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Posts Tagged ‘Islands’

American Samoa

Monday, August 24th, 2009

American Samoa is unspoilt Island Nature and Culture, at its best. This small archipelago, with only 5 major islands among the coral atolls has beaches, cliffs, rain forests and a stunning Pacific Ocean Panorama.
Flights are from Hawaii to the main island of Tutuila and Pago Pago’s International Airport. The town also has a well sheltered deep sea port, with stunning views over the harbor from the surrounding mountains. Four airports ferry visitors to local destinations.

Three National Parks are on the Islands of Tutuila, Ta’u and Ofu where the wonders of these Polynesian Islands offer tourists the opportunity to explore the volcanic coastlines, dive to explore the wonderful shallows filled with marine life, explore ‘dead’ lava caves and tubes, hike the hills and rainforests, fish, sail or cruise to atolls – Aunu’a  Island has the strange Red, Quicksand’s on Pala Lake, Ma’ama’a Isle has a charming cove to explore, play golf  – or simply relax with whale and bird watching, panoramic views, beach, visit traditional villages and markets to enjoy the local ambiance.

Nestled on the islands are Luxury Hotels, charming Inns and B&B’s with mouth watering Polynesian Cuisine. Entertaining ‘Revues’ and dances tell of the legends of – ‘Turtle and Shark’ and many others.

These Samoan (Polynesian) Islands and People have retained a distinctive charm and ‘old world’ cultured way of life that is rare in the modern fast paced world. You cannot but feel refreshed and rested by the ambiance, and tempted – never to leave!

Wisconson

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Wisconson is part of the Great Lakes district with the world’s largest body of fresh water lakes. To the north is Lake Superior and on the east coast, Lake Michigan. The great out doors offers all the attractions of winter and summer sports, sightseeing, active adventures and visits to “America’s Dairy land’ and the beautiful pastures that produce some of the countries best cheeses – and beer. Famed as the Midwest’s premier vacation destination to the; Apostle Islands on Lake Superior and 98 State and county Parks with forest trails, rugged lakeside cliffs, broad rivers, dense forests and lush green valleys. Wisconsin also has many cultural sites, Arts & Innovative museums, entertainments like casinos and greyhound racing, spas, amusement parks, science and nature centers, fairs and festivals, sophisticated cities and of course is home to some of the worlds most famous beers!

Fascinating cities and towns make up a variety of cultural and entertainment venues in this predominantly ‘Agricultural State’.

Milwaukee is (Like neighbor, Chicago) is a manufacturing and famous brewing center. Even the local baseball team is named ‘Brewers’. The city’s spectacular Lake Michigan shoreline is most popular for festivals and musical extravaganzas. Museums with rare displays from paleontology and historical to Advertising and Design, Historical Mansion and eclectic Fine Art.

Door County peninsula is lined with more than a dozen County Parks and five great State Parks, with miles of hiking and biking trails and, Washington Island across the straits is accessible all year by ferry for peace and quiet, and splendid lake views.

Wisconsin Dells along the Wisconsin River, winds through the awe inspiring stretch of deep sandstone canyons – a prime summer vacation area, with water parks, boat tours and great photo opportunities.

Baraboo the (still) popular base of the famous ‘Ringling’s Circus Museum’ has live performances music, parades, calliope concerts and demonstrations of earlier days and much more.

Madison nestled between Lakes Monona and Mendota is one of the countries most attractive Capital Cities. Home to the State University, it’s considered one of the nation’s best places to live and work; with a variety of bookshops, galleries, vegetarian friendly restaurants and a network of biking and hiking trails with access to the sparkling lakes around the city.

Spring Green farming community, lies north of the Wisconsin River has the famous Architectural School founded by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Alex Jordan’s ‘House on the Rock’ museum exhibited a vast collection of Americana.

La Crosse has a well preserved down-town district around the verdant neighborhood of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Campus and is a fine base for exploring the Mississippi River towns and historical sites.

Apostle Islands,(miscounted and misnamed by French Missionaries) has 22 islands, 21 of which form part of the National Lakeshore with preserved forests, many sand beaches, and sea caves making it very popular to eco-tourists, cruises and kayakers.

