Ski resort reviews: Big Bear Mountain, Big Bear Lake, California

Big Bear is a beautiful community snuggled at 7000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, two hours from both Los Angeles and San Diego. Two of California’s favorite ski resorts are located in this vicinity; those being Bear Mountain or “the Park” and Snow Summit.

The Park is a snowboarder’s Mecca with Southern California’s only Superpipe measuring 580 feet in length and 67 feet wide with walls reaching seventeen feet high. Snowboarders will also revel in the over 150 jumps and 80 jibs. Downhill skiers and snowboards will enjoy the vertical drop of 1700 feet from top to bottom of the mountain. This is the highest and steepest advanced slope in the Southern California area. The Park does not just cater to the advanced skier as they also have a huge training area with a special children’s section. For the non-skiing observer, there is a 13,000 square foot sundeck that has a great view of The Scene the snowboarding jib area. This resort covers 748 permitted acres with the highest peak, Bear Peak rising up to 8805 feet. A total of twelve ski lifts cover the four mountains and all provide a spectacular view of Big Bear Lake.

Snow Summit is akin to a more traditional ski resort with dining, drinking and shopping facilities immediately adjacent to the slopes. It has a reputation as a small Swiss village in the middle of Southern California. This resort is a wonderful place for the mid-level skier. Skiers can hone their skills before taking on The Wall’ the steepest portion of the mountain. Friday night skiing is also available at this resort which provides for a more unique shushing experience. This resort is closer to town and sits on 240 acres with 31 trails.

Bear Mountain and Snow Summit can both be skied under one pass on the same day. A complementary shuttle will take you between both resorts so you can experience both a traditional and freestyle ski park. Ski passes can cost anywhere from $299 for an adult midweek pass purchased before December 2nd to $799 for an adult anytime pass purchased after December 2nd. If you intend to just ski for the day, midweek adult lift tickets are $49 and weekend/holiday passes $62

There are numerous cabins, hotels and rental houses to stay in while in Big Bear. Be wary of the cabin rentals as often times these places are not well maintained. A good place to stay is the Big Bear Chateau Holiday Inn. Prices range from $89 to $149 per night. This is quaint European style hotel that has a variety of antiques in the rooms and lobby. Each room has its own fireplace further reflecting the romance of a mountain villa. The restaurant on site has a full menu with excellent chefs in the kitchen to entice your taste buds.

When the temperatures allow snow to form, make sure you have tickets to one of the best ski areas on the West Coast, it is well worth the visit!

Restaurant reviews: Bobby Flays Mesa Grill, Las Vegas

Las Vegas is know for a great many things including the greatest hotels, restaurants, shows, and performances; and it is claimed to be the fastest growing city in the United States. In fact, if you are to be considered one of the greatest hoteliers or chefs in the world, it is a prerequisite to have at least one established venue on the Las Vegas Strip.

When in Las Vegas this September past I had an opportunity to visit Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill. As an expert on cuisine and avid food network viewer, I selected his restaurant, from the many, as a direct result of what I have seen him create on his many different programs. Most people have probably heard of Chef Flay and have seen him on one of the many shows, including his losing streak on his “challenge show” Throwdown, his incredible performances on the Iron Chef America, or any of his other number of previous television appearances. As a world renowned chef he has some of the finest restaurants in places like New York City and Las Vegas.

My intention is not to tell you that Bobby Flay is lacking in talent whatsoever. In fact, my first opportunity at Mesa Grill was so delicious it warranted a second visit this past weekend while visiting Las Vegas. Granted there is so much to do and see in Las Vegas that one should take the opportunity to try something new each time they visit. However, the experience was so pleasant I had to visit it one more time. As a result it might be my last visit to Mesa Grill in Las Vegas.

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion and falling on a weekday this year, my fianc and I decided to celebrate Valentine’s the weekend before and to make the most of our time. She knows how much I enjoy food and particularly that of the Mesa Grill. Accordingly so, she made reservations about one month early and found that the best time for a reservation that could incorporate her special requests would be an early dinner. The day before we dined she called the restaurant just to make sure that everything would be ready for our visit. I can not tell you if the following occurred because Chef Flay is too busy with his television programs to oversee his restaurants, or if the people hired are incompetent. Perhaps it is a combination of both with and addition of other factors not mentioned.

