Take a Break in Nashville on Labor Day
August 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN, VME
Labor Day offers an excellent time to take a break from your hectic life and enjoy a relaxing long weekend in Nashville. After this end-of-summer break, you will be ready to take on the activities of the upcoming fall season.
An evening at the Grand Ole Opry is a classic Nashville activity that will add to your relaxing weekend enjoying the Nashville culture and nightlife. Although the Opry does not release its lineup until the Wednesday before the performance, you can expect to see big-name performers and classic acts. Tentatively scheduled performers for Labor Day weekend include Luke Bryan and Legacy Five. Regardless of who the headline performer is, the Grand Ole Opry is always an unforgettable way to spend an evening.
Another relaxing activity for the weekend is a lunch or dinner cruise on the General Jackson. These cruises provide a delicious meal and an entertaining show, all while cruising along the Cumberland River on an authentic paddlewheel boat. In addition to the meal, you can relax on the deck and watch the sights go by. Each cruise also features a show. Performances may vary, but past performances have included Country Music USA and Tim Watson’s Fiddlin’ Around.
A pleasant evening activity that is both romantic and fun is the Horse Drawn Carriage Tours of Downtown Nashville. Tours start from downtown Nashville and last approximately an hour. Sights on the carriage ride include the State Capitol, Civil War sites, and other historic spots in Downtown Nashville. In addition, your guide will provide historical facts and information about Nashville’s history. Carriage rides are also available for large groups.
Spend Labor Day Weekend on San Antonio’s River Walk
A relaxing vacation on San Antonio’s scenic River Walk is an excellent way to spend the upcoming Labor Day weekend. From shopping in the RiverCenter Mall to dining in any of the fabulous Mexican restaurants, you will find plenty to do in San Antonio on the River Walk.
For the easiest way to plan a trip, book the San Antonio River Walk Vacation. This vacation package includes two nights of lodging on the River Walk (or elsewhere in San Antonio, if you prefer), the Rio San Antonio River Walk Cruise, and meal vouchers for the Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio. This package is great for families looking for one last chance for summer fun or for a couple looking for a quiet retreat. The Rio San Antonio River Walk Cruise is a narrated cruise down the river. Sights on the cruise include the San Fernando Cathedral, the Alamo, and La Villita. The Hard Rock Cafe is an American icon, and you can enjoy dinner or lunch dining on classic American food as you gaze at rock memorabilia.
To explore the legendary Alamo and mission more in depth, the Alamo Trolley Tour with Hop Pass is an excellent addition to your vacation. This tour pass visits the Alamo, IMAX Theater, RiverCenter Mall, the Institute of Texan Cultures, Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, and Market Square. The trolley pass includes hop on/hop off privileges, which means you can spend as much time as you want at each stop and then hop back on the trolley when you are ready to explore the next destination. An uninterrupted trolley tour takes approximately an hour to complete. This trolley tour offers a complete look at the many attractions and sights of the River Walk and the surrounding area.
All of the attractions of the River Walk are readily accessible when you choose to stay at a River Walk hotel. The Crockett Hotel is a classic San Antonio landmark that features a building that has been in use for the past 100 years. Today, the Crockett Hotel is an upscale lodging option sitting directly across from the Alamo and RiverCenter Mall. The hotel features deluxe amenities, including a full-service spa and outdoor pools. The rooms are decorated in classic Texas themes. For a luxurious stay on the River Walk, the accommodations at the Westin River Walk are unparalleled. This hotel features a prime location on Market Street and offers its guests amenities like imported chocolate, Starbucks coffee, and an outdoor heated pool.
Take a Break in Boston to Celebrate Labor Day
As summer days begin coming to a close and cooler temperatures start rolling in, Labor Day provides the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing weekend in Boston. Although Boston has great attractions to visit year round, Labor Day weekend features several great events, making it the perfect time to plan a trip to Boston.
The Gloucester Schooner Festival is an annual racing event that is celebrating its 25th year this year. The Schooner Festival will be taking place Sept. 4-7, and the ships begin arriving on Sept. 4, when they will be welcomed with a Mayor’s Reception. The weekend’s events include a festival crew party, Coast Guard demonstrations, a sailing Parade of Lights, and a fireworks show in Gloucester Harbor following the parade. The highlight of the weekend is the Mayor’s Race, which begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and is followed by an awards ceremony and reception later that night.
