Vacation Outdoors with the Bellevue Community Picnic Near Nashville!
April 27, 2011 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN
Take part in the great 34th Annual Bellevue Community Picnic, starting in Bellevue outside of Nashville on May 21. The event is perfect for adults and children alike as a host of gourmet cuisine, exciting rides and attractions and entertainment will be yours to take part in. The incredible event will feature many vendors for visitors to interact with, offering all kinds of arts and crafts to purchase and take home. About 15,000 people are expected to attend, and to mark the finale of the event, an enormous fireworks display will take place after the sun goes down, lighting up the Tennessee sky! To prepare for this great event and remain close by to other attractions, you can reserve your Nashville lodging.
Experience the open air of Tennessee with other attractions as well, including the Nashville Trolley Tour, which will take you to many of the top landmarks of historic Nashville. View famous architecture like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and the Tennessee State Capitol. In addition, your old fashioned trolley will travel by Historic Second Avenue, Bicentennial Mall and the Parthenon. Look for famous country music stars as well – you may see your favorites walking along Music Row!
If you’d like to walk a little bit yourself, you can do so with the Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour, providing you with a realistic, unbiased look at Nashville’s history. Listen to stories that have never been publicized about famous Nashville legends such as Patsy Cline, Elvis, and Johnny Cash. Also, you can find out about your favorite historical war heroes like Davy Crockett, Andrew Jackson and Daniel Boone. One of the most glamorous stories your guide will share with you provides the background of a Confederate spy named Fannie Battle, who started the city’s first daycare after returning from the war. To mark the highlight of your trip, you’ll be able to participate in a “Behind the Scenes” look at the Ryman Auditorium!
Enjoy the Friendly Street Fair Style Ribfest & Wings in Gatlinburg!
April 11, 2011 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN, VME
Barbecue lovers can eat to their heart’s content at the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area’s annual Ribfest & Wings in Gatlinburg on April 28. The festival will allow visitors to sample tender ribs and wings from various barbecue cookers all over the city’s parkway until they food is gone. The delicious setup will include a full stage with music from talented song artists. If visitors are up for it, they can even participate in some of the challenges provided for them, including a hot wing tasting in which the wings are dipped in steaming sauces like the “Scorching Screaming” and the “Treacherous Tongue!” Make sure you mark Ribfest & Wings on your calendar, and check out options for Gatlinburg hotel reservations for your upcoming vacation.
Other delicious cuisine is readily available in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area, and you can head to fun places like the Dixie Stampede – Pigeon Forge, TN, for another hearty meal. This exciting show will feature several top performances of the rodeo genre, including several types of racing, from barrel racing to ostrich racing. Enjoy a delicious four course meal consisting of hickory smoked barbecued pork loin, rotisserie chicken, herb-based potato and a fluffy biscuit. Come hungry and walk away full as you enjoy an entertaining, comedic performance that includes the highlighted 32 show horses and their riders.
Great American food and rock star legends are featured inside the Hard Rock Cafe – Gatlinburg, and you can discover it all with the amazing memorabilia of such recognizable names as Buck Owens, The Grateful Dead and Tom Petty. Several classic instruments, clothing and recordings rest in their cases for restaurant goers to admire. You’ll be able to hear your favorite songs from the classic rock genre as you chow down on delicious options such as a bacon cheeseburger, grilled chicken sandwich, fries or salad.
Gather in Gatlinburg for the Easter Arts & Crafts Show!
April 5, 2011 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN
From April 20-23, Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area visitors can view artistic works at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts show, featuring the talented craftsmanship of local artists. The event began in 1937, and it has grown over the years, providing the Gatlinburg area with beautiful art pieces, including quilts, detailed ceramics, silver, photography, watercolor and oil paintings, candles and baskets. Visitors will be astounded at the sheer variety of the artistry in the area, and they’ll be able to make a full vacation out of the event from its start to the finish. You and your family can make Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge hotel reservations in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area as well.
You can learn about other artistic antiques with admission to Titanic – World’s Largest Museum Attraction within the Pigeon Forge area. This museum takes you on an adventure as a passenger aboard the historic ship, providing you with a walk-through of replicated rooms and staircases along the way. The museum is about half the scale of the real ship, so you’re sure to receive the full experience as a Titanic passenger. Send out emergency signals in the communication room, admire artifacts from the real ship and touch the cold surface of a simulated iceberg.
The Biltmore Estate Asheville, NC is another great venue to visit while you’re spending time in the Smoky Mountains region. Tour this beautiful home built with a French Renaissance style and learn about all of the features that have been added to the home since its construction was finished in 1895. The home has 250 rooms and takes up 175,000 square feet, so you’ll have plenty of space to cover during your two hour tour. Explore a few of the mansion’s highlights, including 65 fireplaces, a beautifully adorned banquet hall ceiling and a library with more than 10,000 books!
View the Immense Grand Canyon from Above on Your Vacation!
