TravelStream™ news feed for member davidreichman on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/davidreichman en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:40:37 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216359540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216359540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216359540/tpod.html Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:40:37 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Utah, United States

It is not surprising why Utah is among the top summer road trip destinations in the United States. The fact that within the state are five national parks to visit is enough reason. Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Zion and Canyonlands national parks all give you the chance to witness and experience the most mesmerizing and robust landscapes. Plus, they are all filled with amazing summer activities for every traveler. Arches National Park has a lot of things to do for everyone. For starters, you can get acquainted with the park by joining guided tours or discovering the park on your own with an automobile tour. Arches National Park offers activities that will dare you to get physical. You can go backpacking and camping, climbing and biking. Hikers have so many trails to choose from for an adventurous trek such as the Double Arch Trail, Balanced Rock Trail, Devil's Garden and Tower Arch Trail. If you wish to just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds you, Arches National Park gives you the best scenes and backdrops for photo opportunities.
The incredible list of outdoor activities that Bryce Canyon National Park offers draw thousands of holidaymakers every year. Families are thrilled to join the summer family programs that the park prepares. Information on the different family activities and age requirements are available in the Visitor Center, where you can also sign up for joining. There are lots of guided hiking trips you can join, but there is one, in particular, that stands out - the Full Moon Hike. It is definitely a different kind of nightlife as you trek two miles of the park under the moonlight.
Like Arches and Bryce Canyon national parks, Capitol Reef also offers hiking, biking, camping and backpacking opportunities. You can test your endurance on any of the trails in the park such as the Cohab Canyon, Frying Pan, Navajo Knobs, Old Wagon Trail and Rim Overlook. You can check on the difficulty levels and any other information you might want and need to know on these trails at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center.
A summer road trip to Zion National Park gives you amazing things you can enjoy. Aside from the staple hiking, camping, backpacking and climbing, Zion National Park offers horseback riding rides. Bicycle rides are also offered along the paved Pa'rus Trail. There are, of course, ranger-led programs that the kids can join, and, as an added bonus to the kids, they also have the opportunity to spot over two hundred species of birds while birdwatching. Go to the Zion National Park Visitor Center to get your kids a bird checklist.
The last of this roll call of Utah national parks is the Canyonlands. One of the best ways to go around Canyonlands National Park is to join any of the offered tours of the RIM Tours, Inc. It provides breathtaking backcountry mountain bike adventures to everyone. Or you can always experience the park through its waters. Have an afternoon of Colorado River Rafting where you will find yourself surrounded with Mother Nature's gifts. Kids will have the best time observing cool rock formations and other activities they can join, particularly those of the Junior Ranger Program.
All the great adventures can be found in Utah's national parks. Whether you choose to visit just one of them or see them all in one trip, you are guaranteed to have one of the best summer road trips you have ever had.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216203540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216203540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216203540/tpod.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:21:52 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States

Situated on both sides of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park still remains the most popular national park for every road trip planner. Attracting over nine million adventurers and sightseers every year, it is the most visited national park in the United States. This summer, grab your gear and head off to the massive Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Planning your summer road trip will make you realize that there are so many things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You would most certainly want to experience all of them. The size of the park might pose as overwhelming, but the Smoky Mountain Heritage Driving Tour will surely help you discover the park at your own pace on a self-guided automobile tour. Take your time driving yourself around to seek out landmarks, mountain culture and heritage, the captivating aura of the neighborhoods and, of course, the history of the Smoky Mountains.

If you are looking for a unique way to wander around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then the English Mountain Llama Trek is perfect for you. The llama treks also allow you to move at your own timetable as you are welcome to arrange them for varying lengths of time. You have the option to choose a trekking trip with a picnic or even an overnight stay at one of the cabins and/or campgrounds affiliated with English Mountain Llama Trek. Children six years of age and older can join the treks as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
You can also spice up your summer road trip with an adventurous biking tour around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smoky Mountain Bicycle Tour offers both guided and self-guided tours. Mountain bikes and road bikes are offered for touring the mountains, the historical sights and other scenic areas in and around the park.
There are also horseback riding opportunities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Walden Creek Stables' Mountain Adventure Trail promises nothing but the best time. The four-hour ride will take you through the valley, across the streams and to the top of the mountains where you can enjoy the most breathtaking views.
Note: During the summer months, the horseback rides are scheduled as early as 9 a.m. Arrangements can be made prior to your desired schedule, should you wish to take the tour at an earlier time.

