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Spring Break 2018: 4 Great Family Vacations, 4 Drivable Destinations

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Spring Break 2018: 4 Great Family Vacations, 4 Drivable Destinations

Ah, spring break. What better way to recharge your whole family than taking a well-deserved vacation during spring break? Leave school and work behind and head out on the open road. Previously, this meant piling all the kids in the car and driving 8-12 hours until you finally reach your destination – tired, crabby, and with tired, crabby kids – and then fussing with multiple hotel rooms and uncomfortable hotel beds. A better option would be to stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel! Renting an entire house for your vacation means the kids aren’t spread among multiple rooms and won’t be driving everyone crazy running up and down the hallways. They can each have their own bedrooms as well as multiple porches, decks, and yards for them to roam or relax in. You can also save a ton of money because your vacation rental comes with a fully equipped kitchen in case you decide to DIY during mealtimes.

To give you a head start, here are four amazing destinations for a family vacation within a few hours of some central locations.

Gatlinburg TN

Driving time from DC: 8 hours

Gatlinburg is a great mountain resort near the foot of the Smoky Mountains in the state of Tennessee. A Gatlinburg rental cabin is a great way to experience the city without sacrificing comfort or amenities. It is mostly known for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park with its more than 600 miles of hiking trails, but it also offers the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park if you feel like snowboarding, ice skating, or skiing instead of hiking or camping. If indoor activities are more interesting to your family, check out the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Moving Theater for ride-the-movie thrills, Ripley’s Penguin Play House, or Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium for indoor adventures. Gatlinburg also offers water parks, ropes course, ziplines, museums, and other fun attractions that are appropriate for the whole family. If you are looking for grown-up attractions, look no further than the spate of distilleries, wineries, and microbreweries available throughout the city, including authentic moonshine distilleries. Overall, Gatlinburg is a great vacation destination because it offers great outdoor fun as well as other family-friendly events and attractions.

Seaside FL

Driving time from Atlanta: 5 hours

Seaside, FL is a beautiful beachfront resort community located between Panama City Beach and Destin along scenic Highway 30A. If you are looking to avoid the crowds and noisy attractions over your spring break, Seaside is the place for you. It has the largest private beachfront along the Highway 30A corridor and it’s one of the best reasons to stay directly in town – the white sandy beaches are literally 5 minutes from your front door. Seaside is known for its lovely vacation rental cottages, walkable town center, and warm white beaches. It boasts some of the prettiest beaches in America as well as the perfectly pedestrian way of life. Beautiful cottage rentals allow you to spread out and enjoy the fantastic weather as well as give each family member their own space for the length of your vacation. You can walk or bike everywhere, enjoy locally owned waterfront dining, and experience some quality family time as you explore the quaint offerings of Seaside. Don’t leave town without getting a Hawaiian shave ice or frozen custard at the local favorite Frost Bites, the only vintage Jetstream in Seaside that serves cold treats. Water fun is the main attraction of Seaside, with stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, and kayaking to name a few activities in addition to the beautiful beaches and swimming pools. Exploring is made easy with multiple state parks, rich forests, and rare coastal dune lakes amid a series of hiking and horseback riding trails. The best part of Seaside is that you can do everything, or you can do nothing – it’s a stunning place to just sit on the deck or porch and relax!

Branson, MO

Driving time from Dallas: 7 hours

Branson, MO is well known for its family-friendly entertainment and breathtaking natural surroundings. It is located 40 miles south of Springfield and near the heart of the Ozark Mountains. It offers music, live entertainment, scenic views, and affordable family fun for spring breakers. For more than 50 years Branson has offered live music shows, everything from bluegrass to gospel to classical concerts. In addition, Branson offers Silver Dollar City (an 1880s-style theme park), the Titanic Museum Attraction (where you can experience what it felt like to be on the Titanic), Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction (Dolly Parton’s fun version of dinner and a show), and the Showboat Branson Belle tour (a riverboat on Table Rock Lake that offers a 2-hour cruise that includes dinner, magic, and comedy to entertain the entire family). If you and your family prefer the outdoors, then Table Rock Lake provides you with 800 miles of shoreline where you can boat, fish, swim, or just hang out on the sandy beaches of Moonshine Beach. To zipline through the trees of Wolfe Mountain, check out the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours or learn about the local wildlife in the Ozarks region on a photo safari. There is something for everyone in Branson, MO, so your family will be greatly entertained during your stay.

