Santa Clause Visits Branson
November 25, 2009 by admin
Filed under Branson MO
For most children, Christmas is the best time of year. The season is full of magic and wonder. And cookies. Lots of cookies. Of course, Santa Clause is pretty cool, too.
As in years past, children in the Branson area will be able to enjoy a special Christmas treat the second weekend in December. This year, Santa’s Workshop will be held on December 12 and 13 in historic downtown Branson. During this two-day event, children will be able to decorate cookies, make ornaments, and even tell Santa their Christmas wishes in person!
If you are planning on being in Branson the weekend of December 12 and 13, don’t let your family miss this chance for holiday memories. The workshop will be open on Saturday from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon and again on Sunday from noon to 4.
Christmas is the perfect time to make family memories, and this is a great opportunity. Share the warmth of the season with your kids this Christmas at Santa’s Workshop in historic downtown Branson!
Grand Illumination At Colonial Williamsburg
Christmas is a special time of year for a lot of travelers. For those looking for that perfect destination to warm their hearts for the holiday season, look no further than Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. On December 6, Colonial Williamsburg will light up the East coast with the traditional Grand Illumination.
Colonial Williamsburg is already a beautiful city, but during the Christmas holiday season the city will glow with perpetual candlelight. The candles, which will burn 24 hours a day, will be kept burning by the staff of Colonial Williamsburg.
If spectacular candlelight is not enough to amaze you, wait until you visit the Governor’s Palace! Explosive pyrotechnics will bring the heavens to life every night through the season. The Governor’s Palace is the must-see of the season while it is surrounded by glowing candles and covered with amazing lights!
Make plans to visit Colonial Williamsburg on December 6 for the annual Grand Illumination ceremony to start your Christmas season off right. If you can’t make it on December 6, the candles will be kept burning throughout the holiday season. So make plans to visit the beautiful Colonial Williamsburg!
Explore Civil War History in Savannah on Veterans Day
With its location in the heart of the South, Savannah and the surrounding area are home to many Civil War sites. Also, Georgia was one of the 13 original colonies and was part of the Continental Congress before the Revolutionary War. Many sites in Savannah honor those who gave their lives in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and a historic sightseeing tour is an excellent way to see all of the history that Savannah has to offer.
For an overall view of the vast history of Savannah, the Historic Overview Tour is an excellent choice that provides visitors the opportunity to see the most important historical sites in Savannah. This tour is fully narrated by a knowledgeable guide and features stops at River Street, the City Market, and the Historic District. The tour takes place on an open-air trolley, and the tour lasts just 1.5 hours. Sites in the historic district include the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace, Maritime Museum, and River Street, which is a historic landmark in itself.
Homemade Thunder Civil War Walking Tour
For a unique and interactive experience exploring Civil War history, the Homemade Thunder Civil War Walking Tour offers a complete view of Savannah’s role in the Civil War. The walking tour is led by a knowledgeable guide. During the tour, visitors will see numerous historical sites in Savannah, including Gen. A.P Lawton’s House, the homes of Gen. Moxley Sorrel and Gen. Hugh Mercer, and Sherman’s Savannah headquarters after his march through Georgia. Additional sites on the tour include the Confederate Monument and Savannah Theatre. The tour covers about a mile of Savannah and lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Additional sites to see during your time in Savannah during Veterans Day are the centuries-old cemeteries in the city. The Bonaventure Cemetery was featured in the novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” This cemetery is the resting place of many Civil War soldiers, and it is rumored to be haunted. This cemetery was built on an old plantation. The other legendary cemetery in Savannah is the Colonial Park Cemetery, which was built in the 1700s. This cemetery contains over 600 graves, and some of the most famous residents in Savannah’s history are buried here, including Button Gwinett, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Visit the Nation’s Monuments for Veterans Day
Each city in the United States has its own special way to honor Veterans Day, which is on November 11 each year, but if you are looking for the ultimate destination to honor the United States’ veterans, Washington, DC is the perfect place to do so. With monuments that honor the veterans of the Korean, Vietnam, and Second World Wars, visitors have many options for honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. One of the easiest ways to see all of the monuments is by taking a guided monument tour.
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most powerful landmarks in the Washington, DC area and is a must-see for any visit to the Nation’s capital. From the changing of the guards to the acres of plain white grave markers, Arlington National Cemetery is a sobering experience. The Mt. Vernon and Arlington Tour is a guided tour that features a stop at the Arlington Cemetery as well as other sites in Arlington, including Christ Church. This activity also includes a visit to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate. On Veterans Day, Mount Vernon hosts a wreathlaying ceremony as well as other special events for the day.
For a tour that centers on the monuments in Washington, DC proper, the Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour offers a tour that goes through all of the monuments as they are lit up for the evening. In total, the tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. This tour stops at the FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Iwo Jima. Accompanied by a guide who narrates the tour, the Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour offers the total experience of Washington, DC at night.
