Grand Ole Opry Performers, Week of 5-10-2013
May 7, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, VME
As always it’s a great time to head out to the grandest stage in country music to catch a show and see the top performers of yesterday and today. There are always brilliant performers ready to give you an amazing show, and this week is no exception. Here are the upcoming scheduled performers for this wonderful May week:
Tue, May 7, 2013: 7:00 PM: Chris Young, Del McCoury, Love and Theft, Mandy Barnett, and more to be added as scheduled.
Fri, May 10, 2013: 7:00 PM: Anita Renfroe, Maggie Rose, Sara Haze, and more to be added as scheduled.
Sat, May 11, 2013: 7:00 PM: Charlie Daniels, Joel Crouse, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ralph Stanley, and more to be added as scheduled.
Be sure and check us out for up to date performer information at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/GrandOleOpryTicket.cfm
Of course you’ll also want to grab a hotel if you plan on staying a night or two during your trip, so why not check us out and see what kind of properties there are available that might suit your needs? We offer everything from standard hotel rooms at great prices, to luxury hotels with all of the top amenities. Visit us to take a look at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/lodging/
Bluesy Vacations and More in Memphis!
May 7, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Memphis
These are rockin’ days in Memphis, and with the summer heat also comes the summer fun! Come on out to everyone’s favorite southern city and experience a vacation you won’t soon forget. Exciting options abound in the city, and you can choose from great hotels, fantastic activities, and more.
Through Vacations Made Easy, we not only offer attractions and lodging, but also vacation packages that give you the best of both worlds. Pre-made packages are available for you to browse and choose from, or you can create your own! Here are two of our favorite packages that we offer, among many that are available to you.
Memphis Family Vacation Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MemphisTN/vacationPackages/TheMemphisFamilyVacationPackage.cfm
With the Memphis Family Vacation Package, you’ll have the perfect trip lined up for you and your family. The package includes 3-night’s lodging at the property of your choice, and tickets to Elvis Presley’s Graceland Platinum Experience. With the Platinum Experience, you’ll get to tour Elvis’ home as the tour takes you from Presley’s humble beginnings through his rise to superstardom. You will see Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the automobile museum, the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum and more! And with 3 nights of lodging included, you’ll have plenty of extra time to relax at the hotel, eat some local cuisine, and explore the rest of the city.
Blues Music Vacation Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MemphisTN/vacationPackages/BluesMusicVacationPackage.cfm
Enjoy a piece of history with the Blues Music Vacation Package where you will travel to Memphis, Tennessee and enjoy the sweet sound of the smooth Blues music, with a full three nights of lodging, a self-guided tour of the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and a visit to the infamous Stax Museum of American Soul Music. At the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum you can view and learn the stories of musicians that struck out and changed the world of music during racial and economic hardships. And at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, you’ll learn of its significance and importance to the music genre. Starting out as a tiny record store in an old movie theater, Stax grew to become one of the most important recording studios in the world. Finally spend your three nights in luxury at an amazing local hotel of your choosing. You’ll have everything you could ever want with this great package!
These are just a few of the awesome packages that we offer in Memphis. Check out our webpage and browse other offerings or create your own package to make your vacation exactly what you want it to be: amazing! http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MemphisTN/vacationPackages.cfm
Mountains, Monuments, and More in the Greater Mount Rushmore Area
April 23, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Mount Rushmore, VME
It’s a great time to visit the beautiful Mount Rushmore monument and the Keystone area, but isn’t it always!? You can experience this American icon and more while taking a trip to beautiful South Dakota. You can tour the Black Hills, take a 19th century train ride, visit the presidential wax museum and even play a round of mini-golf! Here are a few of our favorite attractions from the Mount Rushmore area to keep your vacation busy and exciting!
