This August Gatlinburg will celebrate its culture and heritage on the 17th and 18th with the Gatlinburg MountainFest. Throughout the two days visitors will find a wide spread of classic Appalachian music and craft demonstrations. In addition to the events typical activities, this year’s MountainFest will also rekindle the past with Old Timer’s Day celebration complete with storytelling, pig calling and even round-table discussions with some of the area’s elder citizens in regards to the history of Gatlinburg.

On Friday, August 17 the festivities will run from noon to 10 p.m. with Saturday’s festivities taking place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Whether visiting to celebrate Gatlinburg’s Bicentennial or simply wanting to immerse yourself in the culture of the Smokies, Gatlinburg MountainFest is sure to offer both an educational and entertaining look at the history of Gatlinburg.

Continuing with Smoky Mountains culture, Dollywood offers visitors a complete theme of the Smokies surrounded by thrill rides, great dining, live entertainment and much more. So whether you’re looking for an extreme time of excitement or a casual day of being entertained, Dollywood can offer a full-day of wonder for the entire family.

Memphis may be most noted for the lively nightlife of Beale Street and its close ties to Elvis Presley, and while these are certainly tremendous draws for the city, travelers will also find a wide variety of entertainment waiting to ensure that the kids aren’t excluded or left bored during your next visit. From museums to sightseeing tours, there are a number of experiences that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. Below, we’ve highlighted a few activities that are sure to be kid friendly, and keep your child’s attention while exploring the beautiful city of Memphis, TN.

The Children’s Museum of Memphis

The Children’s Museum of Memphis offers a fully interactive time of education and fun through a variety of exhibits covering health, engineering, geography and countless other vital subjects. Whether exploring art hands-on, crawling through the arteries of a giant heart or learning about civil servants including fireman and policeman, The Children’s Museum of Memphis provides a wonderland of both education and entertainment in Memphis.

Mud Island River Park

Mud Island River Park offers Memphis visitors an encompassing look at the Mississippi River that is sure to keep the entire family busy. Located right on the banks of the Mississippi, travelers can gain an up close view of the actual river, explore a five block model of the entire Mississippi, or take in the history of the cultural landmark. The Mud Island River Park offers a wealth of educational opportunity, but with the interactive environment of the park the kids will never know!

Ride the Ducks Memphis Sightseeing Cruise

Explore Memphis from both land and water with Ride the Ducks. Along this unique tour you’ll ride aboard an amphibious “duck” as you see the many sights of Memphis, including Beale Street, Victorian Village, AutoZone Park and many other popular sites of the city. You’ll also journey down the Wolf River Harbor for a more natural look at the surrounding area of the city. Whether interested in actual sightseeing or simply looking for a thrill, Ride the Ducks offers a different take on sightseeing that the entire family can appreciate.

The Williamsburg area may be most noted for its ties to our nation’s Colonial period, but Williamsburg visitors are sure to be quick to find a wide variety of fun and themes covered throughout the area theme parks. From thrilling water parks to historic theme parks, there’s an immersive fantasy waiting for everyone in Williamsburg, VA.

Busch Gardens Europe

Busch Gardens represents the various sights and cultures of Europe complete with thrill rides, dining options, live entertainment and much more. In total, the park is broken into six countries (England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Germany and France), with a healthy helping of American culture featured throughout the park as well. Whether you’re looking for a day of complete thrills or a calm look into cultures around the world, Busch Gardens Europe can offer its extensive collection of activities and attractions.

Water Country USA

Those looking for a way to cool down in the Williamsburg area won’t be able to beat the water fun found at Water Country USA. Sure, Williamsburg may be located just off the Chesapeake Bay, but the Chesapeake Bay doesn’t offer a wide assortment of tubes, slides and flumes, lazy float rivers or children’s play areas. Aside from the typical attractions, Water Country USA also offers the live show “Island Quest,” a twenty minute spectacular featuring a variety of acrobatic diving stunts.

