What Happens in Las Vegas – More than you ever imagined
June 11, 2009
The Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada
Outside of the flashing lights, spectacular fountains, and posh hotels lies a quieter, wilder place that many people traveling to Las Vegas never see.
Millions of people flock to Las Vegas every year for a chance to strike it rich, monetarily. It’s what Vegas is known for to most of the world, but if you are looking for something else from Las Vegas, what lies outside of the city is some of the most amazing scenery and opportunities the United States has to offer.
Red Rock Canyon
Natural wonders abound in this desert climate. Red Rock Canyon just 15 miles west of Las Vegas and is almost 200,000 acres of land protected as a National Conservation Area. Easily seen from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon is visited by over a million visitors each year.
What makes this area so spectacular to see is the what it is named for, its red sandstone peaks popular for hikers and climbers. Its highest point is La Madre Mountain at 8,154 ft. It is Nevada’s first National Conservation area and offers scenic drives, hiking trails picnic areas, a visitor center and even a campground for those who prefer to rough it.
The history of the Red Rock area is filled with native peoples due to its geography. It offers water and shelter that before civilization arrived, didn’t exist in the surrounding desert. From as early as 900 A.D., Native Americans have been living in the area as noted by the numerous petroglyphs and pottery fragments that have been discovered in the area.
Red Rock is a part of the Mojave Desert and is home to over 600 plant species in an otherwise harsh barren landscape. What makes it spectacular are the complex geologic features that surround. The Red Rock area is an ancient seabed exposed to air which literally caused it to rust, hence the red coloration.
With a host of activities to participate in, Red Rock Canyon is a trip in and of itself. If you are looking for horseback riding, hiking, camping, or some of the best rock climbing you can imagine, you should definitely consider Red Rock Canyon as the place to visit.
Of course there are other amazing natural or man made places to visit in the Las Vegas area if gambling is not what you crave.
Valley of Fire State Park
Another wonderful place to visit is the Valley of Fire State Park. Also near to Las Vegas and filled with stunning red cliffs and natural wonders, Valley of fire is littered with rock drawings, unique rock formations and camping facilities as well.
Ghost towns, Springs, four wheeling, sky diving, the Hoover Dam, Canyons and waterfalls abound in this spectacular area, consider Las Vegas a destination worth visiting for your next vacation, you won’t be disappointed.
Travel to Dallas – A Mecca of Opportunity
June 11, 2009
Dallas in the Evening
A popular travel destination has become Dallas Texas. The third largest city in the United States, Dallas offers a wide variety of opportunities for a wonderful vacation. Whether you idea of Texas is a traditional southern vacation with rodeos and state fairs, or one a bit more urban with art and shopping, you can find either trip right in Dallas.
Dallas offers a wide variety of options for your next vacation. The urban experience is varied and will keep you busy with any number of things to do and see. If art and style are what you seek, look no further. Dallas is the #1 shopping destination in Texas.
From Neiman Marcus, to Highland Park Village, a variety of shopping experiences awaits you. Highland Park Village was built in 1931 and is recognized as the first shopping center in American history. Located in Dallas, it is home to shopping including Ralph Lauren and Chanel, but also some great restaurants and filled with Dallas charm.
The Dallas Museum of Art is open to the public Tuesday-Sunday and has enough to do for an entire vacation by itself. Visit the gallery and peak into ancient Egypt with the Tutankhamen and the Gold Age of the Pharaohs exhibit,stay late and experience some wonder jazz performances, concerts, or film screenings, and eat at the famous Seventeen Seventeen restaurant. Let art and history provide you with a vacation you will never forget.
If the wild side of Texas is what you crave, there is always the Dallas Forth Worth Metroplex, offering
a variety of rodeo experiences like nowhere else in the world. The Cowtown Coliseum is home to the worlds first indoor rodeo! Rodeo and air conditioning, the best of both worlds. The Mesquite Rodeo was built in 1986 and offers rodeo from April to October just 15 minutes from Downtown Dallas.
Livestock shows, barrel racing, and non stop rodeo action await you in this traditional Texas vacation opportunity.
Dallas offers much more than what is listed here. Dealy Plaza Museum, aquariums, fine cuisine, fantastic accommodations, and so much more can be found in Dallas. Plan a trip around one of the many festivals in Dallas or just go and see some of the world finest 20th century architecture. Dallas is definitely a destination you shouldn’t miss.
Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue the Best Historic Sites Part IV – How the West was Won
June 11, 2009
This is the last step in our travel across America, ending here in the Great American West. The Western United States is comprised of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Some of Americas truest stories of monetary success as well as survival are from the West. Cowboys and Indians come to mind when thinking of the west to many people, but the west also includes Alaska, our 49th state.
