Monday, January 31, 2011

Philadelphia Tourist Attractions


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While in Pennsylvania, you cannot fail to visit the world famous Philadelphia tourist attractions that offer a wide array of entertaining features and wonderful sightseeing. The two most important and prominent places to visit at Philadelphia are the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, these are a must visit locations whoever visits this city. There are varied tourist attractions at Philadelphia that includes the world famous Philadelphia Zoo, quaint old residential street and Elfreth's Alley. The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the nation's oldest zoos and still attracts a lot of people here. Given below is a brief introduction to some of the most visited and most famous Philadelphia tourist attractions:

a. Independence Hall locate at chestnut street is world famous; the hall is situated right opposite the Liberty Bell. The Independence Hall is a place of historic importance; this was the birthplace of United States that was completed in the year 1756. The monument is made of red brick and on the top is a clock tower. Independence Hall is one of the biggest and greatest icons of the United States of America; it is one of the most famous and major tourist attractions of Philadelphia. The most important room here is the Assembly room where George Washington was designated as commander in chief of the Army.

b. Elfreth's Alley is located on the 2nd street, its one of America's oldest residential street continuously occupied till date. The place dates back to early 1700s, the popular tourist attraction indicates how a colonial Philadelphia must have once looked like. The Alley's narrow streets are lined up with the modest setting of brick houses that are built for skilled folks and their families to live in. Near to the Alley you can find Elfreth's Alley Museum that includes restored homes of a chair maker and dressmaker.

c. The Liberty Bell is another greater symbol of American history, a symbol of freedom and the place of historic importance that attracts lots of tourists round the year. The Bell is housed in a massive glass pavilion that was earlier placed in Independence Hall; it was moved to its current location in the 1976 Bicentennial. It is also popularly known by the name State House Bell.

d. Philadelphia Zoo is located near Fairmont park, it is one of the oldest America's zoo that was opened in the year 1874. It was the time when country was celebrating first hundred years of independence. The zoo accommodates over 2,000 animals and also includes many attractions inside the zoo. The notably greater attractions inside the zoo include the Reptile House, Bird House, Primate Reserve, Carnivore Kingdom, African Plains, Amphibian house and children's zoo.

Other Philadelphia tourist attractions include places like Fort Mifflin, Rodin Museum, City Hall, Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Society Hill historic district, Germantown historical society museum, Congress hall, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts museum, Franklin Institute Science Museum and many other attractions.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Attractions of New Zealand


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Sky tower of Auckland

This is a radio and observation tower which is part of a casino that is opened 24 hours a day. This casino is called the Skycity Auckland Casino. The Sky tower reaches an incredible height of an incredible 328 meters. Up in the tower you can visit a bar and a restaurant, which is ideally visited in the evening for a dazzling view on the sunset. The ride up costs you $3 with a super fast lift that takes you up in no time. The tower attracts over 600,000 tourists per year! On the observation deck you can find the SkyJump, which is a bungy jump from the deck. The tower was built in 1997, and serves as a radio transmitter as well.

Fox Glacier

This glacier is located at the Westland national park on the west coast of the south island. The advantage of this glacier is that it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, ideal for hiking trips. The route which is often followed is from Fox Glacier village to Weheka. This glacier attracts over 1000 tourists a day. Since 1985, this glacier has been advancing at a pace of a meter per day!
Fox Glacier was named after Sir William Fox in 1872. Fox was prime minister at the time.

Northland forest

This is one of the more beautiful forests New Zealand has to offer. It is a forest in a tempered climate. Here you can find some of the tallest trees in the world. The Kauri tree (evergreen), the tree which mainly grows in this forest, can grow as tall as 51 meter en has a diameter of 14 meters. Unfortunately, most of these forests have been destroyed by lumberjacking, but fortunately, on the north island there still remain some.

General info

Because New Zealand is so isolated, it inhabits a unique and diverse flora. About 10 to 15 % of New Zealand is still covered with the original flora, most of it consists of national parks. These parks are certainly worthwhile visiting. The best known plant is the Pohutakawa, which grows beautiful flowers in December. There's not much left of the original faun New Zealand has to offer because of the introduction of goats and pigs and so on. The only original mammal is the bat. There are still some birds, but they are nearly extinct. On the coastal lines you can find dolphins, whales, sharks, tuna and snappers, to name a few fish.

Tourism to New Zealand is mainly oriented upon the beautiful nature New Zealand has to offer. There are a lot of companies which organize hiking trips.

Some events which you can visit:

- Golden Shears Sheep-Shearing Contest:

This festival takes place in Masterton in March

-Marlborough food and Wine Festival: second week of February in Blenheim

- Summer City programme: Takes place from January until February and takes place in Wellington. Some festivals are organized around the city.

There are a lot of activities that can be done in New Zealand. Rafting, for instance, can be done in the rivers Wairoa, Rangitaki and Tongariro on the North island. Other exciting activities are bungee jumping, canyoning, parapenting and jet boating.

New Zealand is rated second best by lonely planet, with its beautiful scenery and tons of attractions. It was the scene for all three of the lord of the rings movies as well, so fans of lord of the rings should certainly visit some of the scenes.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Attractions of Golden Triangle Tour Package


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Golden triangle tour package is one of hot selling in packages available in India to explore rich cultural, historical and heritage attractions of India. Most tour operators and travel agents promote this tour package at great level. It is highly recommended package especially for first time tourists in India. Golden triangle is one of the most sought after tourist circuits in northern India that covers three historic and historical cities of India. The destinations covered by this cultural circuit are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These cities are widely acclaimed for their historical and heritage attractions. They depict true amalgamation of modernity and tradition.

On this exciting journey in to India tourists will have a wonderful opportunity to explore rich cultural and historical past of India in forms of various ancient forts & palaces and monuments. There are a number of fascinating tourist attractions in these cities which are very popular among tourists coming from different parts of the world. The tour starts from Delhi and ends at Delhi after sightseeing at these three cities - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Delhi, the capital city of India, is the first destination of golden triangle tour. It has lots to offer its visitors. There are three UNESCO world heritage cultural sites in this city namely Red Fort (Lal Kila), Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. The Qutub Minar is the longest brick & stone minarets in the world. There is India Gate located on the Rajpath of India. This imposing monument is dedicated to those soldiers who had laid their lives during the first world war. Other major attractions in Delhi city are Lotus Temple, Birla Temple, Akshardham Temple (the largest Hindu temple complex in the world), President House, Parliament House, etc.

Agra is the second destination of golden triangle travel circuit. It is home to world famous love monument - the magnificent Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built in pure white marble it was built by mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the commemoration of his most darling wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Other attractions of Agra tour are Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daullah, and Buland Darwaza and Panch Mahal at Fatehpur Sikri.

The third destination of golden triangle tour package is Jaipur. Also known as the Pink City of India, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. Major attractions in this city are City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, etc.

Friday, January 28, 2011

5 Unknown Attractions of Orlando, Florida


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When we consider the attractions on offer in Orlando and the surrounding area, one can't help but immediately be drawn to the household names such as Walt Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld. Yet, the area boasts far more than those out of the country realise, and in response to the increasing number of cheap flights to Orlando I decided to write about 5 of the lesser-known attractions in the area.