We arrived at Caesars’ Palace early, did a bit of gambling and drinking and then went to the restaurant. Arriving no more than two minutes early we waited at the hostess stand for five minutes

Keep it in check: Managing a modest budget in New York City – Part 3

New York can be done on a budget. Costs can be cut in many places without cutting the experience.

It was November and I was sitting in the library researching a paper and my said “I think we should go to New York for New Years Eve”, I scoffed at her and explained the current status of the hungry moths in my pockets. However the idea did not rest there. We began to research the trip and found many ways that afforded us the experience we wanted without spending our next years college savings. With a little elbow grease and some planning we were able to realize our dream at minimal cost.

The first and biggest expense we encountered was actually getting there. I can tell you now that you will find no immediate seat sales during the “biggest party season of the year” (as it was explained to me). With a little digging and a student discount we found plane tickets for just over 700.00$ round trip. Don’t be afraid to explore the realms of on line shopping, make sure you price compare and try to travel on weekdays as usually that’s where the most flight money can be saved.

While talking we decided that we should probably consider finding a place to sleep. We were almost defeated. Hotel rooms at even the scary hotels were expensive and far out of our reach. We were looking at anywhere from 200.00 to 600.00 a night and we were planning on staying for the week. I don’t think I have to explain what 200.00 a night does to a student. While I was “studying” I went on line and started to do more research with the idea of possibly a bed and breakfast in Manhattan saving us money (laugh at us later). Through this I stumbled upon our salvation. Rent a room; we can rent a room in somebody’s apartment for just a week and thankfully for cheap too. For our entire stay of 7 days we paid 60 dollars between the two of us. For two adventurous students we just picked what was cheap and looked decently clean and ended up staying in Northern Harlem which one police officer we met stated “I don’t even go up there”. It seemed perfectly safe to use however. In my hindsight, I recommend researching the area you would be staying in.

I, like many have watched the shows based in New York and learned that obviously you must take a taxi cab everywhere. This can be expensive… very expensive. Luckily New York City has a vast inner working of trains and sidewalks! Buy a metro card that can last you a week and of unlimited rides for 24.00 US and a schedule and you’ll be sailing. The other alternative is to walk and I highly recommend it the walk is amazing.

One of the first walks you should take is to a visitors booth. They will give you a guide of restaurants and attractions along with the average cost of each to plan out the rest of your week (always call ahead). My last big tip is to talk to the people- despite the stereotype they are some of the friendliest I’ve met in my travels and will always know the “good places to go” and you might even get a free steak dinner out of it (mine was delicious).

What The Modern Tourist Looks For In New York City

Holiday accommodation in New York is nearly always of a high standard, just like the price that often goes with it. But for this maybe once in a lifetime visit to marvel at the Empire State, Statue of Liberty, or Central Park, it will most certainly be worth every penny.

New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It lies at the south-eastern tip of New York State, just above New Jersey. It is spread out over the islands and indentations of Long Island Sound and New York Bay. It is linked together by a series of famous tunnels and bridges, most famously Brooklyn Bridge which links Brooklyn to Manhattan.

Manhattan Island sits at the top of Upper New York Bay, and the Hudson River is to the west and the East River to the east. Manhattan Island is separated from the New York State by the Harlem River. Holiday accommodation here is always hard to find, especially at an affordable price, so the sooner you book the better

New York City covers an area of 320sq miles and is made up of the Five Boroughs. Manhattan is regarded as the heart of New York and is made familiar to visitors from all of the films that have been shot in this location. This is the home of skyscrapers, art galleries, museums and theatres. Central Park sits nearly slap bang in the centre of Manhattan, and it feels like you’ve entered another world when you step out from the hustle and bustle of times square and into the park.

Brooklyn is situated on the western edge of Long Island. It is famous for the Brooklyn Bridge which links it to Manhattan with a further two bridges spanning the East River. When crossing the Brooklyn your breath is taken away by the amazing views of Manhattan and the river below. Brooklyn is home to over two million people and is the most populated of the five boroughs. A must see tourist attraction is the Brooklyn Museum on East Parkway.

The Bronx is to the north and the only borough on the mainland. In the past it has had a rather bad reputation but is a rapidly improving area today. Not many people realize that it contains the Bronx Zoo and New York’s Botanical Garden. It also, most famously is home to the New York Yankees, at Yankee Stadium , and no trip to New York is complete if you don’t leave your holiday accommodation and catch a game for yourself.