Interesting Events – With over 300 Festivals and Fairs in July and August alone, and 672 listed for the year, it’s a dazzling choice of events to attend! Whatever ‘floats your boat’ you’ll find in Wisconsin. See you there!

Marianas Island

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

MARIANAS ISLAND has awesome natural and entertainment attractions. The Western Pacific islands are situated on the Marianas Trench, the deepest undersea canyon in the world, where deep sea ‘mud’ volcanoes spew liquid sulphur from acidic hydrothermal vents in the sea bed, creating rare species of deep sea creatures, fish and animal life – unique species of Beaked Wales, 19 marine animals and on land the Micronesian Megopoda Bird – that incubates its eggs in the hot lava flows and the giant coconut crabs. Two of the Hotels have Casinos and six major Golf Courses have from the most challenging to the mild greens for beginners, to complement the beautiful natural surrounds.
The three main Northern Islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota are known for their Eco-tourism to – nature adventures in nearby unoccupied northern islands, reached only by plane, boat or helicopter – active and smoking volcanoes, black sand beaches, ancient rock formations and wildlife. Special tours are arranged for hikers, fishermen (and women), hunting, snorkeling, bird watching, volcano watching and camping. Favorite pastimes are diving to – coral reefs, caves, caverns, ledges and visiting sunken ships.

Saipan has great natural beauty, hotels, golf courses and many historical landmarks. The whole area is part of the 95,000 square miles, newly declared Mariana Trench National Monument – just 3 hours from Japan.

Tinian is known for its fantastic marine life, and sunken WW11 relics (and ammunition!)

Rota has three major deep dive sites to see the unique indigenous reef fish species and sunken wrecks, and snorkeling offs the many beaches.

Events and Festivals occupy the calendar whole year round. The Islands love out door sporting and competitions on land or on sea and Festivals to celebrate ‘anything and everything’, especially the February – Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival with various tastings and competitions “to make your mouth and eyes water”, and meeting local artists and entertainers. More Festivals continue month to month, across the calendar, to the end of the year.

If you miss any, the next one will be waiting for you!

Guam

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

GUAM is the largest island of the Mariana Archipelago. The closest country is Taipei, Taiwan off the coast of China and next is Manila in the Philippines. Guam has a remarkable history of ancient Polynesian and Malayan occupation, Spanish settlement, European Pirates visitations, and battleground between Japanese and American forces in WW11.

Today, it has a population exceeding 150,000 and has a thriving economy based on the shipping industry as a terminal for cargo and tourism. The natural beauty of the twin islands, surrounding Pacific and Philippine seas, offer tourists from America and Asia a glimpse into a historical melting pot of nations, yet a distinctive individual Chamorro cultural identity is maintained.

Sightseeing can be divided into the three distinct areas of Southern Guam, Central and Northern Guam and Southern area.

Southern Guam:

  • Mount Lamlam – The tallest mountain in the world, from its base in the undersea Mariana Trench.
  • Talifak Bridge – built by the Spanish in 1785,
  • Sella Bay – for its tranquility, and another Spanish bridge
  • Merizo Park, where water sports and annual water festival is held,
  • Cette Bay for its beautiful views.
  • Memorial Park – has a Vietnam Memorial and great views,
  • Coco’s Island for its fine resort, lagoon, diving adventure and quiet ambiance,
  • The Marizo Bell Tower,
  • he Inarajan Village with its quaint Spanish design.
  • The Talafofo Falls on the Ungum River, and Talofofo Beach – where surfers slip the waves to land on the brown sands.
  • Not forgetting a visit to ‘Yokis Cave’ – where Sergeant Yoki holed up after the war, and was only discovered alive and well in 1972!

The Central Area :

  • Pago Bay – the largest and most beautiful bay with – University of Guam, specialists in Marine Biology and more recently in many of the other academic fields of study,
  • Views from Libugan Overlook and Apra Harbor.
  • The Asan Historical Park and Pacific National Park are war museums.
  • There are a further six historical parks of WW11 military sites on land, and under water (wrecks) to explore.
  • The two waterfalls; Sigua Falls – is reached by a jungle hike and Tarzan Falls, by a stiff climb for the more adventurous.