1. Gatorland
Despite the huge popularity of SeaWorld, Orlando also caters for freshwater fans - and Gatorland is a must-see for those wanting to get up-close and personal with the toothy species. Dating from 1949, today the theme park and reserve is hoe to thousands of alligators and crocodiles and includes a breeding marsh, educational facilities and wrestling shows.

2. The Holy Land Experience
For a theme park with a difference, The Holy Land Experience is a theme park and museum that literally immerses the visitor into biblical times. Walk among ancient streets and witness lifelike re-enactments of key moments within the bible. To some, it may seem like an overblown cash-in on a religion, but to others it is no doubt a unique, enjoyable and educational day.

3. Bok Tower Gardens
For a more natural experience, Bok Tower Gardens is located near Lake Wales and is home to a botanical gardens and a historic tower. The gardens are named after Edward Bok who founded them in 1921 as a bird sanctuary. The site is still home to over a hundred bird species, and assorted wildlife, whilst the Singing Tower is built from marble and contains carillon bells which are rung daily.

4. SAK Comedy Lab
For comedy fans the SAK Comedy Lab is located in central Orlando and is famed for its improvisational comedy and theatre. Seasonal shows occur around the year, but the 'Dual of Fools' - featuring two teams improvising against each other - is its long running attraction. Other past shows include an improve game show, and a humorous Broadway send-up: Fourplay: The Improvised Musical.

5. Medieval Times
One truly American tourist tradition is the medieval re-enactment. Medieval Times (which can be found around the US) is a dinner theatre where diners can eat a 'royal' feast in the presence of sword fights and jousting. After being seated in a corner of a mock-up medieval castle, guests root for a knight as they do battle while you eat.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Tourist Attractions in Singapore


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Singapore is one of the sought after destinations for tourists from all parts of the globe. Travelers can explore a lot of things in this beautiful island country. Every year, tourists from all over the world visit Singapore to see and cherish the various tourist places in Singapore. Whether it is the high-rise buildings, wonderful shopping malls, beaches, gardens, or parks, tourist attractions in Singapore will definitely give you a thrilling experience.

Major Tourist Attractions in Singapore

There are several tourist attraction places in Singapore which include:

The Orchard Road: The Orchard Road, simply called as Orchard, is the city's entertainment and retail hub and is one of the popular tourist attractions in Singapore. The entire area is full of shopping malls and shops. During Christmas time, the beautiful Christmas decorations attract the tourists.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: This is a spectacular natural reserve bordered by a rainforest. Spread over an area of about 164 hectares, the place is the address of various types of plants. Bukit Timah Hill, regarded as Singapore's highest point, is the main attraction here. While roaming in this green nature reserve, the sweet melody of birds and voices of pangolins or monkeys will definitely accompany you.

Jurong Bird Park: It is a popular aviary in Singapore. It is the address of more than 8,000 birds of approximately 600 different species. The beautiful landscape of the park blended with the world's tallest man-made waterfall will mesmerize your senses.

Sentosa: One of the popular tourist attractions in Singapore, this spectacular island is situated off the country's southern coast. The island is the address of some of Singapore's best beaches. During your visit to Sentosa, do not forget to visit the Underwater World to explore the captivating marine life which promises endless enjoyment to the tourists.

The Underwater World in Sentosa is considered as one of the most adventurous and thrilling tropical oceanariums in Asia featuring more than 2,500 marine species. A travellator will guide you through the 80 meter acrylic tunnel and you will feel as if you have stepped deep inside the ocean. Dreadful sharks, stingrays, sea dragons, turtles, moray eels, lovely pink dolphins, a variety of fishes, and several other creatures will swim just next to you and over you.

Night Safari: The Night Safari in Singapore gives you a chance to get a close view of the nocturnal animals, which is usually a rare sight. This is possible by means of special "moonlight" lights illumination. Tourists can also walk along the illuminated tracks amidst the jungle into the territory of sloths, rhinoceros and tigers.

Other Tourist Places in Singapore

Travelers can visit Riverside, which is popular for theaters, classic museums and statues. They can enjoy Indian cultural elements in a nutshell in Little India. Tourists can also visit Orchard Towers, an 18-storied office building in Singapore. Retail outlets and bars are located on the first five floors of Orchard Towers and the others are leased as offices.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Venezuela Tourist Attractions


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Venezuela is known for its natural beauty and wide range of flora and fauna. Whether you are looking to spend time in the mountains, beaches or even a desert, Venezuela is the place to be. There are many tourist attractions in Venezuela that it is impossible to count them.

The biggest attraction besides its natural beauty and beaches is the Angel Falls. This is a free falling waterfall, and it is the largest one in the world. It falls a massive 3,000 feet. Besides this, the country is home to the Henri Pittier National Park, which is replete with different species of plants and animals, some of which are also endangered species.

People who love architecture will enjoy their time in Venezuela. There are many magnificent churches that are dotted all over the country. Most of the churches are from the Spanish colonial era, and each one is a testament of Venezuela's colonial past. Churches like La Iglesia de Santa Barbara, Plaza de la Chinita and Basilica de Chiquinquira are worth visiting and marveling over. These churches are located at Maracaibo. In the same place, you will also find ruins of old Spanish fortresses that are worth visiting.

One of the Venezuela tourist attractions that you should not miss is the Castillo San Carlos De Borromeo. It is a fort built on an island somewhere between 1664 and 1684. This old fort still has lookout towers that were build on all the four sides. The place is an excellent one if you want to get an idyllic view of the port.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Atlanta Area Attractions - Stone Mountain Park

The Stone Mountain Park got its name from the Stone Mountain, which is a granite stone rock. The Stone Mountain is located in the suburbs of Atlanta. The height of the mountain is about 513m. Most people believe that the Stone Mountain is the largest granite stone in the world. But, when you compare the Stone Mountain with the El Capitan in Yosemite, you will discover that it is just one fourth the height of the El Capitan Mountain in Yosemite, which is the tallest granite stone on earth.

The Stone Mountain is about 8km, if you want to go round. To reach the top of the mountain easily, use the sky ride. On the top of the mountain, you may find pools of water formed from the gathering of rainwater. At certain periods of the year the visibility of the Stone Mountain is limited because of fog which covers the whole place. There are some tiny Shrimp in the pools of water on the mountain. The tiny shrimp usually dies when the pools of water dries off and you can only find but their eggs, which are to survive when it rains again.

The Georgia State owns the Stone Mountain Park, which is managed by an association called the Stone Mountain Memorial Association. The operation of the park and the different attractions is been done by a corporation called the "Herschend Family Entertainment.

In 1996, some of the summer Olympic events took place in the stone mountain park, some of the events where table tennis and long tennis , Archer, and cycling just to name a few. There is also a museum which operates near the Stone Mountain memorial association (SMMA), called the Confederate Hall, whose objective is to educate visitors on how the Stone Mountain is. That is the ecology and geology. They also educate their visitor on the history of Georgia. Fishing, Picnic site camping etc. are some of the offers provided to visitors.

There are some commercial operators who offer attractions which may include:

1) The scenic railroad, which surrounds the entire mountain and facilitates the movement round the mountain.

2) The sky ride is cable-car which carries people to the top of the mountain.

3) The riverboat which is found in the Stone Mountain Lake.

