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!

Put on Your Cowboy Hat and Head to the Cody Nite Rodeo!

Yellowstone National Park is one of the nation’s most popular National Parks.  There are gushing geysers, sparkling hot pools, burping mud pots, stunning snow-capped mountain peaks, and some impressive waterfalls to enjoy.

But, to thoroughly enjoy this area of the country, you need to get out of the Park and explore some of the surrounding towns.  Cody, Wyoming is one of those towns.  Cody is rich with history.  Buffalo Bill Cody spent time here and built the area’s finest hotel at the turn of the century, The Irma.  You can still stay here today!   Wild mustangs roam the countryside.  And one of the nation’s most beautiful drives, Beartooth Pass, is just a stone’s throw away.

There’s another reason to visit Cody, Wyoming.  It’s the “Rodeo Capital of the World.”  During the summer, the Cody Nite Rodeo takes place.  At 8PM sharp, you’ll see some of the best cowboys (and cowgirls) ridding, roping, and broncing.    There’s barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and a rodeo clown.    It doesn’t matter if you’re big city folk, from the suburbs, or the country.  This is one event no visitor to the Yellowstone area can afford to miss!

Visit www.codystampederodeo.com/ to learn more and purchase advance tickets!

Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park?  Then consider purchasing our Yellowstone Pocket Travel Guide.  We’ve created the ultimate guide to plan your dream vacation.  Get in-depth details about the park’s trails, canyons, shimmering lakes, mud pots, geysers, and hot springs.  Learn where to stay in and outside of the park, plus day trip ideas.  Go to www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks.html and order yours today!

Car Lovers – It’s Time for Hot August Nights

Car lovers – this vacation idea is tailored made for you!   Thousands of classic rides, customs, and muscle cars are getting ready to fill the streets of Reno and South Lake Tahoe!  Why?  It’s time for the 26nd Annual Hot August Nights – a weeklong celebration of America’s love with the automobile!    All the fun starts August 3^rd through August 12^th.

Area Casinos host daily “Shown N’ Shine” competitions.   There’s Classic Specialty Cars on display for you to enjoy.   Classic Car Competitions to enter – if you think your ride is up to the challenge.   Swap meets to find that special part for your ride.  B&T Classic Car Auctions are there to help you find your dream classic car.   For those with a lead foot, you can register for area drag races and burnouts.  And, then there’s the ever popular nightly car cruises.

It’s not just about classic cars at this event either.  Some of the biggest entertainers from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s, and ‘70’s are scheduled to headline the entertainment venues.   Herman Hermits, Paul Revere & the Raiders, The Village People, and Sonny Turner of The Platters will be singing and dancing through the night!  

Casinos will be hosting Black Jack Tournaments and a $10,000 Slot Tournament.  Felling lucky?  Then, enter the raffle to win a shiny 1972 Chevy Chevelle.

But, that’s not all.  At some point, you’ll need a rest from looking at all those beautiful rides.   Cruisin’ Craft Fairs and the Big Boy’s Toy Store will fulfill your shopping needs.   Looking for a little competitive sports action?  Consider entering the free style hula hoop competition, tricycle race, or jelly-eating donut competition.   There’s even a Free Classic Film Festival featuring Elvis, Paul Newman, and Marilyn Monroe to enjoy!

For a complete schedule of events and information about registering your classic, visit www.hotaugustnights.net.

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

Five Patriotic Places Every American Should Visit

With July 4^th right around the corner, patriotism is swelling all across America.   Why not celebrate our nation’s freedom with a visit to a few of her most patriotic places?

Where should you go?  Here’s our list of the five patriotic places every American should visit!

1.     Lexington / Concord, Massachusetts – On April 19, 1775, the Revolutionary War begin here when America’s Minute Men “fired the shot heard ‘round the world.”  It was a bloody battle on this 22 mile stretch of road between Boston and Concord.  But, the Minute Men’s determination to persevere ultimately helped lead to the nation’s independence.  

Today, Minute Man National Historical Park (www.nps.gov/mima/) preserves many of the pivotal battles sites.  You can walk the Battle Road Trail and take the very route the Minute Men did on that fateful day.  See the famous North Bridge, visit the Hartwell Tavern (just as the patriots did back in the day), and stop by The Wayside: House of Authors where Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne spent time writing.

2.     Boston’s Freedom Trail (http://www.thefreedomtrail.org) – Walk through history on Boston’s Famed 2.5 mile Freedom Trail.  You’ll be able to visit Paul Revere’s home, stroll through Faneuil Hall, see the site of the infamous Boston Massacre, pay your respects at the Bunker Hill Monument, and tour the nation’s oldest commissioned warship, the U.S.S. Constitution.     

