See the Smoky Mountains from the Sky with a Helicopter Tour
July 3, 2009 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN, VME
The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Whether dressed in green during the summer or wearing a snowy blanket in the winter, the Smokies always offer breathtaking scenery. One of the best ways to see the Smokies is with a bird’s eye view provided by these helicopter tours.
For a quick flight around the area, choose the Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tours. You can customize your ride to be up to 40 minutes covering 100 miles. The helicopter takes you over the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge as well as the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The ride will provide you unparalleled breathtaking views of the Smokies as well as the surrounding areas. Different tour options include the Gatlinburg tour, the See It All tour, and the Bluff Mountain/Pigeon Forge ride. Helicopters can accommodate up to six people, making it the perfect size for a family activity.
For more tour options, check out the Fly the Scenic Skies tours. The tours offered cover a variety of different sightseeing options. The River Island tour will take you over the French Broad River from a height of 1,200 feet. The Douglas Lake Flight covers 12 miles over the Douglas Lake. Another option is the Gatlinburg tour, which is a 36-minute flight that goes over Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Mount Leconte. With the Grand Tour, you can see all of this and more. Whatever you want to see, you will be sure to find the right tour for you. The ride is narrated by your pilot, so you will know what you are seeing. Whichever tour you choose, it will certainly be an unforgettable experience.
If you would rather explore the Smokies from the comfort of the ground, try Smoky Mountain Carriage Rides. Perfect for a romantic lunch or evening activity, these tours will take you on a scenic ride through the countryside. You can enjoy views of the Smoky Mountains as well as the seasonal beauty of the area, from beautiful fall foliage to pretty spring flowers. You can choose a romantic ride for two or a fun ride for four.
Broadway Bound: Shows for Everyone in New York City
A trip to New York is not complete without an evening spent on Broadway. From classic musicals to shows based on hit movies, Broadway is sure to have the perfect show for you. Shows are great for a romantic evening out for two or for an unforgettable experience with your family. Check out some of these shows that we offer and book your tickets today!
Although this play existed before the 2008 movie with Meryl Streep, it has experienced a surge of popularity since the hit movie came out. You will find your favorite ABBA songs from the movie as well as the same entertaining storyline. This show has been running for years, and you will be sure to have the catchy soundtrack with songs like Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia stuck in your head afterwards.
Fans of the popular movie trilogy had their doubts as to whether the story could be made into a good play, but Shrek the Musical has exceeded many fans’ expectations. You can expect the same endearing characters and humor found in the movies as you enjoy music and dance numbers by the cast of talented performers. DreamWorks Productions has led this show, so you can be sure that Shrek the Musical retains the integrity of the movie franchise. Your children will love seeing their favorite characters come to life, and you will be entertained as well by this great performance!
Fans of this popular Dolly Parton movie from the 80s will not be disappointed with this new musical! Dolly Parton herself has written many of the songs in this musical, and the show also includes songs from the original soundtrack, including the title track. The cast is led by seasoned actress Allison Janney, and the award-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler has designed all of the dance numbers. This show is an upbeat tale following three friends as they struggle with an overbearing boss at work, which is surely a story many can relate to. This musical is sure to be a long-running hit.
We offer many more shows online, including the seasoned classics Chicago and Wicked as well as newer shows such as The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins. Explore our selection and reserve your tickets for a great vacation today!
Grand Ole Opry Getaway Ideas
The Grand Ole Opry provides the perfect chance to take in the musical stylings of legendary country music stars, and with the different vacation packages Vacations Made Easy offers that include admission to the Grand Ole Opry, you will have enough options to choose from for a complete vacation experience in Nashville, TN.
The Grand Ole Opry Show Weekend package is simple enough: two nights’ lodging in the Opryland area with admission to the Grand Ole Opry hightlighting your trip. For a quick and easy getaway to the world-famous show, plus easy access to the shops and restaurants nearby, the Grand Ole Opry Show Weekend package is the ideal choice. The Grand Ole Opry Package is slightly more extensive, featuring three nights’ lodging at a hotel of your choice, admission to the Grand Ole Opry show, and the General Jackson Evening Dinner & Show Cruise. Enjoy an exquisite, tasteful dinner along the Cumberland River as the city lights and scenic beauty passes by.
