Ring in the New Year All Over Again DC’s Chinese New Year Spectacular!
While Valentine’s Day may be the first celebration to come to mind when thinking of February 14, those that would prefer cultural exploration will find fifteen days of celebration throughout Washington DC under the banner of the Chinese New Year! On February 14, we will officially enter the Year of the Tiger and DC will kick off the occasion in lively form.
While the exact date has yet to be announced, the annual Chinese New Year Parade will undoubtedly be one of the top draws this year. The parade is set to be held in DC’s Chinatown along H Street between 6th and 8th Streets.
Other celebrations are set to include various events at the Lakeforest Mall on weekends throughout the 15-day celebration, as well as a coordinated effort from the Montgomery County Public Libraries to place focus on Chinese culture through hands-on activities, demonstrations and more!
Those interested in visiting Washington DC during the Chinese New Year can find a variety of lodging options throughout the DC area online.
Grand Ole Opry Schedule of Performers for January 8 & 9, 2010
Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. This list will be updated weekly as new performers are confirmed and added to the lineup.
Friday, January 8 - Order Tickets
- Jason Michael Carroll
- Danny Gokey
- Kyle Petty
- Chris Young
- and more
Saturday January 9 - Order Tickets
- Rodney Crowell
- Chris Young
- and more
Sample a Taste of Southern History in Chattanooga
The Chattanooga, Tennessee area is full of history, ranging from the time the region was settled to the Civil War to the depression-era building of the region. Whether you are visiting Chattanooga on a day trip or extended vacation, add some of these historical sites to your trip to better understand the rich history behind Chattanooga and Tennessee.
Sequoyah Caverns Tour with Visit to Ellis Homestead
The Ellis Homestead is over 160 years old, so it has seen its fair share of Chattanooga history. With the Sequoyah Caverns Tour with Visit to Ellis Homestead, you can experience both the legendary homestead along with some of the oldest caves in Chattanooga. During this activity, you will get to explore the caverns as well as Ellis Homestead, which contains a 160 year old cabin. At the homestead, you will also be able to participate in gem mining and wildlife watching.
While you are in Chattanooga, you must stop by the legendary Chattanooga Choo Choo complex on historic Market Street. This historic building contains the Chattanooga Choo Choo engine, a model railroad museum, and fascinating architecture. At the Chattanooga Choo Choo, you will also find many places to eat and shop, making it a fun family destination perfect for an afternoon that offers history as well as entertainment.
Chattanooga Regional History Museum
Chattanooga is also home to many interesting museums that commemorate the history of the museum. At the Chattanooga Regional History Museum, you can explore decades of years of history of the Chattanooga area. The museum contains exhibits and artifacts on Chattanooga’s role in the Civil War, daily life from the 1920s to 50s, and the work of Chattanooga artists. Offering a fascinating look at Chattanooga’s history, this museum is a great activity for families and visitors who have never been to Chattanooga before.
Touring NYC Is Easy with Hop On/Hop Off Tours
Looking for an easy, affordable, and fun way to tour New York City? A multi-day pass for a Hop On/Hop Off Double Decker tour provides ease and convenience when touring New York City. Whether you are a first time visitor or have been several times, these tours are excellent choices that allow you to see the most of New York City all on your schedule. We offer several of these tours, but we have highlighted some of the best options below.
All Loops Double Decker Tour 48 Hour Pass
If you want a straightforward tour, the All Loops Double Decker Tour 48 Hour Pass is the best option for you. This tour gives you two days of access to four different touring loops: Brooklyn Loop, Downtown Loop, Uptown Loop, and the Night Tour. Combine, the tour makes 35 different stops at top New York landmarks and attractions, including Central Park, Wall Street, and the Empire State Building. With two days of access, you will be sure to see the highlights of New York with time to spare. If you feel you need a little more time, this tour is also available in a 72 hour pass.
Freestyle New York: 72 Hour Hop On/Hop Off Pass with Three Attractions
Many tours include a multi-day pass as well as attraction tickets, making them practically a complete vacation in themselves. One such tour is the Freestyle New York: 72 Hour Hop On/Hop Off Pass with Three Attractions. You will have three days of tour access on all four tour loops as well as your choice of three attractions. You have your selection of attractions like the Empire State Building, skyline cruise, ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty, and the American Museum of Natural History. With tickets to popular attractions and a three day hop on/hop off pass, the Freestyle New York tour has everything you need for a fantastic New York vacation.
Shop, Hop, and Top: 96 Hour Hop On/Hop Off Pass w/ Attraction Tickets
If you are going to be in the city for a week, the Shop, Hop, and Top: 96 Hour Hop On/Hop Off Pass w/ Attraction Tickets is an excellent choice if you want to devote lots of time to sightseeing. This tour offers four days of hop on/hop off access on all four loops in the city, as well as several additional tickets. This tour includes admission to either the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock Observatory, a Circle Line 75 Minute Harbor Cruise, Museum of the City of New York Admission, and a Woodbury Common Day Trip. From narrated sightseeing to a cruise in the harbor, this tour has it all!
