Great Places to See and Visit in Connecticut

Sandwiched in between New York City and Boston, Connecticut sometimes gets overlooked. However, there are so many great places to see and visit in Connecticut that it’s worth getting to know this humble state to see all that it has to offer. From great scenic spots and educational fun to exhilarating and exciting locations, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

"... the fall foliage in all of its glory."

If you enjoy the great outdoors a great place to get started at is Bartlett Arboretum. This is the perfect spot for great scenic views. During the fall season, so many people come from near and far to see the fall foliage in all of its glory. There are terrific trails which cover over 91 acres. You can spend an entire day there so you may want to take advantage of the many hotels Stamford CT has to offer right nearby to rest you weary legs after a full day of hiking. Another great outdoor adventure that you can enjoy in Connecticut is the popular winter sport of skiing. The Woodbury ski area is a great place to go skiing as well as downhill snow biking. A new activity to enjoy at the Woodbury Ski Area during the warmer weather is Zorbing. You can take an exhilarating ride down the ski slopes, minus the snow of course, from within a ball of air. This is a new and exciting activity that is being enjoyed by so many.

If you enjoy history and education then you will find many choices in Connecticut as well. One favorite spot of mine is the Mark Twain House and Museum. The house is location at the same place where “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” was written. The Mark Twain House, home of Samuel L. Clemens houses as many as 16,000 original artifacts there. You can take a guided tour through the house or you can choose to walk through it on your own. Either way you will find this home to be quite fascinating. Another great stop for educational fun would be at the Connecticut Science center. This is a terrific spot that everyone in the family, young and old will enjoy. The Connecticut Science Center is brand new and therefore very modern and up to date. There are so many hands on exhibits; you will want to spend an entire day there. Take a look at their ever changing calendar of events to see their daily schedule of shows and demonstrations prior to your visit so that you won’t miss a thing.

For some great adult entertainment, be sure to stop at the well know Foxwoods Resort and Casino. No trip to Connecticut would be complete without spending some time there. There are so many different venues of entertainment there. You will find all the casino fun and action there. Foxwoods is the largest resort casino outside of Las Vegas. There are also many different sporting events there as well as many diverse concerts and exhibits. Showing now through January 15, 2012 at the Great Cedar exhibition hall is “Diana, A Celebration”. This exhibit includes 150 objects on loan from the Spencer family’s home in England. Items on display include Princess Diana’s wedding gown and many personal letters and mementos. You will find lots of upscale dining there too. This is a stop that is wildly popular which you don’t want to miss. It’s worthwhile to take some time to get to know these places mentioned and the many other great places within the State of Connecticut.

Susan Fischer is a travel planner and coordinator for hotels Stamford. She has been in the travel business for many years and has put together many group tours and private vacations to Connecticut and its surrounding areas.

The World's Coldest Places to Live

The vast majority of people live in areas of the world that do not suffer from particularly extreme temperatures that can make day-to-day living a chore. The most heavily populated cities around the world usually experience fairly mild winters and fairly warm summers that aren’t anything so hot that living can become a struggle.

There are extremely hot places to live as you can imagine. Places like Death Valley in the USA, parts of Africa such as Libya and most desert regions. There are some extremely cold places too, where it feels like the air conditioning has been stuck on overdrive. We’re not talking fairly cold parts of the UK such as Scotland, but some truly freezing conditions that some people have to endure. These are the coldest places in the world you can live in:

Vostok, Antarctica – This Russian research station in Antarctica houses a select few scientists who spend stints out in the freezing cold in the name of learning. Temperatures reach a boggling -128.6(F) and that’s without the wind chill. You truly have to be gifted if you are to enjoy your time in an environment as cold and as hostile as this.

Oymyakon, Russia – We all know that Russia is a vast country with much of it remaining icy all year round. The northern parts of Russia and Siberia are subject to some of the harshest conditions on the planet, and you’d think living here was nigh on impossible for most mortals. Recorded temperatures of -96(F) have been reported, and local residents see this as ‘normal.’

