Plan a Family Vacation in Vancouver
With summer officially here and the kids no longer in school, it’s time to round up the family for a thorough exploration of Vancouver, BC, from the energetic downtown area all the way to the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Whether you wish to see the museums and shops in the city or the parks and natural landmarks on the outskirts, you can enjoy it all in one single vacation.
With the Vancouver, Canada Family Vacation Package, you will enjoy three nights in a Vancouver area hotel, a tour of the Vancouver Olympic Venues, and the Fraser River Safari. Your choice of hotel accommodations can place you anywhere you want to be, whether its in a quieter surrounding area or right in the middle of downtown Vancouver. No matter where you decide to stay, you will find easy access to the venues that will make up the official sites of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. A knowledgeable guide will escort you through some of these venues for a sneak peek at the events that are just months away.
The major draw of the package, however, is the Fraser River Safari. The safari takes you on an adventure through British Columbia’s premier river for a look at the Cascade Mountains, wildlife in its natural habitat, and a number of historical sites. Sit back and relax for over three full hours inside a safari boat and take in the stunning natural sights while a tour guide shares stories about the entire region.
If you would rather spend more than three days in Vancouver, the city has enough activity options to keep you busy. Enjoy a whale watching experience aboard the Ocean Magic the with All Day Victoria & Whales Experience; spend a day highlighting Vancouver’s major attractions with the Vancouver Highlights Tour; or, if you’re traveling with other adults, sample some of Canada’s famous selection of wines with the Vancouver Wine Tour. And with a huge selection of Vancouver hotels to choose from, you are guaranteed to find lodging next to your own points of interest.
Summertime Cruising in Williamsburg, VA
Take a break from exploring the history of the area or spending a day at Busch Gardens with a relaxing sightseeing cruise! While cruising along the various rivers in the area, you will enjoy a peaceful afternoon or evening soaking in the warm Virginia sun and experiencing the views the early settlers might have as they arrived on the Virginia shores.
If you want to enjoy a lunch or dinner on the river, reserve your spot on a Spirit of Norfolk Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River. The lunch cruises feature a delicious lunch and sightseeing opportunities including battleships from the Atlantic fleet. The lunch cruise also features a DJ and dance floor. The dinner cruise is a bit more low-key. You will enjoy your gourmet candlelit meal while you listen to soothing music. The cruise continues with live entertainment as well as a DJ and dance floor.
The Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruise takes guests through Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads Harbor. This is the only harbor cruise vessel in the area, so you will be sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience. The cruise is full of sightseeing opportunities, including the Jacques Cousteau Center, the Virginia Air and Space Museum, the Norfolk Naval Base, and Blackbeards’ Point. The Norfolk Naval Base is highlighted as one of the guests’ favorite attractions of the cruise. The cruise is fully narrated by a knowledgeable guide, so you are sure to leave this experience with a greater appreciation and knowledge of the Williamsburg area.
For a more classic cruise, check out the Yorktown Sailing Cruises. You will take to the York River in the Schooner Alliance, a classic full-sailed ship like the forefathers may have sailed in on. On this cruise, you will see such sights as the Yorktown Battlefield, the Victory Monument, and the beautiful scenery along the York River. The Yorktown Sailing Cruises offer day cruises appropriate for families and sunset cruises as well. This cruise will surely give you and your family an experience to remember with this exceptional cruise on the York River.
These cruises would make perfect additions to your July 4th vacation, so plan ahead and book your cruise today!
Grand Ole Opry Schedule of Performers for June 26 and 27
Grand Ole Opry Stage
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 26, 2009 – Order Tickets
8:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Mike Snider
Connie Smith
Mark Wills
8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Ray Pillow
John Anderson
9:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Jeannie Seely
Jim Ed Brown
Tracy Byrd
9:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Ricky Skaggs
Jimmy C. Newman
The Whites
Saturday, June 27, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
The Whites
Jamie O’Neal
7:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Mike Snider
Connie Smith
David Nail
8:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Steve Wariner
Jimmy C. Newman
Jim Ed Brown
Opry Square Dancers
8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Jeannie Seely
Billy Yates
Wynonna
9:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
The Whites
Jamie O’Neal
10:00 – 10:30 p.m.
Mike Snider
Connie Smith
Steve Wariner
10:30 – 11:00 p.m.