4) The Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard are buildings which were built around the 1790 and 1845.

5) There is also a broadcast tower, which is found on the top of the mountain and transmits signals to two stations. That is the WGTV Channel 8 and Weatheradio Station.

It will be very good for all the inhabitants of Atlanta and visitors to really visit the Stone Mountain Park, for there are many things that you are going to learn there and even see.

This park remains one of the most important attractions in the Metro Atlanta area. Thousands of people visit the park everyday with their families and friends. Kids especially love the park, because of the many activities designed specifically for them. There's always some occasion going on at the park. You may want to check their website at stonemountainpark.com, before you visit Atlanta, to put the park on your list of places to visit.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Three Prominent Attractions In Virginia Beach


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Virginia Beach is a place full of marvelous attractions, awesome landscapes, blue skies and activities that will imprint deep in your memories. Virginia Beach has always been a great tourist destination and a major attraction for the tourists of all over the world. This place offers you everything right from mesmerizing natural scenic beauty to pristine beaches, alluring shopping experience to a great variety in dinning as it offers some marvelous seaside restaurants.

It is obvious that as the Virginia is a beach destination, the vacations are generally concentrated around the beach and oceanfront boardwalk. The city of Virginia Beach has grabbed the position of being one of the most sought after tourist destinations and summer resort of the state. Entire city is full packed with vibrant coffee shops, restaurants and bars. The city is also famous for having the longest pleasure beach in the world. Apart from impressive beaches that are the major attractions for the people, one could find some other stunning attractions in form of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Marine Science Museum, First Landing Cross, Ocean Breeze Waterpark and many other prominent attractions.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most exciting places in the city of Virginia. This marvelous wildlife refuge covers an area of about nine thousand acres situated amidst the coastline of barrier islands of Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This is an ideal shelter for thousands of permanent and migratory birds. Around ten thousand snow geese and ducks visit the site every year during fall usually during the month of December. This place is also an ideal hide out for a variety of endangered species of wild creatures such as piping plovers, peregrine falcons, loggerhead sea turtles and bald eagles.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the largest aquarium in the state with more than seventy thousand gallons of water in two buildings creating separate aquarium and natural habitat for living animals. The museum also arranges ocean excursion for those who are interested in catching the glimpses of whales or dolphins. One can also go for a cheap boat tour arranged by the museum itself.

There is also a separate habitat created for sharks and turtles, where visitors can see these oceanic creatures closely and learn about social habitats. The museum also offers a 3-D IMAX theater that is able to accommodate around three hundred spectators at a time. This is the best way of capturing the larger than life version of these sea creatures. The Virginia Marine Science Museum is a perfect place for a family outing in the city.

First Landing State Park is another must visit and quite interesting site for camping or picnicking. It was also a very prominent site as Europeans landed here for the very first time. The state park covers around thirty kilometers of area offering excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling and jogging. The park also exhibits Chesapeake Bay Center that is a great place for gathering information about the area. This park is also designated as a National Natural Landmark for its excellent habitat.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Attractions of Ladakh


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Ladakh is one of the sparkling jewels of India Tourism which stands apart from the other destinations. Travel to Ladakh and you are bound to get mesmerized by its enchanting landscapes, rocky, snow clad mountains, seasonal orchards, gorgeous valleys, beautiful monasteries and blood-pumping adventure sports. It is popularly known as 'Little Tibet' because of its geographical and cultural similarity to Tibet. It is the least populated and remotest region of the country which is steeped in natural beauty. This austerely beautiful destination is a big hit with tourists inclined towards adventure sports. The adventure sports which can be best enjoyed in Ladakh are trekking, mountain-biking, mountaineering, river-rafting and camping.

Ladakh is a snow desert ideally surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Himalayas, Karokoram, Zanaskar and Ladakh ranges. Leh, the capital city of this region is a popular pilgrimage center and tourist destination of Jammu and Kadhmir. Soaring to an altitude of 11, 975 feet above sea level, it is easily accessible from Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir).

Monasteries in Ladakh:

The land of Ladakh is peppered with several beautiful Buddhist monasteries. The monasteries are one of the major attractions here. Among all, the Hemis monastery is the largest and the most famous one. The extremely beautiful painting of Lord Buddha is publicly displayed once in 2 years in this monastery. Shey is another popular monastery which houses a gold plated copper statue of Lord Buddha.

Leh Palace:

It is a must-see attraction of Ladakh. Dating back to the 17th century, it is an enchanting palace of nine-stories. However, now the palace is in ruins.

Adventure sports in Ladakh:

The adventure sports are the reason why many a tourist from far and wide embarks on Ladakh tour. Here you can indulge in activities like river rafting, camping, mountaineering, yak and camel safari and cycling.

Wildlife in Ladakh:

Ladakh provides shelter to enchanting wildlife species such as Yak, Ibex, snow leopard, Nyan, Churu, Urial etc. Here you can also spot birds, including the migratory ones.

Ladakh Festivals:

The most propitious time to visit Ladakh is during the festive season. Ladakh offers several festivals in which tourists can feel the rich culture of this destination. The Hemis festival is one of the most interesting one, which is celebrated as a birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. Celebrated for 3 days in the month of June, this festival also offers an opportunity to buy fabulous handicrafts of Ladakh.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Many Glimpses of Charleston Tourist Attractions


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If you are walking through the deserted streets of Charleston you will understand the city in its true essence. It is more like a movie set. Here you wont find the jostling and bustling that is synonymous with so many other American cities. At least the spire of 180 churches can be made out. Old beautiful mansions with sprawling gardens and neat pavement can be mad out on either side of the main street. In a word the city is neat, and well kept. Its fame to claim becomes more pronounced during the Spoleto Festival. Art patrons from around the world gather here for concerts, dance shows, theatres. Then the whole city is abuzz with merry makers and tourists. The diners are almost always filled and it is hard to find rooms if you haven't made a prior booking. Tourists who comes to Charleston, starts with the houses and mansions of this old town. These mansions feature as one of the main Charleston tourist attractions.

The Battery mansion on East Bay street is one of the most photographed places in Charleston. The civil war images preserved here are one of a kind. The ravages of the war could be made out from the surrounding homes as well with their battered walls. The old homes stated to be preserved around 1920. It was communal feeling and sense of citizenship that drove a group of men to save them from utter destruction. There are many houses. Many known and non descript houses were restored. The Edmondston-Alston and the Aiken-Rhett House is a must see.

Garden and Plantations and Charleston tourist attractions:

The gardens here look straight out of Narnia. Swamps, stone bridges, sculpture, tomb, all give a fairytale picture. The charm lies in the fact that these plantation gardens are rather old and it is quite evident from the over grown trees and old shrubs. The Plantation house was burned during the Civil War. The Magnolia plantation house today stands as a modern building as nothing is left after the old building caught fire. However the garden with its old world charm still attracts tourists in hordes. The Draytona Hall is another old plantation house which was constructed in 1738. It was owned by the Drayton members till as late as 1975.Now it is a heritage property with wood carvings that is considered one of the best in the whole of America.

