The highly competitive grant was the only one awarded in the state of Florida.  Community leaders and program partners have toured St. Lucie County and the Fort Pierce area looking for public, educational, manufacturing and industrial facilities in addition to commercial structures to be included in what they have termed the “Green Mile District.”

The idea of having a ‘green mile’ struck me as ironic knowing how popular a different ‘green’ is in the area. Port St. Lucie, Florida has some great greens in the form of PGA golf clubs! 

For instance, you can basically have a PGA golf course in your back yard at your ‘home away from home’ at one of Florida’s golf resorts.   Green abounds at these beautiful links that include courses designed by the famed Tom Fazio and Pete Dye.

Visitors wanting to save some ‘green’ can do so by checking out the golf specials and packages in Port St. Lucie. 

Make the plan to save some green, hit that perfect shot to the green and visit a green community with a HUGE alternative energy center all in the same area.  Your friends will be green with envy at the stories you come back telling of all your green experiences.  Heck, I’m turning a little green myself.

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.’

                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

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

Here are some of our favorite things about summer in Tucson:

• Golf.  Arizona loves golf.  With mild temperatures year-round, Tucson is the perfect destination for golfers of any skill level.
• All things outdoors.  Great temperatures, tons of sunshine, and breathtaking scenery are the perfect combination for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers alike!
• The food.  Oh the food.  Amazing southwestern cuisine around every corner. Delicious!
• Great deals on lodging.  Stay in a luxury Tucson Bed and Breakfast and enjoy being treated like royalty.
• Arts and cultural events.  Tucson is a beautiful city, its no wonder artists from around the globe come here to share their talent.  Stroll through a gallery, explore a local festival, take home a piece of the local culture to remember your trip!

What are you waiting for?  Start planning a visit to Tucson today, and see what all the fuss is about!

Images Courtesy RickC

Many a golfer has planned a vacation solely around the courses nearby, and now there is a service available to help you plan your next golf vacation, if you’re so inclined.  Premier Golf sells Ryder Cup travel packages to golf pros and enthusiasts alike.  From traditional golfing destinations such as Florida’s PGA Village to some more unconventional golf trips, including exclusive golf-centered cruises, Premier Golf is your one stop golf vacation shop!  They will help you plan everything from which courses are best suited to your ability level to what time of year to go and where to stay.  Having such a great resource on your side ensures that you’ll get the trip you’re looking for at a great rate.

Premier Golf works with the top rated courses in the US and around the world to provide you with your dream golf vacation!  They offer great packages for single golfers and large groups alike.  A great service for a family trip or even a Mancation -if you love travel and golfing, one of these trips is just right for you.

Image Courtesy Shoebappa

The island covers about 100 square miles, and is divided up into several small towns.  Each town has a distinct personality, our favorite being Vineyard Haven, also known as Tisbury.  The Vineyard Haven area is known for great shopping, dining, and is home to our favorite Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant.

With about 15,000 residents year round, and over 100,000 residents in the summer, activity in the area swells in the summer, but the island is worth a visit any time of year.  We recommend avoiding the area around the 4th of July if crowds aren’t your thing, as this is the island’s busiest weekend of the year.

Stay in one of the locally owned Inns, spend a day at the town beach, and explore the shops around town -there is never a shortage of things to do while visiting Martha’s Vineyard.

If you’re heading to Massachusetts, spend a day or two at Martha’s Vineyard, you’re sure to be pleased!

If you’re interested in learning the ins and out s of sailing, there are a variety of charter services and sailing schools in the area ready to assist you in achieving your sailing goals.  Relaxation more your style?  Book a day trip on a charter boat instead, and let someone else do the work while you take in the beautiful scenery!  Become everyone’s favorite boss with a corporate or team building retreat, or get the family together for some much needed bonding -everyone will be thrilled to spend some time on the water!