Lake Tahoe, CA

Driving time from San Francisco: 3 hours

If you prefer an outdoor oasis that includes both sand and snow, then Lake Tahoe, CA may be the best place for you to take your family. The north shore of Lake Tahoe boasts 12 different ski resorts where you can have fun on the bunny slopes or challenge yourself on the black hills. Skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions on the north side, whereas beaches and the largest alpine lake in America reside on the south side of Lake Tahoe. The lake itself is deep and wide, a surreal color of blue and surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains that are perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. There is an average of 300 days of sunshine every year in this area, so spring break will have great weather! Experts say the best skiing is in March because of the slightly warmer temperatures. Winter sports, water sports, golfing, nightlife, camping, and even pet-friendly lodging can be found in this natural marvel of a location. If you prefer other kid-friendly entertainment, check out the KidZone Museum, the Truckee Railroad Museum, the Tahoe Maritime Museum, or the many art galleries that can be found in surrounding areas. Natural beauty is front and center at Lake Tahoe, but every family member will enjoy their time at this picturesque location.

Wherever you spend your spring break, being with your family is the most important element. As long as you are together it will be a memorable vacation!

7 Amazing Family Vacation Rentals We Found On TurnKey Vacation Rentals

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If you are looking for a fabulous place to take your family, friends, or just have a nice getaway by yourself, TurnKey Vacation Rentals has the perfect place for you! It doesn’t matter if you are planning on traveling across the country or staying close to home for a short break from the daily grind, there is a TurnKey vacation rental available for everyone that will suit your needs and ensure you have a wonderful stay.

Take a look at some of these amazing vacation rentals that are available from Turnkey Vacation Rentals, and be sure to look into booking your next amazing trip.

1. Poolside 3BR w/ Hot Tub & Bocce in Kenwood, California

Poolside 3BR w/ Hot Tub & Bocce in Kenwood, California

If you’re feeling a poolside vacation with the family, this gorgeous rental in Kenwood, California is a great choice. With a stunning in-ground pool and three bedrooms – one king, one queen, and bunk beds – there is plenty of space for a nice, long vacation under the California sun.

2. Fisherman’s Paradise on Eagle River in Eagle, Colorado

Fisherman’s Paradise on Eagle River in Eagle, Colorado

Looking for something with a more scenic touch that offers a cozy feel? This beautiful cabin in Eagle, Colorado features a woodsy, cabin like decor on both the inside and the outside, and features the Eagle River right in the backyard. If you love fishing trips, this 4 bedroom vacation rental is great for getting your family away from it all, regardless if you prefer the summer or the winter!

3. 5BR/5BA Judges Hill, Luxury Oasis in Austin, Texas

5BR/5BA Judges Hill, Luxury Oasis in Austin, Texas

Want a quick getaway with the family in beautiful Austin, Texas? This stunning vacation rental is perfect for friends and families! It has a large outdoor pool, a game room that is complete with a billiards table, a fabulous kitchen and dining options, and a screened in porch with a fire pit to allow you to enjoy a night in with your loved ones. The rental even has a private screening room with a 125″ screen! You can save on this beautiful rental and more with a TurnKey Vacation Rental code.

4. Tropical 2BR w/ Pool & Hot Tub in Haiku, Hawaii

Tropical 2BR w/ Pool & Hot Tub in Haiku, Hawaii

For a smaller party, this two bedroom vacation rental is the perfect Hawaii experience – beautiful trees, lush gardens, and a gorgeous swimming pool (with a bridge!) surround this small hut that will make you feel all sorts of tropical. This circular vacation rental has modern amenities and is the perfect way to enjoy a Hawaiian vacation.

