Destinations Articles

Block Island Memorable Vacations In A Secluded Hideaway

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Block Island is a refuge for people and nature. You'll discover towering cliffs, stunning views and some of the best beaches on the New England coast... and without the crowds. You see Block Island takes a little bit of effort to get there, and this is good news for you, as most people won't take the trouble to take the one-hour ferry ride across.

But it's their loss... and your gain.

Block Island is a seaside jewel lying 12 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island. This is a place where nature clings to every pond, stone-walled trail, beach, and everything in between. It's a paradise for cyclists, and a haven for those ready to leave the trappings and demands of the mainland behind.

Most people take the ferry from Port Judith, which takes one hour across The Sound, and plants you in the hub of Block Island at Old Harbor. A Seasonal ferry service also runs from Newport RI and Montauk NY.

Coming to the Island is a shift in time, with its rugged undeveloped reserves... and open field farmlands... and narrow roads lined with stone walls and wild roses. Block Islands invites you to relax in dress and time. It's a chance for you to rediscover nature again, and appreciate this geological remains from the last Ice Age.

Here's suggested destinations to help you enjoy Block Island to its fullest...

THE VIEW FROM MOHEGAN BLUFFS...

You don't want to miss the view from Mohegan Bluffs. Take the Mohegan Trail from the village of Old Harbor out to the Bluffs.

Mohegan Bluffs overlook the southern coast of Block Island, and on a clear day you can see Montauk, NY on Long Island, about 18 miles away. The cliff's tower 200 feet above the shoreline and offer stunning views of the landscape and the Southeast Light. A steep set of wooden steeps leads down to the beach below.

At this beach a marauding band of Mohegan Indians were repressed by the local tribe, and give name to the bluffs.

THE BLOCK ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES

Block Island has two lighthouses: Southeast Light and North Light.

Southeast Light sits atop Mohegan Bluffs and was moved back from a perilous position on the cliffs in 1993. This is an attractive redbrick lighthouse built in 1875, and contains a museum inside for you to explore.

North Light is at Sandy Point on the northern tip pf Block Island. This is the fourth lighthouse in this location and was built in 1867. Two of the previous lights were washed away and the third was dismantled because its position did more harm than good.

North Light is within the boundaries of the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, and that's where we were heading anyway...

BLOCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Located on the North End of Block Island the refuge is now a 127-acre habitat for wildlife and for visitors to enjoy the wonder of this natural environment.

If you're a bird-watcher then the fall season offers a spectacular opportunity to view migratory birds, especially songbirds. Bring your camera and binoculars for a very special trip to a very special refuge.

The shoreline area runs from Settler's Rock to Sandy point and the North Light, and then from here to Great Salt Pond. This is an ideal area for walking, bird watching, and breathtaking views.

BLOCK ISLAND BEACHES & PONDS

Block Island beaches are the first stop for many first time visitors. The choices are many and varied. It has 17 pristine miles of gorgeous beaches.

The two-mile Crescent Beach area consists of four beaches: Frederick J. Benson Beach, Scotch Beach, Mansion Beach, and close to the ferry landing is Ballard's. These tend to be the most popular, but don't forget just a few minutes bike ride away are deserted beaches, where you can enjoy your own spot of peace and harmony.

For such a tiny area, Block Island boasts an amazing 365 ponds - that's right - one for every day of the year. So as you bike and hike around the island, it doesn't matter where you're at... you're only a few feet away from water.

Permits are required to fish the freshwater ponds.

Other things to do on Block Island include: visits to Manisses Animal Petting Zoo, Settler's Rock, located at the end of Corn Neck Road near a beach on Rhode Island Sound - the rock marks the landing point of European settlers of Block Island in 1661, and kayaking in New Harbor.

Block Island is a well-kept secret. Very few people know about it as a superior vacation destination. And to be honest that suits me just fine. I'll continue to take my trips and enjoy the sanctuary it offers. But I've shared it with you now, so you have to promise to visit... soon.

While Block Island is a great place to visit for the day, you'll get more time to enjoy the island if you stay overnight, or even longer, at any of the varied lodging available. But advanced booking is a must.

Inns and bed and breakfasts abound on the island, with many located near the village of Old Harbor and nearby New Harbor. For more information on inns and bed and breakfast accommodation check out www.blockisland.com.

A Day At The Summer Palace Of Peter The Great

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For elegance and old world feel, St. Petersburg is by far the best Russian city. If you go, a visit to Peterhof, the summer palace of Peter the Great is a must.

Peterhof

As Tanya and I left St. Petersburg for Peterhof, I was in a foul mood. A pickpocket had cut through the bottom of my backpack and swiped my camera. The ferry taking us was packed and the adorable child on my right had just spilled his ice cream down my leg. Why, I oughta'. My mood was soon to change.

