb or sit on walls or cannons; not only can it harm the fort itself, but could pose a danger to the children.
Fort Matanzas is important not only for its historical past but also the many creatures that call Matanzas Inlet their home. Be on the lookout for seafaring visitors and ocean birds. If nature is your thing, check out Fort Matanzas's website at www.nps.gov/foma and find out if there will be a nature walk when you plan to visit. This activity may not be a winner if you've traveling with kids, unless they happen to love birdwatching or spotting exotic plants. Another great attraction offered at various times (check their page to find out what's happening when) is a torchlight tour of Fort Matanzas. I would definitely recommend checking into this just for the sheer uniqueness of the tour.
If you visit Fort Matanzas, be sure to stop by St. Augustine's huge 17th century fortress, El Castillo de San Marcos (The Castle of St. Mark). For a while known as Fort Marion, visitors can be glad the original Spanish name was restored because it evokes so much more romance and adventure. The courtyard, separate rooms, and gun deck with its many cannons make the Castillo a must-see for the St. Augustine traveler. The site of Fort Mose (a fortress no longer standing that once housed an African American colony) is another military site you may want to study.
Fort Matanzas (and also Castillo de San Marcos) are owned and operated by the National Park Service, so if you have questions about either site, don't be afraid to ask. Many Park Service staff you may encounter will be able to answer queries about anything from St. Augustine's past to where you might find the restrooms!
If you come to Fort Matanzas, take lots of pictures; even if the space of small, there is history covering every inch of the structure, from it's beginning in the 18th century to its much later restoration.
By Lacie Schaeffer
Fort Matanzas is a Spanish fort and helped to keep pirates and other enemies at bay during the turbulent years between 1700 and 1750. The English sieges in 1702 and again in 1740 made the soldiers even more determined that, although the Castillo guarded the main city, another fort would be needed to protect the back end of St. Augustine. Thus Fort Matanzas, so named because of the French "matanzas," (slaughters) that happened near this site, was begun.
It is important to learn every aspect of St. Augustine's history that you can possibly can before arriving. Learning the history behind Fort Matanzas opens the door to a part of history nearly forgotten. Once you arrive on "Rattlesnake Island," take time to read the signs that explain the function of the fort and the history of the surrounding area. You can tour the inner rooms of the fort, including the main lookout, soldiers' quarters, cannon deck and other small but fascinating places. The sentry box may be of particular interest to small children.
The soldiers' quarters area is especially small, but a well-appointed room where you can see what life was like in the 18th century. If you've visited the Castillo, you will notice that some of Fort Matanzas's rooms are like smaller versions of the rooms in the Castillo. The officer's quarters are still a very tight squeeze but the furniture is somewhat finer, perhaps from showing off the difference in rank. Some parts of the fort may only be accessible at certain times, so check to see what your tour will cover when you arrive. Be sure to remember the fort is not very large and there are small spaces, tight squeezes and narrow sentry boxes to navigate around. Keep on eye on younger children. Please remember to tell children not to climb or sit on walls or cannons; not only can it harm the fort itself, but could pose a danger to the children.
Fort Matanzas is important not only for its historical past but also the many creatures that call Matanzas Inlet their home. Be on the lookout for seafaring visitors and ocean birds. If nature is your thing, check out Fort Matanzas's website at www.nps.gov/foma and find out if there will be a nature walk when you plan to visit. This activity may not be a winner if you've traveling with kids, unless they happen to love birdwatching or spotting exotic plants. Another great attraction offered at various times (check their page to find out what's happening when) is a torchlight tour of Fort Matanzas. I would definitely recommend checking into this just for the sheer uniqueness of the tour.
If you visit Fort Matanzas, be sure to stop by St. Augustine's huge 17th century fortress, El Castillo de San Marcos (The Castle of St. Mark). For a while known as Fort Marion, visitors can be glad the original Spanish name was restored because it evokes so much more romance and adventure. The courtyard, separate rooms, and gun deck with its many cannons make the Castillo a must-see for the St. Augustine traveler. The site of Fort Mose (a fortress no longer standing that once housed an African American colony) is another military site you may want to study.
Fort Matanzas (and also Castillo de San Marcos) are owned and operated by the National Park Service, so if you have questions about either site, don't be afraid to ask. Many Park Service staff you may encounter will be able to answer queries about anything from St. Augustine's past to where you might find the restrooms!
If you come to Fort Matanzas, take lots of pictures; even if the space of small, there is history covering every inch of the structure, from it's beginning in the 18th century to its much later restoration.
By Lacie Schaeffer
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Fuel Cost Calculators and Saving on your Next Road Trip
By Christina VanGinkel
Like many Americans, my husband and I have become somewhat consumed watching the price if gasoline go up and down and then back up in recent months. With summer arriving in just a matter of weeks, and a few road trips in the planning stages, we have been trying to budget for the cost of fuel on these hoped for getaways. Without knowing what the cost of gasoline will be by the time we go, we know that coming up with an actual cost will not be possible, yet we hope that we will be able to at least judge it within a reasonable amount by using a fuel cost calculator.
A fuel cost calculator allows you to input information such as your starting point and destination, along with your vehicles make, model, and year. Some fuel cost calculators, such as the one online via the AAA car club, limits you on your starting point and destination to a select few cities across the United States, but will provide you with an estimated cost for both one way travel and round trip, along with distance in miles between the two points.
Another site, Road Trip America, has you input information such as number of miles you will be driving, how many miles per gallon your particular vehicle gets, and price per gallon. It will then figure your costs only after filling in this information. The site foes have a graph that allows you to look up your vehicle if you are unsure of what the average mile per gallon of your vehicle is. My Microsoft Trips and Streets software that came bundled with my Dell computer has a similar feature, with the added advantage of being able to instantly look up the distance between two points and offering tips on various driving routes. It does not allow me to look up the miles per gallon of my current vehicle though.
Tools such as these are increasingly becoming popular and will likely continue to grow in popularity. While no single tool can help alleviate the increase in the cost of gasoline, coupled with other tools and tips, such as making sure your vehicle is in optimum running order before heading out, together they will allow us to travel more informed. For someone who drives quite a limited distance in his or her daily routine, ignoring the soaring cost of gasoline can be accomplished. What happens though is when that same person decides to take a road trip, sticker shock at the pumps hits harder than they ever imagined.
Whether you are planning one or several road trips this summer, consider the use of tools such as these and other fuel cost calculators to be informed as to what the adventure will cost you. Then add on savings by driving as economically as you can:
Avoid piling on extra weight. If you have been toting around a trunk full of stuff, clean it out before you head out.
Use your cruise control. By maintaining an even speed as long as possible, your vehicle will potentially save fuel. This is one of those features that might not seem like a big thing, but when combined with other fuel saving tips has the potential to add up.
For much the same reason that using your cruise control helps to save gas, so does driving sensibly. If you are constantly mashing on the brake, then speeding up, and then hitting the brakes again, you are defeating how your engine uses fuel, and will suck up more than its fair share. Driving sensibly is not only safe and the right thing to do; it can keep more money in your pocket in the end. I actually read a report that said the fuel used when driving erratically down a stretch of road when compared to the same vehicle on the same stretch of road driving in a logical fashion was over twenty fiver percent! That could really add up when you consider the average cost of a gallon of gasoline is currently hovering near the three-dollar mark.
Be sure your car is in good running condition. Your tires should be inflated to their recommended level. Fuel and air filters should be cleaned or replaced as needed. Change your oil on time. A motor that is running, as it should, will most likely use less fuel than one in need of repair.
Like many Americans, my husband and I have become somewhat consumed watching the price if gasoline go up and down and then back up in recent months. With summer arriving in just a matter of weeks, and a few road trips in the planning stages, we have been trying to budget for the cost of fuel on these hoped for getaways. Without knowing what the cost of gasoline will be by the time we go, we know that coming up with an actual cost will not be possible, yet we hope that we will be able to at least judge it within a reasonable amount by using a fuel cost calculator.
A fuel cost calculator allows you to input information such as your starting point and destination, along with your vehicles make, model, and year. Some fuel cost calculators, such as the one online via the AAA car club, limits you on your starting point and destination to a select few cities across the United States, but will provide you with an estimated cost for both one way travel and round trip, along with distance in miles between the two points.
Another site, Road Trip America, has you input information such as number of miles you will be driving, how many miles per gallon your particular vehicle gets, and price per gallon. It will then figure your costs only after filling in this information. The site foes have a graph that allows you to look up your vehicle if you are unsure of what the average mile per gallon of your vehicle is. My Microsoft Trips and Streets software that came bundled with my Dell computer has a similar feature, with the added advantage of being able to instantly look up the distance between two points and offering tips on various driving routes. It does not allow me to look up the miles per gallon of my current vehicle though.
Tools such as these are increasingly becoming popular and will likely continue to grow in popularity. While no single tool can help alleviate the increase in the cost of gasoline, coupled with other tools and tips, such as making sure your vehicle is in optimum running order before heading out, together they will allow us to travel more informed. For someone who drives quite a limited distance in his or her daily routine, ignoring the soaring cost of gasoline can be accomplished. What happens though is when that same person decides to take a road trip, sticker shock at the pumps hits harder than they ever imagined.
Whether you are planning one or several road trips this summer, consider the use of tools such as these and other fuel cost calculators to be informed as to what the adventure will cost you. Then add on savings by driving as economically as you can:
Avoid piling on extra weight. If you have been toting around a trunk full of stuff, clean it out before you head out.
Use your cruise control. By maintaining an even speed as long as possible, your vehicle will potentially save fuel. This is one of those features that might not seem like a big thing, but when combined with other fuel saving tips has the potential to add up.
For much the same reason that using your cruise control helps to save gas, so does driving sensibly. If you are constantly mashing on the brake, then speeding up, and then hitting the brakes again, you are defeating how your engine uses fuel, and will suck up more than its fair share. Driving sensibly is not only safe and the right thing to do; it can keep more money in your pocket in the end. I actually read a report that said the fuel used when driving erratically down a stretch of road when compared to the same vehicle on the same stretch of road driving in a logical fashion was over twenty fiver percent! That could really add up when you consider the average cost of a gallon of gasoline is currently hovering near the three-dollar mark.
Be sure your car is in good running condition. Your tires should be inflated to their recommended level. Fuel and air filters should be cleaned or replaced as needed. Change your oil on time. A motor that is running, as it should, will most likely use less fuel than one in need of repair.
RV Travel
By Christina VanGinkel
Travel in an RV has been a time-honored pastime for many families. This summer, I see there is even a comedy starring Robin Williams that is a spoof on this type of travel. Yet, for many families, this type of vacation is the one type that can allow even large families on a budget to travel together. As more baby boomers come into an age that they not only have older children, but also grandchildren, many people believe there is going to be a renewed surge in this type of travel. Even with most RV vehicles being anything but a gas saver, when compared to the combined cost of travel by other means, such as air combined with other costs such as hotel stays and eating each meal out, RV travel can still offer huge savings. Figuring out how to travel and keep your sanity is the last major hurdle for many families in the decision making stage of whether or not to choose this type of vacation.
There are things to consider, and tips to follow, but if you are serious about having the vacation of a lifetime, in an RV, it can be done. Just ask the millions who have gone before you and done just that.
Many companies rent out RV's from basic to deluxe models. Rental can be for various timeframes, from a few days to a month or more. Even if you plan to purchase an RV, it might be wise to rent one first, to be sure that this sort of travel is really for you. It is best if you rent one that will be equal to the size that you plan to buy. Some companies even offer a rent before you buy plan. These plans allow you to use an RV that you intend to purchase on a trial basis first. Most people continue through with the purchase, but a select few realize that RV travel is not for them. Others become so enamored with this type of travel that they spend as much time as they can doing it, some even retiring to RV parks for their golden years.
Choose a destination. Too often first time RV travelers feel that the RV itself is the vacation. It is not. You and your traveling companions can only be impressed by the inside of the RV so long, and then you will need to focus on where you are going and what you will be doing once you arrive.
Who will all be going with you? Will you be taking any pets or young children along? If so, what extra accommodations will need to be made? RV travel can often find various age groups traveling together, and in close quarters such as an RV, they get to know each other well. It is hard not to see grandma first thing in the morning when you are sleeping just a few feet away from each other. Bring along a card and board games to keep from becoming bored between attractions. Books and magazines are also necessary, and if traveling with small kids, make sure to pack a few favorite toys and their bikes if you will be staying in parks that will accommodate their use.
Make sure rules are in place before heading out, and that they are followed. Simple things like everyone having a few simple chores will keep the vacation a vacation, and not leaving a big mess at the end of each day with everyone arguing about who is going to clean it up. Institute a few mess avers too, to help keep down on the chores. Everyone, including kids should take off their shoes before or upon entering, especially if you are parked anywhere that might feed the mess problem, such as in a muddy campground with it pouring rain outside.
Traveling by RV is a great way to explore your state or the whole United States for that matter. There are RV parks that offer rustic camping to deluxe parks that have swimming pools and restaurants. If you are considering trying this much-loved form of travel, do not let this summers expected high gas costs deter you. When compared to other forms of travel, an RV vacation is still a bargain.
Travel in an RV has been a time-honored pastime for many families. This summer, I see there is even a comedy starring Robin Williams that is a spoof on this type of travel. Yet, for many families, this type of vacation is the one type that can allow even large families on a budget to travel together. As more baby boomers come into an age that they not only have older children, but also grandchildren, many people believe there is going to be a renewed surge in this type of travel. Even with most RV vehicles being anything but a gas saver, when compared to the combined cost of travel by other means, such as air combined with other costs such as hotel stays and eating each meal out, RV travel can still offer huge savings. Figuring out how to travel and keep your sanity is the last major hurdle for many families in the decision making stage of whether or not to choose this type of vacation.
There are things to consider, and tips to follow, but if you are serious about having the vacation of a lifetime, in an RV, it can be done. Just ask the millions who have gone before you and done just that.
Many companies rent out RV's from basic to deluxe models. Rental can be for various timeframes, from a few days to a month or more. Even if you plan to purchase an RV, it might be wise to rent one first, to be sure that this sort of travel is really for you. It is best if you rent one that will be equal to the size that you plan to buy. Some companies even offer a rent before you buy plan. These plans allow you to use an RV that you intend to purchase on a trial basis first. Most people continue through with the purchase, but a select few realize that RV travel is not for them. Others become so enamored with this type of travel that they spend as much time as they can doing it, some even retiring to RV parks for their golden years.
Choose a destination. Too often first time RV travelers feel that the RV itself is the vacation. It is not. You and your traveling companions can only be impressed by the inside of the RV so long, and then you will need to focus on where you are going and what you will be doing once you arrive.
Who will all be going with you? Will you be taking any pets or young children along? If so, what extra accommodations will need to be made? RV travel can often find various age groups traveling together, and in close quarters such as an RV, they get to know each other well. It is hard not to see grandma first thing in the morning when you are sleeping just a few feet away from each other. Bring along a card and board games to keep from becoming bored between attractions. Books and magazines are also necessary, and if traveling with small kids, make sure to pack a few favorite toys and their bikes if you will be staying in parks that will accommodate their use.
Make sure rules are in place before heading out, and that they are followed. Simple things like everyone having a few simple chores will keep the vacation a vacation, and not leaving a big mess at the end of each day with everyone arguing about who is going to clean it up. Institute a few mess avers too, to help keep down on the chores. Everyone, including kids should take off their shoes before or upon entering, especially if you are parked anywhere that might feed the mess problem, such as in a muddy campground with it pouring rain outside.
