Uncover the Turbulent Side of Savannah
As the first permanent, English settlement in what is present-day Georgia, Savannah holds more than its share of historical secrets and surprises. From braving the rough path of America’s beginning to facing the turbulent trials that pitted North versus South, Savannah has seen nearly all of America’s history, and there’s a story for each time period waiting in the wings. Below, you’ll find a variety of walking tours featured in the Savannah area, each offering its own, unique perspective into Savannah’s fascinating, and at times dark, history.
Pirate’s Walk Maritime History Walking Tour
Just as the English came to stake their claim on the fair lands of what is today Savannah, so did ruffians and pirates follow to make a bounty of what had been created by the settlers. Along this tour you’ll discover the intertwined history that Savannah shares with pirate’s as you hear tales ranging from popular names such as Blackbeard to untold adventures and tirades of pirate’s that never staked their claim to fame outside of the Savannah area.
Homemade Thunder Civil War Tour
Situated in the heart of the South, Savannah saw more than its fair share of troubles and triumphs in regards to the Civil War. Along the Homemade Thunder Civil War Tour, travelers will explore not only the sights of Savannah, but topics ranging from Southern generals and their war strategies to the effects the war had on the common man and woman.
With its long-standing, and at times troubled, history and charming Victorian feel, Savannah is a hotbed for ghostly activity. From film to book, this notion has been documented in popular culture, and now you can experience the eerier side of Savannah up close. Along the tour your guide will share documented information as well as provide you with first-hand encounters from locals for the perfect way to truly decide for yourself if Savannah’s specters are myth or reality.
Ring in the New Year All Over Again DC’s Chinese New Year Spectacular!
While Valentine’s Day may be the first celebration to come to mind when thinking of February 14, those that would prefer cultural exploration will find fifteen days of celebration throughout Washington DC under the banner of the Chinese New Year! On February 14, we will officially enter the Year of the Tiger and DC will kick off the occasion in lively form.
While the exact date has yet to be announced, the annual Chinese New Year Parade will undoubtedly be one of the top draws this year. The parade is set to be held in DC’s Chinatown along H Street between 6th and 8th Streets.
Other celebrations are set to include various events at the Lakeforest Mall on weekends throughout the 15-day celebration, as well as a coordinated effort from the Montgomery County Public Libraries to place focus on Chinese culture through hands-on activities, demonstrations and more!
Those interested in visiting Washington DC during the Chinese New Year can find a variety of lodging options throughout the DC area online.
Winter Entertainment in Branson, MO
January 7, 2010 by admin
Filed under Branson MO
While much of Branson may take a hiatus after the holidays that’s not to say that Ozarks visitors can’t enjoy a variety of entertainment options throughout January. Whether looking to take in classic rock hits, down-home country or simply something entertaining, there are a variety of impressive shows to explore if you know where to look. To help you get started on planning your winter getaway to Branson we’ve highlighted a range of shows that will be available throughout the month of January. Read on to find an option that piques your interest and begin planning your Branson vacation today!
Heat up your winter visit to Branson with the new Top 10 Rock and Roll Review. Featuring talented saxophonist and Branson legend Marvelous Marvin Short, the Top 10 Rock and Roll Review offers non-stop rock from the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s for a lively time of entertainment. Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Eric Clapton, the Mamas and Papas and numerous other iconic acts will be covered throughout the performance for a fast-paced night of rock and roll in Branson, MO!
Billed as the Grand Country Theater’s signature show, Grand Jubilee offers an exceptional time of Branson entertainment as New South belts out country hits and gospel classics, and Jamie Haage plays the role of the hilarious Jim Dandy. Add to the evening emcee Mike Patrick, a rotating cast of entertainers and vibrant set design and you have a classic variety show experience! Those looking for a top notch time of variety entertainment will find a little of everything with Grand Jubilee.
Those looking for a light-hearted show that is a little out of the ordinary will find just that with Amazing Pets! Hosted by Sean Paul, Amazing Pets features an eclectic cast of cats, dogs, exotic birds and even the talented monkey Frankie as they perform a variety of tricks and stunts. Best of all, the majority of the cast has been rescued from shelters and humane societies for a heart-warming show that will delight audiences of all ages.
Grand Ole Opry Schedule of Performers for January 8 & 9, 2010
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, January 8 - Order Tickets
- Jason Michael Carroll
- Danny Gokey
- Kyle Petty
- Chris Young
- and more
Saturday January 9 - Order Tickets
- Rodney Crowell
- Chris Young
- and more
Annual Asian Festival Celebrates The Year Of The Tiger
2010 is the year of the Tiger in Asian tradition, and the people of San Antonio are taking it to the extreme. Each year San Antonio hosts the Annual Asian Festival to celebrate the traditions of the Pacific Rim. For the year of the Tiger, the celebration is going to be bigger than ever!
