Christmas at Graceland in Memphis, TN
Celebrate this holiday season with Memphis and memories of the King with Christmas at Graceland! Running from now through December 25, Graceland will be transformed into a veritable winter wonderland through a variety of holiday lighting, exhibits and general joy. As has been done for years, Graceland will be adorned with the same décor Elvis used during his residence, offering yet another way to catch an intimate glimpse into the life of one of America’s brightest stars. Other seasonal touches are set to include a lighted Christmas tree. Whether an avid Elvis fan or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the season, Christmas at Graceland can warm the hearts of one and all!
Learn more about Christmas at Graceland and find hotel options near Graceland online.
Of course, if you are visiting Memphis this winter, then a visit to Graceland is practically a must-do. Tours of Elvis’ legendary house will take guests through eight rooms of the actual mansion, as well as Elvis’ custom airplanes and even the final resting place of The King himself. And while a walk through this famed estate is always memorable, the addition of Christmas at Graceland is sure to make the moment all the more special.
Mt Rushmore Area Most Popular Activities
Planning a vacation can be difficult, but the process is made easier if you know what previous visitors enjoyed. We’re here to help you out with that. The activities discussed below are the three most popular events in the Mt Rushmore area, as determined by the previous visitors. Browse these activities or log on to Vacations Made Easy to see more options!
Mount Rushmore Tour
When visiting the Mt Rushmore area, the most popular attraction is going to be the Mt Rushmore Memorial itself. However, there are so many tours available, it can be tough choosing the right one. Of all the tours we offer, the Mount Rushmore Tour was the front runner by a landslide! The tour begins at the Mt Rushmore Memorial and heads off to Custer State Park and ends at the Crazy Horse Memorial. The tour also includes a ride on the 1880 Train. Previous visitors have commented that this is the best tour in the area! Don’t let your family miss out on this incredible opportunity.
Chuckwagon Dinner & Western Music Show
The next most popular attraction is the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch in Rapid City, South Dakota. During dinner, you and your family will enjoy classic cowboy grub such as BBQ chicken and foil-wrapped potatoes. After dinner, the show begins with classic country music from artists like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and the Sons of the Pioneers. If you would like to make a whole day of the experience, there are several activities including model calf roping, gold panning, miniature animal petting corral, and trail rides. Take advantage of this classic cowboy fun!
Number three on the list of most popular events is the Big Thunder Gold Mine. Visitors love this activity because you and your family will not only tour the original gold mine, but you can try your hand at panning for gold with the traditional tools! The best part is, you are guaranteed to find gold when you try gold panning in the nearby stream. The biggest recent news is the suspected discovery of another strip of gold deep in the mine. This activity is also one of the few registered “Family Approved Attractions”! Don’t miss your chance to take part in the famous gold rush of South Dakota!
Weekend Getaways to The Big Apple
Sometimes a full-blown vacation just isn’t feasible. This is one of those times. With the cram-packed schedule of the holiday seasons, you just don’t have time to run off to NYC for a vacation. Unless that vacation is a weekend get-away. There are so many great options for a weekend trip that you might have a little trouble choosing!
All Loops Double Decker Bus 48-Hour Variation Pass Getaway
This vacation package may have a long name, but the trip is short enough to fit into a weekend. This package include two (or more) nights’ lodging in the city and a 48-hour unlimited pass to the Double Decker Bus tour. With the pass, you can enjoy the hop on/hop off privilege so you can spend as much time as you want at the sites you want. The bus visits Central Park, Harlem, Times Square, Chinatown, and so many more!
Macy’s New York Shopping Tour Getaway
This package is for the die-hard shopper in the family. Definitely not for the faint of heart. This package includes the Macy’s VIP card, which earns you a one-on-one with one of Macy’s famous personal shoppers! The card also gets you discounts at many restaurants around the city, beauty advice from the experts in the Macy’s beauty department, and star treatment at the Big Apple’s biggest store! You will also have your choice of amazing New York hotels for two nights.
New York City Broadway Vacation Package
For those headed to the Big Apple for a Broadway show, this is the package for you. This package includes tickets to two of Broadway’s biggest shows! You’ll start the trip with Shrek The Musical and top it off with Mamma Mia! You can spend your days however you choose, enjoy the shows in the evening, and head back to your hotel to rest up for the day ahead. Seems like the perfect weekend.
Whichever package you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your mini-vacation to the Big Apple, not to mention relax before the hectic schedule of the Christmas season sets in. By visiting New York City prior to the end of the year, you’ll also get to see the city decked to the nines in some of the most beautiful decorations in the world!
Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood!