Traveling by RV is a great way to explore your state or the whole United States for that matter. There are RV parks that offer rustic camping to deluxe parks that have swimming pools and restaurants. If you are considering trying this much-loved form of travel, do not let this summers expected high gas costs deter you. When compared to other forms of travel, an RV vacation is still a bargain.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Visit Florida's Fountain of Youth: More Than a Tourist Trap
There are probably not very many school children who haven't learned of the Fountain of Youth's pivotal role in America's history. Back in the early 16th century when that audacious Spanish explorer named Ponce de Leon came to Florida's shores, he was rumored to have been looking for a "fountain of youth" that would keep men (and women!) young forever. St. Augustine, Florida has played up this association since it became a tourist town, but it's important to know what else you can find at this ancient site.
Unfortunately, that is all the Fountain of Youth is to many people; a myth and a legend. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park contains so much more than the fountain (although everyone *should* drink the offered cup of water from the spring, just to say they have). The park, located near attraction-laden San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine, is a beautiful escape from the souvenir stands and t-shirt shops in a few other parts of town. You can step off at the Fountain of Youth from one of the trolley tours or, if you're lucky enough to stay at the Howard Johnson Express Inn as I was, you'll be able to walk to the Fountain of Youth Park from there.
Before you even enter the park, you'll be amazed at the natural beauty. Old trees join branches overhead to make the small street resemble an enclosed promenade. An old coquina wall (coquina is one of St. Augustine's most well-known building components, comprised mostly of tiny seashells) runs the length of the park's entrance. Once inside, you'll hear the squawking of exotic birds that will transport you to the 16th century.
Back in 1513, before Ponce de Leon arrived, the site that is now the Fountain of Youth Park was inhabited by a Native American tribe, the Timucuans (pronounced TIM-uh-kwan or tim-UH-kwin, depending how you learn to say it). Much evidence of their occupation still exists, and you can find burial grounds, a huge statue of a former chief, Oriba, and exhibit areas that showcase everyday Native American objects.
Before beginning the tour, you can choose to stop for a bite to eat at the small lunch stand near the park's entrance. Barbeque, chips, hamburgers and drinks are just some of the things sold here. Although I wasn't impressed with the quality of the hamburgers, I do remember a tasty barbeque sandwich from one visit. To soak in the ambiance of Florida's natural landscape, sit in one of the covered swings scattered around the lunch stand and enjoy nature. If you're a nature lover, you'll certainly see a lot of it here.
One of the things that makes the Fountain of Youth so special is the soft Spanish music piped throughout the park. As you walk among fountains, shaded pathways and calling peacocks, you hear these tunes that are very calming. This was definitely one of my favorite parts of the experience. If you walk down to the park's boundaries, you will find the spot of the original colony, occupied from September 1565 to April 1566. It's amazing to realize Europeans actually lived in America so many centuries ago. A marker to one of Menendez's forts, San Juan de Pinos (Saint John of the Pines) shows the military strength the Spaniards strived to harness. This fort was burned by England's Sir Francis Drake in the 1586, as the marker states.
At the site of the original settlement you'll find a huge body of water, much calmer than the untamed Atlantic Ocean found nearby (from Anastasia Island). This is the Matanzas Bay, and its history is ominous. In 1565, France wanted parts of the New World for themselves, but the Spanish were not going to allow this infraction. The French Fort Caroline, near present-day Jacksonville, was the Frenchmen's home base. In September 1565, when Fort Caroline was attacked by Spanish soldiers, some survivors made it to what is now present-day Anastasia Island, but they were slain by Menendez and his men. The Spanish name "matanzas," which translates as "slaughters," was given to this grim and bloody spot and the name still marks the bay that runs between Anastasia Island and St. Augustine.
On the way back from the original settlement, you will want to stop in at the extraordinary gift shop, affectionately known as Don Juan's. Ship models, a big clothing selection, bottled Fountain water, picture frames, books, models; anything you might want for a St. Augustine souvenir, you should be able to find here. The prices are usually very reasonable.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Unfortunately, that is all the Fountain of Youth is to many people; a myth and a legend. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park contains so much more than the fountain (although everyone *should* drink the offered cup of water from the spring, just to say they have). The park, located near attraction-laden San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine, is a beautiful escape from the souvenir stands and t-shirt shops in a few other parts of town. You can step off at the Fountain of Youth from one of the trolley tours or, if you're lucky enough to stay at the Howard Johnson Express Inn as I was, you'll be able to walk to the Fountain of Youth Park from there.
Before you even enter the park, you'll be amazed at the natural beauty. Old trees join branches overhead to make the small street resemble an enclosed promenade. An old coquina wall (coquina is one of St. Augustine's most well-known building components, comprised mostly of tiny seashells) runs the length of the park's entrance. Once inside, you'll hear the squawking of exotic birds that will transport you to the 16th century.
Back in 1513, before Ponce de Leon arrived, the site that is now the Fountain of Youth Park was inhabited by a Native American tribe, the Timucuans (pronounced TIM-uh-kwan or tim-UH-kwin, depending how you learn to say it). Much evidence of their occupation still exists, and you can find burial grounds, a huge statue of a former chief, Oriba, and exhibit areas that showcase everyday Native American objects.
Before beginning the tour, you can choose to stop for a bite to eat at the small lunch stand near the park's entrance. Barbeque, chips, hamburgers and drinks are just some of the things sold here. Although I wasn't impressed with the quality of the hamburgers, I do remember a tasty barbeque sandwich from one visit. To soak in the ambiance of Florida's natural landscape, sit in one of the covered swings scattered around the lunch stand and enjoy nature. If you're a nature lover, you'll certainly see a lot of it here.
One of the things that makes the Fountain of Youth so special is the soft Spanish music piped throughout the park. As you walk among fountains, shaded pathways and calling peacocks, you hear these tunes that are very calming. This was definitely one of my favorite parts of the experience. If you walk down to the park's boundaries, you will find the spot of the original colony, occupied from September 1565 to April 1566. It's amazing to realize Europeans actually lived in America so many centuries ago. A marker to one of Menendez's forts, San Juan de Pinos (Saint John of the Pines) shows the military strength the Spaniards strived to harness. This fort was burned by England's Sir Francis Drake in the 1586, as the marker states.
At the site of the original settlement you'll find a huge body of water, much calmer than the untamed Atlantic Ocean found nearby (from Anastasia Island). This is the Matanzas Bay, and its history is ominous. In 1565, France wanted parts of the New World for themselves, but the Spanish were not going to allow this infraction. The French Fort Caroline, near present-day Jacksonville, was the Frenchmen's home base. In September 1565, when Fort Caroline was attacked by Spanish soldiers, some survivors made it to what is now present-day Anastasia Island, but they were slain by Menendez and his men. The Spanish name "matanzas," which translates as "slaughters," was given to this grim and bloody spot and the name still marks the bay that runs between Anastasia Island and St. Augustine.
On the way back from the original settlement, you will want to stop in at the extraordinary gift shop, affectionately known as Don Juan's. Ship models, a big clothing selection, bottled Fountain water, picture frames, books, models; anything you might want for a St. Augustine souvenir, you should be able to find here. The prices are usually very reasonable.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Trading Homes to Save on Lodging
By Christina VanGinkel
Trading your home or apartment with another family to save on lodging while vacationing is definitely not for everyone, if you are game though, there are steps to take to make the trade as simple as can be. Whether you go through an agency that sets up trades such as this, or if you are trading with long time friends or acquaintances, certain things are a given and should be done to help the trade go as smoothly as possible.
Try to trade with someone that has children the same or near the same age as you have. Some agencies go as far as not allowing trades where children are involved, while others will just try to match the ages of children, so toys are age appropriate. Marking a room off limits is also acceptable, as long as it is discussed beforehand, and the room should then be locked. This could be a room such as an office, or craft room, where the visitors would really have no need to use the room in the first place.
Next, remove any valuables from the home, or lock them in a safe. This especially applies to jewels and guns. Medications should also be removed. The last thing you want to worry about is if their young child or teen got into something in your home that could cause harm.
Cleaning your home thoroughly before the trade should defiantly be done. Not just a quick spiffing up, but a true cleaning. You should hope the same of the house you will be staying in. The last thing someone wants to do when they arrive at their vacation destination is clean a mess that is not even theirs. Be sure to leave room in the fridge for any groceries that they might need to store, and with this in mind, be sure to remove anything that might spoil while you are away. If you know the guests, and wish to leave some items at their ready, such as a container of milk and a fresh loaf of bread, do so, but leave a note expressing that the items are for them.
Leave a list of all emergency numbers that might be needed, including fire, police, emergency, plumber, electrician, furnace or air conditioning, etc. The number and name of a neighbor who might be called upon is a good idea too. If your home has a pool or sauna, for example that the guests might be unknowledgeable about, a neighbor who is willing to go over the basic controls with them could be a godsend! The same neighbor might also be kind enough just to keep an eye out for any behavior that is less than what you would expect of guests in such an arrangement. If going through an agency, there should be specific guidelines to issues such as entertaining in the home. If the arrangement is between you and friends, be sure to discuss issues such as these. Never leave your home, which is one of life's most valuable assets, to the trust of even a good friend without some discussion.
A list of where specific items are at is also a good idea. If you keep the coffee pot stored, or the washer and dryer are tucked away out of sight, jot the details down, along with any other information that you feel might be helpful, or make their stay more enjoyable. A list of local restaurants with take out menus, along with brochures on nearby attractions is not something you would have to do, but it would probably be greatly appreciated. Do not ever tell someone to use whatever he or she would like, unless you truly mean it. Everything to one person is very different to someone else. If you do not want someone driving a car, or taking your classic Harley for a spin, take the keys with you.
Trading homes is a great way to save money on a vacation, as long as each party takes the time to be clear on any aspects of such a trade. If this sounds like something you might like to try, research it first, and be sure it is the right thing for your family before you make the final key swap!
Trading your home or apartment with another family to save on lodging while vacationing is definitely not for everyone, if you are game though, there are steps to take to make the trade as simple as can be. Whether you go through an agency that sets up trades such as this, or if you are trading with long time friends or acquaintances, certain things are a given and should be done to help the trade go as smoothly as possible.
Try to trade with someone that has children the same or near the same age as you have. Some agencies go as far as not allowing trades where children are involved, while others will just try to match the ages of children, so toys are age appropriate. Marking a room off limits is also acceptable, as long as it is discussed beforehand, and the room should then be locked. This could be a room such as an office, or craft room, where the visitors would really have no need to use the room in the first place.
Next, remove any valuables from the home, or lock them in a safe. This especially applies to jewels and guns. Medications should also be removed. The last thing you want to worry about is if their young child or teen got into something in your home that could cause harm.
Cleaning your home thoroughly before the trade should defiantly be done. Not just a quick spiffing up, but a true cleaning. You should hope the same of the house you will be staying in. The last thing someone wants to do when they arrive at their vacation destination is clean a mess that is not even theirs. Be sure to leave room in the fridge for any groceries that they might need to store, and with this in mind, be sure to remove anything that might spoil while you are away. If you know the guests, and wish to leave some items at their ready, such as a container of milk and a fresh loaf of bread, do so, but leave a note expressing that the items are for them.
Leave a list of all emergency numbers that might be needed, including fire, police, emergency, plumber, electrician, furnace or air conditioning, etc. The number and name of a neighbor who might be called upon is a good idea too. If your home has a pool or sauna, for example that the guests might be unknowledgeable about, a neighbor who is willing to go over the basic controls with them could be a godsend! The same neighbor might also be kind enough just to keep an eye out for any behavior that is less than what you would expect of guests in such an arrangement. If going through an agency, there should be specific guidelines to issues such as entertaining in the home. If the arrangement is between you and friends, be sure to discuss issues such as these. Never leave your home, which is one of life's most valuable assets, to the trust of even a good friend without some discussion.
A list of where specific items are at is also a good idea. If you keep the coffee pot stored, or the washer and dryer are tucked away out of sight, jot the details down, along with any other information that you feel might be helpful, or make their stay more enjoyable. A list of local restaurants with take out menus, along with brochures on nearby attractions is not something you would have to do, but it would probably be greatly appreciated. Do not ever tell someone to use whatever he or she would like, unless you truly mean it. Everything to one person is very different to someone else. If you do not want someone driving a car, or taking your classic Harley for a spin, take the keys with you.
Trading homes is a great way to save money on a vacation, as long as each party takes the time to be clear on any aspects of such a trade. If this sounds like something you might like to try, research it first, and be sure it is the right thing for your family before you make the final key swap!
A Travel Guide to St. Augustine's Historic Homes
Every inch of St. Augustine, Florida, founded in the 16th century, is filled with something of historical import. Each home, street, and block has a rich past underneath its surface. Although St. Augustine offers "modern" attractions like any good tourist town, its best attractions are undoubtedly the old homes that dot the city. Most date from the 18th or 19th centuries and are great places to soak in St. Augustine's past.
Some visitors come to St. Augustine specifically to stay in a bed and breakfast that has stood for 200 years, or to study an architectural style not found in their own hometown. Part of what makes St. Augustine special is the style and material of many of its historic homes. Although many are reconstructed, most were fashioned after the house that originally stood on the site. Spanish-style homes are difficult to find and almost impossible to find on the East Coast, unless of course it is a modern reproduction.
To see what kind of houses Spaniards would have occupied in the 1700s, stop by Spanish Quarter Village in the quaint shopping district of St. George Street. Here you will find a number of small houses made to look as they did in 1740. Many homes in the "Village" can be toured for an admission fee. Of special interest is the Gonzales house, a short whitewashed home like many that still stand in Spain, and the Gomez house, a wooden structure. On the opposite side of the street you will find the white Ribera house with its blocky exterior and high garden wall typical to Spanish homes.
One of St. Augustine's most famous architectural assets is the abundance of balconies that make it a unique city. Many older houses along St. George Street have these wooden Spanish balconies, as do many homes throughout the "Ancient City." If Spanish houses aren't your thing, the colonial-style homes built during the 1700s and 1800s are of equal beauty.
Stop by the Tovar House, a lovely red home on St. Francis Street constructed throughout the 18th century. Across the street you'll find the military barracks that once housed Spanish monks during its days as a monastery. Next door to the Tovar House is the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, known as the "Oldest House" to locals and tourists alike. A tour inside the Oldest House will enlighten you to St. Augustine's many building styles. The bottom floor, originally the only floor in the house, was the Spanish area where the first family lived in the early 1700s. The second floor, added later during the 1760s, is where an English woman and her husband lived when St. Augustine was given to England. The furnishings here are distinctly more elegant than the sparse items found downstairs.
The Ximenez-Fatio House has been home to both European and American families since the last years of the 18th century. During the decades before the Civil War, it gained a reputation as one of the area's best inns, and has been restored to appear as it did then. A tour will give you appreciation for the many finely-appointed rooms and outdoor kitchen. You'll learn that many guests came from up North to partake of St. Augustine's healthful climate, and numerous visitors chose the Ximenez-Fatio House as their lodging. This is (in my opinion) of the most beautiful houses in St. Augustine.
Located on tiny, narrow Aviles Street, crowded between high fences, other historic homes, and modern boutiques, the Ximenez-Fatio House is a tall white multi-story home. It is much younger than the "Oldest" House but still well over 200 years old.
Stop by the Father Miguel O'Reilly House for another historical tour. Opened a few years ago after a complete renovation, the O'Reilly House is a cheery home on Aviles Street and is also a great stop for a historical house tour. Visitors can see the garden and tour two floors of the house. During the 1700s, a priest called Father O'Reilly occupied this large home and gave his name to the property.
The St. Francis Inn is your best bet if you want to combine visiting a historic home with exploring the world of "ghost hunting." Begun in the 1790s, the house was completed decades later when a flat roof known as a "mansard roof" was placed on top. You can stay here for a lodging experience you won't soon forget, and you might see something out of the ordinary if you keep your mind open!
By Lacie Schaeffer
Some visitors come to St. Augustine specifically to stay in a bed and breakfast that has stood for 200 years, or to study an architectural style not found in their own hometown. Part of what makes St. Augustine special is the style and material of many of its historic homes. Although many are reconstructed, most were fashioned after the house that originally stood on the site. Spanish-style homes are difficult to find and almost impossible to find on the East Coast, unless of course it is a modern reproduction.
