by Bob Therrien
The word unique will have different meaning to different people, and not all will agree on which park is the most unique. I have found one park that just struck me as unique. I wonder if you will agree.
Visiting the National Parks, National Monuments, Wilderness areas and State Parks in the United States can be an adventure. I've been visiting, climbing, hiking and taking photographs in these parks for years. Certainly, I could say that almost every park is unique. I am an outdoors type of person and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and incredible views. These parks are wonderful for people who enjoy these types of activities:
* Hiking * Camping * Cycling * ATV * Scenic Drives * Horseback Riding * Wildlife * Rafting * Fishing * Hunting * Canyoneering * Photography * Water sports and boating * Caves and exploring
After all these years of traveling and exploring the hardest part always seems to be the research time. I'll visit website after website finding the parks or areas of interest that I want to explore, then onto researching where I'm going to stay. Then to the task of mapping out the travel time details to make the trek comfortable as I go from the first location to the next activity, to the accommodations and so on. To solve this inefficiency a group of us outdoor enthusiasts have been creating a website with all the National Parks, National Monuments, State Parks and Wilderness Areas all located in one forum message board for adventure travelers to read, share and post their trip reports. I invite you to visit. We bought the web domain name adventurezonetours and have been busy loading basic data for each location. Now it's all in one place.
So, which park do you think is the most unique? I have always just loved Glacier National Park in Montana and have been drawn back for visit after visit. But, in the last couple of years I seem to be changing my mind. I've been turned onto Zion National Park in Utah and the slot canyons of the southwest. Zion Canyon is just awesome. I have also recently taken my first journey into the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument also known as GSENM. It was really just a quick trip through the monument on one of the remote wilderness roads that crosses from near Kodachrome State Park to Southern Utah, near the Arizona border. It may turn out to be the most unique. Which park do you think is most unique?
All those hours of loading data in the adventurezonetours message boards gave me a chance to see parks, monuments and wilderness areas in the USA, and some areas I have not visited. One park stood out as a bit unique to me. It is in Michigan and I have not visited it. I doubt that you have visited it either! The park is a state park called Meridian - Baseline State Park. It is not open to the public, so how could we have visited it? Here's the link for information about this state park. Check it out! Meridan - Baseline State Park
So, I guess since this park is not open to the public, it has struck me as very unique. Would you agree?
The Meridan - Baseline State Park is 88 acres and preserves a marker that was used for the Michigan Survey. In general here is what the marker preserves.
At the end of the Revolutionary War, there were only thirteen states. The territory of land between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River were in question. The new Continental Congress was asking these states to give up any claims of ownership of these lands to the federal government. Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut all claimed large chunks of this land. A large chunk of Michigan had been chartered to Virginia from King James in 1609, at the time this was the Northwest Territory. In 1787 a territory was established by congress in what is now Michigan. After a new territory grew to a population of 60,000 free citizens, it could petition Congress to become a state. This new state could then have all the rights of the original 13 states. At that time a survey would happen and thus, in 1815 two men were hired to establish accurately the location of the base line and the principal meridian which are preserved by this marker.
About the Author
Bob Therrien is a travel writer and has traveled all over North America. He currently operates the Outdoor Travel Message Boards website at AdventureZoneTOURS.com He invites you to visit, share, and post your outdoor recreation travel details.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Find Out Why The Bahamas Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination
By: Jon Arnold
If you have not vacationed in the Bahamas, you are missing out on one of the best vacation destinations that could be chosen. The islands of the Bahamas have some major destination and tourist spots, which offer a traveler a unique vacation experience. Taking a vacation in the Bahamas is a dream come true for most people, whether business or pleasure or even a combination of those, and it does not need to be as expensive as you might think.
The two main islands are New Providence Island and Grand Bahama Island, although the smaller islands of Abacos, Acklins, Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Inagua, Mayaguana, and San Salvador also offer prime vacation spots. Crystal clear turquoise waters, endless white sand beaches, perfect temperate weather all add up to a vacation that is as good as it gets.
