Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 1

The United States is a vast country. From sea to shining sea you can find mountains, deserts, plains and enough attractions to keep any tourist busy for the rest of their life. Here are my top five attractions.

New York City

The Big Apple has got to be on the top attraction on any tourist’s list when it comes to travel in the United States. It appeals to Americans and also to visitors from around the world. The Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are landmarks recognized by people everywhere. Broadway, Fifth Avenue and Wall Street are places that have worked their way into everyone’s language. Time Square is the center of the American universe. New York City will appeal to children, adults and seniors; it is a city for everyone. Central Park offers a respite from the skyscrapers and brings a bit of the country mid-town.

With some of the world’s greatest museums and cuisine to temp andy pallate, New York city really is The City That Never Sleeps.

The Grand Canyon

At the other end of the spectrum the Grand Canyon is all about wide open spaces where the only thing you see when you look up are canyon walls and bright blue skies.

When it comes to spectacular scenery, there is nowhere in the United States that can compare to the Grand Canyon. Whether you choose the South Rim or the North Rim, you will have views that are unsurpassed; it is hard to imagine that these colors actually exist in nature. It is even more beautiful than any picture you have ever seen. If you are visiting the north rim it is easy to combine the Canyon with a visit to Sin City, sort of a 2 for 1. You will even feel good about choosing to combine scenery with all the glitz of Las Vegas.

New Orleans

It isn’t just about Mardi Gras in New Orleans. There isn’t another city in the United States like it. The architecture, the jazz , the voodoo and the beignets are all guaranteed to make you fall in love. Walking or driving along the levis holding back the mighty Mississippi makes you realize what a precarious position this city survives in and that makes New Orleans all the more precious and unique.

The historic parts of the city were almost untouched by Katrina but it is the rebuilding of this great city that is bringing many tourists back to Nawlins. Don’t wait for Mardi Gras, this is a city that is at its best all year round.

Charlottesville, Va.

While this city may not be on every tourist’s radar, it should be. Three of our presidents found it charming enough to make it their home. The most famous former resident is Thomas Jefferson, who helped design the University of Virginia, which is also located in Charlottesville. He built his famous home Monticello here and today you can visit it as well as the homes of James Madison and James Monroe. Charlottesville has all the vibes of a college town and more.

Philadelphia, Pa.

There is no city that is more representative of what the Unites States is all about than Philadelphia. Ben Franklin is probably one of the best known Americans to have ever lived. History, art, entertainment and plenty of outdoor activities guarantee that you can visit here every year and never get bored. Philadelphia has undergone a renaissance and it is the place to really feel the pulse of historic America.

These are just a few of my favorite attractions in the United States. You could spend a lifetime seeing everything this wonderful country has to offer. From east to west, north to south, there are attractions to appeal to every tourist from every country and of course if none of these appeal there is always Orlando or Anaheim.

New York Self-Catering Property Rentals

New York is best known for the Big Apple, or New York City. What you may not know is that there are vacation opportunities all across the state of New York. You will have your choice of a vacation full of busy activities, or a relaxing lazy day type of experience. There are numerous hotel resorts in New York, but a vacation rental home will offer much more space and comfort.

A popular tourist destination in New York is Niagara Falls, which is located on the north-western portion of the state. During your stay, take a boat tour that will go behind the Falls. Other famous attractions include an aquarium and dining options. The rental properties are slightly harder to come across the closer that you get to Niagara Falls, but there should be some sort of rental accommodation close by. Other tourists prefer to stay along the shore of Lake Ontario. If you are available during this time, you can try to arrange your vacation so that you will be there during the New York State Fair in Syracuse.

If you are planning your New York trip for the summer, then consider staying in upstate New York, around Lake George. This is a very commercialized are where people retreat to during the summer months and take advantage of the water-play facilities. If you enjoy crowds, then a resort might be a better option for you. However, for a more peaceful experience along Lake George, vacation rental homes are available. You might have to inquire about a rental property earlier in the year to make sure that you are able to book a stay.