Apparently, sensing my volatile mood, Tanya hadn't said a word on the 20 minute ferry ride. As we exited onto a long pier at Peterhof, she grabbed my hand and more or less tugged me down to what looked like an ancient French road. This was, in fact, the Grand Canal leading to Peterhof.

The Grand Canal is a water way with two paths cutting up the side of it towards Peterhof. The canal cuts through a forested area with trees nearly forming a roof over the canal. The atmosphere is very serene, particularly since I noticed the ice cream tike on the opposite path of the canal. Walking no more than a mile, one comes upon Peterhof and the Great Cascade.

The Great Cascade is aptly named. It is a collection of fountains and statutes sitting on tiered marble levels rising to the front of the palace. After living in Russia for eight months, I was use to seeing drab, grey five story buildings. The burst of gold, white and black colors was amazing and made me wonder what Russia must have looked like before communism.

After gaping at the Great Cascade for nearly an hour, it was time to take the tourist tour of the palace. We dutifully stood in line and made small talk with two German couples behind us. Compared to the general state of decay in most of Russia, we couldn't get over the fact the palace seemed to be in such good shape.

As the tour got underway, I kept getting the feeling there was something "off" about the palace. For a place built in 1715, Peter the Great sure seemed to know a lot about electricity. In particular, he seemed to have planned well ahead by creating some type of internal piping structure for the future electrical wires. Well, he was Great and perhaps the powers that be had done a little remodeling over the years.

Alas, one of our German friends was puzzling over the same thing. As we stood on the second floor of the palace, Jan asked our guide about the anomaly. He asked it in front of our group of about 20 people or which 75 percent were Russian. He asked in a heavy German accent.

Our guide dutifully replied the Germans had bombed Peterhof during World War II. Peterhof had been completely destroyed. The palace had subsequently been rebuilt, which explained its modern feel.

There was one of those pregnant pauses, which occur in such situations. Jan turned completely red. Taking pity on him, the tour guide immediately launched into an aggressive discussion of a particular picture on the wall while we dutifully paid attention and asked inane questions.

Oddly, the fact Peterhof is a modern structure doesn't really detract from the experience. The palace and surrounding structures simply feel like a real palace. With many palaces through Europe, you get the feeling Disney was somehow involved in the construction.

At Peterhof, there is a definite feeling of elegance, but elegance mixed with a practicality required by day-to-day living. In short, you can definitely image Peter the Great living there in the summer.

What To See In Pretoria Gauteng

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Pretoria didn't develop as quickly as Johannesburg did over the years but two of the most impressive buildings are located in this beautiful Jakkarandastad (city, filled with the most beautiful purple flower trees called the Jakkaranda).

The first building is The Union Building that was built on Meintjieskop, Arcadia, named after Stephanus Jacobus Meintjies. Arcadia was farmland, originally belonging to Andries Francois du Toit, who then sold it on. Sir Herbert Baker was the architect of The Union Building and it was built from light sandstone. The building was completed in 1913, 3 years after the colonies united, forming the South African Union.

The building is 275 m long and has a halve-round shape with two wings at the sides, representing the English and Afrikaans (Boer) population of South Africa separately at that time. The gardens of the Union Building consist of roses imported from England, plants from Rotterdam and others from South Africa. Today, tourists from all over the world come to see this building.

Parliament spends the winter months in Pretoria at the Union Building, while they spend their summer months down in Cape Town.

The Voortrekker Monument is the second great building and can be seen from almost any location in Pretoria. It was built in honour of the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony and embarked on the Great Trek back in 1836. This monument is the icon for all Afrikaans South Africans. The architect for the monument was Gerard Moerdijk and construction started on the 13th of July 1937. The monument was inaugurated on 16 December 1949 and stands 40 metres high with a base of 40 m by 40 m.

An amphitheatre which seats 20 000 was built to the north west of the monument in 1949. The focus point of the monument is the cenotaph. On top of the Hall of Heroes is a dome from where you can view the inside of the monument. The sun shines through this dome only one day a year at exactly 12 o'clock on the 16th of December, onto the middle of the cenotaph and the words "Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika" (we for Thee South Africa).

This ray of sunshine symbolises God's blessing on the lives of the Voortrekkers. The 16th of December is the day of remembrance, a promise that was made to God to always remember this day, treating it as a Sunday, every year, because He was with them when they fought and defeated the Zulu's at the Battle of Bloodriver. Lots of lives were lost on that day and at present, we remember those who lost their lives.

People in South Africa have different views and it means something different to everyone in regards to the Monument as well as the Battle of Bloodriver. Doesn't matter what your opinion is these days, these two building are very impressive and has to be visited! Go there, see the buildings, read about the history and learn a little more about how South Africa became the country it is today!