Planes and helicopters will transport you from one area of the canyon to the next on these extraordinary adventures in the Grand Canyon. You can view the majesty of the canyon with a bird’s eye view, taking in the Painted Desert and sharp cliff faces that make this place one of the natural wonders of the world. The canyon attracts thousands of people every year, but the because of its sheer size and immensity, the canyon is best viewed from above, giving visitors the best understanding and big picture of the area while they’re here.
Start off your Grand Canyon adventure by taking the South Rim Airplane Tour, an exciting trip that provides you with highlights such as Zuni Point, the beautiful Painted Desert, Navajo Indian Reservation and the Desert View Watchtower. Fly high across the canyon in your comfortable airplane, letting the pilot do the work as you enjoy all the sights surrounding you. You’ll even have a chance to see the tremendous Kaibab National Forest, the most famous natural growth in the area.
In addition to the airplane tour, visitors can also see highlights of the South Rim on the North Canyon Helicopter Tour, providing amazing views of the winding Colorado River and the Dragon Corridor. The helicopter will enter the Dragon Corridor during your 30 minute flight, giving you an up-close inspection of the amazing geological features that surround this unique area. You’ll also receive a special live narration from your pilot, providing you with insight into the area’s history.
Discover both the North and the South Rim on the exciting Grand Kingdom Helicopter Tour – North & South Rim, giving visitors a sightseeing experience 5,000 feet above the Colorado River. Visitors will find out more about the geological features of the Grand Canyon than they ever imagined, with an easy way to sightsee and learn from viewpoints near such highlights as the Imperial Point to the Painted Desert.
Mount Rushmore’s Journey Museum Commemorates 40th Anniversary of Apollo Missions
Inside Mount Rushmore’s Journey Museum on February 25, visitors will be able to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of NASA’S Apollo Missions to the Moon. You’ll hear a presentation by the knowledgeable Tom Durkin, the Deputy Director of NASA South Dakota Space Grant Consortium. Durkin will start from the early years of space travel, when President John F. Kennedy told America’s Congress that we would have a man on the moon with safe travel back to Earth by the end of the 1960s. Afterward, you’ll be able to discover the quick developments of mankind’s ambitions and goals as NASA launched their Gemini, Mercury and Apollo missions. Visit the Journey Museum today for a walk through Mount Rushmore’s extensive history, and book Mount Rushmore lodging as well.
If you want an experience taking you back even further through history, you can head over to the Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show, giving you a rootin’ tootin’ performance by the famous Flying T Wranglers with country music and hilarious comedy. Take advantage of the delicious hot meal provided for visitors, which has everything from warm biscuits with honey to a choice of roast beef, grilled chicken or BBQ buffalo. Tap your toe to the fun, swingin’ music of the Old West!
After a night of feasting and country music, you’ll enjoy an educational experience with the Mount Rushmore Audio Tour, allowing you to walk through the Mount Rushmore National Memorial at your own pace. You can listen to the epic music, lively narration and informative interviews by those who have expertise in Mount Rushmore’s history. Take a walk around the provided route on your map or take a seat and listen to your recorded guide. The choice is completely yours.
Take Nashville Tours With Your Family in Nashville!
January 20, 2011 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN
Head down to Nashville for a full exploration of the city’s culture, arts, history and music. You can take several tours that are specifically geared toward visitors’ interests, whether it’s focused on the Nashville music stars and legends that live here or a look inside some of Nashville’s most famous plantations. Make sure you bring your entire family to share in the joys of your vacation. The city has several restaurants and attractions of all kinds downtown, so be sure to travel slowly as you discover new opportunities in this great city. For some great activity starters, you can book the following tours.
For visitors who are looking to view the quaint homes and large mansions of some of the most famous music legends in the country, this tour is a must-see. The tour will travel past gorgeous neighborhoods where the stars spend their time when they’re not out touring or making records. You’ll travel on a 25 passenger motorcoach, and you’ll see plenty of historical landmarks native to Nashville along the way. Take a look at the legendary homes of singers and musicians like Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride and Alan Jackson.
After viewing the high life of the country stars, you can take a comprehensive tour of the entire city. Head out on a large bus and visit exciting places and landmarks like Fort Nashborough, the Parthenon, and the Tennessee State Capitol. The tour offers you information that you won’t get any other way and you can take pictures of the city sights as you travel. Your tour finale takes place in the Legends Corner.
Finally, history buffs can rejoice in an incredible tour of the area’s plantations and homes with this exciting tour. Stop by the Belle Meade Plantation and learn about the 10 rustic outbuildings and the old slave cabin dating back to 1832. You’ll be amazed at the cleanliness and perfect condition this old plantation is in. Afterward, you may visit the Hermitage, which dates back to 1837. This building has its original wallpaper, old furniture and many of the materials that belonged to Andrew Jackson.
Williamsburg Presents Conference on the Civil War
Join Williamsburg visitors and locals for a conference celebrating American history named “Storm on the Horizon: Slavery, Disunion, and the Roots of the Civil War.” The conference, taking place on February 18 and 19, will provide guests with a full insight into some of the conflicts and stories that took place over a century ago. You’ll hear from some of the most knowledgeable teachers in the American History field, including Gordon S. Wood, Alva O. Way and Alan Brinkley, who will all be sharing their own insight. Look at the Civil War from a different angle with this great conference. Stay close to the event with reservations at a Williamsburg hotel.
