July 31st, 2007 at 05:40am Under Travel
June’s issue of Conde Nast Traveler, one of the most influential travel publications in the country, contained the magazine’s 12th annual Top 100 Golf Resorts poll. CNT does a variety of reader polls each year, including hotels, cruises ski resorts…
Original post by Larry Olmsted For All Your Travel Needs Best Travel Rates Online
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July 30th, 2007 at 09:18pm Under USA+ Vacations
Far and away the most exciting city in Florida, MIAMI is a stunning and often intoxicatingly beautiful place. Awash with sunlight-intensified natural colors, there are moments - when the neon-flashed South Beach skyline glows in the warm night and the palm trees sway in the breeze - when a better-looking city is hard to imagine. Even so, people, not climate or landscape, are what make Miami unique. Half of the two million population is Hispanic, the vast majority Cubans. Spanish is the predominant language almost everywhere - in many places it’s the only language you’ll hear, and you’ll be expected to speak at least a few words - and news from Havana, Caracas or Managua frequently gets more attention than the latest word from Washington, DC.
Just a century ago Miami was a swampy outpost of mosquito-tormented settlers. The arrival of the railroad in 1896 gave the city its first fixed land-link with the rest of the continent, and cleared the way for the Twenties property boom. In the Fifties, Miami Beach became a celebrity-filled resort area, just as thousands of Cubans fleeing the regime of Fidel Castro began arriving in mainland Miami. The Sixties and Seventies brought decline, and Miami’s reputation in the Eighties as the vice capital of the USA was at least partly deserved. As the cop show Miami Vice so glamorously underlined, drug smuggling was endemic; as well, in 1980 the city had the highest murder rate in America. Since then, though, much has changed for two very different reasons. First, the gentrification of South Beach helped make tourism the lifeblood of the local economy again in the early Nineties. Second, the city’s determined wooing of Latin America brought rapid investment, both domestic and international: many US corporations run their South American operations from Miami and certain neighborhoods, such as Key Biscayne, are now home to thriving communities of expat Peruvians, Colombians and Venezuelans.
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July 30th, 2007 at 09:16pm Under Greece
The Top Luxury Hotels in Crete are amongst the top hotels on the Greek Islands, and Crete Luxury Holidays are amongst the top in the Meditteranean When you come to make a decision about a Greek Island Vacation, you really shouldn’t look any further than Crete. If you want to take a Honeymoon in Europe, then you can get some of the best European Honeymoon Packages directly from the hotels themselves.
Crete is the biggest of the Greek Islands.
When you look at the sheer scale of the island, it measures over 150 miles from East to West, and 37 miles between the North and South Coast. There is everything from mountains, with totally unspoilt villages to very busy resorts on the beach.
Whether you are looking for a Romantic Hotel, or a honeymoon hotel, a Spa Hotel, and intimate Hotel, a Boutique hotel, or a Hip Hotel, then Crete has them all.
What follows are brief descriptions of a few of the top luxury hotels in Crete hotels which might be what you are looking for when you are deciding on either a Crete Luxury Holiday or a European Honeymoon Package.
The Elounda Mare Hotel, Elounda with 215 suites and villas, is easily the best luxury hotel in Crete, if not one of the top resort hotels in Europe. Some of the villas have their own pool, and you can enjoy everything from golf to tennis, and all the watersports you can think of.
Istron Bay Hotel, Istro, Agios Nikolaos is incredibly well hidden built into a cliff face below road level, with several floors, huge rooms with large balconies overlooking the bay. This luxury hotel is definitely one for foodies as the restaurant is award winning.
Palazzo Rimondi, Rethymno has 21 rooms and is made up from several 15th Century Venetian houses hidden away in the back streets of Rethymno’s Old Town. The rooms in the hotel retain much of the original features, but all the enormous rooms, which are really suites, are very up to date and stylishly comfortable. This hotel is for the connoisseur of historical buildings that have been modernised but are still in keeping with their surroundings.
Casa Delfino, Chania is a 17th Century former palace situated in the most beautiful town on Crete. The Venetian harbour of Chania is very beautiful and as befits the best hotel in the town it overlooks the harbour from its private roof terrace. It is quite hidden away in the old town with beautiful rooms, each with a marble Jacuzzi, and the rooms are all off a superb central courtyard.
Casa Leone, Chania is a 600 year old mansion hidden away in the back streets of the Old Town. It has a rooftop terrace overlooking the Venetian harbour. It has been restored quite beautifully and furnished with antiques, but has all the modern conveniences that 21st century guests demand. If you can; get a room overlooking the por.t
All of these top luxury hotels in Crete would fit the bill if you want a luxurious honeymoon in Europe. Why not split things up and stay in two or three of them!!