A sightseeing tour is a great addition to Labor Day weekend. A tour will provide a relaxing afternoon or morning exploring Boston and the surrounding area. With trolley tours and cruise tours available, Vacations Made Easy has the perfect tour option for you. If you wish to combine a trolley and cruise, the Beantown Trolley and Harbor Cruise is an excellent choice. This tour provides you the ability to hop on and off the trolley at 20 different Boston sites, including Bunker Hill Pavilion, Newbury Street, and Fanueil Hall. In addition to the trolley tour, you can also enjoy a 45-minute cruise in Boston Harbor. An uninterrupted trolley tour takes approximately two hours to complete.
Don’t forget to book your lodging of the weekend early! Rooms are bound to fill up quickly, so plan ahead and book online with us. We offer a great selection of hotels in Boston and the surrounding area. To make the most of your time in Boston, a downtown hotel is a great choice due to its proximity to a range of attractions and sightseeing options.
Romantic Excursions in Orlando
Although Orlando is a great family destination, it never hurts to set some time apart for yourself and your loved one to enjoy a romantic evening out during the balmy Orlando nights. From the ocean to the sky, Orlando has many options for a memorable evening.
It is hard to go wrong with dinner and dancing, and they are made even more special when on a romantic evening cruise. The Rivership Romance Dinner and Dance Cruise is a three-and-a-half hour long tour on the St. Johns Rivers. The cruise features a gourmet dinner and dancing. The dinner menu features entrees like Tuscan Chicken, Herb Roasted Grouper, and Caribbean Pork, as well as salad, vegetables, and dessert. Whether celebrating an anniversary or a new-found love, the Rivership Romance is a great way to celebrate your relationship.
Although evening activities are popular, a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Orlando landscape is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The total experience lasts approximately three hours and includes transportation to the launch site, an hour-long balloon ride, a champagne ceremony, and a full breakfast. From the balloon, you will be able to watch the sun rise on Orlando and take pictures of the scenery, landscape, and Florida wildlife.
From a sunrise ride to a sunset tour, the One Hour Night Airboat Tour is an evening experience unlike many others. On this airboat tour, you will tour the Florida swamplands, all while taking in a scenic Florida sunset over the swamp land. While exploring the swamp, you will watch for Florida wildlife, including alligators gliding through the water. Although this tour may not be as relaxing as a dinner cruise, it will still certainly be a night to remember and a bonding experience between you and your loved one.
Chicago Air and Water Show Offers Excitement for All Ages
The annual Chicago Air and Water Show is coming to the city August 15-16. As the largest air and water show in the United States, this event draws crowds from all over the city, state, and nation. The show began in 1959, and it just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Since its humble beginnings as a Family Day Celebration, the Air and Water Show has grown to be the largest spectator event in the U.S.
Performers in this year’s air show include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and Leap Frogs, Aeroshell Acrobatic Team, Lima Lima Flight Crew, and the Firebirds. Each team will take to the air to show off their flying skills, performing stunning stunts that will amaze you. Each day features both air and water performances from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show takes place at the North Avenue Beach on Lakeshore Drive. Admission for this event is free.
Because admission to the show is free, you will have more money to make the most of your visit to Chicago. We offer many lodging options near the Air and Water Show and throughout Chicago. The W Chicago Lakeshore is the hotel closest to North Avenue Beach and Lake Michigan. The W is also close to Navy Pier, which offers legendary Chicago attractions, including the Ferris Wheel. Other sites close to The W include Wrigley Field, home of the legendary Chicago Cubs, John Hancock Tower, and Northwestern University. For relaxation and recreation, The W features the Bliss Spa Chicago as well as on-site restaurants.
To make the weekend of water activities complete, make reservations to join a sightseeing or dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. The Skyline Boat Tour and the Spirit of Chicago Lunch & Dinner Cruises offer an afternoon evening of sightseeing in style while cruising on Lake Michigan. The Skyline Boat Tour features some of the best sightseeing in Chicago, and you will be able to enjoy the Chicago Skyline from the water. For a memorable lunch or dinner, chose the Spirit of Chicago Lunch & Dinner Cruises. In addition to delicious meals, these cruises offer exceptional sightseeing in Chicago, including the Adler Planetarium, McCormick Place, and many other notable Chicago buildings.
View San Antonio Through a Variety of Different Tour Options
San Antonio has long been known as a city brimming with historical landmarks and exciting attractions. Through Vacations Made Easy, you can explore the major sights and sounds of the Alamo City with a variety of different tour options. From horse-drawn carriages and motorcoaches to helicopters and cruises, San Antonio provides options for viewing this historic city every which way!