Coming from out of town?  Be sure to check out one of the area’s charming Newport Bed and Breakfasts -Newport’s innkeepers will make you feel right at home while visiting.  Many of these inns offer great rates, and are located within walking distance of popular downtown,  beautiful beaches, historic mansions, and amazing restaurants!

Be sure to consider Newport, Rhode Island when planning your next getaway!  Newport is the perfect locale for great family fun, quiet romantic getaways, and memorable corporate retreats!

Images Courtesy Kables

If you enjoy great music and amazing seascapes, this concert is not to be missed!  The festival takes place in a beautiful venue overlooking the Pacific, and is close to many of the area’s finest attractions.

Coming from out of town? Check out one of the Mendocino bed and breakfasts that the area is famous for.  Also, be sure to check out some of the amazing area wineries, no matter your preference, the local wineries offer something for everyone!  From  rich Cabernets to sweet Rieslings, the region is sure to please!  The Mendocino Valley has long since made it known that charming bed and breakfasts pair excellently with fine wines.

Images Courtesy *clairity*

The same mountain that provides world-class skiing also offers some amazing mountain biking in addition to an alpine slide, ziprider, alpine coaster, a climbing wall and more!  For the less adventurous traveler, there is also the option of a scenic chairlift ride, hiking, and mini golf.  Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and The Canyons Resort  all offer a little something for everyone in the summer.

When planning your vacation, be sure to check out some of the amazing Park City vacation rentals.  Amazing mountain condos and private homes that command high rates in the winter are often offered for a fraction of the price throughout the summer months!

You may want to center your trip around one of the many festivals that Park City is famous for.  Here is some information on a few of the area’s most popular summer events:

• Park City Food and Wine Classic [July 9-12] -An “Epicurean Extravaganza” featuring master winemakers, amazing chefs, and an impressive guest list!  This delectable event is a must if you love food, wine, and good company!
• Fidelity Jazz Festival [August 21-23] -An annual festival featuring amazing musicians.  In addition to nightly performances, this festival features daily workshops and clinics for budding musicians.
• Deer Valley Music Festival -A variety of musical styles to suit all tastes and ages!
• Park City Farmer’s Market -Held every Wednesday between June and October from noon to seven pm at The Canyons Cabriolet parking lot.
• Park Silly Sunday Market -An eco-friendly open market and street festival.  Every Sunday from mid-June through September.
• Fourth of July Celebrations -There are a variety of celebrations surrounding Independence day! Starting with the July 3rd celebration at The Canyons Resort, finishing up with activities and fireworks at Park City’s Traditional Independence Day Celebration and The Flying Ace All-Stars Show at The Utah Olympic Park.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your Park City getaway today!

Images Courtesy ArtBrom

Newport offers a little something for everyone, from exhilarating nautical excursions to leisurely strolls through famous mansions and vineyards.  For those who enjoy early American history, Newport is not to be missed.  Beautiful New England scenery provides a dramatic backdrop for the amazing architecture of the gilded age.  Stroll through homes that were built by Vanderbilts and Astors, check out some of the historic forts and museums, or spend a day relaxing at the spa.  You’re sure to be taken with the rich history of the area.

To really experience the charm of the area, check out one of the charming Newport bed and breakfasts.  Many are within walking distance of the downtown and beachfront areas, and provide a feeling of stepping back in time without sacrificing modern comforts.

Check out Newport, Rhode Island -you’re sure to be pleased!

Images Courtesy Sarunas B

Video Courtesy Karen Eason Photography

This is the ultimate commercial for why Jackson is so much fun in the summer. I cant imagine having a better time with friends and family. Some best bets from our visit and from reviews I’ve read lately are:

Get a vacation rental – even though the food is great here, it can be expensive. If you choose a condo or home rental you will have a kitchen to cook a few meals in, even if you just do breakfast in you can save a good deal of money.

If you’re headed to Grand Teton or Yellowstone, leave early. Summer time traffic in both parks can be a bit of a problem sometimes, so be prepared to wait and be prepared to have FUN!