In this, the finale of our journey across the United States, we will focus first on the traditional old west part of the United States, places that conjure images of covered wagons, tales of survival in harsh terrains, and my favorite, the gold rush!
In 1849 the California gold rush began. James W. Marshall discovered gold, and the rush was on. It didn’t take long until hundreds of thousands of men, women and children, were sailing or riding to California to stake their claim on instant riches. Also called forty-niners history was made with their tales of riches and ruins.
Interstate 5 travels through Old Sacramento, a historical journey you are not soon to forget. Old Sacramento is home to many historic buildings kept in their original state for a snapshot to the past. Old Sacramento offers the “Spirit of Sacramento” an historic riverboat as well as the California State Railroad Museum.
Begun by John Sutter and his landing party, Old Sacramento is the old west at its finest. Stories of gold, migration and murder abound in this old west town. You will find many places of interest nearby. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park gives visitors a chance to pan for gold, or if you prefer, head to the Suspects Mystery Dinner Theater to solve an old west river boat murder! California offers much for the historical tourist to do, check out any of California’s many historic sites for an idea for your next vacation.
Now on to the other west, Alaska. Its history is based in part on similar circumstances to that of California. That being the gold rush. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park located in Skagway is definitely worth visiting.
Divided into two parts, the Seattle and Skagway Units, there is enough to keep a history buff busy in two different western States.
The Skagway Unit is located in Alaska and boasts a variety of exhibits, audio visual presentations and a visitor center, not to mention the vast area of wilderness surrounding you. The Curatorial center houses a collection of material from over 50 excavations in the historic district of nearby Dyea. Discoveries so far include saloons, a liquor store, railroad depot, bakery, cigar and confectionery store, dry goods store, tailor and furrier shop, paint and wallpaper store, transportation company, catholic church rectory, mission house, the home of the founder of Skagway, and a residential district.
Explore the possibilities in Alaska. Remember to check times of operation for all of your destinations. I hope you have enjoyed your journey across the United States. Go out and see what you have been missing, our history, our link to the past.
Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue the Best Historic Sites Part III The Midwest
June 10, 2009
A continuing travelogue brough to you by Sealand Travel.
Part three of our journey to the best historic sites to visit worldwide takes us to the Midwestern United States. It is made up 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
European settlement of the Midwest began in the 17th century first by the French and followed later by the British. The Midwest provokes images of the French fur traders following the many lakes and river systems covering much of the area. In fact, the mighty Mississippi runs through the Midwest and was forever ingrained in our memories by the famous author Samuel Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain.
Mark Twain has become a part of history, perhaps a more upbeat part of history to explore than the many wars we could discuss. The Mark Twain House and Museum is a wonderful tourist attraction for us to start out at on our journey through the Midwest.
Samuel Clemens lived in the late 1800’s to 1910 and is known to many as the American author. The Mark Twain House and Museum makes a great addition to any historic trek across the Midwest. Located in Hartford, Connecticut, it consists of many options for the history buff. As one of our defining cultural figures, we have the chance to see what life was like for people in that time in the Midwest.
The Mark Twain House and Museum offers living history tours dealing with the entire era, not just the subject of Mark Twain alone. One exhibit offered is the “origins of baseball’s ‘color line’”. This exhibit informs its onlookers as to the increasing racism in society as reflected in sports. Another interesting feature, perhaps more for the kids or at least the kids at heart is the Lego replica of Twains house, which was part of the LEGO road show in the 1980’s!
The house alone is a wonderful journey to the past. Then new technologies such as a gravity flow heat system, and one of the first telephones to be installed in a private home are found here. Many interiors created by Tiffany and various other cultures and styles exist to inspire and amuse to visitor the this historic house.
The museum also offers another opportunity to absorb some history, created in the present. Opened in 2003, visitors have to chance to explore Twains life both good and bad as told or illustrated by many of Twains peers as well as through artifacts containing manuscripts, photos, and many changing exhibits. This makes the Mark Twain House and Museum a highlight of any trip to the Midwest.
Let’s travel now to one of my favorite spots in the world, Michigan. The Great Lakes have their own history of many ill fated ships that helped to created what Michigan is today.
“The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
of the big lake they called “Gitche Gumee.”
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
when the skies of November turn gloomy.
With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more
than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty,
that good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
when the “Gales of November” came early.”
from “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot
Stories abound in the Great Lakes with tales such as this. From iron ore from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, mined from the mountains covering its countryside, to great ships full of timber from the lower peninsula of Michigan heading for growing cities across the lakes, the number of shipwrecks historically in the great lakes is in the thousands!