Dare to challenge yourself physically on this summer road trip by conquering the bubbly and frothy whitewater. Raft yourself away with Rafting In The Smokies, which offers you the chance to experience the waters of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a very scenic and exhilarating way, even if you have no prior rafting experience. Reservations are highly recommended as it is sure to be packed during the summer.

After the very exhilarating whitewater rafting experience, cool off and relax with the Smoky Mountain Angler, the oldest fly fishing guide and outfitter in Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountain Angler is authorized to give fly fishing guided services in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offer these services to both professional fly fishermen and beginners.

The things you can do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park definitely spells out the words fun and adventure. You can bank it as one of the best summer vacations any road trip planner will have in his or her lifetime!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216091640/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216091640/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216091640/tpod.html Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:15:51 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

If you are looking for summer things to do outside the United States, Mexico is just there waiting for you. Mexico is a very lively country with a multi-ethnic society of Spanish, Native American and American traditions. This ethnic diversity is very much reflected on the country's culture and food, and here are two places in Mexico that greatly illustrates the fact:

Ensenada

Ensanada is located in the Mexican state of Baja California and is just 84 miles south of San Diego. From San Diego, you can join an Ensenada Day Tour, which is a great way to start your summer vacation. The tour gives an amazing introduction to the things to do in Ensenada and its Spanish atmosphere with its alluring shops, authentic restaurants and more. Learn more about the people's culture and heritage at the Cultural Center of Ensenada and find out how they are greatly influenced by the Spaniards.

Join Ensenada locals and other visitors at the Ensenada Summer Wine Festival for some wine tasting. The festival is an annual international event that is taking place on the first ten days of August this year! Aside from the regular wine tasting event, the festival also holds a paella cooking contest, a gala dinner and a sunset musical performance. If you wish to experience the wine in Ensenada with a relatively smaller crowd, you can also go to Bodegas De Santo Tomas. It is Baja California's oldest winery, and still conducts demonstrations of wine-making traditions. Bodega De Santo Tomas also offers samples of wines from their vineyard as well as samples of their bread and cheese.

A visit to a new place always includes shopping for souvenirs or memorabilia that you would want to bring home to remember the summer vacation by. Avenida Lopez Mateos is Ensenada's main shopping street lined with retail stores selling everything that shouts a genuine Mexican identity, such as straw hats and wood carvings. If you are looking for something more refined, Avenida Ruiz is the place to go. It is the stretch where you will find the more polished shops and cafes.
There are so many dining options to choose from in Ensenada. One of the most popular ones is the oldest cantina in Baja California, Hussong's Cantina. Dating back to the late 1800's, Hussong's Cantina was the hang out of some of the world's literary geniuses and is said to have been the place where Margaritas originated.

Oaxaca

The province of Oaxaca is located in the southern part of Mexico and is named after its largest city. The best thing to do to get to know the city is to visit Plaza de la Constitucion de Oaxaca, more popularly known as Zocalo. The plaza has been the heart of Oaxaca for over 500 years. Surrounded by stores, the dominating feature of Zocalo is the very grand old Cathedral that dates back to the 18th century.

Seasons Of My Heart offers an extraordinary Culinary Cultural Travels , and Mexican Cuisine Events and Oaxacan Food Holidays. This is great for those who love to cook, want to learn how to cook or those who simply enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. They have tours available almost the entire year, with recipes and menus appropriate for each season.
Visit the world-renowned archaeological site of Milta, combining both Zapotec and Mixtec structures, the San Pablo Villa de Milta. It is among the constant in every visitor's things to do in Mexico list. The ancient ruins are just so inviting.
Looking for accommodations in Oaxaca is a walk in the park as there are very many lodging options to choose from. The hostels, such as the Casa de Don Pablo Hostel, have very affordable nightly rates, making you enjoy more of the numerous summer things to do in Mexico.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216030080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216030080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1216030080/tpod.html Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:09:39 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Detroit, Michigan, United States

