Visit America’s National Parks for Free!

America’s National Parks are some of the nation’s most beloved treasures. Yellowstone, the nation’s 1st national park, is filled with geysers hurling steam and scalding hot water hundreds of feet into the air. Herds of buffalo amble by, seemingly unaware of the danger.

The Grand Canyon, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, gives visitors a chance to raft down the mighty Colorado River, hike the Rim Trail, or take a burro ride to the bottom of the canyon. Mesa Verde preserves cliff dwelling built by the Ancestral Pueblo Indians. Yosemite features some of the West’s most iconic scenery. At Cape Canaveral National Seashore, visitors frolic in the Atlantic Ocean against the backdrop of launch pads and towering rockets. In fact, there are more than 365 National Park Areas in the country.

On these select days, you can visit America’s National Parks for free!

• November 11 – 13, 2011
• January 14 – 16, 2012
• April 21 – 29, 2012
• June 9, 2012
• September 29, 2012
• November 10 – 12, 2012

On these “Fee Free Days,” entrance fees into the national parks, national seashores, and national monuments are waived. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out and explore. Many of the parks, monuments, and seashores will even host special events, talks, and hikes on these special days.

To help plan your adventure, click on www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm. The park service has developed a fantastic interactive tool to help you discover parks in your area. You can search by state, activities, and even topics that interest you. You may be surprised to learn just how many National Park areas are located in your state!

Aviation Lovers Mark Your Calendars

Thousands of aviation buffs will soon be heading to Jacksonville, Florida for one of the South’s best air shows. Jacksonville is a Navy town. The famed Blue Angels flight demonstration team called Jacksonville home for decades. So, what better place to celebrate 100 years of Naval Aviation?

This year’s shows takes place at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Not only will spectators get to witness death-defying feats in the air. They’ll get to smell the jet fuel, watch take-offs and landings, and see those sleek Blue Angel jets lined up on the runway. Plus, there will be plenty of aircraft on display from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and even NASA.

The biggest star of the show is the Blue Angels. For 30 minutes, spectators will ooh and aah as 7 fighter jets fly wing to wing, nose to tail. This flight demonstration features the best naval aviators around. You’ll hold your breath as the Blue Angels appear to be flying straight into one another, upside down. You’ll marvel at the choreographed flight formations they perform, just inches from one another. You’ll burst with patriotic pride as you witness America’s military might on display.

This air show is not just about the Blue Angels. There will be plenty of civilian performers on hand to perform loops, twirls, aeronautical acrobats, and even cut ribbons with their planes! Skydivers will jump from thousands of feet above. The Shockwave Jet Truck will speed down the runway. And the military will fly some of their fastest, meanest aircraft.

The best part about this air show – IT”S FREE! It doesn’t cost a penny to park and there is no admission fee. Any food or beverages you buy at the show benefits the Naval Air Station. What better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday in sunny Florida?

For more information, visit www.airshow.jacksonville.com/. You’ll find directions, a complete list of performers, and details on what you can and cannot bring to the show (read these details carefully!)

Make Plans to Dine with the Pilgrims this Thanksgiving

New York City may have the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But, Plimoth Plantation hosts the ultimate Thanksgiving event. You have the chance to dine just as the Pilgrims did in 1621! What better way to celebrate the holiday? And it’s not all about turkey and dressing either. You can tour the Mayflower II, stroll through a recreated 17th century village (complete with Pilgrims), and visit with the Wamponoag Indians before feasting!

There are 3 unique Thanksgiving feasts to choose from. Each has their own take on the holiday, but all serve the traditional roast turkey.

•1627 Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims – Here’s your opportunity to feast with the Pilgrims, circa 1627. Turkey, mussels, native corn, fish, fruit, and cheesecake are on the menu. While you eat, the Pilgrims will entertain with stories about the 1st Thanksgiving, sing songs, and even ask you to join in the fun. Now keep in mind, these Pilgrims still believe it’s 1627. They have no idea about electricity, cars, cell phones, or television. It makes the conversations quite entertaining! Held on select days in October and November

•America’s Thanksgiving Dinner – Held during Thanksgiving Weekend, enjoy a classical Thanksgiving feat with Roast Turkey and all the delicious New England trimmings. Pilgrims and Indians are on hand to greet you and talk about the very 1st Thanksgiving. The menu includes Wood Pressed Cider, Split Pea Soup, Roast Turkey, Traditional Stuffing with Bell Seasoning, Cider Cake, Indian Pudding, Apple Pie, and Pumpkin Pie. Held on November 24th and November 25th

•Thanksgiving Day Buffet – The Pilgrims and Indians do not make an appearance at this buffet, but you still get to dine where the Pilgrims once did. The menu is similar to what you would serve at home – Roast Native Turkey with Giblet Gravy, Cornbread Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Cranberry & Pumpkin Breads, and Apple & Pumpkin Pie. An added bonus - you can tour the Mayflower before or after you feast! Held on November 24th.

All Thanksgiving dinners include admission to Plimoth Plantation and all the attractions. If you’re interested, make reservations quick! This is one of the most popular events in the region and sells out relatively fast. For more details, visit www.plimoth.org/dining-functions/thanksgiving-dining-special-events.

Eat and Drink Your Way around the World at EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival

Fall has finally arrived in Florida. Temperatures are hovering in the mid 80’s, the humidity is slightly less, and one of EPCOT’s most popular events is taking place – the International Food and Wine Festival. EPCOT’s World Showcase has always been a favorite with visitors. Where else can you tour 11 countries and sample regional cuisine like Bangers & Mash, Brats & Sauerkraut, Hearty Beef Steaks, Sushi, Napoleons, and the All American Hot Dog?

The International Food and Wine Festival supersizes EPCOT’s World Showcase. Eleven countries are just not enough to get the true International flavor. So, EPCOT adds more than a dozen countries to its World Showcase lineup. Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, South Africa, Ireland, and the Caribbean are just a few of the countries ready to tempt your taste buds. You can sample pierogies in Poland, Seared Sea Scallops in New Zealand, Short Ribs in South Korea, and Scallop Pie in Ireland. And there are plenty of regional libations to help wash it all down!

The Festival isn’t just about food and wine. The popular Eat to the Beat concert series is back with nightly performances at the American Garden Theater. Night Ranger, Air Supply, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Starship are just a few of the acts scheduled to perform. And the best part – the concert is included with your admission!

Plus, there are plenty of Premium Events (meaning you have to pay extra) to choose from. Dessert lovers may consider the 3D Disney’s Dessert Discoveries to taste an array of scrumptious desserts and cordials. Mexico hosts a tequila inspired lunch and a special tequila tasting seminar. France hosts French Regional Lunches prepared by some of that country’s top chefs. And Italy hosts food and wine pairing seminars and even a White Truffle Lunch.

This delicious Festival runs from September 30th through November 13th. In fact, it's the best time to visit EPCOT. Most of the festivities are included in your regular priced admission ticket. Of course, the food is extra. For more details, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/.

Interested in learning how to plan the perfect day at EPCOT? Pick up a copy of our EPCOT Pocket Travel Guide to learn about attractions, entertainment, dining, and special experiences throughout the park. Visit http://greatamericanvacationideas.com/WALT_DISNEY_WORLD.html to purchase yours today!