3.     Independence Hall in Philadelphia - Here is where much of America’s history was crafted.   The Declaration of Independence was adopted here on July 4, 1776.  The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781.  And the U.S. Constitution was drafted here in 1787.  The National Park Service (www.nps.gov/inde/independence-hall-1.htm) operates free guided tours of this iconic building.  Visitors are able to tour the very rooms our Founding Fathers gathered in and see period furnishings including the “Rising Sun” chair used by George Washington.  

4.     National Archives in Washington, D.C. – The nation’s most important documents are housed right here.  Visitors can view original copies of the Declaration of Independence, The United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.  Stunning murals depict the Founding Fathers.  An added bonus – visitors can view an original copy of the 1297 Magna Carta.    Free Admission; 700 Pennsylvania Ave.

5.     George Washington’s Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon was home to our nation’s first president.  The setting is idyllic, located on the bank of the Potomac River.  The history found here is immense.  Restored to its 1799 splendor, visitors can tour the very home George and Martha Washington lived in, walking through the very rooms the Washington’s did.  The guided Mansion Tour is a must, as is a visit to the Gardens and Pioneer Farm Site.    www.mountvernon.org/

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

Summer Fun in Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the nation’s most visited National Park.  More than 9 million visitors head to the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina every year to soak up some of Mother Nature’s spectacular scenery.   Smoky covered mountain ranges, bubbling brooks, thunderous waterfalls, historic log cabins, and meandering black bears dot the park’s landscape.

Although fall is the most popular time to come visit, summer offers visitors a chance to see the park completely in bloom.   The forests are so thick and lush that sunlight can have a hard time penetrating the forest floor.   The mountain sides are as green as the eye can see.  And, wildlife seems to be a little more plentiful.

So, what’s the best way to see Great Smoky Mountain National Park?

1.     Drive It:   Auto touring has always been the most popular way to see this park.   The Cades Cove Loop, an 11 mile one-way loop, is the park’s most popular drive.  Restored log cabins, churches, barns, and a working grist mill replicate what the area looked like in the 1800’s when more than 270 residents called this area home.   Visitors are encouraged to pull over and explore.  Wildlife traffic jams are common here.  Deer and black bears love to roam the area foraging for food.     Looking to head deep into the forest?  Then, take the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.  This 6 mile loop follows a roaring mountain stream through a lush, thick forest.  Stretch your legs and take the easy self-guided nature trail to Noah “Bud” Ogle’s farmhouse and tubmill. 

2.     Hike It:  We think the best way to see the park is to hike it.  The trek to Clingmans Dome is a park favorite.   It’s the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet and offers spectacular 360 degree mountain views.  On a clear day, you’ll be able to see 100 miles in all directions.  The trail is short, just 0.5 miles, but is quite steep.   Waterfall lovers should consider taking Rainbow Falls Trail.  This 80 foot waterfall is one of the park’s best.  And yes, there is a rainbow involved.  On sunny days, a rainbow appears in the fall’s mist.  This 5.4 mile round-trip hike is considered moderate, with a 1,500 elevation gain.    Looking for something a little less challenge?  Then, consider the Gatlinburg Trail.  It’s a 1.9 mile trail from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to Gatlinburg.  Following the Little Pigeon River, hikers walk through a dense forest seeing old home site foundations and hopefully a little wildlife.

3.     Bike It:  Summertime offers a special kind of fun for those who love to bike.  On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the Cades Cove Loop is closed to all motor vehicle traffic.  Bicyclists are given the opportunity to experience this section of the park all to themselves.  It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the park and great exercise!   An added bonus – wildlife loves to frequent the area at this time of day.  Make sure to bring your camera! 

4.     Photograph It:  The Great Smoky Mountains are some of the nation’s most photographed.  Sunrise and sunset provide professional (and budding) photographers the chance to snap some of Mother Nature’s most dazzling displays.  As the clouds and mist cling to the mountain tops, the sky turns an amazing reddish, orange hue.   Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap Road are popular picture spots.

5.     See it With a Ranger:  Ranger programs are part of any visit to a National Park.  You can join a ranger and hike through an old growth forest or out to a waterfall.  There’s junior ranger programs geared just towards kids where badges can be earned.  And then, there’s the popular nighttime ranger hay ride through Cades Cove.   Visit www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/events.htm to see a complete summer listing of ranger programs.

Interested in learning more about Great Smoky Mountain National Park?  Visit the National Park Service’s official website for maps, special events, and more:   www.nps.gov/grsm

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

Saint Petersburg, Florida is an Art Lover’s Getaway

When you hear about Saint Petersburg, Florida, you probably don’t associate it with fantastic art collections.  But, you should!   Saint Petersburg isn’t just about those beautiful, sparkling Gulf of Mexico beaches.   Two of Florida’s (and the nation’s) best art museums are found right here:  The Dali Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.   So, go ahead and head to the beach in the morning.  Then, spend the afternoon soaking up some of art’s greatest masterpieces.