Book your “extra-curricular” activities before you get there. Rafting, climbing and other types of activities book up quick, if you make reservations for these things before you even get to Jackson you’re guaranteed the chance to participate.

The animals are WILD, people – dont try to feed them skittles or some other sort of “people food.” Buffalo are not nice animals, they’re beautiful, but mean – stay away! Same with elk and moose.

Most of all, come with a few extra memory sticks for the camera, let loose and have a good time – you wont regret it.

Dining Recommendations:
Breakfast – You cant miss The Bunnery – best bread in the country, let along Jackson Hole
Lunch – We enjoyed the Cadillac Grille when we were there, but the Tripadvisor.com reviews are mixed a bit. Their burgers over at Billy’s Giant Hamburgers were great (one side is the grille, one side is the hamburger joint)!
Dinner – We liked the Mangy Moose – and they have decent Tripadvisor reviews. The gift shop that is attached is great fun also.

Lodging Recommendations:
Mountain Property Management of Jackson Hole offers great vacation rentals and is definately a Jackson Hole Lodging alternative to hotels.
Wagon Wheel Village – Motel rooms for budget travelers to Jackson – I havent stayed here but they have pretty good reviews in Tripadvisor.

Terrain
Trail surfaces tend to be dirt cushioned with soft, but squirrely pine needles and are usually studded with angular rocks that add to the challenge. Depending upon where you ride, it’s not unusual to traverse long rock garden sections which can consist of sharp, broken shale. Don’t forget your patch kit and pump. Savvy locals carry a spare tube and tire, as well. With cold streams everywhere, be prepared for wet feet and brakes. It’s not usual to find downed trees across the paths, which sounds like a minor inconvenience until you relalise the giant tree trunks are often 3 feet thick.

Tahoe Rim Trail
It’s possible to circumnavigate the lake on this system of trails, but it is a hugh undertaking requiring a lot of planning. Try some of the day trip sized sections instead.

Nevada

The eastern side of the lake, which is in Nevada, offers spectacular rocky trails that wind along the lake rim high above the water. Check in with a local bike shops when planning your ride. They can help you run a shuttle and are up-to-date or which days you can bike and which days are reserved for horseback riders. Some offer guided tours, as well.

California
The southwestern section boasts some great California State Parks, such as Sugar Pine Point, where you can hit the trails right from your campsite and wind up and into the hills. There are easy family-friendly paths leading around the parks and down to the lake, as well.

Author’s Pick
One of my favorite places to just ride for fun and exercise is the Nordic Ski Center on the west side of the lake. Some of the paths have natural and man-assisted obstacles and whoop-de-doos that let you practice your skills. This is a maze of wide trails and nearly all of them will return you to your starting point at the Nordic Center parking lot. However, check the map and keep your bearings or you may find yourself descending through the wrong drainage and end up miles away.

Ski Areas with Mountain Biking
Some of the numerous ski resorts around Tahoe offer lift-assisted riding in the off-season. Northstar, at the north end of the lake is probably the most popular with the adrenaline crowd and has more than 100 miles of trails and a mountain bike park where competitions and training are held throughout the summer.

Road Biking
Although there are plenty of riders who do it, they are much, much braver than I am. The traffic can be thick and irritable on the curvy, two lane, mostly-shoulderless roads that wind around Lake Tahoe. I’ll stick to the trails!

Golf
Myrtle Beach is like an amusement park for golfers. The venue provides a showcase for nearly every big name links designer and you get a phenomenal choice of styles and terrain. The weather can occasionally shut you out, but the mild climate generally allows for year round play. That’s a plus, since, with over 120 courses, you can play a different one every day for 4 months without replaying a single hole. There’s a lot of competition in the area and you’ll find the best deals by booking one of the many Myrtle Beach golf specials available online.

