Join Chattanooga Locals for Annual Swingfest During Labor Day!
Put on your dance shoes during Labor Day weekend as you vacation in Chattanooga, where citizens celebrate with the annual Swingfest. The event incorporates many of the biggest swing orchestras in the area, and it all takes place in Coolidge Park, where visitors can attend for free. If you’d like, you can even take a free dance lesson from skilled choreographers! You can meet some of the professional musicians while you’re there, including band directors and famous performers. Be sure to book your lodging near the Coolidge Park area.
If you would like to see some of the attractions beyond the music, Chattanooga is great for all types of sightseeing including tours such as the Lookout Mountain Attractions. Your ride starts out on the Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger railways in the entire world, as you ascend to Rock City. On top of the mountain, there are many places to explore like the 4,100 foot trail beside rock formations or the 200 foot Swing-A-Long-Bridge. You can also see Ruby Falls – the tallest underground waterfall in the US!
There are other ways to see Chattanooga’s environment such as through the Chattanooga Nature Center, which is right alongside the Lookout Mountain and features exotic wildlife like red wolves. You may walk along the creek and look for interesting plants and other animals that make this area their home along with a viewing of the impressive George S. Bryan Tree House, one of the largest tree houses in the entire nation. There are many wonderful gardens to explore as well.
The music, arts, wildlife, and scenery all combine to provide a successful vacation experience inside the Chattanooga area. Pack your luggage and book today.
Nashville Hosts the Second Annual Music City BBQ Festival
August 5, 2010 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN
Come to Nashville’s Riverfront Park from August 27-28 to enjoy the Second Annual Music City BBQ Festival which will benefit two local children’s hospitals. During this great BBQ festival, there will be over 70 teams competing for the title of Tennessee State Barbecue Champion. During the BBQ, enjoy great music, learn about the art of BBQ, enjoy delicious food, and more!
Need a place to stay while you enjoy all the great tastes during the Second Annual Music City BBQ Festival? We offer several great hotel selections whether you are wanting to stay for the BBQ festival or just wanting to enjoy a wonderful family vacation to the Nashville area. For more information on lodging in the Nashville area, click here.
After spending a couple days enjoying the Second Annual Music City BBQ Festival, take some time to explore all Nashville has to offer. The Discover Nashville Tour is the perfect way to take full advantage of all Nashville has to offer. Enjoy admission to great attractions which include the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and more great attractions in Music City, all for one great price.
If you are wanting to experience the wild side of Nashville, enjoy a trip to the Nashville Zoo. Here you can see the habitats of hundreds of reptiles, birds, mammals, and other great animals from all over the world. Some exhibits include The Unseen World, Bamboo Trail, The Meerkat Exhibit, Gibbon Island, Hyacinth Macaw Exhibit, and more the whole family can observe and enjoy.
Rapid City Hosts Central States Fair and Rodeo
Rapid City is host to Central States Fair and Rodeo which is taking place from August 20-29 where you can see great grandstand events including Supercross racing, a metal crushing demolition derby, artists such as Clay Walker, The Band Perry, Uncle Kracker, Little River Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Gary Allan. To top off all the excitement there will be the PRCA Range Days Rodeo for three action packed nights during the fair. Bring the whole family to Central States Fair and Rodeo to enjoy fun crafts, a petting zoo, and many more exciting activities.
While you’re visiting the Mount Rushmore area, be sure to check out other great activities including the Chuckwagon Dinner and Music Show at Circle B Ranch, 1880 Train: A 19th Century Train Ride Tour, and many more! To view a list of activities in the Mount Rushmore area, click here.
Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch
This dinner experience has been entertaining guests with the Chuckwagon Dinner and Music Show since 1976. There are over 60 acres filled with trail rides, playgrounds, model calf roping, a wax bullet shooting gallery, and more fun activities. After a day filled with fun, you can enjoy a great supper that includes scrumptious roast beef, BBQ chicken, biscuits, and more delectable choices. After your meal, sit back and enjoy wonderful traditional cowboy music from Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, the Sons of the Pioneers, and many more classic artists by talented musicians.
1880 Train: A 19th Century Train Ride Tour
On the 1880 Train, you can experience how people traveled in the 19th century on an authentic steam engine train that has been fully restored. Enjoy the incredible scenery of the Black Hills as you travel along the smooth tracks. Choose to have a classic box lunch along the ride for the ultimate experience of the “good ole days.” The train departs from Hill City as well as Keystone making this a versatile option for your trip to the Mount Rushmore area in South Dakota.
During your trip to Central States Fair and Rodeo or if you just wish to travel to the Mount Rushmore area for your vacation, we offer several great hotels to make your stay comfortable. For a list of hotels in the Mount Rushmore area, click here.
A Variety of Entertainment in Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN is known for the beautiful scenery that surrounds the area. It’s not just nature’s beauty that brings people back to the area time after time though, it’s also the incredible variety of entertainment that Chattanooga has to offer. With everything from nature activities in the great outdoors to mystery dinner theater, this lovely town has a lot to offer visitors.
Of course, when visiting Chattanooga in the summer, you will want to start out with an outdoor activity. The Lookout Mountain Attractions are a great way to see some of the incredible scenery of the area. You start out with 200-million year old rock formations, go up the world’s steepest passenger railway, and finally see the 145-foot waterfall inside the mountain. It’s a fascinating experience that will put you in touch with nature.
Take a break from being outdoors in the evening with one of the Murder Mystery Dinner Shows at Vaudeville Cafe. Get to know the suspects from the moment you arrive, so when the murder is committed on-stage you will know who the culprit is. This live show gives you the chance to put your thinking skills to the test. It’s a fun activity that people of all ages can enjoy!
Another wonderful area activity is the Blue Moon Evening Dinner Cruise. This cruise gives you the best of both worlds. You get dinner on a relaxing cruise as well as being able to see the beauty of nature from a cruise ship. Whether you’re looking for romance under the stars or just want to enjoy the scenery and sensation of gliding along the river, you’re in for a treat with this wonderful dinner cruise.
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.
Experience Gatlinburg From An Aerial Tram!
January 4, 2010 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN
There are so many great ways to see the great Smoky Mountains, but if you’re seeking a unique experience for your next visit, then you may want to check out the aerial trams in the area. They offer a unique view of the Smokies while still providing you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are two aerial trams available, so check them out and start planning your Gatlinburg vacation today!
The first aerial tram is the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram. This tram takes you from downtown Gatlinburg through the Smokies to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Smokies as you ride the lines. The tram also stops at several attractions and provides a unique transportation experience to several activities.
The other aerial tram available in the area is the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. This tram also boards in downtown Gatlinburg and provides stunning views of the town, the mountains, and the Little Pigeon River. Once you reach the top of the lift, you and the whole family can enjoy the sights before heading down. You might even decide to have a picnic lunch at 1,800 feet above sea level!