Northern Guam:

  • South Pacific Memorial Park; – with the 15 meter high tower of, ‘Hands praying for Peace’, very emotive,
  • Mount Santa Rosa – is an extinct volcano with spectacular views, and three private (military) beaches.

Special events are; Liberation Day (July 21st) – celebrated with a festival of floats, parades, marching, music & entertainments and of course exotic and island foods. The Spanish/Catholic Fest, (December 8th) – pays homage to their patroness, Saint Marian Kamelin and weekly, on Wednesday Nights – The Chamorro Village Markets open for shopping and entertainment.

Outdoor sports cover a great spectrum including; Golf, Skydiving, Jet ski, Parasailing, Kite surfing, coral reef diving – visit Spanish and WW11 wrecks 0r Visit, beautiful waterfalls, sea caves, scenic views or ingest the beautiful variety of flowers – hibiscus, plumier, red ginger, ixeras, lantanas and of course bougainvilleas’. Taste the delicious tropical fruits of; papayas, bananas, breadfruits, mangoes, guavas, mountain apples and tangerines for a mouth watering experience.

Tourist facilities are of the highest standard with; Many huge Local and International Hotels, Resorts and Spa’s offering sophisticated accommodation and services to boutique B&B’s, each with its own variety of Cuisines, Elegant Night Clubs, Activities and Services, The huge, Pacific Islands Club with – over 72 sports and entertainment activities, spa’s, dining venues and the Pavilion –a huge Reception facility.

This Tourist Mecca has from the most sophisticated attractions to the quiet meditative experiences, on an island paradise of Spanish and Chamorro charm and warmth, fulfilling the sobriquets of -‘America in Asia’ and ‘Gateway to Asia’.

Texas

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

TEXAS has arguably the largest land area of the lower 48 States and according to reports the Texans also the largest ego! The ‘Lone Star’ and ‘Longhorn’ State has long since deserved it reputation as a true reflection of the Old West frontier, having wrested the land from the previous Mexican Empire by 1848. Since the early 1900’s when oil was discovered, Texas has remained the center of the US petroleum industry. However livestock and agriculture is still big business. The vast open spaces and mythical Cowboy Culture are still a major tourist attraction. In stark contrast are many cultural cities and towns with sophisticated facilities and entertainment, and most of all the Space Center at Houston, the mission control center for all manned exploration of space.

National Parks, Preserves and Wildlife refuges, Islands, The Rio Grande Canyon, Historic Towns and Forts, rugged Desert Mountains offer a vast array of outdoor activities from golf, fishing, hiking, river rafting to cycling, scenic routes to coastal angling, sailing. Organized Sports of baseball at all levels, American Football on National, University and College level and Basketball at all amateur and professional levels, as well. Nightclubs and performance venues cover this music loving state.

Dallas , has been synonymous with oil, ranching, cotton fields and latterly a huge diversified business center. An energetic and enjoyable city, with many museums, restaurants and cultural venues. Sadly the city tourism also thrives on ‘Black Tourism’ a euphemism to the sustained interest on the murder of President John Kennedy in 1963. Happier things to do and see are the fabulous view from the 50 storey reunion Tower, The West End Historic District, Museum of Art filled with Americana, Natural Museum, Peaceful Parks and vibrant Musical neighborhoods.

Fort Worth combines the epitome of ‘Cowboy Culture, High Culture and Modern Entertainment Venues’. Historic Cattle Yards rub shoulders with some of the US’s finest Performing Arts Space, Museums and Organizations and transformed ‘Old Red Light’ districts into delightful ’Water Gardens’.

Austin , the Capital, stakes its claim to being the most popular Music Scene in the country, High Tech Industry and ‘Best State University’! and Biggest State Capital in the country!

Fredericksburg , in the Hill Country is one of the loveliest small towns in the state, with very strong Germanic heritage with its ‘Biergarten’ and Bavarian style buildings, Church on the old marketplace (Markplatz). It also has WW11 Museum of the Pacific War – house in the steamboat shaped Nimitz Hotel with Japanese ‘Peace Garden’ at the back and the Lyndon Johnson National Historical Park.

