Journey Around The Globe
ready for the next destination
Planning A Vacation To California
Wonderful California understandably makes an excellent choice for a vacation. From the glories of the northern forests to the delights of the shore and bit city living, California surely enjoy a place on any travel bucket list. Before leaving, make sure that everything like your San Ramon hotel booking, itineraries, and suitcases are all in order.
Getting There
California is easy to get to by many different highways, airports and trains. Major cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles have many connecting flights with other parts of the United States and the world. Amtrak offers rail service to many destinations in the state. People can get to parts of the state from many American cities including Chicago and Denver.
Finding a Place to Stay
It’s essential to find decide where to stay and then locate places to stay. The state is home to lodging ideal for any budget. High end travelers can opt for a luxurious stay in the center of a vibrant city. Those on a smaller budget can find many equally enjoyable places to stay including motels and budget inns. Those who love nature may want to think about camping in a state park overnight or longer.
Exploring the State
The state extends from the Oregon border to Mexico. In between lie hundreds of places to explore. It’s a good idea to think about what is most important to each traveler well in advance. One person may be content with hitting the highlights while another prefers a more leisurely pace. Keep in mind that distances are long between places. If traveling around the state, it’s best to get there by driving or rent a car.
Large Cities
Travelers who love large cities will find plenty to explore here. Relatively compact San Francisco lies in the north. It’s a city of upscale pleasures but also a Bohemian bent and one of the centers of gay life. Los Angeles sprawls across dozens of miles. San Diego is noteworthy for many things including the famous zoo and lively mix of cultures and cuisines.
The Coast
Coastal California is a huge draw for many visitors. Given the area’s many beaches, warm waters and impressive surfing, it’s no wonder so many people make this part of their trip. Hundreds of unique beaches dot the coast so it’s easy to find at least several worth a trip. Beaches in California are not only home to human visitors. They’re also home to lots of amazing sea creatures. Seals and sea lions are common in many areas along the coast and can be seen from a distance. The same is true of other sea creatures including otters, dolphins and whales.
Interior Beauty
The interior region of California is home to many worthy attractions including wineries, incredible national parks and magnificent Desert Valley. The Inland Empire offers year round pleasures including pristine lakes for swimming during the summer and world famous ski resorts like Big Bear Lake. Sequoia National Park is the ideal place to see the state’s huge redwood trees and visit the Crystal Cave. Buses bring people to places like Moro Rock with incredible views that stretch for miles. Peregrine falcons make their home here during the summer, making this area a true must for any birder.
Share this:
The Natural Wonders Of California
With its star-studded cities and sun-kissed beaches, it’s easy to forget that California is also blessed with many jaw-dropping natural wonders around the state. Oddly shaped rock formations, remnants of old volcanos, stark desert land, and stunning mountain vistas attract many visitors to the state. Following are a few must-see natural wonders you’ll want to see when visiting California.
La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits is home to one of the world’s most famous most famous fossil collections. Fascinating fossils of plants and animals have been uncovered here and are on exhibit along with mammoths, dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, and more. Even the pits themselves are interesting with their bubbling tar. Take an Excavation Tour to learn the history of the tar pits and watch scientists working on fossils they have recently uncovered.
Natural Bridges
See the world famous yearly migration of monarch butterflies at this beach near Santa Cruz with its unique natural bridge. The best time to see these phenomenal monarch butterflies is usually from mid-October to late January. It’s also a great place to see rare shore birds, migrating whales, and otters and seals playing offshore. Tidepools along the beach give a glimpse of ocean life. The park’s coastal scrubs and grasslands offer a colorful display of wildflowers each spring. For a longer visit, there are several great hotels near Natural Bridges State Beach.
Mount Wilson
Get a stunning view of the San Gabriel Mountains above the Angeles National Forest at 5,713 feet when visiting Mount Wilson. They even have an observatory that was once the best-known one in the world during the early 20th century. They have a collection of the most detailed photos ever taken of the surface of Mars. Hike the Mount Wilson Trail that loops around a breathtaking waterfall. The 12.5-mile loop is best for experienced hikers.
Joshua Tree National Park
See the charmingly twisted Joshua trees at the 1,235 square-mile Joshua Tree National Park. The area lies between two separate ecosystems, the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. The rugged rock formations and stark desert are quite dramatic. Camp out and go for long hikes to contemplate the park’s natural beauty.
Mojave National Preserve
The 1.6 million-acre Mojave National Preserve is park nestled in the beautiful Mojave Desert. Marvel at the unusual Hole-in-the-Wall cliffs, cinder cones, and lava flows. Listen closely and you’ll hear the “singing” of the humongous dune mounds of Kelso Dunes. Located in Southern California, it’s truly a place of immense beauty.