Located in nearby Rapid City, The Journey Museum tells the history of the area, as well as the story of the people who first came to the area and the scientists who study them. Some different collections and museums include the Museum of Geology, where you can touch a dinosaur bone and observe geologists at work, or the Sioux Indian Museum, which includes interactive stories and activities while you learn the history of the Lakota Nation. These collections are just a few of the amazing artifacts, stories, and arts that The Journey Museum has to offer. For more information, take a look at our page at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterMountRushmoreAreaSD/activity/TheJourneyMuseum.cfm
Check out this informative guided tour, where you will see the world’s largest mammoth research facility. You’ll learn all about the greatest creatures to roam the North American continent, the Mammoth. Unearth the history behind both the mammoths and how they shaped the culture of the people who inhabited this beautiful area. The site where the movie “Hidalgo” was filmed is available to see as well! See this historical museum and visit the paleontology laboratory. Check out more information at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterMountRushmoreAreaSD/activity/MammothSiteofHotSprings1.cfm
The Holy Terror Mini Golf course is tucked-away on the side of a pine-covered slope that is located in Keystone at the Presidential Wax Museum. Named after the last active gold mine in Keystone, the course takes you on a wild adventure as you putt around huge boulders, up steep hills, thru the mine slew, around the water wheel and bubbling stream that makes getting a ‘hole-in-one’ an exciting challenge. This 18-hole course will appeal to any age, making it an excellent choice for a break from all the fantastic sightseeing in Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. It’s a family golf experience your family will never forget. Add an afternoon of fun to your itinerary by taking the challenge of the Holy Terror Mini Golf course today! View us for more information at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterMountRushmoreAreaSD/activity/HolyTerrorMiniGolf.cfm
These are just a few of the options that are available in the greater Mount Rushmore area. Check us out at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterMountRushmoreAreaSD/ to see all of the other great attractions in the area.
Fun and Excitement in Memphis, Tennessee!
April 23, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Memphis
Memphis is a rockin’ place to visit, and what better time to come to everyone’s favorite southern city than now?! You can experience everything that is Memphis including Graceland, the Gibson Guitar Factory, and all sorts of amazing barbeque. So get started on your tour of Memphis and book an amazing attraction today! Here are just a few of the top sellers that we offer for the city.
National Civil Rights Museum
More than 35 years after the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, this historic landmark in Memphis has turned itself into a tribute to the earth-changing Civil Rights Movement. On April 4, 1968 all eyes in the world turned to a small hotel in Memphis, TN. On a balcony of the Lorraine Hotel, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Today, this landmark has become a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and has ensured that at least part of Dr. King’s dream would come true. Exhibits featured inside the museum and its expansion cover events from 1619 to the present day and include Little Rock, Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, Booker T. Washington, The Assassination of Dr. King and much more.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland Experience
Get ‘all shook up’ with the Elvis Presley’s Graceland Experience as you walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The tour takes place at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland Mansion, in Memphis, Tennessee. The full Graceland experience will take you from Elvis’ humble beginnings through his rise to super stardom. See how a rock ‘n’ roll legend lived and relaxed with family and friends. Enjoy video, photos, Elvis’ personal mementos, movie memorabilia, stage costumes and much more. Explore Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the automobile museum, the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum, the King and Pop Culture Exhibit, the ’68 Special Exhibit and more on your own with a self-guided tour of Graceland. You can see the 1955 pink Cadillac, artifacts from Elvis’ past, special displays highlighting Elvis’ impact on music and the world, the recognizable fashion of the King, and so much more to keep you entertained.
These are just a few of the amazing things that Memphis has to offer, so check us out and see the other great options available to you to make your vacation an unforgettable one!
All You Can Handle in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Tennessee
April 5, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
Shows and attractions are in full swing as the calendar turns to April. You can go see the strange and weird at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, ride thrilling coasters at Dollywood Theme Park Tennessee, or see great comedy and entertainment with the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud Show. These activities and more are all available in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Take a look at other events going on in the area.
RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo
Worked on by the same contractors that themed Disney’s Animal Kingdom, RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo is an indoor exhibit for hundreds of animal species. Come visit and wander past ancient ruins, a 25-foot jungle waterfall, and into the RainForest to discover venomous snakes, giant tortoises, ringtailed lemurs, and vibrantly colored birds. There are over 600 animals featured at the venue, all born in captivity, and over 130 different species are represented.