Northice, Greenland – If you look on a map or atlas, you’re sure to see Greenland represented as a white country due to the amount of ice. There are very few inhabitants of this country and life is tough as the amenities are few and far between. There are only 13 towns with more than 1000 people living in them, so I imagine these communities are used to the cold and surely no air conditioning systems will be insight, unless they offer heating too! Common temperatures of -87(F) can be expected.

Yukon, Canada – Most of Canada has pretty cold temperatures, but Yukon reaches out towards the north of the country making it even colder. It’s a popular tourist stop for winter holidays as you’re promised to see some great scenery and wildlife including some famous polar bears across the wildlife reserves. Temperatures can reach -81(F) though, so wrap up warm!

Steve loves the cold weather and attempts to replicate in the UK with powerful aircon in his home and office. It was supplied by Air Options, a leading commercial air conditioning company.

Adventures in the Caribbean

A vacation in the Caribbean can be relaxing and therapeutic. Bring your favorite novel, sun screen and a towel and you’ll be happy for the week! The pristine white sand beaches offer respire from harrowing daily life, but if your Caribbean desires go beyond the cabana, read on. The adventure that can await you amongst the lush isles and peninsulas of the Caribbean are boundless!

Parasailing
If you like the thought of balmy wind in your hair and the view from five hundred feet up in the air, then parasailing is for you! Securely strapped to a huge parachute-type kite, a boat tows you around the coast of St. John, St. Thomas and many resort towns in Mexico. The cost is around $80 per person and the airtime will be around ten minutes. The weightless feeling of flight will give you an eagle’s eye view and some unique photos for the scrapbook!

Ten minutes of airtime, parasailing in the Caribbean

SCUBA
Delve below the waves to gain yet another perspective of the Caribbean. You can find the best diving sites off Belize, Grand Cayman and Roatan, Honduras. From beginner dives to deep water, two tank endeavors, there is endless wonder and natural beauty below the water’s surface. Don your wetsuit and come face to face with brightly spangled fish, undulating coral and glowing anemones. Around $150 per person (with Scuba gear included) will buy you a day under water!

ATV
In Jamaica, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico you can bomb around the island on a four wheeler! Sometimes the ride gets a little muddy, but the experience of the authentic Caribbean jungle is one for the grandkids. From Mayan ruins in Mexico to thatched villages in Dominica, the landscape will be verdant and tropical. Navigate riverbeds, and steep hills, all under the cover of the jungle canopy. Cost will be between $50-$75 for about 2 hours on your ATV.

Horseback Riding
Is there anything more quintessentially glamorous than riding a horse through the Caribbean surf? Taking a tour atop a gentle giant through the rainforest, along beautiful beaches and under waterfalls is one of the most exhilarating and romantic activities you can do on your vacation. Cozumel, Mexico or Costa Rica would be the perfect destination for a leisurely stroll on horseback. Cost ranges from $50-$100 per person for about a 2 hours ride.

Take a romantic beach stroll on horseback through the Caribbean surf

Skydiving
The ultimate thrill, skydiving in the Caribbean is a singular adventure. No where else is the water so pure blue, the patchwork of islands, reefs and beaches below so magnificent. From ten thousand feet you will experience a rush like no other! Jump tandem if you just want to enjoy the ride, or if you have the time and money to dedicate to a day of training, jump solo! Around $200 per jump, not only will you be treated to a scenic plane ride up to the desired altitude, but you will jump out of a perfectly good airplane!

Noella Schink is a writer from Portland, Maine, but she loves to visit the Caribbean. She recommends a luxury hotel on the beach after a day of adventure above or below the waves!

Images provided by the author, from shutterstock and are licensed for web use. All respective rights and credit to the image owners.

Places to visit other than New York in and around the USA

When people visit New York, they tend to stick to the popular tourist attractions such as Times Square, the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty.” However New York is not all pollution, built up areas and hustle and bustle. Some areas of the state are extremely beautiful and many are shocked to find that a sense of nature and a taste of the real out doors are just around the corner. Below are a few of some of the impressive areas that you experience if you just step out of the city.

Letchworth state park

First on the list is the Letchworth state park. The park is approximately 17 miles long and covers 14,350 acres. The Genesee River flows through the park and is often described at the great grand canyon of the East. The river forms three distinct waterfalls, the upper, middle and lower between cliffs as high as 600 feet.