Country music enthusiasts will surely appreciate the Country Music Fan Vacation Package, which includes four nights’ lodging, a Homes of the Stars tour, admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and one Grand Ole Opry show. Get a full taste of country music as you visit the homes of some of the legends in the genre, explore the history of the music from its beginnings to its present, and take in live performances of legends and up-and-coming artists.
For an even more complete vacation experience, the Best of Nashville TN Vacation package is the way to go. The package includes five or more nights’ lodging, the General Jackson Evening Dinner & Show Cruise, and the Discover Nashville Tour, in addition to Grand Ole Opry admission. Enjoy a southern-style meal, great music, and an all-inclusive tour of the Music City with the Best of Nashville TN Vacation package, ideal for those looking to take in the full Nashville experience.
We even offer a package to mark that special occasion with your sweetheart. The Nashville Honeymoon/Anniversary Getaway Trip allows you to enjoy four or more nights’ lodging in a hotel of your choice, a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe, the Nashville Nights Tour, admission to the Grand Ole Opry, and a Horse Drawn Carriage Tour of downtown Nashville. Take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate everlasting love with the romantic activities offered through the Nashville Honeymoon/Anniversary Getaway Trip.
Fun Shopping Tours in Las Vegas
Many visitors to Las Vegas choose to spend their money in the casinos or at a show, but Las Vegas also has many great shopping destinations that you should save your money for. The amount of shopping opportunities can be overwhelming, so the easiest way to experience the best of Las Vegas shopping is by booking a convenient shopping tour.
If you are looking for a day at one of the area’s nicest shopping centers, the Fashion Show Shopping Tours are the best option for you. Fashion Show is a shopping center featuring upscale stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Betsey Johnson, and Kate Spade. You have the choice of four different tours: Shop and Beauty, Shop and Dine, Shop and Dine Gourmet, and Shop and Play. The aspects of each tour are different, but they all include various discounts and specials from stores in the center. Although each tour is different, your day will still be filled with great shopping.
For super shoppers, the Miracle Mile is the place to be. With the Miracle Mile Shopping Tours, you have your choice between the Shop and Play, Shop and Dine, Shop and Beauty, and the Shop and Spa tours. Whether you want to have a pampering shopping experience or want to sample some of the world-class restaurants in the center, you can find the tour for your perfect day. The Miracle Mile shops include hot shops like Betsey Johnson, Sephora, and American Apparel as well as classic standards like department stores, Gap, and more. With over 170 stores to check out and 15 restaurants to sample, you are sure to have a full day at this shopping center located on Las Vegas’ strip in the Planet Hollywood Resort.
If you are looking for some great deals, the Las Vegas area also has multiple outlet centers featuring brand name stores with discount prices. The Fashion Outlets Las Vegas Shopping Tours will take you to the Fashion Outlets, a center with over one hundred outlet stores, including Versace, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Gap, and Nike. The tours available are the Shop and Dine Shuttle, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Shop, Shuttle, and Go; Shop, Shuttle, and Drop; Perfume and Diamonds, Shop and Shuttle, and Shopping to Die For. These tours feature different elements, but all tours offer a shuttle from the Las Vegas Strip, a Fashion Outlets Saving Card, and a free gift.
With these tours, you can actually leave Las Vegas with something to show for your well-spent money!
Cool Off This Summer in Orlando, FL
As we dip into the July heat, families are beginning to search for ways to escape the sizzling sun. Before you go running for the North Pole, don’t rule out Orlando, FL as your refuge from those mid-90’s temperatures. Orlando boasts an assortment of water activities to help you cool off on your vacation, ranging from swimming opportunities to different water parks. So when you’re deciding the ideal spot for your family vacation this summer, don’t let the heat impact your decision to enjoy the popular city of Orlando!
Get up close and personal with one of the more intelligent creatures known to man. The Dolphin Encounter Tour allows you to enjoy the friendly nature of dolphins while enjoying the scenic beauty within the Gulf of Mexico. The tour includes transportation from Orlando to the Gulf in the form of a 75-minute boat cruise, as well as a buffet lunch, drinks, and time to explore the cool waters of Clearwater Beach. Don’t miss this unique look at dolphins in their natural habitat on your next trip to Orlando.