Lumberjack Feud Dinner & Show
Grab your best flannel shirt and your heartiest appetite for the Lumberjack Feud Dinner & Show. You’ll get to see hilarious lumberjack antics and humor and have a hearty woodsman dinner. The show follows the lives of two logging families who are struggling with the impending doom as their livelihood is being reduced by the National Park. Enjoy the educational and entertaining show and a filling dinner at this one of a kind event.
Smoky Mountain Opry
Hosting a wide variety of music from the 40s through today, lively dancing, a hilarious nationally acclaimed comedian, dazzling costumes, magic, special effects, and much more! The Opry contains a digital projection system, huge video screens, surround sound, and a stunning laser light system. You’ll hear tributes from some of your favorite artists of all time including Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and more.
These are just a few options of some of the great things to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. No matter what you are looking for, you’ll find something to suit your tastes and make your vacation a memorable one.
Hot Hotels in Myrtle Beach
April 5, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Myrtle Beach
Have you planned your Myrtle Beach vacation yet? If you haven’t, now is the time to get started!
There are plenty of things to do in the wonderful east coast city, and you aren’t limited to just relaxing on the beach! You can catch one of the area’s thrilling shows like the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, where you’ll see pirates duke it out for a mysterious treasure and enjoy a hearty five-course meal; or Legends in Concert, where you’ll hear hit songs from all of your favorite stars like Michael Jackson, the Blues Brothers, Elvis, and more.
Of course you’ll need a place to stay while catching some rays and some shows, and we have you covered there too. We offer properties ranging from standard fare for the savvy shopper, all the way up to luxurious beachfront hotels for those looking for an unforgettable trip. Here are just a few highlights of the area.
Located right on the most beautiful beach in the nation, the Westgate Myrtle Beach is a top hotel for visitors looking for a sunny and wet vacation. In addition to taking a dip in the ocean, you can also choose to jump in the hotel’s heated outdoor pool or winding lazy river. There is a kid’s water-play area to keep the kiddos happy as well. Your guest rooms will have a full kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove and coffee maker. And for a limited time, the Westgate Myrtle Beach is 40% off! Check us out for more details at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MyrtleBeachSC/lodging/WestgateMyrtleBeach.cfm
This gorgeous beachfront property is one of the highlights of Myrtle Beach. Stunning views and first class amenities are available to visitors staying at these condos. Your guest rooms contain a full kitchen with stove, microwave, and refrigerator, and bathrooms feature jetted tubs. You can take a dip in either the indoor heated pool or the outdoor heated pool, and of course head out to the beach for some vitamin D. For more information, come check us out at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MyrtleBeachSC/lodging/SeaGlassTower.cfm
These are just a few of the top hotels available in Myrtle Beach, visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MyrtleBeachSC/lodging/ for more choices and to get started on your South Carolina vacation today!
Upcoming Grand Ole Opry Perfomers
March 21, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Grand Ole Opry
With its growing list of amazing performers, brilliant acoustics, and magnificent fun, the greatest country music show in the world just keeps on providing entertainment week after week. From its humble beginnings as a one-hour radio “barn dance” to the thrilling performance it is today, the show is rife with history. Let’s take a look at some of the top upcoming performers.
Oak Ridge Boys Friday, March 22nd
The Oak Ridge Boys are a country and gospel quartet that has become part of country music history, best known for their crossover hits “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.” The Oak Ridge Boys have a history spanning 40 years of innovating music-making. The current Oak Ridge Boys lineup is Duane Allen singing lead, Joe Bonsall as tenor, William Lee at baritone, and Richard Sterban singing bass. They carry on the band’s long tradition of energetic live performances and consistently upbeat, positive songs. Their most recent album, 2011′s It’s Only Natural stayed on country charts for nearly two months. They received new attention from rock fans for their cover of the White Stripes “Seven Nation Army.” The Oak Ridge Boys play more 150 a year, often appearing at their Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson, Missouri. They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on August 6, 2011. For a full bio, visit http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/OakRidgeBoysAtGrandOleOpry.cfm
Ricky Skaggs Saturday, March 23rd
A mixture of country and bluegrass, artist Ricky Skaggs has made a name for himself in the country music industry. Born in July of 1954 in Cordell, Kentucky, Skaggs began playing music at the young age of five years. When he was six, he played the mandolin and sang on stage with Bill Monroe. The next year, he appeared on Martha White’s country music variety show. Then, he wanted to audition for the Grand Ole Opry, but was told he was too young. However, in 1982, after performing with fellow teen prodigy Keith Whitley and in Ralph Stanley’s band, the Clinch Mountain Boys, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and the rest is history. Skaggs is now a common, and welcome, sight at the Opry. For a full bio, visit http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/RickySkaggsAtGrandOleOpry.cfm
Fri, Mar 22, 2013 Alan Jackson, Dailey and Vincent, Oak Ridge Boys, and more to be added.