Baseball
Ever heard of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans? They’re a farm team for the Atlanta Braves and play in the Carolina League against other minor league teams at the 4,300 seat Coastal Federal Field. Fans large and small enjoy the hometown feel of the scene where they can watch and meet soon-to-be stars. Another cool to-do for hardball freaks is The Ripken Experience Cal Ripken’s new youth tourney center in Myrtle Beach.

Okay, listen up. I’m only going to whisper this secret to you once, “Ruby Canyon and Horsethief Canyon”. This incredible float, just west of Grand Junction, Colorado is a rafting experience extrordinaire.

For 26 miles, the Colorado river slices through a dreamlike southwestern landscape of towering canyons and ageless black rock formations. Except during extreme spring run-off, the pace is lazy, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and play in the water.

No whitewater experience is necessary, but once you cast off, you’re committed to making the entire run. So, travel is self-contained and you must be prepared to deal with any problems that might arise along the way. By the time you drag yourself off the river 1-3 days later at Westwater Utah, you’ll already be planning your next trip.

If whitewater makes you wary, this is a great way to enjoy river running without suffering from adrenaline poisoning. See the BLM website for details and check with outfitters in Grand Junction or Fruita for help planning your adventure and getting set up with equipment and shuttles.

Personally, I never thought of Alabama as a great beach vacation, but boy was I worng. I suspect the natives would like to keep this secret to themselves. The sands are fine white “sugar”. The waters glow in cool emerald and the combination is irresistable.

In addition to ocean beaches, this intricate tidal area is laced with rivers, deltas, back bays, lagoons, lakes and bayous. To get you started, here a few of the most popular places for sun, surf and sand:

Fort Morgan

The main attraction in this area is the Bon Secour (safe harbor, in French) National Wildlife Refuge, which has 6800 acres devoted to habitat for native plants, migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and, yes, the endangered Alabama beach mouse. You can park at the end of Mobile Street or approach the all-natural beach through the sea palmettos and dunes of the Pine Beach Trail.

Gulf Shores

The most popular beach is at the end of Highway 59, where most of the action is. You’ll find a large parking lot, boardwalk, pavilions, beach volleyball, restrooms and places to eat and drink. This is also where the National Shrimp Festival is held – an enormous seafood celebration that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every October.
Public parking and beach access is available at 2nd, 5th, 6th and 13th Streets. if you’re lucky enough to be staying at one of the many condos in the Gulf Shores section, there’s also convenient pedestrian access at 4th Street.

Gulf State Park

Elbow room and every imaginable facility are the highlights of this coastal playground. Besides about 2 miles of ocean beach, there are two large lakes and a long lagoon to fish and frolic in. The park is outfitted to accommodate large groups, with an enormous pavilion on the beach and a picnic area on Lake Shelby. There’s a nature center with interpretive trails, camping, RV spots and nice cabins you can rent by the night or by the week.

Orange Beach

Perdido Point, with over a mile of shoreline, and Cotton Bayou Beach are the best public beaches in this area. Both offer parking and Perdido Point has long boardwalk for strolling, as well. Surfers congregate at Alabama Point just inland from Perdido Point.

Colorado is a premier whitewater rafting destination. The tumbling waters of the Arkansas, Poudre, San Juan, Eagle, Blue, Crystal, Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers are all stuff campfire stories are made of. But it’s not all whitewater.

There are many stretches of riffling river throughout the state to enjoy, as well. Day trips, overnights and multi-day runs ideal for ordinary river rats who want to pilot their own craft and immerse themselves in the great outdoors for relaxation instead of an adreline rush.

Nothing beats drifting through sky-high canyons with a cold drink, an old dog and a good friend. My favorite trip is one close to home. A 2-3 hour float I can take on a moment’s notice and shoehorn in between work and sundown on hot summer afternoons.

