The Best Way to See The Florida Keys

We’ve just released the 2^nd edition of our popular Great American Vacation Ideas Florida Keys Travel Guide!  It’s chocked full of tips to the best beaches, best fishing spots, fantastic lodging, fabulous dining, and the sites you just can’t miss.  And the best part, no establishment every pays to be featured in our guides!       

So, what’s the best way to see about The Florida Keys?   Here’s one of our favorite Great American Vacation Ideas blogs:

The Florida Keys are America’s version of the Caribbean.  Warm tropical breezes, beautiful blue ocean waters, coral reefs filled with colorful sea creatures, and some of the best fishing in the world lure millions of people to this slice of paradise each year!  So, what is the best way to see the Florida Keys?

1.     Swim with the Fishes – North America’s largest coral reef sits just offshore the Florida Keys.  Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with tropical fishes, stingrays, coral, sponges, lobsters, and even the occasional shark.   John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the ultimate destination for snorkelers, with trips out to the reef and even sunken Spanish ships to explore inside the park!  But, Pennekamp isn’t the only place to snorkel.  There are literally hundreds of charters that will take you out to explore the wrecks, reefs, and more!   Plus, there are plenty of places throughout the Keys where you can swim with dolphins and porpoises.

2.     Step Back in Time – Interested in what life was like before the famed Overseas Highway was built?  Take a guided boat tour to Indian Key Historical Park or Lignumvitae State Park to see how the early settlers lived.  These parks are only accessible by boat and have retained that rustic, turn of the century feel. 

3.     Hit the Beach – One of the biggest misconceptions about the Florida Keys is that there are miles and miles of beaches.   There aren’t!  Instead, you see the Atlantic Ocean hugging one side of the road and the Gulf of Mexico the other.  But, there are a few fine beaches here.  Our favorite – Sombrero Beach in Marathon.  Palm trees swaying in the breeze, soft sand, gentle surf, and a limited amount of coral makes this a hit with both locals and tourists.

4.     Take in Some History – Key West is a city steeped in history.  Visit Fort Zachary Taylor State Park to explore a fort that placed a pivotal role during the Civil War.  Explore Harry Truman’s Little White House.  Stop by the Hemmingway House to see where To Have and Have Not was written.  Spend the night at the La Concha Hotel where Tennessee Williams wrote parts of A Streetcar Named Desire.

5.     Be  Adventurous – Take a fishing charter out to the Marathon Hump or go tarpon fishing in the back bay.  Climb aboard Conch Air to get a birds-eye view of the 7 Mile Bridge.  Hop aboard a seaplane or charter boat tour to explore Fort Jefferson, situated on Garden Key in the heart of The Dry Tortugas.

Interested in learning how to plan the ultimate Florida Keys vacation?  Our Florida Keys Pocket Travel Guide will help you do just that.  Our guide takes an in-depth look at each Key’s must see attractions, delectable restaurants, beaches, lodging, snorkeling, and fishing.

Do you have a Kindle, IPhone, or IPad?  Then, purchase our guide directly from the Kindle Store: www.amazon.com/dp/B009J1D8QY.  Or purchase the PDF version from our website:  www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html

Explore Arizona’s Wupatki National Monument

Between The Grand Canyon and Flagstaff sits some of Arizona’s most accessible and impressive Indian pueblos.   Although the landscape is anything but inviting, that didn’t deter tribes of people from settling in the area. In fact, it became a major trading hub.  During the 1100’s, it is believed that thousands of people lived within a day’s walk of what is now Wupatki National Monument.

The highlight of the park is Wupatki Pueblo.   Archeologists believe that as many as 85 – 100 people called the pueblo home.   When built, it stood three stories high in some places.  Timbers were used for the roof while lower levels were constructed with mud, stone, and grass.    This 100 room pueblo wasn’t just for living in.   Storage rooms for crops, a tower, ceremonial ball court, kiva, and community room were also built.  Perhaps one of the most unique features is the blowhole – where cool area still blows out today.

Visitors can thoroughly explore the outer features of the Wupatki Pueblo.  An easy ½ mile, paved loop gives visitors a glimpse into the past and an appreciation for the construction and planning of this expansive pueblo.

