We had a great view of the entire bay and we were able to walk out and enjoy some beach exploring mainly because the bay is exceptionally shallow and the tide would reach out as far as 300 yards. We enjoyed some spectacular sunsets while eating right there at one of several restaurants that we walked to from the condo.

I went on a kayaking outing in the bay and observed some great sites especially a group of harbor seals that were enjoying the sun on one of the docks next to the marina. I also managed to see a sunken ship wreck that had been reduced to wooden ribs and some deck parts made out of metal.

This wreck is typically submerged but due to the tide level we could see half of it. I was able to slip in a bike ride down to the Birch Bay State Park that is a nice stretch of beach containing picnic tables and grassy places for having a great beach day. Birch Bay is actually located west of Blaine, Washington south of the Canadian border. Venture into Canada and back during your stay.

You can realistically drive about 10 minutes to either cross the border or take a look at Peace Arch Park, the gateway into Canada from the state of Washington. It was a enjoyable weekend and the weather was great. I do speak highly of setting up a trip to Birch Bay. Try to arrange it in the summer months if you can. You will certainly enjoy this vacation spot.

Bryon has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest about air purifier lowes

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USA: Birch Bay-An Awesome Place To Enjoy

The most popular public gardens (based on online chatter) in the beautiful Midwest are:

10. Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin

9. Munsinger and Clemens Gardens in Saint Cloud, Minnesota

8. International Peace Garden in Dunseith, North Dakota

7. Boerner Botanical Garden in Hales Corners, Wisconsin

6. Toledo Botanical Garden in Toledo, Ohio

5. Des Moines Botanical Center in Des Moines, Iowa

4. Chicago Botanic Garden in Chicago, Illinois

3. Green Bay Botanical Garden in Green Bay, Wisconsin

2. Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, Ohio

…and the most popular public garden in the Midwestern USA is…

1. Missouri Botanical Garden in Saint Louis, Missouri

Public Gardens not making my top 10 were Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska; Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois; McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota; Bradley Sculpture Garden in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; W. J. Beal Botanical Garden in East Lansing, Michigan; Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, Ohio; Foxfire Botanical Garden in Marshfield, Wisconsin; Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden in Mahomet, Illinois; and Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles, Michigan.

We really have a fantastic mix of public gardens throughout the Midwest with seven states represented in the top ten, and Nebraska missing out by a only small margin. I always like to see these regional lists diverse in locations so that anyone living in or visiting a region has something nice near them, and this is about as good as it gets.

So get out there and visit some of these magnificent attractions, and be sure to take the time to smell the roses!

I compiled this list by searching for each public garden listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.

Check out my complete list of Public Gardens at www.GardeningWithLarry.com.

About the Author

I’m a freelance computer programmer living in San Diego California with my wife and our 3 cats. I enjoy hiking, gardening, reading, watching too much TV, and other nerdy stuff. I run a few websites including http://www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com, http://www.NameNum.com, and http://www.PetNum.com.

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The Top 10 Public Gardens to Visit in the Midwestern United States

Here are some ways you can take in the mystique of the Grand Canyon:

The South Rim. Aside from the view of this magnificent gorge, you get a close look at some historical buildings and ruins.

Toroweap Overlook. This popular overlook is on the North Rim and is 3,000 feet straight up from the river. This gives you a breath-taking view due to the steepness of the gorge.

Grand Canyon Skywalk. This gives you quite a scary view and really gets your heart pounding since it is a glass-bottom walkway that extends out from the edge of the gorge. The Skywalk is officially open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.

Lipan Point. Also at the South Rim, this marks the starting point of the Tanner Trail. Take some time to grasp the beauty of the Canyon from Lipan Point before heading down the trail.

Tanner Trail. This trail heads towards the floor of the gorge and can be a challenging hike. The view of the Canyon from this trail is overwhelming. Bright Angel Trail. The South Rim is where the most popular hike exists. The Bright Angel Trail is located near the Grand Canyon Village. On the North Rim, North Kailbab is the most popular hiking trail.