To see what kind of houses Spaniards would have occupied in the 1700s, stop by Spanish Quarter Village in the quaint shopping district of St. George Street. Here you will find a number of small houses made to look as they did in 1740. Many homes in the "Village" can be toured for an admission fee. Of special interest is the Gonzales house, a short whitewashed home like many that still stand in Spain, and the Gomez house, a wooden structure. On the opposite side of the street you will find the white Ribera house with its blocky exterior and high garden wall typical to Spanish homes.
One of St. Augustine's most famous architectural assets is the abundance of balconies that make it a unique city. Many older houses along St. George Street have these wooden Spanish balconies, as do many homes throughout the "Ancient City." If Spanish houses aren't your thing, the colonial-style homes built during the 1700s and 1800s are of equal beauty.
Stop by the Tovar House, a lovely red home on St. Francis Street constructed throughout the 18th century. Across the street you'll find the military barracks that once housed Spanish monks during its days as a monastery. Next door to the Tovar House is the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, known as the "Oldest House" to locals and tourists alike. A tour inside the Oldest House will enlighten you to St. Augustine's many building styles. The bottom floor, originally the only floor in the house, was the Spanish area where the first family lived in the early 1700s. The second floor, added later during the 1760s, is where an English woman and her husband lived when St. Augustine was given to England. The furnishings here are distinctly more elegant than the sparse items found downstairs.
The Ximenez-Fatio House has been home to both European and American families since the last years of the 18th century. During the decades before the Civil War, it gained a reputation as one of the area's best inns, and has been restored to appear as it did then. A tour will give you appreciation for the many finely-appointed rooms and outdoor kitchen. You'll learn that many guests came from up North to partake of St. Augustine's healthful climate, and numerous visitors chose the Ximenez-Fatio House as their lodging. This is (in my opinion) of the most beautiful houses in St. Augustine.
Located on tiny, narrow Aviles Street, crowded between high fences, other historic homes, and modern boutiques, the Ximenez-Fatio House is a tall white multi-story home. It is much younger than the "Oldest" House but still well over 200 years old.
Stop by the Father Miguel O'Reilly House for another historical tour. Opened a few years ago after a complete renovation, the O'Reilly House is a cheery home on Aviles Street and is also a great stop for a historical house tour. Visitors can see the garden and tour two floors of the house. During the 1700s, a priest called Father O'Reilly occupied this large home and gave his name to the property.
The St. Francis Inn is your best bet if you want to combine visiting a historic home with exploring the world of "ghost hunting." Begun in the 1790s, the house was completed decades later when a flat roof known as a "mansard roof" was placed on top. You can stay here for a lodging experience you won't soon forget, and you might see something out of the ordinary if you keep your mind open!
By Lacie Schaeffer
Remembering to Be Flexible
Everyone has their own type of travel style. For those who have never traveled or rarely travel, they might pack for days and feel tense during the entire process, until they reach their destination; other newbies might have rose-colored glasses on, imagining that traveling is a romantic, exciting adventure. Others who travel from time to time might have a bit of excitement each time they go anywhere, knowing that each travel excursion is an adventure, and that while things can go wrong, they hope for the best. Frequent travelers usually adopt a sort of routine they follow each time they go anywhere. This can be especially evident in frequent business travelers. They pack a certain way (in fact, many times their luggage remains partially packed at all times) and they do not like their routine to be disturbed. They are adept at dealing with mishaps, lost luggage, traffic, and delays, but they do not like it. They have their plan and they do not want anyone or anything getting in their way.
Many years ago when our children were small, we flew from San Diego to Washington, D.C. to visit my family at Christmas. Our children were ages seven-years-old, two-years-old, and one-year-old, so it was quite a challenge. On the way to Washington, D.C., everything went according to plan. The children were well-behaved and happy, and we had brought along many items to keep them entertained, especially the little ones. Yet, while we were in the nation's capital, staying at my parents' home, all three children became ill. The illnesses were not serious, but all three developed ear infections, and the doctor advised us not to fly for three weeks. This was two days before we were to return home to San Diego. My husband had to get back to work with the Navy, so I was left to endure another three weeks with sick children in my parents' home. We had had a nice Christmas visit, and had met my brother's new wife, but we had been there more than a week and we were ready to get home. I was less-than-thrilled at this extension to my Christmas vacation.
Yet, my biggest concern was getting back to San Diego on the plane alone, especially with my two little ones, both still in diapers. After much discussion, my mother offered to fly back with me, just to help me get everyone home again, and then after staying a couple of days, she would go back again to D.C. This was a lifeline to me. I wanted to be flexible and agreeable, but I could not imagine flying back alone with those two babies.
When the day of our long-awaited departure came, we left the D.C. area around mid-afternoon and we were to arrive in San Diego in the early evening hours. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. As we approached San Diego, we were told that the airport was completely fogged in and closed until further notice. We were so close, yet so far. So we were ultimately taken to the Ontario airport, just outside Los Angeles; about a two hour drive from San Diego. When we finally landed, it was close to 8:00 p.m. and we were hungry and exhausted. Yet, the airlines could not decide what to do with us. They kept us on the plane for more than an hour, while we waited, angrily. Finally, we were put on a bus for San Diego, but we waited on the bus for another hour before departing. The bus was cramped and dark. And the interesting thing was that the majority of the complaints were coming from grown men who were traveling alone. There were one or two other families with small children, and they were taking it in stride, knowing that they had no control over the situation. Yet the businessmen were unmerciful to the flight attendants and other airport personnel who shuffled us around.
We ultimately arrived in San Diego, by bus, after 1:00 a.m. Thankfully, my husband had kept track of our progress and was waiting for us at the airport. Never had I been so glad to end my traveling excursion. What I learned from the adventure? Plan ahead, but always be flexible.
Many years ago when our children were small, we flew from San Diego to Washington, D.C. to visit my family at Christmas. Our children were ages seven-years-old, two-years-old, and one-year-old, so it was quite a challenge. On the way to Washington, D.C., everything went according to plan. The children were well-behaved and happy, and we had brought along many items to keep them entertained, especially the little ones. Yet, while we were in the nation's capital, staying at my parents' home, all three children became ill. The illnesses were not serious, but all three developed ear infections, and the doctor advised us not to fly for three weeks. This was two days before we were to return home to San Diego. My husband had to get back to work with the Navy, so I was left to endure another three weeks with sick children in my parents' home. We had had a nice Christmas visit, and had met my brother's new wife, but we had been there more than a week and we were ready to get home. I was less-than-thrilled at this extension to my Christmas vacation.
Yet, my biggest concern was getting back to San Diego on the plane alone, especially with my two little ones, both still in diapers. After much discussion, my mother offered to fly back with me, just to help me get everyone home again, and then after staying a couple of days, she would go back again to D.C. This was a lifeline to me. I wanted to be flexible and agreeable, but I could not imagine flying back alone with those two babies.
When the day of our long-awaited departure came, we left the D.C. area around mid-afternoon and we were to arrive in San Diego in the early evening hours. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. As we approached San Diego, we were told that the airport was completely fogged in and closed until further notice. We were so close, yet so far. So we were ultimately taken to the Ontario airport, just outside Los Angeles; about a two hour drive from San Diego. When we finally landed, it was close to 8:00 p.m. and we were hungry and exhausted. Yet, the airlines could not decide what to do with us. They kept us on the plane for more than an hour, while we waited, angrily. Finally, we were put on a bus for San Diego, but we waited on the bus for another hour before departing. The bus was cramped and dark. And the interesting thing was that the majority of the complaints were coming from grown men who were traveling alone. There were one or two other families with small children, and they were taking it in stride, knowing that they had no control over the situation. Yet the businessmen were unmerciful to the flight attendants and other airport personnel who shuffled us around.
We ultimately arrived in San Diego, by bus, after 1:00 a.m. Thankfully, my husband had kept track of our progress and was waiting for us at the airport. Never had I been so glad to end my traveling excursion. What I learned from the adventure? Plan ahead, but always be flexible.
Winter Vacation Destinations
Many people are unable to take vacation in the summer time, either due to work issues or the fact that the kids are in year-round school and have a break that's too short to work around. Many others prefer taking their vacation at other times of the year because the summer is either too hot, too crowded with other vacationers, or because they simply prefer winter sports. If you find yourself in a position of being able to take your vacation at a time other than during the summer, following are a few winter vacation destination ideas for you and your family.
Winter is the time for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, or just building a snowman. If you live in a southern area where snow is a rarity, you might enjoy taking your winter vacation to a place that receives a significant amount of snow and caters to winter sports enthusiasts. Colorado has more than twenty ski areas, but vacationers must understand that a ski area offers so much more than simply skiing. Aspen, Colorado is a historic mining town which has four separate ski areas, a quaint town with surprisingly great shopping, and restaurants that would rival any big city in variety and excellence. Aspen has also become the playground for the rich and famous, so for those who like star gazing, Aspen may be the place for you.
If you would rather avoid the sometimes crowded streets and slopes of a ski area, consider Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Glenwood Springs is not far from Aspen (less than two hours driving) and although it does not have a ski area, it offers ice skating opportunities, snowmobiling tours not far away, and of course the world famous hot springs. Glenwood Springs has a natural underground hot spring bubbling under the town. Today there is a giant pool for bathers with a water slide and spa. The water is like a Jacuzzi, but the pool is larger than two Olympic sized swimming pools. Most of the pool is very shallow, so people of any age can enjoy the heat, and the pool is open every day, regardless of weather.
New England also has winter playground areas. Sugarloaf, Maine, is known for producing Olympic skiers and snowboarders, but in addition to the super ski slopes, it is merely a quaint little New England town where the locals never change. While Maine offers much in the way of winter sports, few others states rival its cross-country skiing trails. Nordic skiers might ski for hours around the woodland trails of Maine; and the occasional moose sighting can be quite a thrill!
Another charming New England village is North Conway, New Hampshire. North Conway is home to the Cranmore ski area, which is a mid-sized, intermediate ski area that is very family friendly; but the thing for which North Conway is famous is its outlet shopping. Set in a beautiful valley, overlooked by famous Mount Washington, North Conway has several large outlet malls that have been built in the traditional New England architecture, so they aren't displeasing to the eye. One doesn't feel as though he is in mega-suburbia, but rather, in a tiny village that just happens to have great shopping. Outlets such as Reebok, Nike, L.L. Bean, Nautica and countless others will keep shoppers busy for days.
Of course, if your vacation falls in the winter time but you are still itching to get some warm weather and sunshine, you can always head south instead. Florida, the Bahamas, the entire Caribbean and of course, Mexico are delightful in the winter time. Even Southern California has fairly mild winter weather, as so southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and southern Texas. Many a New Englanders and mid-westerners head to Florida when the winter snows descend, and Mexico is an easy retreat for those who live in the western part of the country. For the truly adventuresome, there is even Australia and New Zealand, which enjoy summer time while those of us in the northern hemisphere are having winter. The destinations are available; the question is, where do you want to go?
Just remember to plan ahead and to seek out vacations and activities that the whole family enjoys. Happy vacation!
Winter is the time for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, or just building a snowman. If you live in a southern area where snow is a rarity, you might enjoy taking your winter vacation to a place that receives a significant amount of snow and caters to winter sports enthusiasts. Colorado has more than twenty ski areas, but vacationers must understand that a ski area offers so much more than simply skiing. Aspen, Colorado is a historic mining town which has four separate ski areas, a quaint town with surprisingly great shopping, and restaurants that would rival any big city in variety and excellence. Aspen has also become the playground for the rich and famous, so for those who like star gazing, Aspen may be the place for you.
If you would rather avoid the sometimes crowded streets and slopes of a ski area, consider Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Glenwood Springs is not far from Aspen (less than two hours driving) and although it does not have a ski area, it offers ice skating opportunities, snowmobiling tours not far away, and of course the world famous hot springs. Glenwood Springs has a natural underground hot spring bubbling under the town. Today there is a giant pool for bathers with a water slide and spa. The water is like a Jacuzzi, but the pool is larger than two Olympic sized swimming pools. Most of the pool is very shallow, so people of any age can enjoy the heat, and the pool is open every day, regardless of weather.
New England also has winter playground areas. Sugarloaf, Maine, is known for producing Olympic skiers and snowboarders, but in addition to the super ski slopes, it is merely a quaint little New England town where the locals never change. While Maine offers much in the way of winter sports, few others states rival its cross-country skiing trails. Nordic skiers might ski for hours around the woodland trails of Maine; and the occasional moose sighting can be quite a thrill!
Another charming New England village is North Conway, New Hampshire. North Conway is home to the Cranmore ski area, which is a mid-sized, intermediate ski area that is very family friendly; but the thing for which North Conway is famous is its outlet shopping. Set in a beautiful valley, overlooked by famous Mount Washington, North Conway has several large outlet malls that have been built in the traditional New England architecture, so they aren't displeasing to the eye. One doesn't feel as though he is in mega-suburbia, but rather, in a tiny village that just happens to have great shopping. Outlets such as Reebok, Nike, L.L. Bean, Nautica and countless others will keep shoppers busy for days.
Of course, if your vacation falls in the winter time but you are still itching to get some warm weather and sunshine, you can always head south instead. Florida, the Bahamas, the entire Caribbean and of course, Mexico are delightful in the winter time. Even Southern California has fairly mild winter weather, as so southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and southern Texas. Many a New Englanders and mid-westerners head to Florida when the winter snows descend, and Mexico is an easy retreat for those who live in the western part of the country. For the truly adventuresome, there is even Australia and New Zealand, which enjoy summer time while those of us in the northern hemisphere are having winter. The destinations are available; the question is, where do you want to go?
Just remember to plan ahead and to seek out vacations and activities that the whole family enjoys. Happy vacation!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Packing Tips
By Christina VanGinkel
If you are planning a vacation of any length, packing for it can quickly become an unpleasant task at a time when most things about it should be fun. It is what is often referred to as a necessary evil. Nobody really likes to do it except for an odd few, but most would not mind it as much if they at least had an idea of how to accomplish it. To try to bring some semblance and less stress to the activity, there are steps to take to make it as simple as possible.
Make a List
Make a list outlining how many days you will be gone, where to, and if you have any idea of schedules or stops, include those details too. A list maker by habit, for me, it makes it easier to plan if I have a visual in front of me for reference to work from initially. From this list, I will build my secondary and most important list, from which I will pack. For example, if I know I am going to be spending three days pool side, I know I need my swimsuit, and if I am going to be living alongside of the pool for that same span of time, I know two suits is much more reasonable. I also know I need my flip-flops. If dinners other than room service are planned, I consider the types of restaurants we will be frequenting, and consider if they have a dress code. I also leave the list out in an accessible spot so that I can add to it easily in the days building up to my trip. This way, it is much harder to forget to bring something along.
Lay it all Out
Once I have my packing list complete, I lay out everything in similar groups. Items such as shoes are individually bagged, even if they are clean going into the luggage, just in case they are not on the way home. I go over the contents of my toiletry bag, and double check that I have separate containers for anything that might leak. I actually use heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bags. That way if anything does leak, it is contained and the chance of it leaking through and staining anything else in my luggage is decreased. As I pack, I then check items off the list, and in this way, I am assured that I am not forgetting anything important.
Tag It
If I am packing abnormally shaped items, or anything fragile, such as my laptop, I double-check the zippers and locks to make sure all is in good order. I also make sure everything is labeled and tagged. My sister-in-law always makes sure each bag has a similar, but odd zip tie. They can be different colored, but otherwise all the same. For instance, I forgot to add anything to my son's luggage on his recent trip to visit her, and when he arrived, back home, each of his bags had a small woven ball made to loop through a zipper's end. They were in various colors, but they made it easy to spot each of his bags on the turnstile at the airport.