The park has five other pueblos to explore too.   They are much smaller, but just as accessible and impressive in their own right.   Our favorite of the five is Wukoki Pueblo - it’s an easy walk (less than a ½ mile round trip) with expansive views of the Arizona desert.

The beauty of Wupatki National Monument is that it is so easy to explore.  You don’t need fancy hiking shoes or have to be in fantastic shape to see the pueblos.   All you need is a little sense of adventure and some ice cold water to shield you from that blazing Arizona desert sun!

For more information, please visit http://www.nps.gov/wupa/

Looking for more vacation ideas?  Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!

 

 

 

 

Step Aboard America’s Ship – The U.S.S. Constitution

Boston is a town that teems with history.  From Paul Revere’s famous Midnight Ride to the pivotal battle on Bunker Hill, visitors and locals have plenty of local history haunts to visit.   But there is one piece of history that can’t be missed – a trip aboard The U.S.S. Constitution.

The U.S.S. Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship.   On October 21, 1797, this 44 gun battleship was launched.   The government initially built her to help defend American merchant ships coming off the coast of Africa.   But that is only part of her story.

Her biggest battles came during the War of 1812.  Outmaneuvering England’s Royal Naval Ships, she not only won the battles but uplifted “American morale…and end forever the myth that the Royal Navy was invincible” helping her earn the nickname “Old Ironsides.”   She was officially taken out of active service in 1855.

Today, visitors can step aboard one of America’s best pieces of living history.   Free daily guided tours are given by active-duty Navy sailors.   Visitors will not only learn the history of this spectacular vessel, but get to explore the top deck, berth deck, and gun deck.   They’ll have a birds-eye view of the captain’s cabin, the wardroom (where the ship’s officers lived), and the surgeon’s cockpit.   Then, it’s off to look at that impressive dragon that winds down her bow.         

Note:   Because the ship is still commissioned, security is incredibly tight.  All visitors over the age of 18 must have a valid state or federal government id to enter.

For more information about tours and hours of operations, visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/

Looking for more vacation ideas?  Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!

 

A Late Summer Getaway to Sanibel, Florida

Still looking for those last minute summer getaway ideas?   Then consider visiting one of America’s most beautiful barrier islands.   Sanibel, located just off Fort Myers, is a picture perfect tropical getaway.   Palm trees sway in the warm Florida breezes.  Dolphins frolic close to the shoreline.   The gorgeous blue, green waters of the Gulf of Mexico gently wash ashore some of the most colorful seashells on the planet. 

There are legendary sunsets to enjoy.  If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of that elusive Green Flash.  Local seafood is scrumptious and the views from a few of the area’s best restaurants are second to none.   Then there are those beautiful sun-drenched sand filled beaches.   Sanibel beaches can be quite secluded this time of year.   It’s easy to stake out your perfect spot without having fellow beach goers sitting on top of you!  Shells are still plentiful.  The waters here are so clear that you can scoop up those beautiful shells without having to dive or snorkel!  And the best part – there aren’t any high rises spoiling the view.

Late summer is a great time to visit.  Hotels offer great deals like Buy 3 Nights, Get the 4^th Night Free.  The mid-summer crowds have headed home.  And, those sunsets seem just a little more spectacular in late August and early September.

Interested in learning more?  We have created the ultimate traveler’s guide to Sanibel.  Inside you’ll find details on the area’s best beaches, fun things to do on and off the island, remote island excursions, plus dining and lodging options for every budget.  Purchase it direct from us at:   greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html or from the Amazon Kindle store at:http://amzn.to/zOkYZU

One of The Grand Canyon’s Best Hikes

Each year, millions of people descend upon The Grand Canyon to witness one of the 7 Wonders of the World.   Some hit the overlooks to snap pictures.  Others raft down the mighty Colorado River.  A few brave souls will hike or ride a burro to the bottom.

To be honest, hiking and rafting are the best ways to see this amazing geologic wonder.  Why?  Crowds can be quite thick at the most popular overlooks, potentially spoiling that peaceful moment you were hoping to snag with Mother Nature.   But the good news is that you don’t have to hike thousands of feet to the bottom of the canyon to enjoy one of The Grand Canyon’s Best Hikes!

The Grand Canyon Village is where the action’s at on the South Rim.  Iconic lodges, views, and the ever-popular Indian show are here.  It also the place where you hop onboard the shuttle bus (no personal cars allowed) to see prime views of the Canyon.   But, there is an alternative to the bus.   Take the Rim Trail.