Queens is an area neglected by many visitors who only briefly glimpse it as they make their transit from the John F Kennedy International Airport. Tennis lovers will know it better for the US Open Tennis which is held there annually at Flushing Meadows. Holiday accommodation here is very scarce if youre looking for a decent standard.

The smallest of all the boroughs is Staten Island with a population of around 400,000 people. Visitors usually take a ride on the world famous Staten Island Ferry which is extremely cheap and provides stunning views on its half hour journey, this ferry is a must to complete any visit to the ‘Big Apple’.

While visiting New York most tourists take the opportunity to view the site of the World Trade Centre and quietly reflect on the horrors of 9/11, here you can remember the brave men and women who so tragically lost their lives. New York is home to the American Museum of Natural History, the magnificent home of millions of objects held in its collection.

Another moving experience is a trip to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. This is where many hundreds of thousands of immigrants first set foot in the States and were processed here for their citizenship.

Some people like to visit the Empire State Building. It is located on Fifth Avenue at 34th Street. People are amazed when they realize that this world famous landmark was built in the 1930’s. Despite recent security scares people are still able to visit the viewing platform on the very top floor and marvel at the panoramic view of New York City.

Another good place to visit is the Rockefeller Centre. It is still one of the best places to go for shopping and entertainment and many visitors still take in a trip round Central Park on a horse drawn carriage. When there they can explore the zoo and sit on a bench and reflect at the tranquillity of the lake sat in amongst this large bustling city.

No trip to New York City is complete without a panoramic boat trip around the harbour and a close up view of the Statue of Liberty. It is certainly no wonder that New York City is referred to as the City that never sleeps.

So for any trip to The Big Apple, make sure that you plan well in advance to sort out the most suitable holiday accommodation, and also so you can fit in all the wonders the city offers.

The advantages of having an annual pass to Disneyland Park, California

For some making a trip to Disneyland is an annual experience that they have done since they were kids. For others it is their “happy place” and they try to visit as often as they can. Either way, getting into the park can be expensive, especially if you do it more than once a year. One alternative to save money on your park tickets is to purchase an annual pass instead. You will be paying more up front for the tickets, but in the end you could save more money then if you just purchased tickets for the days that you will be at the park.

-The Annual Passes-

There are four kinds of annual passports that Disneyland offers all have different term and conditions and offer different discounts. Make sure that you research the one that is right for you and your vacation before you purchase one.

1) The Premium Annual Pass has no blockout dates and you also get a 10-20% discount on dining, tours and souvenirs. This pass is the most expensive of the four.

2) The Deluxe Annual Pass, which is good for 315 days of the year and has a 10% discount on dining and a 20% discount on tours. There is no discount on souvenirs with this pass or any of the other passes other than the Premium.

3) The Southern California Annual Pass, this is only available to people that live in southern California. There are no discounts on tours, only a 10% discount on dining. You can only use this pass 215 days of the year.

4) The Southern California Select annual pass is the cheapest of the four, but it also offer the least amount of perks and has the most blockout dates (you can only use it 170 days of the year. It is also restricted to only people living in southern California and has the same discounts as the other Southern California Pass.

-Special Events-

As an Annual Pass holder you are invited to special events that are not generally offered to the public. For example, in June of 2008 in the days leading up to the new Toy Story Mania ride opening, pass holders were given a chance to sign up to ride the ride before it opened to the public. Pass holders are also given first offerings on tickets to special events such as Mickey’s Halloween Treat.

-Discounts-

Inside the park is not the only place that Annual Pass Holders see discounts. You can use your pass for discounts at almost every store and restaurant in Downtown Disney and the restaurants in the Disneyland Hotels. Again the amount of you discount depends on the type of pass that you purchased.

Annual Pass holders also are offered discounts on hotel rooms at the Disneyland Hotels, during certain times of the year. Along with discounts to special events such as Mickey’s Halloween Treat party that is held at Disney California in October. New discounts pop up all the time for Annual Pass Holders and that are not offered to the general public. Once you become an Annual Pass Holder you will receive access to the Annual Pass Holder website and also will get a quarterly newsletter to keep you informed on all of the new events and discounts.