The Dali Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of Salvador Dali works in The United States.  Dali, best known for his surrealist paintings, also dabbled with Impressionist and Cubist styles.  This impressive collection features some of Dali’s most iconic works from 1917 through 1970.   Among the collection highlights are Self Portrait, The Average Bureaucrat, and The Hallucinogenic Toreador.  With 96 oil paintings and over 100 drawings and watercolors, visitors can easily spend a few hours taking it all in.   Special events and programs are scheduled throughout the year, including the popular Breakfast with Dali for Families.   For more details, visit www.thedali.org.  Click on the Special Offers tab for a $2 coupon off admission.

The Museum of Fine Arts is one of Tampa Bay’s cultural gems.  It’s the region’s only museum that houses more than 4,500 years of art under one roof.   Art lovers will thoroughly enjoy taking in the works of Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir that adorn the walls.  History buffs will enjoy the Pre-Columbian pieces and the Greek and Egyptian antiquities on display.   We recommend taking the General Docent Tours that are offered daily (and included in your admission.)  The tours are entertaining and highlight the collection’s most impressive pieces.  Then, relax in one of the beautiful gardens and gaze out over sparkling Tampa Bay.  For more details, visit www.fine-arts.org

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

Honoring America’s Fallen at Pearl Harbor

Memorial Day is a day of reflection for Americans.  We honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to this great nation.    Of all the military memorials scattered throughout the country, one stands out in particular – the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.

Hawaii is America’s ultimate tropical paradise, which makes it that much harder to comprehend what happened here.   The fun-loving life so many sailors and Navy personnel stationed at Pearl enjoyed came to an abrupt end on December 7, 1941.    It was a Sunday.  The sun was bright, palm trees were swaying in the breeze, and plans were being made for a lazy Sunday afternoon on Waikiki Beach.   The Japanese had other plans.  Just before 0755 hours, Japanese Zeros began attacking this island paradise.   It all ended in just 2 hours.  The damage was immense.  The Japanese had managed to sink or severely damage 8 battleships, 3 destroyers, and 3 light cruisers.  The human toll was horrific – more than 2,000 Navy and Marine were killed.



The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial stands as a memorial to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  A trip to the Memorial is incredibly moving.  Oil still seeps out of the Arizona and up to the surface.  World War II veterans may even throw flower leis into the water to remember their fallen comrades.

The National Park Service operates the Memorial and the re-vamped visitor center that includes mementos from the day, a short film, and interviews with survivors.  A few of the men and women working here are Pearl Harbor survivors themselves and are willing to share their experiences.

 A short boat trip will take you out to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.  It’s a white platform that hovers over the fallen ship.  Stepping on this hallowed ground, it’s hard to imagine the immensity of what happened here on that fateful day.   The Arizona took 1,177 of her crew with her when she was torpedoed and sunk.  There will be plenty of time to reflect before the boat returns to the visitor center.

The Pacific Aviation Museum, USS Bowfin, and USS Missouri are also located at Pearl Harbor.  It’s only fitting that the USS Missouri is docked here.  It’s the boat the Japanese officially surrendered on.   The USS Bowfin is in excellent shape and gives you a glimpse of what life was like on a submarine in World War II.  The Aviation Museum is fantastic, filled with plenty of World War II aircraft and memorabilia.

Plan on spending a full day here.  You’ll never forget those heroes that fought to the bitter end to protect the nation they loved so much.

For more information about visiting Pearl Harbor, visit:  www.nps.gov/valr

A Native Floridian’s Guide to the Area’s Best Beaches

Florida’s beautiful beaches beckon many a sun worshiper to the state.  From the white-capped waves crashing ashore on the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf of Mexico gently rolling onshore, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.

Being a Native Floridian, I’ve spent countless hours walking the shorelines, burying my feet in sugary white sand, swimming, and shelling Florida’s gorgeous shores.   Now, I’m going to share with you my pick for Florida’s best beaches.  I’ve tossed out (for the most part) what the so-called beach experts say and focused on what Native Floridians love best about their treasured shoreline!

Here’s my list (in no particular order).

1.     Sarasota’s Siesta Key – I fully agree with the experts who label this the best beach in the country.  And it’s not because I grew up in the area!   Siesta Key has some of the whitest, softest sand you’ll ever sink your feet into.  Combine that with the calm, beautiful blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and you’ve got the ultimate beach getaway!  It’s the perfect beach to relax on.  Plop your beach chair or blanket in that ultra soft sand.  The surf is usually quite calm, making swimming a breeze.  Or, walk down the beach in the hopes of picking up a shell or too.

Tip:  Siesta Key is packed, especially on the weekends, making parking a challenge.  We recommend arriving early (by 9AM) to get a spot and avoid that oppressive mid-day Florida heat!