Perfect for a romantic activity during your vacation, the King Williams Carriage Tour takes you through the celebrated King William Historic District of San Antonio. The 40-minute tour offers the utmost in style and elegance, as a gorgeous white horse pulls you while you’re on board a Victorian carriage. What was once a region of irrigated farmland has turned into a stunningly restored strip of homes along the street. Choose either a narrated or a non-narrated tour option for either an informative excursion or a pleasant, romantic evening.
Explore the famous River Walk area with the Rio San Antonio River Walk Cruise. San Antonio’s history is on display, as the 40-minute cruise will take you on a two-and-a-half mile stretch past such sites as the Alamo, the San Fernando Cathedral, and the abundance of natural beauty in the area. You will also see the district of La Villita with its art galleries and unique shops and restaurants. The Rio San Antonio River Walk Cruise is your ticket to one of San Antonio’s most visited and historic regions.
What could be more exciting than a tour from the air? That’s exactly what you’ll get when you take part in the San Antonio & Alamo Helicopter Tours. Choose from among three options that are offered. Look down upon the San Antonio skyline with the Downtown San Antonio and Quarry Market Flight, or choose to venture out into the city’s surrounding area with either the Hill Country Flight or the High Hill Country Flight. No matter what you choose, you’re in for an afternoon of pure joy when you choose to view the Alamo City from above!
Tour Our Nation’s Capital from the Potomac River
Don’t miss an opportunity this summer to enjoy cruising around our nation’s capital, as Washington, DC offers several different cruise options for the whole family. With significant landmarks spread throughout the city, a cruise along the Potomac will allow you to witness Washington, DC’s unique and breathtaking sights away from the hassle of downtown traffic.
Enjoy great dining, live entertainment, and stunning scenery with the Spirit of Washington Cruises. You can choose from two different options, the Spirit of Washington Lunch Cruise and the Spirit of Washington Dinner Cruise. On the two-hour lunch cruise, you can stroll along the outdoor decks, dance to your favorite hits on the indoor dance floor, or sit and enjoy a narrated tour while you enjoy the Grande Buffet lunch. A song and dance performance is also included in the cruise, making this an event you won’t soon forget. Let the moonlight and the city lights heighten your experience when you choose the dinner cruise option. Perfect for a romantic activity, the cruise features a classy, exquisite evening of live entertainment and dancing.
Cruise the Potomac River aboard Nina’s Dandy, a cruise perfect for your sightseeing adventure in Washington, DC. The capital’s landmarks and historic sites are proudly on display with this option, where you’ll enjoy great cuisine and the benefits of a knowledgeable tour guide. You can choose a lunch cruise or dinner cruise, but the Sunday Champagne Brunch option is something you’ll rarely find anywhere else. Enjoy a Thanksgiving-style feast while you take in the sights and sounds of Washington, DC.
DC Odyssey Lunch and Dinner Cruises
You can’t go wrong with the DC Odyssey Lunch and Dinner Cruises. Whether you choose the two-hour lunch cruise or the three-hour dinner cruise, you will be treated to a memorable time of fantastic dining and entertainment. A live band covers music from a variety of different eras while you sit back and enjoy a delectable meal in the process. If you’re looking for a luxurious afternoon or evening of incomparable views and live entertainment, these cruises are for you.
One of the more richly historic and significant cities in our country is yours to view from an interesting vantage point along the Potomac River. Start planning your summer vacation in Washington, DC and enjoy a cruise around our capital’s famous landmarks.
Scenic Sightseeing Cruises in Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Chattanooga area offers plenty of beautiful sightseeing opportunities, and one of the best ways to see the area is through a scenic sightseeing riverboat cruise. These cruises provide a relaxing and informative ride through some of the area’s most beautiful scenery. Perfect to see the summer greenery or fall foliage, these tours are sure to provide a memorable activity.
The Blue Moon Chickamauga Locks Cruise
This cruise takes place on Lake Chickamauga and the Tennessee River Gorge, which is the fourth-largest canyon gorge in the United States. This tour provides views of the scenery on Lake Chickamauga as well as the Chickamauga Locks system. The cruise is fully-guided, and your informative guide and crew will narrate the tour for you. This cruise also includes a delicious barbecue buffet lunch, making it a complete afternoon abroad in Chattanooga.