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July 30th, 2007 at 09:12pm Under Spain
Moraira has all the charm you would expect of a quaint old Spanish fishing town. Lying north of the city of Alicante and south of Valencia with the Mediterranean Sea stretched out at its feet Moraira remains one of the unspoilt resorts of the Costa Blanca. Its 8km of beautiful coastline backed by mountains attracts visitors from all over Europe, seeking a luxury holiday in Spain.
The town has expertly managed to preserve the traditional way of life whilst embracing modern tourism and offers an impressive variety of shops and amenities. Stylish cafes like ‘Deli’ on Calle Calatayud are popular, serving home cooked dishes including quiches and exotic curries. For more authentic Spanish cuisine visit Las Gaviotas which lies in the main square by the town’s church. To sample fresh local produce try the main fish restaurants located on the waterfront overlooking the port or the fish market (La Lonja) held every morning except on Sundays. Dining in is also an option as there are many supermarkets to choose from and the Continente Hypermarket is just half an hours drive away.
Moraira boasts two lovely sandy beaches with EEC Blue Flag Status which can be enjoyed by all the family. There are also plenty of other activities to keep you busy including water sports, golf courses, tennis, squash, boat hire and excursions. Apart from the resorts of Javea and Calpe, other places of interest are the mountain top fortress of Guadalest, the ancient city of Murcia and Europe’s largest palm forest all accessible by day excursion.
If you are lucky enough to be there during July, you will see a wonderful display of fireworks, parade and procession in honour of the Virgin of the Unsheltered and the Virgin of Carmen, protector of sailors and fishermen. The town of Teulada, the old town of Moraira is just 8km inland and is also well worth a visit. There is a great street market held here every week which is full of buzzing activity.
Moraira averages 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, 325 days of every year. The climate stays pleasantly warm whilst cool sea breezes ensure it is never sweltering, making it the ideal holiday location all year round. The relaxed traditional ambience of Moraira with its stunning views across to El Peñon de Ifach, the rock of Calpe, and the luscious green countryside of the Mediterranean canvas is a flawless setting for a luxury holiday in Spain.
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July 30th, 2007 at 09:11pm Under England
Southampton is located on the South Coast of England. It has a population of around 225,000 of which over 40,000 are students. The high student population gives Southampton an energetic and vibrant night life.
The City has much to offer those seeking an evening’s entertainment. There are many pubs, clubs, cinemas, restaurants and casinos to choose from. The visitor should remember that smoking in public places, which includes pubs and restaurants, is now illegal in England.
One of the ways to start your night out is to visit one of the many restaurants in Southampton. The city has a restaurant for every taste whether you are looking for a formal 3 course meal or a simple pub meal with friends.
Oxford Street is home to many of the top restaurants in the city. The White Star Tavern is a well known eatery and was featured in the Which? Good Food Guide 2006.
Dockgate 4 Bar and Grill is another popular restaurant and combines a bar and a night club in the same venue. It has a vibrant upmarket atmosphere.
Kuti’s Brassiere is an ideal option for those who like their food a little spicy. This restaurant serves Indian Cuisine in a Bangladeshi style.
It is not possible to list all Southampton restaurants in this article but Greek, Italian, Chinese and French cuisine is all available.
As with most cities in the UK, Southampton has a number of pubs. Every type of pub can be found in the city from the traditional and historic, to the modern bar with loud music and dancing. If it is historic you are after then visit The Duke of Wellington pub on Bugle Street. The pub has been operating since 1490 and is full of charm and character. The Polygon area of the city is home to some of the coolest modern bars; venues such as The Lizard Lounge, The Orange Rooms and Chambers. These venues are a student favourite and are always busy.
If you are feeling lucky there are a number of casinos in Southampton such as the Southampton Harbour House, the Southampton Stanley Casino, and the Grosvenor Casino. All three offer a range of tables and slot machines and are a great night’s entertainment.
Southampton has 3 cinema complexes, Odeon Leisure World, Cineworld Cinema and Harbour Lights Picture House. Between them you are able to see all of the latest movie releases.
As you may expect in a student city there is a wide choice of clubs. Every taste in music is catered for. The Ikon and Diva Nightclub in the Leisure World Complex is the biggest night club on the South coast. With a capacity of 2,500 people, revellers are offered 2 dance floors and a choice of 6 bars. The night club is host to some top name DJ’s. Other venues such as The Rhino Club and the Kaos Nightclub also offer a great night out.
