10 Great Reasons to Choose Acadia for Your Next Family Vacation [vacation acadia family]
If you are in search of an ideal family vacation spot, Acadia National Park is definitely worth considering.
This little gem of a park is located on the rugged east coast of Maine. The 47,000 acres that comprise it are diverse, ranging from rocky-topped mountain domes, to thick pine forests, to ocean shoreline, to creeks, lakes, and ponds. Acadia is mostly contained on Mt. Desert Island, but it does extend to the nearby Schoodic Peninsula and even Isle au Haut out in Frenchman's Bay.
More than 2 million people visit Acadia each year, but you'll find most of them visit during July, August, and September. Pick a different month for your vacation and the park may almost be deserted. At any rate, even during the busy months, it is easy to get away from the crowds if you try.
Here are 10 great reasons why Acadia is such a great choice for your next family vacation...
1. It is America's first national park east of the Mississippi. That means it is rich in history and heritage. Take time to learn about the history in one of the visitor centers with your children. They have books, movies, and displays. Or, rent the audiotape auto tour... it provides a wonderful introduction to the park. [vacation acadia family]
2. There are hiking trails to meet every level of outdoor enthusiast. If you are looking for thrills and chills, try the Precipice, West Face Cadillac/Jordan Cliffs, or Beehive Trails, which come complete with iron rungs, ladders, and sheer drop offs. If you want to experience varied terrain, including rolling creek side walking, tramping on boardwalks through marshland, and exploring tidal pools at the ocean's edge, then you and your family might enjoy the Jordan Creek Trail. Is a leisurely stroll more your style? Then, take advantage of the nicely-groomed carriage roads that you'll find in every corner of the park or even the mostly flat Jordan Pond Trail.
3. You can try water sports. Rent a canoe on Long Pond on the western side of the island. Or join a sea kayaking group in Frenchman's Bay out of Bar Harbor. Or just play in the crystal clear waters of one of the many ponds or creeks. You can even spend a day at the beach...Sand Beach. The waters are always cold, but the kids will love it.
4. Leave your car in the hotel or campground parking lot. Acadia has a terrific shuttle system. You can get off most anywhere in the park and re-board when you're ready. Save on gas and the aggravation of driving too.
5. Enjoy some local culture. If you happen to need a break from the great outdoors, head into Bar Harbor. You'll find lots of funky little shops, some great restaurants, and even a movie theater or two. If you're there for the 4th of July, take part in the annual pancake breakfast, town parade, lobster bake, and fantastic fireworks. They come highly recommended.
6. Take a bike ride. Bring your own or you can rent them from one of several shops in Bar Harbor. Then head on over to the park and hit one of the carriage roads. A word of warning... they are all at least a bit hilly, so if you have small children or out of shape family members, don't bite off more than you can chew. Stick to a short ride around a single lake. Eagle Lake is a great solution.
7. If you have teens, try rock climbing. A couple of outfits in town will fit you with the right gear and then take you out to Otter Cliffs (on the ocean) or Bubble Rock and teach you rock climbing skills and techniques. Great fun! [vacation acadia family]
8. Although when you're hiking the trails of Acadia, you may feel as though you're far from civilization, in reality, you're no more than an hour or two from Bangor, the nearest "big" city. And right outside the park boundaries is the town of Ellsworth, which has a movie theater and small mall, not to mention the local Wal-Mart if you need to restock your camping supplies.
9. Acadia has accommodations for every kind of family. There are many fine campgrounds on the island, including Bar Harbor Campground, where you can choose your own campsite, be it ocean view or in the woods. You can also camp right in the park, as long as you're comfortable with very few amenities. If you want something a bit less rustic, then one of the many cabin and cottage places may be more to your liking. But Acadia's surrounding towns offer a host of bed and breakfasts, motels, and hotels to suit nearly every budget and preference.
10. There is something for everyone in Acadia, no matter what age or ability. Outdoor activities abound, of course, but there are also opportunities to soak in Maine's rich history and modern-day culture. Kids might like to spend an evening at Pirate's Cove, a popular miniature golf venue. Hiking, walking, biking, boating, exploring... Acadia has it all!
So, for your next family vacation, you can't go wrong if you spend it in Acadia National Park.
by Kathleen MacNaughton
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Best of Both Worlds in Vancouver, British Columbia
The Best of Both Worlds in Vancouver, British Columbia [columbia british vancouver]
Are you torn between taking a luxurious, pampered holiday versus an outdoor, sporty vacation? If you and your holiday partner can't agree (or even if you're not sure yourself) there's no need to compromise when you visit the city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.