Blue Moon Eco-Tour of Tennessee River Gorge
For a look at the complex ecological system of the area, reserve your spot on this eco-cruise on the Tennessee River Gorge. This fully-guided cruise takes you through the Tennessee River Gorge, and your informative tour guide and crew will narrate the tour for you, providing you with plenty of background information about the area, as well as its future role in the Tennessee ecosystem. You will see the beautiful natural scenery along the gorge, and if you keep a sharp lookout, you may be able to see wildlife like raccoons, eagles, and more. This cruise includes a full barbecue dinner.
Chattanooga Riverboat Sightseeing Excursion
The Chattanooga Riverboats offer a variety of cruises, but one of the most popular cruises is their 1.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise. This cruise takes place aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat and goes along the Tennessee River. You will enjoy the relaxing ride in an authentic Southern Riverboat as you see many of the sights of Chattanooga, including Lookout Mountain and Rock City. Your guide will narrate the tour, giving you plenty of background information about Chattanooga and its popular sights.
Holiday Weekend Ideas in Memphis, TN
It’s not too late to make reservations for a spectacular Fourth of July weekend spent exploring the unique city of Memphis. From dining on world-famous barbecue to visiting some of the area museums, you will find that Memphis offers a variety of attractions to keep you occupied. Check out the following recommendations for the weekend and start planning your holiday trip!
A dinner cruise on the evening of July 4th offers a great location from which to watch area fireworks shows. A dinner cruise is a romantic activity any time of the year, but cruising the Mississippi River on July 4th will make for an extra-special evening. The Memphis Riverboats Dinner Cruise provides an evening complete with dancing, live music, and a delicious Southern-style meal. You will also enjoy views of the Memphis skyline lit up, which is a truly beautiful sight.
With the special holiday weekend, the time is right to remember those who have given their lives to better America. The National Civil Rights Museum is dedicated to men and women who played important roles in America’s path toward civil rights. Located at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, the museum honors his memory as well as pays tribute to other activists including Rosa Parks and Booker T. Washington. There are also exhibits on the March on Washington, the Little Rock 9, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. A truly eye-opening experience for all ages, this museum is one of the most powerful attractions in Memphis.
One of the best things about America is its great food, and Memphis is full of excellent restaurants and diners, including a Hard Rock Cafe. With American music memorabilia and American favorites, the Hard Rock Cafe is a great place to eat and celebrate America at the same time. Memphis’ Hard Rock Cafe is dedicated to the music history of the area and includes artifacts from Elvis Presley, Stax Studios, and many other area artists and studios. In addition to the memorabilia, you can find your favorite American fare here, with everything from classic burgers to saucy barbecue. Your whole family is sure to have a meal to remember at this iconic American restaurant.
Summertime Cruising in Williamsburg, VA
Take a break from exploring the history of the area or spending a day at Busch Gardens with a relaxing sightseeing cruise! While cruising along the various rivers in the area, you will enjoy a peaceful afternoon or evening soaking in the warm Virginia sun and experiencing the views the early settlers might have as they arrived on the Virginia shores.
If you want to enjoy a lunch or dinner on the river, reserve your spot on a Spirit of Norfolk Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River. The lunch cruises feature a delicious lunch and sightseeing opportunities including battleships from the Atlantic fleet. The lunch cruise also features a DJ and dance floor. The dinner cruise is a bit more low-key. You will enjoy your gourmet candlelit meal while you listen to soothing music. The cruise continues with live entertainment as well as a DJ and dance floor.
The Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruise takes guests through Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads Harbor. This is the only harbor cruise vessel in the area, so you will be sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience. The cruise is full of sightseeing opportunities, including the Jacques Cousteau Center, the Virginia Air and Space Museum, the Norfolk Naval Base, and Blackbeards’ Point. The Norfolk Naval Base is highlighted as one of the guests’ favorite attractions of the cruise. The cruise is fully narrated by a knowledgeable guide, so you are sure to leave this experience with a greater appreciation and knowledge of the Williamsburg area.
For a more classic cruise, check out the Yorktown Sailing Cruises. You will take to the York River in the Schooner Alliance, a classic full-sailed ship like the forefathers may have sailed in on. On this cruise, you will see such sights as the Yorktown Battlefield, the Victory Monument, and the beautiful scenery along the York River. The Yorktown Sailing Cruises offer day cruises appropriate for families and sunset cruises as well. This cruise will surely give you and your family an experience to remember with this exceptional cruise on the York River.
These cruises would make perfect additions to your July 4th vacation, so plan ahead and book your cruise today!
