Car lovers – mark your calendars! It’s time to start planning that dream vacation around your passion for the automobile. Forget about visiting a car museum or watching a car race. Instead, head to a Barrett Jackson auction. You’ve seen it on SPEED Channel. You’ve probably dreamed about those shiny, restored, classic machines that cross the block.
Barrett Jackson is an auction, and so much more for the car enthusiast. The auction is great if you want to shell out thousands (or millions) for a classic ride. But, you never have to bring your checkbook to enjoy this car lover’s event. All you have to do is bring your enthusiasm for the automobile and enjoy.
The best part of this event is simple. All the cars that cross the auction block are on display for you to enjoy. Tent after tent and row after row of classic automobiles are waiting for you. There are the classics, the restored muscle cars, the one of a kind, and a few famous rides thrown in for good measure. You can walk right up to these machines, peer inside, pose for pictures, and dream about how that classic ’57 T Bird would look in your garage.
A general admission ticket gets you into the auction too. Now, you won’t be able to bid unless you register with Barrett Jackson. But, you can get swept up in all the excitement as cars roll across the block and bidders from across the world try to buy their dream car.
But, that’s not all! Ford and GM bring displays of their latest cars. We are a little biased here and absolutely love the Ford exhibit. Who wouldn’t want to slip between the wheel of a 2012 Ford Mustang GT convertible for a few moments? And there are plenty of auto product vendors selling the latest wax and wash product so you can fix up your ride.
Barrett Jackson auctions take place across the country in some of the most desirable vacation destinations. Mark your calendar and make your plans!
•Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach: April 5-7, 2012
•Barrett-Jackson Orange County: June 22-24, 2012
•Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas: September 20-22, 2012
For more details, visit www.barrett-jackson.com
Looking for more vacation ideas? Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com, for complete travel guides to destinations around the country.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Gilded Era Lives on at Georgia’s Jekyll Island
Georgia’s Jekyll Island was once home to prominent billionaires like J.P Morgan, Frank Henry Goodyear, William Rockefeller, and Joseph Pulitzer. In 1886, these men decided to purchase the island for $125,000. For the next 50 years, Jekyll Island would serve as a winter escape for some of America’s most prominent families.
Today’s Jekyll Island is every bit as beautiful. The billionaires have moved out and on to other more exclusive areas. But, the allure of the Island remains. Stunning ocean vistas, endless miles of secluded beaches, hiking trails, and unspoiled beauty continue to beckon visitors to this barrier island.
To truly appreciate Jekyll Island, we recommend:
•Start your visit at The Jekyll Island Museum. Exhibits, photos, and collections tell the history of the Islands. Admission to the museum is free.
•Looking to take a guided tour of the island? Consider the Passport to Century Tour offered by the museum. This 90 minute tram tour takes visitors deep into the heart of the historic district. Learn about famous residents who once called the Island home and tour 2 historic cottages.
•Want to explore on your own? Head to the 260 acre Jekyll Island Historic District on Riverview Drive. You are free to walk around and explore restored homes, Indian ruins, and the famous Jekyll Island Club Hotel at your own pace.
•Stop by the Horton House. Built in 1743, it’s one of Georgia’s oldest buildings. All that remains today is ruins, but the history surrounding the house is impressive. We won’t spoil it for you – there are plenty of plaques to read and even a little walk to take.
•Head to the beach. Ten miles of unspoiled beach await sunbathers, swimmers, and nature lovers. Movie buffs enjoy strolling on Glory Beach, which was used in the 1999 film Glory. Photographers and nature lovers gather at Driftwood Beach to see Mother Nature deposit driftwood on shore.
Want more information about Jekyll Island? Visit www.jekyllisland.com/Home.aspx. You’ll find links to upcoming events, restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
Today’s Jekyll Island is every bit as beautiful. The billionaires have moved out and on to other more exclusive areas. But, the allure of the Island remains. Stunning ocean vistas, endless miles of secluded beaches, hiking trails, and unspoiled beauty continue to beckon visitors to this barrier island.