You can fly into the Bahamas via commercial airlines which is only a very short flight from Florida, or you can take a cruise to the Bahamas, where Nassau is a very popular cruise ship stopover with most of the major cruise ships. A passport and visa aren't usually required, but verify with your travel agent exactly what paperwork you should bring to stay out of trouble.
Your opportunities for relaxation are limited only by your imagination. If you like beaches, the sands of the beaches here are second to none, and end in the crystal aqua waters of the ocean. Sun bathers can always find a section of beach in which to gather some rays and enjoy some peace and quiet. If golf is your thing, the Bahamas offers several world-class golf courses. And if you need a bit of diversion, there are some casinos here that offer casino action and slot machines that are on a par with the best that would be found in Las Vegas.
You will find the locals are friendly and welcoming of visitors. The shopping along the main streets and shopping district offer many deals and unique items, many of which will not be found in your normal shopping centers back home. Language is not a problem here, since English is the language of choice in the Bahamas.
A discussion about the Bahamas would not be complete without mentioning the world-class resort of Atlantis. The Atlantis is a truly breath-taking resort and is also home to one of the largest casinos in the islands. The grounds of the Atlantis are impeccably kept with hardly a single blade of grass out of place. As a result of all of this, the Atlantis is home to many conferences and conventions, and can accommodate even large conferences of several thousand attendees.
If you have never been to the Bahamas, you owe it to yourself to visit there and experience it. If you have been there already, you already understand this, but there is almost certainly new aspects of the Bahamas that you have not yet experienced. Take the time to treat yourself to a Bahamas vacation, you will not regret it.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about a Bahamas Vacation at his web site at Bahamas Vacation.
By: Jon Arnold
If you have not vacationed in the Bahamas, you are missing out on one of the best vacation destinations that could be chosen. The islands of the Bahamas have some major destination and tourist spots, which offer a traveler a unique vacation experience. Taking a vacation in the Bahamas is a dream come true for most people, whether business or pleasure or even a combination of those, and it does not need to be as expensive as you might think.
The two main islands are New Providence Island and Grand Bahama Island, although the smaller islands of Abacos, Acklins, Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Inagua, Mayaguana, and San Salvador also offer prime vacation spots. Crystal clear turquoise waters, endless white sand beaches, perfect temperate weather all add up to a vacation that is as good as it gets.
You can fly into the Bahamas via commercial airlines which is only a very short flight from Florida, or you can take a cruise to the Bahamas, where Nassau is a very popular cruise ship stopover with most of the major cruise ships. A passport and visa aren't usually required, but verify with your travel agent exactly what paperwork you should bring to stay out of trouble.
Your opportunities for relaxation are limited only by your imagination. If you like beaches, the sands of the beaches here are second to none, and end in the crystal aqua waters of the ocean. Sun bathers can always find a section of beach in which to gather some rays and enjoy some peace and quiet. If golf is your thing, the Bahamas offers several world-class golf courses. And if you need a bit of diversion, there are some casinos here that offer casino action and slot machines that are on a par with the best that would be found in Las Vegas.
You will find the locals are friendly and welcoming of visitors. The shopping along the main streets and shopping district offer many deals and unique items, many of which will not be found in your normal shopping centers back home. Language is not a problem here, since English is the language of choice in the Bahamas.
A discussion about the Bahamas would not be complete without mentioning the world-class resort of Atlantis. The Atlantis is a truly breath-taking resort and is also home to one of the largest casinos in the islands. The grounds of the Atlantis are impeccably kept with hardly a single blade of grass out of place. As a result of all of this, the Atlantis is home to many conferences and conventions, and can accommodate even large conferences of several thousand attendees.
If you have never been to the Bahamas, you owe it to yourself to visit there and experience it. If you have been there already, you already understand this, but there is almost certainly new aspects of the Bahamas that you have not yet experienced. Take the time to treat yourself to a Bahamas vacation, you will not regret it.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about a Bahamas Vacation at his web site at Bahamas Vacation.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Hi, I found this interesting article written by Elizabeth L. Blair about amazing places in the U.S. If you are planning to travel to USA this article will provide you with some information where to go.
enjoy...