Kerrville , is one of the largest towns in the Hill Country. It is famous for its eighteen day long folk music festival held annually on a ranch near the town. Starting the Thursday before Memorial Day, it attracts singers and fans from all over the world.

New Braunfels , has a charming German culture enshrined in its distinctive architecture, cuisine, language and festivals for example the Beer & sausage and the Polka Dance Festival.

San Antonio , is really the most historic city in the State and popular for its natural beauty.

Houston is an enormous port and city with a population passing 2 million souls and synonymous with all Space Exploration and Mission Control, and the Petrochemical Industry. It has much more for the tourist to appreciate, with some of the Worlds finest Art Museums – paintings by the European masters, 20th Century American masters, Ancient and Mediaeval art of the Mediterranean, Africa, and Pacific Northwest, Byzantine Frescos, Greek, Roman and American sculptures, Artifacts, Furniture collections, Decorative Arts, Ceramics and textiles. Unbelievable collections ‘to perve over’! Montrose district has a varietal cultural collection of galleries, shops, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants and a popular ‘strolling area’. 34km SE is the ‘Tallest Monument in the World’, with museum and theater at its base.

Galveston has many tourist attractions depicting her exotic past of Pirates and Victorian splendor, but mostly its past and present day attraction remains as one of the most popular Resort Cities on the Gulf of Mexico. The Island city has miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches and incredible modern entertainment facilities of water park pools, ten stories Rainforest pyramid and massive aquariums.
Corpus Christi is the deepest commercial port in the State and therefore a strong maritime, military and waterfront presence with the State Aquarium of rare sea animals. The Island State Park has many miles of sandy beaches and modern condominium resorts.

Laredo on the north bank of the Rio Grande River is known as ‘the gateway to Mexico’. The Mexican and Border cultural influence is very apparent in well preserved buildings and museum which traces the cities history with ‘six different national flags’. The undoubted tourist attraction starts with the 200 mile Rio Grande Valley to the Gulf, with a strong agricultural, rural and commercial mix and nature sanctuary park.

Fort Davis deserves a visit to cool off in summer in the highlands, visit the National Historic Fort site or see the stars from the Observatory’s, world’s largest (430inch) spectroscope.

El Paso was known for its safest crossing of the Rio Grande River to Mexico, still has its original and oldest Catholic Missions in the state, an international community and a small national park with a 2,9km perimeter walking trail.

Lubbock a mix of Cattle Ranching country, Technical University and Cotton growing is also famed for its great ‘production’ of musical prodigies, like Buddy Holly and many others enshrined in the museum.

Canyon ’s name is self explanatory. The nearby State Park is also known as the ‘Grand canyon of Texas’. It also houses the largest Historical Museum of geology, paleontology and petroleum in the State, West Texas A&M University and nearby preserved, Pioneer Town.

Amarillo, although a town of great commercial diversity, has some unique attractions. Situated on the legendary and major Route 66 that crosses the country from Chicago to Los Angeles it has the Cattleman’s tradition encompassed in the Livestock Auction, strange sights at ‘The Cadillac Ranch’.

Abilene once a notorious Wild West town is now more settled as “Buckle of the Bible Belt”, with a number of Christian Colleges, The Historical Village with Indian artifacts and Frontier weapons collection.

The major Annual Events are:

  • the Kerrville Folk Festival at the end of May
  • the Texas State Fair in October
  • Confederate Heroes day
  • Emancipation Day
  • Lyndon Johnson’s Birthday on August 27th.

Others include; Family camp-0ut, Playing with Time, Rodeo and Old Settlers reunion, Annual Taste of Dallas, Balloon race, water Carnival, Harvest weekends, Yesteryear festival, Roundup Rodeo, Water Carnival, Chili Pepper & Salsa Festival, Beachcombers Fine Arts show, Overland & Stagecoach Festival, Grape Stomp, Liberty Opry, Fly-in & Lions Club Breakfast, Pioneer Days fest., Open weekend – Davis Mount Preserve, Texas Ranch Roundup, Center City Block party, Bat Fest, Greek Fest, LBJ’s Birthday and Margarita & Salsa Festival.