5. Valley-View Designer Sonoma Estate in Sonoma, California

Valley-View Designer Sonoma Estate in Sonoma, California

Fall in love with the gorgeous views of Sonoma, California in this gorgeous three bedroom estate. This vacation rental overlooks Sonoma Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains, which can be seen to the north and the east. This home is custom designed and features a high-end kitchen with marble countertops, lush living space, and a large outdoor pool.

6. Gleneden Beach, Oceanfront 4BR in Lincoln City, Oregon

Gleneden Beach, Oceanfront 4BR in Lincoln City, Oregon

If you love the idea of staying near a beautiful Oregon coastline, you will enjoy your stay in this oceanfront vacation rental. The four bedroom vacation home features a modern design and a stunning oceanfront view, as well as a private path to the lovely beach. Complete with a fireplace and window lined walls to admire the scenery, this is the perfect way to experience Oregon’s lovely beaches.

7. Beachfront Gem in Coupeville, Washington

Beachfront Gem in Coupeville, Washington

A beautiful, quaint vacation rental with a stunning view of the beach (not to mention the private path access to the beach!), this rental will charm its way into your heart. If you are looking for a quiet little holiday, you will love the ocean views, the outdoor deck, the cozy kitchen and dining areas, and the warm and comfortable living areas and bedrooms.

Las Vegas vs Macau

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Las Vegas vs Macau

When you think of what may be the casino capital of the world, you surely think of Las Vegas. With its bright lights, main strip and the huge amount of casinos which are there, it is an obvious thought.

Las Vegas is an entertainment-packed city which is absolutely perfect if you want to experience good casinos, great food and drinks, and a truly unique atmosphere. However, Las Vegas has had strong competition in the last decade, particularly from Macau in China. This place has been a gambling hotspot since 2002 and has been attracting more and more tourists each year, thanks to the huge amount of casinos being built.

Even some of the best established Vegas casinos are branching out to Macau!

Let’s take a look at some statistics and compare the two.

Las Vegas and Macau are both big cities with 640,174 and 612,167 residents, respectively. Although Las Vegas still attracts more annual visitors – 42.9 million in 2017 – Macau is fast catching up and brought in 30 million punters last year.

Las Vegas is still more popular than ever with US based visitors, with 49% of visitors coming from the Western United States, whereas Macau is largely visited by Chinese tourists. Two-thirds of all visitors come from China and another quarter from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

But when we look at monetary values, Macau far outstrips Las Vegas. Macau’s GDP is $63.22 billion, whereas Las Vegas’ is $103,343 million. They are trailing far, far behind Macau there!

On the whole, Macau is a much cheaper place too. Although the rental prices are 8.86% higher than Las Vegas, the cost of living per week is only $770, whereas the cost of living per week in Las Vegas is $1,740.

It is easy to see why, then, Macau is fast becoming a major contender as the world’s primary casino hot spot. Overall, Macau is a lot cheaper for tourists and has the benefit of being newer, so is more interesting to those who have seen Las Vegas and want something new.

Want to learn more about Las Vegas vs Macau? Check out our infographic below.

Las Vegas vs Macau Infographic

Ways to Save Money When Visiting New York

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Ways to Save Money When Visiting New York

New York is a wonderful city to visit. The biggest city in the US, it’s welcomed immigrants, visitors, and tourists from overseas for over a dozen decades. The Statue of Liberty welcomes ships in, and while you probably won’t get this first look at The Big Apple, you can see Lady Liberty herself, and so much more, if you visit NYC. Unless you live close enough to drive in, then you’ll need to reach New York by air, and airfare, overnight accommodations, and attractions in New York can all be costly. Rather than spending an exorbitant amount on your trip, try these simple tips instead. Each one will help you have the time of your life, for less money, in NYC.