Whitewater Rafting. Some visitors prefer to go down to the bottom of the river by foot, while others prefer to ride the river. Being at the Grand Canyon bottom where you are thrown by the water, and surrounded by huge rocks can be an astounding experience.

Aerial View. Some people prefer the aerial view from a helicopter from one of the many charter services that will give you a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon. Tour operators can be located at the Grand Canyon Airport, which is five miles south of the park or in Sedona. Mule ride. Take a mule ride down the side of the Canyon. There are several companies who perform this magnificent view as you travel down the inside of the Canyon.

The Grand Canyon can be a great family vacation adventure on a budget. If you like camping The North Rim is open for campers free of charge. Also there are plenty of benches and tables set up for eating. So make sure you pack your sleeping bags, tents and food so you won’t need to spend any money for lodging or dining while visiting the Grand Canyon!

About the Author

Doug Maxwell is an online marketer of family vacation ideas and as well as high quality products at great prices with exceptional service. Check out my travel blog for more vacation ideas: Family Vacation Deals.

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Take Your Next Family Vacation to the Grand Canyon

From the northern part to the south, there is a great deal of changes. At the north side is mainly covered with terrain with virgin forest which features a spectacular view. The northwest part of Alabama consists of cities which include Tuscumbia, Sheffield, Muscle Shoals and Florence. They are popularly known as the Quad Cities. These cities features a lot of tourists spots.

Tuscumbia City is famous because of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame that exhibits some of the popular personalities like Lionel Richie and Hank Williams Sr. The Ivy Green is also located in the city where Helen Keller was raised. The famous show entitled The Miracle Worker is being held in this place every summer where many local and foreign tourist come to see this magnificent performances.

The W.C Handy Museum and the Indian Mound Museum is located in the city of Sheffield. These museums features feature some of the work of the early Native Americans.

The University of North Alabama is situated in Florence in the downtown district. The city also features the historical Popes Tavern exhibiting numerous artworks and artifacts.

Alabama is proud of Huntsville city where it is considered as the center of technology. It is home to Marshal Space Flight Center NASAs headquarters. In addition, the Space and Missile Defense Command is also located in the city. Among the leading tourist attraction in the city is the United States Space and Rocket Center. It features a lot of artifacts and memorabilia of the U.S Space Program.

Tourists can also enjoy a ride with the Space Shot and experience how astronauts feel without gravity. The Botanical Garden is another great attraction which houses numerous species of plants and flowers. There are also a lot of bars, restaurants and shopping malls in the city where tourists can enjoy and have fun. The Old State Bank Building is one of the attractions in Decatur. This building is among a cluster of three structures that was able to survive the harshness of the Civil War.

The largest city of Alabama is the Birmingham. It is home to many wonderful attractions which include Visionland Park, botanical gardens and many more. It is also home for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. It contains important information regarding Alabamas history and Civil Rights. Vulcan, the worlds largest statue made of iron is also located in Birmingham.

Alabamas capital city is Montgomery where the Confederacys first ever White House has been established. This place has been opened to the public and is one of the attractions of the city. Meanwhile, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is a major attraction of the city in which famous musical and performances are being held regularly.

The two largest universities in Alabama namely, the Auburn University and the University of Alabama, is located in Auburn and Tuscaloosa respectively. College football is among the highlights in these universities.

Hangout with Alabamas world class beaches at the Gulf Coast and enjoy seafood and many other delicious cuisines. The historical USS Alabama, a WWII battleship, is another highlight of the city worth seeing. Cruise lines are also available in the area.

Whether you are on business travel or leisure, Alabama is a good choice to travel which offers a wide variety of options to have an exciting and enjoyable vacation for you and your whole family.

About the Author

For more information on Alabama Luxury Hotels and Discount Alabama Hotels please visit our website.

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Beautiful Alabama – Famous Tourist Destinations

Anyone of a seafaring nature finds his home here and fortune at sea. Because whaling expeditions generally took two to for years away from home, working aboard ship was a perfect hide-a-way from runaway slaves. Frederick Douglas, the famed abolitionist, made his home here.