The Rim Trail is just that – it follows the rim of the Grand Canyon from the Village all the way to Hermit’s Rest.  And it’s absolutely spectacular.    Most people bypass the trail and opt for the bus, making it one of the few trails in the park where it’s just you and the Grand Canyon.   The scenery is breathtaking.  It’s so peaceful that deer often come out to munch on the grass.  You can hear the wind rustle and echo through the canyon walls.  Birds soar above as if putting on an aerial demonstration just for you.  

Trailhead elevation is 6,820 feet with an elevation increase of about 200 feet, making it one of the easiest hikes in the park.  Most of the trail is paved – some parts are accessible by wheelchair and bicycles.  Leased pets are even allowed to take in the scenery with their owners.  Catch the trailhead in the Village and take it approximately 7 miles (one way) to the end.  If you get tired, just catch the shuttle bus back.

Word of Caution:  Make sure to bring plenty of water.  There are no water stations until Hermit’s Rest.  If you are scared of heights or prone to vertigo, bypass this hike.  Parts of the trail hug the rim and there are no railings.  It’s just you and the canyon straight down!

For more information about day hikes in the Grand Canyon, visit www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/day-hiking.htm

Looking for more Great American Vacation Ideas?   Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!

Gettysburg’s Historic Dobbin House Tavern

Gettysburg is steeped in history.    The Battle of Gettysburg was fought here between July 1 and July 3, 1863.  The battle was the largest in terms of casualties and is considered the turning point in the Civil War.   President Abraham Lincoln gave one his best known speeches here, the Gettysburg Address, on November 19, 1863 at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery.  

But that isn’t the only history in this town.   The Dobbins House Tavern, built in 1776 by Reverend Alexander Dobbin, is the oldest structure standing in Gettysburg.   It’s rumored to have been the 1^st stop on the Underground Railroad, north of the Mason-Dixie Line.  And it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Dobbins House Tavern is a must for visitors to the Gettysburg area.   One of the area’s best dining experiences can be found at the house at the Alexander Dobbin Dining Room.  Dinner is served by elegant candlelight in a traditional colonial manner.   Start off with a cup of their Porridge of the Day, cooked 1776 style right over hot coals.  Then, proceed to the main course and try their hearty cuts of Prime Rib, Roast Duck, Seafarer Feasts, or (our favorite) Drunken Scallops.  Top it all off with a signature cocktail or a mug of homemade cider.

If an elegant dinner isn’t on your menu, stop by their Springhouse Tavern, set “amidst three natural springs and two glowing fireplaces.”   Quench your thirst with a Tumbler of Draught Beer or a Flagon Bottle of Beer.   Porridge is on the menu too (and it’s tasty) – order 1 or 2 gills.  Now that’s colonial talk!   Hearty sandwiches are available too along with a delicious Colony Crab Dip.

To learn more, visit www.dobbinhouse.com

Looking for more Great American Vacation Ideas?   Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!

Step Into History with a Visit to Louisa May Alcott’s Home

Few novels have stood the test of time quite like Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.  Since the 1800’s, nearly every generation of young girls have enjoyed reading about the adventures of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March.   

Literature comes to life with a visit to The Orchard House.  Louisa May Alcott’s time-honored novel was set inside her family’s home.   Visitors get to walk through the very rooms that the Little Women made so famous!

All tours of The Orchard House are guided.   Docents relate tales of Louisa and her family and point out features of the home that made it into the book.   You’ll get to see the “shelf desk” Louisa’s dad built for her writing needs.  The parlor and dining room are big hits with fans of the book, along with the study.  The house looks just like it did when the girls lived here, complete with 19^th century furnishings.  Some of the Alcott’s personal possessions are displayed too.   And yes, there are apple trees on the grounds.

It’s great fun for literary lovers both young and old.  Special events occur throughout the year including drama and writing workshops.  Be sure to stop by the museum’s gift shop before you hit the road.  They offer most of the books Alcott wrote for children and adults.  Each purchase benefits The Orchard House and you receive a beautiful book plate to remember your visit by.

For more details, visit www.louisamayalcott.org.  You’ll find directions, hours, ticket prices, and even a coupon off admission.

Looking for more Great American Vacation Ideas?   Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!