Pack and Extra Bag
If my destination is a place that I am likely to bring home extras from, I also pack an extra bag itself, something that can be easily folded up and tucked into the bottom of my luggage that I am using until I need it. This way I can avoid the cost of having to purchase a bag at the last minute for more than I would normally be willing to pay. I also will tuck an extra bag that could be used as a carry-on, a bit bigger than my usual small bag. Again, if I find myself heading home with more than I left with, I do not the worry of finding a bag or two that will be sufficient for my needs.
The biggest thing to remember is that a bit of planning where your packing is concerned will go far toward having a good trip. There is nothing more annoying than arriving at your destination and realizing that you forgot something basic and needed!
If you are planning a vacation of any length, packing for it can quickly become an unpleasant task at a time when most things about it should be fun. It is what is often referred to as a necessary evil. Nobody really likes to do it except for an odd few, but most would not mind it as much if they at least had an idea of how to accomplish it. To try to bring some semblance and less stress to the activity, there are steps to take to make it as simple as possible.
Make a List
Make a list outlining how many days you will be gone, where to, and if you have any idea of schedules or stops, include those details too. A list maker by habit, for me, it makes it easier to plan if I have a visual in front of me for reference to work from initially. From this list, I will build my secondary and most important list, from which I will pack. For example, if I know I am going to be spending three days pool side, I know I need my swimsuit, and if I am going to be living alongside of the pool for that same span of time, I know two suits is much more reasonable. I also know I need my flip-flops. If dinners other than room service are planned, I consider the types of restaurants we will be frequenting, and consider if they have a dress code. I also leave the list out in an accessible spot so that I can add to it easily in the days building up to my trip. This way, it is much harder to forget to bring something along.
Lay it all Out
Once I have my packing list complete, I lay out everything in similar groups. Items such as shoes are individually bagged, even if they are clean going into the luggage, just in case they are not on the way home. I go over the contents of my toiletry bag, and double check that I have separate containers for anything that might leak. I actually use heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bags. That way if anything does leak, it is contained and the chance of it leaking through and staining anything else in my luggage is decreased. As I pack, I then check items off the list, and in this way, I am assured that I am not forgetting anything important.
Tag It
If I am packing abnormally shaped items, or anything fragile, such as my laptop, I double-check the zippers and locks to make sure all is in good order. I also make sure everything is labeled and tagged. My sister-in-law always makes sure each bag has a similar, but odd zip tie. They can be different colored, but otherwise all the same. For instance, I forgot to add anything to my son's luggage on his recent trip to visit her, and when he arrived, back home, each of his bags had a small woven ball made to loop through a zipper's end. They were in various colors, but they made it easy to spot each of his bags on the turnstile at the airport.
Pack and Extra Bag
If my destination is a place that I am likely to bring home extras from, I also pack an extra bag itself, something that can be easily folded up and tucked into the bottom of my luggage that I am using until I need it. This way I can avoid the cost of having to purchase a bag at the last minute for more than I would normally be willing to pay. I also will tuck an extra bag that could be used as a carry-on, a bit bigger than my usual small bag. Again, if I find myself heading home with more than I left with, I do not the worry of finding a bag or two that will be sufficient for my needs.
The biggest thing to remember is that a bit of planning where your packing is concerned will go far toward having a good trip. There is nothing more annoying than arriving at your destination and realizing that you forgot something basic and needed!
Bar Harbor, Maine
When I was a little girl, living in the southwestern part of the United States, my parents took a vacation to Maine. They came back with stories about all the lobster they could eat, amazing fall foliage, and a scenic little town on the coast called Bar Harbor. They loved telling stories about the Maine accents and how the locals called Bar Harbor, "Bah Hahbah." Many years went by, and like much of the rest of the United States, I sort of forgot about Maine altogether. Fast forward about 25 years when my husband got out of the military and found a job in, none other than, Maine. Although neither of us had ever been, we liked adventure, so we packed up our three kids, two dogs and two cats and drove from California to Maine.
After we had been in Maine nearly a year, we decided to drive to Bar Harbor to find out about this romantic little place that has legendary views and scrumptious dining. We were not disappointed. From our home in southern Maine, we drove up along the Route One coastal road to Bar Harbor. Much of Route One is simply farmland and a bit of suburbia once one gets past the beaches of southern Maine, but by the time we hit the Wiscasset area, we were spellbound by the beauty of the area. It was early May and all the trees were in bloom with spring time color. Route One weaved around through the hills, across inlets, and along the rocky coast until we finally found ourselves at the gateway of Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park and, yes, our destination, Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor used to be known long ago as simply a fishing village and then a ship building community. In the early part of the 20th century wealthy philanthropists and artists moved into the Bar Harbor area, building the famous cottages that dotted the coastline of the island. These "cottages" were actually mansions for the rich and famous. The fire of 1947 all but wiped out Bar Harbor, destroying most of the grand cottages on Millionaire Row. While some rebuilt, most did not, and Millionaire Row became a great place for putting up hotels and motels for the more frugal travelers of the 1950s.
We found Bar Harbor and the surrounding Mount Desert Island to be nothing short of paradise. Granted, the weather was absolutely perfect for our weekend; the sky was blue, the weather in the upper 60s, and even the evenings were warm enough to enjoy dining on the outdoor patio of one of the downtown restaurants. We walked all around town, admiring the old inns and the scenic sea port. We drove around the island, marveling at the seals, the tree-lined carriage roads for bicyclers, and of course, majestic Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic coastline.
The town of Bar Harbor has a local population of only about 5000, although that can triple in the summer time when tourist season is at its peak. The weather is pleasant and mild for the spring, summer, and fall, but the winters are typical of the rest of Maine - cold and snowy. There are endless things to do in Bar Harbor. The aforementioned outdoor entertainment and recreation of Cadillac Mountain and the carriage roads are popular, as well as opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, fishing, whale watching, kayaking tours, bicycle tours, lobster fishing tours, horseback riding, white water rafting, mountain climbing, and of course, moose watching tours!
For indoor entertainment, Bar Harbor has a host of dining and lodging opportunities, including special hideaways for honeymooners. There is a cabaret theater and a lumberjack show. Seafood is plentiful, especially lobster, just like my parents promised all those years ago. There are romantic inns, large hotels, and small cottages. And just about every place in town gives at least a partial view of the ocean.
Go find out why Fitz Hugh Lane, Thomas Cole, and others chose to model their famous paintings after the Bar Harbor area. While their paintings are legendary, there is nothing like seeing Bar Harbor in person. The colors, the rocks, and the sea, will come alive and you will feel like you've stepped into one of their masterpieces. Like them, its beauty is something you will never forget.
After we had been in Maine nearly a year, we decided to drive to Bar Harbor to find out about this romantic little place that has legendary views and scrumptious dining. We were not disappointed. From our home in southern Maine, we drove up along the Route One coastal road to Bar Harbor. Much of Route One is simply farmland and a bit of suburbia once one gets past the beaches of southern Maine, but by the time we hit the Wiscasset area, we were spellbound by the beauty of the area. It was early May and all the trees were in bloom with spring time color. Route One weaved around through the hills, across inlets, and along the rocky coast until we finally found ourselves at the gateway of Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park and, yes, our destination, Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor used to be known long ago as simply a fishing village and then a ship building community. In the early part of the 20th century wealthy philanthropists and artists moved into the Bar Harbor area, building the famous cottages that dotted the coastline of the island. These "cottages" were actually mansions for the rich and famous. The fire of 1947 all but wiped out Bar Harbor, destroying most of the grand cottages on Millionaire Row. While some rebuilt, most did not, and Millionaire Row became a great place for putting up hotels and motels for the more frugal travelers of the 1950s.
We found Bar Harbor and the surrounding Mount Desert Island to be nothing short of paradise. Granted, the weather was absolutely perfect for our weekend; the sky was blue, the weather in the upper 60s, and even the evenings were warm enough to enjoy dining on the outdoor patio of one of the downtown restaurants. We walked all around town, admiring the old inns and the scenic sea port. We drove around the island, marveling at the seals, the tree-lined carriage roads for bicyclers, and of course, majestic Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic coastline.
The town of Bar Harbor has a local population of only about 5000, although that can triple in the summer time when tourist season is at its peak. The weather is pleasant and mild for the spring, summer, and fall, but the winters are typical of the rest of Maine - cold and snowy. There are endless things to do in Bar Harbor. The aforementioned outdoor entertainment and recreation of Cadillac Mountain and the carriage roads are popular, as well as opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, fishing, whale watching, kayaking tours, bicycle tours, lobster fishing tours, horseback riding, white water rafting, mountain climbing, and of course, moose watching tours!
For indoor entertainment, Bar Harbor has a host of dining and lodging opportunities, including special hideaways for honeymooners. There is a cabaret theater and a lumberjack show. Seafood is plentiful, especially lobster, just like my parents promised all those years ago. There are romantic inns, large hotels, and small cottages. And just about every place in town gives at least a partial view of the ocean.
Go find out why Fitz Hugh Lane, Thomas Cole, and others chose to model their famous paintings after the Bar Harbor area. While their paintings are legendary, there is nothing like seeing Bar Harbor in person. The colors, the rocks, and the sea, will come alive and you will feel like you've stepped into one of their masterpieces. Like them, its beauty is something you will never forget.
A Travel Guide to Gettysburg's Historic Homes
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, that legendary town where perhaps the most infamous battle of the Civil War took place in 1863, is famous for many things. The battlefield is, of course, the best reason to visit, but any Gettysburg traveler will discover that a great many historic homes and churches abound throughout the town. Many existed in some form or another when the battle took place, and so have existed for at least 150 years. If you're planning to walk the streets or even visit some of these old homes, you will need to know where to look.
Quite a few of Gettysburg's historic buildings can be visited and offer insightful tours, sometimes with costumed guides. Many are restored to look the way they did in 1863. One such house is the George Washington Schriver House, built in 1860, three years before Gettysburg was embroiled in battle. Built by Mr. Schriver, the house had an upstairs and downstairs used by the family and a basement where Mr. Schriver's saloon operated. You will be amazed at the authenticity with which the house has been restored; stop by and see perfectly reconstructed Victorian bedrooms, an attic where Confederate sharpshooters made their nests, and a kitchen and parlor.
At Schriver House you can embark on a tour that will take half an hour to complete. The rates are extremely reasonable, charging $4.50 for kids under the age of twelve and $6.95 for adults. The senior rate falls between the two. At the end of your tour you might decide to stop by the newly expanded gift shop for anything relating to the Schriver House or Gettysburg itself.
The Jennie Wade House is one of the most famous historic homes in the borough, and with good reason. It was here in July 1863 that a 20-year-old named Mary Virginia Wade (known as Jennie) was providing baked goods for starving soldiers and was shot by an unnamed sharpshooter. No one is certain from where the bullet came or even if a Union or Confederate soldier was responsible. The home, actually a double house occupied by Jennie's sister Georgia and Georgia's husband Louis, became known as the Jennie Wade House.
You can take a tour of the Jennie Wade House's upper and lower levels, passing through both the McClain and McClellan sides. On the McClellan side you will notice the kitchen where Jennie was killed. The entire house is beautifully decorated to really give you a glimpse into 19th century pure and simple style. Once you climb the appropriately creaky stairs, you can step through the hole made between house sections when a shell rocketed into the house and terrified the occupants. Once you venture outside you have the option of visiting the cellar where Jennie was brought after her death.
General Lee's Headquarters is another well-known Gettysburg home. Occupied by the widow Mary Thompson, the 19th century stone home served as Lee's center of operations during the three-day battle. Now a museum with small but entertaining rooms, there are also modern dormer rooms upstairs, where you can actually stay overnight if you are willing to pay the price. Who is to say you won't catch a glimpse of the "general" himself?
Stop by the small gift shop after exploring the house; it is also in this building that you will purchase your tickets for the headquarters tour. Keep in mind that the museum is open from 9-5 but that hours may change slightly during the warmer months. Children can tour the museum for free if they are younger than 15, and adults pay $3.00 for admission. The last time I stayed at the adjoining Larson's Quality Inn, guests at Larson's were able to enter General Lee's Headquarters Museum free of charge.
Unfortunately, some historical homes are now bed and breakfasts and can only be visited if you are planning to stay overnight. I would definitely recommend that you consider a few of these for your accommodations, especially the Farnsworth House Inn, known during the battle as the Sweeney House. Built in two sections, each part in the 19th century, this old brick house is full of local lore. Ghost stories and tales of haunted happenings abound, and each room is painstakingly restored to look as it did many years ago.
If you're feeling brave, you can trek down to the cellar for the Farnsworth House's "Mourning Theater." This is a creepy place where guides tell stories from the past. If you don't think you'd like to recreate a Victorian funeral parlor, this is *not* the place for you, though it does appeal to many "ghost hunters" who come to visit.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Quite a few of Gettysburg's historic buildings can be visited and offer insightful tours, sometimes with costumed guides. Many are restored to look the way they did in 1863. One such house is the George Washington Schriver House, built in 1860, three years before Gettysburg was embroiled in battle. Built by Mr. Schriver, the house had an upstairs and downstairs used by the family and a basement where Mr. Schriver's saloon operated. You will be amazed at the authenticity with which the house has been restored; stop by and see perfectly reconstructed Victorian bedrooms, an attic where Confederate sharpshooters made their nests, and a kitchen and parlor.
At Schriver House you can embark on a tour that will take half an hour to complete. The rates are extremely reasonable, charging $4.50 for kids under the age of twelve and $6.95 for adults. The senior rate falls between the two. At the end of your tour you might decide to stop by the newly expanded gift shop for anything relating to the Schriver House or Gettysburg itself.
The Jennie Wade House is one of the most famous historic homes in the borough, and with good reason. It was here in July 1863 that a 20-year-old named Mary Virginia Wade (known as Jennie) was providing baked goods for starving soldiers and was shot by an unnamed sharpshooter. No one is certain from where the bullet came or even if a Union or Confederate soldier was responsible. The home, actually a double house occupied by Jennie's sister Georgia and Georgia's husband Louis, became known as the Jennie Wade House.
You can take a tour of the Jennie Wade House's upper and lower levels, passing through both the McClain and McClellan sides. On the McClellan side you will notice the kitchen where Jennie was killed. The entire house is beautifully decorated to really give you a glimpse into 19th century pure and simple style. Once you climb the appropriately creaky stairs, you can step through the hole made between house sections when a shell rocketed into the house and terrified the occupants. Once you venture outside you have the option of visiting the cellar where Jennie was brought after her death.
General Lee's Headquarters is another well-known Gettysburg home. Occupied by the widow Mary Thompson, the 19th century stone home served as Lee's center of operations during the three-day battle. Now a museum with small but entertaining rooms, there are also modern dormer rooms upstairs, where you can actually stay overnight if you are willing to pay the price. Who is to say you won't catch a glimpse of the "general" himself?
Stop by the small gift shop after exploring the house; it is also in this building that you will purchase your tickets for the headquarters tour. Keep in mind that the museum is open from 9-5 but that hours may change slightly during the warmer months. Children can tour the museum for free if they are younger than 15, and adults pay $3.00 for admission. The last time I stayed at the adjoining Larson's Quality Inn, guests at Larson's were able to enter General Lee's Headquarters Museum free of charge.
Unfortunately, some historical homes are now bed and breakfasts and can only be visited if you are planning to stay overnight. I would definitely recommend that you consider a few of these for your accommodations, especially the Farnsworth House Inn, known during the battle as the Sweeney House. Built in two sections, each part in the 19th century, this old brick house is full of local lore. Ghost stories and tales of haunted happenings abound, and each room is painstakingly restored to look as it did many years ago.