At the end of your evening there is a night bus available which stops at destinations as far as Winchester and Portsmouth.
Southampton has a vibrant night life and is a favourite venue for nights-out in the region. People travel to Southampton for Stag and Hen nights as well as for its great clubs. So why not visit Southampton and experience the buzz of its nightlife for yourself.
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July 30th, 2007 at 08:50pm Under Travel
Not only is Las Vegas one of the country’s top tourist destinations, it’s also one of the most popular cities for conventions. Las Vegas was recently named one of the five most romantic cities in the United States Honeymoon Magazine, so an even greater number of couples are coming to Las Vegas to get married, while others are coming to the world-class mega-resorts to spend their honeymoon. Las Vegas is also a choice destination for couples celebrating an anniversary or other special occasion
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July 30th, 2007 at 08:41pm Under USA+ Vacations+ Attractions
If your family wants the energy and excitement of a big-city vacation, New York can’t be beat. Along with browsing some of the world’s best museums, you can attend a Broadway show, inline skate in Central Park, see the Statue of Liberty up close, as well as catch a Yankee game at the “House that Ruth Built” (Yankee Stadium) or watch the Mets play at Shea Stadium.
The American Museum of Natural History has reinvented itself with state-of-the-art exhibits: the gem of the Rose Center for Earth and Space is a cutting-edge planetarium; the Hall of Ocean Life features high-tech video screens displaying kelp forests and coral reefs; and the Hall of Meteorites’ biggest specimen weighs 34 tons. “Lizards and Snakes: Alive!” runs July 2006 to January 2007, and includes over 60 live snakes from all over the world.
Gradeschoolers enjoy roaming the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum , a 900-foot, WWII-era aircraft carrier complete with 30 historic aircraft. Infants to eight-year-olds explore at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan , which fosters creative play through interactive exhibits featuring best-loved characters including Dora the Explorer.
Especially if you’re descended from immigrants who came to America through Ellis Island, and even if you’re not, find out what it was like to arrive in a new land with little more than a suitcase and dreams at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum . Stay for the new living history show, Embracing Freedom, that dramatizes the experiences of immigrants past and present. The show runs until November 5, 2006. The head over to the Statue of Liberty to take in that American icon up close.
For the quintessential viw of the Big Apple, head to the 86th-floor observatory of the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, the 70th-floor observation deck of GE’s Rockefeller Plaza building.
Be sure to spend some time in Central Park , a green oasis in the heart of upper Manhattan. Stroll the tree-shaded paths, ride the carousel, watch the experts break dance, and inline skate the snaking trails (which can get crowded, so beware!). The Central Park Wildlife Center has monkeys and sea lions, while kids can pet goats, sheep, and a pot-bellied pig at the Tisch Children’s Zoo . Check the schedule for summer concerts on the Great Lawn and for the puppet shows at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater.
Taking a child to a Broadway matinee is almost a New York rite of passage. The songs, costumes, and sheer showmanship of the musicals will have you and your kids humming when you leave the theater.
Inspiring awe in a different way are the city’s great art museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art . The National Sports Museum, located in lower Manhattan, is slated to open in 2006.
Shopping is another Manhattan staple. Along with department stores and boutiques, the city has many kid-pleasing stores. Browse FAO Schwartz for toys, make your own stuffed critter at the Build-A-Bear-Workshop, and buy your favorite characters at the World of Disney. At American Girl Place, explore the “lives” of the 18-inch, historic-era dolls with a show. You can also have tea (or lunch or dinner) with your doll as well as buy an outfit to match hers.
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July 30th, 2007 at 06:47pm Under USA+ Vacations+ Attractions
New York City, with a population of 8.1 million, is the most densely inhabited city in the United States. The city is home to a vast number of migrants from over 180 countries. The city houses a large number of international organizations and is one of the world’s four major global cities. It is only to be expected that such a mega city would have a dining culture and that would pamper the taste buds of its residents and visitors alike. Regardless of the economy, at any given point in time, New York City restaurants never cease to do large business volumes.
One of the popular restaurants in New York, Delmonico’s is renowned as the first restaurant in the United States. It has been serving customers in this amazing city for more than 160 years. Today New York City has more than 18,000 eating establishments and yet new ones are setting operations every day. The city boasts of restaurants catering to every human need. The restaurants here offer a wide variety of cuisines, ethnic cuisines, pizza, steak, sushi, hot dogs and fusion cuisine.
