A Tradition Since 1803: Niagara Falls Romantic Getaways
Niagara Falls has been a honeymoon destination for many years, a trend which is rumored to have begun with Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon’s younger brother, in 1803. Whether or not there’s any truth to this rumor is a mystery, but regardless of its origins, Niagara Falls continues to be a honeymoon destination to this day. “It’s really amazing to me,” said Kelly, an Over the Falls representative, “we still see lots of honeymooners and couples. It’s a tradition that still stands.” The tour guides even offer honeymoon certificates to the visitors as a souvenir, and for the impulsive types, a shotgun wedding certificate is available onsite. It’s not just for honeymooners, though, Niagara has something to offer couples of all sorts for a particularly romantic trip. Some of the best attractions include a nighttime illumination of the falls, Skyline Tower, a journey behind Horseshoe Falls and an unmatched dining experience at Remington’s.
The Nighttime illumination begins at dusk. Lovers, honeymooners and friends will witness the white crests of the falls illuminated by all the colors of the rainbow in a breathtaking display. The lights are projected onto the falls on the Canadian side and also from behind the falls.
The Skyline tower affords visitors the opportunity to overlook the falls with both an aerial and panoramic view. “On a clear day, you can see the wineries of the Niagara all the way to Toronto,” stated Kelly. Table Rock also has an excellent view, which Kelly called “the most magnificent view of the falls.”
Trained and licensed tour guides give the dramatic history of the falls while taking visitors on a journey behind the scenic tunnels, since the famed steamboat the Made of the Mist will not be taking tours in the winter. There, the visitors walk behind the brink of Horseshoe Falls, literally feeling the pressure as the water crashes in white sheets from 13 stories up. The experience has often been described as “feeling the thunder,” and Kelly herself called it “awe inspiring.”
Visitors in search of an excellent meal often find themselves at Remington’s of Niagara. Remington’s has long been touted as one of the finest steak and seafood restaurants along the Niagara. “The secret to our success is simple: we use nothing but the best;” explains the Remington’s website, “from the finest and freshest ingredients in our cooking, to our elegant china.” The restaurant offers such palette-pleasing choices as the lightly breaded Veal Parmesan and the Chicken Penne Rustica as well as a large assortment of wines and cocktails.
For those who prefer warmer weather for their romantic endeavors, a ride on the famed Maid of the Mist is available during the summer for an up-close and personal view of the falls. The Maid itself has quite a remarkable history. The Maid was the very first steamboat ferry to be used in the area in 1846. It was large enough to carry a stagecoach and four horses, and was employed as a typical ferry until 1848, when construction on the bridge offered a new opportunity. The Maid of the Mist, out of necessity, was then marketed as a sightseeing venture. The name “Maid of the Mist” has been used to denote such remarkable boats around the Niagara ever since. The Maids have carried kings, presidents, dukes, duchesses, princesses and movie stars, boasting such passengers as Teddy Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, and Marilyn Monroe.
Niagara offers everyone a romantic setting, some breathtaking views, and is littered with useful amenities catering to the needs of the many visitors. Whether you’re going on your honeymoon, or just looking to get away with some close friends, the falls offer an exquisite and thunderous adventure.
The Niagara Falls Romantic Honeymoon Vacation package, which includes everything in this article and three nights of lodging, can be found on our website. You can also reserve both The Royal Canadian Illumination Tour (which includes the views of the falls, Skyline Tower, and the Maid of the Mist) and a seat at Remington’s of Niagara separately.
Historical Veteran’s Day Weekend in Williamsburg!
On November 11th, historically rich city of Williamsburg goes all out to honor American soldiers for Veteran’s Day. A parade marching down Duke of Gloucester Street will feature fife and drum musicians as well as veterans dressed in colonial infantry uniforms, recreating a scene from the 18th century. Following the parade, a ceremony is held behind the Courthouse of 1770 to honor men and women who have served their country with pride. Also, on Veteran’s Day, active-duty, guard, reserve, or retired military personnel and their families are invited to visit the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, and many of the town’s museums, free of admission. If you’re heading to Williamsburg for this special annual event, then make sure to check out the fun attractions below.