USATourist News Magazine
December 2006
In this issue:
- Enjoy the outdoors
- Ski with the Powder Pass
- Take a vacation for the mind, body and spirit
- Dr. Beach's Top 10 Beaches
- Dude Ranches
- Amusement and Theme Parks
- Sunstate Rental Deal
- December is a busy travel month
The New Year is almost here which means it is not too early to be planning your 2007 travels here in the United States. This month we will be offering some ideas on where you may want to consider spending your holidays and vacations.
Enjoy the outdoors
If you love the great outdoors the United States has thousands of parks, rivers, lakes, and mountains that are perfect for spending your days outdoors. Many small towns have local motels and cabins you can stay in or you might want to consider camping, a fun and recreational way to experience nature firsthand. Camping offers access to endless opportunities for fun and exciting things to do like hiking, biking, climbing, and if you are near a river activities may include white water rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, fly-fishing, and swimming. Looking for the perfect campsite? Try this list: www.americasbestonline.net/campgrounds.htm
Save 10% at KOA with the KOA Value Kard. $14 -one year, $25 -two year, $32 -three year, $48 -four year and $52 for a five year card!
A favorite tourist destination is the Appalachian Trail, a 2,175-mile long footpath that is enjoyed by millions of people each year. Some visitors enjoy short day hikes and others venture on long-distant overnight hikes. Nearby is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. www.nps.gov/appa
Renting a houseboat is another great way to spend a week and still be among nature. There are plenty of activities to participate in while staying in a houseboat including fishing, swimming, scuba diving, waterskiing, hiking, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery around you. Plus, it really is like having your own condo on the water. www.usatourist.com/english/houseboats
The U.S. has many wonderful National and State parks. On the National Parks Service Web site there is an option to search by topic and state. There is an excellent tool for locating places that are of interest to you. Dinosaurs, volcanoes, hot springs, camping, hunting, and climbing are just a few of the options. www.nps.gov/parks.html
Ski with the Powder Pass!
Of course the most popular winter-time outdoor activity is skiing! The U.S. has some amazing resorts. And the best way to take advantage of them is with the Powder Passport. It is a multi-mountain access pass that gives you UNRESTRICTED skiing and riding at your choice of 18 Northeast Mountains with no blackout dates. Ski at New England Mountains, plus resorts in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. One low price saves you money and is good on holidays and weekends. You’ll also get a FREE full-color guidebook featuring mountain stats, trail maps, and directions PLUS great savings on nearby lodging. Good through 4/30/07. Ski 18 Mountains. 1 Pass for 1 Low Price! Ski in VT, NH, MA, ME and NY. Use any day of the 2006-2007 Season!!
Take a vacation for the mind, body and spirit
Destination health spas are becoming more and more popular. Destination spas are full-service health centers that concentrate on improving their guests' physical and mental wellbeing. Guests have many options during their stay such as exercise and yoga classes, personal training, massages, spa treatments, and much more. Spa Finder is a nice site to locate a spa that is perfect for you. www.spafinder.com
Dr. Beach's Top 10 Beaches
The United States coastlines have many beautiful beaches. A beach vacation is always wonderful. Sports and activities during a beach vacation include water skiing, parasailing, surfing, or just laying back with a book.
If you are looking for advice on what beaches might be "best" you might want to consider the advice of Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach. Every year Dr. Leatherman puts out America's Top 10 Beaches. A lot of analyzing and research goes into deciding the final lists. The 2006 lists consists of: Fleming Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii - National Winner; Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida; Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina; Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York; Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii; Main Beach, East Hampton, New York; Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Coronado Beach, San Diego, California; Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii; and Barefoot Beach Park, Bonita Springs, Florida. This link to Dr. Leatherman's Web site also has a list of former winners as well as pictures. www.drbeach.org
Dude Ranches
Looking for a different type of vacation? Let real cowboys and cowgirls show you what life on a ranch is like. The U.S. has many dude ranches open to guests who are interested in living the life of a cowboy or rancher. There are two types of ranch vacations. A working ranch allows the visitors to get involved in the hustle and bustle of the daily life on a ranch. A resort ranch is a more laidback and fun environment.