Of course, it is hard to visit New York without taking a trip to New York City. It is an experience that everyone should take part of. The housing options are less scarce the closer you get to the city. However, there are condos and penthouses available, as well as apartments for rent. When searching for a rental property, you can narrow down the search options by entering in your price, amenity choices, and other preferences. Make sure that you take a stroll through Central Park, visit the Empire State Building, go to the top of The Statue of Liberty, and go to the Museum of Art. You should also visit Ground Zero, which was the site of a terrible terrorist attack that killed thousands in 2001. While it is a very somber place to visit, you can feel the unity that New York City truly has among the citizens.

New York State is one of those destinations that makes it hard to see everything on one trip. There are so many wonderful locations that offer culture, excitement, and memories that will last a life time. Make your stay even more memorable by obtaining a vacation rental home. You can find vacation rentals by owner or search by location. There is always a large variety of pictures available as well as previous customer reviews. You will have more space and you will be more comfortable.

Situated on the eastern side of the United States, nestled in between Virginia and South Carolina, is a beautiful state called North Carolina.

This cardinal state has the best of both worlds: a beautiful coast line and cool crisp mountains. The moderate climate on the coastline of North Carolina is perfect for a weekend getaway or a beach wedding. You can find miles upon miles of quiet beaches, fishing, golf courses, boating, elite dining, resorts, and fabulous shopping. Peace and quiet is what normally lures people to the North Carolina coastline. It is not too crowded but the coast still has exciting things to do when you are tired of the water.

You can spend a relaxing day at the beach, or try your luck at surfing. Many people have also started taking up the sport of wind surfing. Afterwards, head on over to the marina where you can join a charter boat for a sun filled day of fishing. If the moving waters is not for you, then you can still spend the day riding other forms of sea craft or watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch. You can truly forget your troubles in North Carolina. The climate is always perfect, not too hot and not too cold.

North Carolina is also the best place for vacation rentals. Many homeowners will purchase a seaside retreat for themselves, but rent it out to tourists when they are not using it. The latest developments to sprout along the North Carolina coastline are beach villages, or rental developments. These look very much like a condo resort, and most of them contain a high class golf course.

In the elite developments there is also tennis courts and several pools. This is the type of place to find a luxurious vacation rental home. While the resorts at the North Carolina beaches are very comfortable and nice, the privacy of a vacation rental home cannot be matched. Large families find the most use out of the homes, because everyone can have their own piece of privacy. However, smaller families also like the vacation rentals because they are quiet and away from the crowds, especially those with children.

If you are traveling during the autumn months, take a trip to the North Carolina mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a delight during the cooler months, especially during the peak season. This is when all of the leaves start to turn bright colors of gold, red and yellow. Along the Blue Ridge, you can have a wonderful view of all of the mountain tops, as well as rock side waterfalls.

The most common vacation rentals in the mountains are cozy cabins, especially in the ski resorts. The cabins are perfect for couples needing a romantic getaway for the weekend. There are also historical stops along the Blue Ridge for those who enjoy a walk back in time. By vacationing in North Carolina, the benefits are very large. If you want to visit both the mountains and the beach during your vacation, then spend a week at both places!

A visitors guide to New York Citys neighborhoods – Part 2

New York City, the most populous city in the United States is made up of five boroughs: Staten Island, Queens, The Bronx, Brooklyn and my personal favorite, Manhattan. Commonly referred to as “the city that never sleeps” and “the Big Apple”, the city is divided by several different and equally popular neighborhoods. While some are lesser known, these neighborhoods top the list of most visitors and tourists alike.

The Upper West Side, primarily consists of an upscale residential neighborhood and hosts a number of popular attractions such as the Lincoln Center, the Met (Metropolitan Opera House), and the New York State Theater, home of the New York City Ballet and is the heart of the city as far as culture is concerned. If you find yourself in this neighborhood after dark, check out Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola Nightclub for some tasty eats and enjoy world-class jazz music while overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

The Upper East Side, located east of the famous Central Park is the location of Museum Mile, a collection of nine of New York’s finest museums such as the Guggenheim and the Jewish Museum. If you’re on a budget, stay away from this part of town as the shopping experience can get pricy. But if you’re looking for a luxury, world class hotel, this area features the lot of them.