The National Park Service gives daily tours of the thirteen block historical district retelling the stories of the rich and famous, the sinners and saviors. The streets, once tarred over, now reveal the Belgian brick stones once used for ballast in the whaling ships. The NPS guides talk about miserly Hatty Green, called the Witch of Wall Street, who amassed such a fortune that in today’s dollars would be the richest woman in the world, even today. They talk about Herman Melville, who in 1841 boarded the Acushnet, bound for the Pacific Whaling grounds. On his return he wrote the semi-autobiographical story, Moby Dick. Many references in the book had real life counterparts, like Captain Swain who died lashed to a whale, Mocha Dick a light colored elusive sperm whale, and Whaleman’s Chapel based on Seamen’s Bethel.

Seamen’s Bethel was a haven of prayer and learning among the brothels and bars on the street. Next door, still functioning, is Marine’s Home, where seamen could find a safe room. Even today any sea person, even one who only owns a rowboat, or military person can stay there for $10.00 per night. The pulpit in Seamen’s Bethel is a new addition to the chapel, since the filming of Moby Dick. Only a desk stood there until the tourists insisted that the chapel should have the prow of the ship there. They got their wish, including a bare breasted maidenhead, which would have been unheard of one hundred years ago.

A memorial commemorating the 54th Massachusetts Regiment stands in the district. Here men of color were mustered into service during the Civil War. Captain Kearny was from New Bedford. Denzel Washington’s character in the movie Glory was loosely based on his life. His descendents still reside there.

Not to be missed is the Whaling Museum. Everything you want to know about whaling can be found here. From the skeleton of a beached whale hanging from the ceiling of the lobby, still dripping oil from it bones to the weapons used to kill and harvest the whale blubber and spermaceti oil for making candles, the exhibits depict the life on board the whaling ships. The danger, the adventure, the tedium, the rewards, and the everyday tasks of whaling are vividly shown in film, hands on exhibits, and in paintings throughout the museum. Figure to spend at least two to three hours to see everything.

About the Author

John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.

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New Bedford, Massachusetts: A Whaling We Will Go

Tribeca Film Festival
For film buffs, spring in New York means it’s time for the popular Tribeca Film Festival in lower Manhattan. Various cinemas in the Tribeca district showcase hundreds of international films, often with the director and cast ready and waiting to answer questions after the screening. Almost every one of the more than 200 films is a North American, international, or world premiere.

The Easter Parade
Every Easter Sunday, Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th streets is closed to traffic for this colourful and exciting spectacle. The tradition dates back to the mid-1800s when the upper crust of society would attend church services and then parade their new Easter outfits down Fifth for all to see! Starting at 10am, admire the passing parade of participants decked out in creative bonnets and elaborate costumes. There is plenty of entertainment, stunning floral displays and even a real Easter bunny or two. Celebrate Easter services at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 50th Street and Fifth, St. Thomas Church on 53rd and Fifth or at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Cherry Blossom Season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Spring is a lovely time of year to experience New York, and there is no better celebration of spring’s beauty than the cherry blossom viewing season in April at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). Visitors can walk under the boughs of the cherry trees and experience the Japanese tradition of Hanami, watching the delicate blossoms as they vibrantly come to life. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden boasts the largest collection of cherry trees outside of Japan, and it is stunning to see the lush blooms of these more than 200 trees come alive in their rich colours. The BBG is located at 1000 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.

Earth Day Celebration in Central Park
With its lush greenery and beautiful landscaping, Central Park is a must-see in the spring. The Earth Day celebration in the heart of the park is a free event open to the public and includes live musical performances, art and crafts, and lots of environmental projects like tree planting. Families can pack a picnic, spread out a blanket and enjoy the festivities.

Opening Day at Yankee Stadium
Baseball fans count down the days to spring training, and especially to the opening day of the season in April. The gates of the New York Yankee’s new stadium open in April 2009. Located on the north side of 161st Street between River and Jerome Avenues, it is right across the street from its original home. The 1.3 billion dollar state of the art facility boasts advanced audio visual technology and several tasty dining options to enhance the fan’s experience.