Texans pride themselves on being, doing and thinking big, the Big ‘Lone Star State’ with Cowboy Culture, their own big ‘Grand Canyon’, vast Landscape, Ranches and NASA – ‘Reaching for Space’, all with good justification. A visit will fill you with wonder at the reality of diversity and enormity of it all.

New York

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

NEW YORK STATE covers a very large area, from the coastal Long Island to the Canadian border and west to the Great lakes. The northern mountains of the Adirondacks range are the source of the Hudson River which flows all the way to New York harbor. Long Island has many miles of beaches, farmland and suburbs while the north has towns, cities and more farmland. Sharing the border with Canada is the famous Niagara Falls that lures over ten million visitors per year.

State Capital Albany at the most northerly point of the Hudson River has one of the most delightful architectural gems in the Capitol Building, a combination of Italian and French Renaissance and Roman stairways, arches, ornate chambers decorated with pink and yellow marble, red granite, stained glass, onyx and mahogany. As a government, cultural and railway center Albany still holds its own as a tourist and business destination.

Saratoga Springs is still famous for its healing waters, best of horse racing and historical parks.

Cooperstown is the legendary birthplace of baseball and plays homage with a museum to the baseball legends in it s hall of fame.

Syracuse grew as a result of the Erie Canal development in the early 18oo’s. Today it houses a museum and the Landmark Theater to remember that early development. A magnificent museum of arts has a remarkable varied collection from ancient Asian to modern American.

Rochester is a charming city of museums, parklands, 18th to 20th century architecture, one dedicated to the founder of Eastman Kodak, now an International Museum of Photography.

Buffalo prospered as a terminus on the Erie Canal. Places of interest are also the County Historical Society in the old Pavilion, and the Art Gallery overlooking the beautiful Delaware park and a museum to ‘America’s favorite dessert’.

Niagara Falls is a natural wonder to behold. Situated on the border with Canada, this majestic horseshoe shaped falls draws over ten million visitors per year.

For those who love the outdoors there are the magnificent Adirondack Mountains, 176 State Parks, rivers, streams, canals, lakes and beaches. Camping, hunting, sea and fresh water fishing, hiking and climbing, skiing, boating, wildlife refuges and zoos, and of course Golf, from par 3 to professional standard, from private to Municipal to Resorts courses, all for the active participant.

For those seeking more leisurely activities, sightseeing, amusement parks, casinos, vineyards, breweries, farms and festivals, culinary and gourmet centers and restaurants of all specialties and delights abound. Spectator Sports like, Football, baseball, basket ball, hockey, horse racing and any form of ‘wheeled’ racing you can imagine.

New York City and New York State have a symbiotic relationship of urban and rural combination that offers you a remarkable range of choice of the best of both worlds.

South Carolina

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

SOUTH CAROLINA is famous for its many, many miles of Atlantic beaches, coastal islands and resorts, Cyprus swamps and early colonial and civil war histories. Famous coast from Myrtle Beach in the north, followed by Georgetown, Charleston, and Coastal islands give the tourist a dazzling array of visitors choices.  Inland lakes offer some of the best fishing for trout, catfish and bass, scenic waterways for canoeing and kyaking. In the north-west are the white water and waterfall areas offering exciting wild water sports.

Charlestown is one of the south’s most beautiful cities, with its old colonial atmosphere, early European architecture, grand piazzas, opulent old mansions, towering church steeples and tree lined streets. Parks, cobbled alleyways, fountains and waterfront restaurants complete the romantic ambiance. Historical Fort Sumter where the Confederate ‘rebellion’ started is preserved as a ‘complete museum’. Other interesting sites are African-American and Native American museums and galleries, River Plantations and ‘swamp gardens’.

Colombia, the State Capital is at the limit of the inland navigation. Places of interest are the surviving State House, State Museum, Confederate Museum a genuine, preserved cypress swamp ecosystem.

