posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
The clear green waters and perfect white beaches of this popular vacation area, just west of the Florida-Alabama border, make it a vacation destination and a weekend getaway spot for all of southern Alabama. Only recently has the rest of the country begun to feel the tug of its attraction.
No matter what you fancy in a beach vacation, you’ll find it here. Surrounded by water, anglers get the best of all worlds - bay, surf, lake and deep sea fishing . The climate is mild enough to permit golfing year round and some of the course, like Kiva Dunes, roll right up to the beach.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 29
One of the best reasons to choose a vacation rental can be the amenities offered. Beyond having a kitchen and sometimes a washer and dryer - many resort complexes and property rental companies offer great perks to their guests that don’t cost a dime.
Destin Days Vacation Rentals offers a wide variety of free Destin Florida rental amenities. This is the best and most inexpensive way to see all that the Gulf Coast of Florida has to offer.
Enjoy buy one get one free deep sea fishing with Lighten Up Charters and Captain Doug Richards. This is a 4 hour fishing trip that includes tackle, license, Captain/ Mate and fish cleaning. There must be a minimum of 4 people to book the trip, but if you divide the savings among four, this is a perk you can’t afford to miss.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 18
Rooftop at the soon-to-open Gansevoort South.
Happy Halloween…lets talk hotels…WHICH exclusive New England resort that recently sold out for big money is gearing up for an oh-so-polite power struggle? Media darling and always booked, it doesn’t turn a profit, and the new owners aren’t ‘avin it, ‘enry — not at least long term they’re not…
…WHICH big, expensively PR’d rebranding effort isn’t bearing fruit? Everyone’s talking about the fact that nobody’s talking about the host of faded hotel and resort properties snatched up, revamped and relaunched by a deep-pocketed investment firm as part of a new high-end collection. Joke’s on them, media doesn’t care; may have something to do with the fact that nothing they’ve done seems in the slightest bit innovative…
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 30
New US passport regulations go into effect on January 23, 2007. In order to re-enter the United States by plane from Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean, US citizens will need a passport.
Those coming back into the country by sea and land may still use a driver’s license and birth certificate to prove their citizenship. However, that is expected to change in the near future.
Currently about 73% of all US citizens do not have passports, so this may cause a shift in travel patterns over the next few years. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands expect an influx of American vacationers, since they are the only Caribbean destinations not affected by the new rules.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 7
Imagine a forested valley surrounded by awesome mountain scenery. Add some sparkling lakes, clear streams teaming with fish, a variety of unique golf courses and a world class ski mountain and you have Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada.
This Laurentian Mountain resort is one of those rare places where all four seasons allow visitors to realize their vacation dreams. In the winter, it offers not just alpine skiing, but ice skating, sledding, ski touring, snowshowing and comaraderie around blazing bonfires - all in the fairytale setting of a winter wonderland.
While the other three seasons can surprise you with just about any kind of weather, you will not be at a loss for things to do. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing and golf are some of the most popular activities in the Spring and Fall.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 27
Everyone loves a vacation at the beach. It’s particularly appealing when our home territory takes on the drab, dismal and cold colors of winter. That’s exactly when you should head south to Navarre Beach, Florida on Santa Rosa Island off the Emerald Coast.
The inviting colors are sure to cheer you up. The clear aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico gently lap at sugar-white sand beaches decorated with burnished sea oats, all nestled peacefully under a sapphire sky. This barrier island boasts 12 miles of pristine shoreline and traditionally makes most of the top 10 beaches lists year after year.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 18
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.
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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 8
Punta Mita means gateway to paradise. You’ll agree when you stay at La Palmas Punta Mita, a gated resort community on the Bay of Banderas 26 miles north of Puerto Vallarta.
Imagine an ideal year ’round climate with complete resort amenities and more than 9 miles of private, white sand beaches to enjoy with your friends and family. If your dream vacation is all about relaxing in luxury, this is the place!
To introduce you to this beach vacation destination, they offer these Spring Specials:
Hot Deal: Between now and April 6, 2007, you’ll receive a 10% discount off your entire stay.
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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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