Grand Ole Opry House Opens Its Doors to Performers and Audiences Once Again

September 24, 2010 by  
Filed under Grand Ole Opry, Nashville TN

In just four days, the Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show will be moving back to the Grand Ole Opry House for the first time since the floods in early May. The floods had damaged the Opry House too much for shows to continue there, and since then, great strides have been made to clean up the damage and restore the Opry House to its former glory. By September 28th, that goal will have been reached, and the Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show will be moved from the Ryman Auditorium, where performances have been being held, back to the Grand Ole Opry House to continue the 85 year old traditions that have made the show famous. It’s an emotional and exciting time for many fans and musicians who have looked forward to seeing the Opry House restored and are ready to once again see the stage lit up with rising stars and country legends.

Although the Grand Ole Opry show is being moved back to the Grand Ole Opry House, visitors to the area are still welcome to participate in the Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tours during their time in Nashville. As the place where the traditions of the Grand Ole Opry began, the historic Ryman Auditorium is a place full of legend and interesting history. The tour gives everyone the chance to stand on the stage where country music stars like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline sang some of their most famous songs as well as time to explore the dressing rooms, examine historic memorabilia, and hear stories about performers who have graced the stage.

After your time at the Ryman Auditorium, go out and experience more of what Music City has to offer with the Nashville Trolley Tour. Your trolley tour will give a relaxed and comfortable comprehensive tour of the city. Some of the sights you will see along the way include the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Tennessee State Capitol, and Music Row. Bring your camera and take some shots as you pass by these famous places. Who knows, you may even see some famous faces.

Of course, a trip to Nashville isn’t complete without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This museum covers an entire city block of Nashville with memorabilia, exhibits, and rare recordings from country music stars. Everyone from Hank Williams to Elvis Presley has a place in this museum, so each visitor will find music memorabilia that they can appreciate. This museum is a wonderful way to see how country music progressed into the music we know and love today. You may be surprised at how a trip through this museum changes the way you think about country music.

Run to Disney World for Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend

September 22, 2010 by  
Filed under Walt Disney World

Come and be a part of Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Theme Parks this February from the 25th to the 27th. The event is designed to help women of all ages celebrate the strength, commitment, determination, courage, fantasy, and perseverance that every princess possesses with a half marathon race. The whole weekend is themed around Disney princesses and physical fitness to inspire young women and make them realize they are capable of anything they set their mind to. This is one happily ever after you won’t want to miss!

After the marathon, reward yourself for your dedication to the run by going out and having some fun in Orlando. Florida Manatees Adventure Tour will take you out on the Crystal River where you can swim with some of the beautiful manatees the area is known for. Their grace and power in the water will astound you. These creatures are like nothing you’ve encountered on land. Your experience with the manatees will be followed by a trip to Homosassa State Wildlife Park where you will get to watch manatees be fed and can experience the beauty of Florida’s untouched wildernesses.

End your time Orlando on a high note with one more exciting activity. The Zip Line Glide Eco Adventure will take you high above the trees to get panoramic views and experience the thrill of zip lines. You will fly along the zip lines at speeds around 20 miles per hour with the help of your guides for some thrills you will always remember. Your time on at the zip lines will be concluded with a Swamp Buggy Ride. You will get to see the varied wildlife of the area from a safari vehicle.

Special Offers Make a Vacation in Branson Affordable and Fun

September 22, 2010 by  
Filed under Branson MO

If you’ve been feeling a little down about the end of summer, and you need something to cheer you up, you need to stop by Branson for a fun vacation that will take your mind off the changing seasons. Luckily for you, there are some special promotions available to make the vacation as affordable as it is enjoyable!

Start off with one of Branson’s great shows. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show was the first show to draw visitors to Branson and continues its tradition of excellence today with lighthearted comedy and fantastic country music. Many of the musicians are descendants from the original performers, so they have years of experience in keeping a crowd entertained. You will find that the sparkle that first made the show popular and turned Branson into a tourist attraction remains just as bright today as it was in 1959. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show is offering a family pass which can be used for 2 adults and up to 4 children at one fantastic price. If you’ve got a large family, the pass is especially useful and helpful to your budget. This promotion is only available for a limited time, so don’t miss your chance to use it and save on your vacation!