North Carolina

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

NORTH CAROLINA is remarkable for its Colonial History, contentious inland tobacco industry, North Eastern Seaboard of pristine beaches around many river estuaries and islands and majestic Smoky Mountains to the west. Millions of tourists drive the most scenic Blue Ridge Parkway to the national parks with mountains to rival The Rockies. From ‘Wetland Swamps’ to tranquil streams, waterfalls, verdant golf courses to formal Victorian Gardens offer a eclectic array of visual experiences. Yet as the ‘birthplace of powered flight’, it also has the ‘High Technology Research Triangle’ between three cities and the two major Universities near the State Capital of Raleigh. The intellectual center also houses modern museums to, Natural Science, Planetarium, History and Fine Art to serve a hugely populated area.

Winston-Salem can take you back in the past at its delightfully restored Colonial Village, an old Moravian settlement, complete with traditional crafts, period costumes and a museum to match.

Blue Ridge Parkway, on route to the Smokey Mountains, is one of the most visited in the USA. Stunning peaks, waterfalls, mighty mountains, spring and fall leaf colors and Cherokee Indian casino all combine to draw millions of annual visitors.

Ashville still maintains its 20th century attractions as a resort destination because of its legendary ‘healthiest town in the US’, with all the related foods, bookstores, cafés, clubs and music shops and finest Renaissance style mansion and gardens.

The Outer Banks or ‘barrier islands’ offer the best of sea and sand to residents and tourists alike. Unique maritime forests, tidal marshes and sturdy oaks protect the inland from the onslaught of storms and winds. Roanoke Island is best remembered as the first English settlement – ‘The Lost Colony that also mysteriously disappeared. The Historic site and Elizabethan Gardens and nearby Theme Park relate to this unsolved mystery.

Beaufort’s charm is built on the Maritime Museum and piratical history of capture of ‘Blackbeard’, still celebrated with family- educated festivities, costumes, flag flying, treasure hunts and other events.

The State is also famous for its ‘Scottish Highland Games’, the largest in the world, including Scotland, keeping traditions of colonial ‘Scottish Community’ alive and well.

For adventure, fun or relaxation North Carolina has it all. Come see for yourself.

Hawaii

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

HAWAII – is forever associated with beautiful dancing girls welcoming visitors with garlands of flowers, (The Aloa Spirit!).

First discovered by Captain Cook and named ‘The Sandwich Islands’ in 1778, these magnificent Islands in the South Pacific are arguably one of the most desirable tourist destinations.

The famous volcanic islands of Lahama ( Maui),  Waikiki (Ohahu), Volcanoes National Park, Hanape (Kauai), Molokai, Lanai and Big Island comprise this archipelago off the USA pacific coast.

The capital, Honolulu on the island of Oahu has a fully International Airport. The islands are distinguished by the following attractions:
1). Kauai – for its Walmea Lagoon, Waikiki Beaches and Pearl harbor of WWll fame.
2). Molokai- has the tallest sea cliffs in the world, Halwa Valley, and Kaluapapa Settlement.
3). Lanai – with ‘Shipwreck Beach’, Golf, unique Rock Formations and Munoo Trail.
4). Maui – The Crater of Holeakala, old Waling Station and beautiful scenic drives.
5). Big Island – has the National Park with Kaleaua (active)Volcano, Snowy Peaks, Water falls, Rainforest, and Botanical Gardens.

Things to do and see are:

  • Swim, Snorkel, Scuba and Fishing (off the Kona Coast).
  • Visit Pearl Harbor – which was bombed by the Japanese in September 1941 – and brought the USA into WWII. The Aquariums and Museums (from Volcanoes to Stars) will thrill you.
  • Golf Heaven – is a term that aptly describes the 70 stunning courses covering the 6 islands.
  • Exciting Boat Exploration, Submarine and Helicopter Rides, are among the best ways to see the bright blue seas, stunning pristine beaches, palms and green, green grass and towering peaks of volcanoes. Then enjoy the sunny ambiance- sunbathe, swim, hike or bike and explore the off-road paths.
  • Sea and Island landscapes in early morning sunrise or evening sunsets leave you with unforgettable images.