Detroit's long list of things to do and its organized freeway system make it one of the best destinations for a holiday vacation. Grab your keys and head out to have one great summer road trip to this beautiful Michigan city! Joining tours is still the best way to start a trip to get acquainted with a new place. It is also a good opportunity for you to take a break from the wheel as soon as you get to Detroit. The Detroit People Mover is a good start for you to discover the city's downtown area. The ride takes you to thirteen stops, including some of the most popular attractions located downtown. Make the most of this short driving hiatus by stopping at the Greektown, the Renaissance Center and the Joe Louis Arena, which are all accessible via the Detroit People Mover.
Music enthusiasts have a specific Detroit attraction in their itinerary for this summer road trip: the Motown Historical Museum. Motown Records is largest independent music label in the world that has produced big stars such as Stevie Wonder, the Jackson Five, Rare Earth and many more. Go back in history as you browse through the galleries of musical legends and visit the world-famous Studio A where numerous hits were recorded.
For those who are traveling with kids, there are lots of great attractions and activities in Detroit that you can check out. Drive yourselves just a few minutes from Detroit to Royal Oak and head to the Detroit Zoo, which offers kids (and adults) the chance to be face to face with both backyard and wild animals. The highlights of the zoo are the Penguin Aquarium and the Polar Bear Exhibit. Next, drive to East Grand River Avenue to have a little down time with the kids and enjoy an incredible and creative puppet show at the Detroit Puppet Theater (also known as PuppetART). For the months of July and August, the theater features the classic Sleeping Beauty "on stage". The Detroit Puppet Theater also hosts puppet-making workshops to Detroit residents and visitors, and has exhibits of the most unique puppets they have created. The New Detroit Science Center is always a hit to the curious minds. It has an interesting way of introducing and/or educating science to children. The center's interactive exhibits, the theater and the planetarium will definitely make them ask questions with answers they will be eager to learn. Summer is also Major League Baseball season, and there is no doubt that a trip to the Commerica Park is included in the list of things to do for this Detroit road trip. Join the Detroit crowd as they cheer on their very own team, Tigers. If there is no game scheduled during your visit, let the kids enjoy themselves with a carousel or a ferris wheel ride, or by running around the bases.
The Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival happens every summer on Labor Day weekend. Celebrate it this year with thousands of other jazz fanatics at the Hart Plaza on August 29th until September 1st. Hundreds of artists perform during this four day-music filled event, which is certainly one of the best ways to conclude your Detroit summer road trip.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1215421680/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1215421680/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1215421680/tpod.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 05:09:41 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Atlanta is the state of Georgia's largest city and is filled with fun summer things to do for this season's holidaymakers. People with children of different ages will find themselves with their hands full of all the family-oriented attractions and activities that the city has to offer. Before you start your summer vacation and wander around with your family, get yourselves the Atlanta CityPass that will give you instant admissions to the most popular attractions in the city. The Atlanta CityPass not only gives you great savings on cash, but also helps you save on time as you no longer need to fall in line for tickets for every attraction. The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, High Museum of Art, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta History Center and Fernbank Museum of Natural History are just some of the places you can go to with the Atlanta CityPass.
Note: The High Museum of Art currently features the works of professional photographer, Sheila Pree Bright, entitled Young Americans. The exhibit shows photographs of young American adults with captions that state their opinions and sentiments about American culture and society. This display will run until August 10th 2008.
If you have children ages 2 to 8, the Imagine It! Children's Museum of Atlanta is highly recommended. Your kids will be encouraged and excited to learn new things with the museum's colorful hands-on exhibits. There are so many things to see, listen to, touch and explore in this 30,000 square-foot establishment, even older kids and parents are going to find themselves enjoying the place!
The Fabulous Fox Theater presents the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. The Fox, as it is more popularly called, has the biggest screen in Atlanta and features blockbuster hits of the past and present. This August, The Fox adds a few more movies that will definitely draw dozens of moviegoers including Iron Man, Kung Fu Panda and Indiana Jones - Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
If you wish to spice your family summer vacation up with a little adventure, then Georgia's Stone Mountain State Park is right for you. Sixteen miles east of Atlanta stands the 3,200 acre-park that centers the world's largest exposed granite mountain. The first thing you should do when you get to the park is to ride the sky-lift gondolas that will take you over 800 feet above ground, giving you the most beautiful views of Georgia's countryside. Within the park are other interesting things to see and do such as a petting zoo, a riverboat, an antique automobile museum and an antebellum plantation. Be sure to settle your family in the park's campgrounds or any of its other lodging options for the laser light show in the evening, which is a regular event in Stone Mountain State Park during the summer.
Atlanta sure is rich of cool surprises for everyone taking a vacation. It has been among the most sought for getaways for families, couples and those who prefer traveling alone. Top the above mentioned attractions and activities with the city's wide selection of dining options, and you are definitely bound to have one of the best family summer vacations.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1214989560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1214989560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1214989560/tpod.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:11:46 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States

