I have dreams of peddling leisurely through endless fields of blooming tulips. Windmills dot the horizon and water is always close by. Yes, I could go to Holland to satisfy this vacation fantasy or I could get a really authentic taste of tulip time in Holland, Michigan.

The settlement was established by a group of Dutch families in 1847 and hundreds followed them soon afterwards. Every fiber of Holland Michigan is steeped in Dutch heritage, so this is the real deal and not a marketing gimmick to bring in tourists.

Downtown Holland has an historic, yet vibrant feel, with street performers, art galleries, interesting shopping, plenty of great restaurants and frequent festivals. Without a doubt, the most celebrated annual event is Tulip Time Festival!

This year’s Festival is May 3-10, 2008 when millions (yes, millions!) of tulips will decorate the entire town and it’s surroundings. There will also be a Dutch Market, Bier Fest, Klompen dancers, Tulipalooza (free outdoor concerts every evening), an enormous Dutch breakfast buffet and many more ways to immerse yourself in all things Dutch.

The town’s lodging fills up fast during this very special event, so consider staying in nearby Douglas or Saugatuck, Michigan, instead.

The town’s motto is Visit Holland. You Don’t Need a Passport. So if you can’t make it to Amsterdam this year, give Holland, Michigan a try, especially during the Tulip Festival.

For more on this area: Michigan Getaway Weekends-Saugatuck

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Cape Hatteras has a huge variety of land, sea, and air fun in the sun that is sure to keep the whole family engaged, entertained and exhausted while vacationing in the Outer Banks?

The on-island towns and villages offer so much to see and do - a week or two almost isn’t enough time to see it all. Try one, two or all of the following:

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What better way to enjoy your next beach vacation than to take Fido or Fifi along for the ride!  The best part about choosing Hilton Head for your next Pet Friendly vacation is the realative “dog friendly” atmosphere you’re sure to enjoy.

Sun, water and sand are a ball-doggie’s dream as you wander the beaches and parks that surround Hilton Head Island.  Just remember, Dogs are banned from the public beach from June 1 through Labor Day weekend - but from October 1 through March 31 - they can play off-leash to their heart’s content.  Other time’s they’re allowed but need a 6-foot leash from 10am to 5pm. 

Activities for you and your pooch are sure to be fun and a great photo op.  You can rent a double kayak from Kayak Hilton Head and use their private access to Broad Creek - which runs right through the center of the island.  A bottlenose dolphin might even nudge alongside to say hello!

Visit Best Friends Dog Park which is located off Hwy 40.  Dogs are allowed unleashed in the park and leashed outside on the beaches.  Water and cleanup bags are available on-site.

Take your pooch for lunch at Skillet’s Cafe.  It’s cafe with an oudoor patio where dogs are allowed - just make sure Rover is leashed and under your control at all times.

Obviously finding accommodations for you and your pup on the island will be necessary.  There are a variety of hotels and pet-friendly Hilton Head rentals.  I recommend a vacation rental mostly because of the convenience for you AND your pet.

image courtesy: from **spaceMonkey**

I’ve always wanted to try surfing.  It cant be that different from snowboarding - and if you remove what i HATE about snowboarding (being COLD!) then surfing sounds like a logical choice.  There are some osbtacles though - one being I look HORRIBLE in a bathing suit another being - that and the whole “sharks live in the ocean” thing…..

from alaspoorwho

I was researching Cape Hatteras and found some great details and information on surfing in the area.  I thought I’d share as it’s nice to have lots of information pulled into one spot - makes it easier on the next guy (or gal.)

Apparently there is a “season” for surfing in OBX.  Summer is good - but apparently the locals love fall for surf season.  Crowds have tinned out and swells crank up.  A wetsuit is a must when you get into October.  Hurricanes also can make surfing amazing - not my idea of a good time, bu tthe diehards apparently love suring right before or after a hurricane.  I imagine things like houses and dead cows floating around in the waves.  And when the sea is angry for some reason I keep flashing back to the “jaws” movie.  I knew watching that was a bad idea.

 There are quite a few places to take surf lessons along the Outer Banks.  Give the folks at Whalebone or Corolla a call and let them know you’re a noob and want to try your hand at surfing.

In addition to Aspen’s famous in-town mountain, Ajax, there are 4 other world-class peaks within 20 minutes on a frequent free shuttle. One lift ticket enables you to ski all 4 of them in one day, if you so desire.

Ajax is Aspen! Board the gondola from the center of town and you are whisked to the Sundeck,  where you can see for miles and miles across fabulous snow-covered peaks. The slopes can be tough for less advanced snow sliders, since there side hills, double fall lines and more bumps than many of us can handled. But do it once, anyway, just so you can say you did. If you’re an advanced skier, you’ll be in heaven and wonder why all mountains don’t give you the challenges you crave.

Aspen Highlands is the favorite of the old timers and downvalley locals.  The incredible bowls are extreme and require a hike, which keeps the wanna-bees away.  The trees are most definitely steep and deep and the intermediate trails have plenty of character and personality to keep you interested.

Snowmass is a behemoth,  with something for everyone, so it’s a great place for a group with diverse skiing abilities. Most families and intermediate skiers will remember this as their favorite mountain, but experts should get a taste of Snowmass, too. There are plenty of challenges in the trees and cliffs.

Buttermilk is where the X Games are held. It has an insane, several mile long terrain park and you can watch the huckers form the base. It also has, without a doubt, best terrain for learning to ski and snowboard. Buttermilk will make you feel like a ski god, so don’t pass it by.

See live Aspen web cams for all four mountains.

Read about Aspen Ski Packages.