The Churches as Charleston tourist attractions:
Charleston can well be said as a city of churches. The original St Philip church was constructed in 1681 and was rebuilt again in 1723 after it was destroyed by a hurricane. It was again reconstructed in 1850. Then there is the St Michael's Episcopal Church which is also the oldest church in the city. Tuscan columns, portico style construction, and a steeple are the main architectural characteristics of the church. You can also visit the Circular Congregational Church was constructed in 1892.

Art Galleries as Charleston tourist attractions.

The important art galleries in Charleston are

Ann Long Fine Art
Charles II Gallery
Charleston Renaissance Gallery
Ellis-Nicholson Gallery
Eva Carter Gallery
Horton Hayes Fine Art
Martin Gallery
Smith-Killian Fine Art
Wells Gallery.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Nancy, France - Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants


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The capital of the French province of Lorraine, Nancy is one of the loveliest cities in France. Unlike Alsace, which was at one time ruled by Rome and Germany, Nancy has always been French.

Lorraine's powerful dukes ruled from Nancy, and today, the city is a mecca for lovers of Art Nouveau. But there's also plenty of medieval architecture to enjoy.

Place Stanislas is the heart of the city. Stanislas was an exiled Polish King who became Duke of Lorraine in 1737. The formal Place that bears his name is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's a masterpiece of 19th-century urban design. It separates the medieval Ville Vielle from the Ville Neuve, which has buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.

There's a Sound and Light show at Place Stanislas on summer nights,

The Place has impressive buildings on all sides -- the City Hall or Hotel de Ville, the Fine Arts Museum, the Grand Hotel, and the Opera House. It's surrounded by gilded, wrought-iron gates. Art lovers should visit the Musee des Beaux Arts, which has a solid collection of 15th to 20th-century European paintings, including work by Caravaggio, Delacroix, Manet, and Rubens.

Nancy France Art Nouveau.

The Musee des Beaux Arts on Place Stanislas is also one of the best places in town to see Nancy glass in the Art Nouveau style. A Nancy museum pass will pay for itself in savings if you visit two of Nancy's museums.

The Musee de l'Ecole de Nancy (the Museum of the Nancy School) is also included in the museum pass. It's a must-do for Art Nouveau fans. Emile Galle, the renowned glass artist, founded the school in 1901. Artists came from all across France to train here, and at the turn of the century, Nancy was the artistic equal of Paris.

The museum is a long walk from Place Stanislas, but public transportation is available. It's located in the former fin-de-siecle home of a wealthy department store magnate. You'll see glassware, furniture, fabrics, and jewelry designed by Galle, Majorelle, and other Art Nouveau luminaries.

Majorelle's villa is also in the neighborhood. Designed by Henri Sauvage in 1901, it has stained-glass windows created by Jacques Gruber in the Japonism style. The villa is another one of Nancy's Art Nouveau treasures.

Avenue Foch has several beautiful buildings at 41, 69, and 71. See the Tourist Information Office on Place Stanislas for directions to more.

Other Nancy France attractions.

Located in the old ducal palace, The Musee Historique Lorraine dates back to the 13th century. In addition to treasures of the Dukes, including 16th-century tapestries, you'll see sculpture from the medieval and Renaissance periods, paintings by Georges de la Tour, and the Dukes' ceremonial hall.

Shoppers should head to rue Gambetta or rue des Dominicains for stylish gifts and housewares. Rue Stanislas is good for antiques. Or check out the carousel and small zoo at Le Pepiniere, a 53-acre park.

Many of Nancy's best cafes are near Place de la Carriere. For more Art Nouveau design, have dinner at l'Excelsior. Restaurant le Foy and Le Capucin Gourmand are also great choices.

If you're staying overnight, the Grand Hotel de la Reine is right on Place Stanislas. There's no better location in Nancy France. The charming Hotel de Guise is located in an old restored townhouse and the Hotel des Prelats is in an old clerical house near the main square.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Tourist Attractions in Mesquite, Nevada


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Mesquite was established in 1873 by the Texas and Pacific Railway and was incorporated in 1887. It was a city where farming and cotton production was the main source of livelihood of the residents. Casinos were opened in later years to help improve the economy of the city. It later on became a capital of casinos and resorts.

Mesquite is located in the Virgin River Valley and is one of the favorite tourist destinations worldwide. Its popularity is largely attributed to the many golf courses and casinos in the area.

Aside from golf courses and casinos, Mesquite is also renowned for its many beautiful beaches. Tourists enjoy water activities here such as surfing, sailing, and scuba diving.

Because of the popularity of casinos, some resorts have incorporated casinos in their premises. Thus visitors can play casino games while at the same time enjoying the oceanfront view of the beach.

Indeed, Mesquite is a small city but packed with many beautiful and outstanding attractions, resorts, beaches combined with modern infrastructures. There are also bountiful places for dining, shopping centers, entertainment centers, and amusement parks that your whole family can enjoy. It is no wonder many tourists visit the city every year.

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is one of the most awaited events every year. This started in 1958, showcasing the talents of the Texan cowboys. It is very popular that it is always covered by many national television networks.

The Mesquite Arts Center hosts live performances of popular groups, including the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, Mesquite Community Band, Mesquite Community Theater and many other art groups. It also houses a large collection of exhibited artworks. This is frequented by lovers of the art and culture.
Car racing lovers go to the Devil's Bowl Speedway to watch full action-packed car racing competitions, held every March and November.

There are also some historical places you can visit such as the Florence Ranch Homestead and the Texas Queen.

For sightseeing attractions, these are must-see places:
o Valley of Fire
o Lake Mead
o Zion National Park
o Quail and Gunlock Lakes

A few minutes from Mesquite are also other wonderful attractions such as:
o Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
o Dallas Zoo
o Dallas Museum of Art
o Dallas World Aquarium and Rainforest
o Fair Park
o Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
o Six Flags Over Texas
o The Sixth Floor Museum
o West End Marketplace

Mesquite City is definitely a perfect vacation place. The city has the perfect spots suited to the varied interests of tourists.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Baltimore Attractions

Baltimore is one of the largest cities of Maryland and to let you know the fact that it is not a state capital. The place is situated on the river called Patapsco that is at the top of northwestern fork of Chesapeake Bay. The top of the Bay gives you an amazing view along with the direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. The early European settlings here made Baltimore more like a westernmost ocean harbor. Baltimore clippers are built at inner harbor area that represents the city's forward-looking attitude. Today, the harbor is a flourishing place for world business, lots of shopping, restaurants and varied attractions. There are lots of Baltimore attractions that are visited by thousands of people each year for varied reasons like food and entertainment and of course for the most important elements for Business. Baltimore possesses its own unique charm of the place with wonderful layout of the place featuring greater shopping areas and finest dining restaurants. Baltimore gives you more than expected dose of excitement and entertainment you might be looking for.

The western side of Baltimore includes the city center and Lexington markets which are the main attractions here. The place was established in the year 1782, there are over 150 merchandise shops. The city center was once a shabby districts at east harbor and federal hill, it has been totally revamped today give a way for bustling communities full of commuters. You can experience a village like atmosphere at Mount Vernon and Little Italy, the place has its own charm and people come here for relaxation and rejuvenation. Baltimore attractions are full of vitality and this is very evident by visiting at the campuses of the University of Maryland and also the famous Johns Hopkins University. It was in the late 19th century that Johns Hopkins became a wealthy philanthropist who embodied the place's work ethic and achieving American dream.