Jim Ed Brown
Jimmy C. Newman
David Nail
Opry Square Dancers
11:00 – 11:30 p.m.
Jeannie Seely
Billy Yates
Wynonna
Don’t Miss These Kid-Friendly Branson Shows!
June 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Branson MO, VME
Are your kids already bored of their summer vacation? Are you ready to get them out of the house to do something fun? Look no further than these exciting limited-time shows in Branson!
Act now and do not miss this rare opportunity to see a special limited engagement at Yakov’s Moscow Circus! For June 23 to July 5 only, the Moscow Circus will present Mishka the Russian Bears. Your whole family will delight in watching these magical bears perform their entertaining tricks. You will see acts like unicycle riding and acrobatic feats performed by these lovable bears. You can catch this special act at the 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. shows at Yakov’s Theatre.
Yakov’s Moscow Circus has been performing at Yakov’s Theatre since June 10, and they will run shows until September 7. The circus tells the story of the unrequited love of Andrei the Clown for Marina the Ballerina. The circus also features a variety of acts including Igor and Dennis, “The Strongmen of Moscow;” Boris the Wonder Dog, and the talents of Irina Markova and her canine troupe. The Moscow Circus is a show the whole family will enjoy. The complete show schedule can be found online at our listing.
For other wild and crazy fun in Branson, check out the Amazing Pets show. Perfect for younger children, this show is led by Sean Paul. He interacts with the audience as he brings out his animal cast for entertaining tricks. The performing animals include a monkey, dogs, cats, and birds. This show runs every day but Sunday until the end of August, making it the perfect show to see before the kids head back to school!
With both shows featuring performances on July 4th, these acts make great additions to your July 4th weekend plans. Plan ahead and book some great lodging close to these theaters and get ready to have a great weekend in Branson!
Cool Fun and High Thrills in San Antonio, Texas
Summer is the perfect time to pack up the family and head to San Antonio, Texas to experience Texas-sized thrills and excitement at the theme parks in the San Antonio area. From making friends with killer whales to plunging several stories on a gravity-defying roller coaster, these theme parks have something to appeal to everyone. We offer special theme-park vacation packages that include tickets to your favorite parks as well as lodging that make planning your vacation simple.
If you are interested in cooling off from the Texas heat during your vacation, the San Antonio Theme Park Adventure Package is the perfect plan for you. This package includes four nights’ lodging in a hotel of your choice, tickets to SeaWorld San Antonio, and Splashtown Water Park. SeaWorld offers a variety of programs, rides, and shows to entertain your family. “Believe” is the most popular show as it features the legendary Shamu and his friends. There are also shows that feature dolphins and sea lions, as well as a 4-D theater presentation. Rides include the Great White, an inverted coaster, and the Texas Splashdown, a Texas-sized flume ride. Splashtown Water Park is the perfect place to cool down. The park features a lazy river, South Texas’ largest wave pool, and a variety of tube and body slides, as well as a special kiddie area.
For those who are more serious theme park aficionados, the Six Flags Fiesta Texas Vacation Package is an excellent choice. This package includes two nights of lodging at your choice of hotel and tickets to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. A full-sized theme park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas features numerous thrilling rides including the Goliath, an inverted steel roller coaster; the Scream, a 20-story drop ride; and the Superman: Krypton Coaster, the largest steel coaster in the Southwest. Younger visitors will enjoy their own special section of the park and rides like the Crow’s Nest Ferris Wheel, the Gully Washer, and the Kinderbahn.
Along with your admission you will have access to the adjacent White Water Bay water park. Features of White Water Bay include a Texas-shaped wave pool, the Big Bender tube ride, and the Tornado, a unique funnel-shaped slide. Check the calendar before you go to see if Six Flags is hosting any special events. On Thursdays in July, the park hosts concerts featuring such big-name acts as Flo Rida and Raven-Symone. There is also a spectacular July 4th celebration this year at the park.
Whether looking for exciting plans for July 4th weekend or just wanting to give the family a great summer vacation, these theme park vacation packages are sure to be a vacation your family will remember forever.
Plan a Peaceful Sightseeing Adventure in Mount Rushmore
In addition to viewing the historic landmarks the Greater Mount Rushmore Area is known for, take some time this summer to roam the rolling Black Hills surrounding the area for a look at beautiful waterfalls, unique wildlife, and calm streams. With its combination of national parks, forests, canyons, and trails, you will find no shortage of tranquil locations to give you the peaceful vacation you deserve.