An Urban Oasis - Stanley Park
Vancouver is one of the few cities (including New York with the famous Central Park) that can boast a sizable park as one of its features. Stanley Park is 1000 acres and is one of the largest urban parks in North America.
Vancouver is a coastal city with plenty of walking and biking trails. There's something for everyone, whether you enjoy an easy pace viewing the waters of the Burrard Inlet along the paved sea wall or take on the wooded trails of Stanley Park where you'll find impressive untouched forest as well as beautifully manicured gardens on your hiking or biking adventure.
Art Galleries, Shopping and More...
Looking to enjoy some shopping? Vancouver has plenty of interesting areas to shop. For the dedicated shopper a visit to Robson Street will provide designer boutiques as well as trendy coffee shops and restaurants, all with great people watching spots to take a break. [columbia british vancouver]
For those who are looking for something a little different than the usual step into Vancouver's Chinatown. You'll find beautiful imported items along with delicious Chinese cuisine along the streets with the red streetlamps and brightly colored signs.
Granville Island, which is also the home to the Emily Carr Institute of Art, is a busy market along the water. Find fresh fruit, flowers and a wide variety of ethnic foods to enjoy. Browse the art and small specialty shops where you're sure to find that special something to bring home for yourself or as a gift.
The Vancouver Art Gallery in the heart of the city also has something for the art enthusiast to enjoy, including presentations of the famous works of Vancouver's Emily Carr.
Science World, Vancouver Aquarium - big draws for Young or Old.
Bringing the kids? The mirrored dome with lights will surely catch their attention but what's inside this fascinating structure will impress them (and you) even more! Interactive and astounding you'll be entertained and educated in this attraction originally built for Expo 86.
For a slower pace try the Vancouver Aquarium. Watch the Beluga show or visit the tropics for a memorable visit.
World Class Resorts, Hotels and Golf Courses
Not far from Vancouver is the world renowned Whistler Village Resort. Ideal for a luxury skiing vacation, it is also a popular summer destination with biking trails, golfing, white water rafting, ziplining and more for the truly adventurous. [columbia british vancouver]
Camping and RV parks are never far away or you can choose to stay in one of the highly rated hotels for a real pampered treat!
Vancouver is a culturally diverse city with many languages and ethnic attractions. Although well known for rain, Vancouver's mild climate is ideal for the many gardens and parks that make up the city. Full of complimentary opposites, Vancouver is a harmonious blend for enjoying the outdoors and city life in one place.
by Shannon Emmanuel
Are you torn between taking a luxurious, pampered holiday versus an outdoor, sporty vacation? If you and your holiday partner can't agree (or even if you're not sure yourself) there's no need to compromise when you visit the city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.
An Urban Oasis - Stanley Park
Vancouver is one of the few cities (including New York with the famous Central Park) that can boast a sizable park as one of its features. Stanley Park is 1000 acres and is one of the largest urban parks in North America.
Vancouver is a coastal city with plenty of walking and biking trails. There's something for everyone, whether you enjoy an easy pace viewing the waters of the Burrard Inlet along the paved sea wall or take on the wooded trails of Stanley Park where you'll find impressive untouched forest as well as beautifully manicured gardens on your hiking or biking adventure.
Art Galleries, Shopping and More...
Looking to enjoy some shopping? Vancouver has plenty of interesting areas to shop. For the dedicated shopper a visit to Robson Street will provide designer boutiques as well as trendy coffee shops and restaurants, all with great people watching spots to take a break. [columbia british vancouver]
For those who are looking for something a little different than the usual step into Vancouver's Chinatown. You'll find beautiful imported items along with delicious Chinese cuisine along the streets with the red streetlamps and brightly colored signs.
Granville Island, which is also the home to the Emily Carr Institute of Art, is a busy market along the water. Find fresh fruit, flowers and a wide variety of ethnic foods to enjoy. Browse the art and small specialty shops where you're sure to find that special something to bring home for yourself or as a gift.
The Vancouver Art Gallery in the heart of the city also has something for the art enthusiast to enjoy, including presentations of the famous works of Vancouver's Emily Carr.
Science World, Vancouver Aquarium - big draws for Young or Old.
Bringing the kids? The mirrored dome with lights will surely catch their attention but what's inside this fascinating structure will impress them (and you) even more! Interactive and astounding you'll be entertained and educated in this attraction originally built for Expo 86.
For a slower pace try the Vancouver Aquarium. Watch the Beluga show or visit the tropics for a memorable visit.
