Saint Patrick’s Day is huge in Savannah, Georgia. The town hosted its very 1st St. Patty’s Day parade in 1813, just 80 years after the town was founded. But, Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration isn’t all about green beer or corned beef and cabbage. This genteel city of the South’s rich Irish heritage will be on full display. In fact, it’s the 2nd largest Irish Celebration in the nation!
The famed Forsyth Fountain will turn green. The Savannah Irish Festival, held Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, will feature Irish food, music, and dance groups. A special Saint Patrick’s Day mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at 8AM.
But, the biggest event in town is the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade. Thousands of people will put on their green and line the streets of Savannah for the world’s 2nd largest parade. Lasting 3 hours, this year’s parade is filled with over 300 different performers, floats, and entertainers. Highlights will include the Irish Air Corps Pipes and Drums direct from Dublin, Ireland, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the 282nd U.S. Army Band, and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. The fun begins 3/17/12 at 10:15AM. For more details on the parade route, visit savannahsaintpatricksday.com/
And, no Savannah Irish celebration would be complete without a stop at Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub. It’s ranked one of the country’s top 10 Irish Pubs. And, it’s been serving up the best Irish food and drink in the city for the past 30 years! Irish favorites include Potato Soup, Corned Beef & Cabbage, and homemade Irish Brown Bread, with a pint of Celtic Ale. Located at 117 West River Street; kevinbarrys.com/
Friday, February 24, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Spring Has Sprung at EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival
It’s time to pack up those snow blowers and bring out the gardening tools. EPCOT’s annual International Flower and Garden Festival is ready to bloom, starting March 7th. It’s a fan favorite and not just because the weather is warm. The entire park is awash in colorful springtime flowers, themed gardens, and spectacular Disney character topiaries.
The highlight of the festival is those perfectly manicured Disney character topiaries. For those who aren’t green thumbs, topiaries are plants that are shaped to look like (in this case) Disney characters. Lady and the Tramp, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Tinker Bell, Mickey and Minnie, Pluto, and Donald Duck are just a few of the 75 topiaries scattered throughout the park. This year, Disney horticulturists have added Woody from the Toy Story films to the lineup – complete with a Sheriff Badge and Cowboy Hat.
On Saturdays & Sundays, the Flower Power Concert Series takes place. Break out your bell bottoms, hippie beads, and peace signs. Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Spinners, Hermans Hermits, and Davy Jones are just a few of the hit bands from the 60’s and 70’s that are scheduled to perform.
Plus, there’s HGTV Designer Presentations to see. A Butterfly House to walk through. An Elegant tea garden to tour. And a fairy garden filled with every little girl’s favorite Disney princesses. And the best part – it’s all included in your regularly priced theme park admission ticket.
To learn more about the festival lineup, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/
Great American Vacation Ideas has created the ultimate guide to EPCOT. Get in-depth reviews on attractions, shows, and entertainment. Learn the best way to “eat around the World Showcase” with direct links to menus and reservation systems. Get Insider Tips to beat the lines and save precious time. Buy direct from our site at: greatamericanvacationideas.com/WALT_DISNEY_WORLD.html or from Amazon’s Kindle Store at: amzn.to/AeuuBr
The highlight of the festival is those perfectly manicured Disney character topiaries. For those who aren’t green thumbs, topiaries are plants that are shaped to look like (in this case) Disney characters. Lady and the Tramp, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Tinker Bell, Mickey and Minnie, Pluto, and Donald Duck are just a few of the 75 topiaries scattered throughout the park. This year, Disney horticulturists have added Woody from the Toy Story films to the lineup – complete with a Sheriff Badge and Cowboy Hat.
On Saturdays & Sundays, the Flower Power Concert Series takes place. Break out your bell bottoms, hippie beads, and peace signs. Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Spinners, Hermans Hermits, and Davy Jones are just a few of the hit bands from the 60’s and 70’s that are scheduled to perform.
Plus, there’s HGTV Designer Presentations to see. A Butterfly House to walk through. An Elegant tea garden to tour. And a fairy garden filled with every little girl’s favorite Disney princesses. And the best part – it’s all included in your regularly priced theme park admission ticket.
