The town’s name is almost synonymous with the thought of strapping two long planks of high-tech ‘wood’ to your feet and careening down a mountainside at breakneck speeds, hoping not to break your neck!

People come to Colorado to ski these famous mountains with anticipation and excitement.

Me?

Well, I have a fear of falling off the chairlifts! Not because they are dangerous. But because of some fear and paranoia whose source remains unknown.

But I know enough to know that I don’t want to miss out on the beauty and fun this paradise has to offer. So, what to do? What to do when you’re afraid of the chairlifts?

First things first!

1. Light the fire in a comfortable, well-appointed Winter Park, CO vacation rental

1. 2. Pour a warm(ing), delightful drink
2. 3. Nestle into a comfy couch or chair
3. 4. Refer to the plentiful, local trail maps and visitors guides
4.  5. Begin planning mountain adventures

It’s not long before I realize that skis aren’t the only high-tech apparatus that can be strapped on your feet. So now I, too, can learn the true meaning of ‘powder day.’  

Snowshoeing can get me to where I want to go; albeit not as quickly as downhill skis! But I’ll take the slow, quiet pace to enjoy the sounds and sights that this natural oasis has to offer.

And with all my handy-dandy trail guides, I can get out and enjoy the mountain even when it’s not freshly coated in diamond-encrusted white stuff!

Speeding down the mountainside at breakneck speeds on a bike perhaps…..?  

Or just a leisurely stroll…?

Time will tell.

See you on the slopes!

Welcome back!

School is back in session. Cool evening breezes are blowing. Mornings are seemingly darker.

All indications that fall is sneaking up on us. Autumn marks the transition from summer into winter and begs for last minute outdoor activities before the cold, dark days of winter are upon us.

If you have young, school age children, chances are you will need to collect some autumn leaves for art projects and science lessons. So why not get a head start and make your child look like an over-achiever (even if they’re not) and get out and explore where the best species and colors are found?

Garrett County’s Autumn Glory Festival would be the perfect place to gain inspiration with their fine arts exhibits and craft shows.

 Plus, it’s a great time to relish the recreational activities and get outdoors!

You can spend plenty of time indoors sorting your finds and counting all the money you saved with Deep Creek specials after you’ve worn yourself out with biking, hiking, golf and a plethora of family activities.

So, RUN don’t walk!

Fall colors!

Fun activities!

Affordable, comfortable vacation homes!

Plan your arrival before the cold winds of winter begin to blow.

It may surprise most people to know that the first form of kayaking was actually created thousands of years ago by the arctic Inuit people. The Inuit Tribe was certainly ahead of their time, designing this arrow-dynamic water craft as a means of hunting. Depending on region, the first kayaks could have variations on shape and length, but were generally consistent and used for the same purposes. The crafts were made framed with native woods and covered in animal skin. The most common animal skin used for these kayaks was sealskin.
The more modern and recreational use of kayaks (and canoes) was started by a man named John MacGregor from London in the 1800s. MacGregor took on the nickname Rob Roy and is credited with founding the English Royal Canoe Club in 1866 and making the sport of canoeing & kayaking a popular activity for the middle class. His initial interest in kayaking and canoeing began in 1858 when he ventured to Canada and the United States and was first introduced to the sport. Throughout the course of his life, MacGregor built more canoes/kayaks and sailed them throughout the Middle East, the Baltic and Europe. He also wrote and published books on the topic and was a renowned philanthropist.
By 1936, kayaking had become a part of the Olympics in the form of four new events. Athletes could participate in the single or pairs 1,000 meter race or the 10,000 meter event. More events were later added to the Olympics and it remains a popular and competitive race.
Materials used for making traditional kayaks have evolved since the Inuit Tribe first began using sealskin. After the Europeans adopted the sport, they began covering their kayaks in fabric while still utilizing a wooden frame. The use of fabric continued until the 1950’s: at this time kayak producers introduced the use of fiberglass which lasted well into the 1980’s when plastic came on the scene. Kayaks continue to use plastic and are much lighter and more versatile than kayaks in years past.
Today, many stunning locations exist to enjoy a thrilling or relaxing kayaking trip. Maui, Hawaii is one such location. With exquisite scenery and convenient location near your Maui Condo Rental, just a short walk to the ocean will start the kayaking trip of your dreams!

Are you dreaming of a Maui vacation  but can’t get over the language and pronunciation of some of those Hawaiian words? Perhaps you’re dreaming of sounding like a kamaaiana but don’t know the jargon. Or perhaps you’re trying to reserve a Maui condo rental, but you can’t figure out one resort name from the other.

Although some Hawaiian words can be intimidating just by the sheer number of letters contained in them, lauwiliwilinukunukuoioi for example,   

   it’s interesting to note that the language consists of only 5 vowels and 7 consonants! Practicing breaking down the syllables and applying the correct pronunciation can be vital to not getting your okole kicked and not making you sound like a haole.

Once you’ve mastered the Hawaiian alphabet and syllable breakdown, get ready to learn how to speak Hawaiian with a local flair so you can avoid sounding aznuts. You’ll find it to your advantage to know the difference between a lua and a luau so you don’t inadvertently look like a lolo buggah and get asked in a heated fashion, “Like beef?”

So, practice wiki wiki, enjoy the island paradise without sounding like a malihini and have planny good times on your vacation.

There are many reasons for choosing a fun-filled, family vacation to the pristine sands of Maui such as the great food, fun activities and amazing weather – it’s no wonder thousands flock to Maui’s shores each year. All of these reasons aside, many will tell you the most appealing aspect of the magical island, are the world-famous beaches. Whether you want to ride the waves on your surf board, bask in the sun and work on your tan or walk the smooth sand with a loved one, there is surely a beach in Maui to fit your needs. If you want to be close to the best beaches in Maui, check out the sweet vacation rentals from Maui Vista Condos. Read on to discover a Maui beach that will perfectly complement your warm island escape!

• Kama’ole Beach Park I – One of Maui’s most popular beaches, this island gem has an exquisite stretch of sand parallel to cool, emerald green grass. With a lifeguard on duty during the day, parking and bathrooms, this beach is a premium family-friendly location.

• Kama’ole Beach Park II – Like its sister beach, Kama’ole I, Kama’ole Beach Park II provides beach-goers with the assurance and comfort of an on-duty lifeguard during the daylight hours. This particular beach in particular offers pleasant snorkeling waters as well as majestic scenery.

• Kama’ole Beach Park III – The last of the beach triplets, Kama’ole III is a popular option for those who prefer more space on the grass to enjoy the sweet humidity and white capped waves of the Pacific Ocean. Before you head to this bustling beach, put together a fresh picnic to enjoy between swimming and tanning.

• Charley Young Beach – This fun little beach is actually an extension of Kama’ole Beach Park I. If you want to try your hand at fishing but you’re not ready for a sea excursion, cast your line at Charley Young. Swimming and snorkeling are also awesome water activities that guests and locals enjoy at this beach.

• Keawakapu Beach – If you brought Fido along on your family vacation, feel free to bring him/her to this beach! Keawakapu is a dog-friendly beach, perfect for walking your four-legged companion anytime of the day. As with other top Maui beach selections, Keawakapu is full of luscious sand and open for a great swim.

The peaceful elegance and intriguing scenery of the island’s beaches allows locals and guests the opportunity to experience the gift that Mother Nature has bestowed upon the treasured island of Maui.