Baltimore's history is definitely a part of the USA's eastern seaboard; it was named after Lord Baltimore that was founded in the year 1729. Grist Mills made sure that the shipping industries are flourishing on the rivers. Baltimore experiences distinct seasonal climate those included are hot summers, cold winters, moderate temperatures and snowy winters although it tends to be windy climate all round the year. The residents of Baltimore are proud of its rich history and are very confident of shaping the future with inevitable changes. If you are at Baltimore, you can let go off one thing - it is almost considered a crime if you leave the place with tasting its specialty that are the world famous Maryland crabs. The other famous Baltimore neighborhoods include Federal Hill, Hampden, Harbor East, Little Italy, The Westside, Canton, Fell's point, Inner Harbor, Mount Vernon, and the downtown. Baltimore is always bustling with a wide variety of activities and entertainment for people of all age groups, you can take a free walk down Antique row, visit Baltimore museum of art, visit Baltimore's sports heroes, tour a free visit to Basilica, explore Broadway market, climb Washington monument, get a greater view from Federal Hill park and lots more.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

10 Top Attractions in Texas


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Texas is the second largest state in the Union both in terms of area (after Alaska), and of population (after California). There are many interesting places and events to see around the state, including:

1. The Alamo (in San Antonion): Originally built as a Spanish mission, the site became legendary as a result of the 1836 siege that took place during the Texas Revolution of 1836.

2. Forbidden Gardens (in Katy): An outdoor museum of Chinese culture and history. Perhaps the most impressive exhibits are a 1/20th scale model of the Forbidden City, as well as a Terracotta Army of 6,000 1/3 scale figures.

3. Hartman Prehistoric Garden (in Austin): A site where fossilized tracks and bones have been found, this is one garden of several within the Zilker Botanical Garden. The Hartman Prehistoric Garden has been set up to resemble a Cretaceous habitat, and even contains an actual-size sculpture of the dinosaur Ornithomimus.

4. Moody Gardens (in Galveston): A large and spectacular tourist attraction, Moody Gardens contains three "pyramids" which themselves contain the largest aquarium in the world, rainforest fauna and flora, and science exhibits and activities. There is also a landscaped sandy beach, IMAX theater, and a paddlewheel cruise boat.

5. Plano Balloon Festival (in Plano): An annual hot-air ballooning festival. The festival also offers other activities such as live bands, activities for kids, and great food.

6. Plaza Wax Museum (in San Antonio): Two attractions in one - Louis Tussard's Plaza Wax Museum (a traditional wax museum) and Ripley's Believe It or Not! (a museum of the strange and unusual).

7. SeaWorld San Antonio (in San Antonio): The famous marine-themed theme and zoological park.

8. State Fair of Texas (in Dallas): An annual event including many attractions including the largest ferris wheel in North America, a college football game, and even an Auto Show. The fair is also well-known for its deliciously high-fat foods such as deep-fried Oreo cookies, pork ribs and corn dogs.

9. Texas Rose Festival (in Tyler): An annual festival held in October of each year, this popular festival celebrates the area's rose-growing industry.

10. USS Texas (in La Porte): A battleship which served with the US Navy during both World Wars.

Friday, January 14, 2011

United States Tourist Attractions


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United States is a very popular tourist destination and offers a wide variety of attractions ranging from the elegant White House, Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, Hollywood, the world famous Statue of Liberty and the kid's favourite Disneyland to the pristine wilderness, national parks and sanctuaries and the famous Niagara Falls.

One of the popular tourist destinations is New York City and the must sees in this city include the world famous Times Square with its dazzling lights and bustling energy, which is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and super signs, the dignified Empire State Building, which is the tallest building in New York, the nation's prime federal immigration station -- Ellis Island, Wall Street, American Museum of Natural History, which is a world class museum, the elegant St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Brooklyn Bridge, which is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, and the world famous Statue of Liberty, which is the most identifiable icons of the United States, and symbolizes liberty and freedom.

The important tourist attractions worth visiting in San Francisco include the Urban park, the Golden Gate Park, the tall standing Transamerica Pyramid, Golden Gate Bridge, which is the largest suspension bridge in the world, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, with its vast collection of mainly European art representatives, and the North Beach.

The prominent tourist destinations is Los Angeles include a glimpse into the magical world of kids through Disneyland, the famous Hollywood and the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Three Prominent Attractions In Virginia Beach


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Virginia Beach is a place full of marvelous attractions, awesome landscapes, blue skies and activities that will imprint deep in your memories. Virginia Beach has always been a great tourist destination and a major attraction for the tourists of all over the world. This place offers you everything right from mesmerizing natural scenic beauty to pristine beaches, alluring shopping experience to a great variety in dinning as it offers some marvelous seaside restaurants.

It is obvious that as the Virginia is a beach destination, the vacations are generally concentrated around the beach and oceanfront boardwalk. The city of Virginia Beach has grabbed the position of being one of the most sought after tourist destinations and summer resort of the state. Entire city is full packed with vibrant coffee shops, restaurants and bars. The city is also famous for having the longest pleasure beach in the world. Apart from impressive beaches that are the major attractions for the people, one could find some other stunning attractions in form of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Marine Science Museum, First Landing Cross, Ocean Breeze Waterpark and many other prominent attractions.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most exciting places in the city of Virginia. This marvelous wildlife refuge covers an area of about nine thousand acres situated amidst the coastline of barrier islands of Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This is an ideal shelter for thousands of permanent and migratory birds. Around ten thousand snow geese and ducks visit the site every year during fall usually during the month of December. This place is also an ideal hide out for a variety of endangered species of wild creatures such as piping plovers, peregrine falcons, loggerhead sea turtles and bald eagles.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the largest aquarium in the state with more than seventy thousand gallons of water in two buildings creating separate aquarium and natural habitat for living animals. The museum also arranges ocean excursion for those who are interested in catching the glimpses of whales or dolphins. One can also go for a cheap boat tour arranged by the museum itself.

There is also a separate habitat created for sharks and turtles, where visitors can see these oceanic creatures closely and learn about social habitats. The museum also offers a 3-D IMAX theater that is able to accommodate around three hundred spectators at a time. This is the best way of capturing the larger than life version of these sea creatures. The Virginia Marine Science Museum is a perfect place for a family outing in the city.

First Landing State Park is another must visit and quite interesting site for camping or picnicking. It was also a very prominent site as Europeans landed here for the very first time. The state park covers around thirty kilometers of area offering excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling and jogging. The park also exhibits Chesapeake Bay Center that is a great place for gathering information about the area. This park is also designated as a National Natural Landmark for its excellent habitat.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Nashville Tennessee Attractions


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Nashville is the place for all country music lovers; the place is home to several landmarks with distinctive features and great entertaining times while you are at this place. Some of the biggest musical events have been held at this place and it marks some of the best musical attractions that include places like the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Old Opry, the country music Hall of Fame and others. Even before the music started gaining momentum in Tennessee, the place had already built its share of musical history gaining fame and fortune. The vast collection of it can be explored at the state Capitol building and the State museum.