About the Author

NewYorkJourney.com will give you a comprehensive look at several of the sites mentioned above along with information on a variety of other attractions and hotels in the Big Apple. Get the information you need to know before you travel, to make sure you get to see the best of the best in New York City.

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Things to do in April in New York City

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay features all kinds of attractions which include rides and roller coasters, lash greenery or the botanical garden, and the chance to come close encounter with the wild life where you can experience the great adventures. Buy Busch Gardens tickets to experience the rides of Montu, Gwazi, Python, etc. Moreover, elephants, Rhinos, White Bengal Tigers, Alligators, Hippos are also found in great numbers. So enjoy jeep safari to have close view of these wild animals.

Cirque du Soleil is a world famous circus show where music plays a major role for entertainment. The music played from background rhythmically meets the steps of the performers. The well experienced acrobats lure the audience in huge numbers and create an excellent impact over the minds. In the showroom of Cirque Du Soleil over 1600 guests can be accommodated at a time. This live circus show has gained an international name and fame in stage entertainment and performances. Cirque du Soleil tickets enable you to enjoy the show which will fill your mind with unlimited excitement and joy. The well clad acrobats perform impeccably the show without any animals. The dangerous steps or the performances can thrill you with excitement and pleasure. From the beginning to the shows end you cannot understand where the time flies. The colourful lightings, music and thrilling acts will encourage you to come back again to see this well recognized circus show.

About the Author

Buy Orlando Attractions Florida from Online store and save big amount. Don’t miss out the attractive deals on Busch Gardens Tickets and Cirque du Soleil Tickets.

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Florida: Exciting Attractions of Orlando Busch Gardens

Many of the islands that are present in San Francisco bay are set aside as parks and refuges. One of the most popular islands is the Angel Island which is a state park accessible by the ferry from several locations around the bay, and the most beautiful national park called as Alcatraz. The visitors to these islands can visit all throughout the year; however the peak time for the visitors is the summer season. Other than this there are number of wildlife refuges which includes the East, west Marin islands, Brooks Island and the Bair Island. But on the other hand the Brook Island is considered as an important part of the Eastern bay regional districts and it is home for many migrated birds, wetlands and wetlands and the walking paths. The exclusive park for the wildlife refuge in Southern bay is the Bair Island; this park is considered as one of the most important part of the bay area ecology.

There are different kinds of the islands that you can find on the bay of San Francisco; few of them have the beautiful rocky outcroppings. The islands with the glorified rocky look are the Red rock island which is present in the western side of Richmond Bridge, along with the Eastern and the Western sisters called as the Ballena Bay Island which is situated next to Alameda and the Pat rock. Red rock is one of the few privately owned islands in the bay of San Francisco. However the fact of the development always remains a potential challenge as the bay lies in almost three countries so this is a challenge that has to be catered to.

I have mentioned about the inhabited island one of them is the Coast Guard Island which is made usage only for military purposes. The other inhabited parks that are open to the public are the Yerba Buena Island that lies in the middle of the San Francisco Bridge.

About the Author

Jishnu Raj is a Copywriter for Sanfranshuttletours. He written many articles in various topics such as San Francisco bus tour, . For Further details on Travel to San Francisco please visit http://www.sanfranshuttletours.com/ or contact Jishnu Raj through planetbeauty0@gmail.com.

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Island attractions in San Francisco

Before deciding on how to spend your Alaskan vacation, contact different places to learn more about their availability. You will be surprised by how many people travel to Alaska each year. If you want to avoid the crowds, then you may want to visit during the off-season.

Once you have decided where to stay when you visit Alaska, you will have to find activities to do once you arrive. The perfect outdoor vacation includes hiking, rafting, and enjoying the beauty that is the Alaskan wilderness. Even if you don’t want to spend your entire vacation outdoors, you will be amazed by how much there is to do. Because transportation can be difficult in certain parts of Alaska, learning as much about your options as possible will help you find the best rental car deals, ferry times, and other means of transportation.