Here is a link that offers descriptions of several dude ranches: www.usatourist.com/english/duderanches
Amusement and Theme Parks
California and Florida are both overflowing with amusement and theme parks. Disney Land, Knott's Berry Farm, Lego Land, Paramount's Great America, Sea World San Diego, and Universal Studios Hollywood are just some of the theme parks throughout in California.
In the state of Florida you will find Busch Gardens, The Holy Land Experience, Lion Country Safari, Sea World Florida, Universal Orlando: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, Walt Disney World: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney/MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Theme parks are not limited to California and Florida. 27 Six Flags amusement and water parks are found through out the U.S. http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-961348-10436266 Then there are local parks like Dollywood in the Great Smokey Mountains in Pigeon, Tennessee. http://www.dollywood.com/
If a theme park adventure interests you here is a site with links to numerous theme parks: www.themeparksonline.com/parklist.asp
Sunstate Rental Deal
Whether you are visiting Florida for the Amusement Parks or the top beaches, renting from Sunstate is always a good idea! SunState Vacation Rentals has a huge selection of affordable luxury homes located just minutes from Disney World, shopping, golf courses, nightlife, and hundreds of casual and fine dining restaurants. Choose from 2 bedroom townhomes to 6 bedroom luxury/premier homes. For a limited time, take advantage of their special Winter Wonder promotion and save 10% off any vacation home rental over 5 days. Make sure to mention USATourist when making your reservation! www.sunstate-rentals.com
December is a busy travel month
So be sure to arrive early to the airport and check with TSA for new or changing security measures and restrictions. www.tsa.gov
We hope you were able to get some ideas for traveling the U.S. in 2007. Have a safe and happy holiday season. Next month we will be highlighting some of the special occasions and holiday dates of 2007. We will see you next month!
Written by: Elizabeth L. Blair
You can view previous issues of the USATourist News Magazine at www.usatourist.com/english/maillist/archive.
enjoy...
USATourist News Magazine
December 2006
In this issue:
- Enjoy the outdoors
- Ski with the Powder Pass
- Take a vacation for the mind, body and spirit
- Dr. Beach's Top 10 Beaches
- Dude Ranches
- Amusement and Theme Parks
- Sunstate Rental Deal
- December is a busy travel month
The New Year is almost here which means it is not too early to be planning your 2007 travels here in the United States. This month we will be offering some ideas on where you may want to consider spending your holidays and vacations.
Enjoy the outdoors
If you love the great outdoors the United States has thousands of parks, rivers, lakes, and mountains that are perfect for spending your days outdoors. Many small towns have local motels and cabins you can stay in or you might want to consider camping, a fun and recreational way to experience nature firsthand. Camping offers access to endless opportunities for fun and exciting things to do like hiking, biking, climbing, and if you are near a river activities may include white water rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, fly-fishing, and swimming. Looking for the perfect campsite? Try this list: www.americasbestonline.net/campgrounds.htm
Save 10% at KOA with the KOA Value Kard. $14 -one year, $25 -two year, $32 -three year, $48 -four year and $52 for a five year card!
A favorite tourist destination is the Appalachian Trail, a 2,175-mile long footpath that is enjoyed by millions of people each year. Some visitors enjoy short day hikes and others venture on long-distant overnight hikes. Nearby is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. www.nps.gov/appa
Renting a houseboat is another great way to spend a week and still be among nature. There are plenty of activities to participate in while staying in a houseboat including fishing, swimming, scuba diving, waterskiing, hiking, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery around you. Plus, it really is like having your own condo on the water. www.usatourist.com/english/houseboats
The U.S. has many wonderful National and State parks. On the National Parks Service Web site there is an option to search by topic and state. There is an excellent tool for locating places that are of interest to you. Dinosaurs, volcanoes, hot springs, camping, hunting, and climbing are just a few of the options. www.nps.gov/parks.html
Ski with the Powder Pass!
