Want To Feel On Top Of The World?

The Appalachian Mountains have many treasures within them. Amongst those treasures is the White Mountains in New Hampshire. This is a beautiful area to visit any time of year. I like to visit the mountains in the fall because I am literally in love with the fall colors. They are so beautiful and New Hampshire is already known for its beauty as it is.

Now, I like to hike some of the shorter trails, but the White Mountain trail is the most scenic 100 miles you will encounter in New England and that is one you drive. I couldn’t imagine hiking it, although there are many miles of trails that allow hikers to see things that the drivers may miss. The trail travels in a circle…a very large circle with a lot to see along the way. It is possible to travel the entire 100 miles in a day if you start earlier enough and limit the stops.

The place to begin the drive is at the North Woodstock White Mountains Visitor Center and head out Route 3N. If you have children, then there are stops you will want to make at The Whale’s Tale and Clark’s Trading Post. At Clark’s Trading Post, you are able to ride a steam train and see bears. There are also climb towers that keep the small children happy. As for the Whale’s Tale, it is a water park that will keep the whole family occupied for hours. It’s great for those hot summer days when you’ve been outside enjoying the sights and you get a little warm. When touring all of the scenery, everyone can cool off and the kids are able to work out a lot of pent up energy.

Once you’re back on the road to see the rest of the trail, you’ll encounter the Flume Gorge. At one time, the White Mountains were molten rock and that resulted in the formation of this gorge. This is literally considered a geological wonder because there are not many gorges like it in the world, so you are seeing something quite unique.

As you continue on your journey, you’ll see the tops of the mountains, which serves as the roof of the White Mountains National Forest. There are mountains exceeding 6,000 feet. There are mountain sky rides that you can take to see these mountains and I recommend that you do because you are not going to see some of the sights from the road. If you are not too keen on the idea of a sky ride, you can hike your way to the top and see what magnificence nature has made. Nevertheless, one of the most breathtaking rides is the Aerial Tramway, which transports 80 people and takes you to the summit of Cannon Mountain, which is at 4,200 feet. Make sure you have your camera because the views are breathtaking.

There are even more ways for you to see the White Mountains. It’s hard to describe them all and can be difficult to experience them all in a single day. That’s why you may want to stay at a reasonably priced inn in the area. There are plenty. Most of your adventure is free or very low cost. You’ll spend more money on souvenirs, which makes this a great budget friendly trip for the entire family.

Go Wild at the Columbus Zoo

One of my favorite travel destinations as a child was the Columbus Zoo and I have continued to visit throughout the years. In a couple of months I will be taking my own daughter on her first trip to the Columbus Zoo and I cannot wait. That is why I wanted to go ahead and share my experience and what we are expecting to see when we arrive there in April.

Something I love about the Columbus Zoo is the relationship the staff has with the animals. They celebrate birthdays, pay tribute to those that pass on, and they truly care for them. The animals are literally happy within their homes and this is an amazing thing to see. As for what you can see, you will see amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles of all kinds. 

I am particularly fond of the large animals, such as tigers, black bears, polar bears, elephants, gorillas, monkeys of different types, alligators, and many others However, the North American River Otter, the Mexican wolf, and the moose are even fascinating. The animals are from regions all around the world.

When the weather is warm, it is a must to Zoombezi Bay to cool off. You can hang out in the wave pool that throws 7 different waves at you. If you want to really relax, you can float down the lazy river, which is 850 feet in length, so it is not a short ride. You can then liven things up by heading over to Roaring Rapids, which is an action river with surprises around every corner. There are also other water attractions and slides that have some really exciting drops. I like Dolphin Dash because I can race my husband to the bottom. I tend to win.

You can also enjoy golf at Safari Golf. I’m not a golfer, but what I do know is that you need to book your tee time in advance to ensure you have a space on the course. There are fees that you will want to inquire about. They do change at times and the 2011 fees have not yet been released.