To truly appreciate Jekyll Island, we recommend:
•Start your visit at The Jekyll Island Museum. Exhibits, photos, and collections tell the history of the Islands. Admission to the museum is free.
•Looking to take a guided tour of the island? Consider the Passport to Century Tour offered by the museum. This 90 minute tram tour takes visitors deep into the heart of the historic district. Learn about famous residents who once called the Island home and tour 2 historic cottages.
•Want to explore on your own? Head to the 260 acre Jekyll Island Historic District on Riverview Drive. You are free to walk around and explore restored homes, Indian ruins, and the famous Jekyll Island Club Hotel at your own pace.
•Stop by the Horton House. Built in 1743, it’s one of Georgia’s oldest buildings. All that remains today is ruins, but the history surrounding the house is impressive. We won’t spoil it for you – there are plenty of plaques to read and even a little walk to take.
•Head to the beach. Ten miles of unspoiled beach await sunbathers, swimmers, and nature lovers. Movie buffs enjoy strolling on Glory Beach, which was used in the 1999 film Glory. Photographers and nature lovers gather at Driftwood Beach to see Mother Nature deposit driftwood on shore.
Want more information about Jekyll Island? Visit www.jekyllisland.com/Home.aspx. You’ll find links to upcoming events, restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Star Gazing on the Way to the Grand Canyon
Flagstaff, Arizona is a popular jumping off point to start your Grand Canyon adventure. It’s convenient to the Grand Canyon and other National Monuments. There are plenty of hotels to choose from and restaurants to enjoy. And Route 66 runs through the heart of downtown.
Armchair astronomers come for another reason – Lowell Observatory. On March 13, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto here. Today, it’s still a working observatory. At 7,200 feet above sea level, the sky seems to come alive. Constellations are clearer and it seems as if stars are more plentiful.
Visitors to Lowell Observatory are given the chance to gaze through the Observatory’s telescopes in the hopes of finding that next celestial object. You’ll get the chance to see Jupiter, the Moon, constellations, star clusters, and (if you’re lucky) a passing comet in the night sky. Astronomers will be on hand to answer questions. And there’s a fantastic show featuring celestial images and the music of Mannheim Steamroller.
Admission tickets are good for both day and evening programs. We recommend you take advantage of it too. During the day, you’ll get to:
•View the Sun through a special Solar Telescope
•Take the Mars Tour and see the refractor Percival Lowell used to sketch the Planet Mars
•Tour research facilities, both new and old
•Visit the Pluto Discovery Telescope
Plus, there are plenty of special events scheduled throughout the year. It’s a great, entertaining way for both young and old to learn more about astronomy!
For more information, hours of operation, and admission prices, visit www.lowell.edu/visit.php
Armchair astronomers come for another reason – Lowell Observatory. On March 13, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto here. Today, it’s still a working observatory. At 7,200 feet above sea level, the sky seems to come alive. Constellations are clearer and it seems as if stars are more plentiful.
Visitors to Lowell Observatory are given the chance to gaze through the Observatory’s telescopes in the hopes of finding that next celestial object. You’ll get the chance to see Jupiter, the Moon, constellations, star clusters, and (if you’re lucky) a passing comet in the night sky. Astronomers will be on hand to answer questions. And there’s a fantastic show featuring celestial images and the music of Mannheim Steamroller.
Admission tickets are good for both day and evening programs. We recommend you take advantage of it too. During the day, you’ll get to:
•View the Sun through a special Solar Telescope
•Take the Mars Tour and see the refractor Percival Lowell used to sketch the Planet Mars
•Tour research facilities, both new and old
•Visit the Pluto Discovery Telescope
Plus, there are plenty of special events scheduled throughout the year. It’s a great, entertaining way for both young and old to learn more about astronomy!