The list of summer things to do in Yellowstone National Park makes it one of the best weekend getaways this season. The national park is visited by millions of visitors during holidays because of its magnificent beauty as well as the wide variety of summer and winter activities it offers. Yellowstone National Park stretches across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, that has an intact ecosystem with a diverse and numerous wildlife. Within the park is a collection of some of the most extraordinary geysers, hot springs and the world-famous Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It is home to various animals such as elk, buffalo, bison, grizzly bears and wolves.
Kick off your summer by going out to experience the hundreds of geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. The Old Faithful geyser erupts more frequently than any of the big geysers in the park, which is one of the reasons why it is the most popular geyser in the world. Check out the very colorful Grand Canyon of Yellowstone where you can drive around. Hiking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is even more rewarding as you get to see breathtaking vantage points of the canyon and the waterfalls. The Canyon Village visitor center for any inquiries and tips you might need before the hike. The Canyon also has an evening program that will educate its visitors with a narration of Yellowstone's natural and cultural history.
Get your cameras ready for wildlife sighting as you wander around Hayden Valley, which is part of the Yellowstone River and sits between Yellowstone Lake and Upper Falls. It is a natural prairie with plenty of opportunity to see the animals that reside in the park. Find yourself a comfortable spot along the Yellowstone River and explore the history of the Fishing Bridge area as well as the polka-dotted cutthroat trout.
Yellowstone National Park is rich with a lot of amazing gifts of nature. Visit the Mud Volcano where you can view colorful and interesting mudpots and hot springs. You can also have the opportunity to find out the explosive past and future of Yellowstone. There is also the Morning Glory Pool that resembles the morning glory flower, and is arguably the most beautiful pool in all of Yellowstone. Then, discover Yellowstone's geographic past and learn about its present through the colorful hues of the Mammoth Hot Springs. In the evening, an illustrated lecture on Yellowstone's history takes place at the Mammoth Campground amphitheater. Other things you can find in the park worth noting are the Fountain Paint Pot and the Biscuit Basin.
All the above mentioned activities can be explored by joining the Ranger-led programs if it makes you more comfortable discovering the park with a guide rather than on your own. No matter how you choose to go around, though, you are certainly going to marvel over everything there is in the park while fishing, hiking, camping and viewing exhibits and films. Yellowstone National Park is definitely filled with adventurous summer things to do that defines an amazing vacation.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1214536980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1214536980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1214536980/tpod.html Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:24:06 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