If you want to combine a tour of the monuments with stops at all of the other fascinating landmarks in the capital, the DC It All! Tour is an excellent choice. This tour features many historic buildings in the city, including the Old Post Office, the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, and more. This tour also stops at the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean Memorial, and Iwo Jima. The tour also drives by many more Washington, DC sights, including Arlington National Cemetery, the World War I Memorial, and the National Archives.
November Events to Remember in New York City
With the cooler temperatures and vivid fall foliage, November is a great time to visit New York City. The city is beginning to come alive with holiday cheer, and visitors can get into the holiday spirit early with a visit to the city. In addition, November also offers many exciting events that offer the perfect opportunity to plan a weekend vacation to this bustling city.
Although you may not be in shape yourself to run this marathon, you can join thousands of others on the streets of New York to cheer on those who are running the race. The marathon is on November 1, and the race course goes through all five boroughs of the city. Typically, over 35,000 athletes run the marathon, and millions of visitors line up to see the race. In addition, many events take place both before and after the marathon.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Millions watch this iconic parade from home every year, but you can make this the year to see it in person! The parade takes place on Thanksgiving morning and features colossal balloons, marching bands, Broadway performances, fantastic floats, and popular musicians. Seeing the parade is sure to be an unforgettable event, so be sure to book your lodging in New York ahead of time. From many hotels surrounding Macy’s Herald Square and Central Park, you can see the parade from your room, or you can also go down to the street and watch it live.
The Rockettes–The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Along with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Radio City Rockettes are another iconic aspect of Christmas in New York City. The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular presents the fantastic singing and dancing that this high-kicking group is famous for. The show brings classic holiday songs, Christmas legends, and a set that transforms the stage into a winter wonderland. The show begins on November 13 and runs throughout the holiday season, giving you many opportunities to experience this fabulous show.
Experience “Winter Magic” in Gatlinburg
October 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN, VME
Although fall has just begun, it is not too early to start planning your Christmas trip to Gatlinburg. Full of sparkly lights, fresh Christmas trees, and holiday spirit in every corner, Gatlinburg becomes a winter wonderland come November. For this season, Winter Magic runs from November 4 to February 28.
During this time, the Gatlinburg area is lit up with beautiful light displays. From houses to storefronts, everywhere you look in Gatlinburg offers a brilliant display. Winter Magic opens November with a chili cook-off and lighting ceremony in Gatlinburg. Throughout the duration of Winter Magic, you will find events such as a Festival of Trees, Holiday Craft Show, Winter Tunes and Tales, a Christmas Parade, and a New Year’s Eve celebration. Regardless of when you plan your winter vacation, you will be able to find something during this event to provide an entertaining vacation.
While in the Gatlinburg area during the upcoming holiday season, experiencing one of the wonderful Christmas shows is an activity you must do. The Country Tonite Theater offers Country Tonight Christmas, which features the same talented musicians and engaging performances found in the original Country Tonite show. The Christmas show features your favorite holiday classics as well as holiday songs with a country twist. Along with the singing, you can also enjoy dancing and comedy, making for a complete evening.
The Miracle offers a theatrical production of the birth and life of Jesus. This play features live animals and a talented cast of actors, dancers, and crew. This story begins with the birth of Jesus and follows his life, ending with his ascension into heaven. This production runs throughout the year, but it becomes especially meaningful during the Christmas season.
Experience Crafts and Folk Heritage in Williamsburg
The Williamsburg area is unique in its history and culture, dating back to the early settlers in America and events of the Civil War period. Accordingly, the Williamsburg area hosts many celebrations of its heritage and people. Two of its most popular annual events are coming up in October, making it the perfect time to visit and get some early Christmas shopping done.
Fall Festival of Folklife in Newport News
This festival is Virginia’s largest celebration of folk art, crafts, and live entertainment, annually drawing in more than 70,000 visitors. The Festival of Folklife takes place October 3 and 4 at the Newport News Park. Over 200 craftsmen bring their goods to the festival, and the event is complete with live demonstrations, an exhibit hall, and food vendors. In addition, visitors can enjoy live entertainment during the festival. New for this year are the Busch Gardens’ Animal Show and the Amazing Buttercup Band. In addition, the Country Store Area features a variety of specialty food vendors from around the area. Children have their own spot to at the Busch Gardens Children’s Area, and there is also a Daily Press Children’s Stage with live entertainment. From doing some early Christmas shopping to enjoying the live entertainment, the Festival of Folklife in Newport News is a great event to visit during a trip to Williamsburg.
An Occasion for the Arts at Merchants Square
Located in Williamsburg, this festival is an annual crafts show that draws 30,000 visitors to the area. This one-day event takes place on October 3 and 4 at Merchants Square in Williamsburg. This event features over 160 juried artists and craftsmen. Live entertainment is also available on hand, including dance, music, and choral performances. There is also a special youth art showcase. At this event, visitors can see handmade jewelry, woodwork, embroidery, pottery, textiles, and more. “The Art of Food” is another special aspect of this event that provides visitors with food specialties from the region. The event concludes with a concert under the stars by the Williamsburg Symphonia.
