posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 14
Spain is more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches. It’s a spectacular and diverse country, the north resembling the rolling, green hills of Ireland and the south giving you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture. Its tremendous history is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals as well as some very unique modern architecture. The uniqueness of Spain lies in the separate kingdoms which made up the original Spanish nation. These regions remain diverse in their language, culture, cuisine and art. These regions include: Andaluc?a, Aragon, Asturias, Basque Country, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla La Mancha, Castilla Leon, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra and Valencia. Areas of interest are not limited to each region, here are some highlights:.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 4
Check out the newest Mendocino bed and breakfast at the historic Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse - in fact, the Lightkeeper’s House has been compeltely remodeled into a charming bed and breakfast, complete with antiques and fabulous views.
The restoration of the Head Lightkeeper’s House into the bed and breakfast was a vision of the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association(PCLK) for over six years. Now the 1909 Head Lightkeeper’s House (Inn) now provides guests with the unusual and magical opportunity to see the Light Station, Lighthouse, and working 3rd Order Fresnel lens at night. An evening’s stay at the Inn includes a private night time tour of the Lighthouse with the current Lightkeeper.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 28
North Face Big Shot – Where business meets pleasure.
Backcountry.com: $89.00
The North Face Big Shot is a laptop backpack with plenty of room to spare. This fully adjustable backpack is perfect for weekend business trips or for just carrying your laptop to and from the office. Who says you need sophisticated looking, black leather computer case? Break the mold with The North Face Big Shot.
A nice feature is that even when its fully loaded, The North Face Big Shot still meets carry on requirements. The easy to access laptop sleeve makes it easy to get access to your laptop for security check points. Don’t be that guy who has to dig around in his bag to get his computer out. Instead, zip through security with ease by being prepared. Just another reason you don’t need that leather laptop case.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 15
As with many ski towns, Park City was originally established as a mining town. In the 1860’s, flocks of people moved here to pursue riches in silver mining. At this time the streets were lined with saloons and featured a very popular red-light district. In the 1930’s mineral prices fell due to the depression, and the town felt the effect. Business collapsed and the population dwindled. Over time things got better and in 1963 Park City Consolidated Mines built the first chairlift on what was then known as Treasure Mountain. At this time, $3.50 would get you a weekend pass to go skiing and sledding. Times have changed a bit since then, but the skiing is still world-class, and the town offers many cultural events and festivals.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 1
Ask anybody and the typical answer you will get is that there is nothing in Alabama that is of special interest to the tourist. Yet tourism happens to be big business in the state and is, in fact, the state’s biggest industry, generating well over $10 billion in revenue each year.
The key to Alabama’s attractiveness as a tourist destination is above all its rural and agricultural orientation punched with great hospitality, delectable cuisine, top notch Alabama motels, hotels andGulf Coast resorts, and a globally well-known events calendar with many festivals and performances thrown in.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Feb 12
Previously, it was thought, islands of land could be preserved forever by simply drawing national park boundaries. Today, it is clear that this is untrue. National parks are not islands. They are greatly impacted by what happens outside their boundaries.
A wood stork silently wades shallow waters like a drum major in slow motion. Bill submerged, its great, dark head sweeps back and forth across shallow, murky waters like a robot on an assembly line. Mixed metaphors of wild nature and human technology befit this endangered wading bird. Its dramatic decline in numbers symbolizes the magnitude of environmental threats stalking today’s Everglades. “River of Grass” was the description affixed to this gently sloping, mostly level landscape in the 1940s by pioneering conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Within the park this river still flows slowly toward sea and gulf.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Jan 14
By Nancy Kinley
Who says that you can go to the beaches only during summer? At Galveston, with its semi-tropical climate, visitors enjoy year-round coastal bliss. Located 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston is an island in the Gulf of Mexico that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, beaches, as well as city ambiance.
On the north end of the island, the restored Victorian Strand district, resort hotels, and beachfront businesses provide a busy, commercial ambiance. If, however, you are seeking solitude and open beach access, then head south where you will find long stretches of private and rental residences.
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