For more information, hours of operation, and admission prices, visit www.lowell.edu/visit.php
Friday, March 9, 2012
Carlsbad Caverns Nightly Bat Flights
Carlsbad Caverns National Park has America’s most accessible caves. You don’t have to crawl through crevices and deep dark spaces to see dripping stalactites or stalagmites. All you need is a sturdy pair of tennis shoes or hiking boots (and a little courage) to descend deep into the bowels of the Earth. The trail into Carlsbad Caverns is completely paved, handrails are plentiful, and the Caverns are even lit up for your enjoyment.
But, you won’t be alone on this cavernous adventure. High above, tucked in the cave crevices, are bats. We’re talking about thousands of bats! No need to worry, though. These Mexican bats don’t fly or flutter around the cave during the day. They’re resting up until the sun begins to set. Then, it’s ShowTime!
Witnessing the nightly bat flight exodus is a must. As if on cue, hundreds of bats fly out of Carlsbad Caverns - at dusk. It’s time for dinner and they’re off to search for insects to satisfy their hunger. The entire cavern entrance becomes a sea of black bats, fluttering their wings, swooping high into the air in search of their prey.
This event is so popular that the National Park Service hosts a nightly Bat Flight Program during the summertime. Large crowds begin to gather, just before dusk, at the Caverns main entrance. A park ranger is on hand to give an informative talk. Then, the bats steal the show. It’s a spectacle only Mother Nature could put on!
Now, you will have to come to Carlsbad Caverns in the summer to see the bat flight. These Mexican bats migrate to Mexico in the wintertime. It’s warmer down there! Then, they return in late April or early May. Bat watchers claim the best time to see the flights are in July or August. That's when the baby bats join the flights.
We recommend that you see the bat flight after you tour the Caverns. Although the bats do not fly around during the daytime, it can make you a little uneasy knowing thousands of these creatures are hanging just above your head!
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/bat_flight_program.htm
But, you won’t be alone on this cavernous adventure. High above, tucked in the cave crevices, are bats. We’re talking about thousands of bats! No need to worry, though. These Mexican bats don’t fly or flutter around the cave during the day. They’re resting up until the sun begins to set. Then, it’s ShowTime!
Witnessing the nightly bat flight exodus is a must. As if on cue, hundreds of bats fly out of Carlsbad Caverns - at dusk. It’s time for dinner and they’re off to search for insects to satisfy their hunger. The entire cavern entrance becomes a sea of black bats, fluttering their wings, swooping high into the air in search of their prey.
This event is so popular that the National Park Service hosts a nightly Bat Flight Program during the summertime. Large crowds begin to gather, just before dusk, at the Caverns main entrance. A park ranger is on hand to give an informative talk. Then, the bats steal the show. It’s a spectacle only Mother Nature could put on!
Now, you will have to come to Carlsbad Caverns in the summer to see the bat flight. These Mexican bats migrate to Mexico in the wintertime. It’s warmer down there! Then, they return in late April or early May. Bat watchers claim the best time to see the flights are in July or August. That's when the baby bats join the flights.
We recommend that you see the bat flight after you tour the Caverns. Although the bats do not fly around during the daytime, it can make you a little uneasy knowing thousands of these creatures are hanging just above your head!
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/bat_flight_program.htm
Friday, March 2, 2012
Visit America’s 1st National Park
On March 1, 1872, America’s 1st National Park was established – Yellowstone National Park. Early explorers brought back tales of a land filled with “hidden fires, smoking pits, noxious steams, and the smell of brimstone.” Those tales resulted in preserving this remarkable piece of land.
Yellowstone is one of those National Parks you have to see to believe. Geysers gush hundreds of feet into the air, hurling hot water and steam. Beautiful aqua blue sparkling pools look inviting, until you realize what causes those beautiful colors! Lakes, with the acidity of battery acid, crackle. And mud pots burp and hurl hot mud into the sky, while herds of bison casually saunter by.
It’s easy to spend days exploring the park. And you don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy all the park has to offer. In fact, many of the geyser basins have easy paved trails or boardwalks. With so much to see, here’s our Top 5 Yellowstone Picks:
1.See Old Faithful Erupt: Old Faithful is the world’s best known geyser. It’s so faithful that park rangers post eruption times daily. You won’t have to hike a mile to get to it. There are plenty of benches to snag before the big eruption. And park rangers give talks just before the big event.