If this is the kind of history that interests you, opportunities abound in the Lake States of the Midwest. Located in Paradise, a well known maritime museum lies in the vast unspoiled wilderness of Michigan. Called the Great Lake Shipwreck Museum, it also includes a wonderful lighthouse on Whitefish Point.
Here you will have the chance to travel back in time to 1861 to the lighthouse keepers quarters of the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior. The museum holds artifacts from 13 local shipwrecks, one being the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Guests even have the opportunity to sleep in the crews quarters, and if you go in the off season, May to November, you are even entitled to a private tour and membership to the Shipwreck Society. In the gales that strike early and hard in the Great Lakes, many ships went down without a trace and ghost stories abound. Even lighthouses invoke ghostly images of keepers long past haunting the lighthouses still today.
Say yes to Michigan and other states in the Midwest, a spectacular place to vacation for a look back at our nations history.
Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue the Best Historic Sites Part II Southern United States
June 10, 2009
Continuing on our journey of the best sites to visit on your historic journey across the world, we are now visiting the Southern United States. From the east coast all the way to Texas.
The south has a rich history of Native Americans, early Europeans, French English and of course a more sordid tale of battle of the original African slaves for their freedom. Due to this incredibly varied past, the south is home to some of the most varied cultures found in the United States today.
We will begin our journey to the South by visiting Louisiana. This states history is a bit different from that of the northeast. First colonized by France and Spain, the culture and history here are strong in French influences.
An option for historic travel in Louisiana is to visit one of the many historic plantations left over from an era gone by. Though many were destroyed in hurricane Katrina, one that remains is called the Destrehan Plantation. Located just outside of New Orleans, they offer tours of the plantation where you are taken back by costumed players to a time of slavery, bells, French nobles, and the Jefferson Document. It was established in 1787 and is the oldest documented plantation in the lower Mississippi River Valley.
Experience plantation life on your own or with a guided tour. They also offer a museum store with a large collection of historic books and vintage toys and decorative items from the past. The Destrehan Plantation has demonstrations of 18th century cooking, construction, as well as candle making and African American herbal remedies. They also have an option of special group tours for children, making this a great option for families as well on the lookout for a wonderful historic journey.
Perhaps your journey through time leads you to want to explore Texas. Remember the Alamo? Texas offers much more than the Alamo, though it does play an integral part in U.S. History. Our journey today however is off the a further back in the past, to the Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site.
Located in Val Verde County, this historic place has only been open to the public since 1980. Its history goes back 12,000 years to early man. Seminole Canyon is home to some of the most well preserved rock art. Ancient riverbeds formed by the Devil’s River, and hikes down the canyon to see drawings made by humans who still lived off the land and depended solely on nature for survival are just a few of the historical treasures found here.
Originally named for the Seminole-Negro Indian Scouts it honors the scouts from Fort Clark there to protect the frontier from marauding Apache and Comanches in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The history of the railroad is also woven into this vast area. You may journey into these canyons, but a guide is required for access. History here is abundant and spans thousands of years. Make this one a trip to remember and camp out at one of the areas provided.
Our journey to the Southern United States has ended for now, but the options for travel in the south are abundant. History abounds here, and it is just waiting for you to come and see. Take the opportunity to broaden your horizons and visit the south.
Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue to the Best Historic Sites
June 5, 2009
History is a way for us to progress into the future without making the same mistakes. Phrases like “lest we forget” written in a poem by Rudyard Kipling and made famous around the world, illustrate mankind’s desire to remember the past to move forward in the future.
All parts of the world are rich in some kind of history that have had an impact on its current citizens.
In the United States alone, a relatively new country in the world, historic sites are found everywhere you look. Wars, social movements, assassinations, amazing tales of survival, and heroism abound throughout.
If this were just a one part article, I would probably just touch on the general areas of interest, simply to peak a curiosity to the reader, but as this is continuing series we are going to travel to individual parts of the world beginning here with the Eastern United States
Our journey of the best historic places to visit begins in the North Eastern United States. This includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut; and the Mid-Atlantic States of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as defined by Wikipedia.
My rational for beginning here is this is the oldest part of the United States, founded by the pilgrims, and so begins our journey.
New England is filled with historic sites and places wonderful for historic travel. Plymouth Rock is located just off Cape Cod Bay. The rock is now sheltered to prevent weathering. The Plymouth Plantation itself is an entire trip. Here you can revisit much of Americas varied past.