The festival tends to fall in line with the Chinese New Year, and this year the festival begins January 20 and concludes February 5. The Annual Asian Festival is held at the University of Texas San Antonio Institute of Texan Culture, which is located in Hemisfair Park under the Tower of the Americas.
The festival is a fun-filled event designed to entertain the whole family. There will be demonstrations of martial arts, feng shui, and Rishi tea brewing. There are also vendors selling gifts, crafts, jewelery, antiques, and art. Guests of all ages will enjoy the lectures and classes that cover everything from Ikebana floral arranging to Oragami to traditional games.
There are also many activities for you and your family to enjoy at the festival. Take advantage of the food tastings and try traditional foods from China, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and many more. Also check out the song and dance shows, tai chi and jujitsu demonstrations, and the henna painting.
To find more info about the Annual Asian Festival, visit our event page!
26th Annual International Blues Challenge Hits Memphis!
Known for blues and rock ‘n roll, Memphis hosts many music-themed festivals throughout the year. This year happens to be the 26th annual International Blues Challenge (IBC). If you’re thinking about visiting the Memphis area early in 2010, this would be the time. The IBC begins on January 20 and the finale will occur on the evening of January 23.
The International Blues Challenge is an event hosted by The Blues Foundation and has slowly grown to become the most respected showcase for blues musicians. This year’s entries represent 39 US states, the District of Columbia, and 13 foreign countries. Some of the countries represented include Australia, Denmark, India, and Italy.
It is a competition, mind you, and a winner is chosen for each of three categories. The ‘Blues Band’ category is the biggest, with 111 entries this year. The second competition category is ‘Solo/Duo Acts’ and boasts 83 competitors this year. The newest category is the ‘Youth Showcase’, which includes 32 entries all under the age of 21.
The festival kicks off with a Meet & Greet at the New Daisy Theater, followed by the international showcase. Days are filled with festival activities ranging from seminars and workshops to awards ceremonies. The competition semifinals take place at blues clubs along Beale Street with the final competition occurring at the famous Orpheum Theater.
To stay close to the action, we recommend hotels in the downtown area. There are several hotels within walking distance of Beale Street, which makes attending the competition events that much easier. The Marriott Downtown is just a short cab ride away from Beale Street and offers guests tons of amenities and a relaxing environment. The Holiday Inn Select Downtown is just a few blocks from Beale Street and definitely within walking distance. The Madison Hotel sits between the Marriott and the Holiday Inn Select, placing you just a few streets over from Beale Street. This hotel boasts first class amenities, on-site dining, and beautiful views.
Eco-Inspired Activities Now Available In Chattanooga!
Chattanooga is located is some of the most beautiful country of the Eastern Seaboard. If you’ve never experienced the stunning landscapes and serenity of the natural surroundings, you have no idea what you’re missing! There are a two eco-inspired activities that you should definitely make time for during your next visit.
First up is the Chattanooga Nature Center. The Nature Center is a concourse of trails weaving their way through the creeks and countryside of Lookout Mountain. You’ll get to see more than 30 species of native animals in their natural habitat as you take a relaxing stroll through the area. You’ll also find a 1,400-foot boardwalk if you choose not to trek the trails. There are also ecologically engineered man-made wetlands and a fun tree house for you to check out during your visit to the Chattanooga Nature Center.
The Blue Moon Eco-Tour of Tennessee River Gorge is another wonderful option for visitors looking to absorb the natural splendor of Chattanooga. This guided tour will open your mind to the native stories of the area as you take in the vast magnificence of the Tennessee River Gorge. You’ll also get to see the animals that live in and around the Gorge as they go about their day. The Blue Moon Eco-Tour of Tennessee River Gorge is so much more than just a sightseeing cruise, you have to try it to understand.
Enjoy An In-Depth Tour Through The Wild West!
If you’re planning a vacation to the old West, there is so much to see. Everything from the famous Mt Rushmore to the scenic Yellowstone National Park is worth seeing if you’re visiting the area. If you are looking for a way to cover it all in one trip, there is one perfect solution. The Yellowstone & Mt Rushmore guided tour allows you to hit all the sights of the wild West while still enjoying the care-free experience of a vacation.