Upper Falls at Letchworth State Park (1)

Letchworth State Park has been named as one of the top 100 camping sites in the nation on multiple occasions. Open year round there is plenty to do in Letchworth State Park, whether it is exploring the 66 hiking trails, going for a horseback ride, or cross-country skiing.

The Park had been named as one of the top camping sites in the Nation and there is always something to do whether it’s snowboarding or hiking. The historic, restored Glen Iris Inn, Letchworth's former home is located on the top of a cliff overlooking Middle Falls, offers in-season meals and overnight accommodations. It is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other features of the park include pavilions, picnic tables, a playground, pool, cabins, campsites for tents, trailer sites with dumping stations, and horse-riding trails. The park is the present-day site of the grave of Mary Jemison., who is buried on the grounds of a Seneca Council House relocated there by Letchworth and rededicated in 1872.

Niagara Falls

Although it is quite a distance from New York, Niagara Falls is well worth a trip if you are visiting New York City. These gorgeous waterfalls straddle the United States-Canada border and are the most powerful waterfalls in North America, boasting an average flow rate of 1,500,000 US gallons per second.

Niagara Falls was formed at the end of the last ice age by a receding glacier and is composed of two prominent sections: the American Falls on the American side and the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. Tourism to Niagara falls became popular in the 18th century, even boasting a visit by Napoleon Bonaparte's brother Jerome, and sister-in-law Elizabeth, in 1804.

While never lacking, tourism to the Falls increased after the Marilyn Monroe film "Niagara" was released in 1953. More recently "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" was filmed in Niagara Falls. The majority of visitors come to Niagara Falls during the summer, and at night the Falls are illuminated by lights for several hours. If you want to get up close and personal with the Falls, the Maid of the Mist excursion boat has been taking tourists right up to the rapids at the base of the Falls since 1846.

Corning Museum of Glass

Situated in the Finger Lakes region in the city of Corning, New York, the Corning Museum of Glass is home to the largest comprehensive collection of glass objects and artwork in the world with more than 45,000 objects in the permanent collection.

"Cube Layers" at the Corning Museum of Glass (2) 

Corning Glass Works founded the Corning Museum of Glass in 1950. Corning Glass Works, which was founded in 1851, is a world leader in glass technology. The Corning Museum of Glass was designed as an educational institution focusing on the science and history of glass.

The Museum features the Glass Innovation Center which lets you examine the science behind glass through a variety of exhibits including fiber optics, disappearing LCD glass, and missile nose cones. A Hot Glass Show demonstrates the ancient art of glass blowing.

Thousand Islands

Why not leave the states, do some research on car hire Montreal for example and visit Canada. Right on the border of the United States and Canada border in the St. Lawrence River, the amazingly scenic Thousand Islands stretch for fifty miles. With the Canadian islands in the province of Ontario, and the U.S islands in the State of New York, the name is a bit of a no brainer as there are 1,793 islands in all. The Thousand Islands began gaining popularity in the late 19th century as many socialites from New York and Boston took to vacationing there and it is rumored that the Thousand Islands are the birth place of Thousand Island dressing.

(1) Full photo credit goes to Chris Waits - www.flickr.com/people/chriswaits/

(2) Full photo credit to Chris Dlugosz - www.flickr.com/people/chrisdlugosz/

Florida's Top Five Holiday Resorts

The pulling power of Florida for tourists is undeniable. For Brits in particular, it is the sort of big, blockbusting holiday that they look forward to all year – or for those who are less lucky – a lifetime. The great thing about securing a Florida timeshare is that the big trip needn’t be a one-off – you can keep coming back every year. Here is a rundown of five of the best resorts in the Sunshine State.

Marriott’s Legends Edge
As the name suggests, this resort truly is the stuff of legend. Situated in Bay Point just across the water from Panama City, Marriott’s Legends Edge resort is the ultimate American adventure for those who love water sports, marina life and Northwest Florida’s famously white and sandy beaches. Decked out in true Marriott style with elegant touches all around the resort to compliment the lavish and spacious suites, Legends Edge brings real sophistication to the Florida timeshare scene. With scenic golf courses, marine life and glamorous coastlines all within easy reach, Bay point really is the ideal location.