Colonial Williamsburg

While there are no thrill rides featured at Colonial Williamsburg, you certainly can’t bring up the topic of theme parks in Williamsburg without mentioning this unique piece of our nation’s history. Completely set to resemble the 18th century, Colonial Williamsburg features a variety of historic architecture, exhibits, interpreters and daily activities to completely immerse travelers into our nation’s beginning. Whether simply strolling the grounds of the park and mingling with its inhabitants, witnessing wars rage through the fields of the area or even placing yourself directly into the every day living of the 18th century, there are a variety of ways for visitors to experience Colonial Williamsburg and our nation’s history.

Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. This list will be updated weekly as new performers are confirmed and added to the lineup.

Friday, June 25 - Order Tickets

Jeannie Seely
Jimmy C. Newman
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Jim Ed Brown
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Rebecca Lynn Howard
Jean Shepard
The Whites
The Time Jumpers
Marty Stuart
Connie Smith
Gene Watson

Friday, June 26 - Order Tickets

7:00 performance

Jimmy C. Newman
Connie Smith
Jennifer Hanson
Jeannie Seely
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Suzy Bogguss
Jean Shepard
Jan Howard
The Isaacs
Opry Square Dancers
Jim Ed Brown
The Whites
The Time Jumpers

9:30 performance

Jimmy C. Newman
Connie Smith
Jennifer Hanso
Jeannie Seely
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Suzy Bogguss
Jean Shepard
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
The Isaacs
Opry Square Dancers
Jim Ed Brown
The Whites
The Time Jumpers

This August 15th through 17th the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL will be holding the annual Hot Summer Boat Show! Throughout the weekend visitors and locals alike will find a wide range of marine craft, including cruisers, runabouts, fishing boats, deck boats, pontoons and boats built specifically for water skiing and wakeboarding. Aside from actual boats, visitors will also find a wide range of boat accessories and technology, as well as a kids zone and Teen Angler Casting competition to offer something for every member of the family to enjoy. Whether you’re currently browsing the market for a new boat or simply love boating, the Hot Summer Boat Show offers a grand display of the latest in the boating community.

Those looking for a unique time of boating may be interested in a Boggy Creek Airboat Tour. Along this exciting Orlando adventure you’ll trek the popular Everglades area of Florida by an authentic airboat for an experience that quite unlike anything else across the nation. Along the journey it’s not unlikely to uncover numerous types of wildlife as well, including bald eagles, blue herons, deer and the ever popular American alligator.

Of course, if you’re looking for water excitement without the boating, then Wet ‘n Wild has what you’re looking for. Complete with wave pool, lazy river, kids area and numerous slides, tubes and flumes, there’s definitely something for everyone at Wet ‘n Wild whether you’re looking for a day of relaxation or non-stop excitement.

Dear New York City Visitors,

The Big Apple offers travelers a wide range of things to see and do throughout its five burroughs, and a number of ways to see them. Whether exploring New York from the sky, its waterways or even through the world-class entertainment the city offers, there’s something for everyone that will leave lasting memories of the city that affects the entire world.

Helicopter Tours

There’s not a skyline quite like New York’s the world over, and when visiting The Big Apple a helicopter tour is the perfect way to explore the sprawling metropolis and its sheer breadth. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sweep across Manhattan or a quick, family jaunt around the Statue of Liberty, there are a variety of ways to take on this exciting sightseeing experience. Make your next memories of New York City every bit as big as the sights seen; find the helicopter tour just right for your next visit today!

Dinner & Lunch Cruises

If soaring through the air isn’t quite your thing, then perhaps a peaceful time of dining and entertainment as you float along the waterways of New York City is more appropriate. Both lunch and dinner cruises can be found, with each offering live entertainment, elegant dining and amazing sightseeing options. Whether you’re looking for a brunch experience or evening on the water and under the stars, the dinner & lunch cruises of New York City offer a unique way to explore the city of New York.

Broadway

Broadway is a decidedly New York City experience that is quite unlike any other form of theater you’ll find the world over. Classics including Rent and Chicago, new offerings such as Wicked and even popular children’s options like The Lion King can all be found along Broadway, each offering its own, pristine example of theater. So whether you’re a true connisuer of the performing arts or think that theater has nothing to offer you, you’re sure to find something to pique your interests along Broadway.