Old Faithful
Travel out to the Napa Valley to see the lovely wine country and pay a visit to Old Faithful near the town of Calistoga. It isn’t as powerful as the one at Yellowstone, but it erupts faithfully every 10 to 45 minutes depending on the season and amount of rainfall the area has had. This part of the valley was once a volcano that erupted about 4.3 million years ago. The remains simmer to create today’s hot springs. The geyser is powered by nature but was actually created when a 19th-century settler who was digging for a well.
You’ll find more natural wonders scattered about in all parts of California. Leave the glamour and glitz of the city to experience them.
Share this:
The Many Wonders Grapevine Texas Has To Offer Vacationers
Are you a tourist or a local looking for fun activities in Grapevine, Texas? If yes, then Grapevine will give you the best vacation you have ever had. There are many amazing things to see and do that are very close to the major Grapevine hotels. Here are the wonders Grapevine has to offer vacationers:
1. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad
While travelling by train can be a holdover for you, it is one of the best things to do in Texas. Experience the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad, which will take you years back to when trains were the central transport means. The Vintage Railroad will take you to Fort Worth Stockyards from Grapevine. You will get to hear the wheels of the train move on the steel tracks and enjoy the view of the cabin sways. The railroad provides standard rides between February and December. Special rides that you can take part in include the North Pole Express and a Jazz Wine Train trip.
2. Grapevine’s Wineries
Just like its name suggests, Grapevine is the ideal destination for the best wines in Texas. For a glass of white or red wine, visit any of the nine local vineyards. The GrapeFest is the biggest wine festival in the Southwest, and it takes place in Grapevine. The town is also home to Urban Wine Trail Texas. You can visit wineries along the Main Street, including Bingham Family and Messina Hof Vineyards. Just one block from Main Street, you will find the Homestead Winery where you can taste wine at the century-old Victorian home. If you want a real Texas vineyard, you can tour the Delaney Vineyards & Winery. The stunning winery is located within an attractive building that looks like an 18th-century French castle.
3. Biggest Indoor Waterpark in the State of Texas
The Great Wolf Lodge offers the biggest indoor waterpark in Texas. You can have an exciting time riding at the Coyote Cannon or descend the Alberta Falls’ swift banking turns. You can also have a relaxing time at its hot Springs’ soothing waters. Your family can have a great time playing at the water tree called Fort Mackenzie while your kids get special rides. The waterpark is not restricted to seasons; it is available all year round due to its pleasant 84 degrees of temperature. However, only Great Wolf Lodge’s guests can play there.
4. Lake Grapevine
If you love being outdoors, Lake Grapevine is suitable for you. The lake is located to the north of Grapevine’s Historic Downtown, and it’s only a few minutes ride from the town. The lake is scenic and surrounded by rolling hills covered in beautiful lush trees. You can go out to the lake on a kayak or a boat and attempt catching the white bass that is available in plenty. You can join a hired sailing trip or a romantic cruise at night under the stars.
The shoreline of the lake offers the opportunity for hiking the trails for nine miles of wilderness. Close to the lake, you will find the Meadowmere Park and Oak Grove Park that have 26 miles of great paths ideal for cycling and hiking. You can also have a picnic at the lakeside and enjoy the panoramic views.
Conclusion
Grapevine’s fine wineries, stunning lake, exciting waterpark, and Vintage Railroad as well as luxurious hotels are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many wonders that vacationers can enjoy. If you are looking to have a good time in Grapevine, these are some of the sites to visit.
Share this:
Visit Lubbock Texas For A Memorable Vacation
Lubbock might not be the very first place you think of when it comes to a traveling destination for you and your loved ones, but that is actually a plus. You are less likely to be encumbered with long lines to attractions while still getting top-rate experiences. Let’s go through a few of the sites that make Lubbock a gem in the Lone Star state.
Buddy Holly Center
Did you realize that we have Lubbock, Texas to thank for being one of the birthplaces of rock n roll? It’s true! Charles Hardin Holley, professionally known as Buddy Holly, was born in Lubbock and it is where he started his career in the early 1950s. He went on to have several hits (which he wrote and recorded himself, quite unusual for the time) that are influential in the music industry to this day, before dying in a plane crash at the age of 22 in 1959. That day is forever known as ‘The Day The Music Died’.
Lubbock has a wonderful attraction built in memory of Mr. Holly which is absolutely a must for your visit. The Buddy Holly Center opened to the public featuring a museum, a fine arts gallery, a preservation of one of Buddy Holly’s band members’ house, and a performance venue. Museum items on display include everything from childhood letters to Buddy’s iconic eyeglasses. If anyone along for your vacation is a music-lover, this is the place to go. Plus, there are several hotels in Lubbock near the center, so this could be your jumping off point for other attractions.