Save on Airfare

If you’re already located in the US, you’ll spend less to travel to New York than an international traveler might. If you are traveling internationally, and you’re located in an affluent country, try switching your online location. You may be able to find cheaper airfare prices if you claim to come from a less prosperous location. International or not, you can also save on airfare by staying incognito when you search, so your browser doesn’t increase the prices you see. (Once they know you’re looking, they try to charge you more.) Last but not least, airfare tends to be cheapest on Sunday, so it’s always a good idea to look then.

Save on Transportation

It always saves money if you can walk instead of drive. In fact, in New York, driving can be a nightmare–so it’s not recommended! Instead of renting a car, get dropped off at your accommodations by a car service. Car service to JFK can take you straight from the airport to where you want to go, so you can skip the rental car and walk from your room to the rest of the city.

Save on Accommodations

Hotels are anything but cheap, especially in New York. To save on accommodations, book a hostel, VRBO, or AirBnB. Each one should be cheaper than a standard hotel, and VRBOs often come with a kitchen–saving you money if you don’t always eat out. Plus, if you’re going with a group of friends, it’s easier for everyone to find their own space and get comfortable in a two bedroom apartment than it is in a hotel room.

Save on Attractions

New York supplies a near-endless supply of entertainment, from its shopping, to its live shows, to its museums. While Broadway shows can cost an arm and a leg, and many major attractions (like the Statue of Liberty) require a ticket, there’s plenty to do and see in New York that won’t break your bank. Check out Grand Central Terminal and Central Park for free, and stroll through Times Square for zero dollars as well. Plus, some museums have free days, so if you want, you can plan your visit around those.

Get Out of the City

New York is a legendary place, but it’s not for everyone. For some people, two days in the city is enough for sensory overload. If you and your family are wired this way, you might consider splitting your time between NYC and Upstate New York. Upstate can be very rural and has a rich agricultural history. In Upstate, you can visit Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and even Niagara Falls. If you wanted to make a “combo” trip, you could fly into New York City, see it for a couple days, rent a car and drive to Cooperstown, where you can see the Baseball Hall of Fame. When it’s time to go home, you can easily book transportation from Cooperstown to Albany International Airport. This way, you can experience in one trip both high-paced urban life and beautiful natural peace.

If you want to travel to New York and enjoy the trip of a lifetime, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Consider employing a few of these tricks for saving money, and enjoy New York in the budget-friendliest of ways.

Planning the Perfect Atlanta Vacation

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Planning the Perfect Atlanta Vacation

Atlanta, Georgia, is a wonderful city to visit. No matter where you’re located in the US, it’s closer than popular tourist destination Florida, and the winter escape is just as good in sunny Georgia. Famous for its peaches, Georgia is home to even more goodness than the fuzzy, sweet fruit. The biggest city is the capital, Atlanta, and it holds dozens of fascinating activities for an individual or an entire family. If you’re planning to vacation in the south, consider visiting Atlanta for this year’s trip.

Ways to Save Money

Depending on where you’re located in the US, you might be able to drive to Georgia is just one or two days. While you have to factor in the cost of lost time, driving will save you quite a bit of traveling-money, especially if you’re bringing your entire brood. If you do fly, try to eliminate the need for a rental car, and engage an Atlanta airport transportation to take you from the airport to your accommodations. You can also save money on your trip by renting a VRBO (that’s Vacation Rental By Owner) instead of a traditional hotel room. Most VRBOs come with a full kitchen, so you and your family will save by not eating out for every meal, and most VRBOs are cheaper than a hotel stay. There are quite a few out-of-the-box ways to enjoy a traditional vacation at an untraditional cost, so check out VRBOs, car services, and means of transportation to get a better (and less expensive) experience.