Experience life in the 18th century as Colonial Williamsburg recreates what an entire town during this time period would be like. From historical buildings to costumed residents acting the part, this is sure to be an educational and entertaining activity for the whole group. This Saturday and Sunday, a special event will be taking place in honor of Veteran’s Day. The Brothers-In-Arms Weekend is an exploration of how African-Americans changed the Revolutionary War, and how the war changed the status of African-Americans. Numerous demonstrations, reenactments, and exhibits will tell the story of this particular group of soldiers during this time of war in America.
America’s first settlement, Jamestown, is now an interactive living museum where guests can not only see what life in the first colony was like, but become a part of it as demonstrations and hands-on activities are available. Costumed workers are completely in the role of residents from the settlement built in 1607. Climb aboard the ships navigated by the Englishmen on their voyage to the New World, visit their Native American neighbors, the Powhatans, and check out the gallery exhibits that give extensive information about Jamestown. A new exhibition, “The 17th Century: Gateway to the Modern World,” is set to open on November 16th, and will explore the transition period from the “old” world of theMediterranean to the new globally connected world.
Celebrating America’s independence from Britain is a wonderful way to remember all the soldiers who have given their lives for what is right, just, and in the best interest of Americans. At the Yorktown Victory Center, you can do such by visiting a variety of indoor exhibition galleries that highlight events in history such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Outdoors, venture through a re-created Continental Army encampment that depicts life of soldiers toward the conclusion of the Revolutionary War. Also, there is a replicated 1780s farm with crop field, a tobacco farm, and living quarters.
Have a Great Veteran’s Day!
Veteran’s Day in Memphis!
Veteran’s Day is this weekend and events in downtown Memphis begin on Friday, November, 11th. This is quite a festive time of year as the birthplace of the blues honors those who have given their service and lives for their country. Parades, ceremonies, and 21 gun salutes will commence, and it will be a wonderful time to come to Memphis for a couple days. If you’re in town for the Veteran’s Day celebrations, then consider participating in some of these tours below that you may not have had the opportunity to experience before. From rock n’ roll front men to eerie supernatural occurrences, these attractions are unique to Memphis and will be enjoyed by every member of your family or group.
If you’re a fan of guitar legends like Angus Young from ACDC and Slash of Guns ‘n’ Roses, then don’t miss out on a tour that will show you the makings behind these musicians’ signature guitars and sounds on the Gibson Guitar Factory Tour. Walking through the factory, guests will see how a Gibson masterpiece is made from start to finish. You’ll be amazed by the amount of time and attention that goes into each handmade guitar, and learn facts about the different rock stars that have come to make Gibson their go-to brand. Each guide is an expert on Gibson guitars as well as has knowledge of the Memphis area, and how Gibson has been an influential part of its history. This tour can be taken over and over again, and a greater appreciation for these instruments will be developed each time.
Musicians aren’t the only things that lurk through venues and side alleys of Memphis, and on this Ghost Walking Tour, you’ll discover a history of the supernatural that is still said to linger about. Hear stories of a small girl who has a permanently reserved seat at the Orpheum Theatre and has been known to play the organ at night and trick actors during productions. Learn about the dark past of Cotton Row, and feel chills down your neck as you trace the footsteps of famous artists and notorious spirits. This is a fun tour with guides that are true characters who love sharing the creepy tales of the area.
If you’d like to get a little bit of exercise while touring Memphis, then book a Rockin’ Running Tour in which a professional guide will jog with the group and point out different sites along the way. Jogging by landmarks such as Cotton Row and the Evergreen Historic District, tours cover between three and six miles, and are appropriate for various running abilities for kids and adults alike. The route is fully narrated, so you’ll learn about the history of Memphis and burn some calories at the same time. Stay fit while seeing the sights, and check out this unique tour!
Get the Most of Nashville with These Tours!
Autumn is a beautiful time to head toNashville, especially if you have time during your trip to go on a couple of tours or catch a show. Below are walking and bus tours that will give you a comprehensive experience of the city’s landmarks and history, and you’ll have the opportunity to seeNashvilledressed in its fall colors. Tour the area at your own pace with the hop-on/hop-off bus tour, or allow a guide to lead you along an “unpublished” route and insight of the city. After spending the day venturing about, catch a show at the Ryman Auditorium which now features bluegrass performances on certain nights, in honor of the genre that was first heard on the Ryman stage.