Next, head over to Midtown. Most of the city’s best known landmarks are located in this area along with some of the best shopping in the world. Don’t miss the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station and the Chrysler Building, all located in Midtown.

Not far from Midtown is Murray Hill, a quiet residential neighborhood near the Midtown tunnel and features nice brownstones and located near the tramway to Roosevelt Island.

Above Central Park you will find Harlem, an area rich in African American history. Famous landmarks include the Apollo Theater, Grant’s Tomb, a memorial to the late Ulysses S. Grant and Studio Museum specializing in African American art.

A widely popular area is the Theater District and Times Square. Probably one of the most visited neighborhoods in New York City, Times Square is the home to MTV Studios (hosting the popular tv show, TRL), and the Times Building, the location where the New Years Eve ball drops and of course, the setting for Good Morning America. Located nearby is the ever-popular Theater District, popular spots such as Radio City Music Hall (home of the Rockettes), the Metropolitan Opera House and Carnegie Hall are located in this area. A few

Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 15

The United States has numerous tourist attractions designed to satisfy everybody’s interests. Here are my choices for the top five tourist attractions in the United States. I have personally been to all of these attractions.

1. Niagara Falls, New York. I realize that most of this natural wonder is located on the Canadian side of North America but there are plenty of attractions on the American side too. There is an aquarium, a haunted house, a family fun center that has mini bowling lanes, a video arcade and several other family oriented areas. Niagara Falls also has a wax museum, a casino and several museums dedicated to the history of the falls. If you have never been to Niagara Falls, you are missing an awesome sight. The website www.Niagara-USA.com offers plenty of information that is very useful for planning your visit.

2. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, Indiana. The birthplace of the Indianapolis 500, the Speedway is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. This race, held on Memorial Day weekend, brings thousands of motor sports fans and visitors to Indianapolis not only for the race but also for the parade held the day before. The Indianapolis 500 Parade features floats, bands, equine marchers and all thirty three drivers riding through downtown Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway website, www.indianapolismotorspeedway .com, can give you plenty of information on hotels, restaurants and shopping during your stay in Indianapolis.

3. Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky. Home of the Kentucky Derby, the fastest two minutes in sports and the first race in the Triple Crown races. The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday of May and is restricted to three year old Thoroughbreds, colts and fillies. Churchill Downs opened in 1874 and the first three races held were the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks, and the Clark Handicap. All three races are still run at Churchill Downs with the Clark being held in the fall. The Kentucky Oaks is open to three year old fillies and is run the Friday afternoon on Kentucky Derby weekend.

4. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, Tennessee. This museum originally located at the corner of 16th Avenue and Division Street, opened on April 1, 1967 and closed on December 31, 2000. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of country music through several floors filled with numerous interactive exhibits. In addition to touring the museum, visitors are also offered the opportunity to visit the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Old Opry and Studio B, where legendary country music artists like Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Waylon Jennings and Charley Pride all recorded some of their major hits.

5. The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, Lake George, New York. This theme park was originally known as Storytown, USA and featured areas dedicated to nursery rhymes and children’s stories. Now this park is part of the Six Flags chain and offers visitors all kinds of roller coasters, thrill rides and entertainment. Some of the rides that were operating when it was Storytown, like Cinderella’s Coach, are still in operation today. Splashwater Kingdom offers a place for visitors to cool off during the hot summer months. I have also visited Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts and I prefer the Great Escape. In my opinion, The Great Escape is cleaner, prettier and the staff is much more friendlier.

Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 42

In this article, we will look at five great American destinations some you may not know, but you will be glad you do now.

-Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan-

The dunes alone bring many tourists, but this area is vintage America. The local forests, native culture, undeveloped lake front, and small communities can create a sense of peace for any vacationer. You may just forget what a city is after a few days in this region. Intimacy grows at all levels here. You will feel closer to your companions, nature, and even America as your trip ends.