Have a question or need help placing an order? Give our Customer Service Representatives a call at 1-800-987-9852, or visit us online at:

http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NewYorkNY/index.cfm

Happy Travels!

The Staff
Vacations Made Easy
1-800-987-9852
www.VacationsMadeEasy.co

Friday, April 4 - Order Tickets

Riders In The Sky
Josh Gracin
Del McCoury Band
Ashton Shepherd
Connie Smith
Jimmy Wayne
John Conlee
Joe Nichols

Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. This list will be updated weekly as new performers are confirmed and added to the lineup.

Friday, July 18 - Order Tickets

Jimmy C. Newman
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Doug Stone
Ray Pillow
Connie Smith
Randy Kohrs
Jeannie Seely
Jan Howard
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Music Camp Performers
Riders In The Sky
Billy Dean
Gene Watson

Friday, April 4 - Order Tickets

7:00 pm performance

Josh Turner
Steve Wariner
Tift Merritt
Mel Tillis
Jeannie Seely
Stonewall Jackson
Opry Square Dancers
Hal Ketchum
Randy Kohrs
Connie Smith

9:30 pm performance

Jeannie Seely
Jimmy C. Newman
Steve Wariner
Charlie Louvin
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Tift Merritt
Mel Tillis
Kenyon Lockry
Josh Turner
Opry Square Dancers
Hal Ketchum
Randy Kohrs
Connie Smith

Whether you’re looking for a hot way to spend your next visit to Branson or a chance to show off your hot rod, the Super Summer Cruise at the Shepherd of the Hills is a great event for all Branson visitors. Set to be held August 7th through the 9th, the Super Summer Cruise is a welcome-all car show that predominately showcases models from the 50’s and 60’s; though everything from some of the earliest models of cars to newer 2000 models can be found throughout the festivities. Events held throughout the weekend include burn-out contests, midnight cruises, live entertainment and the chance to win numerous category awards.

Of course, Shepherd of the Hills offers much more than cars during the Super Summer Cruise. Along with the many events of the Super Summer Cruise, travelers can find the same great activities that Shepherd of the Hills offers year-round. At the Old Mill Theater you can take in a live adaptation of Harold Bell Wright’s classic Shepherd of the Hills, complete with 40 horses, burning cabin and all of the drama of the original tale. Not only entertaining, the Old Mill Theater’s Shepherd of the Hills offers insight into the culture and history of the Ozarks.

Another great attraction found on the same site as the Old Mill Theater and Super Summer Cruise is Inspiration Tower. Standing 230 feet above the Ozarks, Inspiration Tower offers great views of the area from every angle. In fact, on a clear day it’s said that you can see 90 miles off into the distance!

Though it passes every year without much recognition, July is American Beer Month; and in Nashville that means celebrating with the Annual Music City Brewers Festival. July 26, 35 American breweries will converge in Nashville to showcase yet again that America is just as apt at producing quality lagers, ales and wheat beers as any other country. From national corporations such as Coors to smaller operations including the likes of Olde Towne Brewing Company and Thomas Creek Brewery, you’re sure to find a wide selection of offerings all in top condition. Aside from the focal point of beer, visitors will also find live musical performances, dining options and more.

Travelers visiting Nashville for the Annual Music City Brewers Festival may also be interested in taking a short day trip to Lynchburg, TN with the Jack Daniels Country Tour. Along this informative journey you’ll visit the renowned Jack Daniels distillery, and learn about the history of this truly American tradition. And what history there is! For over two centuries the distillery has been producing quality mash whiskey. Along the tour you’ll explore the actual process of how whiskey is made, as well as visit what was once Jack’s actual office.

Of course, a visit to Nashville just isn’t complete without a stop at the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry has long been not only a benchmark in Nashville area music, but country music around the world. In fact, many would argue that the Grand Ole Opry stands for all that country is. From long standing legends including  to current pop stars such as Dierks Bentley, the Opry members are a varied bunch with the common denominator being that they’re all quality country musicians. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, the Opry is an outright experience that must be taken in when you visit the Country Music Capital of the World.