Charming Flagler County, Florida, has so much to offer any leisure traveler - beautiful coasts, fun shopping, great hotels, pet-friendly beaches and more. The First Friday events are full of great food and music, and Flagler Auditorium produces top-notch theatrical productions. But did you know that Flagler County is also home to 72 miles of trails where you and your family can experience the glories of nature? On your next vacation, plan to do more than just walk or sunbathe on the beach - cycle, kayak or hike your way around Flagler.

Why not check out the 3,084 acres of Graham Swamp Preserve & Conservation Area? More than 2,500 acres of the land are covered by swamps, but you can still explore quit a bit of the grounds. Take a leisurely ramble through the hilly hiking trail or cycle through the 6.5 biking trail, which also includes log runs and jumps. If you'd rather take a less ambulatory approach to your visit to the Graham Swamp Preserve & Conservation Area, enjoy spotting the creatures that make the swamp their habitat: alligators, foxes, otter, deer, water fowl and more. 

Or, take out your paddles and travel down the intercoastal waterway! Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area is open 365 days a year and offers easy water access in addition to walking, camping, fishing and picnic areas. Better yet, you can rent kayaks, canoes and bikes right on the premises if you don't want to bring your own. Renting the equipment is a great way to try out a new outdoor activity - and even achieve those 2012 resolutions about being more active! 

Whether you prefer to get your feet wet or trek through swampland trails, Flagler has a wonderful outdoor adventure waiting for you. To learn more about all these options and more, check out the Complete Nature and Trails Guide PDF download:

http://www.visitflagler.org/files/completenatureandtrailsguideweb1.pdf

By Laura Smith

 

Anyone else besides me having trouble believing that it’s December? Well sure enough, it is and that means the holiday season is upon us. Cities across the country are celebrating in their own unique ways whether that’s by putting on a parade or setting up a spectacle of lights.

Here at VacationPlanning.net, we are fortunate to have several bloggers who tell us about the happenings in their city or region each week. During the holiday season, there are even more events and sights to see in each of these places. After you read the excerpts on each city, be sure to check out each individual blog listed below.

Flagler County
This year will be one for the books in Flagler County, Fla. with the first annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 1. It will also be the kickoff for the annual Fantasy Lights display, an exhibit of 37 luminous displays ranging from Santa to golfers to the Nativity scene. Photos with Santa can be taken Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Finally, the City of Palm Coast, Fla. will present their annual Holiday Starlight Parade featuring floats, marching bands, food, crafts and musical performances on Dec. 10.
Read more at http://www.vacationplanning.net/blogs/blog_pack/11-11-30/Holiday_Happenings_Flagler_County_Style.aspx

Hershey-Harrisburg
This Pennsylvania region possibly most famously known for its chocolate-themed amusement park also boasts a pretty large Christmas entertainment complex as well. Koziar’s Christmas Village will celebrate its 63rd year this holiday season complete with nearly half a million lights, Santa’s Toy Shoppe and Santa himself.

Also featured in Hershey-Harrisburg for the holidays are the Holiday Trains and Tree display at the Science Center and HersheyPark’s Christmas Candylane. Christmas Candylane features Santa, his nine (real, live) reindeer, a holiday-themed lightshow, rides, games and lots of chocolate!
For more information visit:
http://vacationplanning.net/blogs/blog_odesser-torpey/11-11-17/Christmas_is_in_the_air.aspx

http://vacationplanning.net/blogs/blog_odesser-torpey/11-11-23/Christmas_in_Hershey.aspx

http://vacationplanning.net/blogs/blog_odesser-torpey/11-11-30/Holiday_Fun_in_Hershey-Harrisburg.aspx

Grapevine
Grapevine might not be the biggest city in the Lone Star State but it is known as the Christmas Capitol of Texas. Santa and Mrs. Claus already made their appearances downtown and the Parade of Lights, the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas, comes to town Dec. 1. In addition, Grapevine hosts the North Pole Express, the Grapevine Opry Christmas, holiday movie favorites and more all during the month of December.
For more information, visit http://www.vacationplanning.net/blogs/blog_shapley/11-11-23/Santa_launches_Christmas_in_Grapevine.aspx