World Class Resorts, Hotels and Golf Courses
Not far from Vancouver is the world renowned Whistler Village Resort. Ideal for a luxury skiing vacation, it is also a popular summer destination with biking trails, golfing, white water rafting, ziplining and more for the truly adventurous. [columbia british vancouver]
Camping and RV parks are never far away or you can choose to stay in one of the highly rated hotels for a real pampered treat!
Vancouver is a culturally diverse city with many languages and ethnic attractions. Although well known for rain, Vancouver's mild climate is ideal for the many gardens and parks that make up the city. Full of complimentary opposites, Vancouver is a harmonious blend for enjoying the outdoors and city life in one place.
by Shannon Emmanuel
New York Vacations – Where to Go, What to See
New York Vacations – Where to Go, What to See [vacation gramercy new york]
When most people think of New York, the hustle and bustle of big city life come to mind. However, the state of New York has many relaxing vacation spots for the couple or family who wants to get away from it all for a little while.
Why not delight your children with a trip to the Catskills, where according to legend Rip van Winkle fell asleep and slept for 20 years? The Catskill Game Farm will offer family fun, featuring about 2000 wild and tame animals to watch. Or, take a hiking tour of Ice Caves Mountain.
A visit to the Adirondack Mountains might be just what you’re looking for. In addition to the view, visitors enjoy water sports on area lakes and shopping in various villages. Kids of all ages visiting the Adirondack region will enjoy the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom amusement park in Lake George.
The family would also enjoy a trip to Six Flags Darien Lake and theme park. You’ll find one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels at the park along with two world-class roller coasters. At Lake Darien, you can enjoy the petting zoo, a large performing arts center, and lovely beaches. Camp or stay at one of the area resorts -- you pick your own level of comfort. [vacation gramercy new york]
Playland Park in Rye, New York, is an amusement park reminiscent of yesteryear. There are more than 45 rides, arcades, mini golf, a pool, beach and lake all located on about 279 acres.
If you are interested in culture, New York offers many cultural vacations, too. There are a huge selection of art and heritage museums and festivals in the state.
If romance is the reason for your upcoming excursion, New York has a number of spots you’d be interested in. Niagra Falls has long been the vacation choice of honeymooners. The beaches of Long Island also provide a romantic getaway. A hot air balloon ride over the Hamptons would make the perfect ending to a romantic day at Long Island. Or why not take your romance directly to the city, New York City. A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, window-shopping in Greenwich Village, and a ride on the Staten Island Ferry would all be nice ways to start your romantic vacation in New York. [vacation gramercy new york]
Once you experience a New York vacation for yourself, you'll quickly discover just how expansive the Big Apple really is.
by Dana Sanders
When most people think of New York, the hustle and bustle of big city life come to mind. However, the state of New York has many relaxing vacation spots for the couple or family who wants to get away from it all for a little while.
Why not delight your children with a trip to the Catskills, where according to legend Rip van Winkle fell asleep and slept for 20 years? The Catskill Game Farm will offer family fun, featuring about 2000 wild and tame animals to watch. Or, take a hiking tour of Ice Caves Mountain.
A visit to the Adirondack Mountains might be just what you’re looking for. In addition to the view, visitors enjoy water sports on area lakes and shopping in various villages. Kids of all ages visiting the Adirondack region will enjoy the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom amusement park in Lake George.
The family would also enjoy a trip to Six Flags Darien Lake and theme park. You’ll find one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels at the park along with two world-class roller coasters. At Lake Darien, you can enjoy the petting zoo, a large performing arts center, and lovely beaches. Camp or stay at one of the area resorts -- you pick your own level of comfort. [vacation gramercy new york]
Playland Park in Rye, New York, is an amusement park reminiscent of yesteryear. There are more than 45 rides, arcades, mini golf, a pool, beach and lake all located on about 279 acres.
If you are interested in culture, New York offers many cultural vacations, too. There are a huge selection of art and heritage museums and festivals in the state.
If romance is the reason for your upcoming excursion, New York has a number of spots you’d be interested in. Niagra Falls has long been the vacation choice of honeymooners. The beaches of Long Island also provide a romantic getaway. A hot air balloon ride over the Hamptons would make the perfect ending to a romantic day at Long Island. Or why not take your romance directly to the city, New York City. A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, window-shopping in Greenwich Village, and a ride on the Staten Island Ferry would all be nice ways to start your romantic vacation in New York. [vacation gramercy new york]
Once you experience a New York vacation for yourself, you'll quickly discover just how expansive the Big Apple really is.
by Dana Sanders
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
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