-Gatlinburg, Tennessee-

Here, it feels like someone turned nature into a theme park. The smoky mountains entwine with the town. Traditional and historic America are so present that it often feels like you traveled to this region via time machine. Nearby, you can visit amazing reserves, Dollywood, and Pigeon Forge. If you look down, you may just see the roots of the country. If you look up, you may see it’s soul lingering in the mountains.

-Sedona, Arizona-

Sedona offers a unique window into American history. The Honanki Cliff Dwellings date back nearly 900 years. The land looks like pure untouched old west frontier straight out of a movie set. Whether you want to climb the red rocks or simply take in their beauty, there are opportunities for all in one of America’s greatest natural settings. It is a unique spiritual experience just to spend time alone with these rocks. Even the skeptic will quickly realize why this area has been valued and frequented since it was discovered once they experience it first hand.

-Salt Lake City, Utah-

The full beauty and awe of the rocky mountains overflows into this city. More historic and natural attractions than you can fully enjoy in a year are nearby. Above all, the breathtaking trails through the various mountain parks could each be a separate vacation destination. What can’t you find or do in this region is an easier thought than considering all you can do. With Olympic parks, alpine like towns, Vatican like church foundations, salt flats with lake and beach included, epic mountain canyons and trails, everything seems to exist here in some form.

-San Diego, California-

All that westward exploration paid off in the end. We finally found paradise. It may not be little known, but it tops any list. Tijuana is just south. Hollywood is a little north. In the middle, you have all the pleasures of a small city with no stress. Even work here feels like vacation. The weather is perfect nearly every day of the year. If you die and look up to see San Diego, you know you did something right.

Ride Charter Buses in New York

New York has become one of the top ten tourist spots in the United States. From the hustle-bustle of the streets to nature tripping, New York has got it all for you. Touring the Big Apple for a day is not enough. New York is a big state. With so many tourist attractions and places for activities like shopping, you need a New York City charter bus.

A charter bus service in New York is always booked from tourists around the world. A certified globetrotter or a frequent traveler can even recommend you to hire a bus charter company if you are traveling in big groups. And if you travel in small groups, some shuttle buses are available too. Just ask the charter bus company for more information.

Charter Buses

The advantage of hiring charter buses is its renting period. The advantage of it when compared to other touring vehicles is that the service is tailored: you can freely discuss how long your trip will be and which places you want to visit.

Another great thing about charter buses is most of it, depending on the company, have bathroom facilities and have other sort of amusements like TV/DVD combination, tables for dining, lounge seats, and even Wi-Fi access.

One of New York City’s reliable charter bus service companies, Abraham’s Trans Service will do whatever it takes to insure your safety and provide you a different experience on every trip. With over a decade of professional traveling service in, to, and around New York, Abraham’s now welcomes corporate accounts. Special rate packages are also available for company outings, wedding service, and educational field trips. If you have other transportation needs, you can contact Abraham’s Trans Service anytime.

Top New York Destinations
· New York is probably one of the most populated in terms of tourists. Who could blame them? New York is a beautiful state. Aside from California, New York is also an entertainment capital with soaring concerts and Broadway events from time to time. If you feel like it, Times Square is your destination.

· Are you a budding broker or always in a hype for stocks? Wall Street is your destination.

· If you feel like shopping, splurge at the famous 5th Street or at the Soho — or if you want some “star sightings.”

· Club hopping? New York City has it everywhere. Just take your pick.

· Niagara Falls, yes? Enjoy the breath-taking falling of the waters and the coldness of Niagara. Who said New York is just a city? Though there is Central Park in the heart of New York, it is a big state, there are more than 12,000 acres of undeveloped natural land and 26,000 acres of parkland in the big city alone.

To know more of New York’s top destinations for tourists contact Abraham’s for charter bus service.

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A visitors guide to New York Citys oddball laws

To this day New York remains one of the all time best cities to visit with a seemingly unlimited Array of cozy neighborhood hot spots, museums, theater, as well as bars and clubs to entertain you well into the evening hours. Synonymous with art and culture, nightlife and fun, the unknowing tourist may see this as a playground; but there are many oddball laws in NYC. Most of them are no longer enforced, but they exist nonetheless.