Vistana's Beach Club
Offering an island-style getaway without the extra hassle of ferries or connecting flights, Vistana’s Beach Club sits proudly on Hutchinson’s Island, a thin stretch of land that hangs off Florida’s famous East coast. With stunning balcony views back across the bay towards Jensen Beach and the mainland on one side and miles of quiet, unspoilt golden shoreline on the other, the Beach Club’s location is bordering on heavenly. Just 45 minutes north of Palm Beach, there is something wonderfully serene and uncomplicated about this incredible resort.

Marriott Harbour Lake
A holiday haven for young families, Marriott’s Harbour Lake is perfectly located for those that want to explore the treasure trove that is Orlando, Florida. Just a couple of miles away from the vast and bountiful world of Walt Disney, Harbour Lake also offers plenty of on-site entertainment to save you having to visit Mickey Mouse and co every day of your stay! With a brilliantly executed pirate theme throughout, the resort is totally child friendly, with water playgrounds, mini golf and kids clubs to keep them busy, while the adults enjoy all the trademark Marriott finer touches.

South Seas Island Resort

"Lounging on the undisturbed beaches"

A truly breathtaking resort that offers a unique getaway for either a wholesome family break or a romantic couple’s retreat, the location of the South Seas Island Resort is truly something to behold. Only attached to the mainland and the beautiful Florida region of Cape Coral by the two mile-long Sanibel Causeway Boulevard, this secluded and exotic resort village is the perfect vacation sanctuary for both adventure and relaxation. From lounging on the undisturbed beaches to swinging your golf club, tennis racquet or fishing rod, there is a great variety for timeshare visitors.

Orange Lake
Featuring four challenging golf courses, Orange Lake Resort is bound to appeal to those who want a break from all the theme parks and burger bars on their visit to Orlando. The resort itself provides great family fun with a huge range of pools, slides and lazy rivers to keep the kids splashing around all day. All the big attractions are just a few miles away however, making Orange Lake the best of both worlds. Known for its great value and wholesome approach to the timeshare concept, the resort is a remarkably well kept secret and an incredible size, meaning there is always plenty to see.

Timeshare is still thriving in the American market and is little wonder given the sheer scale and quality of resorts in Florida and further afield. British holidaymakers can make the most of timeshare exchange networks to ensure that their weeks and maintenance fees aren’t wasted, meaning it remains a good time to sell timeshare or utilise the rental market.

10 Popular Arizona Destinations

After negotiating with a multitude of RV dealers, you find yourself happily purchasing a Heartland RV, ready to hit the road. Arizona RV dealers are more than happy to help you find your way to some amazing areas in the state. Although Arizona might initially seem like an unforgiving place, completely covered in desert and an overbearing sun, it is actually filled with some amazing landscapes, rife with a variety of flora and fauna.

RV Camping this way!

Here are ten popular tourist destinations in Arizona.

1. Grand Canyon National Park
This is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, not just Arizona. Grand Canyon is a massive geological wonder cut into the land and measures 277 river miles in length, 18 miles at its widest point, and over a mile deep. Featuring camping, hiking, photo opportunities, and breathtaking scenery, the Grand Canyon has something for everyone.

2. Lake Mead
Named after Elwood Mead, the commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation from 1924 to 1936, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States. The lake is formed by water impounded by the Hoover Dam and holds about 28.5 million acre feet (35.2 cubic kilometers) of water.

3. Petrified Forest National Park
Containing one of the largest concentrations of petrified forests, this national park is well-known for its fossils of both flora and fauna. Home to the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park is perfect for sightseeing, photography, hiking, and backpacking.

4. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
This park is the only place in the United States where the Organ Pipe Cactus grows wild, though the park also has a large number of other cacti and desert flora specimens. The park acts as a wonderful preservation of the American Southwest’s natural treasures.