The Wampanoag Homesite gives you the opportunity to experience the Native American culture. The Wampanoag people have called New England home for over 12,000 years. Learn about their history and culture in Americas past. A unique opportunity to see Americas founding by the first Americans in history.
Your visit to Massachusetts may also include visiting a re-creation of an English Village founded in 1627, seven years after the landing of the Mayflower. Immerse yourself in living history. Period clothing, and role players give visitors a chance to see what it was like to be a pilgrim in the new world.
You will be surrounded by opportunities to find out about our heritage as Americans as well as many opportunities to shop around in six award winning museum shops and have some fine dining as well. Why not try themed dining and complete your historic visit with a traditional meal of turkey or Mayflower Golden Ale made right there in New England.
For the war historians, why not try a visit to Pennsylvania. There are well over 2,000 places on the National Register of Historic Places. One place of interest may be the Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Begun in 1909, the Gettysburg National Military Park and Cemetery offers many different ways to experience the Civil War. Podcast tours, virtual tours, field exhibits, and a visitors center are just a few of the ways you could experience what the park has to offer. There are also guided tours of the park throughout the summer months to enhance your experience. Visit the High Water Mark Monument which lists the commands of both armies involved in “Pickett’s Charge”, one of the last southern attacks at Gettysburg.
Philadelphia also is home to the signing of both the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution and Independence Hall. Philadelphia has rekindled its popularity in the last few years thanks to the film industry. National Treasure, directed by Jon Turteltaub stars Nicolas Cage and revives history to the young in this movie. It takes place in Philadelphia and highlights some of the amazing historical sites to visit including Independence Hall.
You could also visit the Reading Terminal Market which can trace it origins to 1857, and of course the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to the unknown soldiers. The Liberty Bell and Congress Hall are also not far away and filled with history.
Philadelphia has many fantastic accommodations for the all travelers and would make a wonderful place to visit on your historic journey to the North Eastern United States. Travel back in time in the Northeast and experience Americas historic treasure trove of vacation possibilities.
Travel to Oahu For an Amazing Vacation
May 27, 2009
Oahu Lighthouse
You may think that a trip to the Hawaiian Islands is far beyond your grasp, but it may be closer than you think. Oahu is an island with much to experience. It is rich in history and beauty. Home to Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, Oahu is nicknamed “The Gathering Place”. With a population of 905,266. Oahu can be bustling in Honolulu, or quiet and peaceful in the mountains or on the beach. You can even rent a car and drive around the entire island in a day, stopping at any number of historic or legendary places along the way.
Here are just some places Oahu has to offer for the traveler looking for adventure.
In 1941 Pearl Harbor was attacked, and history was made on this small island. For the history buff, Pearl Harbor is a must see. The USS Arizona Memorial is a floating memorial built over the Battleship USS Arizona, and is powerful place to reflect on the effects of war. Pearl Harbor also offers the Battleship Missouri Memorial which allows visitors to explore retired battleships and experience the more recent history of our 50th State.
Diamond Head is one of the most identifiable landmarks in Hawaii. Located outside of Honolulu, this ancient crater has a history in ancient Hawaiian lore as well as a more volatile war history. Not only was it used by ancient Hawaiian Kings, but during the World War, it served as a fortress. Tourists can now traverse up the side of Diamond Head all the way to the top and see why this mountain is such an integral part of Oahu’s past and present.
The Dole Plantation, known as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience”. For children and adults alike this is wonderful stop along the way to Oahu’s north shore. It offers a train tour around the fields, a history of pineapples in Hawaii, a shop to pick up a wonderful pineapple smoothie, made with pineapple fresh picked from the field, and even the world’s largest maze! This is one of Hawaii’s top visitor attractions.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Koko Head Beach Park is a wonderful place to try something new, and see the world in a whole new way. For those new to snorkeling, this will be an experience you will never forget. A sheltered bay with a beautiful reef teeming with life. Once under the water, you don’t have to look far to see things only dreamed of. Fish of all different shapes and colors surround you and if you look hard enough, you may even be lucky enough to see an ancient sea turtle in its native habitat.
This is something for all to enjoy. Even if you are an avid snorkeler, you will still be awestruck at what this amazing area has to offer.
On the North Shore of Oahu, you may like to stop at Waimea Falls Park. Here you have cliff diving shows, kayaking, biking, and living archeology. It is staffed by Hawaiin’s dressed in traditional clothing and illustrating traditional activities and Hawaiian lifestyle. There is enough to see and do at Waimea Falls Park to keep you busy all day.