November 20, 2009 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN
Having started November 7 and running through December 30, the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival offers travelers a wholesome, holiday outing amidst the great dining, thrilling rides and handmade crafts of Dollywood. Over three million lights brighten the popular Smoky Mountain theme park with various parades, live performances and seasonal dining adding to the festivities! If you’re looking to unlock the full magic of the season, you’re sure to find it in ample supply at Dollywood during the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival.
Dollywood’s 125 acre setting is the perfect place to hold a winter festival and can certainly offer more than enough to keep the entire family entertained! Thrilling rides, children’s play areas, live shows and a wide spread of dining options all come together for an experience that can easily last the entire day. Aside from the sheer fun that can be found at Dollywood, visitors will also find an authentic representation of Smoky Mountain heritage and culture at nearly every turn.
Broadway-Style Shows Now In Vegas!
Las Vegas is home to some of the greatest entertainers in the world. Currently residing there are Cher and Bette Midler. But if you thought Vegas only presented music or dance shows, then you’re in for a surprise. Right now, Sin City is playing home to two Broadway-style productions. If you’re thinking about hitting the Strip, you should definitely check out these two incredible shows!
Jersey Boys Las Vegas is a story about how four guys from the wrong side of the tracks in Jersey came out on top of the music world. Follow Frankie Vallie, Bon Guardio, Tommy Devito and Mick Massi as they tell their story of friendship and fame. True fans will love the one-of-a-kind set designed around rock and roll memorabilia from the golden years. Featured throughout the show are hits like ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ ‘Sherry,’ and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.’ When in Vegas, this is truly a must-see show!
Phantom is a modern rendition of the infamous Broadway musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Phantom of the Opera. To keep the spirit of the original script, Andrew Lloyd Webber was instrumental in helping to rewrite the show to create the 95 minute production. The special effects will blow your mind as you sit and take in the wonder that has been created specially for the Vegas audience. The biggest difference? The $40 million theater! The theater in which the show is performed was designed after the Paris Opera House, which happens to be where the story takes place.
Whether you’re stopping in to Vegas for gambling, shopping, or sightseeing, there is always time to see a show! Don’t miss your chance to experience one of these incredible Broadway-style shows.
Nashville Home to Historical Gems
November 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN
When most people think of Nashville, they think of country music. Those who are familiar with the city know that there is so much more to Music City than music. There is so much history hidden in Nashville, and if you’re going to be in the area you should definitely visit some of these historical gems!
Take a deep breath and relax as you tour this restored 1853 antebellum mansion. The Belle Meade Plantation is unlike any other estate in the South. The original owners of the plantation were famous for their stables and the thoroughbred horses they produced. Champions such as Seabiscuit and Smarty Jones can trace their lineage back to the stables at Belle Meade! The house itself is filled with period furnishings and decor and surrounded by seven original outbuildings.
Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tours
This tour is a unique experience in Nashville, which is quite a feat. The tour begins with a documentary film about the history of the Auditorium narrated by Trisha Yearwood. Guests will enjoy the film while sitting in the original pews that once filled the Auditorium. After the film, guests will be led to the stage where they can have a picture ‘singing’ in front of the Grand Ole Opry audience. Guests will also have access to all of the artifacts and memorabilia housed throughout the building.
The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson
Tour the Nashville estate of President Andrew Jackson with this amazing tour. This beautiful estate has been preserved as both a historical home and a museum. The entire property includes several outbuildings, a garden designed by President Jackson for his wife, the original log cabin, stables, the famous antebellum mansion, and the final resting place of presidential couple. Staff in period costume can be found around the estate to answer any questions you may have, historical or not.
Orlando Promotions Ease Budgets
Vacations can be expensive, especially if you are taking advantage of several activities near your destination. Around the holiday season, budgets may already be tight thanks to all that Christmas shopping. This little dilemma shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your trip to Orlando, or keep you from going at all! Vacations Made Easy has several promotions available for some of Orlando’s hottest attractions.
Family Pass
The Family Pass is a great value regardless of the activity it’s promoting! With this special deal, you receive two adult tickets and two children tickets for one low price. This price is generally deeply discounted from the individual ticket price. Family Passes are currently available for two separate tours. The Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands Eco-Tour is a two-hour long tour that gives you a special look at the marine wildlife in the Thousand Islands area. The Ultimate 70 Minute Airboat Rides tour guides you through the lock system of Lake Toho on one of Florida’s famous air boats as you see wildlife native to the Everglades.
Adult Ticket At Child’s Price
Another promotion available is the ‘Adult an Child’s Price’ ticket discount. This deal is currently available for tickets to SeaWorld and is only valid until December 31. SeaWorld is one of Orlando’s most famous theme parks and should not be missed. There are rides, shows, animal attractions, and dining options that make a full day of fun under the Florida sun!