Take jaywalking, for example. Jaywalking is legal, you may cross a street while walking outside of a crosswalk, as long as you do not walk diagonally. Walking diagonally across the street is prohibited by law. Getting caught breaking this particular law can be easily avoided, after all, it is New York City, and more often than not there will be a group crossing the street along with you. This will provide you with the proper cover to go ahead and walk in a diagonal fashion should you choose to do so.

New York City is one of the fashion capitals of the world and therefore requires that its’ citizens and visitors dress appropriately. When on the street, you are breaking the law if you are a woman wearing “body hugging” clothing. Ladies, if you are one of the unfortunate fashion victims wearing a shirt that is considered too tight then by all means, take it off! Feel free to flaunt your naked torso because that IS legal in New York City, so long as your naked bosom is not being used for business purposes. The best part about this is that you don’t even have to worry about that weirdo guy trying to get chatty because there is a $25 fine in New York City just for flirting. Better yet, the creep who persists in giving you that “standard leer” will be forced by law to wear horse blinders while he walks down the street. Should you still feel uncomfortable walking topless on the streets then hop on the subway where both men and women can travel sans a shirt, so long as they are not smoking. Smoking is prohibited on the subway.

There is a lot to do in NYC, but if the mood strikes to put on a public performance of your own then please wait until the afternoon to do so. It is illegal to begin such proceedings before 1:05 pm. While getting your refreshments during intermission, remember that it is against the law to have an ice cream cone in your pocket on Sundays, and as always, a permit is required to transport a carbonated beverage. Should your activities involve a ball then it is wise to note that you will be breaking the law by throwing a ball at someone’s head for fun.

NYC landmark buildings are a popular tourist attraction. Just remember while visiting them that by law you are to look at no one during the elevator ride and must face forward with your hands folded. Once at the top it is pertinent to remember that the penalty for jumping off of a building in NYC is death.

Knowing the in’s and out’s of these oddball laws will ensure that your visit to NYC is as safe as it is fun.

A quick guide to New York City – Part 1

The cruise ship will pull into the Port of New York/New Jersey which is the largest seaport on the East Coast of North America. The seaport is managed and maintained by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This Port Authority is also responsible for the four major airports, PATH rail system, tunnels and bridges that connect New York with New Jersey, the Manhattan Bus Terminal and The World Trade Center site. The PATH rail transit network provides direct service form the port to New York and New Jersey.

(Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. (n.d.). Retrieved August 20, 2008, from

http://en.wikipedia.org)

New York City is the biggest city in the United States and is known for an entry point for immigration to the United States and its status as a financial, cultural, transportation and manufacturing centre. It was named after the 17th century Duke of York, James Stuart, future James II and VII of England and Scotland.

(New York. (n.d.). Retrieved August 21, 2008, from

http://en.wikipedia.org)

Shopping

New York City has always been a fantastic shopping destination bringing in people from all over America as well as the world. New York offers three famous Flagship Department Stores these are Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Macy’s Herald Square store is massive and in fact is the world’s largest department store. It is well worth going to the visitors centre because international tourists can usually pick up a discount card. Bloomingdales is seen as one of America’s most exclusive shops stocking many designer items. Bloomingdales are most commonly found throughout the East Coast. The most exclusive Department Store in New York is Saks Fifth Avenue which stocks the highest quality designer goods. The store is nowhere near as vast as Macy’s, but everything that is stocked is of the highest quality. Of course high quality brings high prices and there aren’t many bargains, so bring a large amount of cash if planning to purchase anything.

Along with the Department Stores that New York City has to offer it is also home to the famous Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue contains top quality boutique shops, well known chains and top tourist attractions. Stores featured are Fortunoff, Wempe Jewelers, FAO Schwarz, World of Disney, the NBA Store and Nike Town. The area also features the Elizabeth Arden Salon & Spa. Away from shopping and relaxation the Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are both well

Traveling with kids in New York City – Part 1

New York City, Gotham, the Big Apple by whatever name you call it, this is America’s most exciting city. With tourist attractions for all ages, NYC is the perfect destination for a family vacation. There’s so much to do and see in New York that the first-time visitor can easily be lost when faced with the dizzying variety of attractions on offer, so it’s wise to do some research before you go.