With your great savings on the Baldknobbers Jamboree Show, you will be able to go out and have more fun with your family at another of Branson’s great attractions. The Circle B Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show is another great show that also offers a family pass for visitors. This family pass is good for 2 adults and up to 3 children and features a fantastic evening of cowboy music and home-style cooking. The show is put on by the Horn family, and you will get to feel like part of the family as you enjoy their pranks, stories, and musical talent. The meal you will be served consists of cowboy favorites like made-from-scratch cornbread muffins, chicken a la range, and Texas-style smoked sausage. This family pass for this dinner and show combination is only available until October 17th, so you’ll have to move fast to take advantage of this savings opportunity!

If you thought your savings ended with the family pass offers, you would be wrong. There is also a special offer on lodging at the Radisson Hotel Branson. This hotel is offering you the chance to stay at the hotel for 3 nights and get 1 night free. This lovely hotel offers you and your family many extra amenities including both indoor and outdoor swimming pools for you to enjoy during your stay. With your savings and the hotel’s location less one mile from both Baldknobbers Jamboree Show and the Circle B Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show, you can’t go wrong with the Radisson Hotel Branson. There’s nothing like a fun and affordable vacation to raise your spirits!

Grand Ole Opry Performances for September 24, 25 and 28

September 22, 2010 by  
Filed under Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry will be having all performances at the historic Ryman Auditorium unless otherwise noted.

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, September 24 – Order Tickets

  • The Isaacs
  • Gene Watson
  • Jimmy Wane
  • and more

Saturday, September 25 – Order Tickets

  • Jimmy Wane
  • Jo Dee Messina
  • Janie Fricke 
  • and more

Tuesday, September 28 – Order Tickets

  • Brad Paisley
  • Dierks Bentley
  • Martina McBride
  • Charlie Daniels Band
  • Trace Adkins
  • Josh Turner
  • Montgomery Gentry
  • Keith  Urban
  • Blake Shelton
  • Jason Aldean
  • Diamond Rio
  • Del McCoury Band
  • Mel Tillis
  • Little Jimmy Dickens
  • and more

Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Provides a Safe and Fun Way to Celebrate the Holiday

September 21, 2010 by  
Filed under VME

Take your kids out for a kid-friendly and safe Halloween adventure at SeaWorld. Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld gives your kids a chance to dress up in their favorite costumes and roam the park looking at marine creatures and collecting delicious candy. This event also includes several Halloween-based shows for your kids to enjoy. From October 1st until October 31st, SeaWorld is the place to be for some good, old fashioned Halloween fun.

While you’re in San Diego with your kids to celebrate Halloween, give them another exciting treat by taking them on the Disneyland Parks Tour. This tour includes roundtrip transportation to and from the park as well as admission into the park. Spend the day showing your kids the magic that Disney is known for with the many rides, concession stands, and shows offered at the park. You can spend an entire day enjoying the many attractions of this park.

After taking your kids to enjoy two of the most popular theme parks in San Diego, it’s time to unwind and spend a bit of time on yourself. Relax and enjoy the beauty of the San Diego skyline on the San Diego Harbor Champagne Brunch Cruise. This cruise will give you a complimentary glass of champagne to sip on as you take in the sights of the city. Of course, you will also be dining on some excellent food during the cruise. Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, an assortment of danishes, and made to order omelets are just a few of the delicious foods you can expect to be treated to during your time on the ship. With the combination of your adventures at the theme park and this relaxing cruise, it can be a Happy Halloween for the whole family!

Set Sail This Columbus Day with Vacations Made Easy!

September 20, 2010 by  
Filed under VME

This coming Columbus Day, use your long weekend to get out and explore just like Christopher Columbus! Whether journeying within the states or visiting far-away, exotic locales, there are a variety of adventures awaiting all types of explorers!

