Dust Off Your Lightsaber for Star Wars Weekend in Orlando

Star Wars Weekend is an annual special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Orlando that celebrates all things Star Wars. Starting May 20 and continuing each weekend until June 12, you can join celebrities and characters for special shows, panels, presentations and activities, including motorcades and autograph sessions. You will have the opportunity to meet the stars who portrayed such favorite characters like Chewbacca, Darth Maul, Boba Fett and C-3PO. Star Tours, now presented in 3-D, will be making its reappearance on May 20. Star Tours gives you the opportunity to board a Starspeeder 1000 for an exciting journey through the Star Wars universe where you will be faced with many different missions. Younger kids can hone their lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy, a 30-minute live action show. If you are planning on heading to Orlando for this special event, be sure to reserve you lodging today!

While you are still reveling in your Star Wars space adventure, head over to the Kennedy Space Center where you can learn more about space, space travel and the future of space. You will get a unique chance to tour NASA’s launch and landing facilities, experience interactive simulators, enjoy live shows and even possibly meet a veteran NASA astronaut. As a special experience, join the Starfleet Academy during 30-minute interactive show that combines cutting-edge special effects, audience interaction, amazing science and on-screen appearances from your favorite Star Trek characters.

After all your adventures in space, go to the watery depths of the ocean at Titanic – The Experience. This 20,000 square foot interactive museum is filled with more than 200 artifacts from the Titanic as well as interactive exhibits. You can walk up the Grand Staircase, visit a First Class Parlor Suite or head down to the Boiler Room. Throughout your Titanic experience, you will meet actors in period costumes, including Captain Smith and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown who will share a personal account of their trip aboard the Titanic. In addition to housing actual artifacts from the ship, you will also find movie memorabilia from the award-winning movie, Titanic, by James Cameron.

Summer Brings Culture and Legends with Gatlinburg Cherokee Carnival!

Summer will be here before you know it, and the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area has plenty of activities awaiting your arrival, including the cultural Cherokee Carnival on June 6 – 10. Visitors will have a blast experiencing all kinds of great fast-paced rides and delicious foods provided by vendors throughout the carnival. Bring the whole family along and listen to some of the live music or try your hand at a few of the games that are provided inside the park. If you’re planning on staying for the entirety of this great event, feel free to reserve your Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge lodging before you get here.

You can discover even more of the outdoors with Parrot Mountain and Tropical Bird Sanctuary. View all of your favorite birds within their tropical habitat – you may even hear a few of them talk to you! Every color of the rainbow is present on these birds’ feathers, and you’ll see species such as Australian lorikeets and colorful garden parrots. Take the kids to the petting zoo within the preserve, where they’ll be able to interact with all kinds of animals. You can even hand-feed the birds.

Another great animal attractions within the Gatlinburg area is the Rainforest Adventure Discovery Zoo, which holds all kinds of fun animals within their habitats. The entire zoo is indoors, so you don’t have to worry about rain or storms of any kind. You’ll see some of the most amazing animals in the world, including ring-tailed lemurs, enormous tortoises, and slithery, tropical snakes. If you come by at the right time, you’ll even be able to see some of the animals being fed or taken care of by the professional pet handlers within the zoo.

Stroll Through San Antonio’s River Walk during the Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Show!

Hosted by the city’s fine residents, visitors will have a blast at San Antonio’s River Walk during the annual Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Show, taking place from the morning of May 27 until May 30. Restaurants, booths and vendors will all be set up to greet passersby as you head into the downtown area. You’ll be able to check out many of the paintings, ceramics, pottery, fine jewelry and other art pieces within the River Walk. Celebrate Memorial Day with a trip down to San Antonio and participate in this great event! You can reserve your own San Antonio lodging as well.

While you’re strolling along the River Walk, you can make a full tour of it with the Rio San Antonio River Walk Cruises, providing easy access across this man-made body of water via boat, where you’ll discover additional features and hear a few of the funny stories that your knowledgeable tour guide will let you in on. As you pass by the downtown area, you’ll learn about the nearby Fort Alamo, where Texans fought against General Santa Ana’s troops. In addition, the boat will curve around to the spots where San Fernando Cathedral and San Antonio Central Library sit. It’s a great way to sightsee during your stay.