London, England, United Kingdom

Among the most refreshing things to do in London this summer is a visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Located in west London, the Kew Gardens, as it is commonly referred to, offers you the opportunity to neutralize the heat of the season by cooling off in a vast green environment. The Kew Gardens is primarily a botanical research center and a training ground for professional gardeners. There are tens of thousands of different collection of orchids, ferns, cacti, mountain plants, tropical lilies and other plants. Since its establishment, it has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most popular things to see and do in London. The 326-acre site consists of greenhouses, walks, pavilions, lakes, museums, tropical lilies, a forest and some of the architectural crafts of Sir William Chambers. The newly-constructed XStrata Treetop Walkway makes a visit to the Kew Gardens even better. With no additional charge to the gardens' entrance fee of $25.50, (children 16 and under enter for free with every accompanying adult), visitors now have the chance to experience the trees and wildlife at 18 meters high. The walkway also allows you to have a bird's eye view of the entire Kew Gardens as well as the London skyline.
The best thing about the Kew Gardens is that it has its very own London Underground Tube station making it easily accessible for everyone who wishes to visit the arboretum and all the other attractions and activities within the area. If you wish to catch live musical performances, you can check out either Carling Apollo Hammersmith or the Sheperds Bush Empire just about three miles from the Kew Gardens. The two serve as concert venues for both local and international artists, and over the years have hosted some of the world's finest musical acts like the Beatles, Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones, Incubus, the Black Eyed Peas and more. The Museum of Rugby is also located near the Kew Gardens. In the museum, you will find a huge collection of books, balls and programs related to the sport and its history. Displays of shirts, photographs of former Rugby legends are spread throughout the museum.
There are a lot of restaurants, bars and pubs near the Kew Gardens. You might even find it difficult to choose where to go for a meal or a drink. The Pizza Express serves authentic Italian dishes at a very reasonable cost. The Travelodge Kew London is just around the corner to take care of your accommodation needs while you enjoy your Kew Gardens visit and all the other things to do in London during your summer vacation.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1213692360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1213692360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1213692360/tpod.html Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:47:18 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Seattle, Washington, United States

The weather hints that summer is just around the corner. It is time to narrow down your summer break options and start planning your vacation by checking out various destinations, attractions and activities that appeal to you the most. Fly in to Seattle for a romantic weekend getaway this summer and enjoy the dozens of things to see and do in the city for a much-needed break. See all of Seattle and Puget Sound from the world-famous Space Needle. Plus, with the nice and clear summer weather, you can also get to see Mount Rainier from a distance.
One of the best things to do in Seattle is to join one of the many guided tours and cruises the city offers. The Seattle Harbor Cruise lets you enjoy a narrated trip over Elliot Bay and Seattle Harbor as you view spectacular panoramic profiles of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, the stunning city skyline and even a glimpse of one of the world's largest shipping terminal, all under the beautiful summer sun.
Downtown Seattle's urban cultural attractions, arts venues, classy restaurants and retail stores provide a romantic ambiance suited to every couple. Visit the Experience Music Project and feel free to create a compilation of your favorite songs. You can even compose your own love songs together. Afterwards, you can do some shopping at the many establishments you will find in the area. The choices are endless - national and international shops, local boutiques, furniture and art galleries, novelty stores, upscale designer goods and outlets, Downtown Seattle just has it all! Grab an early Italian dinner at Serafina to catch an evening professional baseball game of the Seattle Mariners at the Safeco Field. For this romantic weekend getaway, the Westin Seattle's luxurious amenities is perfect for your accommodation needs.
Take in more of the flavor of Seattle by spending some time at the Seattle Waterfront. Capture the eclectic taste of the city by clicking your cameras away with the Puget Sound and the towering skyscrapers as backdrops. The Seattle Waterfront also holds the Colman Dock where the ferry to the Bainbridge Island awaits both residents and visitors to board to experience the small-town charm of the island. Make the most of the sunshine this summer break by having an afternoon picnic and a swim at Madison Park Beach. After which, you can go for a romantic boat ride over the very cherished in-city water, the Green Lake.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1213598100/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1213598100/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1213598100/tpod.html Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:24:53 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