Some major events are:

  • In May – Ka Hula Piko Festival – with Vanity Entertainment, Hawaiian Food and Crafts.
  • Buddhist Lantern Floating Ceremony – a stunning array of over 1000 lights floating ff the shores of Ola Mona Beach.
  • In June – Pan-Pacific Festival – Japanese ‘Matsu’ in Hawaii.
  • Taste of Hawaii – A Sunday Brunch with exotic local foods.
  • Kapalua Wine and Food Festival.
  • Kamehameha Festival of Hawaiian Music, Chant, Dance, Crafts and Food.
  • In July – Lanai Pineapple Festival – Local Food, Fruit, Crafts, Games, Entertainment and Live Music. Pineapple Eating and Cooking Contests add ‘spice to the rice’!

Isn’t this Heaven on Earth almost a pilgrimage for you?

Georgia

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

GEORGIA is not only The Cross Roads of the USA but also a major destination for tourists and business alike. With the world renowned capital of Atlanta and its International Airport of Hartsfield-Jackson as staging post it is host to many international events. Ground transport is excellent with, Interstate connections with routes, 75, 85, 95, and 20, Amtrak stations and Greyhound bus services.

Bordered by Florida in the south, Atlantic Ocean to the east, Alabama to the west and Mississippi  and Tennessee to the north, Georgia has two distinctive topographical regions. The northern region Georgia Mountains are part of the great Appellations Range and Chattahoochee River. The North-west high country is part of the mystical, ‘Enchanted land of the Cherokee Indians’ trails fame. The Classical South has gentle hills and a large coastal plain.

Georgia’s 9 counties offer a variety of attractions to the Tourist:
1.    Georgia Coast has 100 miles of coastline to the Atlantic Ocean between the Savanna and St. Mary’s Rivers. The Okefenoke National Wildlife Refugee,  Monuments and Museums, Art Associations, Golf Resorts, Landmarks, Music Venues, River Boating, Nature viewing on Eagle and Little St. Simons Islands, Resorts and Inns and the famous Summer Waves Water Park.
2.    Plantation Trace in  rural South-west has Historical Past, with small towns, plantations, woodlands and rivers.
3.    Magnolia Midlands has a laid back lifestyle with State Parks, Wildlife Center, Jefferson-Davis Memorial, Golf, more plantations, farm and vineyard tours, Arts Centers, the Broxton Rocks for hikers and ‘The Sweet Onion’ Festival.
4.    Classic South has gentle rolling hills and coastal plain with many fine Lakes and Golf courses.
5.    Central Georgia to the South-west has, Presidential Pathways, Historical Sites and Tours.
6.    Historical Heartland has Lake Oconee – Golf Resort – ‘Best modern golf resort’ status, Inns, Convention Centers, Music hall of Fame, University of Georgia, Cultural Centers, Award Winning Brewery, Quilters Guild, Museums and elegant Historical Inns.
7.    Atlanta Metro is World Class with Arts, Museums, Shopping, Amusement Parks and Outdoor activities.
8.    Georgia Mountains to the North-east has some of the finest Outdoor Retreats on the Appellations Mountains and Chattahoochee River. Exotic Wild Life Protection Centers, Lake boating, Waterfalls, Hiking Trails, Fine Dining, Lodges, Spa’s and cabins, Interactive Museums and beautiful Parks.
9.    High Country to the North-west is, ‘The Enchanted Land’ of the Cherokee Indians fame. There are historical trails to drive, pedal, walk or ride (Horseback) and museums to visit. Mountains offer excellent trout fishing, biking, hiking and swimming. Amusement Parks and Ranches eagerly entertain tourists.

The Islands draw visitors to see and stay at Jekyll, Tybee, Cumberland, St.  Simons,  and the Lighthouses.

Famous Festivals – St. Patrick’s Day (March)- in Savanna and Dublin (You could have fooled me!), Cherry Blossom Day (April) – Springtime beauty and entertainment, Yellow Daisy Day  (March) -  Number One for Arts and Crafts in the USA! For Antique Furniture, Paintings, Rugs, jewelry, Tableware and Collectibles.
Rattlesnake Roundup (March) has interactive snake education, with more arts and crafts.

July hosts the’ rumbustious’-  ‘Redneck Games’ – a hilarious ‘muddy’ local sporting event.
Don’t miss any of them!