Abilene
Music is the highlight of the holiday season in Abilene, Texas this year. The Abilene Community Band will perform its annual Christmas Concert at the Paramount Theatre on Dec. 6. On Dec. 8, the Quebe Sisters Band will perform at the Paramount for the Big Country Christmas Concert, which will benefit Disability Resources, Inc. Finally, the Abilene Community Theatre along with Chorus Abilene will host their second annual “Home for the Holidays” event – a holiday musical variety show - Dec. 16 and 17.
For more information, visit
http://www.vacationplanning.net/blogs/blog_shanna/11-11-16/Upcoming_Live_Music_in_Abilene.aspx

By Laura Smith and Caroline Morrow

Last weekend we had the exciting opportunity to attend the 25th annual GrapeFest—A Wine Experience in Grapevine, Texas. The festival honors the wines, vineyards and wineries of north Texas and is the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the country. This year’s competition featured 119 wines from 33 Texas wineries. And trust us, they were all delicious!

 

Legoland Discovery Center and SEA LIFE aquarium

Before we could indulge in the savor of the Texas-made vino, we toured two new and entertaining attractions in Grapevine – Legoland Discovery Center and SEA LIFE aquarium, both located at Grapevine Mills shopping center. Upon arrival to Legoland, we felt as though we were actually stepping into a ride at Disney World. Professor Bric-a-Brac walked us through the Lego “factory” process where we learned how the Legos are actually made. From there, we hopped aboard the Kingdom Quest ride where we zapped trolls and skeletons with laser guns to rescue the captured princess!

 

Craig Hardin, our tour guide and sales coordinator for Legoland Discovery Center, then brought us into the main Discovery Center room where kids (and adults!) can build Lego buildings, Lego cars (and race them down a track), play in a Lego-inspired play zone, watch a movie in the 4D theater or visit the Princess Palace. Miniland, however, was definitely our favorite area: a room filled with an extensive model of the Grapevine/Dallas-Fort Worth area built entirely out of Legos. According to Hardin, Miniland took a year to build. Everything in Legoland Discovery Center is created by the master model builder, who was found through a city-wide search last year. The master builder even created a life-size Mavericks basketball player in honor of their 2011 NBA Championship victory. The figure stands at exactly seven feet tall; now that’s a lot of Legos! Legoland also hosts approx. 18 to 20 birthday parties a week. That’s not surprising considering the wide array of activities and attractions!

Next we headed across the mall to SEA LIFE. We were intrigued to find out SEA LIFE is the biggest aquarium brand in the world; even London houses a SEA LIFE aquarium. The Grapevine aquarium just opened on July 12 and we couldn’t have been more impressed. Craig took us through the entire attraction, beginning with a look at aquatic life in Texas, then highlights of river environments, and then eventually a look at sea life itself. The Ocean Tank was especially captivating: filled with 140,000 gallons of salt water, it is home to 11 sharks. In addition to the Ocean Tank, we experienced the 360-degree Ocean walk where you can see sharks, fish, rays and more swimming next to you, below you and right above your head.

 

GrapeFest- A Wine Experience

 

After ooh-ing and aaaah-ing at Lego masterpieces and sharks swimming overhead, we headed to GrapeFest for the People’s Choice wine tasting, where 119 wines from 33 wineries were poured for meticulous judging. About 500 people crowded under a massive white tent for an hour and a half, sampling merlots, Rieslings, sangrias, chardonnays and more. We also enjoyed pairing the wines with different types of cheeses and crackers.

Some of our favorites (and those we suggest to try) were:
- Lenoir-Sage Vineyard’s Bells (chardonnay)
- Homesteaad Winery’s Prairie Rose
- La Buena Vida Vineyards’ Red Headed Stepchild (sangria)

 

But the festival was not just about the wine. We enjoyed great festival food, which included roasted corn on the cob, fried Oreos, freshly-squeezed lemonade, corndogs and more. Yum! There were approximately 100 vendors that ran down the center of Main Street, selling everything from hand-crafted necklaces (Laura bought two!), homemade soaps, wooden crosses and pottery. There was also a kids’ area where parents could drop the young ones off as well as a full-sized carnival area complete with a Ferris wheel and roller coasters.

 

Perhaps what makes GrapeFest most appealing (besides the wine competition of course) is the activities that took place during the weekend. We got a kick out of watching teams of two compete at the Grape Stomp and indulged in examining luxurious prizes at the Vinter’s Auction. Other activities included the Champagne Cork Shoot-Off, the Legoland Discovery Center’s Junior Builder Contest and the Tribute dinner, where we sipped nine award-winning wines in a black-tie setting.