If you're feeling brave, you can trek down to the cellar for the Farnsworth House's "Mourning Theater." This is a creepy place where guides tell stories from the past. If you don't think you'd like to recreate a Victorian funeral parlor, this is *not* the place for you, though it does appeal to many "ghost hunters" who come to visit.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Eastern Maryland's Furnace Town
If you're visiting an oceanside resort, the city of Salisbury, or just eastern Maryland in general, there are many small places relatively close in distance that would help to enhance your East Coast vacation. If you're tired of skyscrapers and traffic and want a less-visited solution, there is one area you could choose to consider. In the quaintly-named Snow Hill you can find a living history museum known as Furnace Town. True to its name, there is indeed an old furnace here from the 19th century. It is the focal point of the walking tour, but there is much more to see here than a rustic old furnace (although for schoolchildren especially, learning about the history of the important furnace is much more than a boring history lesson).
It is always a good idea to begin an introduction with a little bit of history concerning the area. The official name of the furnace for which Furnace Town is named was the "Nassawango Iron Furnace." The community made use of this furnace from the early-to-mid 1800s and a few hundred people were once living scattered around its base. When the furnace was no longer needed, it fell into disuse. Fortunately the former village has returned in its modest beauty and is a great destination for anyone interested in Maryland's history. You can walk up the long ramp to the furnace tower (the only part of it still in existence) and look down over the woodland. I recall walking behind the tower to hunt for unusual flowers. Furnace Town can be a nature walk as well if you visit in the spring.
You can enter many reconstructed buildings to get a feel for what life was like over a century ago. The finely-preserved church, historical homes and workshops make Furnace Town a great choice for school-age kids, but also a good place for mom and dad to learn some useful facts as well. There are many historical villages, but Furnace Town's ambiance, set in the woods like a country village, makes it exceptional. On my own visit I remember continuously seeing an elusive pure white rabbit. In the 19th century, villagers may have kept such a creature as a pet. Such small details really throw you into the olden days.
More about the old buildings: Inside the church you can find a modest but elegant pulpit and dress displays showing what women would have worn in church in the 1800s. The printer, woodworking and blacksmith shops are all exquisitely recreated for the curious eye to explore, and you will find costumed "villagers" who should be happy to answer questions and give your children a glimpse into the past. The woodworker's shop contains old tools and shows how these important implements were once made. The fact that Furnace Town is not a huge, bustling tourist attraction actually works in its favor, because it is much more pleasant to walk among the old buildings and enjoy a leisurely walking tour than to rush and scurry because of the hundred other people behind you, wanting to do the same things you are doing.
Furnace Town offers family activities throughout the year. Usually these are hiking trails or sky-watching tours, but sometimes there will be something very different: an archaeology dig. For $10.00 a day you can do your own "exploring" on the grounds. This is a great activity for kids, and the program is offered many times between April and October (visit www.furnacetown.com to find out if anything will be happening when you plan to visit). In December you can experience something truly wonderful if you attend Furnace Town's "19th century Christmas." This is a free event and will be a holiday outing you will never forget.
Check out Furnace Town's gift shop for 19th century charm and perhaps some terrific jams and other foods. Here you can also purchase things made by the village "workers" like authentic brooms and artisan reproductions. If you have a travel or history room (or perhaps just a corner of a room) like I do, these items would be a fantastic addition to your decor.
Another great thing about Furnace Town is its reasonable entrance rates. Kids pay $2.00 and adults $4.00. It's very important to note that the Living Heritage Museum can only be visited between April and October, so if you are thinking about visiting you will have to make sure to plan your vacation around this time. It is worth the extra effort to make sure you arrive when all buildings are available and open to the public.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
It is always a good idea to begin an introduction with a little bit of history concerning the area. The official name of the furnace for which Furnace Town is named was the "Nassawango Iron Furnace." The community made use of this furnace from the early-to-mid 1800s and a few hundred people were once living scattered around its base. When the furnace was no longer needed, it fell into disuse. Fortunately the former village has returned in its modest beauty and is a great destination for anyone interested in Maryland's history. You can walk up the long ramp to the furnace tower (the only part of it still in existence) and look down over the woodland. I recall walking behind the tower to hunt for unusual flowers. Furnace Town can be a nature walk as well if you visit in the spring.
You can enter many reconstructed buildings to get a feel for what life was like over a century ago. The finely-preserved church, historical homes and workshops make Furnace Town a great choice for school-age kids, but also a good place for mom and dad to learn some useful facts as well. There are many historical villages, but Furnace Town's ambiance, set in the woods like a country village, makes it exceptional. On my own visit I remember continuously seeing an elusive pure white rabbit. In the 19th century, villagers may have kept such a creature as a pet. Such small details really throw you into the olden days.
More about the old buildings: Inside the church you can find a modest but elegant pulpit and dress displays showing what women would have worn in church in the 1800s. The printer, woodworking and blacksmith shops are all exquisitely recreated for the curious eye to explore, and you will find costumed "villagers" who should be happy to answer questions and give your children a glimpse into the past. The woodworker's shop contains old tools and shows how these important implements were once made. The fact that Furnace Town is not a huge, bustling tourist attraction actually works in its favor, because it is much more pleasant to walk among the old buildings and enjoy a leisurely walking tour than to rush and scurry because of the hundred other people behind you, wanting to do the same things you are doing.
Furnace Town offers family activities throughout the year. Usually these are hiking trails or sky-watching tours, but sometimes there will be something very different: an archaeology dig. For $10.00 a day you can do your own "exploring" on the grounds. This is a great activity for kids, and the program is offered many times between April and October (visit www.furnacetown.com to find out if anything will be happening when you plan to visit). In December you can experience something truly wonderful if you attend Furnace Town's "19th century Christmas." This is a free event and will be a holiday outing you will never forget.
Check out Furnace Town's gift shop for 19th century charm and perhaps some terrific jams and other foods. Here you can also purchase things made by the village "workers" like authentic brooms and artisan reproductions. If you have a travel or history room (or perhaps just a corner of a room) like I do, these items would be a fantastic addition to your decor.
Another great thing about Furnace Town is its reasonable entrance rates. Kids pay $2.00 and adults $4.00. It's very important to note that the Living Heritage Museum can only be visited between April and October, so if you are thinking about visiting you will have to make sure to plan your vacation around this time. It is worth the extra effort to make sure you arrive when all buildings are available and open to the public.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Uncovering Vacation Deals
By Christina VanGinkel
Finding deals on vacations can hinge on myriad details. When you book, your age (senior or student), time of year, and more can all have a bearing on if you can find a deal, and how big a deal it will be. With the rising cost of fuel affecting everything from the drive to your destination to the cost of your airline ticket, finding a way to save money on the overall cost is more important than ever. No one wants to give up their annual vacation, or especially a once in a lifetime getaway because of rising costs, and no should have to. There are deals to be had, with some of them obviously blatant, and others just waiting to be found.
If you belong to any particular, type of organization, such as AARP, SAMS Club, or have a credit card that allows you to accumulate points that can be traded in toward the cost of hotel nights or airline tickets, be sure to use them. These deals can often add up to bigger savings than we realize. Some hotels offer discounts through programs they create, such as the Choice Privileges Reward Program. You accumulate points by staying in their hotels, which can then be traded in for free stays. One free night of a three-night stay is a significant savings.
Online avenues such as Hotwire often have last minute travel discounts available at deep discounts. These might not be good if you need to plan in advance, but if you suddenly find yourself with some extra time and some extra dollars, they might be the magical mix needed to use some of the deals that can be quick to expire.
Planning a group vacation can often net big bargains. The type of group is rarely an issue. It could be a church group, a book club group, even a family group, or a group of co-workers as a long as everyone wants to go to the same destination. Keep in mind that just because you go to a destination as a group does not always mean you must spend the whole time together. Many groups book the travel and hotels together, but everyone is more or less on their own when they arrive. Other groups may also net discounts on attractions, such as tickets to shows, but still spend a large part of the vacation enjoying quiet leisure time. Others may plan to do everything together as a group. Having the details all spelled about before traveling though, can be a good way to avoid confusion and hard feelings, so consider the details. The discounts can be had by being able to provide more business for the destination. For example, if you phone up the hotel you would like to stay at, and ask the rate on a room, then tell them that you would like to know what they could offer you per room if you were to reserve ten rooms instead of the one, you might be pleasantly surprised at the discount they will be able to offer you. Hotels often end each day with empty rooms, so if you can bring in more business by coming as a group, they are often more than willing to share some of the extra funds with you through discounts on the rooms you are renting.
If you have always dreamed of going somewhere in particular, but the cost seems blatantly out of your reach, consider the time of year that you plan to travel. While traveling in the off-season to some destinations will not make sense, other destinations really do not matter. The off-season may even mean less crowds and more leisurely activities than during the peak season, not to mention discounts on everything from lodging to airfare.
Coupon books are another option that can save you big on meals and activities, often the two most expensive parts of any vacation. You can often request these from the tourism bureau of your destination, or websites affiliated with the destination. The Wisconsin Dells is a huge Waterpark vacation spot, made up of many different hotels and activities. You can often find discount coupons for many of the attractions online. Many of the businesses use the books and coupons as a form of advertisement and in return offer the user discounts that can really add up.
If traveling as a family, a hotel that offers free breakfast and allows kids to stay free, can add up to big savings. Breakfast for a family of four can easily cost thirty dollars or more a day. To start each day with this as money saved is always a good deal.
Finding deals on vacations can hinge on myriad details. When you book, your age (senior or student), time of year, and more can all have a bearing on if you can find a deal, and how big a deal it will be. With the rising cost of fuel affecting everything from the drive to your destination to the cost of your airline ticket, finding a way to save money on the overall cost is more important than ever. No one wants to give up their annual vacation, or especially a once in a lifetime getaway because of rising costs, and no should have to. There are deals to be had, with some of them obviously blatant, and others just waiting to be found.
If you belong to any particular, type of organization, such as AARP, SAMS Club, or have a credit card that allows you to accumulate points that can be traded in toward the cost of hotel nights or airline tickets, be sure to use them. These deals can often add up to bigger savings than we realize. Some hotels offer discounts through programs they create, such as the Choice Privileges Reward Program. You accumulate points by staying in their hotels, which can then be traded in for free stays. One free night of a three-night stay is a significant savings.
Online avenues such as Hotwire often have last minute travel discounts available at deep discounts. These might not be good if you need to plan in advance, but if you suddenly find yourself with some extra time and some extra dollars, they might be the magical mix needed to use some of the deals that can be quick to expire.
Planning a group vacation can often net big bargains. The type of group is rarely an issue. It could be a church group, a book club group, even a family group, or a group of co-workers as a long as everyone wants to go to the same destination. Keep in mind that just because you go to a destination as a group does not always mean you must spend the whole time together. Many groups book the travel and hotels together, but everyone is more or less on their own when they arrive. Other groups may also net discounts on attractions, such as tickets to shows, but still spend a large part of the vacation enjoying quiet leisure time. Others may plan to do everything together as a group. Having the details all spelled about before traveling though, can be a good way to avoid confusion and hard feelings, so consider the details. The discounts can be had by being able to provide more business for the destination. For example, if you phone up the hotel you would like to stay at, and ask the rate on a room, then tell them that you would like to know what they could offer you per room if you were to reserve ten rooms instead of the one, you might be pleasantly surprised at the discount they will be able to offer you. Hotels often end each day with empty rooms, so if you can bring in more business by coming as a group, they are often more than willing to share some of the extra funds with you through discounts on the rooms you are renting.
If you have always dreamed of going somewhere in particular, but the cost seems blatantly out of your reach, consider the time of year that you plan to travel. While traveling in the off-season to some destinations will not make sense, other destinations really do not matter. The off-season may even mean less crowds and more leisurely activities than during the peak season, not to mention discounts on everything from lodging to airfare.
Coupon books are another option that can save you big on meals and activities, often the two most expensive parts of any vacation. You can often request these from the tourism bureau of your destination, or websites affiliated with the destination. The Wisconsin Dells is a huge Waterpark vacation spot, made up of many different hotels and activities. You can often find discount coupons for many of the attractions online. Many of the businesses use the books and coupons as a form of advertisement and in return offer the user discounts that can really add up.
If traveling as a family, a hotel that offers free breakfast and allows kids to stay free, can add up to big savings. Breakfast for a family of four can easily cost thirty dollars or more a day. To start each day with this as money saved is always a good deal.
Moving from Coast to Coast
When my husband was still in the military, we found ourselves having to make frequent coast-to-coast moves across country. It seemed that the Navy wanted us in California for a couple of years, then in Rhode Island, and then in California again. Sometimes Virginia was where they took us. Either way, whenever it was time to move, the move was always a big one. No moves across town or into the next county. Never even just a matter of packing a truck and driving to our destination in one day. Our military moves were huge, life-changing events that took us to a different climate, a different type of city, and practically to a different country. Many of our friends and colleagues, also in the Navy, chose to ship their cars, along with their furniture and other belongings, and simply fly to their next destination. This made a lot of sense. Driving, or taking a train or a bus across country took many days, while flying could get us there in a matter of hours. Yet, the change was so big, it seemed to us that we needed to ease into it gradually. Thankfully, my husband was always given nearly a month off from work in order to move, so we chose to drive our way across the country from one coast to the next.
Driving from the East to the West coast was always a thrill for me because I grew up in the West. As we first headed out, navigating our way past New York City, we enjoyed spotting the city skyline, but that was pretty much where the fun ended for a couple of days. We then drove through Pennsylvania, which, in my western eyes, was simply a state full of trees which blocked our view. By the time we had traveled through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, I was ready to see something besides the lush trees of the eastern half of our country. That was about the time we came to St. Louis, saw the incredible Mississippi River, and of course the St. Louis arch. After traveling for at least another half day, we came into Oklahoma where we met Interstate 40, which would take us all the way to California. Partway through Oklahoma, the trees began thinning out considerably, and the West began calling my name. By the time we hit Amarillo, Texas, we were in wide-open grassy plains. Heading through the sometimes desolate-looking deserts of New Mexico and Arizona were like music to my soul. I could see the horizon and I felt free. When we drove into San Diego and still felt the desert like climate, but with palm trees and a blue ocean to boot, I was in heaven.
My husband, an East Coaster at heart, was always excited when we went the other way. He preferred that we took the more northern route through Wyoming and South Dakota when we traveled from east to west, so we set out from Southern California heading back across Arizona and New Mexico, but then we turned north at Albuquerque, up Interstate 25. We drove through beautiful Colorado and the wide-open spaces of Wyoming, where I could enjoy my West just a bit longer. We saw Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, as well as the badlands, until we finally headed into Minnesota and Wisconsin, where the trees began showing themselves to be more plentiful once again. My husband would get excited about the trees, and if we were lucky, we moved in the fall and were able to enjoy the fall foliage, which is at its best in the eastern half of the country. After skirting down through Chicago, we headed back onto our original route, going back through Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York, and then across Connecticut and back into the tiny state of Rhode Island.
I would strongly suggest that anyone moving across country take the time to drive it. There is no better way to see and get to know our great country, than by driving across, seeing everything up close and personal. The change in scenery will prepare you for what's ahead, and remember, getting there is half the fun!
Driving from the East to the West coast was always a thrill for me because I grew up in the West. As we first headed out, navigating our way past New York City, we enjoyed spotting the city skyline, but that was pretty much where the fun ended for a couple of days. We then drove through Pennsylvania, which, in my western eyes, was simply a state full of trees which blocked our view. By the time we had traveled through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, I was ready to see something besides the lush trees of the eastern half of our country. That was about the time we came to St. Louis, saw the incredible Mississippi River, and of course the St. Louis arch. After traveling for at least another half day, we came into Oklahoma where we met Interstate 40, which would take us all the way to California. Partway through Oklahoma, the trees began thinning out considerably, and the West began calling my name. By the time we hit Amarillo, Texas, we were in wide-open grassy plains. Heading through the sometimes desolate-looking deserts of New Mexico and Arizona were like music to my soul. I could see the horizon and I felt free. When we drove into San Diego and still felt the desert like climate, but with palm trees and a blue ocean to boot, I was in heaven.