Looking to tour the city ofNashville, but not sure where to begin? Consider hopping aboard the Music City Trolley Hop and let the Gray Line Bus and Sightseeing company provide transportation to the top destinations in the city. The first hop-on/hop-off tour inNashville, a narrated bus ride will hit attractions such as Music Row and the Country Music Hall of Fame, and guests will have the opportunity to either stay on the bus till the next stops, or hop-off to explore the area further. Bus passes are valid for 24 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to navigate through the city and different activities at your own pace. The expert guides on each bus will provide entertaining commentary as well as an insight in to the fascinating history of Nashville.
Experience an entertaining night of great music at the Ryman Auditorium where the genre of Bluegrasswas born when 21-year-old Earl Scruggs stepped on the stage with a 5 string banjo and three finger roll. Singing into the WSM radio microphone, Scruggs brought a new kind of music to audiences in 1945, and music from him as well as artists like Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise, and Cedric Rainwater have made it an extremely successful one. Continuing the tradition of when bluegrass was first heard, the auditorium has created Ryman Bluegrass Nights which showcases modern bluegrass performers, paying honor to the innovative musicians that revolutionized the genre’s sound. This is a show that the whole family will stomp their feet and smile along with.
An “unpublished” tour basically means that the information presented by guides on this tour do not hide any truths about the city of Nashville, but rather give an accurate depiction of its past. While most tours simply glorify the city with stories of heroes, Southern Belles, and romance, the Unpublished Walking Tour takes the liberty to also include tales of evil villains, tragedy, war, and brothels. Guests will get to take a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the Ryman Auditorium, and hear crazy anecdotes about legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams. Depending on your guide, you may even learn about some of the haunting ghost accounts that surround certain landmarks.
Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum on November 5!
The Family Day at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum celebrates Dia de los Muertos, the “Day of the Dead.” People who visit this exhibit at the museum will see a great amount of displays, workshops, demonstrations and events. You can even experience Mexican dancing with music from the Mariachi band and kids will have a great time with the piñata. Every one of all ages will love this great Mexican tradition. Come and bring the whole family for a day of fun entertainment. This is a special event that only happens once a year. Your family will have a great time with all of the great scheduled events that are planned for this fun filled day. While you’re in Myrtle Beach go ahead and stay a few days in one of our excellent lodging options and check out a few other attractions in the area!
You will know you’re in for an unusual experience before you even step foot in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Myrtle Beach, which boasts an unforgettable exterior that has the appearance of being ravaged by a hurricane. As you walk through the museum, you will be amazed by the wide range of completely strange but entirely real oddities of the world on display. Make plans to have a bizarrely great time in Myrtle Beach with a stop at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum!
At Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament you and your family will find an exciting time of action-packed combat, skillful horse riding and a filling meal for an all encompassing time of entertainment in Myrtle Beach. Travel back to the days when chivalry stood tall, and decisions were decided on the battlefield. Come experience the international sensation of the Renaissance.
A 750,000 gallon tank, ten foot long sharks, and diving shows are only the beginning of what Ripley’s Aquarium has to offer. You’ll get an excellent view of wild sea creatures from squids to seahorses. Once you’ve had your share of looking at the underwater life, you can check out the hands-on experiences at the aquarium. This is a Myrtle Beach activity that no one in the family will forget.
Spooktacular at Staten Island Zoo in New York City October 22 – 23!
Spooktacular is an annual Halloween festival for kids that is held every year at the Staten Island Zoo in New York City. If you are looking for an excuse to get on the ferry and spend some time on Staten Island, this event is the perfect way to escape the Manhattan Halloween crowds and entertain your kids. Spooktacular is an evening event that is great for school-age kids – they can walk down spooky cornfield paths where they will run into ghouls, ghosts and werewolves. They can also sing along with a zombie band, play spooky-themed games, and compete in a costume contest. While you’re in the city, check out are first class accommodations and some of the many New York attractions we offer!