Resorts And Harbor Lagoon Las Vegas

On the outskirts of the Las Vegas Strip resides the 3,592-acre Mediterranean- way Lake Las Vegas Resort, a privately -owned artificial lake in southeast Nevada. A resort and housing region in individual, this retreat has a laid-back vibe when compared to Vegas speedy -paced nightlife, but it still gives visitors an eclectic atmosphere to search. The resort includes everything from custom homes to interesting boating excursions to finals golf courses.
For guests who have always wanted to voyage abroad Lake Las Vegas sets itself apart as a foremost gateway reminiscent of Europes lakeside villages. Guests staying at the AAA Four Diamond-rated Ritz-Carlton can see traces of arched doorways and clay tile roofs. Offering an unforgettable view of the resorts mountainous backdrop is the Loews Hotel, which is also AAA Four Diamond-rated.

There are plenty of on-water and waterfront behaviour . Lake Mead, one of the biggest national recreational sites in the United States, is only two miles away and offers scenic power-boating and watersports opportunities. Within the resort, the 320-acre lake only allows non-motorized recreational watercraft with the exception of the resorts two cruise yachts and protection vehicles but visitors can select from paddle boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailboating or fishing at Lake Las Vegas two marinas, MonteLago Village Marina and SouthShore Marina.
For fly-fishermen, the lake overflows with trout, bluegill, bonefish, deep and sunfish, and master guides even offer programs and lessons for both new and veteran fishers.
Golfers will find Lake Las Vegas to be the definitive golfing gold mine with three 18-gap courses collectively named the Best Resort Golf Courses by Golfweek magazine in 2007: the Reflection Bay and SouthShore Golf Clubs both designed by Jack Nicklaus and The Falls Golf associations designed by Tom Weiskopf.
MonteLago Village is considered as a resort-within-a-resort, the 55,000-square-foot commercial village captures the essence and beauty of old-world Europe as cobblestone streets converge into continental plazas. Its an friendly, pedestrian-only community ceased with boutiques, residential quarters, and lakeshore bistros and restaurants.

Impeccable Technique: Vegas Beyond Undefeated

Impeccable Technique: Vegas Beyond Undefeated

“Far as lyrics go:
They rocking recitals
It won’t stop until I’m on top with the title
Hustling no stopping the cycle, I’m shopping for rifles
I’m not for the idols
Fuck the twin towers dog, we on top of the Eiffel
Like live Pisa Pisa, eating a piece of pizza
You cant be were I be dog, you need a visa
Come on cheeb of reefer
Please believe it, I will squeeze and leave ya
All bullets they will heat and seek ya
Harlem world I’m a swell my town
You a clown you can tell by now
That I’m, I’m ready, I’m ready we coming for the title”

-Excellent word play from Cam’ron on “I’m Ready” …..sick sample too.

People are always coming up and asking me, how do you go to Las Vegas and night after night swoop girls and stay Undefeated. Great question. Is it the textblasters and huge rolodex of beautiful girls? Sure. Thick Bankroll? Obviously. Great Genetics? Absolutely. A Playboy bloodline going back to the Original Don Juan in Spain? Bet your life on it.

Recently, I was reading some Las Vegas Player advice by some pseudo “g” and he was claiming he gets girls 50% of the time he is in Vegas. I am thinking to myself 50%? That’s a horrible success rate, especially in Vegas. If my success rate was that poor, I wouldn’t even expect you to read this. But you should read this because my success rate is over 100%. Beyond Undefeated. Beyond Undefeated is when you have swooped more girls than you have spent nights in a city. There are certain does and don’ts you must apply if you want to be successful. Here are some Impeccable Techniques:

Avoid Local Mystery Suite Parties

These sound good on Paper, especially when pitched to you by some 21 year old Maybelline Queen Exotic Dancer. She will tell you something like “lets go up to this suite party on the 56th floor of the Bellagio”. Yeah sounds good on paper. The reality is that you will have to mix with Local Vegas Guy (And I don’t mean Alain Ducasse’s Mix or Mix Lounge in THE HOTEL either). Avoid local Vegas guy at all costs. Especially local vegas promoter guy. These guys are really fronters, scumbags and losers. Although these guys front like they have connections in Vegas, they usually just know other low-end bottom feeder types. The reason why these guys are so bad, I think, (And I don’t give them much thought) is because Vegas is an expensive place, (for most, for me its cheap) champagne drinking limo riding and all that. Local Vegas Promoter guy has to compete with that every night or else he gets mopped up by tourist guy. And I am not a mathmetician but when local vegas promoter guy is pulling down $27,500 a year, the life style just doesn’t add up. Plus he has to go to the salon to get his hair styled and needs to buy tons of cool T-shirts with writing on them to keep up the “cool, party guy act”. And as we know, those 3rd World Sweatshop made T-shirt aren’t cheap. So what Vegas Guy has to do is cut corners. Rip people off. Not to mention a rampant drug problem. This is all a recipe for disaster. Personally, I am more interested in Galatoire’s recipe for Gumbo or Turtle Soup. It’s important to have a good Running Partner with you in these situations, that way you can kick up your Gucci Loafers, spark up a smoke with a vintage Dunhill lighter, finish off your Goose and Soda, and check the time with a Vintage 1960’s Breitling Watch (to see if your in the kill zone for Gentleman’s Clubs) while your Running Partner ads a couple of KO’s to his record “on the cobbles”.

Utilize the “Ultra-Lounges”

In Vegas they call Lounges “Ultra-Lounges”. If you ask me, it sounds pretty gay. Regardless, they are functional spots to use as early night meeting points. They are real easy to get into and are easy to find someone. Also a good place to get back up leads as fly girls usually are to be found in Ultra-Lounges.

Don’t get blinded by the Light (and I don’t mean Andrew Sasson’s Club Light either)

Avoid going to Gentlemans Club’s on Friday and Saturday Night at 11 or 12. Even when you are Untouchable like Eliot Ness. I know you got the Custom-Made suit on, hand made shoes from England, and got on the best tie in your collection. Your Bullet-proof, Hard to Kill like Steven Segal. Still, avoid the the Gentlemans club early. You Will get “Pole-Axed”, “Jelly-Fished” and/or “Blinded out”. You don’t have to be an expert in Econometric Modeling to know that Gentleman’s Clubs are all about supply and demand. When there are more girls than guys in Gentleman’s Clubs its all systems go. When there are more guys than girls in a Gentleman’s Club the system is clogged. But if your dressed sharp like a porcupine in a Custom Suit by Duncan Quinn with side vents, blood red shirt by Dior Homme with silver and black cufflinks, no tie, pocket square by Thom Browne, Custom shoes by John Lobb on St. James Street or Edward Green on Jermyn Street in exotic skins (refined decadence) you have a more than decent shot at it.

Oysters

We have mentioned this before. But don’t start any night in Vegas without Oysters. A good portfolio would be some Cotuit Oysters (Massachusetts), Netarts Bay (Oregon), and some Winterpoints (Maine). (Skip the Hamma Hamma Oysters (Washington) and the Kumamoto (Oregon), they suck.) Caviar and Florida Stone Crabs also make for a nice well rounded opening salvo. RM Mooney, Daniel Boulud’s Daniel, Alain Ducasse’s Mix, even Aquanox are all worth an early stop by.

Girls in Street Clothes

Want to pull Fly Girls out of a Gentleman’s Club in less time than it takes you to finish two Goose and Sodas? (And I drink fast). Here is how you do it: Target Girls in street clothes. They are already on their way out the spot, so half the battle is already won. Last time in Vegas I walked in (dressed impeccably of course) to a great Gentleman’s Club and 17 minutes later left with three Fly girls, destination: my suite at Wynn Resorts (in the girls defense, the spot was filled with Regular Guy, and I was wearing an Ridiculous suit by Paul Smith, my track record is flawless, and my skin had a healthy flush from the spa earlier in the day, so I could hardly blame them for wanting to leave with me). Not bad for a Wednesday night.

Side Note:

Avoid Girls with “Property of (insert Biker Gang)” Tattoos. Weather it be The Hells Angels, The Banditos, The Pagans, The Rock Machine (now merged with The Banditos), The Outlaws or The Henchmen. In fact, it’s better to avoid Gentleman’s Clubs with Biker Gangs in general. Unless of course you are trying to find distribution for a large quantity on Crystal Meth, in that case, you found the right guys. You don’t want to get in the Crossfire of a Gang War and find out how good you are at ducking wrenches. I remember one time years back in Los Angeles, I was with a local beautiful Hollywood, prototype SuicideGirl/ Nightlife Princess and the Motorcycle Club in attendance didn’t take too kindly to me. Not sure why. But I do know, if it wasn’t for my Desert Eag and a cab with perfect timing I might have not had a Magical Night.