Restaurants in New York are available for every kind of occasion or mood whether it is breakfast, brunch, power lunches or fine dining. One of the reasons why restaurants are a lucrative investment for many is the vast immigrant population in the city. Catering to the specific tastes of these communities by serving them food from their own parts of the world ensures a steady stream of customers. There are many Chinese, Italian, Indian and Mexican restaurants in New York that are definitely worth a try even for people who don’t belong to these communities. New York also has its share of romantic restaurants, steak houses and vegetarian friendly establishments.
The availability of a vast choice in cuisines, themes, atmosphere and pricing has contributed to the increasing tendency to eat out amongst people in New York. A visitor to New York wishing to dine out is advised to read restaurant reviews, check star ratings, make table reservations and pay attention to tipping customs.
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July 30th, 2007 at 06:44pm Under USA+ Vacations+ Attractions
New York City, aptly named “The Big Apple” and the “city that never sleeps,” represents one of the great international centers of finance, politics, communications, music, culture, and fashion. Home to numerous, world-class museums, venues, and sights, this city is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world. Imbued with a rich sense of history and culture, there are many attractions for visitors to see and visit.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is another must see in New York, but don’t bother going into the museum unless you really want to. Visitors aren’t allowed to the top of the Statue of Liberty anymore because of security issues. You are thoroughly frisked in an exhaustive security check, and have to reserve a time to visit in advance. You would be better off seeing the Statue of Liberty from the ferry that takes you to Ellis Island. The Immigration Museum at Ellis Island is worth a visit, and it is free. The ferry ($10) leaves every 25 minutes from Battery Park and stops at Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Central Park
Possibly one of the more infamous locations in New York, Central Park is the stuff of American legend. With its beautiful greenery, sprawling lawns, and lakes, Central park in highly popular with outdoor enthusiasts and concert goers. It hosts a number of concert venues and is home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Central Park Zoo.
Times Square
Another bit of American history, Times Square is a must-see for posterity. In actuality, Times Square is impressive, but it is also highly commercialized and caters mostly to tourists. The “old “Times Square is located near Broadway and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It has become quite seedy, and thus a “new” Times Square, located blocks away from the old Times Square, has emerged that is a family-friendly, highly commercialized area of themed restaurants, theaters and hotels.
Cathedral of St. John The Divine
The Cathedral of St. john the Divine is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and has been a work-in-progress for over a century. Beautiful Gothic architecture and exquisite stained glass windows only add to the loveliness of this amazing building. If you’re in New York, don’t miss the cathedral. It is an incredible sight, and one that rivals the European churches it emulates.
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is yet another staple of American history, having housed some of this century’s most amazing musicians and performers. Unless you can afford the tickets for a concert, be content wandering through the beautiful building and looking at pictures of past performers and beautiful people.
Empire State Building
This famous building sits on the equally renowned fifth avenue and was for many years the tallest building in the US. Synonymous with New York, this building, more than any other, personifies the sleek, urban, and cultured New York atmosphere.
World Trade Center Site
The site of the of the September 11th terrorist attacks has become popular with visitors. If you were in New York prior to 9/11, you will be astounded at the emptiness. The previous twin towers have been replaced with memorial pools that are quite beautiful, and various plaques are on display documenting the history of the WTC.
Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is the epitome of Art Deco architecture and one of the most beautiful and well-known buildings in the world. Visiting the lobby is a must, but you’re not allowed up top unless you are on business.
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July 30th, 2007 at 06:43pm Under USA+ Vacations+ Attractions
New York City is unknown to none. One of the vibrant and significant metropolises on the globe, the city of New York is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. The dream to vacation in New York seems to materialize only for the rich. However, this is not actually the case like. There are more than a thousand methods to explore the wonderful city while keeping an eye at your pocket.
The Outlandish Attractions
New York is deemed to be city that is awaken 24 hours a day. This is because of the lively places like Chinatown- a famous site for films, Downtown, Central Park, the East Side, Little Italy (swarming with Sicilian culture and known for its sausage that is shipped across the world), Greenwich Village(that speaks the language of Bohemian artists through their work of art) and West Side. The Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty (marked one amongst the wonders of the world) and the Rockefeller Center summon people from every corner of the world.
Visiting the New York museums will be lifetime experience. Some of the eminent museums, their saga being sung by the whole world are nestled in New York. These are – the African-American Wax Museum, the Hudson River Museum, the Alternative Museum famous for striking art, the China Institute that parades the Chinese culture, the Hispanic Society of America, the National Lighthouse Museum, Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site that is assumed to be the oldest church in New York and last but not the least the Skyscraper Museum.