Silent Wings Museum
If you have someone in your party that is more into military might than in the roots of rock music, there is definitely something in Lubbock that suits the bill. Lubbock was once a training area for pilots during the days of World War II. This history is remembered and honored by the Silent Wings Museum, a museum dedicated to educating the public of the glider pilot program that took place in Lubbock. The crown jewel of the museum is an actual glider plane from the era, that was rescued and restored after being found used for advertising on top of a tire store in Fresno, CA!
Caprock Winery
The idea of a winery might seem like a novelty in West Texas, but the fact is that Caprock Winery has been producing award-winning wines just outside of Lubbock since 1988. You can take a tour of the facility along with doing wine tastings five days a week (excluding Sunday and Monday). There is even a lounge area where you can enjoy a glass of their wine next to a roaring fireplace or on their patio (depending on the time of year).
Joyland
Okay, so the kids have been good during these trips to all the adult attractions and now they deserve to cut loose. What better destination could there be than an amusement park?! Joyland Amusement Park boasts over 30 rides, from roller coasters to rides for the littlest of your little ones. It is also very competitively-priced for an amusement park, with group rates and discounts easily obtainable online. It is an oasis for the young as well as for the young at heart.
Share this:
Great Vacation Spots You Might Not Have Considered, But Should!
You want to go on vacation, but you don’t want to join the hordes of people in New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami. Here are some vacation destinations that offer lots of entertainment without the mobs. They provide a range of options from parks to skiing to Victorian Christmas celebrations.
1) Dublin, Ohio
Dublin, which is near Columbus, was named after the Irish capital and boasts a number of attractions that play up its heritage. That includes a number of pubs, taverns, and shops, plus an Irish Festival held every August. Visitors can also enjoy the Glacier Ridge Metro Park which has an observation tower that provides views of the park’s 1037 acres. The park also contains debris from glaciers that is between 12,000 and 17,000 years old. Dublin Ohio hotels range from the modest to the luxurious, and there are many different ones to choose from.
2) Sedona, Arizona
Sedona boasts both natural beauty and an artistic vibe. Visitors can hike or cycle along desert trails and take in such impressive sites as an extinct volcano and massive buttes. They can also travel to the Grand Canyon or go birdwatching. Sedona also boasts a variety of spas, shops, and art galleries. Several different festivals take place in Sedona, including the Sedona VegFest (January) and the Sedona Film Festival (late February to early March).
3) Cape May, New Jersey
Located on the coast of southern New Jersey, Cape May is a small town (population 3600+) famous for its many Victorian buildings. The entire town is considered a National Historic Landmark. During the holiday season, Cape May is decorated in a Victorian style. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MACA) sponsors Christmas Candlelight House Tour and holds a Dickens Christmas Extravaganza.
4) Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida
Sanibel and Captiva are a pair of islands off Florida’s southwestern coast. They are linked by a short bridge, and a longer bridge connects Sanibel, the bigger island, to the Florida mainland. According to the official website, the islands have “15 miles of beaches, 25 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, 250 kinds of shells, and 0 stoplights.” Sanibel Island is home to the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which is known for its mangroves and migratory birds.
5) Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Coeur d’Alene is located in northern Idaho, and it is roughly 30 miles east of Spokane, Washington. It sits on Lake Coeur d’Alene’s northern shore. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes runs through the town. It is a 72-mile long trail that runs roughly east-west from Mullan to Plummer. During winter, travelers enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the trail. Coeur d’Alene is also home to a variety of museums and galleries. The Museum of North Idaho is dedicated to the region’ history, while the Art Spirit Gallery is devoted to works by artists in the area.
6) San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio was originally established as a Spanish trading post and mission in 1718 and became a city thirteen years later. It is thus the oldest city in Texas. Attractions in the city include the Alamo and SeaWorld. The latter will hold a Christmas celebration from mid-November until early January. There will also be a number of events commemorating the city’s tricentennial. The Witte Museum, for example, has an exhibit dedicated to the city’s history that will remain until January 6, 2019. There will also be various Christmas events like the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling along the San Antonio River Walk.
Share this:
Business Excellence Award 2020 from AI Global Media for The Most Entertaining Personal Travel Blog – Pacific Northwest USA
Top Posts & Pages
Authors
Globe RunnerBusiness Excellence Award 2020 for The Most Entertaining Personal Travel Blog – Pacific Northwest USA
Business Excellence Award 2020 from AI Global Media
Journey Around The Globe 