Located within Black Hills National Forest, Spearfish Canyon offers the kind of scenery you would hope to come across during your sightseeing quest: superior waterfalls (such as the stunning Bridal Veil Falls), widespread plant growth, and native wildlife. Summer marks the perfect time to view all of the colorful plants set against the rolling terrain of the area. Hike along the streams and cliffs for a completely absorbing natural adventure.
For further recreational fun, look into Custer State Park. A full 71,000 acres of land, Custer State Park is perfect for more adventurous travelers looking for open space for their activities. You can enjoy such activities as rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking along rougher terrain, and witnessing some of the wildlife indigenous to the area. Don’t be surprised to see hundreds of buffaloes, mountain goats, deer, and more nearby. Spend the whole day journeying through the natural beauty of the Black Hills, then spend the evening camped out under the stars at one of the local campgrounds.
Give yourself a history lesson during your sightseeing adventure by walking along part of the Lewis and Clark Trail that winds all the way through South Dakota. Put yourself in the shoes of the world’s two most famous explorers as you walk past such sites as South Dakota’s Great Lakes, the Missouri River, and Indian reservations. Camping and recreational opportunities are available on the way, giving you the peace you want on your vacation with just a touch of civilization along the way.
Give yourself a summer vacation away from big-city commotion by taking in some of Mount Rushmore’s peaceful outdoor beauty.
Visit the Old South with Plantation Tours in New Orleans
Visitors continually flock to New Orleans for a variety of reasons: the delicious food, the wild nightlife, the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, and Mardi Gras. However, New Orleans contains an enthralling history as it was one of the largest and richest cities in the Antebellum South. The New Orleans area has a variety of plantations that has continued to fascinate visitors for years. Take an opportunity this summer to be transported back to the idyllic days of the Antebellum South with these plantation tours.
The Oak Alley Plantation Tour is a fully-guided experience with a knowledgeable tour guide, motorcoach transportation, and a tour of this plantation. Oak Alley was built in 1839 and features Greek-revival style architecture and acres of ancient oak trees. It is also a National Historic Landmark and includes a gift shop and a restaurant on site to give you a taste of the old South. The tour departs from New Orleans and is approximately 4.5 hours long.
The West Bank Plantation Tour is a 5.5 hour long tour that takes you to five plantations. The tour stops at Oak Alley Plantation and Laura Plantation with ample time for touring and exploring, and the tour drives by the Whitney, Josephine, and Evergreen plantations. Your knowledgeable tour guide will give you plenty of background information and details on these historic properties as you travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned van. Groups are relatively small, giving you greater opportunity to explore and talk to your guide. Don’t forget the camera!
The Longue Vue House and Gardens is a more modern New Orleans estate as it was built in the early 1900s. This estate is one of the last custom-built mansions in the area and is a National Historic Landmark, a Local Landmark, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The estate includes extensive gardens with beautiful fountains that you can explore, and the mansion itself contains a variety of European and American antiques, art, porcelain, clothing, and more. Rooms included in the tour are the Flower Arranging Room, the Blue Room, Art Gallery, Drawing Room, and Wrapping Room among others. Famous past guests of the Longue Vue House include Eleanor Roosevelt and John Kennedy.
These tours will take you back in time as you explore the life and culture of some of New Orleans’ earliest residents, giving you a greater appreciation of the unique culture and history found in the South.
Take Time for a Family Vacation in Chattanooga
Looking for a great spot to take your family for a vacation but want to avoid the heavy crowds of popular tourist destinations? Chattanooga, Tennessee is as fun as its name and is a great destination for families. With a variety of family friendly attractions and sights to appeal to everyone, Chattanooga is well worth checking out.
For the easiest summer vacation you will ever plan, choose the Chattanooga, TN Family Vacation Package. This package includes two nights’ lodging in Chattanooga and the Elwood Smooch’s Choo Choo Cha Boogie Show and the Chattanooga Nature Center. The Choo Choo Cha Boogie Show is fun for the whole family with two hours of family-friendly comedy, music, and more, all brought to you by Elwood Smooch. The Chattanooga Nature Center will fascinate your family, especially if they are used to living in a big city. The nature center contains over 30 native species of creatures found in the Smoky Mountain region including various types of birds, snakes, turtles, and wolves. The center also contains beautiful gardens, a walking path, and the George S. Bryan Tree House, one of the largest in the country.