My husband, an East Coaster at heart, was always excited when we went the other way. He preferred that we took the more northern route through Wyoming and South Dakota when we traveled from east to west, so we set out from Southern California heading back across Arizona and New Mexico, but then we turned north at Albuquerque, up Interstate 25. We drove through beautiful Colorado and the wide-open spaces of Wyoming, where I could enjoy my West just a bit longer. We saw Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, as well as the badlands, until we finally headed into Minnesota and Wisconsin, where the trees began showing themselves to be more plentiful once again. My husband would get excited about the trees, and if we were lucky, we moved in the fall and were able to enjoy the fall foliage, which is at its best in the eastern half of the country. After skirting down through Chicago, we headed back onto our original route, going back through Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York, and then across Connecticut and back into the tiny state of Rhode Island.
I would strongly suggest that anyone moving across country take the time to drive it. There is no better way to see and get to know our great country, than by driving across, seeing everything up close and personal. The change in scenery will prepare you for what's ahead, and remember, getting there is half the fun!
Vail, Colorado in the Summertime
Visiting one of Colorado's many ski areas is a treat to the senses any time of year. Most of us do not think about ski areas until the snows of winter begin to fall and Christmas music is heard wafting out of our stereos. When the weather turns chilly. we break out our parkas and gloves, take the skis out of the storage shed or the rafters in the garage, and begin to plan our next trip to the slopes. But what many of us forget is that the ski areas are wonderful to visit in and out of ski season. Remember, most of Colorado's ski areas are huddled around a charming town or village that is full of great dining, shopping, and lodging during the winter months; yet those things do not go away when the snow melts. Summertime is one of the best times to visit a Colorado ski area because we can enjoy the town, the mountains and the scenery in a different light, and we don't have to bring all the cold-weather clothing for our outdoor activities!
Our family used to make it a summer tradition to visit Vail, Colorado in the summertime. We lived only two hours away and had friends who let us use their condo there. Vail was fun, because like some of the other larger ski areas, Vail had a gondola that took skiers and other adventuresome visitors to the top of the mountain. The gondola operated in the summer months as well, so our family, clad in shorts, t-shirts, and hiking boots, would ride the gondola to the top, share a lunch out on the grass or a picnic table, and then walk back down the mountain, via the grassy, open ski slopes, to the town. It was a long walk that took us most of the afternoon, and often our shins were sore the next day from so much downhill hiking, but it was a pleasure to see the ski slopes up close in the summer. When we were used to seeing the slopes covered in snowy moguls, now they were covered in wild grass and wild flowers. Birds and butterflies flitted in and out of the woods and it was not unusual to see other wildlife such as deer, woodchucks, and the occasional hawk. The scents which greeted us on that mountain were pine, wild flowers, and fresh air. The sunshine warmed our backs and we wished the day would never end.
Once back down in Vail village, we enjoyed walking casually to the various shops the town offers. There were plenty of fun places for children including toy stores, stuffed animal stores, and eclectic candy shops right out of a fairy tale. The adults found art galleries, pottery stores, and a plethora of specialty shops to delight all types of tastes. And of course there were the ski shops and Christmas shops, which were also open in the summer, tempting folks to purchase and make plans for the upcoming winter season.
In the summer, the restaurants in Vail often open their doors to outdoor patios where diners can enjoy a meal under a sunny umbrella or simply under the stars at night. The crisp mountain air is clean and invigorating, but mild enough to require only a light sweater at night. Vail has a multitude of restaurants for every taste under the summer sun: Mexican, Asian, American, formal, casual, unusual, and everything in between.
Not far from the village of Vail, families and vacationers will find opportunities to go horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, sailing on mountain lakes, fishing, and many more summer mountain activities. Glenwood Springs is just a bit of a drive up the road from Vail and it offers the natural hot springs for which it is famous. A drive to Glenwood Springs for a day is well worth the trip from Vail. Hanging Lake, a popular hiking trail to a high mountain pond, is set on the highway between Glenwood Springs and Vail.
Consider taking your summer vacation to one of the Colorado ski areas, to get a different perspective on the slopes this year. Vail, and many of the other beautiful spots, are waiting.
Our family used to make it a summer tradition to visit Vail, Colorado in the summertime. We lived only two hours away and had friends who let us use their condo there. Vail was fun, because like some of the other larger ski areas, Vail had a gondola that took skiers and other adventuresome visitors to the top of the mountain. The gondola operated in the summer months as well, so our family, clad in shorts, t-shirts, and hiking boots, would ride the gondola to the top, share a lunch out on the grass or a picnic table, and then walk back down the mountain, via the grassy, open ski slopes, to the town. It was a long walk that took us most of the afternoon, and often our shins were sore the next day from so much downhill hiking, but it was a pleasure to see the ski slopes up close in the summer. When we were used to seeing the slopes covered in snowy moguls, now they were covered in wild grass and wild flowers. Birds and butterflies flitted in and out of the woods and it was not unusual to see other wildlife such as deer, woodchucks, and the occasional hawk. The scents which greeted us on that mountain were pine, wild flowers, and fresh air. The sunshine warmed our backs and we wished the day would never end.
Once back down in Vail village, we enjoyed walking casually to the various shops the town offers. There were plenty of fun places for children including toy stores, stuffed animal stores, and eclectic candy shops right out of a fairy tale. The adults found art galleries, pottery stores, and a plethora of specialty shops to delight all types of tastes. And of course there were the ski shops and Christmas shops, which were also open in the summer, tempting folks to purchase and make plans for the upcoming winter season.
In the summer, the restaurants in Vail often open their doors to outdoor patios where diners can enjoy a meal under a sunny umbrella or simply under the stars at night. The crisp mountain air is clean and invigorating, but mild enough to require only a light sweater at night. Vail has a multitude of restaurants for every taste under the summer sun: Mexican, Asian, American, formal, casual, unusual, and everything in between.
Not far from the village of Vail, families and vacationers will find opportunities to go horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, sailing on mountain lakes, fishing, and many more summer mountain activities. Glenwood Springs is just a bit of a drive up the road from Vail and it offers the natural hot springs for which it is famous. A drive to Glenwood Springs for a day is well worth the trip from Vail. Hanging Lake, a popular hiking trail to a high mountain pond, is set on the highway between Glenwood Springs and Vail.
Consider taking your summer vacation to one of the Colorado ski areas, to get a different perspective on the slopes this year. Vail, and many of the other beautiful spots, are waiting.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Seeing Maine like the Locals
Maine is one of the remotest states in the Union, besides perhaps Wyoming and Alaska. The woods in Maine are so thick, people have been known to get lost and not be able to find their way back to a campground or home, even when they are only 100 yards away. Maine, while having its southernmost border only an hour or so from the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Boston, is a world away. It is quite, pristine, and untamed. In Maine, visitors will still see moose, bald eagles, bears, and a plethora of other wildlife. When seeking to take a trip into Maine, visitors ought to consider avoiding the touristy places, which Maine has aplenty, and instead take the backroads, visit the county fairs, and avoid the beaches. Portland is a wonderful city, but it is still a city, much like a miniature Boston. To really get a sense of the real Maine, its people, its culture, and its rhythm, take a drive on the meandering, tree and cow lined roads and meet the Maine that the locals know and love.
When first driving into Maine, consider getting off the highway; not on Route One, the coastal route. While Route One is charming and has much to offer the tourist, it is not quite different from the coast of New Hampshire, Massachusetts or Rhode Island, until one is well past the Brunswick and Bath area. Instead, take a northern route toward Sebago Lake and travel northeast from there. Drive to the Rangeley area and go for a hike. Have lunch at one of the small diners or convenience stores along the way. While all modern fast food establishments can be found in most Maine towns, some of the smaller villages are still unblemished by modern chains. And in Maine, when one sees a local, Mom & Pop convenience store, he can just about bet that there will be a tiny eating establishment inside. Most of these types of stores will cook made-to-order pizza and hot dogs, or they will serve you up a sandwich or bowl of soup. These places are where the locals hang out. Spend an afternoon in a convenience store and you will get to know the real Maine.
Of course, once you leave the coziness of the mountains, you may want to keep heading north and go all the way up to the Presque Isle and Caribou area to see the miles and miles of potato fields. A trip to a local summer fair may give visitors a glimpse of the potato queen or princess. The small towns are incredibly close knit communities where everyone knows everyone else, and many of them are related.
When you head back down toward the downeast area of the state (which simply means, the coast along the eastern side of the state) be sure to visit Baxter State Park and consider taking a hike up Mount Katahdin. While campsites must be reserved months in advance, day hikers will enjoy the mile or so walk up the highest and most rugged mountain in Maine. The summit of Mount Katahdin is also the northern most end of the famous Appalachian Trail. The town of Millinocket, nearby, will supply hikers and visitors with picnic supplies and hiking or camping gear, if necessary.
Continuing to head down east, visitors will ultimately come to the coast. One of the most famous coastal Maine towns is Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island. Not only is the town charming, it is still small and relatively unscathed by commercialism, because of its limitations being on the island. Mount Desert Island is home to Cadillac Mountain, the largest mountain right on the coast of the eastern seaboard. Visitors will enjoy the carriage roads and beautiful, rocky coastline that gives breathtaking views again and again, around each turn. Seals can often be found on the rocks and the sunsets are magnificent.
The next time you head to Maine, consider these suggestions and find that the state is more than you originally imagined. Go along the backroads and get to know the locals, not just the summer folks. Eat where they eat and see what they see. Then you will have a sense of what really makes Maine tick.
When first driving into Maine, consider getting off the highway; not on Route One, the coastal route. While Route One is charming and has much to offer the tourist, it is not quite different from the coast of New Hampshire, Massachusetts or Rhode Island, until one is well past the Brunswick and Bath area. Instead, take a northern route toward Sebago Lake and travel northeast from there. Drive to the Rangeley area and go for a hike. Have lunch at one of the small diners or convenience stores along the way. While all modern fast food establishments can be found in most Maine towns, some of the smaller villages are still unblemished by modern chains. And in Maine, when one sees a local, Mom & Pop convenience store, he can just about bet that there will be a tiny eating establishment inside. Most of these types of stores will cook made-to-order pizza and hot dogs, or they will serve you up a sandwich or bowl of soup. These places are where the locals hang out. Spend an afternoon in a convenience store and you will get to know the real Maine.
Of course, once you leave the coziness of the mountains, you may want to keep heading north and go all the way up to the Presque Isle and Caribou area to see the miles and miles of potato fields. A trip to a local summer fair may give visitors a glimpse of the potato queen or princess. The small towns are incredibly close knit communities where everyone knows everyone else, and many of them are related.
When you head back down toward the downeast area of the state (which simply means, the coast along the eastern side of the state) be sure to visit Baxter State Park and consider taking a hike up Mount Katahdin. While campsites must be reserved months in advance, day hikers will enjoy the mile or so walk up the highest and most rugged mountain in Maine. The summit of Mount Katahdin is also the northern most end of the famous Appalachian Trail. The town of Millinocket, nearby, will supply hikers and visitors with picnic supplies and hiking or camping gear, if necessary.
Continuing to head down east, visitors will ultimately come to the coast. One of the most famous coastal Maine towns is Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island. Not only is the town charming, it is still small and relatively unscathed by commercialism, because of its limitations being on the island. Mount Desert Island is home to Cadillac Mountain, the largest mountain right on the coast of the eastern seaboard. Visitors will enjoy the carriage roads and beautiful, rocky coastline that gives breathtaking views again and again, around each turn. Seals can often be found on the rocks and the sunsets are magnificent.
The next time you head to Maine, consider these suggestions and find that the state is more than you originally imagined. Go along the backroads and get to know the locals, not just the summer folks. Eat where they eat and see what they see. Then you will have a sense of what really makes Maine tick.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Newport, Rhode Island in the Summertime
Nearly one hundred years ago, Newport, Rhode Island was the fashionable destination for wealthy travelers up and down the East Coast of the United States. Presidents, statesmen, actors and actresses, and many more of the rich and famous, rode in their buggies, on horses, on ships, or even in the new motorcars, to the breezy shores of Newport. Newport gave East Coasters what they were trying to escape in the summertime - heat and humidity. While most of the East Coast, even up into Maine, is exceptionally hot during July and August, the beaches and town of Newport, Rhode Island, located on Aquidneck Island in the extreme southeastern corner of the tiny state, are mild, breezy, and perfect for a summer vacation.
Today, Newport is still the quaint, breezy town in the summer that it was all those years ago, and it looks much the same as it did then, but with all the modern conveniences. Long rows of century old houses line the narrow streets, tiny shops and churches are dotted throughout the town, and the famous Thames street, which runs along the height of the shopping district, just across from the marina, is made entirely of old bricks. Visitors will enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner at the Brick Alley Pub on Thames Street, and remember, in Newport, Thames is pronounced phonetically, not the proper British pronunciation as in the River Thames.
The beaches in Newport are plentiful and the ocean water in the summer is nearly perfect. It is not the bathtub warmth of Florida or the frigid 50 degree water found in Maine and Nova Scotia; rather, with 80 degree sunshine, it perfectly offsets the air warmth for a quick cool-down. Many beaches are within walking distance of downtown Newport and there are hotels, restaurants, and hot dog stands near every beach.
Other than the mild, summer weather, one of the things that makes Newport unique is its unusual tie to the past. While many cities boast museums and political or agricultural history, Newport, Rhode Island boasts wealthy history. Take a drive alone Bellevue Avenue for an amazing tour of the Mansions that were once known as summer cottages for the rich and famous. Names such as Rockefeller, Kennedy, and others are well-known there. The summer cottages are what most of us would refer to as castles. Multiple levels, high ceilings, many rooms, servants quarters, and beautiful grounds that edge right up to the ocean; many of the mansions now are museums or theaters.
If visitors are ambitious enough to take a brisk walk, the Cliff Walk is a sight to behold. Cliff Walk is a sidewalk that runs along the side of a low cliff above the ocean, just behind many of the famous mansions. Walkers will be treated to the backside and grounds of the mansions, as well as a scenic view of First Beach, the surrounding cover, and other parts of the island. Surfers often surf the swells of the rocks below Cliff Walk, so there is always something to behold.
While Newport affords all these incredible and unusual sights, it also has all the benefits of a modern town. Chain hotels and restaurants, Wal-Mart, and small strip malls are found in different areas around town, available to those who need them, but not interfering with the historic feel of the old town.
Newport has also served as home to the famous America's Cup races. A visit to the downtown marina will afford sightseers with an array of impressive boats, yachts, and crystal blue waters. Boats can be chartered for fishing, sight-seeing or whale watching, and visitors should be on the lookout, as famous faces are often found spending time on the boats at the marina at Newport.
Newport is easily accessible by air from New York, Boston and Providence. It is about a three hour drive or bus ride from New York City, less than two hours from Boston, and less than an hour from Providence. That first drive across the Jamestown and then the Newport Bridge will take visitors' breath away.
The next time you are on the East Coast and are looking for a summer vacation that is not too hot, Newport is a summertime paradise.
Today, Newport is still the quaint, breezy town in the summer that it was all those years ago, and it looks much the same as it did then, but with all the modern conveniences. Long rows of century old houses line the narrow streets, tiny shops and churches are dotted throughout the town, and the famous Thames street, which runs along the height of the shopping district, just across from the marina, is made entirely of old bricks. Visitors will enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner at the Brick Alley Pub on Thames Street, and remember, in Newport, Thames is pronounced phonetically, not the proper British pronunciation as in the River Thames.