New York is a shopper’s paradise, and not just in the holiday period. FAO Schwarz is the world’s largest toy emporium and is an unmissable experience for all travellers with children. There’s so much to see here from the huge dance-on piano featured in the Tom Hanks movie “Big” to America’s only Harry Potter store. Situated in the heart of Manhattan’s luxury shopping district of Fifth Avenue, the three floors of FAO Schwarz cover nearly 50,000 square feet, and every one of them is filled with toys; from the classics parents will remember from their own childhood right up to today’s latest high-tech must-haves.

Suitable for: all ages

Address: 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10153

website: http://www.fao.com/custsvc/cus tsvc.jsp?sectionId=560

Tel. 212-644-9400

If you and your kids are still in a shopping mood, head to Times Square, where you’ll find huge branches of the Disney Store and Toys “R” Us. The area bills itself as the crossroads of the world, and when you’re standing in the busy hub of the Big Apple, surrounded by the neon lights familiar from a thousand Hollywood movies, you won’t wonder why. Kids and adults alike will be enchanted by the buzz and colour of this, the throbbing heart of Manhattan.

Suitable for: 5 years old and upwards

Address: 7th Avenue and 42nd Street for the nearest subway station

Website: http://timessquare.com/

Tel. not applicable

There’s no better place to catch a show than on Broadway, but in these troubling economic times, who can stretch to the price of theatre tickets for the whole family? If you’re looking for cut-price tickets to family shows like The Little Mermaid or Mary Poppins, visit the TKTS booth while you’re still in Times Square. Here you can buy same-day tickets for some of the most popular shows in the city, often at hefty discounts. Get there early, though, as lines can be long.

Suitable for: dependent on individual shows, please check with theatres for details of suitability.

Address: Father Duffy Square, Broadway and 47th Street, New York NY

Website: www.tdf.org

Tel. 212-912-9770

Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 13

From coast to coast, north to south, and everywhere in between, the United States has some terrific tourist destinations that every American should see at least once. Some are majestic natural wonders; others are manmade feats of wonder. Here are just five of these great wonders and reasons why you should visit them.

Everglades National Park, Florida-

The largest subtropical preserve in the United States, the Everglades is a worldwide preserve, home to many rare and endangered species, some indigenous to only the Everglades. Everglades National Park opened as a wildlife sanctuary in 1947 and greets almost one million visitors annually.

Because of the number of indigenous endangered species living in the Everglades every American should take the opportunity to place the Everglades on their “must see” list before the ability to view some of these rare wildlife specimens are gone.

New York City, New York-

New York City is the largest city in the world and has all the glitz and glam to go along with its title. An estimated 8 million people live in the Big Apple. New York City is headquarters to the United Nations and is a worldwide leader in the commerce and finance industries. The city is a melting pot of cultures and is the arts and entertainment capital of the world. New York City has many districts within its five boroughs, all with their own different flavors that add to the uniqueness of the city.

For both its historic value and its importance to the world everyone should visit this ultra modern city where most of our ancestors first set foot when they came to America.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho-

Yellowstone is bound to make most Americans “must see” list. Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park, designated as such in 1872 by President Grant. Yellowstone is over 3400 square miles in area and most of the park remains wild. Mother Nature really puts on a show of splendor in Yellowstone.

You are guaranteed to see many different types of wildlife in Yellowstone some of which are threatened or endangered. Traveling through Yellowstone is an educational adventure for the entire family.

Disneyworld, Central Florida-

Located in central Florida, Disneyworld attracts almost 50 million visitors per year in its four Kingdoms (Epcot, Magic Kingdom, MGM, Animal Kingdom) combined. That’s more visitors than any other tourist attraction in the US. The four

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