Discounted From Regular Ticket Price
If you are looking for an incredible dinner show for the family during your stay in Orlando, you should consider the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. During the show, your family will be amazed by the sword fighting and fast-paced jousting. Enjoy the amazing dinner and watch the knights battle for your favor in a friendly competition!
Branson Is Business As Usual In Early 2010
November 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under Branson MO
Christmas is right around the corner and most people are consumed by the spirit of the season. However, you may want to start thinking ahead to the new year. If January includes a visit to Branson, you may be surprised to know that most of the shows will be closed for the month of January to prepare for the 2010 shows.
Just because the shows will be closed doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do in Branson. There are still hundreds of things to do that will welcome January visitors. Everything from shopping to dining to an entertaining night out will be waiting for you.
Shopping
Shopping in the month preceding Christmas can be a nightmare. The stores are jam-packed from wall to wall and everyone is trying to get their hands on the same thing. In the weeks post holiday chaos, the stores are quieter and the shopping experience is often more enjoyable.
If that is your idea of a nice weekend, Branson is the place. There are many places to shop in the Branson area, including outlet malls and boutique shops. If you’re seeking a stress-free weekend after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the Branson Landing Weekend Escape vacation package places you in the heart of one of the best shopping districts in Branson!
Spending a quiet afternoon at home once everyone leaves can be very relaxing. Why not include a nice dinner to top off your day? There are lots of wonderful dining options in Branson that are open year-round so you don’t have to worry about them being closed. For a list of dining options all over the Branson area and restaurant information, check out our Points of Interest page. While you’re there you can browse plenty of other activities in Branson.
While the shows in Branson will be closed, there are still many attractions that will happily welcome January visitors. The museums in Branson are some of those attractions. Museums like Titanic-The Legend Continues and World’s Largest Toy Museum will be business as usual. Also, many of the tours will also be available in the new year. Browse the activities and see what all is available for your Branson trip!
Grand Ole Opry Performers For November 20 &21
November 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under Grand Ole Opry
Dear Grand Ole Opry Visitors,
If you’re headed to the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, this is what’s happening at Ryman! Please note that the performances are subject to change at the last minute.
Friday, November 20 - Buy Tickets!
7:00 – 7:30
George Hamilton IV
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Jason Michael Carroll
7:30 – 8:00
Jimmy Dickens
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Shane Yellowbird
8:00 – 8:30
Mike Snider
Stonewall Jackson
The Whites
Connie Smith
8:30 – 9:00
Vince Gill
Ralph Stanley
Little Big Town
Saturday, November 21 – Buy Tickets!
7:00 – 7:30
Jimmy Dickens
Jimmy C. Newman
The Whites
7:30 – 8:00
Jack Greene
Ralph Stanley
8:00 – 8:30
George Hamilton IV
Jan Howard
The Lovell Sisters
Opry Square Dancers
8:30 – 9:00
Mike Snider
Connie Smith
Charlie Daniels Band
INTERMISSION
9:30 – 10:00
Jimmy Dickens
Jimmy C. Newman
The Whites
10:00 – 10:30
Jack Greene
Ralph Stanley
10:30 – 11:00
Mike Snider
Ray Pillow
Charlie Daniels Band
Opry Square Dancers
11:00 – 11:30
Vince Gill
Connie Smith
The Lovell Sisters
Airborne Adventures Await In San Diego
Flying is an experience unlike any other that someone can experience. Vacations Made Easy has recently added a new adventure for visitors to the San Diego area that tops the experience of a commercial flight.
Warbird Adventures is a chance to test out your resolve in a real vintage plane. Restored to working condition, the planes used by the flight company are 1941 North American SNJ-4 Texans. Back in the day, this was the premier training plane for pilots fighting WWII. These huge planes are the perfect way to experience aerobatics such as loops, rolls, half-Cuban eights, and so many more!
Because sending up first-timers alone is dangerous, your licensed pilot will take the front “trainee” seat and you’ll occupy the back seat traditionally reserved for the instructor. Thanks to the intercom and headset, you’re in constant contact with your pilot. If you are feeling particularly brave, the pilot may even turn over the reigns to you for a few minutes!
There are four flights to choose from for this adventure. You can choose from the Silver Wings flight, which is 30 minutes; the Pacific Ace flight, which is 40 minutes; the Coastal Patrol flight, which is 50 minutes; or the Wings of Gold flight, which lasts 60 minutes. If you opt for the Wings of Gold flight you will also receive a SNJ t-shirt and cap. It is important to remember that the flight times are the time the plane is in the air. Guests are asked to allow extra time for briefing, loading, taxiing, and unloading.
With an adventure like this, you can see San Diego and the Pacific Ocean coast like never before. The best part is the longer you fly with Warbirds Adventures the more you get to see!