Things to Do

Once you know your budget for the trip, it’s time to investigate all the fun things there are to do in Atlanta. You can fill a weekend or a week with the many activities Atlanta has to offer. Whether it’s all adults or adults-plus-kids on your trip, everyone will find something fun to do in Atlanta. Top in Atlanta’s list of things to do are the Georgia Aquarium: an underwater adventure with six galleries and seventy habitats; the Atlanta Botanical Garden– a truly mesmerizing array of waterfalls, blooms, and sculpted greenery; and the World of Coca Cola, a museum celebrating the world’s most popular soft drink. Other things to do in Atlanta include tours of historical homes, where you can explore enormous mansions redecorated to reflect a different time, or the Atlanta Center for Civil and Human Rights, where you can learn about the American Civil Rights movement. That’s only a few of the attractions Atlanta has to offer, so if Atlanta, Georgia has sparked your curiosity, take time to fully investigate everything the city has to offer.

Vacations are a great way to bring your family together. Vacations inspire a sense of fun and belonging in kids, and for adults, vacations can be a much needed source of relaxation. Studies have even linked vacations to better overall health, since vacations diffuse stress. If you’re in need of a stress-free weekend, or you want to take your entire family on an adventure, consider heading over to Georgia for great temperatures, beautiful days, and a myriad of exciting things to do.

How to Book the Perfect Beverly Hills Hotel

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How to Book the Perfect Beverly Hills Hotel

Are you in the process of planning a trip to Beverly Hills, California? Are you hoping to book a hotel that suits your every want and need? Do you know exactly what you’re looking for in regards to accommodations?

Many travelers struggle with the process of booking a hotel. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that there are more hotels to choose from than ever before. When you add this to a budget, you may find yourself scrambling when it comes time to make a reservation. Fortunately, even if you’ve struggled to find the perfect Beverly Hills hotel in the past, you don’t have to go down this path in the future if you use Expedia.

Here are some tips you can use to find the right hotel for you, your budget, and anyone else in your traveling party:

1. Set a Budget

Just because Beverly Hills is known as one of the “richest” cities in California doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on a suitable hotel.

Once you set a budget, you can then compare your options with an eye toward spending the just right amount of money.

It doesn’t matter if you’re willing to spend a couple hundred dollars per night or $1k per night, there’s something for you in Beverly Hills.

Tip: searching for hotels online makes it simple to compare hotel rates, giving you the confidence you need to move forward.

2. Focus on Amenities

Some people book a hotel based on price alone. They don’t think about anything else. Others, however, have come to find that the number of available amenities is extremely important.

Do you want a hotel with a swimming pool? How about one that is nearby a variety of attractions? Maybe you’re interested in a hotel that has a few on-site restaurants?

You may not find a hotel with all the amenities you’re looking for, but that shouldn’t stop you from making a list before you begin your search.

3. Talk to Your Traveling Party

When traveling alone, you never have to think about what other people want. Instead, every decision is yours and yours alone.

Things change when you’re traveling with others, such as your spouse and/or children. You shouldn’t book a hotel until you first get a better idea of what they’re looking for.

While your spouse may want a in a particular part of Beverly Hills, your kids probably don’t care about anything but having fun.

It only takes a few minutes upfront to talk to your travel partners about their wants and needs.

4. Call the Hotel with Questions

Imagine this, you find what appears to be the perfect Beverly Hills hotel. Rather than book on the spot, call the hotel to ask a few questions.

Where are you located? What is your parking situation? What time is check-in and check-out?

These aren’t the only questions to ask, but they should give you a better idea of where to start.

Tip: if the hotel is less than accommodating when you call on the phone, there’s a good chance they’ll treat you the same way upon arrival. You should think twice about booking a room if you aren’t treated like a valued customer on the phone.

5. Read Online Reviews

The internet is the place to be when booking any type of travel arrangement. For example, you can visit squareship for some ideas on how to pack for your trip.

Of course, you can go online to read reviews from other travelers. This is often the best way to better understand what a hotel has to offer.

If you read one positive review after the next, you can be confident when booking a room. Conversely, if you come across a variety of negative reviews, you may want to think twice about what you’re doing.

Tip: there are enough hotels in Beverly Hills that you should never feel pressured into taking a chance with one that has a less than stellar reputation.

Final Thoughts

These may not be the only steps you take when booking a Beverly Hills hotel, but they can definitely put you in position to feel good about your final decision.