Overall, it is good to spend an entire weekend at the Columbus Zoo. You may want to spend a day at the zoo and then spend a day at Zoombezi Bay. As for admission prices, children under 2 get in for free, $7.99 for ages 2 to 9 and 60+, and $12.99 for ages 10-59. At Zoombizi Bay, children under 2 get in for free, 2-9 and 60+ is $24.99, and ages 10-59 is $29.99. Parking is also $5.00 and a locker for the day is $6. You can also reserve cabanas for a fee if you like.

You can have good family fun for a decent price. I have always had a fantastic time at this zoo and am looking forward to going again.

Looking for Something Different? Try Agritourism in Tennessee

Agritourism is growing in popularity and West Tennessee has plenty of it to explore. The best way to explore it is by piecing together an itinerary that includes your lodging and the sites that you want to see. You can expect to visit approximately 5 places and spend 2 to 3 days doing so.

The first time I experienced a form of agritourism in Tennessee was in 2005 when I was able to get a first-hand view of cotton fields. Being the granddaughter of a farmer with an 8^th grade education who took a 5 acre plot of land and later turned it into hundreds upon hundreds of acres of wheat fields, feed corn, soybeans, and tobacco that he sold to big corporations, I have always been fascinated by this art. I watched my grandfather weather floods, every pest imaginable, and a variety of other challenges, yet he continued to expand his operations. Even when tobacco was taken out of the equation, he managed to stay on top, passing the business onto his children upon his passing in 2003. I am very proud of all he accomplished and like to see what others have accomplished. It is amazing to start with a seed and dirt and make something great out of it.

So one place you want to stop is the Bradford Serendipity Bed and Breakfast Inn in Bradford, Tennessee. You are surrounded by 30 acres of land and you can stay in a suite that includes a private bathroom, a queen bedroom, and an antique kitchen. If you have a large party, there is an additional twin bedroom with a bathroom in the hallway. In addition, there are wildflower trails, a piano, a lighted tennis court, and a game room. Rates can vary, so you can email or call in advance with your lodging specifications and receive an exact price. 

You should then stop at the West Tennessee Agricultural museum where you will see many educational items and materials that helped shape the world of agriculture for the past 200 years. The museum is open Monday through Saturday until 4:00 and admission is free.

The Crenshaw Christmas Tree Farm and Barn in Trenton, TN is a great stop because there are 130 rolling acres of Christmas trees. The barn is made to seat 700 people for shows and other events. There is an admission price, which is subject to change. If you are traveling in a group, group discounts are available.

I personally enjoyed Carmack Farms in Ripley, Tennessee. This is because I was able to pick my own strawberries, green beans, and sweet corn. You can also pick purple hull peas. However, if you are unable to do the picking, you can have one of the staff do it for you. Once you have gathered your hull, you then pay for it by weight. I really enjoyed this because I used to spend hours picking strawberries, green beans and sweet corn with my grandmother when I was a child. 

And lastly, the Cotton Museum of the South in Bells, Tennessee is another stop to make. You can see a cotton gin from 1915. There are shops, a one-room schoolhouse, and log buildings. There is a lot of things to see and it is very educational to take this short trip back into time.

Do You Like Wine Enough to Travel for it?

I don’t mind a little wine now and then and I do mean a “little” as to not become intoxicated. In other words I avoid getting drunk so that I’m not dancing on tables and embarrassing myself. I do, however, love a little wine tasting, which is something I will do when passing through Charlottesville, Virginia.

Charlottesville’s wine country is home to a number of wineries that allow individuals of the legal drinking age to come and taste their products. Wine tasting is not only a lot of fun, but it is a way to find the perfect wine that suits your taste. There are several that I like, so it’s hard to make a decision.

The first and most famous of the vineyards is the Jefferson Vineyards, named for the famous founder Thomas Jefferson, with its 20 acres that visitors are able to tour. The tour includes a history of wine making in Virginia. This winery is a big deal because it has a long history that goes along with its famous founder. The wine tasting deck offers a view of Jefferson’s home and of the beautiful Carters Mountains. If you want to engage in the tasting experience here, you can do so for just $5.