Step back to the days when glory and valor began at the tip of a lance with the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. You’ll be catapulted back centuries ago for a real medieval tournament featuring six knights as they compete in a variety of events – including the joust and sword fight – until a champion is crowned. While the lances glance off of armor in the arena, castle guests will take part in a four-course banquet – less the silverware to make the experience authentic and fun. This exciting dinner and show, located in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, is sure to be the highlight of your Big Apple adventure!
Spanish, Japanese, German and Chinese are a few of the languages your tour guides at Gray Line, New York can offer you as part of the Foreign Languages City Tour. Throw in a ticket to the Statue of Liberty Ferry and you have the Foreign Languages City Tour and the Statue of Liberty Ferry. The tour takes you both Uptown and Downtown. You will see Central Park, Harlem, SoHo, the Empire State Building, the United Nations Building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Time Square, Battery Park, Rockefeller Center and more of New York’s famous sites and attractions from the seat of a luxury motor coach. Later, on your own time, you can board the Ferry to Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Take the hassle out of planning your Big Apple vacation and start enjoying it today with the New York CityPASS. This all-in-one admission booklet is valid for nine days after its first use and features admission to exciting city attractions such as the American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim Museum, Empire State Building Observatory, Museum of Modern Art and more! All included in this low-price, this is the perfect starting point for your New York trip.
Gatlinburg is a World of Wonder This Weekend!
The Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area has long been an excellent destination for family vacations as it offers incredible theme parks, museums, and shows. If you’re headed into the city for a weekend of family fun, then consider some of these attractions that you may not have had the opportunity to experience. From a performance of dazzling illusions to high flying acrobatics and martial arts, there are shows taking place this weekend that the whole family will respond to with excitement. Before a show, visit to the WonderWorks museum where an abundance of explosive activities await those willing to use their imaginations.
International star of magic, Terry Evanswood has amazed and baffled over one million guests in the fourteen years in which he’s been performing the Wonders of Magic in the Pigeon Forge area. Evanswood captures illusions created by the wave of his hand, and escapes Houdini style from impossible and deadly situations. Don’t get too comfortable in your seat because you may very well be pulled from the audience and asked to serve as a volunteer, or victim, is a signature stunt. Music, comedy, and impersonations are thrown into the performance to complete the incredible production that every member of your group or family will enjoy. If you’re in Gatlinburg, reserve a seat for this unbelievable experience.
The Lazer Combo gets ticket holders two activities for the price of one as access to the WonderWorks museum is granted as well as a round of Lazer Tag on their indoor black light battlefield. The museum has a number of interactive exhibits that use technology to create simulations like designing and riding your own custom roller coaster. Before playing lazer tag, try defying gravity in the Inversion Tunnel, or experience what an earthquake feels like in the Quake Café. After exploring the museum, strap on a vest and prepare to shoot your way to victory in a lazer tag expedition that the whole family or group will love.
Appearing for a short time on Broadway, Soul of Shaolin, received a Tony and Drama Desk award while gracing the New York stage, and has now made its home in Gatlinburg. Audiences will be struck by the power of this story as they follow the life of a boy lost during wartime in China and rescued by a monk. Acrobatic and martial arts performances will take the breath of the crowd as they watch the events of a young boy fighting to survive in a deteriorating country. An eight hundred foot backdrop has a multitude of LED lights and combines with other special effects that bring the stage to life.
Williamsburg Yorktown Victory Celebration is October 15 and 16!
Celebrate one of America’s most important military victories at Yorktown, Virginia. See colonial military demonstrations and battle re-enactments at this historic site. This celebration promises to offer endless fun and education for all who attend. If you really want to get in on the action, you can go to soldier school and learn what it was like to be a colonial soldier fighting for independence from the British crown. This takes place October 15 and 16, Saturday and Sunday. Book your Williamsburg lodging and check out some of the other incredible attractions around the area.
Take a step back in time when you visit Colonial Williamsburg. Visit the restored city and watch as re-enactors bring history alive. Visit the historic area, its museums and art galleries, historic homes, old plantations, and more. Choose from a variety of different passes for the one that offers the experience perfect for you.