To learn more about the festival lineup, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/
Great American Vacation Ideas has created the ultimate guide to EPCOT. Get in-depth reviews on attractions, shows, and entertainment. Learn the best way to “eat around the World Showcase” with direct links to menus and reservation systems. Get Insider Tips to beat the lines and save precious time. Buy direct from our site at: greatamericanvacationideas.com/WALT_DISNEY_WORLD.html or from Amazon’s Kindle Store at: amzn.to/AeuuBr
Friday, February 10, 2012
Where to Find Florida’s Most Spectacular Sunset
Florida’s West Coast is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather. Every night, Mother Nature puts on a spectacular display as the Sun gently sinks into the Gulf of Mexico. But, which Florida town has the most spectacular sunsets?
Sanibel and Captiva get our vote. The area’s secluded picture perfect, shell laden beaches are the perfect place to catch the last few minutes of the day’s golden sun rays.
As the sky turns a beautiful burnt orange, sunset lovers gather on the shoreline. It’s not unusual to see pelicans circling in the sky or a school of dolphins frolicking by the shore. They don’t want to miss the show either! As the sun begins its slow descent into the warm, calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the anticipation builds. Will tonight be the night to see the famous, but elusive “Green Flash?” If not, there’s always tomorrow!
Sanibel and Captiva are two of Florida’s best beach getaways. Their award winning beaches are known for the thousands of shells that wash ashore. Beaches are generally uncrowded. The surf is gentle, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. And daytime temperatures rarely dip below 70 degrees.
To plan your tropical getaway, purchase our Sanibel/Captiva Pocket Travel Guide. It’s filled with beaches to relax on, places to see, remote islands to visit, and lodging ideas for every budget. Purchase it direct from us at: greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html or from the Amazon Kindle store at: amzn.to/zOkYZU
Sanibel and Captiva get our vote. The area’s secluded picture perfect, shell laden beaches are the perfect place to catch the last few minutes of the day’s golden sun rays.
As the sky turns a beautiful burnt orange, sunset lovers gather on the shoreline. It’s not unusual to see pelicans circling in the sky or a school of dolphins frolicking by the shore. They don’t want to miss the show either! As the sun begins its slow descent into the warm, calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the anticipation builds. Will tonight be the night to see the famous, but elusive “Green Flash?” If not, there’s always tomorrow!
Sanibel and Captiva are two of Florida’s best beach getaways. Their award winning beaches are known for the thousands of shells that wash ashore. Beaches are generally uncrowded. The surf is gentle, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. And daytime temperatures rarely dip below 70 degrees.
To plan your tropical getaway, purchase our Sanibel/Captiva Pocket Travel Guide. It’s filled with beaches to relax on, places to see, remote islands to visit, and lodging ideas for every budget. Purchase it direct from us at: greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html or from the Amazon Kindle store at: amzn.to/zOkYZU
Friday, February 3, 2012
Baseball Fans – Spring Training is Almost Here!
For baseball fans, the wait is almost over. In less than a month, your favorite players will be back – spring training style. So, it’s time for you to dig out those jerseys, find your baseball glove, and start making plans for a Spring Training vacation.
The big question for you is whether to head to Florida or Arizona. That’s an easy one of course – Florida! Florida is where Spring Training started. The World Championship St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox train here. And you can combine a trip to Florida’s beautiful beaches or a touristy theme park with a trip to the ballpark.
It doesn’t cost a fortune to attend a Spring Training game either. Sure, you can pay the big bucks for box seats. But, the view isn’t bad in the cheap seats either. Remember, spring training ballparks aren’t huge. Parking is relatively “reasonable.” And there are plenty of hot dogs, ice cold beer, soda pop, and Cracker Jacks to enjoy as you soak up the warm Florida sunshine.
Fifteen MLB teams train in the Florida sun between March 3rd and April 4th. Here are few of our favorites:
•Saint Louis Cardinals / Miami Marlins– The 2011 World Champions train in Jupiter, Florida along with the Miami Marlins. This is good news for baseball fans. It seems like there’s a game here every day during spring training! Just up the road from West Palm Beach, it’s South Florida’s only spring training venue.
•Detroit Tigers – For over 75 years, the Tigers have been making the trip to Lakeland’s Tiger Town. No other spring training city has had a relationship this long with the same team! The stadium was remodeled in 2003, but still retains the historical charm baseball fans fell in love with.