5. Coronado National Memorial
This memorial commemorates the first organized expedition into the Southwest by Spanish conquistador Francisco Vasquez de Coronado. The memorial is located on the international border, just south of Sierra Vista, Arizona. The Coronado National Memorial features numerous hiking and spelunking opportunities for amateurs and experts alike.

6. Saguaro National Park
This national park is named for the wealth of Giant Saguaro cactus in the area. The cactus, a symbol of the American West, can only be found in a small portion of the United States. Saguaro National Park preserves some of the most impressive saguaro forests in the world.

7. Phoenix: Valley of the Sun
The state capital, Phoenix is the state’s largest city and the sixth most populated city in the United States. The city is filled with some wonderful sights for all ages.

8. Tucson: The Old Pueblo
Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona next to Phoenix and is well-known as a home for the manufacture of optics and optoelectronics systems. With such a huge metropolitan area, Tucson is sure to attract tourists of all kinds.

9. Sunset Crater
Born in a series of volcanic eruptions between 1040 and 1100, Sunset Crater is now home to some dramatic geologic features, beautiful trees and wildflowers, and thriving wildlife.

10. Navajo National Monument
Navajo National Monument perfectly preserves three intact cliff dwellings of the Puebloan people, some of the first inhabitants of the land. The monument features a museum, self-guided trails, campgrounds, and a picnic area.

Maine Research: Making Travel Plans

Maine Research For Vacation

Maine research for the ultimate relaxation vacation

Maine research does nothing but the fuel the fire for someone who has always wanted to visit the natural beauty of the East Coast, and truly relax in what may be one of the most underrated states in the U.S. Call me an old soul, but when I think of taking the trip of a lifetime to the East Coast, I don't think of staying in New York or touring Washington D.C. I'm not interested in catching a Red Sox game in Boston, or seeing the Hamptons.

My dream is visiting the sleepy fishing towns of Maine. Seeing the leaves of fall, aboard the Maine Eastern Railroad between Brunswick and Rockland. Stand on the rocky shore near of the many fascinating and majestic lighthouses of Maine.

Lodging in Maine

There are plenty of options for lodging all around Maine, and to be honest... You're going to have a harder time deciding where to stay, than actually finding a place to stay. If luxury is your forte, you might want to look at such options as The Inn at Ocean's Edge in Lincolnville, Maine. With plenty of packages to choose from, you can experience everything from couples retreats, to "living like the locals do" where you'll get the chance to ride with a real Captain on an authentic Lobster Boat. Maybe you'd be more interested in the sailing and dining package, touring small islands made of granite and finishing with a oceanfront dinner. Not a planner? Fear not, as there is even a "Last Minute Traveler Package."

It's Not Maine Without Lobster

You've got to try the lobster!

Maine lobster should be a must have on the menu for your visit. How does an authentic lobster bake with all the wonderful trimmings on a deserted island beach sound? If that has your attention, you may want to contact the Windjammer, J.& E. Riggin in Rockland Maine.

If you still haven't met your stomach's lobster quota after the tour, make sure to attend the Maine Lobster Festival in August. Over 1,000 volunteers come together to make this event happen each and every year. Saturday, August 13th, 2011 marked the 47th Annual Lobster Festival in Winter Harbor. The event included lobster boat races, a 5K road race, art show, live entertainment and more.

So That's Why They Call It "Vacationland"

So they call it "Vacationland," but why? I'll tell you why! There is so much to do and to see! Take Acadia Air Tours for example! There are over 20 flight adventures to choose from including: A biplane tour, glider flights, a fighter pilot experience and even your plain old scenic flight.

Not quite your style? Make sure you check out one of the many State Parks Maine has to offer. Have you ever heard of Sebago Lake? Here you can do anything from camping to fishing, swimming, and even hit the snack bar! Maybe you'd like to motor down a scenic road. If that's the case then look no further than Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Grafton Notch, Cobscook Bay, and Camden Hills.

Kayaking Maine

If paddling around is on your brain, suit up and hit the water. Canoe trips and kayak tours are offered all around the state. It's also very easy to find canoe and kayak rentals too. A couple of outfits to consider are Coastal Kayaking Tours in Bar Harbor and Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville.

