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!