Celebrate 2010 with a New Year’s Vacation in Nashville
December 17, 2009 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN, VME
Spend the New Year in style when you enjoy a New Year’s vacation in Nashville. We understand that after the hectic weeks of the holiday season, the last thing you want to do is take the time to plan a vacation, so we have a New Year’s Eve package ready to go for you.
The New Year’s in Nashville vacation package offers a fun and relaxing Nashville experience. The package includes four nights of lodging at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which is practically a destination in itself. For your convenience, this package contains two breakfasts, two dinners, one lunch, and on brunch, as well as many activities.
The package kicks off with an evening spent at your leisure at the Gaylord Opryland. After you get settled in your room, you can explore the resort property, which contains shops, a river boat cruise, lounges, and restaurants. On New Year’s Eve, you will join other visitors for a party at the Gaylord Opryland in the Grand Ballroom. The evening’s festivities include a catered dinner with wine and champagne, party favors, and live entertainment. After the excitement of New Year’s Eve, you will have New Year’s Day to rest, wake up to a late brunch, and then board the General Jackson showboat dinner cruise for another great meal with live entertainment. On the next day of this vacation, you will enjoy a guided tour of Nashville complete with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and lunch at the Wild Horse Saloon. That evening, you will enjoy a performance at Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry.
Complete with a variety of live entertainment, a memorable New Year’s Eve party, and a fantastic time at the Gaylord Opryland, this package contains everything you need for a spectacular New Year’s vacation.
If you would like to plan your own New Year’s vacation or just find something fun to do that weekend, you can easily build your own package or find activities online. Most of the holiday shows will be over, but Nashville still has plenty to offer visitors. Some of the activities available during the long weekend include the General Jackson New Year’s Eve cruise, ICE! at the Gaylord Opryland, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Let Your Inner Photographer Come Out with a Las Vegas Photo Tour
Las Vegas is located in the center of the West with convenient access to many natural parks and beautiful scenery. During your Las Vegas vacation, you can take advantage of the many photo tours we offer to landmarks and parks in the surrounding area. From Bryce Canyon to Area 51, you can explore many beautiful sites and come back with breathtaking photos.
Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon is a unique natural formation that is a cross between a deep cave and canyon. Carved by freeze-thaw cycles, the fascinating and beautiful formations are like no other you will find in the United States. On the Bryce Zion Photo Tour, you can enjoy a guided tour to Bryce Canyon as well as Zion National Park, which is also located in Utah. On this tour, you will be able to shoot scenery of the Bryce Canyon formations as well as landscapes in Zion National Park.
Valley of Fire-Lost City Museum Photo Tour
If you are looking for more unique sights, try the Valley of Fire-Lost City Museum Photo Tour, which will take you to the Valley of Fire and Lost City. The Valley of Fire State Park is home to remnants of the early Aztec civilization, and you will be able to see Aztec sandstone formations and ancient hieroglyphics. Other stops on this tour include the Lost City Museum, which contains many exhibits and artifacts from the Pueblo Indians who once called this area home. This tour contains unforgettable views that will certainly make for incredible photographs.
Area 51 is not a national park, but it certainly is a mysterious national treasure. The Area 51 Photo Tour will take you to the Area 51 compound in New Mexico. This tour includes several stops around Area 51, including at the Little A’le’inn for lunch and sightseeing. You will see the Indian petryoglyphs that some believe look like aliens exploring the region. The tour does not go inside Area 51, but you will be able to see the view from the road and be able to take pictures of this landmark that is shrouded in mystery. This tour also includes a stop at a Joshua Tree forest.
These tours are only a few of the photo tours we offer, so be sure to check out the whole selection.
Ring in 2010 in Branson, Missouri
December 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under Branson MO, VME
As the holiday season wraps up in a couple of weeks, you may be looking for ideas for New Year’s Eve. Why stay at home when you can make the holiday special with a getaway in Branson? Because New Year’s Day falls on a Friday, you can enjoy a long weekend in Branson to celebrate the beginning of 2010. Check out the ideas below for a festive and fun New Year’s Vacation.
Kirby VanBurch’s Magical New Year’s Eve Show
A magical time is sure to be had by all when you make reservations for Kirby VanBurch, Branson’s most popular magic show. For New Year’s Eve, the Kirby VanBurch show hosts a special New Year’s Eve show that features spectacular illusions, tricks, and performances by Kirby VanBurch. During the show you may see people disappearing, assistants being sawed in half, and the Kirby VanBurch Theatre’s furry friends: tigers, leopards, and more! The Kirby VanBurch New Year’s Eve show is sure to be a memorable way to end 2009.
Miracle of Christmas–Last Chance!
If you did not have the opportunity to catch the Miracle of Christmas at the Sight and Sound Theatre before the holidays, you will have one final chance at New Year’s. The show is available both Dec 29 and 30, and if you have the opportunity to go, you should certainly take advantage of it! Miracle of Christmas is easily one of the most popular holiday shows in Branson, and for good reason. Don’t wait until the next holiday season to check out this fantastic production, which features live animals, talented performers, original score, and an incredible state-of-the-art theater.
Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Cruise
If you are looking for a romantic New Year’s Eve activity for two, how do a three course meal, live entertainment, and beautiful views from Table Rock Lake sound? The Showboat Branson Belle has two dinner cruises available on New Year’s Eve. Each dinner cruise includes a delicious three course meal, entertainment from the legendary Todd Oliver, and a relaxing time aboard Table Rock Lake. Because it is New Year’s Eve, you may even see fireworks happening in Branson and around the lake.
Treat Yourself to a Holiday Break in Myrtle Beach
Already need a break during the holidays? Luckily for you, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has many festive and fun options that are the perfect excuse to plan a quick getaway to the shore. From fun Christmas shows to an easy New Year’s Eve vacation, Myrtle Beach is a fantastic holiday destination for you and your family.
Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show
At the Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show, you will find one of the most fun Christmas shows in the country! You will see a live nativity scene complete with live animals as well as a festive battle between the North Pole and South Pole that features entertaining games and tricks. Of course, you can expect the same classic horsemanship and great music that you find at the Dixie Stampede during the regular season. To top it all off, you will be enjoying a delicious four course meal. Before the show, you can spend some time in the Carriage Room and enjoy Christmas music and family entertainment.
Christmastime with the Twelve Irish Tenors
If you are looking for a relaxing and festive show, check out Christmastime with the Twelve Irish Tenors at the Palace Theatre. Fresh off of their very successful World Tour, the Twelve Irish Tenors have landed in Myrtle Beach for the Christmas season. This show features the classic harmonies and mellow voices that have won the world over. You can catch this show in Myrtle Beach until January 2, so you can enjoy it either before or after Christmas. The Twelve Irish Tenors perform a variety of holiday music, from traditional Christmas carols to songs from their childhood.
If you do not have time for a getaway before Christmas, plan a relaxing New Year’s Eve vacation in Myrtle Beach. Because we are Vacations Made Easy, we have the perfect New Year’s Eve package ready to go for you. The Coastin’ Into the New Year package contains three nights’ lodging on the beach, six meals (three breakfasts, three dinners), afternoon tea at Ripleys Aquarium, Christmas show at Alabama Theatre, tickets to the Carolina Opry, dinner and New Year’s Eve celebration, and Gospel brunch and performance at the House of Blues. With everything pre-planned, all you have to do is book the vacation and head to Myrtle Beach for a fantastic New Year’s vacation.
Find Historic Adventure in 2010 with a Visit to the Holy Land
Once the holidays have come and gone and it is time to get out for your first vacation of 2010, treat yourself to something different, something unique, something altogether life-changing: treat yourself to A Journey to the Holy Land! This inspiring ten day, guided journey through Israel offers both excitement and understanding as you gain a better view of both the rich history the area is known for and the reality of its current social climate.
Throughout your travels, you will visit Nazareth, Jericho, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and numerous other areas of interest. Whether exploring the ancient Roman ruins where Herod the Great once ruled, trekking through the same area where the Sermon of the Mount was given, enjoying a boat ride along the Sea of Galilee, swimming in the Dead Sea, visiting the tombs of Mary and Joseph or even retracing many of the purported sites where Jesus performed some of his more well known miracles, including the timeless tale of feeding the multitude with loaves of bread and fish, each step taken will provide true-to-life images of the scenes described in the Bible.
Those interested in learning more about Israel: A Journey to the Holy Land can find detailed information and reservation options online at:
Additionally, you can view numerous other cultural travel options around the world online as well.
Experience a Unique Look at Savannah History with Unique Tours
From Civil War battle sites to pirates to haunted houses, Savannah is home to a unique and varied history. We offer several unique tours that focus on specific aspects of Savannah’s past that are the perfect addition to any Savannah vacation if you are looking to delve deep into this historic city’s past.
Surprisingly, Savannah has been the filming site for dozens of movies, including the blockbuster movie Forrest Gump. On this guided tour, you will be taken to a number of sites involved in the filming of a variety of movies. In addition, your guide will provide a narration of all the sites, and you will see movie clips that correspond to the filming site. In total, you will see approximately 60 filming locations.
Pirate’s Walk Maritime History Walking Tour
Take a walk back in Savannah’s dark past and learn about the history of pirates in this coastal town. As one of the busiest harbors in the U.S., Savannah saw its fair share of pirates in its past. This tour is a walking tour that covers approximately one mile and includes the historic River Street. The tour covers the history of pirates in the area, buried treasure, and Savannah’s role in the slave trade.
As one of the U.S.’s most haunted cities, Savannah is home to many ghost tours, and a visit to Savannah would be incomplete without partaking in some of these spooky adventures. The Ghost Tour Trolley is a 90 minute trolley tour led by a guide who will narrate the sites. This tour includes the Colonial Cemetery, Sorrel Weed House, and many local ghost stories. This tour may also be combined with a dinner at a house formerly inhabited by pirates that is reportedly haunted.