The Kids’ Amusement
Children can have a gala time in the New York City for the Central Park Zoo that is located in the middle of the Fifth Avenue and 64 th Street is open throughout the year. The zoo has some of the exclusive species of plants and animals. To educate the children and adults about wildlife, the zoo organizes a program at the Wildlife Theater. The best part of the zoo visit is the negligible amount for tickets like just $1 ticket for kids between 3 to 12 years of age. But this is not enough for the young ones. They can enjoy ice skating at the Rockfeller Center and Central Park at very cheap prices. The Wollman rink too has a good name in this regard.
The Children’s Museum of Arts at the Lafayette Street, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the Children’s Museum of Native Americans (that displays charming puppet shows, singing, dancing and information about the Native Americans) are places worth enjoying and visiting for kids on their destination New York.
With the Kids’ Nights on Broadway program, children between 6 to 28 years get an opportunity to view free plays if an adult with them purchases a full ticket. Some of the loveliest plays like Beauty and the Beast, the Lion King and the Little Women etc. are at display here.
The Christmas Extravaganza
Though the metropolis is vibrant and convivial all 365 days, yet the best time to visit New York City is the Christmas time when the city is bustling not just with people but also Christmas trees, gifts, candles etc. and when the carols are in the air. The magnificence and splendor of the city is at its peak during this season. The city offers a multitude of Christmas shows and there is a huge Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center. The wonderful lightening of this tree fills every heart with feeling of divinity and devotion. The sparkling of the tree and other decorations and preparations in the city mark the onset of the Christmas season and a reason to celebrate.
All in all New York is a dream destination to live your vacations. The place is heaving with luxury hotels, resorts and other places of entertainment, still a budget traveler can experience the wonders of this place. All one needs to do is a little judicious planning and research before heading there. The internet offers complete information about the accommodations including the rents, the rates of hotels and cuisine, which tour to take… and every basic thing that one needs to know. Some prudent planning can make your dream to visit the New York City come true.
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July 30th, 2007 at 06:39pm Under USA+ Vacations+ Attractions
One of the things that makes our nation great is it diversity. So many kinds of people, so many ways to do things. So, it is not surprising that there are so many different kinds of Washington DC vacation packages to accommodate and make use of all that variety. DC vacation packages tend to be organized around specific modes of touring, specific attractions for touring, or specific lifestyles whilst touring.
Washington DC tour packages tend to include some mode of transportation, along with rate reductions and other perks. The Churchill Hotel, for example, offers a historic touring package that includes accommodations in at their historic hotel, breakfast for two, and two days of passes on the Old Town Trolley. The historic trolley provides narrated tour along a circuit of Washington DC attractions, allowing passengers to get on and off at various places, simply to pick up another trolley - and the rest of the tour - when it suits them.
Another touring-centered package is The Madison’s “Washington by Twilight” package, which offers you luxury accommodations and a limo tour of the city by night, followed by breakfast for two in the morning. Other vacation packages reward those who prefer to travel to and from Washington DC by car. The Hotel George kicks in a $20 gas card with its package. Many other transportation-inclusive Washington DC packages offer complimentary parking and some offer Metro passes.
Quite a few Washington DC vacation packages have themes centered around certain attractions. The Hotel George’s Undercover Washington package, for example, includes tickets to the International Spy Museum, a confidential message and “Spy Packet” and quizzes at your suite, and complimentary wine and internet for those late nights. The Hotel Rouge has a Panda package, which includes hotel and zoo passes, along with the metro passes to get there. This on top of their Zoo Welcome Kit with a sumptuous panda doll, a children’s activity booklet, a panda video and a ZooGoer magazine. Another popular attraction for DC vacation packages is the annual Cherry Festival. Hotels offer special touring rates in late March and early April to make use of the city in its best pink regalia.
Many Washington DC tour packages are designed for people with particular lifestyles. Pet-friendly packages are available in many of the hotels downtown, offering your dog or cat welcome treats, essential toilet items (so you don’t have to carry your own!) and dog and cat food bowls and walking maps. Fitness buffs can find hotel packages that include private treadmills and stationary bikes, as well as with various spa treatments. The Madison has a “Relax and Rejuvenate” package that includes one spa service in your guest room, and the Hotel George offers a decadent female getaway package that includes an in-room facial treatment. Once refreshed, many DC visitors will take advantage of some of the shopping packages, like the Hotel Helix’ deal including hotel, champagne, taxi fare to Georgetown, a $50 American Express Gift card, and a foot rejuvenation kit for later in the room. No matter which Washington DC vacation package you choose, you are certain to find a way to see the city that suits your preferences, so you can fully take in the vibrant pulse of the capital city.