You can cool off from your adventures with a watery experience at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, providing plenty of great swimming and recreational opportunities. Three miles of tube rides and white water rapids await your arrival here at the park. In addition, there are more than 17 water slides for the adventurous types. Grab your swimsuit and head over to the water park for an exciting adventure!

Beat the Heat Inside These Memphis Museums!

With the temperature heating up outside, there are plenty of places in Memphis that can offer the weary vacationer a few hours of respite while giving them a lesson on Memphis culture and history. Whether you are interested in music, social activism or just want to provide your kids with some hands-on fun, Memphis has the perfect place for you to visit.

Pink Palace Museum

The Pink Palace Museum is as unique as the city it makes its home in, featuring exhibits that cover everything from dinosaurs to the Piggly Wiggly grocery chain. The museum offers patrons a historical look at Memphis through interesting collections, exhibitions and programs. Current exhibits include the Cultural History of the Mid-South, the Natural History of the Mid-South and The Mansion, which offers a glimpse into 20th century Memphis.

The Children’s Museum of Memphis

A great museum for kids and their parents is The Children’s Museum of Memphis. Kids can experience hands-on, interactive exhibits that will stimulate their imagination, like the Growing Healthy exhibit where they can learn about human anatomy or Art Smart exhibit which allows kids to paint, sculpt or perform. Traveling exhibits rotate every few months, and there is a snack area inside the museum so you can visit a few times each and spend the whole day.

National Civil Rights Museum

Built as a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement, the National Civil Rights Museum features stunning exhibits chronicling events from pre-Revolutionary times to the present day, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott  and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Learn the stories of people who have helped shape our world with their struggle for equality and fairness.

Celebrate Music in New York this May!

While visiting New York, take a trip out to Montauk on Long Island for the second annual Montauk Music Festival, May 12-15. More than 75 bands and artists will perform at about 25 different area restaurants and venues,  and there will also be free open air concerts at the Gazebo on the Green. There will be many musical genres featured including Rock, Pop, Americana, Reggae, Flamenco and Country. Aside from all of the amazing artists performing, there will be a panel discussion of music industry experts talking about sound engineering, promotions and entertainment law. Be sure to come out to Montauk for this amazing festival this May, and reserve your New York lodging as well.

The best way to see New York City is with the New York Pass, which offers free or deeply discounted admission to up to 40 great attractions, restaurants and shopping centers like the Empire State Building, Planet Hollywood, Bloomingdale’s and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. When you purchase the pass, you can decide if you want to spend one, two, three or seven days sightseeing and pay only one price. You can see the Big Apple according to your schedule and do it conveniently and without stress!

After seeing the city at the ground level, take it to the air with Helicopter Flights of NYC. Offering three different flight options, you can see the sights with a bird’s eye view, undisturbed by crowded sidewalks and cramped buildings. The New Yorker Tour gives you a 15 minute flight over the Hudson River, Rockefeller Center and the Brooklyn Bridge. The 20-minute Ultimate Tour takes you over Governors Island, Yankee Stadium, the Jersey Palisades as well as all of the sights of the New Yorker Tour. The Deluxe Tour allows you a comprehensive view of New York by combining both the New Yorker and Ultimate Tour and adding a flyover of Broadway and the United Nations Building.

Head to the Smoky Mountains for the Scottish Highland Festival!

Formerly held in Gatlinburg, this year’s Scottish Highland Festival will be held about 20 minutes away in Maryville, Tennessee, May 20-22. Gather around your clan tent to watch athletic competitions which include the Caber Toss, Stone Put, Scottish Hammer Throw and Sheaf Toss. Other less athletic competitions include highland dance, pipes and drums, a dog show and a clan challenge. There will be plenty of musical entertainment on hand as several bands perform traditional and original Celtic songs; you will surely be dancing a jig after hearing these bands. Food vendors will be selling everything from fish and chips to the true Scottish delicacy of Haggis. There will also be plenty of unique merchandise readily available for purchase such as handcrafted Celtic jewelry, Scottish kilts, bagpipes, and clan attire. Don’t forget to book your Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge lodging!