James “Lights Out” Toney

Partying in Las Vegas, even with Entering The Dragon, will get you in pretty bad physical shape over a few day period. Don’t be Vain about it or let it get you down. James “Lights Out” Toney, became one of the Greatest Boxers of his Generation and he did it not by being in great shape. He has always said, “Boxing is not a Bodybuilding Competition” (you remember a “chubby” Tim Witherspoon knocking out the Adonis Frank Bruno for the Heavyweight title, right?). Well, “Las Vegas is not a Bodybuilding Competition either”. Vegas is a GAME competition. (Well, maybe that Rehab Sunday pool party at the Hard Rock is a Bodybuilding Competition, but I have never been. The last place I want to be in Vegas in the summer time is at the Hard Rock pool with a bunch of personal trainer Guys from Arizona with Tribal Tattoos.) James Toney made it happen by being Tough, having tons of Heart, an Iron Chin, superb Counter Punching, a will to win, and lets face it: Impeccable Technique. Be a James Toney.

The Vegas Dance

No this isn’t some dance like The BankHead Bounce, The Harlem Shake, The Young Joc Motorcycle Dance, The Patty Duke, the Wrench or the Tango. Or even dope Breakdance moves like The Turtle, The Baby, Top Rock, Brooklyn Flare, Freezes, Windmills, Suicides (And I don’t mean SuicideGirls either) Headspins or Crazy Legs ill backspin in “Beat Street”. If you are like me, come 3am in Vegas, you will have plenty of options for Girls. Especially, if you follow The Blueprint for a Perfect Night in Vegas. Hold out for your best option. The best part about Vegas is that you have more time if you need it. Behind on the Score Cards after Twelve Rounds? Well, the great thing in Vegas is there is a Round 13. Hell, in Vegas you have as many rounds as you need to win the fight! No need to get jumpy and call it a night with the Ex-Sorority Girl in town from Ohio for a Bachelorette party who gave you her number. Hold out for something with some punch to it. For instance:

Girl Plus Friend

This is one of the most important techniques to Being Beyond Undefeated. It is a high risk move. But without Risk there cannot be Reward. To be a Top G, Top Pedigree, you need to embrace Risk. That’s why I trade Futures instead of Options. Unlimited Downside, but Unlimited Upside potential as well. So you have been stick and moving all night like Zab Judah, and you got a Fly Girl meeting you back at the Parasol Up bar ready to Kostya Tszyu her. Tell her to bring a Girlfriend. Leverage your position. Dame Sizzler style. When you get back to your Suite, have an In-Room Gymnastics Competition. Remember to Score the Girls on difficulty, form, originality AND artistry. Make sure you get a couple of Nadia Comaneci’s……. The Rest is Up to You……..

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
AKA The Judge
The Guide to Getting More Out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

(Want to see something in The G Manifesto? Send suggestions to thegmanifesto@yahoo.com)

Las Vegas, The America’s Playground

Las Vegas widely famous as ‘the America’s Playground’ is a city of southeast Nevada near the California and Arizona borders. Las Vegas, the largest city in Nevada, is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States.

Las Vegas has earned many nicknames such as the “City of lights”, “Glitter Gulch”, “Sin City” and “Lost Wages”. The city is also famous for its nightlife.

The campus of the University of Nevada, Nellis Air Force Base, Hoover Dam, and Museums including ones devoted to natural history, old neon signs from the strip, the entertainer Liberace, atomic testing etc, are the other attractions of the city.

About Author: The author is the owner of the website about Las Vegas Hotels, a comprehensive guide on las vegas hotels, offering tons of info and tips to take las vegas hotel and las vegas cheap hotel. To get more information click: las vegas cheap hotel

Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 35

The United States of America is a country rich in history and diversity, from the people that live there to the monuments they have built over the decades to the natural beauty the country has to offer. That’s why when trying to choose only five places in the whole country to visit for a vacation with family or friends, you might begin to feel dizzy.

But don’t worry, I am here to help, from east to west and north to south, here are the top five tourist attractions in the United States.