The beaches in Newport are plentiful and the ocean water in the summer is nearly perfect. It is not the bathtub warmth of Florida or the frigid 50 degree water found in Maine and Nova Scotia; rather, with 80 degree sunshine, it perfectly offsets the air warmth for a quick cool-down. Many beaches are within walking distance of downtown Newport and there are hotels, restaurants, and hot dog stands near every beach.
Other than the mild, summer weather, one of the things that makes Newport unique is its unusual tie to the past. While many cities boast museums and political or agricultural history, Newport, Rhode Island boasts wealthy history. Take a drive alone Bellevue Avenue for an amazing tour of the Mansions that were once known as summer cottages for the rich and famous. Names such as Rockefeller, Kennedy, and others are well-known there. The summer cottages are what most of us would refer to as castles. Multiple levels, high ceilings, many rooms, servants quarters, and beautiful grounds that edge right up to the ocean; many of the mansions now are museums or theaters.
If visitors are ambitious enough to take a brisk walk, the Cliff Walk is a sight to behold. Cliff Walk is a sidewalk that runs along the side of a low cliff above the ocean, just behind many of the famous mansions. Walkers will be treated to the backside and grounds of the mansions, as well as a scenic view of First Beach, the surrounding cover, and other parts of the island. Surfers often surf the swells of the rocks below Cliff Walk, so there is always something to behold.
While Newport affords all these incredible and unusual sights, it also has all the benefits of a modern town. Chain hotels and restaurants, Wal-Mart, and small strip malls are found in different areas around town, available to those who need them, but not interfering with the historic feel of the old town.
Newport has also served as home to the famous America's Cup races. A visit to the downtown marina will afford sightseers with an array of impressive boats, yachts, and crystal blue waters. Boats can be chartered for fishing, sight-seeing or whale watching, and visitors should be on the lookout, as famous faces are often found spending time on the boats at the marina at Newport.
Newport is easily accessible by air from New York, Boston and Providence. It is about a three hour drive or bus ride from New York City, less than two hours from Boston, and less than an hour from Providence. That first drive across the Jamestown and then the Newport Bridge will take visitors' breath away.
The next time you are on the East Coast and are looking for a summer vacation that is not too hot, Newport is a summertime paradise.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Traveling to Germany? Don't Leave Without Seeing Berlin
All of us have different pictures in our mind when we think of Germany's capital. Some envision the stiff confines of a war-era compound, others, old churches and buildings. The truth is, Berlin has a certain ambiance and feel for history; if you're visiting that great and controversial country of "Deutschland," it should not be missed. For those of you who have German ancestry, this is *the* city to begin your journey to self-discovery. The place is of course famous for the Berlin Wall, so you may wish to start at the Berlin Wall Museum. Once you've learned some interesting tidbits about the Wall and Berlin in general, it's time to explore the city and find some great things to see and do.
It may seem odd to find a Jewish museum in the middle of a country well known for the infamous Holocaust, but Berlin is full of such surprises. To learn about the experiences of the Jewish people who have lived in Germany for countless centuries, stop by the Jewish Museum. Everything from fascinating exhibits to ancient documents can be found here. If you have Jewish ancestry or are interested in the Holocaust, this is a great place to go. It is a fantastic museum for a "teaching tool" if you're traveling with children.
You might want to visit Berlin's Parliament Building, also known as Reichstag, just to experience the architectural achievement. The huge Renaissance structure, seemingly more fit to be an ancient palace, will be one of the most impressive sights you will see while you travel through Berlin. It is hard to comprehend the work that went into creating such rich detail. This will be one of the places you will most likely put your camera to good use! The glass elevators are particularly striking. If you travel extensively, you might notice the similarity in design of other palaces and government buildings throughout Europe.
For an older piece of history, visit Brandenburg Gate (also known as Brandenburger Tor) which was constructed in the 1700s. If you do your research you will learn that it is a definitive landmark in Berlin. This is another great photo stop; as I've said in previous travel articles, it doesn't cost anything to look and capture special sights on film, so save some cash in Berlin and take advantage of these *free* experiences. Brandenburg Gate is especially important to Berlin's history because of its association with Friedrich Wilhelm, and its classical Roman design adds elegance to the modern city.
For some shopping and dining, stop by Unter den Linden in East Berlin. This well-known street is like "Anytown U.S.A." in many ways. Historical sites compete with shops and pedestrian traffic. Grab a bite to eat, enjoy Berlin's architecture, and don't be surprised to find little surprises hidden behind every nook and cranny. Unter den Linden's historic past is evident in many places and it is one of the most noted streets in the city. From there, stop by the Pariser Platz, another largely visited part of the city, for some shopping experiences. Shopping isn't really your thing? How about Victorian history?
If you're a history buff, especially in the Victorian department, the Berliner Dom (the Cathedral) may be of interest to you. It doesn't have such an old and venerable history as more famous European churches, but it is a beautiful sight to behold. Although the Cathedral was built between the 1890s and the first years of the 1900s, a similar type of cathedral has stood on this spot since the 15th century. If the baroque architecture and beautiful domes don't draw you in, the interior certainly will. You can plan your visit any day of the week, as the Dom's hours are extremely flexible. Don't forget to see the almost 500-year-old Sauer's Organ and striking stained glass windows.
One of the most important things to remember when visiting Berlin is to keep all your senses open. Don't forget to see all the historical elegance, smell the fresh goods baking at the market, and hear the native tongue that will remind you that you're "not in Kansas anymore." The greatest piece of advice for aspiring travelers is this; don't just visit as a tourist, see a few small sites, buy some cheap souvenirs and go home. Truly *look* at everything, use your senses, and let the city of Berlin imprint itself in your memory.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
It may seem odd to find a Jewish museum in the middle of a country well known for the infamous Holocaust, but Berlin is full of such surprises. To learn about the experiences of the Jewish people who have lived in Germany for countless centuries, stop by the Jewish Museum. Everything from fascinating exhibits to ancient documents can be found here. If you have Jewish ancestry or are interested in the Holocaust, this is a great place to go. It is a fantastic museum for a "teaching tool" if you're traveling with children.
You might want to visit Berlin's Parliament Building, also known as Reichstag, just to experience the architectural achievement. The huge Renaissance structure, seemingly more fit to be an ancient palace, will be one of the most impressive sights you will see while you travel through Berlin. It is hard to comprehend the work that went into creating such rich detail. This will be one of the places you will most likely put your camera to good use! The glass elevators are particularly striking. If you travel extensively, you might notice the similarity in design of other palaces and government buildings throughout Europe.
For an older piece of history, visit Brandenburg Gate (also known as Brandenburger Tor) which was constructed in the 1700s. If you do your research you will learn that it is a definitive landmark in Berlin. This is another great photo stop; as I've said in previous travel articles, it doesn't cost anything to look and capture special sights on film, so save some cash in Berlin and take advantage of these *free* experiences. Brandenburg Gate is especially important to Berlin's history because of its association with Friedrich Wilhelm, and its classical Roman design adds elegance to the modern city.
For some shopping and dining, stop by Unter den Linden in East Berlin. This well-known street is like "Anytown U.S.A." in many ways. Historical sites compete with shops and pedestrian traffic. Grab a bite to eat, enjoy Berlin's architecture, and don't be surprised to find little surprises hidden behind every nook and cranny. Unter den Linden's historic past is evident in many places and it is one of the most noted streets in the city. From there, stop by the Pariser Platz, another largely visited part of the city, for some shopping experiences. Shopping isn't really your thing? How about Victorian history?
If you're a history buff, especially in the Victorian department, the Berliner Dom (the Cathedral) may be of interest to you. It doesn't have such an old and venerable history as more famous European churches, but it is a beautiful sight to behold. Although the Cathedral was built between the 1890s and the first years of the 1900s, a similar type of cathedral has stood on this spot since the 15th century. If the baroque architecture and beautiful domes don't draw you in, the interior certainly will. You can plan your visit any day of the week, as the Dom's hours are extremely flexible. Don't forget to see the almost 500-year-old Sauer's Organ and striking stained glass windows.
One of the most important things to remember when visiting Berlin is to keep all your senses open. Don't forget to see all the historical elegance, smell the fresh goods baking at the market, and hear the native tongue that will remind you that you're "not in Kansas anymore." The greatest piece of advice for aspiring travelers is this; don't just visit as a tourist, see a few small sites, buy some cheap souvenirs and go home. Truly *look* at everything, use your senses, and let the city of Berlin imprint itself in your memory.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
The New Zoo and the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
By Christina VanGinkel
If you happen to be anywhere in the vicinity of Green Bay Wisconsin, and are a lover of anything wildlife related, be sure to stop by the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and the New Zoo. Both are a fantastic way to become one with nature, enjoy a stroll outdoors, and be introduced to a wide range of animal life, birds, and scenery all at their finest.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, located at 1660 East Shore Drive Green Bay, WI 54302, is situated on 700 acres, and is referred to as an urban wildlife refuge. The first time we visited it was many years ago, and we have been back numerous times since. Each time, we are greeted by something new, something amazing. If we run to Green Bay for just about any reason, if we have the time available, or think we do, we make sure and stop by for at least a quick visit, as it is the perfect place to unwind from a busy schedule. It is open year round, and while they do accept donations, admittance is free, so it really is open to anyone who has a love of the outdoors.
The park has 6.5 miles of trail available, that you can hike in the spring, summer, fall, and cross-country ski on in the winter months, weather permitting. There are picnic areas available to enjoy an outdoor meal, and wheelchairs are available for those who need a little extra help traversing the park.
There are a few rules that the park posts, including no pets allowed, stay on the marked trails, and only feed the geese and ducks. Do not feed the other animals. For a full list of rules, they are posted about for all to see.
There is a large indoor Nature Education Center, which is home to many hands-on exhibits. The center is home to an Estuary, library, animal encounter pods, including insects and spiders, mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. The building also offers vending machines and indoor bathrooms, an art gallery, and a gift shop.
The New Zoo
The New Zoo, along with the Brown County Reforestation Camp, is actually located about eleven miles northwest of Green Bay, but is well worth the drive out. Together they cover a 1560-acre parcel of land, encompassing both the zoo itself, along with miles of trails, trout ponds, and picnic areas. The grounds are also home to a large playground area, and there are grills available for anyone wanting to have an impromptu or planned outdoor picnic with hot, grilled foods. They also host special events throughout the year, such as breakfast with the Easter Bunny to help you celebrate Easter, and trick or treating throughout the park during Halloween.
The zoo itself has gone through several transformations since its origination, all seemingly for the better. New animals are often arriving, and I never tire of stopping by for a visit. Our most memorable trip was when my youngest son was all of about three or four years old (he is now thirteen) and he so wanted to go play with the monkeys. He proclaimed he was hot, begged to take off his t-shirt, which I allowed him to do, then nonchalantly tossed it up to the fence by the monkeys. They had it in an instant, and we had to ask maintenance for help to retrieve it. I will admit I was embarrassed, but we have never forgotten this, and to this day, we ask him if he wants to go play with the monkeys every time we head to Green Bay, no matter the occasion!
The New Zoo is home to many different animals, with their newest arrivals a pair of giraffes by the names of Hodari and Zuri, nicknamed Brave and Pretty. They arrived at the end of 2005, and have made themselves right at home, among the population of both foreign and domestic animals. The zoo houses animals from Australia, Africa, the North American Plains, and several that are native to Wisconsin.
The next time you happen to be in the Green Bay Wisconsin area, be sure to take time out and stop by the New Zoo and the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, you will not be disappointed!
If you happen to be anywhere in the vicinity of Green Bay Wisconsin, and are a lover of anything wildlife related, be sure to stop by the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and the New Zoo. Both are a fantastic way to become one with nature, enjoy a stroll outdoors, and be introduced to a wide range of animal life, birds, and scenery all at their finest.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, located at 1660 East Shore Drive Green Bay, WI 54302, is situated on 700 acres, and is referred to as an urban wildlife refuge. The first time we visited it was many years ago, and we have been back numerous times since. Each time, we are greeted by something new, something amazing. If we run to Green Bay for just about any reason, if we have the time available, or think we do, we make sure and stop by for at least a quick visit, as it is the perfect place to unwind from a busy schedule. It is open year round, and while they do accept donations, admittance is free, so it really is open to anyone who has a love of the outdoors.
The park has 6.5 miles of trail available, that you can hike in the spring, summer, fall, and cross-country ski on in the winter months, weather permitting. There are picnic areas available to enjoy an outdoor meal, and wheelchairs are available for those who need a little extra help traversing the park.
There are a few rules that the park posts, including no pets allowed, stay on the marked trails, and only feed the geese and ducks. Do not feed the other animals. For a full list of rules, they are posted about for all to see.
There is a large indoor Nature Education Center, which is home to many hands-on exhibits. The center is home to an Estuary, library, animal encounter pods, including insects and spiders, mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. The building also offers vending machines and indoor bathrooms, an art gallery, and a gift shop.
The New Zoo
The New Zoo, along with the Brown County Reforestation Camp, is actually located about eleven miles northwest of Green Bay, but is well worth the drive out. Together they cover a 1560-acre parcel of land, encompassing both the zoo itself, along with miles of trails, trout ponds, and picnic areas. The grounds are also home to a large playground area, and there are grills available for anyone wanting to have an impromptu or planned outdoor picnic with hot, grilled foods. They also host special events throughout the year, such as breakfast with the Easter Bunny to help you celebrate Easter, and trick or treating throughout the park during Halloween.
The zoo itself has gone through several transformations since its origination, all seemingly for the better. New animals are often arriving, and I never tire of stopping by for a visit. Our most memorable trip was when my youngest son was all of about three or four years old (he is now thirteen) and he so wanted to go play with the monkeys. He proclaimed he was hot, begged to take off his t-shirt, which I allowed him to do, then nonchalantly tossed it up to the fence by the monkeys. They had it in an instant, and we had to ask maintenance for help to retrieve it. I will admit I was embarrassed, but we have never forgotten this, and to this day, we ask him if he wants to go play with the monkeys every time we head to Green Bay, no matter the occasion!
The New Zoo is home to many different animals, with their newest arrivals a pair of giraffes by the names of Hodari and Zuri, nicknamed Brave and Pretty. They arrived at the end of 2005, and have made themselves right at home, among the population of both foreign and domestic animals. The zoo houses animals from Australia, Africa, the North American Plains, and several that are native to Wisconsin.
The next time you happen to be in the Green Bay Wisconsin area, be sure to take time out and stop by the New Zoo and the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, you will not be disappointed!
Local Attractions
By Christina VanGinkel
My husband in on vacation from work for the next six days, and we have not planned any formal type of getaway. We usually do for the spring break he routinely takes from work, but with our youngest son on vacation in Texas, visiting his Aunt and Uncle, we just never took the time to plan any of our normal activities. Still, we would like to do something, so we have decided to stop by our local tourist information center today, and see what local attractions we may be overlooking, and possibly plan a few side trips right here in our own backyard.
With the soaring gas prices arriving once again to meet summer travelers, more people may want to entertain the same idea. When you live in an area for so long, you often take what is right in your own neighborhoods for granted. Just off hand, I can count at least half a dozen attractions that are in the area we live, with several that I personally have never taken the time to visit.
A few places of interest that are all within an hours drive of where we live that instantly come to mind include:
Iron Mountain Iron Mine and Museum
The Iron Mountain Iron Mine, about fifteen minutes from my home in the small town of Vulcan Michigan, (It is not in the neighboring town of Iron Mountain as many outside of the area visitors might assume) presents a modern day look at the boom of iron ore mining. The mine offers a tour that takes visitors 400 feet below the surface, through 2600 feet of underground tunnels. Visitors are guided by experienced tour operators who explain both how the mine was developed and how 22 million tons of iron ore was taken from the area over a periods ranging from 1870 until 1945. I actually grew up a mere five-minute pedal bike ride from the mine, and would ride by the giant wooden structure, dubbed 'Big John', the world's largest miner that was created in the image of a miner to greet visitors to the mine, yet I never visited it myself. My children have all attended it for one occasion or another, from a birthday outing with a group of friends, to a school sponsored trip while studying the effects of mining iron ore to the local area. After taking a tour of the mine, they also offer an onsite museum and gift shop that everyone has said is almost as interesting as the mine itself.