The place of Nashville Tennessee attractions carries a multitude of entertaining and fun-filled options that includes varied attractions, shopping arenas, events, tours, live entertainment and the best dining locations. The entertainment here is just limitless that it gets difficult to enjoy every bit of it in one single day. Tennessee is a landmark small state that is bounded on the west by Mississippi river and Appalachian mountains on the eastern side. The state is bordered by another eight other states, the state has combined cultural and historic infusion in many of its southern neighborhood. The state capital of Nashville has a great musical heritage that is home to Ole Opry and Mecca of country music. When you visit Nashville, you can unknowingly strike upon a music lover especially the country fans. While at Nashville, you can fail to miss out on the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum that is located at the Downtown entertainment district.

The permanent exhibit here are the Sing Me Back Home that takes you to the journey of the history of country music that draws you closer to the museum rich collections of varied memorabilia, photographs, manuscripts, historical costumes, instruments and other objects of historic important. The streets are full of music lovers and at some places you can watch live performances and interactive exhibits that gets you closer to the detailed artifacts of musical nodes. Some of the briefly stated Nashville Tennessee attractions are mentioned below:

a. The Ryman auditorium is a national historic landmark located at the downtown Nashville, it is regarded as the foundation of the country music, and it has been the performance venue for Grand Ole Opry from the year 1943 to the year 1974. This was built in the year 1892 especially for Opry broadcasts. Today, it's a new theater and the auditorium has been restored where popular performances take place.
b. The Grand Ole Opry is a world famous country music show that is located at Opryland Drive in over 4,400 seat auditorium.
c. The Belle Meade Plantation is also famously known as queen of Tennessee plantations that boosts of 1853 Greek Revival mansion that has been restored earlier to showcase its original elegance.
d. The Graceland estate is the place where you can see themed rooms that includes the home boats themed rooms and also the famous jungle rooms.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Fairfield Glade, Tennessee Attractions


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In Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, there is a wide variety of activities and attractions for varied interest. Whether you are visiting Fairfield Glade or relocating to the area, there are many options. 

Fairfield Glade is best known for its golf opportunities. While many types of recreation abound in the area, the most popular attraction is by far golf. In fact, this area of the Cumberland Plateau is known as the golf capital of Tennessee, as there are many excellent golf course and country clubs in Fairfield Glade and the nearby area. Many of the golf courses are spectacular and  become a reason to visit and live in Fairfield Glade on its own. A few of the area golf courses are

Dorchester Golf Club, Druid Hills Golf Club, Stonehenge Golf Club and Heatherhurst Golf Club. Stonehenge in Fairfield Glade is thought by some to be the #1 golf course in Tennessee. 

Although golf has become the primary attraction for many, there is much more to see and do. With many lakes and a boating marina; fishing, boating and beaches become another primary attraction. Many folks that live in Fairfield Glades own boats but boat rental opportunities make it possible for many others to have enjoy recreational boating as well. This is also a fabulous option for folks that are visiting Fairfield Glades.

Tennis is also a very popular attraction in Fairfield Glade Resort, with several indoor as well as many outdoor tennis courts. Looking for something entirely different? Horseback riding, bike rentals, and hiking opportunities while visiting waterfalls in Falls Creek State park are also fun activities that should not be missed whether you live in Fairfield Glades or are visiting.

Are the outdoor athletics such as golf and tennis not your thing? Or perhaps you prefer a variation in your activities. They offer many other attractions such as shopping at the nearby outlet malls along with many restaurant options. There are also family friendly activities such as miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats and playgrounds. 

Need to unwind and looking for something different? Try the Stonehaus Winery for a relaxing and tasty treat.  

While many people come to the resort for the first time as a visitor, many return year after year and then often times permanently. It has become a very attractive location for retirement due to its varied attractions and activities as well as its moderate climate year round. 

Monday, January 10, 2011

Fabulous Attractions in and Around Brisbane


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Brisbane is strategically located in the heart of Queensland and functions as the gateway to many of the attractions in the local area and surrounding areas. Fondly known as the Las Vegas of Australia, Brisbane has many hotspots for tourists and residents alike. It is a city which has a thriving arts scene and is dotted with numerous galleries, concert halls, museums as well as auditoriums and more than a dozen theatres. Brisbane accommodation is as vast as it is varied and you can choose apartments, hotels or resorts.

Exciting Brisbane Attractions

As a bustling city it is a combination of both old and new architecture that mingles beautifully to create a unique city skyline. It is considered the arts capital of Queensland and not only is there a focus on arts and culture but it has also evolved as a region that pays homage to wonderful cuisine. With the meandering Brisbane River flowing through the city it automatically provides a natural location for high quality alfresco dining opportunities. This has resulted in the creation of many riverside cafes and restaurants which are enjoyed by locals and tourists at any given opportunity.

Due to the interesting calendar of events that span the entire year this city has become highly lucrative and attractive as a sought-after vacation spot for international travelers. It actually functions as the gateway to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Even the surrounding precincts of Brisbane have benefited from the spillovers of fine dining, multicultural arts and exhibitions along with conventions as well as a strong focus on good quality a-la-carte menus. Some of the most interesting attractions in Brisbane include natural reserves and the arts and crafts markets.

Natural Animal Sanctuary

The Alma Park zoo is a local animal sanctuary and since its registration in 1973 it has continuously been the home for animals from all over the world. Located only 30 minutes away from the Brisbane City Centre, it is just off the Bruce Highway and can be approached on the ride to the Sunshine Coast. The entire topography of the Alma Park zoo has been reconstructed and developed to replicate a tropical environment. It has won many awards and the palm gardens are ideal for nestling local and international exotic animals in the enclaves while offering them a sheltered refuge and providing numerous opportunities of delightful interactions to young and old visitors alike.

Natural Topography of Brisbane

Perhaps the most unique asset to the city of Brisbane is the natural topography. The centre of the city is a natural goldmine with amazing natural rainforests which are untouched along with huge waterfalls, distinct mountain ranges and rivers that flow through the city. It looks like an amalgamation of the best natural topography and landscape that any vast region could have combined in one area. Just a short drive away the popular Brisbane Sunshine Coast beaches span the expanse of the city by bordering it on the east side. These natural elements offer the perfect opportunity to take in nature's bounty and go trekking, fishing or surfing while visiting this area on a vacation or living there. Visitors will be able to find plenty of Brisbane accommodation close to major tourist attractions in the region.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Athens Attractions-Things To Do in Athens Greece


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Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece.
Who could be attracted by a visit to Athens??? People of all ages could we
Easily say...students, families with children, retired people, culture
And history lovers as well as nature admirers will find what they have
Dreamed of...if not MORE...

The year 2004 has been a great motivation for Athens to develop many
Features in claim to facilitate the tourists' journey.Athens has seduced
Its international visitors by presenting a new look completed with its
Numerous features.

Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece.
Tourists already know the global cultural and historical attractions of Athens:
the Acropole Hill
numerous monuments and museums
the hospitality of the Greek people
the night-life of Athens associated to a perfect weather
day after day...night after night...

More Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece.
walking roads leading to several faces of the City
a "Promenade" road of 16 km long unifies most of
Archaelogical Sites
the City linked by this "Promenade" road became a "living
museum" by itself:
all sorts of monuments (some are 3000
years old) are part of the "decor"
trees, perfumed flowers and luxuriant verdure do add an

extraordinary note to the old-stoned side-walks...not always
straight...but beautiful.

More Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece.
hundred of restaurants, tavernas, bars, coffee-bars are waiting
every night for the tourists to stop by...Greek people do enjoy
seeing their visitors tasting the unique GREEK CUISINE

More Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece.
BEACHES have become very accessible by Streets Cars (Trolley)
the public transportation system has highly improved

More Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece.
hotels, pensions and rooms of all rates are available at all time.

Several information regarding a "sejour" in Athens Greece can be found
on the Internet. Searching for a place to stay may be simplified with the
Internet .Some sites even show pictures of the accommodation they have
for the visitors: rooms with small kitchens, laundry-mat, Internet,
garden accessible, services close-by, assistance in case of emergency...

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Appealing Barcelona Attractions


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Barcelona is one of the finest tourist attractions in the recent times. The Barcelona attractions are appealing and plenty in number. You can never get tired of visiting the place despite being a regular tourist.

City overview

Barcelona is popular among tourists all across the globe owing to its perfect beaches and splendid weather. There are an array of facilities for fun and entertainment. You can visit the zoos and beaches that will keep you engaged throughout.

Places which you must visit

- The Sagrada Familia, designed by Gaudi, is one of the biggest cathedrals whose construction began way back in 1882 and it will perhaps continue for another 20 years or so.

- Park Guell is one of the finest Barcelona attractions that is filled with new wonders. This too was designed by Gaudi.

- The Camp Nou is one of the best stadiums ever in Europe and hosts the most watched football games in the world.

- Picasso Museum is a fine depiction of the city's marvellous art and architecture. Regular exhibitions are held to display the latest and the most happening art of all times.

- Once you are done with visiting all the famous tourist destinations, take a silent stroll down the lanes of La Rambla.

- The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of the city and has the most interesting history. It is the actual heart of Barcelona.

- El Born is one of the places which blend the old city and the recent city developments.

Things you must do

- Travel around on the Harley Davidson without a license and hire a private chauffeur.

- Do not miss Canyoning down a waterfall. Also visit the neighbouring Pyrenees.

- Go on a ride behind the wheels of a Lamborghini Gallardo and feel the power and pride.

- Relax yourself with a Chocolate Massage, which is good for the skin as well as taste buds.

- Be a part of the energetic atmosphere of the Nou Camp, which is one of the largest stadiums and one of the sportive Barcelona attractions.

- Atleast once, be a part of the flamenco dancing, which is a perfect blend of rhythm, dance and music.

- Take a bird's eye view of the city of Barcelona from tall buildings.

- Learn to paella in the authentic style and make the most out of this ionic dish.

- Have a ride on the hot air balloons over Catalonia and have a memorable and lifetime experience.

Shopping and Sports in the city

Barcelona is a perfect place for the shopaholics. It won't be difficult to stuff your suitcase with attractive stuff from all round the city. The ones with limited budget can always opt for window shopping. Barcelona is a centre of sports activities. The competitions held include the games of Ski, Snowboard, Inline, Bike Freestyle (BMX), skateboard, Motocross Freestyle (FMX) and Wakeboard.

How to spend nightlife

There are different styles of bars and clubs that make the night come alive. Be it the hip-hop or the funky in-house DJs or the R&B, you can have the time of your life.

Famous festivals

The Barcelona festivals are among the Barcelona attractions which include Verbenas, the Carnival festival, the Holy Week and the Sonar.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Branson Missouri's Free Attractions


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Coming to Branson, Missouri on your next vacation does not mean you have to pay an arm and a leg to have a good time. You will find there are several different ways to spend your time in Branson without having to spend a dime. The beauty that abounds in this Ozark's paradise is enough to provide you with the incentive you need to travel to the area. However, where you go may be dictated by how much you can afford.

Branson, Missouri is not the type of big town metropolis where everything costs you something. You can actually come to the area on a budget and still take away as much, if not more from the entire experience. The whole family will love the quaint and serene settings. From a walk along the lake's edge to a picnic lunch or swimming excursion, there are plenty of low cost activities for the whole family to enjoy and take in when traveling to this beautiful area.

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

You can explore the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery at no cost to you. The Hatchery, which provides trout to the nearby White River, is located outside of the Branson city limits. However, it is not too far away, a mere six miles to the southwest. This is the largest facility in Missouri to produce and stock trout. This is done through the Conservation Trout Production Program through Missouri's Department of Conservation.

The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery was built in 1957. The first successful trout production occurred back in 1958. On average, 301,000 lbs. of trout are produced here each year. These catchable trout make up over one million trout that are produced annually.

From this million, close to 500,000 trout each year is placed in Lake Teneycomo. The Lake also receives 225,000 trout from Neosho National Fish Hatchery, which is located in the Southwest Ozarks. All of the other trout produced by the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is stocked in trout management areas around Missouri. This, of course, includes the White River, which is known for its successful trout fishing programs.

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is responsible for producing both rainbow and brown trout in order to meet Conservation quotas. The facilities at the hatchery provide both eggs and fingerlings so trout is successfully produced. On over 211 acres (84 acres developed), you will enjoy a visit to the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. A quarter of a million visitors come to the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery when they visit Branson, Missouri, each year.

A trip to the hatchery provides an informed tour of the premises with information on the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. On your free tour, you will learn about the entire trout production process from start to finish. Explore the world of trout incubation, tank maintenance and issues, raising and spawning young in ponds, and you can even feed the hungry-fish while enjoying the fresh, mountain, Ozark air.

Stone Hill Winery

Stone Hill Winery has a 150-year history of producing wine. This heritage makes for the best wine in the region. You can explore world history and technology when you go on a free tour of the Stone Hill Winery facilities. This winery has been awarded for excellence in the wine making industry. Now it is your turn to find out exactly what makes the Stone Hill Winery in Branson, Missouri, so magnificent.

The Stone Hill Winery is one of the most popular attractions in Branson. With main facilities in Hermann, Missouri, the Branson division of the winery still provides an amazing opportunity to learn about and experience the wine making process. Stone Hill Winery is the oldest winery in Missouri. It is also the most awarded in the region. The Branson location is an amazing 12,000 square feet in size!

Visitors to the Stone Hill Winery have been coming here since 1986. The tour lasts one hour and you have the opportunity to taste the amazing, flavored wines as you make your own determination of whether Stone Hill Winery really is the best winery in Missouri. During your tour, you will travel through the winery and view the systematic process for producing wine.

You will get the chance to view a short film on the winemaking tradition in Missouri. This outlines the main headquarters for the Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Missouri, which boasts vineyards and cellars.

From here, you will be invited to smell the scents of maturing Sherry. This intoxicating aroma is baked and aged in oak casks. On the rest of your Stone Hill Winery tour, you will have a chance to watch the winery bottle its famous Spumante wines. Every 15 minutes, a new tour begins and they are no cost to you or the other members of your family.

Table Rock Lakeshore Trail

Table Rock Lake is one of the beautiful lakes in Branson, Missouri. The Army Corp of Engineers has teamed up with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Herschend Family Entertainment Corp to provide the ultimate trail around the Lakeshore of Table Rock Lake. These agencies received a $500,000 investment into this project and now, both residents and visitors to Branson will enjoy the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail.