If you are looking for something on the water that is a little slower paced, book a deep sea fishing with Old Quarry Ocean Adventures in Stonington. Near Ogunquit? Give Bunny Clark Deep Sea Fishing a shot. There are also many opportunities to scope out local wildlife while forging the waves. Keep your eyes peeled for puffins, whale, and seals!

Wow your family by conducting a little Maine research and see the endless possibilities the state has to offer you and your loved ones. With activities and sights that cater to everyone, from the rug-rats to grandma and grandpa, this is a travel destination that is sure to please. So pack your bags and head to the East Coast!

Written and posted by blog admin.

Orlando: Tips for your next vacation

Orlando is often regarded as the most kid friendly destination in the world. More than 51 million tourists visit this iconic landmark to enjoy world-class activities at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studio Orlando, Sea World and Gatorland. Besides, it is also a busy venue for corporate events and international seminars. In fact, most visitors complain that they don’t get the time to visit all the great attractions. Nevertheless, here are some tips to get you started.

Getting There

The Orlando International Airport is the second busiest airport in Florida. Most local airlines including Air Blue, South West and AirTran operate several daily flights from all across America. Foreign carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways, AeroMexico, Virgin Atlantic and Air France also have daily schedules. The nearby Sanford International Airport is home to Allegiant Air.

If driving to Orlando, it is useful to avoid the morning rush hours between 7 am and 9 am. For passengers traveling by train, CSX Transportation and Amtrak offer interstate railroad services connecting Southern Florida and Northern United States, respectively. Moreover, a high speed railway network connecting Tampa and Orland is expected to resume somewhere in 2014.

Getting Around

Several local tour operators and private shuttles offer fast access to major attractions. If touring with a small group, hire a small van as most companies adhere to ‘per shuttle’ pricing policy. The I-ride trolley is another price saving option. These colorful trolleys take visitors everywhere around the International Drive. The park and ride feature of these trolleys is a great way to save money and arrive at prime locations faster than other means.

Car Rental

Sheer competition among care rental agencies makes sure that visitors are able to find cheap car rentals. To further improve your chances of getting a great deal, always book at least 30 days in advance. If late for booking, always ask for last minute deals. Luckily, most car rental companies have last minute rates available even during the peak holiday season.

Amusement Parks

While all major attractions are located around International Drive, Walt Disney World Resort is situated along Lake Buena Vista. If traveling with kids, it is best to visit Epcot Center and Animal Kingdom, first. These theme parks offer variety of attractions within a small parameter. Leave other parks for evenings as they require you to walk.

For movie fans, a visit to Universal Studios is a must. The park is geared around movie themes providing thrilling cinematographic effects. Sea World and Wet’n’Wild water parks are the other main attractions. Children will also love Gatorland, which is often dubbed as the alligator capital of the world.

Recreation

For adults, Orlando offers world-class golf, nightlife and outdoor activities. Home to some of the most prestigious tournaments, Orlando has more than 170 golf courses and 20 training academies. Dinner shows, interactive entertainment and live music are hallmarks of the city’s nightlife. The Universal City Walk is a prime example of such an entertainment. Examples of outdoor activities include riding in an open cockpit airplane or using an air-boat to traverse swamplands.

Shopping

Downtown Orlando and Winter Park are prime spots for the best shopping deals. Besides, several specialty shops offer hard to find clothing and décor. The Florida Mall, Mall at Millennia and Lake Buena Vista Factory are major clothing outlets. Fit2Run, Jockey, Cartier, Tupperware Brands and Shepler’s Western Wear offer specialty products at factory rates.

Visiting Lake Buchanan in the Highland Lakes Region of Texas

Visitors that come to visit the central Texas cities of Austin and San Antonio may not realize they are in for a special treat! The beautiful Texas Hill Country is a short, picturesque drive away from both of these major cities and make the perfect side trip to enjoy the gorgeous lakes, rolling hills in the countryside and small town charm of the Highland Lakes region.