Every road trip planner dreams of conquering the roads of Alaska. Here is an idea for an adventurous motorcycle road trip over the 49th state. This road trip will surely entice every motorcyclist all over the United States, wherever they are coming from. The first town you will encounter from the Alaska Highway is Tok where you can camp or lodge in a comfortable hotel for a good night's rest before continuing your excursion the following day.
Carry on with your motorcycle road trip through Alaska by making your way to Valdez. Take Alaska's first highway, the Richardson Highway. The scenic highway is absolutely made for the road trip enthusiast as it is full of twists and turns, a mountain pass, elevation gains, waterfalls and glaciers as you travel along Wrangell-St. Elias and the Chugach Mountains. Valdez houses a number of glaciers that you can check out by cruising, flight seeing, walking or just riding by. You can also take a break from riding by fishing for different species of salmon and halibut or you amaze yourself by watching marine and land wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, and black and brown bears.
Every motorcyclist taking an Alaskan road trip would most definitely want to visit the Harley Davidson shop in Anchorage. The ride from Valdez to Anchorage is over 551 miles. The experience is well-worth it as you take on the journey under Alaska's midnight sun. Take the tour around the Harley Davidson shop and get ready to be impressed by the innovative structures and engines of these world-famous bikes. You do not need to worry about accommodations as there is a campsite just beside the Harley Davidson building where you can set up your tent free of charge.
Continue your Alaska road trip on your motorcycle by driving 240 miles north of Anchorage to Denali National Park. Marvel over the majestic Mount McKinley and other spectacular mountains. The park is extremely huge and you are free to all the activities it offers. Give your bike a break and relax by doing some fly-fishing. If you are up to something active, you can ride a mountain bike and join a tour of the park, or go rafting or kayaking. Or, if you want to try something new, go on a helicopter flight seeing and heli-hiking and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Anchorage and other parts of Alaska. From Denali National Park, head north through Fairbanks to the isolated tundra of the Arctic Circle, where you are to experience almost twenty four hours of daylight. There are lots of campgrounds in the area for those who choose to stay for the night.
The thousands of miles you conquer, the challenging twists and turns, the picturesque sceneries you pass by, and the extraordinary experiences you get to tell your friends and family back home will make this journey to Alaska all worth it. It is certainly one of the most memorable excursions in every road trip planner's list.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1213336680/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1213336680/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davidreichman/1/1213336680/tpod.html Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:15:21 -0400 Trip Blogs

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

St. Louis, Missouri, United States

The many things to do in St. Louis offer a world of fun and excitement for the family. The city's fascinating attractions and amusing activities make it a prime vacation spot for this summer!
The best way to start your St. Louis summer vacation is to visit the city's famous landmark: the Gateway Arch. The 630-foot tall and 630-foot wide arch offers a unique tram ride that lets you have amazing views of the city and the vast expanse of the Mississippi River. The Gateway Arch is located inside the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial where you will find the Museum of Westward Expansion.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest garden in the United States. It is among the top-rated botanical gardens all over the world with its showcase of twenty gardens set with different themes such as the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden. There is also a Children's Garden that features different exhibits, including the Butterfly House. The Children's Garden offers a fishing trip, a wilderness wagon trip and other adventurous family-oriented summer activities. The garden also teaches children how to care for the environment by planting trees and more.
Note: The Missouri Botanical Garden will be having its annual Japanese Festival on August 30th to September 1st. The festival celebrates the Japanese culture with a tour around the Japanese Garden, art exhibits, traditional Japanese parades, musical and theatrical performances, and kimono and cooking demonstrations. Entrance fee is only $10, with discounts for senior citizens and children under 12 get in for free!
There are other things to do in St. Louis that offer free admissions, making your summer vacation with the family even better. St. Louis Zoo allows visitor to enter the premises free of charge, but various special zoo attractions have entrance fees. To make the most out of your day in St. Louis Zoo, purchase the Safari Pass which takes you to all the special attractions for only $10. St. Louis Science Center is another freebie attraction where your kids can see full-size animated dinosaurs and hundreds of other interactive exhibits.
The City Museum is a great place for both kids and parents. It has three floors of interesting and educational rooms. The attraction features an indoor play area with imaginative caves, crawling tubes, slides, circus, art workshops and a gallery of oddities. Feel free to go around and marvel over the displays of the enchanted forest, architectural museum and the gigantic aquarium.
St. Louis' Forest Park is more than just a park - it is a community! There are more than just a dozen things to see and do in the park such as the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, the Science Center, the Missouri History Museum and other cultural institutions. The world's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, The Muny, is also located in Forest Park. The Muny currently stages two of the most successful musicals in recent history: The Producers and Disney's High School Musical.
Accommodations and dining options are easy to locate in St. Louis. The Westin St. Louis is conveniently within walking distance to the Forest Park and is overlooking the Busch Stadiums, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Restaurants, on the other hand, are spread all throughout the city. Try the city's best burgers at Blueberry Hill located in The Loop, Charlie Gitto's On The HIll's toasted ravioli, or Ted Drewes Frozen Custard's treats that will definitely complete your list of summer things to do in St. Louis.
]]>