 

The best part of GrapeFest? The proceeds will benefit the Grapevine Heritage Foundation’s ongoing project at Nash Farm where groups learn about the history of the North Texas settlement, farming technology and more. We can tell you one thing about GrapeFest - we will be back again!

 

Photos by Laura Smith

By Laura Smith

 

This fall, consider a weekend trip to the beach at the Currituck Outer Banks. The Banks serve as a divider between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound and lie at the top of North Carolina’s barrier islands. While there, you can take in the tranquil beaches, great dining and hundreds of shopping locations. Popular local attractions include:

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
Currituck beach Lighthouse
Mackay island National Wildlife Refuge – prime spot for bird watchers!

For a beach destination mixed with Southern hospitality, the Currituck Outer Banks makes a great place for an early fall getaway.

By Laura Smith

Monday was Labor Day which means the summer has unofficially come to a close. Looking to take that one last quick vacation before the fall and winter chill sets in? Consider a trip to Sarasota on Florida's Gulf Coast- a destination that has one of the only sub-tropical climates in the country.

 

In total, there are six areas that line Sarasota’s coastline, including the popular Siesta Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key. Each Key is a little different, offering high-end shops and entertainment (Longboat key), quiet and serene environments (Lido Key) or even almost unknown places to get away (Manasota and Englewood Beaches).

 

If you’re more of an outdoorsy, nature lover, you can head over to the Myakka State River Park. The park offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, airboat tours and cabin rentals. You can also visit the Sarasota Jungle Gardens to come face-to-face with birds, reptiles and mammals that inhabit Sarasota.

 

If you’re planning fall nuptials, Sarasota also offers a prime environment for saying “I do.” The County’s Historic buildings like John Ringling's Ca d'Zan Mansion or the 1920s-era Crowley Mansion provide an elegant venue for ceremonies and receptions. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offer a lush tropical environment for tying the knot as well.

For whatever reason brings you to Sarasota, you won’t be disappointed or bored. Here are some upcoming events in the fall you can look forward to:

 

Sarasota Downtown Farmers Market – Every Saturday until January

 

Film Fridays at the South Florida Museum – Every Friday night, 6 p.m.

 

Florida Landscapes art exhibit – Weekdays until October

Geier’s Oktoberfest – Sept. 22-24

 

Images: sarasotafl.org

By Laura Smith

 

Today is the first day of the last month of summer, which means you’ve probably hit the beach a couple of times and have taken in the hot weather. If you’re looking to get away for one last-minute trip but want to escape the heat, why not consider heading to the Midwest? Milwaukee, WI. offers attractions, events and fun for all without the blistering high temperatures.

Jelly Belly World
Who doesn’t like Jelly Belly? Well if you’re one of the many fans of the chewy, sweet candy, you’re in luck visiting Milwaukee. Just a short drive away from downtown is one of the two Jelly Belly visitor centers in the U.S. At the center, you can take a free warehouse tour that shows how the candy is made and visit the store, where you can sample each type of jellybean the company creates.

Sea Dog Sailing
If you want to take in the cooler Milwaukee temperatures on your vacation, look no further than Sea Dog Sailing on Lake Michigan. Hop aboard the 38-foot yacht, Quinn Marie and take advantage of a day sail, sunset cruise or other voyage.

Cave of the Mounds
This natural limestone cave, which holds a constant temperature of 50 degrees, is open year 'round with guided tours daily on paved and lighted walkways. While on the tour, you can expect to see an array of colorful crystal formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.

Public Market
If you’re looking to do some one-of-a-kind culinary explorations while you’re in town, visit the Milwaukee Public Market. The market features unique, high-quality selections of artisan and ethnic products and freshly-made prepared foods. You can choose to eat at the market during lunch, after work or on the weekends, or purchase specialty products from the vendors to take home with you. The market also holds approximately five to six cooking classes a month.

Milwaukee Art Museum
For another cultural experience while in Milwaukee, head over to the Milwaukee Art Museum. The museum features educational talks, classes and through Sept. 2011, visitors can experience the Summer of China exhibition. This exhibition features three thousand years of Chinese art and culture in five exhibitions, all celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the Quadracci Pavilion at the museum.

Discovery World
Interested in science and technology? Want to give your kids an educational experience? Discovery World is a facility that includes interactive science, technology and freshwater exhibits to give guests a better understanding of technology and the environment. If you visit Discovery World, you can expect to experience 3-D simulations of virtual environments, simulate flying an airplane, see the inside of a nuclear reactor, see aquatic life from the Great Lakes, North Atlantic, and the Caribbean and view the world's largest model of the Great Lakes.