While in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area, enjoy a peaceful hour-long Horseback Ride through the Smoky Mountains. Geared towards beginners, the guided tour will take you along a beautiful mountain stream, through lush forestry and by wonderfully colorful wildflowers. All of the horses used are extremely gentle and mild-mannered, due in part to the fact that they live in a pasture, not in stalls, and get the opportunity to run and play regularly. This is truly a wonderful way to spend some time in the Smoky Mountains!

For a more adventurous activity, hitch a ride aboard the ZORB, an 11-foot-tall inflatable globe that takes you down an 820-foot hill for a ride you won’t soon forget. The Zorbit, or dry ride, harnesses the rider into the globe and rolls head over heels down a straight track while the  Zydro, or wet ride, places you in the globe with five gallons of water and lets you slip and slide your way down the straight track or the more thrilling zig zag track. You and two friends can even ride the Zydro together for a really wild time. ZORB is the only one of its kind in the United States so make sure and plan an afternoon for a ride like no other!

Experience Merry Old England in Nashville this May!

Travel back to 16th Century England during the Tennessee Renaissance Festival held Saturdays and Sundays  May 7-30 right outside Nashville in Arrington, Tennessee. A jolly good time is to be had as costumed villagers, artisans and musicians entertain festival goers and share their love of all things medieval. More than 60 skilled artisans will be on hand to display everything from silks to swords, and toys to jewelery. There will also be plenty of games and activities for kids to enjoy such as camel rides and The Pirate’s Maze.  Also available with festival admission is a free tour of Castle Gwynn, a replica of a typical 12th century castle, and the centerpiece of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.  If you are planning on visiting this event, be sure to reserve your Nashville lodging.

While in Nashville, make sure to participate in the Belle Meade Plantation Tour, which takes a deep look into the Harding family, the original owners of the mansion. The house was built in 1853 and a tour guide will lead you through the artfully furnished home to the beautifully adorned stables where the ancestors of famous horses such as Seabiscuit and Secretariat were raised. April through October is a special time at the plantation when visitors get to participate in “Living History” demonstrations out at the property’s 1790s log cabin, such as dancing, storytelling and blacksmithing.

For another historical view of Nashville, visit The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson. The property, which was purchased by Jackson in 1804, includes the mansion, several outbuildings and the log farmhouse that Jackson and his family lived in during the first two decades of their land ownership. Explore the beautiful garden that Jackson designed for his wife, Rachel, which includes the same flower species she originally planted and also serves as the couples final resting place. Make sure to stop by the gift shop and restaurant which are located in the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center.

Grab Your Glove for a Las Vegas Baseball Game!

While taking a break from the nickel slots, catch a Las Vegas 51s baseball game for a fun night in the city that never sleeps. The 51s are a Triple-A minor league team that have most recently been affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays. The most prominent players that appeared in Las Vegas uniforms include Roberto Alomar, Bruce Bochy, Tony Gwynn, Bip Roberts and Benito Santiago. The team’s name was changed from the Stars to 51s in 2001 after they unveiled a new alien theme logo, based on the secret government base known as “Area 51″ which is located approximately 160 miles from Las Vegas. The team’s season lasts from May to September and all home games are played at Cashman Field, located in downtown Las Vegas. If you are planning on visiting Las Vegas to catch a 51s game or visit any of the town’s other exciting attractions, we offer several wonderful hotels in the area to perfectly accommodate your needs!

If you are lucky enough to catch a 51s baseball game, then you will surely what to keep with that theme and take the Area 51 Photo Sightseeing Tour. The tour will take you along Extraterrestrial Highway where you can see ancient Indian petroglyphs, deformed landmarks and a mysterious dry lake where possible UFOs have been observed. You will also see several locations made famous in Hollywood television shows and movies, such as “Roswell”, “Independence Day” and “The X Files.” Don’t be surprised if you see detection devices, listening devices and cameras mounted among the cacti. You can also wave at the armed guards who are parked along the desert hillsides in their 4X4 vehicles. This is one Las Vegas adventure you will definitely want to share with your friends!