Dartmoor England S Last Great Wilderness

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Given National Park status in 1951, Dartmoor sits in the south of county Devon, southwest England, and covers an area of 365 square miles. Almost half the park is swampland, a haven for wildlife and those wishing to escape the rigours of city life.

Dartmoor Forest, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall since 1307, is a former royal hunting ground and makes up the vast majority of the region. The grass and heather moors are littered with hefty granite boulders scattered amongst the rolling hills. Wild ponies graze among the barren hills; despite running wild, all have human owners and are gathered annually each autumn.

Approximately 10% of the moor is woodland, much of it running along the tranquil river valleys. Stone circles and burial chambers are testament to Dartmoor's historic and enigmatic past. Indeed, Dartmoor is famous not only for its beautiful landscapes. It was within the little village of Grimspound that Sherlock Holmes found himself investigating the hound of the Baskervilles.

Dartmoor was one of Europe's biggest tin mining areas back in the 12th century. The stone built homes of the miners can still be found along many of the regions streams and rivers.

Abbot's Way runs across the southern part of the moor, racing across wild country and moorland bogs. The region is thought to be named after the abbots who are thought to have used this path when travelling between Buckland Abbey and Buckfast Abbey. Man's presence over the ages is evident in this barren land. Hut circles dating back to the Bronze and Iron ages remain today.

South of Abbots Way sits Harford Moor. The Middle Ages drew tin miners from far and wide seeking riches below the surface. Today visitors are drawn by the vast wilderness and wildlife. A medieval cross adorns Harford Church, one of many in the area which once served as signposts for those travelling across the moors.

Becky Falls Woodland Park first opened to the public in 1903. Some of the most enjoyable walks in England's southwest can be had here amongst the delightful waterfalls and huge granite.

To the west is Upper Plym Valley and a beautiful array of plants and wildlife. The tracks in these parts are somewhat easier to navigate than many others in the moors and provide much of interest along the way. The spectacular moorland scenery is interspersed with abandoned tin mines dating back over a century and various prehistoric relics including stone and hut circles.

Guide To London Travel

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Being one of the most important capitals of the world, London ought to be having a high reputation among the people from all over the world. The country holds a very rich resource of history and domination over the entire world. Londoners can today boast of living in one of the historically most significant city of Europe. The city is studded with architectural wonder that remind of the engineering advancements that the country attained so early. The diverse population of the city amounts to a whopping 59 million, which makes it one of the most populated cities of the world. The ethnic backgrounds of the people largely vary as London offers some of the most lucrative job opportunities. People thus flow in from different parts of the world to find their destiny.

The city has evidences to shoe that it had human habitation for almost 22,000 ago too and since then it has sheltered humans through the ice ages and the wars and the invasions. Julius Caesar walked in to London in 55 BC as a part of the Greek conquest. The protective walls around the city reminds us of the efforts that the city dwellers to withstand the invasion. The British started their domination over the world with the Norman Conquest of 1066. Since then the expanse of the British Empire grew and it went across the lands and the oceans. Modern history knows London as the capital of almost the whole world as it was under the British dominion.

Religion acts as a guiding force for the civilizations to grow. In London, religion has a special status for the people. The people have diversified beliefs. The firm position of Church of England, one of the oldest embodiments of Christianity, shows that the country still stands tall on the framework of religion. The conflicting groups of the Christians' viz. Roman Catholics and Protestants find it as a missing link. How far the church is successful is subject to debate.

The aesthetic interests of the people of London are much refined then anywhere in the world. The cultural map of England starts with London and it is the centre of most cultural activities of the country. The different forms of music and dance have been prevalent in the country for centuries now. The classical music, operas and the English folk music have had a great impact on the people of the country. Prior to the 15th century many music legends liven in England and had their influence on the music. The pop culture took the country into its hold since the 1960s. Pop bands started to come up and some such bands grew to scale new heights in the music world.

The myths have it that in the many monuments in England many have been reported to be haunted by the ghosts of people who lived there and their citing are reported every now and then. It also gives the tourists a reason to be visiting the place. Above and beyond every thing else the country is a example of upholding the traditions and thus it becomes imperative to go there and fell them firsthand.

Discovering Deluxe Martinique Vacation Destinations

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Escaping to a tropical island is most people's idea of a fantasy vacation, but when that island comes complete with a little bit of France, it can be even more appealing.

That's what many vacationers love about Martinique, which has become the Caribbean island to discover or rediscover. Not only is it beautiful-with lush gardens, pristine beaches and tropical rainforests-it's rich in French culture, food and joie de vivre.

Blessed with an idyllic climate and a wealth of cultural, artistic and scenic attractions, Martinique is unlike any other tropical destination. Not only is the flower-filled island full of visual delights, it offers soothing spas and luxury hotels in which you can pamper yourself.