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July 30th, 2007 at 06:37pm Under USA+ Vacations
Wherever there are powerful people making decisions for the public, you will find many golf courses where powerful discussions take place in private. Washington DC golf courses are no exception, and you are sure to enjoy golfing in the capital city. The neighboring suburbs in Virginia and Maryland offer golf courses with pastoral showcases unique to the area. Those are covered elsewhere in this guide. For now, we are focused on public golf courses in Washington DC itself.
There are three main Washington DC golf facilities, each different, but all well worth your visit. The most centrally located of these is Rock Creek Park Golf Course, which lies deep in the wooded area of Rock Creek Park. The course is rarely crowded, and has cheap green fees under twenty dollars, and is operated by helpful and friendly staff. The back nine is one of the most challenging of any golf courses in Washington DC, with dense woods on either side of the narrow fairways. The back nine will test your perseverance and how accurate your driver is!
Another beautiful place to play Washington DC golf is also one of the only Washington DC golf courses listed in the National Register of Historic Places: the Langston Legacy Golf Course. Named for the famous black leader John Mercer Langston, this course was originally built as a segregated golf facility, to allow African-American golfers a course of their own. Leading the way to the development of the sport amongst African-Americans, Langston Legacy Golf Course also led the way to desegregation of the sport. The first black golf clubs for men and for women, respectively the Royal Golf Club and the Wake Robin Golf Club, have made Langston their home. Major tournaments like the International Pro-Am and the Capital City Open also are held here. Unlike other Washington DC golf courses, the National Park Service owns Langston. Its gorgeous location is bordered on one side by the National Arboretum, on another by the Anacostia River, and plays around the water of Kingman Lake. Because of the significance of this course to the African American community and to DC golf itself, a museum is being created there, for future tourists.
Whereas both Rock Creek and Langston Legacy offer cheap green fees, last but not least among Washington DC golf courses is East Potomac Park Golf Course, where green fees are slightly higher, but still affordable between thirty and fifty dollars. Located just south of the Jefferson Memorial on a 300-acre peninsula between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River, this course is quintessential Washingtonian. The park in which it is located culminates on the peninsula across from the monuments, in the famous Hains Point. Here, across the water from the city of freedom, the famous “Awakening” statue portrays the human struggle to get out of the muck. This can be inspirational to golfers whose shots have gone astray! With one 18-hole course, one nine-hole, and one twelve-hole course, as well as a miniature course on site, there is a course here appropriate to all levels. No matter where you go, Washington DC golf offers a chance to relax amidst the urban political noise, and these city courses have enough to challenge most, as well.
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July 30th, 2007 at 06:36pm Under USA+ Vacations
Washington DC is one of those cities that pack a lot of attractions into a small space. You can see some of the highlights in a day or two, or you could spend a week or more really getting a full picture of what makes the city tick. Either way, the suggested itineraries for DC listed below should give you some helpful ideas for planning your trip.
Suggested itineraries for DC:
1-3 Days
At the top of all suggested itineraries for DC you’ll find the capital building. Seeing the White House is something everyone who is in DC, even for an afternoon, should do. If you have time, take a tour of the building and see what you can of the inside. Deal with the long lines and intense security checks if only to walk through the same doors as Lincoln, JFK, and so many other leaders have done. You can also try and catch the Supreme Court in session while you are there, and stop by the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art or the Shakespeare Library and Garden if you are so inclined.
4-7 Days
With many days for your Washington DC tour itinerary, you can spend a little more time at a few locations, or spend a little time at a whole lot more locations. The choice depends on your desired pace of vacation. Some options for your Washington DC tour itinerary include a trip to the Holocaust Museum, the National Zoological Park, the National Air and Space Museum, the International Spy Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the National Archives. Still not tired? Don’t forget to stop by a café or restaurant to grab a bite to each on your way to the Smithsonian Institution.
7+ Days
You really can easily spend seven days or more in just one city. Your Washington DC tour itinerary for a longer stay should include stops at as many of the above locations as you would like, as well as a few more, less crowded attractions. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the National Mall, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington Monument, and Seventh Street District are all equally popular destinations. Pennsylvania Avenue is worth a stroll, as well.