Photos courtesy of the Milwaukee CVB

By Laura Smith

 

Last week you read about New York state as a potential vacation destination this summer. This week, we head West to Denver, Colorado. With more than 100 activities to partake in this summer, you will be sure to have a good time wherever you go in the Mile High City.

Are you into the great outdoors? Then you know Denver has prime outdoor activities and spots to hike, bike, camp and more. Head out to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater for a day hike or concert or explore Rocky Mountain National Park a short drive away. If you want to just sit back and relax and enjoy the Colorado scenery, take a ride on the historic Georgetown loop, a narrow gauge railroad through the Rocky Mountains.

If you want to bring the kids with you, there are plenty of Denver attractions to keep you and them entertained. Head over to the Denver Zoo and come face to face with a Komodo dragon or experience heart-pounding thrills on the 45 rides at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park downtown. Kids into baseball? Take them down to Coors Field to see the Colorado Rockies play.

 If you’re looking for specific summer events, head out to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival on Fourth of July weekend. The festival, which has been around since 1981 celebrates visual, culinary and performing arts usually brings out an annual attendance of 350,000 visitors. The festival’s non-profit mission provides art education and outreach programs in local area schools. In August, check out the finish of the U.S.A Pro Cycling Challenge in downtown Denver on the 28th.


Looking to delve into the cultural side of Denver? Find your inner Jack Sparrow at the Real Pirates exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or get a little dirty at the Marvelous Mud exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. Finally, head over the Botanic Gardens to see the internationally-acclaimed outdoor Native American sculptures.

By Laura Smith

 

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year. No, I’m not talking about the holidays. It’s the time when the frost melts, the flowers bloom and temperatures are finally bearable again.

Springtime in the northeast U.S. brings in an influx of travelers looking for a getaway in weather that is warm enough to be comfortable but not overbearingly hot. For those travelers, New York state is a perfect option for a springtime vacation.

While New York City may be to many the epitome of a “get away from it all” vacation, the state is more than just Rockefeller Center and Broadway. Below are some areas of the state to consider when planning a trip to the Empire State.

Albany: While in Albany, check out the Howe Caverns, the New York State Museum, or the USS Slater. Fun fact: Albany is home to 57 listings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fulton County: This county is home to 44 different lakes and 74,832 acres of forest. While here, check out the great skiing on Royal Mountain or the Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center. Go golfing at one of the seven golf courses in the county or hike any of the popular trails, including Northville-Lake Placid Trail, Nine Corner Lake Trail and the Willie Wildlife Marsh trail.

Cayuga County: You’re just in time to check out the Lake Ontario Counties’ Spring Fishing Derby this June, or visit the many premium wineries and wine trails or the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail.

Chautaugua: While in Chatauqua, take a cruise on the Chatauqua Lake on the Chatauqua Belle steamboat or visit the Audubon Center & Sanctuary, a 600-acre wildlife sanctuary with five miles of hiking trails, woods and wedlands. I Love Lucy fan? Check out the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center and Museum.

Oneida County: Go back in history in Oneida County. Visit the Erie Canal Village, a reconstructed 19th century settlement, or visit the Fort Stanwix National Monument. The reconstructed 18th century fort played a major role in the American Revolution.

Cooperstown: If you’re going to visit Cooperstown, a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum is imperative. If you’re into the arts, spend a night out at the Glimmerglass Opera or during the day, check out the New York State Historical Association.

Wayne County: Check out: Upstate BMX Track, The Lake Ontario Wine Trail and the Heritage Square Museum.

Dutchess County: Check out Art Along the Hudson, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
Big Bear Ziplines or take a hot air balloon ride with Blue Sky Balloons.

Long Island: Don’t let the strong accent and the coffee addictions fool you. Long Island offers beautiful beaches and an assortment of golf courses to choose from. Hike or bike in one of the Island’s many parks or take a nature cruise.

Lake George area: Visit the Lake George Historical Association and Museum or check out the Adirondack Winery Tasting Room. Or for more thrills, check out the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course with six courses, 120 obstacles, zip lines, rope bridges and more.

Ulster County: The Huguenot Path Nature Sanctuary, Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, or experience all the arts and culture of the Hudson River Valley.