Once you book your hotel, you’ll begin to realize that your trip is becoming reality. At that point, you can sit back and wait for your check-in day to arrive.

Do you have any experience traveling to and staying in Beverly Hills? Did you enjoy your hotel? What did you like about it? Share your feedback in the comment section below.

Things to Do in Chicago

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Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, meaning there’s likely an activity for every visitor to enjoy, no matter what your interests. No matter if you’re interested in history, sports, entertainment, or shopping, Chicago has it all. Whether you live close enough to drive, or you’ll need to fly in to enjoy the city, Chicago is undoubtedly a worthy tourist destination for everyone.

Sports

After the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016 after more than a century of loss, the streets of Chicago were filled with fans celebrating and rejoicing. The spirited atmosphere has definitely endured since then, making Chicago a great destination for sports fans. Wrigley Field is a great place to enjoy a Cubs game, and is especially famous because it offers the opportunity to get seats to the game on someone’s neighboring roof!

History

Chicago is a city that is full of history. Not only was Chicago home to Al Capone himself, but it’s also recognized for its architecture that dates back as far as 1915. The Chicago History Museum is sure to please any history buff, and a tour of historical sites makes for a great history-centered afternoon.

Entertainment

There’s nothing like seeing your favorite artist perform live, and Chicago boasts a wide array of venues and locations depending on the type of outing you’re looking for. If you’re looking for an exciting night out, you’ll be able to get tickets for concerts in Chicago, as well as the ballet, musicals, and live theater. Discounted tickets are usually available if you know how (and where) to look, so don’t miss out on all of the entertainment opportunities that Chicago can offer.

Zoos and Museums

Chicago is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free every day. Visitors can stroll past iron fences, beautiful grounds, and brick buildings, all reminiscent of another era. The Chicago Field Museum, The Planetarium, The Museum of Science and Industry, and The Shedd Aquarium are only some of the major museum attractions, and it’s easy to spend a week checking out these local attractions alone.

Shopping

Chicago offers a wide array of shops and shopping opportunities. The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s largest and most popular commercial center, where you can check out hundreds of upscale stores as well as multiple landmarks. Chicago also offers shopping experiences on the other end of the spectrum, with many small, family-owned shops and boutique stores. One such experience is a visit to the Ravenswood Bookstore, which is so small that you’ll have to turn sideways to get to the books!

Food

According to some critics, Chicago is arguably the “tastiest” city in the US. The array of cuisine choices is vast, with Chicago boasting options from authentic Thai cuisine to novelty stores where you can get ice cream bars in every flavor under the sun. Eating your way through Chicago is a foodie’s version of paradise.

No matter your passions, hobbies, or tastes, Chicago has something to offer for everyone. Nature lovers, or those simply looking for an outdoor experience, can enjoy North Pond or relax at the beach. For everyone else, there are countless museums, cuisine options, or concert venues to visit–making Chicago the perfect city for all of your entertainment needs. Next time it’s time to take a trip, visit the Windy City for adventures that will last a lifetime.

A Really Great Place for a Family Vacation – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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A Really Great Place for a Family Vacation – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Anytime you are in Pennsylvania you need to visit Lancaster. Lancaster is in the South Central part of Pennsylvania and is the county seat of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County also known as Pennsylvania Dutch country. It is one of the oldest inland cities in the United States with a current population of over 60,000. It ranks 8th in population among cities in Pennsylvania. Plus, it has some of the most interesting places to go while you are in the city.

How to get to Lancaster

If you are coming from the West such as Pittsburgh, you take US 70 until you reach US 76 which goes straight into Lancaster. If you are coming from the east such as Philadelphia, take US 76 until State Hwy 222, turning left it will take you right into Lancaster. From both of those cities you can also take a train, bus or smaller airline flights into Lancaster.