There are so many sites to see on your Washington DC itinerary that it may become overwhelming. Be sure to prioritize the monuments and sights you really want to see, so you won’t feel bad cutting out a few if you run out of time or encounter an unbearable line. Both luxury and discount hotels can be easily booked throughout DC, so you should be able to plan a trip to fit any budget.
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July 30th, 2007 at 06:35pm Under USA+ Vacations
The Washington DC area is a mecca for family-friendly entertainment and museums. There is so much to do here that is novel and interesting; even riding the Metro is an exciting experience for most kids! Vacation packages to Washington DC often include ticket specials for public transportation.
Family vacations in Washington DC invariably include the Smithsonian. Discovery Theater, located in the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building, presents performances including puppetry, theatrical performance, dance, storytelling and musicals, designed to entertain, educate, and enlighten young audiences.
When visiting the Museum of Natural History, children are particularly fond of the Dinosaur-Fossil Hall, O. Orkin Insect Zoo, Discovery Room, and the Hall of Gems and Minerals. The largest (stuffed) African bush elephant in the world is located at the rotunda’s center. If your kids like spiders and insects, then check out the tarantula feedings at the Insect Zoo. The Discovery Center houses hands-on-activities and a state-of-the art Johnson IMAX Theater.
Popular kids’ exhibits at the National Museum of American History include early cars, trains, printing, and musical instruments. See a collection of Teddy bears (originally named for Theodore Roosevelt), Dorothy’s ruby slippers, a five-story dollhouse, and the original Star-Spangled Banner.
Family vacation packages to Washington DC must include the monuments and memorials. Kids love the high-speed elevator at the Washington Monument, and especially the Jefferson Memorial, where you can rent a paddleboat for a small fee and take in the monument from the water of the Tidal Basin
Not all family vacations in Washington DC are on the beaten path. For example, at National Geographic Explorers Hall, you can touch a tornado, explore the solar system, or discover more about the delicate equilibrium of Earth’s ecosystem in the ongoing exhibit Geographica. Video clips and multimedia kiosks add to the entertainment value for kids. You can even shoot your photo against a blue screen, and have it digitally inserted into a National Geographic magazine cover as a souvenir of your Washington family vacation!
Don’t forget the International Spy Museum! Whether your children enjoy the puzzle of cracking codes, or the delicate precision of undercover disguising, families will find a wide assortment of public events to help develop spy skills and have fun doing it. Courses on undercover makeup, high-tech tools, cracking codes, and the science of espionage are offered on a regular basis, along with performance of spy magic, and overnight events called Operation Secret Slumber. The gift shop has fun spy toys, as well, like Secret Agent kits, fingerprinting kits, and hidden camera plant holders.
If your children like animals, remember The National Aquarium in Washington DC when you take your Washington family vacation. There are tanks everywhere, containing piranhas, sharks, and hundreds of other kinds of fish. Of course, you can always take the children to the National Zoological Park, which is free to visit, since it is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Giant pandas, cheetah cubs, and Kandula, the Zoo’s youngest Asian elephant, will keep your kids happy for hours.
If you are lucky enough to take a family vacation in Washington DC during one of the marches on the National Mall, you might consider taking your kids. Besides learning about the active use of one’s democratic citizenship, marches and rallies invariably include live entertainers at no cost, and interesting vendors, too.
These are but a small sampling of the activities your kids will enjoy during your Washington family vacation. Check the Friday “Weekend” section of the Washington Post before you visit, to learn of specific performances and special events.
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July 30th, 2007 at 06:34pm Under Cruises+ USA+ Vacations
When the city of Washington DC was first conceived and built, a great deal of daily business centered around the Potomac River. Often called “The Nation’s River”, the Potomac flows though the most historical and scenic parts of Washington DC, including the Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, the Memorial Bridge and the Kennedy Center. At night, restaurants glitter with tiny white lights and other forms of elegance, as the riverfront comes alive with the very power of the DC heartbeat. While vacationing here, why not treat yourself to one of the Washington DC dinner cruises, and see the city as its founders did in a slower, more thoughtful time?
There are quite a few choices for how to enjoy the city by river. The elegant Spirit of Washington ship conducts harbor cruises in the sun or by the light of the moon. You’ll never see the city looking so grand as when you take a two-hour luncheon cruise or a three-hour dinner cruise along the spectacular Potomac riverfront, past the monuments that bring the largesse and history of our nation to mind. The Spirit of Washington also offers Midnight Moonlit cruises for the night owls among us, a two-and-a-half-hour adventure under the stars.