Another great family activity in Chattanooga perfect for a fun afternoon is the Raccoon Mountain Caverns Go-Karts. This attraction features official NASkarts and a 630-foot race track. With both single and twin rider go carts, there is an option for everyone in your family. Your older children can take the wheel themselves, while you can drive with a younger child.
Spending an afternoon caving is another unique activity in Chattanooga. The Crystal Palace Cave Tour is a 45-minute long tour through part of the Crystal Palace Cave. Your tour guide will give you plenty of information regarding the cave and its formation, as well as its unique details. It will definitely be an afternoon to remember as you explore the beauty of this cave and marvel at the unique formations of stalagmites and stalactites in the cave.
Summer Loving: Romantic Vacation Ideas in Memphis
Ready for a getaway for just you and the one you love? If sunset cruises, deluxe accommodations, and a relaxing time away from all your stresses sound good, then these Memphis vacation ideas are perfect for you. Whether you just have a weekend to spare or are looking for a longer trip, we have the options for you.
Planning your vacation is easy with one of our vacation packages. The Memphis Romantic Anniversary/Honeymoon Package is a three night vacation that includes the Graceland Platinum Tour, a sightseeing cruise, and a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe. The Graceland Platinum Tour will let you explore the Graceland mansion, Elvis’ custom airplanes, and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum and the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum. The sightseeing cruise is a 1.5 hour paddleboat cruise down the Mississippi River and provides ample time for sightseeing and picture taking. You have your choice of lodging, so you can book a luxurious suite in downtown Memphis to complete your vacation.
If you would rather plan your own trip, we offer a variety of attractions that are perfect for your trip. Dinner cruises are the perfect activity for a romantic evening, and the Memphis Riverboats Sightseeing Dinner Cruise is a great option that combines a delicious dinner and dancing with sightseeing opportunities. An evening spent on a dinner cruise is sure to be a relaxing experience you will long remember.
If you want to spend an evening together exploring Memphis’ nightlife, then booking a hotel in Memphis’ downtown close to Beale Street is the perfect option for you. Whether wanting to spend an evening in a romantic jazz bar or dancing the evening away at a club, Beale Street has plenty of options for you. The Madison Hotel and River Inn of Harbor Town are two deluxe Memphis lodging options that offer the perfect facilities for a romantic vacation and are close to a variety of downtown Memphis attractions.
Cruise Around the Big Apple on Your Summer Vacation
New York City
When you travel to New York City this summer, remember to take a break from the commotion of the city streets and cruise around the Big Apple on a sailing cruise! Summer marks the perfect time to enjoy life on the water and escape reality for a few hours, so choose from among these great options for your perfect New York City summer activity.
Enjoy an afternoon of kicking back, relaxing, and enjoying the view of New York Harbor and the city skyline with the Big Apple Sailing tour. You have two different options: the Taste of Sailing option or the Moet and Chandon option. Taste of Sailing embarks you on a sailing excursion starting in the North Cove Marina and across the New York Harbor. If being onboard a more historic vessel sounds more like your taste, try out the Moet and Chandon tour, where you’ll set sail on the America II that participated in the 1987 America Cup Yachting Competition. No matter what you choose, you can experience all the pleasures of sailing in one enjoyable afternoon.
Coming in at 160 feet in length, the Clipper City Sail is one of the largest sailing ships in America. Now you have the chance to hop onboard this grand vessel and catch unparralleled views of New York City’s greatest city landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and more. For 90 minutes, you will see the city as few others have seen it: away from the occassional frustrations and annoyances of the crowded inner city. Your opportunity to relax along the open waters of the New York Harbor starts with the Clipper City Sail!
Add elegance and refinement to your cruise with the Shearwater Sailing Cruise. In addition to enjoying the breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, your two-hour cruise includes samplings from a wide variety of fine wines, aged to perfection. The cruise is a perfect for novice wine tasters to broaden their knowledge on the subject, and it also allows for guests aboard the ship to chat with a knowledgeable guide. For the best in New York City sights, sounds, and tastes, enjoy a couple of hours on the Shearwater Sailing Cruise.