•Pittsburgh Pirates – Bradenton, Florida’s McKechnie Stadium is one of the nation’s oldest spring training stadiums. It was built in 1923, remodeled in 1993, and been a fan favorite for years. It has some of the cheapest reserved seats in the state. And, more than a 1/3 of the seats are in the shade.
•New York Yankees – Tampa, Florida is home to Steinbrenner Field, a miniature version of famed Yankee stadium. You’ll have to shell out the big bucks here. There aren’t any bleacher or general admission tickets. All tickets are “reserved armchair seating.” It’s the most popular ticket in Spring Training too. We recommend purchasing these tickets in advance.
•Atlanta Braves – Walt Disney World hosts the Atlanta Braves. Tickets here tend to be more pricy, up to $46. But, you get all that Disney magic with the ticket. There’s Disney entertainment to enjoy between innings and night games may even feature a fireworks show.
•Washington Nationals – The Nationals aren’t the best team in baseball, but they do train just 15 minutes from one of Florida’s most famous beaches – Cocoa Beach, Florida. Catch a ball game then stroll down the beach that NASA and I Dream of Jeannie made famous!
•Houston Astros – Kissimmee, Florida hosts a Texas sized spring training for the Astros. It’s a fantastic venue with plenty of covered seating and it’s convenient to Orlando attractions. Plus, you’ll get to sing Deep in the Heart of Texas during the 7th inning stretch.
For a complete 2012 spring training schedule and ticketing information, visit springtrainingonline.com/
The big question for you is whether to head to Florida or Arizona. That’s an easy one of course – Florida! Florida is where Spring Training started. The World Championship St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox train here. And you can combine a trip to Florida’s beautiful beaches or a touristy theme park with a trip to the ballpark.
It doesn’t cost a fortune to attend a Spring Training game either. Sure, you can pay the big bucks for box seats. But, the view isn’t bad in the cheap seats either. Remember, spring training ballparks aren’t huge. Parking is relatively “reasonable.” And there are plenty of hot dogs, ice cold beer, soda pop, and Cracker Jacks to enjoy as you soak up the warm Florida sunshine.
Fifteen MLB teams train in the Florida sun between March 3rd and April 4th. Here are few of our favorites:
•Saint Louis Cardinals / Miami Marlins– The 2011 World Champions train in Jupiter, Florida along with the Miami Marlins. This is good news for baseball fans. It seems like there’s a game here every day during spring training! Just up the road from West Palm Beach, it’s South Florida’s only spring training venue.
•Detroit Tigers – For over 75 years, the Tigers have been making the trip to Lakeland’s Tiger Town. No other spring training city has had a relationship this long with the same team! The stadium was remodeled in 2003, but still retains the historical charm baseball fans fell in love with.
•Pittsburgh Pirates – Bradenton, Florida’s McKechnie Stadium is one of the nation’s oldest spring training stadiums. It was built in 1923, remodeled in 1993, and been a fan favorite for years. It has some of the cheapest reserved seats in the state. And, more than a 1/3 of the seats are in the shade.
•New York Yankees – Tampa, Florida is home to Steinbrenner Field, a miniature version of famed Yankee stadium. You’ll have to shell out the big bucks here. There aren’t any bleacher or general admission tickets. All tickets are “reserved armchair seating.” It’s the most popular ticket in Spring Training too. We recommend purchasing these tickets in advance.
•Atlanta Braves – Walt Disney World hosts the Atlanta Braves. Tickets here tend to be more pricy, up to $46. But, you get all that Disney magic with the ticket. There’s Disney entertainment to enjoy between innings and night games may even feature a fireworks show.
•Washington Nationals – The Nationals aren’t the best team in baseball, but they do train just 15 minutes from one of Florida’s most famous beaches – Cocoa Beach, Florida. Catch a ball game then stroll down the beach that NASA and I Dream of Jeannie made famous!
•Houston Astros – Kissimmee, Florida hosts a Texas sized spring training for the Astros. It’s a fantastic venue with plenty of covered seating and it’s convenient to Orlando attractions. Plus, you’ll get to sing Deep in the Heart of Texas during the 7th inning stretch.
For a complete 2012 spring training schedule and ticketing information, visit springtrainingonline.com/
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