Of course the most popular winter-time outdoor activity is skiing! The U.S. has some amazing resorts. And the best way to take advantage of them is with the Powder Passport. It is a multi-mountain access pass that gives you UNRESTRICTED skiing and riding at your choice of 18 Northeast Mountains with no blackout dates. Ski at New England Mountains, plus resorts in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. One low price saves you money and is good on holidays and weekends. You’ll also get a FREE full-color guidebook featuring mountain stats, trail maps, and directions PLUS great savings on nearby lodging. Good through 4/30/07. Ski 18 Mountains. 1 Pass for 1 Low Price! Ski in VT, NH, MA, ME and NY. Use any day of the 2006-2007 Season!!
Take a vacation for the mind, body and spirit
Destination health spas are becoming more and more popular. Destination spas are full-service health centers that concentrate on improving their guests' physical and mental wellbeing. Guests have many options during their stay such as exercise and yoga classes, personal training, massages, spa treatments, and much more. Spa Finder is a nice site to locate a spa that is perfect for you. www.spafinder.com
Dr. Beach's Top 10 Beaches
The United States coastlines have many beautiful beaches. A beach vacation is always wonderful. Sports and activities during a beach vacation include water skiing, parasailing, surfing, or just laying back with a book.
If you are looking for advice on what beaches might be "best" you might want to consider the advice of Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach. Every year Dr. Leatherman puts out America's Top 10 Beaches. A lot of analyzing and research goes into deciding the final lists. The 2006 lists consists of: Fleming Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii - National Winner; Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida; Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina; Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York; Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii; Main Beach, East Hampton, New York; Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Coronado Beach, San Diego, California; Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii; and Barefoot Beach Park, Bonita Springs, Florida. This link to Dr. Leatherman's Web site also has a list of former winners as well as pictures. www.drbeach.org
Dude Ranches
Looking for a different type of vacation? Let real cowboys and cowgirls show you what life on a ranch is like. The U.S. has many dude ranches open to guests who are interested in living the life of a cowboy or rancher. There are two types of ranch vacations. A working ranch allows the visitors to get involved in the hustle and bustle of the daily life on a ranch. A resort ranch is a more laidback and fun environment.
Here is a link that offers descriptions of several dude ranches: www.usatourist.com/english/duderanches
Amusement and Theme Parks
California and Florida are both overflowing with amusement and theme parks. Disney Land, Knott's Berry Farm, Lego Land, Paramount's Great America, Sea World San Diego, and Universal Studios Hollywood are just some of the theme parks throughout in California.
In the state of Florida you will find Busch Gardens, The Holy Land Experience, Lion Country Safari, Sea World Florida, Universal Orlando: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, Walt Disney World: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney/MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Theme parks are not limited to California and Florida. 27 Six Flags amusement and water parks are found through out the U.S. http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-961348-10436266 Then there are local parks like Dollywood in the Great Smokey Mountains in Pigeon, Tennessee. http://www.dollywood.com/
If a theme park adventure interests you here is a site with links to numerous theme parks: www.themeparksonline.com/parklist.asp
Sunstate Rental Deal
Whether you are visiting Florida for the Amusement Parks or the top beaches, renting from Sunstate is always a good idea! SunState Vacation Rentals has a huge selection of affordable luxury homes located just minutes from Disney World, shopping, golf courses, nightlife, and hundreds of casual and fine dining restaurants. Choose from 2 bedroom townhomes to 6 bedroom luxury/premier homes. For a limited time, take advantage of their special Winter Wonder promotion and save 10% off any vacation home rental over 5 days. Make sure to mention USATourist when making your reservation! www.sunstate-rentals.com
December is a busy travel month
So be sure to arrive early to the airport and check with TSA for new or changing security measures and restrictions. www.tsa.gov
We hope you were able to get some ideas for traveling the U.S. in 2007. Have a safe and happy holiday season. Next month we will be highlighting some of the special occasions and holiday dates of 2007. We will see you next month!
Written by: Elizabeth L. Blair
You can view previous issues of the USATourist News Magazine at www.usatourist.com/english/maillist/archive.
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