Cornish Pump and Mining Museum
Located in Iron Mountain Michigan, about a half an hour from my home is the Cornish Pump and Mining Museum. It is located next to the Chapin Pit, which was tops for Iron Ore production during its day. The Cornish Pump is actually the largest steam driven pumping engine ever constructed in the United States. Weighing in at 725 tons, it first went into operation in 1893. Located in a building built up around the pump to house it and protect it for future generations is a museum that is touted as one of the best of its kind. It has a WWII glider exhibit, and large amounts of mining equipment, the largest in Michigan overall. It also is home to many local artifacts donated by the public. I was in the museum years back, but the building has undergone a complete renovation since that time, in part because a pit located next to the location of the pump itself caved in some years back. The area had to be cordoned off, and it was a major local attraction of its own for some time. This just goes to exemplify the area's ties to mining. Information on the cave in itself is also up for view in the museum.
These are just two tourist attractions that are located near where I live. What local attractions are you missing right in your own backyard? Stop by your local tourist information center or chamber of commerce for a list of area attractions that you can visit. If your area is too small to have either of these, check the local gas stations or stores for pamphlets, as they often will have a display just for tourist information. All with the added benefit of gas saved, and no lodging costs!
My husband in on vacation from work for the next six days, and we have not planned any formal type of getaway. We usually do for the spring break he routinely takes from work, but with our youngest son on vacation in Texas, visiting his Aunt and Uncle, we just never took the time to plan any of our normal activities. Still, we would like to do something, so we have decided to stop by our local tourist information center today, and see what local attractions we may be overlooking, and possibly plan a few side trips right here in our own backyard.
With the soaring gas prices arriving once again to meet summer travelers, more people may want to entertain the same idea. When you live in an area for so long, you often take what is right in your own neighborhoods for granted. Just off hand, I can count at least half a dozen attractions that are in the area we live, with several that I personally have never taken the time to visit.
A few places of interest that are all within an hours drive of where we live that instantly come to mind include:
Iron Mountain Iron Mine and Museum
The Iron Mountain Iron Mine, about fifteen minutes from my home in the small town of Vulcan Michigan, (It is not in the neighboring town of Iron Mountain as many outside of the area visitors might assume) presents a modern day look at the boom of iron ore mining. The mine offers a tour that takes visitors 400 feet below the surface, through 2600 feet of underground tunnels. Visitors are guided by experienced tour operators who explain both how the mine was developed and how 22 million tons of iron ore was taken from the area over a periods ranging from 1870 until 1945. I actually grew up a mere five-minute pedal bike ride from the mine, and would ride by the giant wooden structure, dubbed 'Big John', the world's largest miner that was created in the image of a miner to greet visitors to the mine, yet I never visited it myself. My children have all attended it for one occasion or another, from a birthday outing with a group of friends, to a school sponsored trip while studying the effects of mining iron ore to the local area. After taking a tour of the mine, they also offer an onsite museum and gift shop that everyone has said is almost as interesting as the mine itself.
Cornish Pump and Mining Museum
Located in Iron Mountain Michigan, about a half an hour from my home is the Cornish Pump and Mining Museum. It is located next to the Chapin Pit, which was tops for Iron Ore production during its day. The Cornish Pump is actually the largest steam driven pumping engine ever constructed in the United States. Weighing in at 725 tons, it first went into operation in 1893. Located in a building built up around the pump to house it and protect it for future generations is a museum that is touted as one of the best of its kind. It has a WWII glider exhibit, and large amounts of mining equipment, the largest in Michigan overall. It also is home to many local artifacts donated by the public. I was in the museum years back, but the building has undergone a complete renovation since that time, in part because a pit located next to the location of the pump itself caved in some years back. The area had to be cordoned off, and it was a major local attraction of its own for some time. This just goes to exemplify the area's ties to mining. Information on the cave in itself is also up for view in the museum.
These are just two tourist attractions that are located near where I live. What local attractions are you missing right in your own backyard? Stop by your local tourist information center or chamber of commerce for a list of area attractions that you can visit. If your area is too small to have either of these, check the local gas stations or stores for pamphlets, as they often will have a display just for tourist information. All with the added benefit of gas saved, and no lodging costs!
Colorado's Rainbow Lake Resort
There is little disagreement that the mountains of Colorado in the summertime are one of the most beautiful places on earth. Colorado summers are dry, clear, and warm, with chilly nights that may require a sweater. The insects are not a problem, as they are in other parts of the country, and while the days can get quite warm, the humidity level is so low, that the weather is always comfortable. The mountains of Colorado, while jagged and sometimes still showing snow in mid-summer, are covered with wildflowers and summer birds from their bases up to the tops of the above-timberline peaks. The raw beauty of the state is simply breathtaking.
There is one little-known place among the jagged peaks of the Collegiate range in central Colorado. The wide Arkansas Valley runs along the base of the Collegiate range, where giant 14,000 foot peaks jut above the valley with such names as Mount Harvard, Mount Princeton, and Mount Yale. These majestic mountains are imposing, almost intimidating, and they always have at least a small amount of snow at the very tops of their summits. Yet if one drives out of the small town of Buena Vista, a picturesque town right on the Arkansas River, and follows the winding road which leads to the top of Cottonwood pass (and the Continental Divide), there between the bases of Mount Princeton and Mount Yale is a tiny group of cottages known as Rainbow Lake Resort.
Rainbow Lake Resort is a group of eighteen red-painted cottages nestled on the shore of clear, beautiful Rainbow Lake. The lake is fed by Cottonwood creek, a tumbling creek that flows from the heart of the mountains, just up the pass. It is full of both rainbow and brown trout, and the fishing is always good. At the edge of the lake, right on the water, is the main building is the office and a small store. There, visitors can find a few tourist items, canned goods, and of course, fishing necessities. This is also where visitors can rent a boat to use on the lake. The front porch of the main building is lined with hummingbird feeders which are always full of about twenty hummingbirds buzzing busily around.
Each cottage is different and is equipped with beds, living room furniture, a full kitchen and a bathroom. The cottages vary in size and several of them have fireplaces. While there is electricity, there are no televisions and no phones. The main building has a phone in case of emergencies, but the cottages are blissfully phone-free.
After a day of fishing on the edge of the lake or rowing a boat out to the center of the lake, many visitors will enjoy the multitude of hiking trails around Rainbow Lake Resort. Trails go off in every direction; ambitious trails for those who want to hike to the tops of the mountains, and scenic walking trails which take hikers through the woods, over small foot-bridges, and back around the lake.
While Rainbow Lake Resort is self contained, the small town of Buena Vista is not far for those who want to purchase groceries (if mountain lake fish is not enough for you to eat) or if dinner in a restaurant is sought one evening. There are also several horse-back riding establishments and white water rafting opportunities nearby. Mountain climbing, biking and other summer sports are popular throughout the area.
The best part about Rainbow Lake Resort is the quiet. The guests are normally families or friends who simply want to get away from it all, fish a bit, and enjoy one another's company. The evenings are lazy and calm; the days are sunny and warm. The people who run the place are friendly and helpful. The hummingbirds are adorable and the lake is simply beautiful.
If a quiet, sunny, mountain vacation is what you seek, consider going to Rainbow Lake Resort. It is charming, rustic, and serene. Often on the sunny afternoons, the only sounds that can be heard are the birds chirping and the wind whispering through the aspen leaves. Sometimes the only thing to do is read a book, take a walk, or sit and think. It makes one never want to go home.
There is one little-known place among the jagged peaks of the Collegiate range in central Colorado. The wide Arkansas Valley runs along the base of the Collegiate range, where giant 14,000 foot peaks jut above the valley with such names as Mount Harvard, Mount Princeton, and Mount Yale. These majestic mountains are imposing, almost intimidating, and they always have at least a small amount of snow at the very tops of their summits. Yet if one drives out of the small town of Buena Vista, a picturesque town right on the Arkansas River, and follows the winding road which leads to the top of Cottonwood pass (and the Continental Divide), there between the bases of Mount Princeton and Mount Yale is a tiny group of cottages known as Rainbow Lake Resort.
Rainbow Lake Resort is a group of eighteen red-painted cottages nestled on the shore of clear, beautiful Rainbow Lake. The lake is fed by Cottonwood creek, a tumbling creek that flows from the heart of the mountains, just up the pass. It is full of both rainbow and brown trout, and the fishing is always good. At the edge of the lake, right on the water, is the main building is the office and a small store. There, visitors can find a few tourist items, canned goods, and of course, fishing necessities. This is also where visitors can rent a boat to use on the lake. The front porch of the main building is lined with hummingbird feeders which are always full of about twenty hummingbirds buzzing busily around.
Each cottage is different and is equipped with beds, living room furniture, a full kitchen and a bathroom. The cottages vary in size and several of them have fireplaces. While there is electricity, there are no televisions and no phones. The main building has a phone in case of emergencies, but the cottages are blissfully phone-free.
After a day of fishing on the edge of the lake or rowing a boat out to the center of the lake, many visitors will enjoy the multitude of hiking trails around Rainbow Lake Resort. Trails go off in every direction; ambitious trails for those who want to hike to the tops of the mountains, and scenic walking trails which take hikers through the woods, over small foot-bridges, and back around the lake.
While Rainbow Lake Resort is self contained, the small town of Buena Vista is not far for those who want to purchase groceries (if mountain lake fish is not enough for you to eat) or if dinner in a restaurant is sought one evening. There are also several horse-back riding establishments and white water rafting opportunities nearby. Mountain climbing, biking and other summer sports are popular throughout the area.
The best part about Rainbow Lake Resort is the quiet. The guests are normally families or friends who simply want to get away from it all, fish a bit, and enjoy one another's company. The evenings are lazy and calm; the days are sunny and warm. The people who run the place are friendly and helpful. The hummingbirds are adorable and the lake is simply beautiful.
If a quiet, sunny, mountain vacation is what you seek, consider going to Rainbow Lake Resort. It is charming, rustic, and serene. Often on the sunny afternoons, the only sounds that can be heard are the birds chirping and the wind whispering through the aspen leaves. Sometimes the only thing to do is read a book, take a walk, or sit and think. It makes one never want to go home.
The 100-Mile Wilderness of the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2000-plus mile trail that winds its way through the hills, valleys and mountains from Georgia to Maine. Each year, hundreds of thousands of hikers spend time walking on various parts of the Appalachian Trail. Accessible in hundreds of locations, many will seek to do day hikes, while others might choose to camp out near the trail for a weekend getaway. Still others might choose to hike the length of the trail through an entire state, taking several weeks to do it. Amazingly, there are hundreds of hikers each year to plan, train, and set out to walk the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. While few actually finish the trail in one year, many will ultimately cover it in several years or at least once in their lifetime, hiking bits and pieces of it as they can.
The most popular way to hike the trail is to go from south to north: from Georgia to Maine. This way, hikers can begin in the early spring in Georgia, when the weather has turned warm and hiking conditions are favorable, and reach Maine by September or October, in the height of fall foliage season, before the winter snows begin. But even the most ambitious hiker who has hiked from Georgia to Maine has found that the most difficult part of the Appalachian Trail is the dreaded 100-mile wilderness in Maine.
After hiking more than 2000 miles in five months or more, it would seem that nothing could deter a hiker. They are used to having little food, carrying a heavy pack, and sleeping in sometimes dire conditions. They are oblivious to the weather and they have even learned to live off the land. But when a hiker arrives in Monson, Maine, he will find warning signs after crossing the road and finding the next trail head. The signs warn that the last 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail are inaccessible; meaning, there are no towns, no stores, no homes, no telephones, no food sources, no help. Lying just past that sign are 100 miles of pure wilderness. Hikers may be privileged to see moose, bald eagles, and black bear, but they won't see any convenience stores or phone booths; and hikers might just as well leave their cell phones off because there is little or no reception, except on the tops of mountains, and that only sketchy at best.
Hikers from all over the world often forego the rest of the Appalachian Trail and set out to conquer just the 100-mile wilderness. Books have been written and websites set up to teach hikers how to carry at least ten days worth of food on their backs. They are taught what to bring, or more importantly, what not to bring. Minimalizing is obviously best, and learning which foods are the lightest, but which also will give the most energy.
Ironically, the 100-mile wilderness is also the most difficult part of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers who have hiked the wilderness are shocked at the steep inclines, the many water crossings through cold, Maine rivers, and the true "wilderness" of it all. The trail markers are maintained, but the trail is not; more often than not, there are roots or even small trees growing in the trail, and if hikers do not pay attention, they can easily become lost.
If you or anyone you know wishes to tackle the 100-mile wilderness, plan ahead. Train hard, as if you were going to run a marathon. Study and plan about which foods to take, and how to carry your bed, your kitchen, and your personal items on your back. Have an identification on you and never hike alone. Though you will meet other hikers on the 100-mile wilderness, injuries and illnesses can happen and you will want to have a safety plan.
If you set out to hike the 100-mile wilderness of the trail and you are successful, you will experience things unlike anything else. You will see things beauty and the ruggedness of nature that only our early ancestors saw. And when you reach the end, the summit of Mount Katahdin in central Maine, you will feel pride and accomplishment unlike any other.
The most popular way to hike the trail is to go from south to north: from Georgia to Maine. This way, hikers can begin in the early spring in Georgia, when the weather has turned warm and hiking conditions are favorable, and reach Maine by September or October, in the height of fall foliage season, before the winter snows begin. But even the most ambitious hiker who has hiked from Georgia to Maine has found that the most difficult part of the Appalachian Trail is the dreaded 100-mile wilderness in Maine.
After hiking more than 2000 miles in five months or more, it would seem that nothing could deter a hiker. They are used to having little food, carrying a heavy pack, and sleeping in sometimes dire conditions. They are oblivious to the weather and they have even learned to live off the land. But when a hiker arrives in Monson, Maine, he will find warning signs after crossing the road and finding the next trail head. The signs warn that the last 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail are inaccessible; meaning, there are no towns, no stores, no homes, no telephones, no food sources, no help. Lying just past that sign are 100 miles of pure wilderness. Hikers may be privileged to see moose, bald eagles, and black bear, but they won't see any convenience stores or phone booths; and hikers might just as well leave their cell phones off because there is little or no reception, except on the tops of mountains, and that only sketchy at best.
Hikers from all over the world often forego the rest of the Appalachian Trail and set out to conquer just the 100-mile wilderness. Books have been written and websites set up to teach hikers how to carry at least ten days worth of food on their backs. They are taught what to bring, or more importantly, what not to bring. Minimalizing is obviously best, and learning which foods are the lightest, but which also will give the most energy.
Ironically, the 100-mile wilderness is also the most difficult part of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers who have hiked the wilderness are shocked at the steep inclines, the many water crossings through cold, Maine rivers, and the true "wilderness" of it all. The trail markers are maintained, but the trail is not; more often than not, there are roots or even small trees growing in the trail, and if hikers do not pay attention, they can easily become lost.
If you or anyone you know wishes to tackle the 100-mile wilderness, plan ahead. Train hard, as if you were going to run a marathon. Study and plan about which foods to take, and how to carry your bed, your kitchen, and your personal items on your back. Have an identification on you and never hike alone. Though you will meet other hikers on the 100-mile wilderness, injuries and illnesses can happen and you will want to have a safety plan.
If you set out to hike the 100-mile wilderness of the trail and you are successful, you will experience things unlike anything else. You will see things beauty and the ruggedness of nature that only our early ancestors saw. And when you reach the end, the summit of Mount Katahdin in central Maine, you will feel pride and accomplishment unlike any other.
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