If you or your children enjoy watching animals, then the Virginia Living Museum will offer loads of fun at an affordable price. This indoor and outdoor museum allows you to see a variety of animals all in their natural habitats. From a 0.75 mile outdoor walk where you can see bobcats and red wolves to a 30,000 gallon aquarium, many of Virginia’s native species are found here. In addition to these exciting attractions you can also enjoy an aviary and science center.
With the Yorktown Sailing Cruises, you’ll have the chance to experience travel on the high seas as it was over 300 years ago – aboard a tall ship! You’ll sail aboard the Schooner Alliance, much like the ship Capt. John Smith used when trading with the Powhatan Indians. The journey will take you past the Yorktown Battlefield, Victory Monument, the banks of the river, and more as you experience the culture and history of America while simultaneously seeing the beautiful sites of the Williamsburg area. If you are lucky, the crew will let you lend a hand at setting sail.
The New Orleans Film Festival Begins This Thursday in the Big Easy!
For 16 years the New Orleans Film Festival has been bringing a tremendous variety of films to the New Orleans area, and this is your year to be a part of this cherished film tradition. Starting October 13 through October 20, everything from critically acclaimed international films to underground experimental pieces will be offered to the public in a variety of New Orleans’ locations. Whether you’re visiting the bayou specifically for the film festival or are already planning to be in the area, the New Orleans Film Festival is sure to offer countless hours of entertainment this fall. Just book your accommodations and check out some of these activities to fill up your spare time.
As one of the best zoo centers in the country, the Audubon Zoo will show you an excellent array of animals, many of which, you probably haven’t seen before. Many endangered species find a home here, creating an exotic and colorful exhibit for everyone to come and see. There is so much to do and see here that you’re sure to have a great time.
There’s no place quite like the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans. This popular and interactive attraction sits in the US Customs House and is filled with family-friendly exhibits and displays that will both educate and amaze you. While your family is wandering through the Crescent City where the bugs become human-sized, watching an animated insect film in the immersion theater, exploring the Japanese butterfly garden, or visiting any of the other fun exhibits, you will also be learning about insects’ role in our own food chain, pest control management, the life cycle of insects, and so much more. The Audubon Insectarium will open your eyes to the world we share with millions of insects.
Learn about all of the American water creatures in a fun and interactive tour of the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. Kids of all ages will enjoy seeing all of the creatures in their natural environments. A tunnel provides a way to get close to the animals in a way they have probably never been able to before. Experience this incredible underwater adventure.
Spend Columbus Day in the High Life of Las Vegas!
With plane tickets normally being relatively cheap and the action being nonstop, a trip to Las Vegas this Columbus Day only makes sense. During the small break in October don’t just sit around the house watching television, live a little with an exciting time in Las Vegas. From the chance of riches to the magnificent shows, the world is at your fingertips when you’re in Las Vegas. Currently, the Strip is one of the most popular destinations in the US to celebrate the founding of the New World, so don’t miss out and come join the fun. Just book a Vegas hotel like the Luxor or Excalibur and check out these one-of-a-kind activities.
It’s about time you treat yourself to the VIP treatment, and with the Las Vegas Power Pass, you do just that while still saving lots of money and time! This convenient card is good for admission to many of the city’s top attractions, including Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Stratosphere Tower, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, Las Vegas Mob Experience, Las Vegas Zoo, Fremont Street Flightlinez and so many more! Other attractions, including V-Theater Evening Shows, Horseback Ride and Lunch and the Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight Experience offer special discounts and promotions. Most attractions also offer line-skipping privileges to Power Pass holders, so start enjoying your Las Vegas vacation!
Take some time to explore the history and natural beauty of southern Nevada with the Gold Mine Tour on your trip to Las Vegas! This one hour tour gives you an in depth look at El Dorado Canyon. First, you will explore the canyon’s starting point near the Hoover Dam and learn about how this area served early settlers and miners in the area centuries ago. Then you will be treated to a tour of the Historical Techatticup Mine, the oldest and richest mine in the region. You will walk into the mine and explore what mining conditions were like so many years ago when this mine was thriving. The Gold Mine Tour is not to be missed on your upcoming trip to Las Vegas!
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