Another sumptuous vessel on which to enjoy dinner cruises in Washington DC is the Odyssey III. A floating oasis of glass and luxury, the ship was designed specifically to glide under the bridges along the Potomac. Its glassed-in interior and ceilings make it ideal for viewing the nightscape, as well. Four separate compartments within the dining space allows for private parties to compartmentalize on the cruise as well, making it a favorite for weddings, business parties, and other special occasions.
Not all Washington DC dinner cruises are formal dining affairs. Some are more quaint, with lighter fare. For example, Capitol River Cruises offers narrated, one-hour cruises daily from noon to 9pm leaving from Washington Harbor. The Nightingale is a smaller vessel, serving refreshing snacks, spirits, beer, wine and sodas, while cruising past the Kennedy Center, Memorial Bridge, Roosevelt Island, The US Capitol, the Watergate, and of course the monuments. The staff will even let you have a picnic aboard, should the fancy strike you as you sail.
Another special way to enjoy a lighter DC dinner cruise is, of course, aboard a grand riverboat. The Potomac Riverboat Company hosts wonderful cruises aboard their elegant riverboat, the Matthew Hayes. It is an open-air boat with a central entertainment deck, designed for more intimate gatherings of up to 70 people. In addition to their narrated 90-minute tour of the monuments and memorials, they offer a cruise out to George Washington’s historic estate, Mount Vernon.
These are some of the more well known charters available for dinner cruises in Washington DC. Of course, a trip to the waterfront harbor or to the harbor in Old Town, Alexandria, could yield many more options for enjoying a lovely meal on the famous river that goes to the heart of the nation.
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July 30th, 2007 at 07:53am Under USA+ Vacations+ Attractions
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park Washington DC is a great place to explore, find and learn about diverse and exotic creatures, whether giant giraffes or miniscule leaf-cutter ants. Learning about other species by watching their behavior can offer us new insight into ourselves. Finding out about the survival strategies that different animals have stretches the imagination. Seeing young animals learning to adjust to their new environment and interacting with their mothers can be a life-affirming experience. The animal youngsters at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park are irresistible and entertaining. While visiting DC, discover the baby gorillas, the cubs of pandas and cheetahs, a young elephant from Asia, and other animals recently born at the Zoo.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park was founded in 1889. Its mission is to study, celebrate, and protect the diversity of animals and their habitats. About 2,400 individuals of 400 different species are in the animal collection. The Zoological Park’s principle purpose was not to amuse people, but to save endangered animals native to the United States. The Zoo was birthed during an era when American people were concerned about reaching the end of the frontier, and the emerging power of urban industry in society. The animals at the Zoo reminded visitors of the tragically diminishing American Wilderness.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park has two installations, one of which is devoted to research. The public zoo is a beautiful 163-acre urban park located in Northwest Washington DC, 20 minutes from the National Mall by subway. While visiting DC, come to the zoo free of charge, and discover life in the world of cheetahs, zebras and even the scimitar-horned oryx. Witness an eagle feeding, and learn about other majestic birds of flight like hawks and falcons. Watch a mother elephant and her calf being bathed. Or, attend a bird house indoor flight exhibit, where you can watch birds forage and catch their food mid-flight, as a keeper and a volunteer narrate.
While visiting the National Zoological Park Washington DC learn about our giant pandas, and pandas in the wild. The National Zoo has been the home to giant pandas for more than 30 years. First Hsing Hsing and Ling Ling in 1972, and, since 2000, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, have symbolized the Zoo’s efforts to celebrate, study, and protect endangered species and their habitats. The July 9, 2005, birth of giant panda Tai Shan underscores these efforts.
Food is plentiful at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. When visiting the pandas, you can try the Panda Cafe. When exploring Lion/Tiger Hill, don’t miss Mane Restaurant. There is also an Express Grill at Panda Plaza, and near the small mammals you will find a seasonal Popstop. You can also bring your own picnic. Coolers are permitted, but not grills or other cooking devices. There are picnic areas throughout the Zoo, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Zoo sits adjacent to Rock Creek Park and can be entered at 3001 Connecticut Ave., on Harvard St. and on Beach Dr. It is easily accessed from the Metro stop Woodley Park/Zoo. It is open every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm between April 15th and October 15th. The rest of the year it is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free, since the zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution. As the National Zoological Park Washington DC celebrates the 117th anniversary of its establishment in 1889, its mission to study, celebrate, and protect animals and their habitats is as vital as ever, if humankind is to save what remains of the Earth’s biological diversity.
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