Cruise the Waterways of Quebec City

This three night outing in Quebec City offers a quick escape packed-full of adventure and exploration. Once you have crossed the border, you will be treated to a Zodiac Expedition for pristine views of the natural beauty surrounding Quebec City, as well as a Whales & Fjords Sightseeing Cruise that will present the majesty of a variety of different species of whale in their natural environment. 

Tampa Bay’s Weekend Cruise Getaway

If you would like a quick outing that focuses more on elegance than adventure you will want to look into Tampa Bay’s Weekend Cruise Getaway. This two night outing features two nights’ lodging accommodations and a regal time off the coast of Tampa via the decadent Starlite Majesty Dinner Cruise. Aside from having the choice of numerous dining options, this lovely outing along the coast of Florida will provide ample opportunity for sightseeing and live entertainment as well

Athens Island Cruise

Those looking to escape from North America completely will find far-away adventure that can still fit into just a few days with the Athens Island Cruise. With this package, you will find three nights’ lodging coupled with the area’s popular Hydra, Poros & Aegina Cruise, which features a full day of hopping from one Greek island to the next, exploring natural beauty and ancient architecture!

Taste of the Town Displays the Many Flavors of Myrtle Beach

September 20, 2010 by  
Filed under VME

Experience a food festival that has quickly become a huge event in Myrtle Beach since its premier 27 years ago when you go to Taste of the Town this year. The 27th Annual Taste of the Town event takes place October 12th and gives you the chance to taste delicious foods at over 50 restaurants in Myrtle Beach. All proceeds from the event go to St. Andrew Catholic School, so you can enjoy your food knowing that you’re helping children. Each year, more people attend the event, and this year, more people are expected to participate than ever before. Make sure you don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to taste Myrtle Beach’s best foods!

After Taste the Town, work off some of the food you’ve eaten by going out and playing at some of the city’s hottest attractions. Ripley’s Aquarium is the perfect place to start. This aquarium gives you the opportunity to see the creatures of the sea in its many exhibits and tanks. 10-foot long sharks, piranhas, coral, and thousands of other marine creatures are displayed throughout the aquarium. Aside from the saltwater creatures you will see, this aquarium also has freshwater displays from exotic locations around the globe. You will be amazed at the diversity of this aquarium.

After the aquarium, have another fun adventure at the Marvelous Mirror Maze. This maze will entertain you with its many twists, turns, and circles. The maze spans over 2,000 square feet, so you may find yourself spending a lot of time figuring out how to get to the end of it. There are multiple paths which makes it a new experience each time you go through. This is not your typical maze experience!

Have a Haunted Halloween in Savannah

September 17, 2010 by  
Filed under VME

As a city viewed by many as the most haunted in the United States, it’s no wonder that Savannah offers many exciting ghost tours and activities. This Halloween, do something a little different to celebrate and travel down to Savannah to have some chilling adventures in the places of the city that are rumored to be haunted. With five different ghost tours to choose from, you can celebrate Halloween in Savannah for several days!

Ghosts and Gravestones of Savannah

Spend an hour and fifteen minutes exploring the dark side of the city on the Ghosts and Gravestones of Savannah tour. Your guided tour will take place in a trolley and lead you past frightening locations like Sorrel Weed House, Pirate’s House, and a haunted antebellum cemetery. Each location is more frightening than the rest and the chilling narration of the guide only adds to your experience. It’s an evening filled with thrills and chills.

Hauntings Walking Tour

Stroll through an area that strikes fear even in the bravest of Savannah’s citizens on the Hauntings Walking Tour. This three mile tour winds through the city’s most haunted avenues and takes you past Kehoe House, the Hampton Lillibridge House, and Colonial Park Cemetery. Each place has its own ghost and frightening background for you to learn about from your guide. After this tour, you may find that there are reasons to be afraid of the dark!

Evening Haunted Trolley Tour

Step into a trolley and be swept into the world of the paranormal with the Evening Haunted Trolley Tour. This tour goes past some of the places that have been rumored to be haunted in Savannah for years. As you travel, you’ll hear the frightful and often tragic tales of the ghosts who roam the city. Alice Reily, Anna, and Nathaniel Greene are just a few of the ghosts you will be learning about during this tour experience. It’s an evening of fright that you won’t soon forget.