If you want to stay in the area so that you can tour The Jefferson Vineyards and all of the others in the area, the Dinsmore House is a bed and breakfast that was built by the same master builder that built Jefferson’s home. It is located just a block away from the University of Virginia and has modern amenities that include flat screen TVs and WiFi. The cost starts at approximately $109 per night.

So if you decide to stay at the Dinsmore House or a local hotel or motel so that you can visit all of the vineyards, the next stop should be the Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard. This vineyard can be found just south of Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson, and the cost is $10 to enjoy a tasting of the wines that this winery creates.

Almost 20 miles south of Charlottesville is the King Family Vineyards. The farm is 15 acres with polo ponies on the property. This means that visitors can observe free Sunday polo matches from Memorial Day until the last Sunday in September. Tastings are only $5 and visitors can enjoy a picnic on vineyard grounds while eating a Crozet Pizza. This pizza is absolutely magnificent. I’m not from Virginia, but the word is that it is the best that you will find in the state. The pizza costs $11.50 and you choose amongst 30 toppings, including peanuts.

There is a lot to see and do at the vineyards in Virginia’s Wine Country. This is a great way to find a wine that you love so that you can take some home with you. The wines also make great gifts for other wine lovers in your life. You can easily impress them with wine from somewhere such as Thomas Jefferson’s own vineyards.

Feeling a Bit Chilly? Southern Florida has the Solution

It may be obvious that I’m dreaming of warmer weather because this time I’m traveling in my mind to the south and, if I could, I would be leaving right this instance to visit Cayo Costa, Florida for what is considered an undiscovered beach. The area is beautiful in the Cayo Costa State Park in Southwestern Florida south of Sarasota. If you don’t want crowds and you want to forget about how fast paced life can be, then this is your place.

So what makes this State Park/beach area so different from all of the others in Florida? Well, it’s simple. The Cayo Costa area is one that feels as if it has never been claimed by any particular community. The white sand that lies upon the 9-mile strip is practically untouched. Now, there are some areas that are blocked off. On Lacosta Island, you will find a bird nesting area. There are many birds calling this area home because they are practically undisturbed. The low concentration of people makes it the ideal place for creatures to hang out.

The most northern area of Cayo Costa is protected, so it looks the same way it probably would’ve looked when Spanish traders first arrived in the area. This is probably one of the rawest nature areas you will come across in Florida and it makes a great couples getaway. There are not a lot of activities that children can engage in unless they like to fish and spend time on the beach. Of course, everyone loves the beach. However, it is good for children to have other activities to engage in as well.

Because the area is so raw, it is best for you to bring your own lunch. You can sit beneath one of the mangrove canopies to eat and relax. Now, if you do want to bring your children with you, if you have children, make sure you bring tote bags. This is because the beach has a variety of treasures other than large bird populations.

The treasures that you will find include some of the best seashells you will find in the world, such as fully formed lightning whelks. There are tiny coquina shells everywhere in the sand. There is a lot to find that you won’t find anywhere else. I’ve been to many beaches and the shells that I’ve encountered are nothing like these.

Also, when going to Cayo Costa, it is good to know that it is an island and you will have to hitch a ride via private boat to go there. There is also a ferry that travels from Pine Island, Florida that will take you to Cayo Costa so that you can spend all day on the island or camp out there overnight. Whatever you decide to do, this is a very peaceful place to spend time. 

Looking Forward to Planning a Warm Weather Retreat?

Many of us are getting a bit tired of the cold temperatures, the snow, the icy roads, and feeling as if we just can’t make our homes warm enough. Yes, not even a good house robe and fuzzy slippers seem to do the job when the temperatures are bottoming out. All of this makes us think of the many things we are going to do when the weather is warm again.

One of the places I like to go is not far from my home, but individuals from all over like to come to Long’s Retreat Lake. This is a lake that is located in Latham, Ohio and one of the few lake water parks that you will find. Yes, there are no wave pools, no chlorine, and the water is not crystal clear. It’s lake water, so you are able to experience a great deal of nature.