Grizzly to Two Rivers, aka Grizz, is the town run for Glenwood Springs – a 6 mile section of the Colorado River that winds through lower Glenwood Canyon. The put in is at the Grizzly Creek Recreation Area and the take out at Two Rivers Park. Both ends offer water, restrooms, parking and launches.

The river can be pretty scary for water wimps during the run-off, but if you don’t mind getting splashed, the icy wave trains are a thrill. By mid-June, it’s mostly riffles that can be negotiated in a PFD and an inner tube. Beaches and swimming holes abound and natural hot springs seep into the river as you approach Glenwood Springs.

Grizzly draws everyone with something that floats on scorching summer weekends, it’s heavily used by the many commercial rafting companies from Aspen to Vail, and it’s sandwiched between a busy Interstate highway and a railroad track. But don’t let any of that deter you. As soon as you hit the water, your attitude will ease, your stress will soften and you’ll feel like one of the lucky ones. Raft on!

See Colorado River Rafting in Grand Junction, too.

This national network of ezines is geared to specific geographic areas. I find our local edition, which covers the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado, gives interesting, accurate, up-to-date information about things to do with children in our area.

If you ‘re visiting Aspen, Glenwood Springs or any place in between, be sure to take advantage of the “local knowledge” they offer at Mountain Parent

Where to stay:
Options are endless, if you’re interested in a vacation rental on Anna Maria Island you should try out Island Real Estate, the choices and selection are unmatched. If you’re an on the beach and pampered kind of traveler, a bed and breakfast might be just your speed.

Dining choices abound, as a local where their favorite place is, you’ll get a variety of answers, but you’ll always enjoy yourself. Because Tampa and Sarasota are so close, you can cruise across the bridge and visit Busch Gardens or the Florida Aquarium.

Overall a trip to Anna Maria Island is a way to escape the everyday and relax in the sedate island pace.

Mexico
Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations. It is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Los Cabos features luxury hotels, championship golf courses and some of the best sport fishing in the world. Other activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and much more.

The Caribbean
The Cayman Islands offer many things for many people. 99% of the travelers visit Grand Cayman Island. It is easy to see why people go here. Of the islands this island offers the most when it comes to resorts and hotels. The fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving is not to be missed. When diving, you will think you are in a pet shop aquarium. The fish are abundant and the stingrays are gentle and fun to watch. If time permits, rent a Jeep and cruise around the Island.

Hawaii
Hawaii offers many choices for the traveling family. Each island is unique and offers something for everyone. Kauai is less touristy but still offers much to do. The surfing and snorkeling are not to be missed. Be sure to take a day and drive up to Waimea Canyon. This canyon offers many photo opportunities, and spots to get out and hike near beautiful waterfalls. Maui offers white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Maui also offers great sightseeing and wonderful shopping. Of the islands, Hawaii, also known as “The Big Island” is the largest. Here you can visit the only active volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands. You will also find wonderful resorts, pristine beaches, great nightlife, fine dining and shopping.

South Carolina

Hilton Head Island offers a great beach vacation location – with plenty to do for romantic couples or families. There are a ton of activities and attractions in and around Hilton Head Island that will give both the young and the young at heart plenty to fill their days. Summer mid-day temperatures hover around 85-90 degrees – warm but perfect for beachcombing and swimming or kayaking in the surf or on the sound. Water temperatures average in the 80s from June through September so summer is a perfect time to visit.

When planning a family vacation getaway, the choices can be overwhelming. What should you do? Where should you go? To make life easier, these questions should be answered before you start planning. Let’s take a few minutes and help you answer these questions before you get started with the planning.

What Should You Do?
How does skiing fresh powder of Vail’s Blue Sky Basin, or relaxing in the white sand of Hawaii’s beaches and hitting a hole in one at one of Hilton Head’s many golf courses sound to you? Ski, beach and golf vacations are great choices for families. Keep in mind, no matter what type of vacation you choose – there are many Vail Resort Lodging and Hilton Head Island Golf packages to choose from.