You can make the most of your Williamsburg vacation by participating in other activities around the area. Plan a night out on the town and eat at the Mystery Dinner Playhouse, a show that gives you just enough information to leave you scratching your head as to who the culprit is. Work together with those around your table to find out which characters are guilty and which are innocent. Also, enjoy a full banquet of great cuisine, including four choices of entrees, fresh vegetables and moist chocolate cake.
After solving mysteries, try wrapping your mind around the exhibits of Ripley’s Believe or Not! Museum Williamsburg, boasting more than 300 exhibits in the museum. You’ll see everything from the creepiest to the most ridiculous sculptures and photos inside. Learn about true facts behind people with extraordinary talents and animals with abilities you weren’t even aware of. Take the kids along with you so that they can share in your fascination as well.
San Antonio Saddles up for the Annual Stock Show and Rodeo!
The annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is full of great music artists and exciting rodeo events everyday from February 3 – 20. Look for your favorite artists performing live, including Clay Walker, Gary Allan, Miranda Lambert and Josh Turner. This enormous indoor rodeo event incorporates music along with exciting cattle auctions, horse shows, bull riding and calf roping. The rodeo is bigger and better than any other in the region, so you won’t want to miss this chance to attend! Reserve your San Antonio lodging early.
In between your rodeo and music entertainment, you’ll want to take the opportunity to come down to the Enchanted Springs Ranch, which provides a rustic, country atmosphere for both kids and adults. View this enormous 86 acre ranch and head across the dirt roads in your wagon transportation driven by an old tractor. You’ll be able to see many of the western animals that make this area their home, such as buffalo, Texas Longhorn and beautiful horses.
In addition to your fun tour of the ranch, you can also participate in the Old West Summer Chuck Wagon Ride and Dinner Show, incorporating a fun ride across the prairie as well as an old fashioned, home-cooked cowboy meal! You’ll enjoy everything the ranchers ate as they drove cattle across miles of wilderness, including smoked barbecue of brisket, sizzling sausage, and delicious coleslaw. If you’d like to participate in both of these events, you can combine them for one great price.
Las Vegas Celebrates Festive Chinese New Year!
The Lunar New Year will be in conjunction with the Las Vegas Chinese New Year, and you’re welcome to celebrate this festival with the rest of the crowds on February third. The main festivities surrounding this event will be inside Chinatown Plaza, where you can take your pick of delicious Asian cuisine, with many great concessions and diners open to provide you a full meal. You’ll want to explore the area as there will be several demonstrations of martial arts, as well as traditional folk dancing and the legendary dragon dance. If you want to experience the New Year’s festivities all over again through this event, make sure you book a room in your Las Vegas lodging.
Don’t forget about other fun adventures while you’re in Las Vegas as well. If you want to discover some of the city’s top landmarks and highlights in a short amount of time, the Las Vegas Explorer Pass is the perfect option. You can choose two attractions from a large list of great places to dine and visit, including the Liberace Museum, Hoover Dam Tour, Madame Tussauds, the Springs Preserve or the Vegas Mob Tour. If you purchase a VIP ticket, you’ll also receive savings on Dream Car Rentals, the Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters tour and Miracle Mile Shops.
Your fun is just beginning in this incredible city, and if you’re not sure which restaurants to choose while you’re out, you can pick up a Las Vegas Meal Ticket to cover some of your meals for one day up to five days. The restaurants are some of the highest rated in the city, and you won’t be disappointed, no matter where you choose to eat. The restaurant may offer complimentary breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a combination of all three.
Grab Your Camera for the Nashville Antiques and Garden Show!
January 13, 2011 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN
More than 150 antique-selling booths and lush gardens await you during your trip to Nashville on February 11-13 in accordance with the Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville. The show blends gardens and antiques, two decorative elements that add that perfect touch to your home. Garden and antique enthusiasts from all over the nation come to attend this great show, and you’ll want to be part of it. The show includes lectures from well-known experts in the horticulture field as well as landscaped gardens with some of the most intricate and imaginative designs possible. If you would like to attend this event, you can reserve your Nashville hotel early.
In addition to the artistic decorative antiques you’ll view, you can also find additional historic sights at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, featuring the memorabilia of legendary country musicians – many that made their start in the Nashville area. Start off your museum tour with a look at the original exterior of the museum, with an overarching peak stretching into the sky. The museum has many exhibits and records that capture the songs of your favorite artists.
After touring Nashville’s most famous museum, you’ll be in the mood to see the legendary Ryman which has housed many famous music artists’ concerts over the years. Take the Ryman Self-Guided Tour and receive a full dose of the building’s history, starting with an informative film presentation by Trisha Yearwood. Once you’ve watched the film, you’ll head over to the stage to get your picture taken under the lights and up to the balcony to discover pictures and other memorabilia housed in the area.