Sight-Sound

Lancaster is a great place for a family vacation as there is something for everyone in the family. For those who enjoy live theatre Lancaster has one called Sight-Sound. Every year, this theatre welcomes over a million of people from around the world who come to experience this amazing theatre group. For over 40 years they have been bringing Bible and Bible stories to life on stage.

Glenn Eshelman

The founder Glenn Eshelman was inspired by the world around him which led him to begin painting landscapes as a young boy. When he grew older, Glenn continued his interest in the art of these areas, eventually begantaking pictures with a camera and used these as location photos for his painting but photography some became his passion.

From slide show to theatre production

After offering his scenic photography at a church locally by using a slide projector, with turntable for music underscore and a microphone to do the narration, the audience comeback was awe-inspiring. This was the first informal “Sight and Sound” show which became a tradition.

Currently a tradition

Now they have an auditorium, 2,000 seats, state-of-the-art theatre that features a massive, 300-foot panoramic stage that wraps around the audience and with the ability to house sets up to four stories tall.

Theatre in Branson

This turn out to be such a success, they opened a second theatre in 2008, when the nearly identical theatre was built in the Ozark Mountains of Branson, Missouri.

Every year they design a new show that travels between Lancaster and Branson.

Opening in March

Beginning on March 10 of 2018 and running through January 5, 2019, they are running the play “Jesus”. “Jesus” is the musical stage play about the famous person and the people whose lives he transformed forever. You can go online to their organization to order tickets for your family.

Dutch Wonderland

Your kids will love the Dutch Wonderland which is Pennsylvania’s special Theme Park. It has over 35 rides, shows and attractions. This is the best place for the entire family to spend a day or two. You can cool down in Duke’s Lagoon water area and make encounters at Exploration Island, which is where dinosaurs come to life!

What to do

There are rides for kids of any age, places to eat and other attractions for the entire family to enjoy. You can find out more about tickets etc., going to the website of Dutch Wonderland. They also have shows and other live entertainment with tickets already included in your park tickets. You will have Princess Brooke reading a story, watch high diving stunt with a Drago’s Tale and even meet some of Dutch Wonderland’s Royal friends.

Shopping

If you love shopping, this is the place to go. Rockvale Outlets is one of Lancaster’s beloved outlet mall having over 70 brands featuring expensive and best brands you love. Up to sometime 75% off traditional retail pricing. Lancaster also has Tanger Outlets that has 43 stores covering 400 brand names. So, you can truly shop until you drop in Lancaster, Pa.

Bird-in-Hand Lodging

There are many places to stay but one of the favorite is Bird-in-Hand lodging in Lancaster, Pa which is deeply rooted in the tradition of hospitality. Most of their customers are returning families. The Smucker family welcome visitors to the historic village of Bird-in-Hand; in the heart of Amish farmlands. It is in the perfect location to enjoy the other places to go in this town – they are surrounded by:

– Dutch Wonderland
– Sight & Sound Theatre
– American Music Theatre
– Tanger Outlets
– Rockvale Outlets

So, if you live in Pennsylvania or you visit relatives there during the summer – Lancaster is one of the places to take the entire family. It is a wonderful area of Pennsylvania to visit.

[Photo by Scanlan.]

Oneonta: Your Perfect Destination for a Calm Vacation

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Oneonta: Your Perfect Destination for a Calm Vacation

When we think of vacations, most of us usually think of a hip crowd, loud music and crazy adventure. However, for some of us, vacationing is all about going away from this loud crowd and having a good time in a peaceful city. If you’re one such person, then you should consider visiting Oneonta. Also known as the City of Hills, it is a small city in New York, with a population of only 13,901.

While it is a small city, there is no dearth of facilities here. You will find everything from parks to nice restaurants to wineries in Oneonta. You can book Absolute Taxi in Oneonta to make sure your time goes well and you are able to visit all the places in the city without any trouble.