2.     Sanibel’s Shoreline- If you love collecting seashells, then Sanibel’s beaches are tailor-made for you!   Sanibel is known as “The Sea-Shell Capital of the World.”  Because of its location, hundreds of thousands of shells wash ashore each year.   Beautiful scalloped calicos, fighting conchs, and welks are just a few of the treasures you can scoop up and bring home. 

Sanibel’s beaches are spectacular.  You can stand on the shoreline and shells will wash over your tanned toes.  The water is so clear that you can scoop up some of the more prized shells before they ever reach the shore.  An added bonus – dolphins love to frolic close to the tropical shoreline.  Plus, the nightly sunsets are spectacular.

Note:  There is a $6 toll to cross the Sanibel-Captiva Causeway.  And all beach parking is paid parking.  Do not park in resident-only parking spots.  You’ll be fined and/or towed.

3.     Marathon’s Sombrero Beach – This is The Florida Key’s finest beach.   It’s picture-postcard perfect with swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters of the Atlantic, and some shade!   Since the beach sits inside the reef, the water is generally calm making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling,  and diving.  Look to your south and you’ll see the famed Sombrero Beach lighthouse.   Then take a short walk out to the point to see tropical fishes galore!    There’s even a jungle gym for the kids and a picnic area where you can grill out.

Tip:  Weekdays are the best time to come.  The parking area is small and can fill up quite quickly on the weekends!

4.     Saint Augustine Beach – Forget about towering high-rises and fancy resorts.  Saint Augustine Beach is the quintessential laid-back beach town.  If you love beach walks, this beach is for you!  It is one of Florida’s best walking beaches.  The sand is hard packed, flat, and firm.  It’s even better at low-tide when the beach stretches out seemingly forever.   It is easy to spend 2, 3, or even 4 hours walking down the shoreline.  But that’s not all!   Surfers love to come strut their stuff on the water – there always seems to be a swell.  Fishermen come to take advantage of the pier.  And friends and families enjoy staking out that perfect spot to build sandcastles and picnic!

Tip:   Doggies are allowed to frolic in the sand and swim in the refreshing ocean waters as long as their owner’s pick-up after them.

Looking to plan your ultimate Florida beach vacation?  Consider purchasing our pocket travel guides to The Florida Keys or Sanibel.   Purchase the PDF Versions direct from us at greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html  or from the Amazon Kindle Store at www.amazon.com/dp/B005CJ85XI (The Florida Keys) and http://amzn.to/zOkYZU (Sanibel).

Hemingway Days in The Florida Keys

Mark your calendars for The Florida Keys 32^nd Annual Hemingway Days.   From July 17 – July 22, 2012, hundreds (if not thousands) of Ernest Hemingway look-a-likes will descend on Key West.    It’s time to party in The Florida Keys and pay homage to one of The Keys most famous residents – Ernest Hemingway.

Hemingway called Key West home for nearly 10 years.  Many of the characters in To Have and To Have Not were based on the folks here in the Florida Keys.  He drank at many of the local watering holes.  And he loved fishing in the azure blue ocean waters.    The Hemingway House is a must-see for any Keys visitor – not just for the 6-toed cats, but for that infamous $20,000 pool too.   Sloppy Joes is the perfect place to cool off and knock back a cold one.

Hemingway Days are an annual tradition down here.   Keys residents love any reason to celebrate and this one ranks right up there.   This year’s schedule includes:

·         Annual Look-a-Like Contest:   Hundreds of Ernest Hemingway look-a-likes descend on Sloppy Joes to compete in the popular “Papa” Hemingway contest.   Two preliminary contests lead to the finals which lead to a coveted award.   Think you got what it takes?  You can sign up at Sloppy Joes to join the infamous Hemingway Look Alike Society and compete! www.sloppyjoes.com/lookalikes.htm

·         15^th Annual Running with the Bulls:   It’s a less dangerous, more gentle take on Spain’s famed Running with the Bulls.  In the Keys, the bulls are all plastic and the runners are Hemingway look-a-likes in this tongue and cheek take on one of Ernest’s favorite sporting events.   Scheduled for Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 1PM

·         Literary Events:  For literary lovers, there will be numerous book signings by some of today’s most famous authors.   Edward Hemingway, Ernest’s grandson, will debut his new book.  Winners of the acclaimed Hemingway literary competition will be announced.     For more details, visit www.fla-keys.com/hemingwaymedia/

·         Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament:  Hemingway’s love of the sea is celebrated with this world-class fishing event.   With $50,000 in guaranteed cash prize money, anglers will be vying to catch dolphin, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish.  But, only the 1^st 75 boats are eligible.   Visit www.keywestmarlin.com/ for rules and registration information.

 

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.

 

Have a Kindle, IPhone, or IPad?  Then, purchase our guide directly from the Kindle Store: www.amazon.com/dp/B005CJ85XI . Or purchase the PDF version from our website: greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html