Orlando also offers two separate water parks: Wet ‘n’ Wild Orlando and Wild Waters Ocala. Wet ‘n’ Wild Orlando is held in very high regard across the country, and it’s not difficult to see why. The park offers several rides from any category, whether it’s thrill rides, kids’ rides, or leisurely rides. The whole family can find non-stop excitement within this 30-acre water park. Wild Waters Ocala features an equally impressive selection of rides. From the 450,000 gallon wave pool to twisting, turning slides, the park is suitable for all ages. You will have no trouble spending the entire day splashing around in either one of these two water parks.
Don’t avoid the sun altogether this summer. With Orlando’s water activities, the heat doesn’t have to be a factor when choosing your family’s summer vacation destination. Start planning your vacation in Orlando, FL and take advantage of water activities provided in the Orlando area!
Enjoy an Ozarks Fourth of July
July 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Branson MO, VME
Branson and the surrounding Ozarks area is a great destination for this upcoming holiday weekend. With a variety of July 4th celebrations going on and the great shows and activities Branson is known for, you will be sure to have a memorable weekend.
No July 4th festivity is complete without some fireworks and great food! The Spirit of ’76 is one of Branson’s most popular July 4th events. It is hosted by the Veteran’s Task Force and features free flags and ice cream. Additionally, there will be live music. This event takes place the morning of July 4th at the Branson Landing. For a classic fireworks show, check out the Fireburst Fourth of July Fireworks Show on Table Rock Lake. The perfect viewing spot is in nearby Kimberling City, or you can rent a boat and watch the fireworks from the lake. The thirty-minute long fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m., and other event features include live music, games, and concession stands. Other Branson sites with an evening fireworks show include Chateau on the Lake, Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, Rockaway Beach, and Downtown Hollister.
Seasoned shoppers know that the July 4th weekend is a great time to check out the stores for some great holiday sales. Branson Landing is one of Branson’s most popular shopping destinations due to its great stores and restaurants. Stores include a Belk Department Store, a Bass Pro Shop, and many more. On July 3 beginning at 8 p.m., Branson Landing is hosting its second annual fireworks show. Before the show, a Journey tribute band will give a concert.
For some great sales on already discounted merchandise, check out the Branson Factory Merchant Outlets for their July 4th sidewalk sale. This shopping center features discount stores from Carter’s, Pfaltzgraff, Nautica, and more. You can pick up a snack and rest from your shopping with a stop at the A & W All-American Food or Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. For some more great outlet shopping, check out the Tanger Outlet Center’s July 4th Sidewalk Sale. Stores like Banana Republic, Gap, Gymboree, and Polo Ralph Lauren will be participating, and many stores already have big sales in progress. The sidewalk sale will be going on the whole weekend, giving you plenty of time to benefit from the great sales.
The options for a great weekend are unlimited! Whether spending just a day or the whole weekend in Branson, you will be sure to have a great time.
Family Vacation Ideas in San Diego, CA
With its world-renowned family-friendly attractions, San Diego, CA serves as the perfect destination for your family’s summer vacation. Fortunately, Vacations Made Easy is prepared to make your travel plans easier by offering one of a variety of different family vacation packages to the San Diego area, any of which will make for a memorable trip to this Southern Californian city.
Whether you enjoy thrilling rides or mind-boggling animal performances, you can find them both with the San Diego Theme Park Sampler Vacation Package. The package provides the best of both worlds, with admission to both Disneyland and SeaWorld included. Enjoy a full day at Disneyland with a variety of thrilling rides and live shows one day, then head over to SeaWorld for such famous shows as “Cirque de la Mer” and “Believe” the next day. With four nights’ lodging in an area hotel of your choice, you can easily squeeze in other outdoor attractions in addition to spending entire days at the package’s two featured sites.
For free admission to dozens of major San Diego attractions and savings of 20 - 30% at local restaurants and shops, look into the San Diego Family Vacation Package. The package includes three nights’ lodging at an area hotel and the three-day Go San Diego Card, your ticket to those dozens of attractions. Visit the San Diego Zoo, LEGOland, Wild Animal Park, the Rueben H. Fleet Science Center, a variety of museums, and much more - all available for free when you present the card! With San Diego’s assortment of activities, the possibilities are unlimited when you explore the city with your Go San Diego Card in hand.