The Table Rock Lakeshore Trail is wheelchair accessible. In fact, wheelchairs are the only motorized vehicles allowed on these paved trails. The Table Rock Lakeshore Trail is eight feet wide and spans 2.2 miles.

This trail was completed in the fall of 2004. Since then millions of visitors have received views never seen before by those who have visited Table Rock Lake in the past. The trail runs from the Table Rock Dam (south side) at the Dewey Short Visitor Center and ends at the State Park Marina.

Points on the trail offer restrooms. There is a place to hike and bike on the trail and since the trail complies with ADA (American with Disabilities Act) standards, nearly everyone, even those who might never have seen the splendor of the Ozarks otherwise, are able to see magnificent views of the Table Rock Lake.

The Table Rock Lakeshore Trail will take you through the woodlands, along the shoreline and over wet weather creeks throughout the area. Native plant life, indigenous animals including deer and various bird species are available on the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail. The trail is open from dawn to dusk.

Accepted modes of transportation on the trail besides wheelchairs and those walking or running include skateboards, bikes, and scooters. You can schedule a picnic in one of the conveniently located picnicking areas or simply tour the trail to enjoy the splendor of the Ozarks, which surrounds you.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Tourist Attractions in Sweden - A Personal Top-10


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Sweden is one of Europe's best kept secrets. The country has so much to offer. Besides, it's very affordable nowadays and the climate is much better than most people think.

Just to give you an idea what to see I made a top-10 of tourist attractions in Sweden. Here they are - in no particular order.

Stockholm

Stockholm has it all: unique location, great architecture, historical sights, famous museums, huge parks, a vibrant nightlife, trendy shops - and an archipelago of 24,000 islands just around the corner. It's a remarkably clean and safe city as well. If you haven't seen Stockholm, you haven't seen Sweden.

Gotland

Speaking of tourist attractions in Sweden, one wouldn't expect to think of beaches. But there are beaches in Sweden. Some of the best are found on the Baltic island of Gotland, which is popular among Swedes and attracts thousands of visitors every summer. The walled medieval town of Visby is an attraction on its own.

Lake Siljan

Found in the heart of Dalarna, central Sweden, this lake is the center of folklore and tradition. Dalarna is a popular holiday destination in summer. Thousands of Swedes visit Leksand every year to see the midsummer pole set up. The nearby town of Rättvik is famous for its folk dancing. Also worth a visit is the bear park in Orsa.

Mines

Mining has always had a special attraction. Mines make some of the most exciting tourist attractions in Sweden. Three are worth a visit. The copper mine of Falun, Dalarna (now on the World Heritage List), and the iron-ore mines of Kiruna and Gällivare in Lapland. You can book a guided tour and go down yourself.

National Parks

Sweden has dozens of national parks and nature reserves. Even Stockholm has a national park within its city borders! The most impressive scenery - wild rivers, deep valleys, dark forests, high mountains - is found in Lapland in the North. Very popular is Abisko, a great spot with the famous Lapporten landmark. Also recommended is Padjelanta park.

Bohuslän

Bohuslän is the area at the west-coast of Sweden, roughly located between Gothenburg and the Norwegian border. It is characterized by rocky fragmented islands and small fishing communities. Awesome scenery, and one of the best tourist attractions in Sweden according to the Swedes.

Göta Canal

One of the most popular attractions in Sweden. Make a cruise from Gothenburg to Stockholm with an old ship, crossing one river, three canals, eight lakes, passing 66 locks and traveling on two seas. The Göta Canal is one of the most pleasant waterways in Sweden.

Inlandsbanan

Or the Inland Railway. Great trip for fans of train journeys, across the Arctic circle. Inlandsbanan runs from Kristinehamn at the side of lake Vänern to the wilderness near Gällivare, Lapland. Distance: around 1300 km. Stop wherever you want or spend the night and get back on the train - it's all up to you.

Kungsleden

The most famous hiking trail of Sweden, 500 km long and leading from Abisko to Hemavan (south). Well-marked and popular, with cabins along the trail that can be busy in the holiday season. You'll pass Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain (2,078 m) and see some of Europe's wildest and most beautiful nature.

Storsjön

Storsjön (the Great Lake in Swedish) in the province of Jämtland is the Nordic Loch Ness. Locals believe there's a monster in its dark water - and typically Swedish, the monster is even protected by law! The area around Storsjön has a lot more to offer, with highlands, trails and the likable Östersund as its biggest town.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

5 Insanely Odd Pennsylvania Attractions


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Pennsylvania holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. The declaration of independence was signed here, the Liberty Bell sounded here and frankly some of the nation's best bizarre roadside attractions make their home here.

1. Drive-Thru Strip Club: Congruity, Pennsylvania

American's love their cars and no where is that more evident than the spread of its drive thru culture. America's got drive thru restaurants, drive thru banks, drive thru wedding chapels, heck they've even got drive thru trees. The next logical step in their drive thru evolution then, could be none other than the drive thru strip club.

For $10 a minute, you can pull your vehicle up to the diamond shaped peephole and watch the action unfold inside. For faster service, remember to have your payment ready at the window. If you want to see things get really interesting, try ordering a private dance. And trust us, you don't want fries with that.

2. Insane Fishpond: Linesville, Pennsylvania

Now you don't have to be Jesus to walk across water. The volume of fish flapping about in this Pennsylvania spillway is so heavy; you could practically walk across their bobbing heads to the other side. Some 400,000 tourists every year stop by to feed the fish modern marine miracle, dishing out some 2.4LBs of bread each to the now carb addicted carp. In fact, the only Pennsylvania attraction that sees more visitors each year is the Liberty Bell.

While no human has yet to complete the fish head water crossing, the spillway has deservedly earned the nickname, "the place where the ducks walk on the fish". And we say with a little balance, speed and Devine intervention you can make the crossing too. Hallelujah!

3. Big Mac Museum: North Huntington, Pennsylvania

Pay homage to the world's favourite double burger, just miles from the site of its original birthplace. Gawk at the original Big Mac sauce gun, observe the evolution of the burgers packaging through history, and admire the colourful wallpaper adorned with the words of the legendary Big Mac mantra (Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun). It's truly some of Ronald's greatest work.

4. Mutter Museum: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Do grotesquely enlarged colons turn you on? Does the site of Grover Cleveland's facial tumour get you hot? Do thoughts of John Wilkes Booth's thorax drive you wild? Did you answer yes to any of the above? Then this place is just your fix. The mutter museum features one of the world's largest collections of medical monstrosities, ranging from twins joined at the liver, humans turned into soap and downright jaw dropping cases of testicular elephantitis. And here you are complaining about your headache.

5. Worlds Largest Hamburger Joint: Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Alas, we've finally found the answer to the question, where's the beef? It's right here at Denny's Beer Barrel Pub in rural Pennsylvania; hundreds and hundreds of pounds of it. Order up a quarter pounder here and the only thing you're likely to get in return is a laugh. Here burgers are built by the pound, including patties weighing in at 1, 2, 9 and a heart stopping 11 pounds. Denny's (not to be confused with "Denny's") gargantuan 15LB burger for two (more like for two dozen), includes some 4 Lbs of lettuce, tomatoes cheese onions and sauce. Quadruple bypass sold separately.

-Sam