To round out your Las Vegas trip, see the city in all its glory during the Twilight Tour. This romantic and exciting tour will start with a stretch limo service from your Las Vegas hotel to the helicopter terminal located right on the Strip. From there you will board a luxury helicopter that will take you on a two hour trip over Las Vegas and the surrounding area at twilight. You will fly over the historic downtown, Fremont Street,  Hoover Dam and Lake Mead all the while enjoying interesting narration from your pilot about all of the sights you are seeing. There is no better way to see Las Vegas than with its brilliant nighttime illumination at twilight. Reserve your space on the Twilight Tour today!

Celebrate All Things Tennessee at A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival!

While visiting Nashville, make sure to set aside some time to visit A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival May 14, touted as one of the area’s most anticipated events. Experience a different side of Music City USA by tasting specialty wines made at local vineyards, many of which have garnered regional and international awards. Vendors will also be on hand selling gourmet foods from area restaurants and handcrafted items from local artisans. The event takes place at Nashville Shores and provides festival goers with a great day of live entertainment, free lake cruises and food and wine seminars. Visitors can also book lodging accommodations if they are interested in staying in the area for an extended period of time.

During your vacation in Nashville, take a day to visit the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch via a limousine. You will be picked up at your Nashville hotel and driven in luxury to nearby Hurricane Mills. Take a tour through the Lynn Plantation Home or visit Lynn’s recreated Butcher Holler Home. See all things Loretta Lynn at the impressive Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum and then take a walk down to the Old Grist Mill for a look at Lynn’s doll collection. There is also plenty of opportunities for swimming, canoeing or paddle boating on the property. Don’t miss you chance to visit the Dude Ranch and maybe catch a glimpse of a country music legend!

Spend an evening with another one of country music’s legends at the Always… Patsy Cline show. This amazing show pays tribute to the legendary voice of Patsy Cline, who died in 1963 at the height of her her music career. Featuring a stellar performance by tribute artist Mandy Barnett you will hear many of Cline’s number one hits such as “Your Cheatin Heart,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Walkin After Midnight,” and ”Crazy.” This spectacular show will take you back to the golden age of country music, so make sure and book your tickets now!

Experience the Grandeur of the Grand Canyon from the Water!

Once you have seen the Grand Canyon from above, experience the beauty and majesty of this natural wonder during a scenic cruise. There are several different cruise options you can choose from that will show you the beautiful, multi-colored canyon walls carved out over millions of years by the force of rushing water. The hour and a half long Antelope Canyon Tour will take you through one of the most inspiring sights of nature as you travel from Wahweap Bay into the Canyon on the Navajo Nation and return by way of the Glen Canyon Dam. Make sure your camera is ready as you witness the changing colors in the vibrant sandstone walls and rosy sand beaches that meet with the deep blue water of Lake Powell.

During the three hour Canyon Adventure Tour, you will cruise past the Glen Canyon Dam and see impressive panoramic views of the giant Tower Butte. The dark desert multicolored sand appears like hand woven tapestry upon the towering rock walls. Along the way, the knowledgeable crew will provide an interesting and informative narration about the area and the formation of the canyon. Enjoy the fresh air and sit on the open upper deck. Or, if you prefer, you can sit inside and enjoy the panoramic views from the 360 degree windows.

See one of the most unique natural formations during the Rainbow Bridge Cruise. The Rainbow Bridge was formed by water and wind long ago and is the largest natural bridge in the world today. It spans 275 feet with a height of 290 feet making it almost as tall as the Statue of Liberty. During the cruise, you will be able to leave the boat and explore this beautiful area on your own, with plenty of time for photos. You can choose from either the five hour tour or the seven hour tour, which will give you more opportunities to explore at places such as the Dangling Rope Marina. Whichever tour you choose, you are sure to take many fabulous memories home with you!

Next Page »