Hudson Valley: Carnegie Library, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, bird watching and wildlife sanctuaries.

Saratoga County: Into horse racing? Head out to the Saratoga Racetrack. Also check out the Saratoga National Historical Park.

Westchester: Check out the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, Hudson River Museum and Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.

By Laura Smith

 

What do you think of when someone says “Minnesota?” Ice fishing? Skiing? Well, think again because it’s springtime and in Hinckley, Minn., it’s the perfect time for being outdoors in warmer weather.

This city of 1,800 (Source: 2010 U.S. Census) is located at the junction of Interstate 95 and Minnesota State Highway 48. But don’t take it for another small town. Hinckley boasts not only beautiful Minnesota surroundings, but activities for guests of all ages.

When you first come to Hinckley, it’s worth visiting the Hinckley Fire Museum. The Hinckley Fire, an epic firestorm that occurred in 1894, devastated more than 480 square miles and cost more than 400 lives. Before delving into the city’s outdoor adventures, come discover a piece of Hinckley history.

If you’re an avid biker, Hinckley is worth checking out. The longest paved trail in the state, The Willard Munger State Trail, starts in Hinckley and winds through several towns with scenic views and shops along the way. In addition to the Trail, you can bike within the St. Croix State Park and Banning State Park.

These state parks also give way to state forests that are known for their many ATV trails. St. Croix State Forest offers approx. 45 miles of four wheeling trails and connects to the Gandy Dancer Trail, another popular ATV spot. Others include Nemandji State Forest, Chengwatana State Forest and General Andrews State Forest.

If golf is your thing, then check out the four golf courses in the area, the closest being Grand National Golf Club, which offers a championship layout and scenic holes. Other nearby courses include the Pokegama Lake Country Club, Sandstone Area County Club and the Spring Brook Golf Course.

Next door to Grand National Golf Club sits one of Hinckley’s most popular attractions, the Grand Casino Hinckley. The 24-hour entertainment complex boasts one of the biggest gaming floors in the state, five restaurants, two lounges and more than 700 hotel rooms. In addition, there is the Grand Arcade for teenagers, a spa, bar and RV park.

If you’re looking to get away for a springtime Midwest vacation, Hinckley is the place to visit!

By Laura Smith

 

Thursday was opening day for major league baseball, meaning one thing: summer is coming. Since it is already April, you might be beginning to think about where you want to take the family for a mid-summer getaway. How about somewhere in your own national backyard?

Florida offers beaches, shopping, attractions and entertainment for all ages and you can be sure a vacation to Sunshine State will provide fun wherever you choose to go. While the options for destinations in Florida are endless, below are four areas of Florida worth checking out this summer.

Pensacola

Located to the far west of the panhandle, Pensacola is a true Southern city rich in history. During the summer season, visitors can expect to take in several music and food festivals, art shows, coastal cuisine and more. While you’re there, make sure the check out some of the more popular sights and places. One favorite is the National Naval Aviation Museum, where visitors can see hundreds of war planes on display and more than 30 exhibits. You could also head over to the historic district and take in a tour of Historic Pensacola Village or Fort Pickens National Park.


Gainesville

Gator fan? If so, this is your vacation destination in Florida. Gainesville is located center of North Florida, Gainesville has enough to offer without having a nearby beach. If you’re an avid football fan, you know that the University of Florida has one of the biggest football programs in the country. Head over to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to catch a game. If you want to stay inside from the Florida heat, visit the Florida Museum of Natural History where you will find exhibits on Florida cattle ranching, cowboys and Florida wildlife.

 

Martin County

Also known as the “Treasure Coast,” Martin County, Fla is located in the Southeast part of the state. The area boasts the oldest and only remaining lifesaving stations, a world-class oceanographic center and midnight sea turtle egg-laying expeditions. In addition be being known as the Treasure Coast, the county is also known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. So if you’re an outdoorsy person, Martin County is your best bet for a summer destination.

 

 

Flagler County

This northeastern coastal county is a quieter option for those looking for a more peaceful Florida vacation. With more than 10 beaches in the area, Flagler County offers plenty of options for relaxing and soaking up the sun. If you’re looking to get out for the day, head over the Earth Wonders Geological Museum to discover a world-class collection of rocks, minerals, gemstone and fossils. Another option would be to check out Flagler’s artificial reef program, where divers can enjoy safe, man-made reefs that strive to support coastal zone management.