My dad took my brother and I there for the first time in 1990 and I had a great time going down water slides, swimming in the lake, eating at the concession stand, and later on getting to take a hike. We didn’t camp out, but there are campgrounds to accommodate tents and RVs. There are also family cabin rentals. There is a cost associated with renting campground space and cabins. The cost is going to vary based upon the campground or cabin and how many individuals will be staying. There are also vacation packages that are made available at certain times. For instance, Memorial Day weekend tends to consist of a 5 day vacation package that includes an all day pass to swim, slide on the waterslides, play unlimited miniature golf, and relax in canoes or paddle boats.

Of course, the aforementioned activities are available to everyone. When arriving at the resort, the purchase of an all day pass (prices not yet set for 2011 season) allows an individual to engage in all of those activities. However, there is an additional cost that is associated with the Go Karts, Trampoline Basketball, Water Wars, the Carousel, Moonbounce, the game room, and the climbing wall.

Obviously, there is a lot to do and that’s something I love about this place. I love every activity that Long’s Retreat has to offer. The entire region surrounding Long’s Retreat has a lot to do, such as horseback riding, the Adventure Trail, which is far off the beaten path, and a lot of art and culture. So if staying on resort grounds, the desire to explore the surrounding area may hit you. If that’s the case, there are quilt barns, historic places, and much more to explore. Even the scenic driving routes are worth checking out. It’s simply a beautiful area that is filled with adventure.

Getting Down With Coca Cola and History in Vicksburg

Most of us enjoy having an ice cold Coca Cola, whether it is Diet Coke, Caffeine-Free Coke, or regular Coke. And yes, Cherry and Vanilla are popular flavors. There’s just something about it that is wonderful. Because of the incredible history of Coca Cola, the memorabilia is in high demand. Some individuals even do their kitchen décor in Coca Cola and this love for the beverage may result in a trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi to the site where the drink was first bottled.

It is rather funny that Coke was intended to be a medicine when John Pemberton (not General John Pemberton who surrendered the city to the Union Army in the Civil War) invented it in the late 1800s. The history begins in 1886 in which it went through a number of developments that eventually led to it being bottled by the Biedenharn Candy Company in 1891 (some sources say 1894).

The Biedenharn Candy Company building may not look like much, but it is now a museum that reproduces the bottling works of the time and also has a 1900s soda fountain that works. I do wonder what the soda tastes like coming out of that old fountain.

After a visit to the museum, it is good to see what else Vicksburg has to offer. It has a very interesting history with a number of markers throughout that highlight events that occurred during the Civil War. For instance, the Seige of Vicksburg was a very significant event because the Union Army obtained control of the entire Mississippi River in which the city is located. This seige was the result of surrender by General John Pemberton. Because of this siege, Vicksburg refrained from celebrating the 4^th of July until 1945.

And despite a tornado that swept through the city in 1953 that destroyed almost 1,000 buildings and took 38 lives, there is plenty of history to be seen and experienced. As for places to stay, I recommend a good Bed and Breakfast. If that’s not your cup of tea, then there are hotels and motels to fit any budget.

Whichever you choose, it does pay to stay in town so that you can walk amongst the many historical areas and read the markers. The markers tell what occurred in a specific location. For those interested in the racial unrest that occurred in the area, there were such events as the Vicksburg Massacre in 1874 in which 50 black residents were killed by white men. There have, however, been a number of different accounts as to how many actually perished.

There was a lot of racial unrest that is a part of the history, but also serves as a reminder that the city has come a long way. Those wishing to study this history can find a lot of information in Vicksburg.

So not only do you get to visit the home of where your favorite soft drink was originally bottled, but a historical Civil War city, and a place that is the epitome of racial evolution. As a matter of fact, over 60% of the population is black.

There's An Adventure Under the Minnesota Snow

It won’t be too much longer before the snow in Minnesota starts to melt. When it does, there are a lot of wonders to be unveiled, such as Niagara Cave. No, the cave is not related to Niagara Falls, but for those looking for a good cave adventure, this is one to be had.