2.Explore Upper Geyser Basin: There are plenty of geyser basins in the park, but this one is the granddaddy of them all. Old Faithful is here. But so are some of the park’s other famous features. Take the easy 1.3 mile loop trail past Beehive Geyser, Grand Geyser (the tallest and most predictable geyser in the world), Riverside Geyser, and the most famous pool in the park – Morning Glory. Don’t be surprised to see buffalo and elk wandering through.
3.Visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Take a break from geysers and witness the most breathtaking scenery in the park. This Grand Canyon is 4,000 feet across, 1,200 feet deep and 20 miles long. An added bonus – the spectacular Upper and Lower Falls. Picture Perfect!
4.Hike the Mud Volcano Area: Some of the park’s more unique features are found here. Cooking Hillside sizzles with temperatures occasionally hovering around 200 degrees. Sour Lake looks so inviting with that sandy shoreline and blue water, but its waters are acidic as battery acid. And Dragon’s Mouth Spring bellows and churns.
5.Hear the Call of the Wild: Head to Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk. You may be lucky enough to hear the howl of the elusive wolf. Over 400 wolves live in and around the park. This is the best chance to hear and even spot one of these beautiful, but dangerous creatures.
Are you ready to plan your ultimate Yellowstone adventure? Then you need our Great American Vacation Ideas Yellowstone National Park Guide! Complete descriptions of the park’s geysers and thermal features, driving tours, hiking suggestions, and off the beaten path adventures can be found inside the pages. Learn about staying in the park, camping, and even stagecoach tours. Buy it today at: greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks.html.
Yellowstone is one of those National Parks you have to see to believe. Geysers gush hundreds of feet into the air, hurling hot water and steam. Beautiful aqua blue sparkling pools look inviting, until you realize what causes those beautiful colors! Lakes, with the acidity of battery acid, crackle. And mud pots burp and hurl hot mud into the sky, while herds of bison casually saunter by.
It’s easy to spend days exploring the park. And you don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy all the park has to offer. In fact, many of the geyser basins have easy paved trails or boardwalks. With so much to see, here’s our Top 5 Yellowstone Picks:
1.See Old Faithful Erupt: Old Faithful is the world’s best known geyser. It’s so faithful that park rangers post eruption times daily. You won’t have to hike a mile to get to it. There are plenty of benches to snag before the big eruption. And park rangers give talks just before the big event.
2.Explore Upper Geyser Basin: There are plenty of geyser basins in the park, but this one is the granddaddy of them all. Old Faithful is here. But so are some of the park’s other famous features. Take the easy 1.3 mile loop trail past Beehive Geyser, Grand Geyser (the tallest and most predictable geyser in the world), Riverside Geyser, and the most famous pool in the park – Morning Glory. Don’t be surprised to see buffalo and elk wandering through.
3.Visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Take a break from geysers and witness the most breathtaking scenery in the park. This Grand Canyon is 4,000 feet across, 1,200 feet deep and 20 miles long. An added bonus – the spectacular Upper and Lower Falls. Picture Perfect!
4.Hike the Mud Volcano Area: Some of the park’s more unique features are found here. Cooking Hillside sizzles with temperatures occasionally hovering around 200 degrees. Sour Lake looks so inviting with that sandy shoreline and blue water, but its waters are acidic as battery acid. And Dragon’s Mouth Spring bellows and churns.
5.Hear the Call of the Wild: Head to Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk. You may be lucky enough to hear the howl of the elusive wolf. Over 400 wolves live in and around the park. This is the best chance to hear and even spot one of these beautiful, but dangerous creatures.
Are you ready to plan your ultimate Yellowstone adventure? Then you need our Great American Vacation Ideas Yellowstone National Park Guide! Complete descriptions of the park’s geysers and thermal features, driving tours, hiking suggestions, and off the beaten path adventures can be found inside the pages. Learn about staying in the park, camping, and even stagecoach tours. Buy it today at: greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks.html.
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