If nurturing yourself is in your nature, you may want to book yourself into the visually stunning Relais and Chateaux Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa. Cap Est has 50 suites, two restaurants, two beaches and a lavish swimming pool. The fashionable, four-star deluxe hotel offers windsurfing, sea kayaking, a tennis court and a heart fitness room, plus the Belem restaurant, cited in Cond

Unique Places To Take The Family Trip

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I often laugh at the old television shows in which families are always relaxing and talking. These days, a family trip is about the only time you can recreate the magic of television.

Unique Places To Take The Family Trip

When school lets out, it is time to think about that family trip. It doesn't matter if you live in the north, south, east or west - your family needs to have some time away to relax, bond and have fun. Choosing your destination can be difficult at times, but by choosing a place that has many different activities for Mom, Dad, sister and brother, you can be sure to make everyone happy.

One great place for a family trip is Hershey, Pennsylvania. Home of Milton Hershey, founder of the Hershey's chocolate company, this small town is a great family spot. The town of Hershey is right in the middle of Pennsylvania Dutch country, and side trips to the Amish villages and farm stands can provide a learning experience for everyone in the group. Hershey's Chocolate World, located right in the center of Hershey, is a free chocolate tour and factory experience that's open year-round (closed Christmas day). This educational but really fun tour is great for all ages. After you are done, you can spend some time in the Hershey Marketplace Shops, the Hershey Caf

Day Pampering In Northern California

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Taking a little time out for a day of pampering is a California tradition. Finding a quality day retreat in Northern California should be no problem as you can see below.

Day Pampering In Northern California

If you're stressed out and in need of some relaxation and therapeutic care, chances are you're in need of a bit of pampering. Living in California can be a stressful situation, and there are times that you need nothing more than a massage or maybe a facial to combat those working blues. Luckily, there is most likely a day retreat in northern California to meet your needs.

The Oaks at Ojai destination health retreat, located in Ojai, California, is only twenty minutes away from downtown Ventura. This retreat offers many different treatments, including the yummy sounding Ojai Olive Oil Body Souffle. Along with the usual massages, wraps and facials, packages are also offered. These include the Head to Toe package and the Mind, Body package, both of which offer tons of relaxation and wellness treatments. Wellness and fitness consultations are also offered here, along with different services, such as makeup consultations. You can stay at this retreat or just use it as a day of bliss.

Another retreat in northern California is the California Skin Care and Day Spa in Newark, California. Located in the East Bay area, this day retreat offers massages, facials, and body wraps, but it also offers some more unique services. These include oxygen therapy, permanent make-up (tattoo) and eyelash extensions, to name a few. They also offer many spa packages, which include the Day in Paradise and Lavish in Romance (for couples) - these packages are even available as Internet specials!

Regardless of the retreat you choose, be sure to book any special treatments or packages in advance - often they request up to four weeks advance notice for certain services. Also be sure to confirm when your reservation is for the services. Just like any service, they may charge a fee if you don't show up at your scheduled appointment time.

Peak 9 Of Breckenridge Ski Resort

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Peak 9 features E chair which has some of the steepest terrain, massive moguls and trees in Summit County, CO. The Devil's Crotch ski run (what a great name) is the steepest and purest mogul run I have ever seen. The huge moguls and steep drops make it a pure adrenaline rush and a real leg burner.

The tree skiing under E chair is very nice, steep and spaced out. The trees under E chair offer beautiful lines, but you'll have to scout each line out carefully. If you really enjoy trees, you must hike up to the Windows ski run. Once you get off E Chair, just hike up and you'll see the way to Windows.

This is usually the locals secret powder stash, but I am inclined to share it with you. I know you'll love the beautiful trees and chutes which lead you right back to the bottom of E chair. Windows is my personal favorite and I am sure it will be yours too.

If you continue the Windows hike up another quarter mile it will take you to a great powder bowl with waste deep powder after a snow storm. This run is simply amazing. Beware of the snow covered stream at the bottom. If your not careful you could possibly get wet. So always stay skiers right at the end of run to stay away from the dreaded stream.

Toms baby is another run I recommend. It's extremely steep and bumpy. It runs right under E chair with a series of drops and landings. The hits here are steep so watch your speed. E chair services some of the most extreme terrain. All runs are of the double black diamond variety so always use caution while riding aggressive terrain.

If you are a beginner skier, peak 9 is the place to ski with plenty of blue and green runs which will keep you skiing all day long without having to leave peak 9. Peak 9 has 14 blue runs so if you're an intermediate skier enjoy all of the moderate groomers. The blue runs are the perfect trails if you are interested in learning how to ski or snowboard. So whatever your ski level is, peak 9 will satisfy.

So if you ever ride Breckenridge be sure to check out peak 9 it will please you no matter what ski level you are.

Enjoy your ski vacation in Breckenridge, CO.

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