There are places to surf and body board all around the island and many other places to see while in Hawaii. Honolulu has wonderful restaurants and is filled with a variety of activities for the traveler to do and see in the evening before heading off to you hotel or other accommodations. Oahu is rich in culture and is a wonderful destination as it is considered the cultural center of Hawaii. Plan a trip to this exciting destination today, you will never regret it.
Brought to courtesy of Sealand Travel.
New England Vacations – A Getaway to Remember
May 27, 2009
New England Stonehouse
When looking for your next travel destination, why not choose something right here in the U.S.
Our country has a history filled with pride and triumph. As travelers we sometimes overlook what we have to offer right here. Aside from not requiring a passport, travel in the United States can be rewarding in ways that perhaps we overlook, our history.
New England is a place with an incredible past. It is filled with a variety of options for everyone today. It has natural beauty, that in the fall cannot be outdone, spring is filled with outdoor activities reflecting all aspects of us and many other things to offer.
New England is one of the earliest English Settlements in the New World. Founded in the 18th century, New England is the home to movements that have altered our society as a whole. Its rich history and stunning views make it one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.
Travel in New England can be a coastal journey including Portand, Boston or Providence, or in inland gem with mountains and scenery that will astound you. Your choices are endless. Here are a few recreational ideas that New England has to offer you on your next trip.
The Appalachian Mountains run along the east coast of the United States. It is more that 2,100 miles long with not only thousands of miles to hike through, but also offers whitewater kayaking and a host of educational opportunities for the entire family.
If you are looking for something a bit more relaxing, you could journey to Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard. Dotted with small towns and beautiful beaches, these destinations offer a more urban vacation. Art Galleries, theaters, spas, shopping or tours, these destinations offer a different kind of vacation. Fun and romance abound in this unique area.
For a more traditional family outing you could also stop in Maine and visit Funtown Splashtown USA, Northern New England’s largest family themed water and amusement park, or stay in the many posh resorts dotting the coasts, your vacation awaits.
Whatever you choose, excitement, romance, family fun, or adventure, you can find it right here in the the U.S. Check out one of the many ideas New England has to offer you on your next journey.
Brought to you by Sea Land Travel Club.
Alaska Fishing Lodge: The Nature’s Abode
April 4, 2009
It’s getting to be that time of year again. Fishing!
Fishing in Alaska
Recreation is an important aspect in the life of human beings. Anglers represent the major group of leisure seekers, and have a determined advantage over the other groups who make use of nature’s wonderful creatures and elements for food.
Consequently, the popularity of fishing in many areas had continuously dominated the society. That is why along with its series of activities, people now realize the need for fishing lodges especially in places where fishing activities seem to never end.
Among all fishing lodges available in the industry today, the Alaska Fishing Lodges are among the most treasured and most popular fishing lodges in the United States.
The Alaska Fishing Lodge provides its customers full customer service satisfaction with their wide array of fishing activities and endless strings of fishing fun.
Normally, Alaska Fishing Lodges are made up of logs; sturdily build to provide each angler optimum convenience and comfort. It is known for its spacious interiors, creatively decorated with the right embellishments, thereby, setting the mood for fishing and wilderness.
In addition, because it carries the true Alaskan heritage, Alaska Fishing Lodges offer services and products that can be afforded by anyone. With its affordable rates, the place is inhabited by people, who mostly want to enjoy life and fishing but cannot afford to buy the pleasures in expensive beaches and lodges.
Best of all, Alaska Fishing Lodges are perfectly located in areas where the waters are abundant with the different species of fish. Usually, these lodges are situated in a place where trout, northern pike, and grayling mostly inhabit the waters.
Salmon
On the other hand, most Alaska Fishing Lodges are built big enough to occupy 16 guests, in which each guest can avail of personal and individualized services.
Moreover, this type of lodge also houses a place where king salmon are abundant especially during the months of June and early part of July. Most lodges also provide a wide variety of fishing equipment, from rods to tackles and lines.
With all these beautiful features present in every Alaska Fishing Lodge, there is no better place to enjoy fishing and the wilderness like what this particular lodge can offer.
Staying in an Alaskan Fishing Lodge is, indeed, an ultimate fishing experience.
Sea land Travel Club has experienced management and strong resources; a name unequaled for quality and innovation. From sourcing to fulfillment. rate negotiations and service, Sealand Travel is raising the bar for industry standards every day. We are an organization of talented, seasoned professionals representing many years of combined travel experience with a philosophy that says each owner deserves a quality vacation experience. Sealand Travel Club has mature resources to ensure excellence every step of the way. Our fulfillment is performed by certified and certificated industry specialists. Call 866-571-3694 to find out more about Sealand Vacation Club.