In an effort to beat the summer heat, consider the Soak City Waterpark Orange County Vacation Package. Included in the package is two nights’ lodging in a San Diego hotel, plus admission to Soak City Waterpark. The park is guaranteed to have something to satisfy everyone’s taste: thrill rides, leisure rides, lounge areas, and more. With the park’s different restaurant options, you will have no trouble spending the entire day splishing and splashing at Soak City Waterpark.
Feel free to create your own vacation package to San Diego as well. With the custom packages option, you can book your lodging and planned activities in just a few simple clicks. So don’t wait any longer! Start planning your vacation in San Diego today!
Myrtle Beach, SC: A Golfer’s Dream Destination
In addition to the great beach and family-friendly activities in the area, Myrtle Beach is known as being a golfer’s dream destination. With a variety of exceptional courses in the area, any level of golfer will find a challenge waiting. Whether you want a deluxe vacation staying at a golf resort or just want to play through a few of the courses, Myrtle Beach has the options for you.
The Ocean Dunes Resort and Villas Beachfront provides close access to The Dunes Beach and Golf Course as well as beachfront villas and hotel rooms. You will be just a short drive from The Dunes Golf Course as well as several others, making it easy to get to your early morning tee time. This resort features abundant on-site amenities including outdoor pools, restaurants, lounges, a pro shop, and a fitness center. This hotel fills up early, so book now for a spectacular golf vacation!
For a world-class golfing experience, The Tournament Players Club of Myrtle Beach Golf Course is a must-play. Designed by world-renowned golfer Tom Fazio, this course contains a variety of terrain, including wetlands and forest, and features challenges in the form of bunkers, water hazards, and trees. Golfers find this course to be both beautiful and challenging and find themselves returning time and time again to experience this course.
For a unique golf experience, visit the True Blue Golf Course on Pawleys Island. Located just a few minutes from Myrtle Beach, this course was built by designer Mike Stranz on a plot of land that used to be home to a rice and indigo plantation. The course features challenges in the form of bunkers and varying elevations, but the greens are in pristine condition. Golfers of all handicaps can be frustrated by this challenging course, so make sure you practice and are in top form before you tackle this course!
To locate many of the courses in Myrtle Beach, use our special Interactive Map of the area. You will be able to see where the area courses are and find out how far they are from your hotel, making your vacation that much easier.
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.
Cultural and Culinary Tours: Vacation Activities in Savannah
Aside from the great riverboat cruises and historical sightseeing, Savannah, Georgia is home to a unique culture that is the essence of the South. The best way to experience this side of Savannah is with cultural and culinary tours.
If you want to explore the life and culinary contributions of Savannah’s most recent celebrity, Food Network’s Emmy-award winning chef Paula Deen, then the Paula Deen Culinary Tour is the perfect activity for you. This tour includes stops at Savannah restaurants as well as spots important to Deen’s life. Stops include the Byrd Cookie Company, Back in the Day Bakery, One Fish Two Fish, and Deen’s own restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, where the tour will eat lunch. The tour also stops in Bethesda, where Deen was married. This tour provides an encompassing look at Deen’s life and inspirations for her restaurants and also a look at Savannah’s food culture.
For a comprehensive look at Savannah’s food scene, reserve your spot on the Walking Foody Tour. Beginning in Savannah’s historic downtown area, the tour features a knowledgeable guide that will give you plenty of background information on Savannah’s history and the culture. The tour is a progressive lunch, and stops on this tour include Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons restaurant, and goodies you will sample on this trip include baked goods, gourmet chocolates, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, French frozen hot chocolate, and other Southern and local favorites from popular eateries around town.
For a cultural overview of this historic and unique city, the Savannah Experience Tour is an excellent choice. This tour is approximately 2.5 hours long and begins in the historic district. On this tour, you will be taken by your guide to various important districts of the city, including the Victorian District, Thomas Square, the Beach Institute, and Victory Drive. Other stops on the tour include River Street and the City Market. This narrated tour will provide you information on the important role these places have played in the history of Savannah as well as their role as important cultural districts in this city.