The Landscape

This area of Texas is beautiful and is far different from the dusty, dry Wild West images that tend to be conjured up when one thinks of Texas. The rolling hills are populated with cedar trees and grasslands, and the small, quaint towns boasting local artisans, antique shops and local cuisine are scattered throughout the region. In the springtime, guests to the Texas Hill Country are treated to an explosion of color as the famous Bluebonnets and Indian Paint Brush wildflowers burst into bloom, covering the landscape. The geography of this region also forms the underground aquifer that supplies drinking water to all surrounding areas and also provides water for agricultural production. The Colorado River cuts through the region and also supplements the local need for water. In 1940’s and 1950’s, the Lower Colorado River Authority completed a series of dams and man-made lakes, the Highland Lakes, for flood management, to regulate the water supply and to generate electricity. The surrounding communities experienced the bonus of now having recreational lakes to enjoy fishing, swimming and boating, and also brought local tourism to the area. This is a relaxed area that is quite enjoyable for vacationing, as it is very accessible from major urban areas, yet removed enough to enjoy the best that nature has to offer.

Natural Wonders

The Texas hill country is situated on granite, an extremely resistant type of rock. Underneath the surface, the limestone that lies below this area of Texas formed magnificent caverns. A walk into one of these caverns is truly a walk into another world. One of the more unusual caverns is Longhorn Caverns that houses an exceptionally large chamber that was once used as a speakeasy featuring live music during the Prohibition era of the 1920’s. The caverns here were formed by running water, creating unique, curvaceous passageways that are truly special. Another unique protrusion of granite rock is known as Enchanted Rock. This granite dome rises 425 feet into the air, and visitors can climb to the summit to experience sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country. Visitors to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will also be treated to a moderate hike through the meandering, Cedar-lined pathways that provide shade along the hike, and hikers may cross paths with Texas wildlife, like the famous armadillo.

A Day At Lake Buchanan:

Lake Buchanan is the largest of the Highland Lakes, covering over 22,000 acres. For visitors that want to enjoy a day at the lake, perhaps visiting the Highland Lakes region as a day trip, Lake Buchanan offers a fun-filled day. Guests driving in from Austin along Highway 281 can stop at the Bluebonnet Café, famous for its generous breakfasts and mouth-watering pie, for a tasty breakfast before continuing on to enjoy the lake for the day.

Visitors have their choice of a number of boat rental companies, where motorboats, Jet skis, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes can be rented for a couple of hours or by the day. Many rental locations also have water skis and inner tubes. A great option for day guests would be to rent their boat of choice, and then make their way across the lake toward the confluence of the lower Colorado River and Lake Buchanan. Close to the mouth of the river lies Fall Creek Vineyards, an award winning vineyard and winery. Guests can leave their boat on the shore, bring their picnic lunch and take a short walk to the vineyard to sample wine with their picnic lunch on the outdoor patio. After leisurely wine tasting and enjoyable lunch, visitors can head back to the lake for some more play time before returning the boat.

Fall Creek Falls on Lake Buchanan

In the evening, consider winding down the day with a guided river boat tour with Vanishing Texas River Cruise. The Sunset Cruise takes guests on a guided tour of beautiful views of waterfalls, towering cliffs and lots of local wildlife along the Colorado River Canyon. The cruise culminates with breathtaking sunset views that vanish over the lake horizon. Dinner with live, local musicians is also an option on this cruise, an enjoyable finale for a fun-filled day at the lake.

Tracey Louis is a former innkeeper at Lake Buchanan. She likes sharing this hidden gem with visitors, and works with the Burnet County Tourism office to promote the area. For more information on upcoming events at The Highland Lakes on Facebook or on Twitter.

10 Fun Road Games to Play When Traveling in an RV

After sifting through a plethora of California RV dealers, you’ve finally settled on that perfect motorhome. With your new RV ready and your family in tow, it’s time to hit the open road.

If you have kids, chances are they will get a little bored along the way. Even with a huge motorhome, it will be difficult to keep kids entertained on an extra long road trip, and we all know that unhappy children are no fun to deal with. Besides, a good game can make a long trip seem like just seconds.

Here are some fun road games you can play with your kids when traveling in an RV.