Located in Harmony, Minnesota, the hours of operation begin on Saturdays and Sundays in April to then being open seven days a week in May until November 14^the and there is a cost that depends upon group size. There are certain times in which tours are offered, so it is good to plan in advance. But what can be found within the cave is quite fascinating. It is not a bat habitat, so there will not be any bats hanging from the cave ceiling. It does, however, have a 60 foot high waterfall, calcite flowstone, massive stalactites, and 400 million year old fossils. No matter the time of year, the temperature remains a chilly 48 degrees.

There are a number of stairs throughout the cave, so it is one in which wheelchairs and strollers will not be able to make it through. The gift shop, however, is wheelchair accessible and contains a number of souvenirs, snacks, clothing, and other items. What I find fascinating about the gift shop is the display of fossils from all over the world. There are also a number of onyx and pewter chess sets and figures. Everything is very reasonably priced, which is something I enjoy in a gift shop.

The picnic grounds are like your usual picnic grounds with shelters. However, there are 10 grounds with shelters that can seat over 100 people and a short nature trail to hike after having a good meal.

And gemstone mining is also an activity that is a lot of fun. This is one that adults and children can enjoy because you are mining for real fossils and genuine gemstones. You can really end up with some nice loot when it’s all said and done. All you do is purchase a bag of mining rough from the gift shop and then you can sift through it in the sluice. This is mining the way it was done back in the old days. There is an identification board near the sluice so that you know what you have found.

There is definitely a lot to see at Niagara Cave. I enjoyed my trip there and did find some Topaz and Rose Quartz while mining for gems. I also went crazy in the gift shop, which is easy to do because many of the items within were quite unique to me and, of course, I have to have something that not many others in my neck of the woods have.

Gaming West Virginia Style

Last Friday I headed over to Cross Lanes, West Virginia with my sister-in-law and my best friend for some good slot machine action at the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort. I love video slots because I can make a buck stretch a long way with bonuses, especially on my favorite video slot machine, Hot Penny. I will go ahead and say that I do not have many photos of the casino because photography within is forbidden unless taking photographs of your friends with no one in the background.

Anyway, the Mardi Gras Casino is formerly known as the Tri-State Gaming Center and Greyhound Track. The Greyhound track is still there and my brother is a genius when it comes to playing the dogs. He can easily win $600 on a single bet. That is why when we go back in a couple of weeks, he is going with me to teach me how to play the dogs. I have done it once before, but was beyond unsuccessful in winning anything.

The system that is used within the casino has evolved in the last several years. With legislation that now allows tabletop gaming in West Virginia, the casino has grown by leaps and bounds, moving from a system where the machines spit out tons of quarters to a ticket system that enables you to print out a ticket worth the amount of your winnings. You can play the same ticket in other machines rather than play more cash, and you can then insert the ticket into a machine that allows you to redeem it. It is all very streamlined and simple.

I like the fact that when you look at the screens of other gamers, they aren’t really playing with big bucks. I never take more money with me than what I can afford to lose, which means I don’t take a lot. First, I spend money on food. There is the Café Orleans, which I love. They make the best double cheeseburgers and Reuben’s and their fries are to die for. However, my sister-in-law loves the Friday night seafood buffet at the French Quarter and I do have to agree with that. For $22.99 you can get an amazing seafood spread that includes crab legs and some of the same delicacies you will find on a seafood buffet at the beach. It’s well worth the price.

After I eat a meal, that’s when I like to play. My friends like to go to the many bars spread throughout the casino. There are a couple of bars stationed in the video poker area, one in the poker tournament area, and a number of others throughout. This casino has a couple of floors for you to work with.

For those that may be drinking, there is a resort. The resort is VERY nice and one that my best friend tends to stay at. I’ve seen the rooms that she has stayed in and they are quite elegant. For those that want to have a nice weekend getaway, there are packages that include casino cash and a stay at the resort. These packages are great because they can save some money.

If the resort seems a little expensive, there is a Comfort Inn within walking distance. For those that do not want to walk, there is a shuttle that will take gamers to and from the Comfort Inn.

This is one of my favorite places when I want to have a good time with my friends. Last week, I came home with $80 more than I started with, so I fared quite well, considering I played nothing but penny slots at the minimum bet on 20 lines. Like I said, I can make a dollar stretch.