Savannah Scary Ghost Tours

If you’re looking for a tour that will send tingles down your spine, don’t hesitate to go on Savannah Scary Ghost Tours. The tour begins at Pirate’s House and leads you through the haunted areas of the city. Learn about the victims of tragic fate and those whose lives were over too soon during the Yellow Fever epidemic. You will quickly see why the city is haunted on this tour. As your tour progresses, you will see film clips that were taped in Savannah by famous ghost hunting groups like TAPS and Ghost Hunters.

Ghost Tour Trolley

Learn about the darkness that underlies Savannah’s charm aboard the Ghost Tour Trolley. This ghost tour will take you through places like Colonial Cemetery and Sorrel Weed House in a ninety minute journey that just might convince you that ghosts are real. Learn about the city’s dark corners and hear stories about the ghosts who are rumored to walk the streets and shadowy hallways. Your tour will give you an evening of adventure and excitement that you will remember for years to come.

Delectable Dining and Entertainment in Washington, D.C.

September 17, 2010 by  
Filed under VME

This October 9, Washington, D.C.’s quaint Georgetown neighborhood will be hosting its 17th annual Taste of Georgetown! Throughout the one-day event, 30 of the area’s most renowned restaurants and eateries will serve up nearly 60 samples of popular dishes and wines. Additionally, visitors will be treated to live jazz performances courtesy of the famed Blues Alley Jazz Supper Club for a complete day of delectable dining and entertainment.

Those interested in visiting the area to experience Taste of Georgetown are encouraged to browse and compare the over 140 Washington D.C. area hotels featured on VacationsMadeEasy.com.

Aside from Taste of Georgetown, visitors will also find numerous other options for enjoying dining and entertainment in the area. In particular, Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament offers an immersive journey into the Middle Ages. Throughout the evening, you will cheer on one of six knights as they compete in jousting competitions and hand-to-hand combat and enjoy a decadent meal featuring roasted chicken, herb-based potato, spare rib and more!

Located in Arlington, VA, Mystery Dinner Playhouse offers another immersive dining experience in the area. In true whodunit form, a murder will take place early in the evening and it will be up to you and your dining companions to help solve the mystery as you mingle with the many suspects and are treated to your choice of entrée with parsley new potatoes, chef’s choice dessert and more.

Moviegoers Gear up For Chicago’s 46th International Film Festival!

September 17, 2010 by  
Filed under VME

The Windy City is great any time of year, but if you make a trip to Chicago from October 7-21, you’ll see the fascinating 46th International Film Festival, which combines the talents of thousands of people as they demonstrate their works of visual art. In the past, Chicago has hosted films from famous and influential directors like Bertrand Taverneir (France), Mike Leigh (UK), Martin Scorsese (USA) and Jan Troell (Sweden). Join movie lovers as exciting screenplays, brilliant productions and fun ”red carpet” showings are provided to share with Chicago visitors and residents. If you want to go, be sure to book your Chicago lodging ahead of time, as many of the hotels will be booked up closer to October!

You can tour the great downtown Chicago fully with the Historic Chicago attraction, which shares knowledge of the city’s growth and culture ranging back to the 18th century. You’ll see many of the highlights of the city, including Soldier Field, Joseph Petrillo the Art Institute of Chicago and Jackson Park. Take a look out at the beautiful lake water while you’re in the area and see much of the natural landmarks and manmade sculptures that have characterized the city. The tour lasts approximately two hours, but it packs in plenty of activity.

For a different experience, you may want to concentrate on a specific part of Chicago’s history – the Chicago World’s Fair, one of the largest in the area. Join your tour guide on The White City – Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exposition Tour as you learn about the historical explorer Christopher Columbus who arrived on our shores in 1492. In addition to the fair, you’ll also learn about other events in Chicago’s history, such as a famous serial killer as well as a view of Wooded Island and the University of Chicago’s front yard.

The Chicago atmosphere alone is worth the trip, and these great attractions will only add to your fun experience. Head to downtown Chicago for a grand fall vacation.

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