1. Geography (And Other Topics)
Start with the name of any place in the world, any country, state, or city. The next person then has to think of a place starting with the last letter of that place. For example, the first person may start with Wyoming. The next person then has to think of a place starting with the letter G, like Georgia. The game continues in this fashion. A person cannot repeat a place that has already been said. Each person should answer within a set time limit or otherwise be eliminated. Of course, this game can be played with other topics outside of geography as well. You can choose from all sorts of topics, like food, animals, or celebrity names.
2. Counting
This game is about as simple as it gets. Choose an object outside that appears fairly frequently, such as cows, red cars, mailboxes, or motorhomes for sale. Decide on a specific destination point where you will stop counting. The goal is to have the highest number when you reach the destination.
3. I Spy
This is a classic guessing game. One person chooses an object and says “I spy with my little eye…” followed by a clue. Players look around and suggest what it might be while the person who initially chose the object answers with a simple yes or no.
4. Twenty Questions
Players should begin by thinking of a specific topic, though the game typically uses only celebrities. One person thinks of a celebrity, and the other players have a twenty question limit to guess who that celebrity is.
5. A is for…
Starting with the letter A, each person tries to be the first to read something beginning with that letter. It could be on a billboard, on the side of a truck, on a road sign, even on a license plate, but it must be a legible word. This proves especially challenging for those long stretches of road with seemingly nothing, but it does force a certain attentiveness to things happening outside. Try to get through the whole alphabet. Good luck with X and Z.
6. Rock, Paper, Scissors
The game often used for making decisions can also be quite fun. This game has several variations, including the now popular rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock.
7. License Plate States
See how many different states you can identify on license plates.
8. Two Truths and a Lie
Each person in turn tells the other players two truths and a lie about himself or herself. The other players have to guess which statement is a lie. This is also a great way to learn about others.
9. License Plate Words
The aim of the game is to make a phrase using the letters of a car’s license plate as an abbreviation. For example, if you see a license plate with the letters HMP, you could say “Have mercy, please.”
10. Mad Libs
These are more than affordable and loaded with hours of fun. Mad Libs are a great way to teach kids word play and grammar as well.

Guest post by Tim

Tips for Enjoying Your Travel Destination

With summer upon us, it’s time to plan that special family vacation, and what better place to enjoy the sun, fun, and all that summer has to offer than a trip to La Jolla. The city has numerous attractions for the whole family as well as delicious places to eat, shop, and lounge, making it nearly impossible to spend all day in a salon in La Jolla!

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your stay in La Jolla.

For the Artists

La Jolla is a place of rich, distinct culture perfect for the aspiring artist seeking inspiration. There are dozens of art galleries in La Jolla, namely the downtown area. From classic paintings to contemporary pieces, these art galleries show the area’s great sense of diversity. The town is, of course, home to UC San Diego. The campus holds all sorts of fun performances, both musical and dramatic, and activities to satisfy the intellect and artful mind. Make sure to check the school’s website for details. If that’s not enough, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is located in La Jolla. The museum holds new exhibitions every few months so keep your eye out for exciting new events.

For the Hungry

As well as some sweating yourself silly with Bikram Yoga, La Jolla, CA offers dozens of delicious restaurants and eateries. La Jolla’s Burger Lounge is the place for some great, classic burgers. Burger Lounge runs on the philosophy that a burger should taste great and make use of healthy ingredients, all produced within a sustainable environment. The menu is simple and caters to health-conscious eaters and burger lovers alike. You have your choice of tallgrass beef, turkey, or quinoa patties, along with a side of fresh cut fries or onion rings. Burger Lounge also offers salads, chicken tenders, cupcakes, and milkshakes, all made from fresh, healthy ingredients. These are the type of burgers you don’t have to feel guilty about.

Nearby is Whisknladle. This restaurant is best known for making everything in house, from the sauces to the main courses. All their produce is organic and supplied by local growers. Eating at the Whisknladle really gives you the authentic taste of San Diego.

If you would like to indulge yourself, La Jolla is also home to several unique pizzerias. Regents Pizzeria offers some divine pies in thin New York style or thick, rich Chicago style. You have numerous options for toppings, all of which are purchased fresh from local suppliers. The dough is handmade and your pizza is cooked in a special stone oven that ensures optimal crunch when you finally get to take a bite.