1) Washington, D.C

With only sixty-one-square miles of land, the District of Columbia would be the smallest state if ever ratified, but despite it’s small size Washington D.C is full of historic landmarks and monuments. The Lincoln Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Washington Monument are a few must see destinations along with the Arlington National Cemetery and of course the White House. If your looking for a more kid-friendly location the National Zoo, set in the stunning Rock Creek National Park and featuring over 400 species of animals, is a great place to check out; it’s free to enter and the kids will love it.

2) Times Square, New York

New York city is home to people of different races, cultures and religions and Times Square proves that. Spend as little as five minutes in Times Square and you’ll see people from all over the world walk by you, it really is a “Great Melting Pot”. Among the people you will find fine dining, theatre, shops of all types including the “world’s largest toy store” and of course the giant signs and lights that make Times Square so famous. This really is a wonderful place to visit. While your there make sure to catch a ride on one of the tour busses, they will take you around the city pointing out famous landmarks and buildings and don’t forget the Statue of Liberty!

3) Hawaii

The next place on our list also happens to be an entire state. That’s right, Hawaii is one giant, beautiful, vacation dreamland. It has everything a great vacation spot should have, from amazing beaches with white sand and clear, blue water, to helicopter rides over scenic jungles and breathtaking volcanoes. Enjoy fresh Maui cuisine or experience a Hawaiian sunset, but don’t worry, the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down, in the evenings enjoy a walk along the new Waikiki Beach Walk where you can shop, dine, or just take a walk down the moonlit beach. Before you leave make sure to visit Pearl Harbor, the National Tropical Botanical Garden and take a dive with the local Sea Turtles and Manta Rays!

4) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Sprawled out over the three states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho is Yellowstone National Park, a mysterious and pure part of the United States that appears to be untouched by mankind. The park is a perfect example of the natural beauty America has to offer with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Mammoth Hot Springs, the Norris Geyser Basin, and the famous Old Faithful. Yellowstone also offers horseback riding, bicycling, camping, hiking, boating, fishing and picnicing making sure there is always something to do at Yellowstone.

5) Zion National Park, Utah

Last on our list is Zion National Park, located in the state of Utah. Much like Yellowstone National Park, Zion offers more amazing landscape and wildlife. Driving through Zion can be an awe-inspiring experience, the massive canyon walls and red sandstone cliffs dwarf the people travelling through them. Park the car and set out for a hike to discover the amazing tunnels, streams and rock formations that are common in Zion, or drive right through the canyon walls themselves and take in the scenery from the comfort of your car.

Travel destinations: New York City – Part 6

There is no doubt that New York City is one of the greatest in the world and my personal favorite. You know when you travel somewhere for a few days and around the middle of your vacation, you feel like you’ve seen everything the city has to offer? New York City is the exact opposite of that. No matter how many times I visit, I feel like there’s always more to see.

If you’re going to New York for the first time, there are the obligatory touristy things you have to do. With the City Pass (http://www.citypass.com/city/ ny.html) you can see these all relatively inexpensively. For just $65, you gain access to some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The Empire State Building, for example, is something most people like to do when they’re in the city. With the City Pass, you can also take a Circle Line sightseeing boat tour around Manhattan. It takes you from the Wall Street area all the way around to the Statue of Liberty, all the while you learn interesting information about the buildings and bridges you pass on the way.

If you like museums, New York city is the place to go. With the City Pass you gain access to the city’s most famous and world renowned museums including the Museum of Modern Art (the MoMA), the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, more commonly referred to as just The Met. For the art lover, this is a dream. You could comfortably spend a week there and just enjoy the city’s museums. The Met, in particular, is definitely quite an undertaking. With three floors and 19 different departments ranging from Roman to American and modern art. You could easily spend a day in The Met. It’s like it’s own tiny city.

So you’ve been to the Empire State Building, gone to four museums and taken a boat tour around Manhattan, all for $65. What now? You can keep it cheap by visiting the iconic parts of New York without spending a dime except maybe on subway fare. You can see Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Wall Street, Ground Zero, Trump Tower, Little Italy and Chinatown all for free. If you have an extra hour or so and you come at the right time of year, you can enjoy a little bit of ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza for about $20. If you like shopping, whether or not you go to actually buy anything, you can shop at some of the best stores in the world. An 8-story Macy’s? I want to faint just thinking about it.

If you enjoy tours, the city has tons of fun little tours. Some of the most

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