Alaska can be the perfect travel destination if you enjoy participating in outdoor activities. If you prefer to stay indoors, there are many restaurants, bars, and social areas in your hotel for you to read, talk to other people, and relax by the fire. With so many options, everyone you travel with will be able to find something to do. Visiting Alaska is the dream of many who want to see what it is like living in a different climate. Those who live in Alaska are friendly, but reserved and enjoy their privacy.

When booking a trip, you should decide which activities you want to participate in once you arrive so you can bring the right clothing and other supplies. Depending on how long you plan on staying, you may find that packing light is best, especially during a long trip. The time of year you choose to travel will also impact the types of activities you decide to participate in. Because Alaska has six months of sunlight and six months of darkness, the activities you want to participate in may not be offered.

Preparing yourself for extreme light and dark is important when traveling to Alaska. Many people do not even realize until they arrive that they may not see the sun while on vacation. If you are sensitive to the sun or the lack of sunlight, make sure you research the time of year you travel to Alaska. Many resorts and hotels have dark curtains so you can sleep at night when the sun is shining, but other than that, it will be up to you to make the adjustment. The longer you stay, the more your body will begin to accept this change. Make sure you stay active and enjoy Alaska regardless of the season.

About the Author

Guy Morris’s articles can be discovered on plenty of websites tied to information on tips to travel to spain and spain travel guide. You can come across his contributions on spain travel package at http://www.alicante-spain.com and many different sources for spain travel package news.

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Travel Destination: Alaska

Plantation Beach Club At Indian River Plantation Resort

Part of Hutchinson Island, the Plantation Beach Club knows how to get relaxation and romance started. With all of the amenities the resort offers, this can be a great for a family or romantic vacation. Hutchinson has numerous dining activities and evening events from which to choose. Outdoor activities include all types of water activities, golf, tennis, hiking, biking, and much more. If you run out of things to do, Stuart and Palm Beach are close by for shopping and entertainment. They also have supervised children’s activities.

Seawatch On-The-Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach

A short distance from Fort Myers Beach, Seawatch On-the-Beach focuses on comfort to make you feel right at home. This peaceful lodging is surrounded by the beach, which only increases the romantic appeal of the area. The ideal spot to enjoy all of the aspects the Gulf of Mexico and the quaint beach community has to offer. Fort Myers Beach is known for its many unique shops, restaurants and lively night life – but most travel here for the miles of powder white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife.

Club Regency, Marco Island

To combine romance with exciting urban amenities, Club Regency of Marco Island hits at the top of the list. This area is best known for its famous golfing opportunities, water fun, and fishing. This area has an exciting nightlife as well as some of the best shopping and dining opportunities in the state. They have a selection of specialty shops, and restaurants that serve an abundance fresh seafood and local fare. If you are ready for more relaxing activities, the area has archaeological and historical sites to explore.

Tortuga Beach Club Resort, Sanibel Island

As much as a family resort as it is one of romantic sophistication, the Tortuga Beach Club Resort doesn’t lack for luxury. High-quality golfing and tennis opportunities are just the start. You can relax in the spa or enjoy the heated pool. Like the other Florida beach resorts, this one has access to the beach, however, theirs is private. They also have gas barbeques available for an entertaining evening next to the water. If you prefer worldly dining, various establishments in Captiva and Sanibel have top chefs from around the world.

These four Florida beach resorts are just a small sampling of the many romantic spots to plan your vacation. Decide what type of holiday you would like to have, what types of activities you would like to partake in, and select the one that will give you all that and more.

About the Author

Jon Buschlen is a Floridian who loves vacationing with Florida Grand Vacations Company. They have a variety of luxury Florida beach resorts to choose from including those found on Marco Island, Hutchinson Island, and Fort Myers Beach.

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4 Unforgettable South Florida Beach Resorts For A Romantic Vacation