Two of the most famous destinations here include Robert V. Riddell State Park and Neahwa Park. The former is a huge park with several facilities including hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park’s USP is a trout stream where you can enjoy fishing. Other than this, there is also a Mud Lake with a dwarf shrub bog at all its edges. On the other hand, Neahwa Park is a bit more modern, with multiple baseball fields, a skate park, tennis courts and a huge playground. There is also a nature preserve called Emmons Pond Bog. The pond is about 11,000 years old, and is among the most scenic sites in the city. It is said to have born after a glacier left a depression on the surface. You will find a few flowers here and a number of birds and frogs. It is a very good site to spend a nice day and relax. But, if you want a sanctuary with more flowers, then you should visit Delaware Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary. It has a number of terrains, from a bog to fields to pine forests. You can also hike here as the mountains are quite comfortable to hike and offer a splendid view of the city.

However, parks are not all that this city has to offer. If you want to truly connect with nature, you can visit Joseph L. Popp, Jr. Butterfly Conservatory. It will bring you close to the nature and let you relax as you get to know about butterflies. The trip is perfect for people of all ages. Even children will enjoy learning about butterflies and their life.

If you are a fan of sports, you can enjoy games at the famous Damaschke Field. The tickers are very affordable and so are the snacks and merchandise.All kind of sports are played at the stadium, from baseball to soccer. And if you are lucky, you might be able to catch a concert as well as the stadium is also used to host other events.

Moreover, there are some amazing restaurants in the city if you just want to relax and enjoy a nice meal. Other indoor activities are also available, including spas, gaming and entertainment centers.

[Image by Doug Kerr.]

3 Vacation Destinations for Outdoor Adventures

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Some prefer to visit museums and historic sites while on vacation, but others prefer adventures in nature. You may wish to breathe fresh air on invigorating walks or take things to the next level with rock climbing or snorkeling. Either way, you’ll want to plan an outdoor adventure in one of these three towns the next time you head out on vacation.

Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona’s dry climate is perfect for those who want heat but hate humidity. Though summers can get relatively hot, winters are mild, and you can enjoy outdoor adventures for most of the year comfortably in Phoenix. Whether you want to go hiking in the red rocks, take an ATV tour of the landscape, or view Phoenix from above in a hot air balloon, you’ll love the plethora of outdoor things to do when you visit Arizona.

To make your outdoor adventures more convenient, choose your Phoenix hotel near the spots you’ll be exploring. Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix South Mountain is situated right near South Mountain Park and offers comfortable amenities like free Wi-Fi and an outdoor seating area. Downtown Phoenix hotels such as the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown perfectly situate you for grabbing dinner and drinks before bed after a long day of being in the sun.

Honolulu, Hawaii

3 Vacation Destinations for Outdoor Adventures
[Image via Flickr by snowpeak]

Let’s be real: Honolulu is so beautiful, you probably won’t want to go inside the entire time you’re there. If you do one water activity while visiting, make it snorkeling. You’ll see coral reefs and wildlife in crystal clear turquoise water. For those who prefer to stay above the water, kayaking is a fun group activity. So is hiking to Diamond Head Crater or Manoa Waterfall.

Because Honolulu is a vacation destination, you probably expect the hotels there to be expensive. However, if you book during low season or shoulder season, you can get Honolulu hotels with great accommodations in or near Waikiki for very affordable rates. The Aston at Waikiki Banyan and the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach have beautiful rooms at budget-friendly prices. If you truly want to live it up, splurge on the Grand Waikikian Suites by Hilton Grand Vacations.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge sits near Tennessee’s gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains, making it a perfect base of operations for anyone wanting to hike or camp in the mountain range. You might consider hopping on a bike and riding the trails, driving through the scenic roads, or seeing elk at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The hotels in Pigeon Forge are mostly arrayed along Highway 441, which becomes Highway 321 right near the Island in Pigeon Forge. Vacation Lodge and the Creekstone Inn will both put you within easy driving distance of the national park for very affordable rates. If you want to be pampered, the RiverStone Resort and Spa is the premiere upscale accommodations in Pigeon Forge.

Nothing beats the views and the experiences you have while adventuring outdoors. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the depths of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be so glad you visited these vacation spots.