This 9-day tour begins in Salt Lake City, where you’ll tour Temple Square and enjoy a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Enjoy a nice dinner before turning in for the night. Day two is spent traveling through Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming as you make your way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Day three is the time for sightseeing as you tour Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons National Park on your way into Yellowstone, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. On the fourth day of the tour, you will explore Yellowstone National Park. Within the park you’ll see native wildlife, including elk, bison, and bears. You’ll also see Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
On the fifth day, you’ll travel from Jackson Hole to Cody, Wyoming, where you’ll explore the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum before crossing the Big Horn Mountains into Sheridan, Wyoming to spend the night. After a night in Sheridan, you’ll head into the Black Hills. During the trip, you’ll visit the Little Big Horn Battlefield, home of General Custer’s last stand, and the historic town of Deadwood. Following a long day of traveling, you’ll spend the night in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Beginning on the seventh day, you’ll visit the Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Mt Rushmore. You’ll get the chance to tour Mt Rushmore twice, one during the day and once after sunset. On the morning of day eight, you’ll head west. Along the way you’ll visit Hot Springs, SD and Fort Laramie, Wyoming, which is a restored western outpost. You’ll spend the night in Cheyenne, Wyoming and enjoy a farewell dinner.
On the ninth and final day of the tour, you’ll head into Denver, Colorado. Upon arrival in Denver you will be free to head home with a suitcase full of memories.
If you would like to learn more about the Yellowstone & Mt Rushmore guided tour, or to reserve this tour, please visit the Yellowstone & Mt Rushmore page.
New Orleans Tours Offer Something For Every Visitor!
New Orleans is such a diverse city that it can be hard to find a way to see everything you want to see. Depending on what you want to see, there are three tours that cover just about everything. Whether you’re looking for graveyard tours or a comprehensive tour of the area, we’ve got what you’re looking for!
Unlock the intriguing secrets of the Big Easy with the City & Cemetery Tour. Over the course of this tour you’ll experience everything from the mystery of the city’s graveyards to the enchanting districts the city is famous for. The tour begins with tales of days gone by as your guide leads you through Jackson Square, the French Market, and the Garden District, making sure to stop at all of New Orlean’s most famous locales. The second part of the tour leads you through a maze of above-ground burial sites that New Orleans has become notorious for. This tour is a can’t-miss for anyone interested in the history of this fascinating city!
Cover 45 miles on the streets of New Orleans in three hours with this guided tour! The transportation for this tour is a 14-passenger van, so you’ll enjoy all the attention of a personal tour. The guides are happy to provide information and answer all your questions about the Big Easy. You’ll visit all the major sites of the city, including The French Quarter, Bayou St John, the Garden District, and Downtown New Orleans. Take advantage of the one-on-one attention with the New Orleans Combo City Tour!
This narrated tour will open your eyes to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Even if you’ve seen pictures and heard stories, nothing comes close to experiencing it first-hand. Your guide will lead you through the city, pointing out significant sites and explaining how they were affected by Hurricane Katrina. You’ll visit places like UNO’s Campus, New Orleans East, the 9th Ward, and several places where the levees were breached. You will also see how the city has begun to rebuild and experience for yourself the resilience of the people of New Orleans. If you’re going to be visiting New Orleans, don’t miss this eye-opening experience.
Explore New York City By Air, Land and Water!
Covering 468 square miles and featuring one of the most culturally diverse settings in the nation, New York City offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities ranging from general city exploration to culturally unique experiences that can immerse you in an entirely different world. Whether taking an informative motor coach tour, soaring high above the city by helicopter or even exploring the city at your own pace, there are a variety of ways to experience the wide variety of New York City, New York!
Those looking for an expansive time of sightseeing at their own pace will definitely want to look into the All Loops Double-Decker Bus Tour 48 Hour Pass with Ellis Island Ferry. With this encompassing tour you’ll find 35 stops along the tour route that you’ll be allowed depart the bus from and explore in detail. And with buses arriving at stops approximately every 20 minutes, you’ll never have to wait too long once you’re done exploring. Central Park, Guggenheim Museum, Times Square and Chinatown are just a small sampling of the areas the buses stop at, ensuring a varied view of the melting pot that is New York City.
Empire State Building Observatory
The Empire State Building is one of the most notable buildings in all of New York City, if not the world, and with a visit to its famed observatory you’ll find a panoramic view of NYC from 1,050 feet above the street. Find a 360 degree view of New York that can stretch for up to 80 miles, as well as restaurants, the thrilling NY Skyride, and great gift ideas!
New York City Helicopter Tours
A helicopter ride in itself can be a thrill, but when you’re soaring over New York, New York it’s a sightseeing experience quite unlike anything else! Whether you’re looking for a quick, comprehensive flight over The Big Apple or even a romantic ride for two to set the mood, there are a variety of helicopter tours offered, ensuring that you see the sights you want to in the way you’d like. From slowly soaring above Central Park, watching the people as they go about their day, to flying by sites including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Yankee Stadium, see it all through a bird’s eye view with New York City Helicopter Tours.
90 Minute Manhattan Skyline Harbor Cruise
Gain a front-row view of New York’s Harbor as you experience Manhattan’s majestic skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge amongst other popular sights of NYC. As the name implies, this tour option will take you along a 90 minute cruise with both indoor and outdoor viewing featured for a perfect sightseeing experience year-round!
