It has been over 100 days since the oil drilling platform explosion in the Gulf of Mexico and despite what you may have heard, Florida beaches are still open! Additionally, as of 8/10/10, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reopened 5, 144 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico for finfish fishing. Flights over the area in the last 30 days and NOAA data show no oil in the area reopened for fishing. Although crab and shrimp fishing remains closed, visitors and commercial fisherman can catch renowned grouper, snapper, tuna and mahi mahi.

The eastern edge this recent closure affected Cape San Blas on Florida Panhandle’s Forgotten Coast. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection(DEP) confirmed reports of tar balls near Pensacola, FL, however local Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring the air and water quality closely in Cape San Blas, and so far the beaches remain beautiful and open. According to a statement by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman, Rodney Barreto, “Both the water and fish have been thoroughly tested and Florida’s seafood is certified good to eat and great tasting.”

Still hesitant about booking a Florida vacation?

I recommend finding a reputable company that is offering options to its guests in the event of beach closures. Pristine Properties is one of those reputable Cape San Blas vacation rental companies. Their recent newsletter announced options for their guests to relocate to open beaches, reschedule to a future date, or refund reservations in the event of a closure. Owners, Alyson and Justin Gerlach, are making all attempts to keep their visitors happy and coming back year after year. “We understand this situation has created a great deal of uncertainty for you as well as us.  We’re planning to handle this to the best of our ability and our main concern is not having our guests feeling like they’re going at it alone.” 

A meaningful vacation

For those of you looking to do more than just relax on your Florida vacation, check out one of these webpages for volunteer opportunities: www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/deephorizonsoilspill.cfm or www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/forms.cfm?id=619.

Welcome back!

Have you ever had a vacation where you needed a vacation when you were done just to recuperate from all the fun and activity? 

Do the people in your party have such diverse taste in what they do to have fun, that it’s hard to please everyone all the time? 

If you answered yes to either question, then you might want to start your vacation planning with  Deep Creek Lake rentals and prepare for a delightful Maryland vacation experience full of giggles and stories to share that is sure to please everyone in your family or group.

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland seems to have every kind of vacation activity you could imagine no matter what time of year! 

Adventure and outdoor enthusiasts can select from activities that exhilarate the senses such as water or snow skiing, wakeboarding and river rafting or experience the mountain coaster all year round. 

If your senses are looking for a calmer, more tranquil feel, then visitors can choose to enjoy the peacefulness of snow-shoeing or cross country skiing, fly fishing or simply bobbing or floating on the lake.

 Festivals more your thing?  Then , don’t miss out on the Art & Wine and Highland Festivals.  Visitors of all ages will find events to delight by visiting the local chamber for their calendar of events.

 I can’t imagine a family or group that wouldn’t be able to find something to interest everyone in and around the Deep Creek Lake area.  What’s even better is the close proximity to Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.  With the hassles of flying, how nice is it that so many people can visit by driving from nearby? 

Moving to Colorado after living in the Midwest farmland for many years has made me realize that you can have a vacation nearly every weekend when places are within easy driving distance.  It seems like the same would be true for people in and around the Deep Creek Lake area.  Iowa Farmlands?  Not so much.  I used to have to drive at least 40, if not 90 miles, just to reach the nearest interstate that would then take me another sizeable distance to some place you actually wanted to visit! 

 So, whether you travelling from near or far, your group is large or small, you’re looking for exhilaration or tranquility, a vacation in and around the Deep Creek Lake area of Maryland seems like a sure bet.  It’s certainly going to be on my ‘list of places to see.’

The term “cabin” conjures up many images depending on your area and perhaps experiences with camping or cabin life.  After 5 months of living with friends in my pursuit to move to the mountains of Colorado, a co-worker told me she knew of someone who had a “cabin” for rent.  Immediately, I pictured a small wood building nestled on a hillside just a few miles off the main interstate, a cozy interior with rustic ambience, maybe a front porch with a rocker.  I was definitely interested as it was time to give my friends their home and routine back and for me to have a place of my own. 

Just a shed

Well, it turned out this “cabin” was really a tin tool shed with half of the square footage taken up by lawn and garden equipment.  The other half, albeit tin on the outside, was very cabin-esque on the inside.   Although I ended up renting the space and loving the summer I spent there, it definitely wasn’t what I expected when I heard it called a “cabin.”  Pigeon Forge cabin rentals offered by Cabins USA, on the other hand, are the opposite of what my cabin was!  They’re not only comfortable and luxurious on the inside; complete with all the amenities of home, they’re also cabins on the outside!

Now these are cabins!