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 Charles Esten, Kayla Slone, Kristen Kelly, Marshall Tucker Band, Ricky Skaggs, and more to be added.
Tue, Mar 26, 2013 Dierks Bentley, Greg Bates, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, and more to be added.
You never know if a legend like Dolly Parton or Garth Brooks is going to show up at the Opry to perform, and each show is special in its own way. Get ready for a fantastic show full of songs and laughs at the Grand Ole Opry and order your tickets today! For a full list of performers that is updated as soon as they are booked, visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/GrandOleOpryTicket.cfm
Enjoy the show!
Beaches, Hotels, and Excitement in Beautiful Myrtle Beach, SC
March 20, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Myrtle Beach
March is well under way and the warmer weather is making its way onto the east coast. Warmer weather of course means a better vacation! Come on out to Myrtle Beach and see all of the sights, sounds, and events that make this such a great travel destination. You’ll need somewhere to stay, and options abound. For beachfront properties, there are great options like the Westgate Myrtle Beach, 3 Palms Oceanfront Resort, or the Bluewater Resort.
As far as keeping yourself entertained, you’ll be able to choose from multiple attractions, great food, or even just lying at the beach! Some of the more exciting options include Ripley’s Aquarium, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, or the Marvelous Mirror Maze.
Of course for the ultimate Myrtle Beach vacation, you should choose a vacation package! With all of our vacation packages you will receive lodging and at least one attraction. You can browse all of our pre-made packages or create your own! Here are just a few of the pre-made packages we offer.
Myrtle Beach Honeymoon Getaway
It’s no secret that Myrtle Beach is a very romantic place, and with this package, you and your love can head to the town and enjoy an amazing show as well. With the package, you will receive 2 night’s lodging at the property of your choice, and tickets to see the Carolina Opry. The Carolina Opry is a highly acclaimed show which combines musical and choreographic talent to create an excellent, award-winning show that has just the right amount of romance and glitz.
And with two night’s lodging, you’ll have plenty of time to lounge on the beach with the Myrtle Beach Honeymoon Getaway Package.
Myrtle Beach Attractions Vacation Package
The Myrtle Beach Attractions Vacation Package gives you plenty to do, and plenty of time to do it in. You’ll get three night’s lodging, tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium, the NASCAR Speedpark, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. At Ripley’s Aquarium, you’ll see a variety of over 400 freshwater and saltwater creatures, including sharks and stingrays. The 750,000 gallon aquarium is amazing, and sure to be a highlight of your trip. The NASCAR Speedpark, on the other hand, will satisfy your need for speed. You’ll experience NASCAR themed events like bumper cars, mini golf, and racecars. And finally, at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, you will see tons of strange and fascinating artifacts that you have to see to believe. A six-legged cow, antiquated vampire killing kit, and genuine shrunken head are just a few of the amazing things you will see. This package is sure to give you the Myrtle Beach vacation you were hoping for.
We have many other packages we offer, and if none of those suit your fancy, don’t forget to check out our package generator, where you can create your own custom itinerary. See us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MyrtleBeachSC/
Gatlinburg: City of Fun!
March 20, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, VME
Gatlinburg is in full swing and there are many attractive options for visitors. You can stay at an amazing local hotel, like the Westgate Smoky Mountain Hotel, Resort at Governor’s Crossing, or the Smoky Getaway Cabins, and then see some of the best attractions the city has to offer, such as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Dollywood Theme Park, WonderWorks Interactive Experience, or the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram.
Of course the best way to experience the city is through a vacation package! We at Vacations Made Easy have many pre-made packages for you to select if you want some suggestions for your vacation, or you can create your own custom package and do exactly what you want to do! Here are just a few of the vacation packages we have to offer.