Chattanooga Offers Fun Activities for All Ages
Whether you are looking for frightful events or terrifyingly fun activities in the Chattanooga area to enjoy this harvest season, there are many options available for you and your family.
The Enchanted Maize Maze at Rock City at Lookout Mountain is a popular annual activity in the Chattanooga area that is fun for visitors of all ages. This corn maze is open from September to November. The maze is located in Blowing Springs Farm at the base of Lookout Mountain. To get through the maze, visitors have to answer a series of questions to be shown the way out. The corn maze at Rock City also offers many other family-friendly activities, including hay rides, hay bale mazes, and a pumpkin patch. This activity is the perfect alternative to scary haunted corn mazes and is something you can bring the whole family to.
At the Chattanooga Nature Center, make plans to attend the Festival of the Jack O’Lanterns. This event takes place on October 18. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Chattanooga Nature Center in addition to a petting zoo, pony rides, a costume contest, and games. The festival also includes the special lighting of the Jack O’Lanterns. This is another family-friendly event that you can bring even your youngest children to without fear of frightening specters popping out from the corners.
For a fun time with the exotic animals at the Chattanooga Zoo, take your family to Boo in the Zoo, which is taking place October 16 through 17 and 23 to 24. This event features a costume contest for you and your kids, zoo-style trick or treating, games, and crafts. Boo in the Zoo is a safe alternative to many Halloween activities, and you can be sure that everyone in your group will find something to enjoy while spending the evening in the zoo.
New York City Offers Halloween Events Both Scary and Fun
If you would rather not wait until October 31 to enjoy a spooky night out, New York City has the options for you and your family for fun Halloween events before the end of the month. These events appeal to both adults and children, so you can count on enjoying a family-friendly activity with a spooky theme.
New York area zoos get into the holiday spirit by hosting different events throughout October. At the Staten Island Zoo, visitors can enjoy the popular Spooktacular event, which features themed activities, special events, and all of the great exhibits found at the zoo year round. Spooktacular is set to take place October 24-25, and admission tickets must be bought ahead of time. In addition, there are two Boo at the Zoo events taking place elsewhere in New York City. Prospect Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and the Central Park Zoo are hosting Boo at the Zoo events. Boo at the Zoo features Halloween treats for both the animals and visitors, arts and crafts booths, and a fun and safe environment to spend the Halloween evening. Boo at the Zoo takes place on October 31. If your kids love animals and Halloween, these events combine the best of both interests.
In Greenwich Village, you can take to the streets to enjoy the annual Village Halloween Parade. This annual event is one of the city’s most popular Halloween events takes place on October 31. The parade features costumed revelers, live music from over 50 bands, celebrities, dancers, and more. The theme of this year’s parade is “Uncharted Waters.” The parade can be seen from on 6th Avenue between Spring Street and 21st Street. There is also an award for the best costume.
For the kid in everyone, spending the day at Six Flags Great Adventure in nearby New Jersey offers thrills, spills, and Fright Fest from October 3 to November 1. Fright Fest features special events, shows, and spooky attractions. During Fright Fest, Six Flags Great Adventure features a haunted midway, themed shows, and haunted paths and scarezones. Fright Fest offers many attractions suitable for young children, but not all of the special events and features are appropriate for all ages. In addition to the terrifyingly fun events of Fright Fest, you can also enjoy all the great rides and attractions found at Six Flags Great Adventure throughout the year.
Tour the World Through Food at Epcot Center
September 23, 2009 by admin
Filed under VME, Walt Disney World
The Epcot Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort will begin its annual International Food and Wine Festival on September 25. The festival runs until November 8.
During this event, visitors can sample food from a variety of regions, enjoy concerts, and experience the thrilling rides and entertaining shows that Epcot offers year-round. There will be over 25 different food marketplaces set up throughout the park. These marketplaces have a regional theme and serve appetizer-sized portions of native dishes paired with suggested wine or beer pairings. Different regions include Paris; New Orleans; Santiago, Chile; Rio de Janerio, Brazil; Montreal; Athens; Bangkok, Thailand; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Cork, Ireland. Whatever kind of food you prefer, you will be sure to find a delicious dish or two, and you may even find some new favorites!
The Food and Wine Festival also features live concerts. The concert series features performers from a variety of genres. Scheduled performers include Kool and the Gang, Sister Sledge, Vanessa Carlton, Boyz II Men, and Taylor Hicks. Concerts will take place daily at the Epcot Americas Garden Theater.
Another feature of this event is seminars and demonstrations that will take place. Seminar and demonstration topics range from discussions about the history of beer to lectures on special regional ingredients. Some seminars are included in Epcot admission, but some require an additional fee. The Food and Wine Festival will also be hosting a number of special meals and events, including a dessert brunch with pastry chefs and a cheese tasting. These events all require advance reservations.
We offer Magic Your Way tickets available in one to ten day increments. The Magic Your Way ticket will give you access to Epcot Theme Park as well as all of the other theme parks of Disney (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney-Hollywood Studios), and many other Disney attractions, including DisneyQuest and Wide World of Sports.