Located in several Pigeon Forge, TN communities, Cabins USA offers sleeping accommodations for 2 to 24 all under one roof.  Want to bring a church, youth or scout group?  Then accommodations are available with several cabins to lodge up to as many as 100 people.  You won’t have to worry about any damaging effects to your conjured up images of what a cabin should be or any surprises other than how eager the staff is to make your stay positively memorable.
 

What’s your pleasure?

There’s something calming and peaceful when staying in the out of doors with tree covered, rolling mountains and the sound of birds and insects singing joyfully all around you.  Pigeon Forge cabin rentals offers a spectacular setting, plush and modern amenities and lodging rates to suit any budget.  In addition, once everyone is rested and rejuvenated, cabins from Cabins USA are all located within close proximity of the local attractions and entertainment venues.
 

Whether you’re coming to celebrate, explore natural parks and all their wonders, reconnect with loved ones, or experience Southern entertainment and hospitality, Cabins USA has the expert staff to help make it all happen.  It’s sure to create pleasant memories for any special event you are celebrating.  It promises to be a positive vacation or reunion experience without any damaging effects to your image of what a cabin rental vacation should be!

The Gulf Shores’ beaches aren’t the only activity in and around Orange Beach for families to enjoy on their vacation.  Families can take a high flying adventure with Hot Air Balloon Rides over the Gulf Shores.  The warm gulf air keeps this activity going year round.  It’s a great way to get away from the noise and hectic pace of daily life as you float over the countryside with just the occasional hiss of the burner interrupting your peacefulness. 

                History buffs and speed demons can step back in time with a ride in the Bird of Paradise.  This open cockpit biplane built in 1928 is sure to please the thrill seeker.  I will offer this one bit of advice, however. It may sound good to have the wind in your hair until you land and have to pull a comb through it!  One of my first flights was in an open cockpit airplane when I was about six years old and the most lasting memory I still have (many years later) is the drama of getting my long hair combed out upon landing.  Don’t let this be the only memory you take away from this high-flying experience.  Instead take away a certificate and photo that is awarded to all who fly in this historical machine.

                If staying on land is more your family’s style then be sure and plan a trip to the Track Family Recreation Center.  Plenty of action for kids of all ages whether you’re a speed demon on the go-cart tracks or prefer the slower pace of miniature golf.  You’re family will have so much fun here they may even forget that there are beautiful beaches to play on too!

                Does your family enjoy music and want to take advantage of fewer crowds?  Then bring them down for the annual, 10 day Frank Brown International Songwriter Festival held every November.  Venues all along the coast offer up a unique opportunity to see and hear songwriters perform the songs that became some of America’s biggest hits.  Songwriters perform in restaurants, bars and hang-outs along the coast, so porta-potty festival this is not!  Add to that little to no cover charge and you have the makings for a wonderful beach vacation full of Orange Beach, Alabama Concerts.  What a great way to get the wiggles out before hunkering down for the winter.

              No matter what your family enjoys, you’re sure to find something to please everyone.  Don’t forget that there are also beautiful beaches, lots of shopping and restaurants to complete your vacation planning.

photo courtesy MistyDays / CB

The weather is getting nice, the spring break insanity is over, and you deserve a warm, sun-soaked getaway!  One of our favorite family vacation destinations is offering great deals on amazing family vacations, so why not pack up the whole group and head down to a great Orlando vacation rental for some fun in the sun?

Orlando offers a wide variety of fun things to do in the spring and summer months, at a variety of price points.  Here are a few of our favorite activities:

• Disney World – We can’t bring up Orlando without thoughts of the magic of Disney coming to mind.  One of the most popular Orlando family vacation experiences, but it can be expensive.  Be sure to save up for this one!
• Universal Studios – For those who have already experienced Disney World, or have some teens in your group, Universal Studios should be on your list of things to experience while visiting Orlando.  Visitors of all ages will enjoy the thrill rides, attractions, and dining options offered by Universal Studios!
• Sea World Orlando – A must-visit attraction for groups bringing a marine lover along on vacation.  Guests can visit scheduled shows in addition to a variety of attractions and fun experiences.
• Water Parks – Looking for a cool alternative to the summer heat?  Check out some of the popular area water parks, and choose your favorite!
• Beaches – There are several great Florida beaches within reasonable driving distance from the Orlando area, so why not take advantage of Orlando’s centralized location and check out a few of them?  Some of the most popular include Cocoa, Daytona, and St. Petersburg beaches.  Be sure to pack your sunscreen!
• Free Attractions – Many people worry about what a trip to Orlando will do to their budgets.  Have no fear, we’ve got a great list of free things to do in Orlando!  Choose from outdoor activities, museums, beaches, and Downtown Disney for some fun in the sun that won’t break the bank!

Images Courtesy @ LaRsNoW @ and Discount Vacation Rentals Online