Dollywood Pigeon Forge Vacation Package
The Dollywood Pigeon Forge Vacation Package gives you three night’s lodging at the hotel of your choice, and admission into the Dollywood theme park. Dollywood is home to over 30 rides and attractions, all of which are inspired by the life of Dolly Parton and the rich history of the Smokies. You’ll be able to ride the 85-foot plunge on the Mystery Mine rollercoaster, or slide down the side of a mountain in a water toboggan on the Mountain Sidewinder. You’ll get some extra time to explore the fun of Gatlinburg with your three night stay in the city.
Gatlinburg Area Weekend Getaway Package
This great package includes two nights of lodging in the property of your choice, and tickets to see the Dixie Stampede. The Dixie Stampede is Gatlinburg’s premiere attraction. You will get to see high-adrenaline fun as the heart-pounding show features beautiful horses, stampeding buffalo, and a super-talented cast performing rousing musical numbers and hilarious, family friendly comedy. The show also includes a good old fashioned, down-home, country dinner. The Gatlinburg Area Weekend Getaway package is perfect for a weekend trip, you’ll get your two night stay and enjoy a great show with plenty of time to explore what the city has to offer.
These packages and more are available for your trip to this great southern city. Of course you can also check out our vacation package builder and create the perfect itinerary for you! So get started on your vacation today and visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/!
Links:
Westgate Smoky Mountain Hotel: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/lodging/WestgateSmokyMountainHotel.cfm
Resort at Governor’s Crossing: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/lodging/TheResortatGovernorsCrossing.cfm
Smoky Getaway Cabins: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/lodging/SmokyGetawaysCabins.cfm
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/RipleysAquariumoftheSmokies1.cfm
Dollywood: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/Dollywood.cfm
WonderWorks Interactive Experience: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/WonderWorksPigeonForge.cfm
Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/OberGatlinburgAerialTram.cfm
Dollywood Pigeon Forge Vacation Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/vacationPackages/DollywoodPigeonForgeVacationPackage.cfm
Gatlinburg Area Weekend Getaway Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/vacationPackages/GatlinburgAreaWeekendGetawayPackage.cfm
What’s Up in Washington DC?
March 20, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under VME, Washington DC
March is in full swing now and that means the traveling season is upon us. It’s time to start planning your amazing vacation to the Nation’s capital today. Of course you will need a hotel, and what trip is complete without some show or activity tickets? Well we here at Vacations Made Easy have you covered! You can choose from pre-made packages with your choice of hotel, or visit our site and create your own custom package. Here are just a few of the top packages that we offer in the Washington DC area.
Washington DC Attractions Vacation Package
With this package, you’ll get to enjoy some of the hottest attractions in the city, and stay at the hotel of your choice for four nights. You’ll also receive tickets to Six Flags America, where you can take a range of family friendly rides, a waterpark, and of course, thrilling rollercoasters. Next, your tickets will get you to the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. At the museum you will see a wide range of displays and interactive exhibits that focus on the history of crime from medieval times to present day. Finally, you will take the Taste of DC Bus Tour, where you will ride around and see the city’s most famous sites including the White House, US Capital, World War II Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument and more. This tour is one of the best ways to explore the city. Take a look for more information at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterWashingtonDCAreaDC/vacationPackages/WashingtonDCAttractionsVacationPackage.cfm
Washington DC Family Vacation Package
This package gives you a family friendly option for your vacation. You’ll receive three night’s lodging at the property of your choice, and admission to the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, and a 3-day Washington DC Power Pass. The Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament includes a four course meal fit for a king, and a performance where knights battle for the heart of the lovely lady Princess Catalina. And the DC Power Pass includes admission into roughly 20 options for activities in the area, and has discounts and line skipping at select city attractions. For more information, check out http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterWashingtonDCAreaDC/vacationPackages/WashingtonDCFamilyVacationPackage.cfm
Choose between these and more pre-made packages, or create your own package by choosing from the many amazing activities in the area. Create your own and see our packages at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterWashingtonDCAreaDC/vacationPackages.cfm
