Posts Tagged ‘Things’

Great Things To See And Do In Ocean City

With so much to offer it’s almost impossible to get bored in Ocean City, unless of course, you want to. Many tourists flock to Ocean City, MD to enjoy its wonderful scenery, from the history buff wanting to explore, to the beach bum, to the aspiring golf pro. So, when you plan your next trip, consider coming to Ocean City to take in all that this city has to offer.
Ocean City Boardwalk

Stretching almost three miles long, this diverse boardwalk offers something for everyone. Families can come enjoy the amusement park with all of its thrills and excitement. You can also have a great time with a group of friends of with a date as you take in the great shopping and restaurants. Ocean City is a city that takes great pride in their boardwalk and makes sure it is looking pristine and beautiful year round. You won’t find litter and trash strewn about here, it just doesn’t exist.
Surfing

Perfect for the beginning surfer, Ocean City has great waves that help you get started in surfing. Of course, you are not going to find the great waves found on Hawaii’s North Shore, but if you’re a beginner this is probably a good thing. For convenience, local beach shops offer foam boards and boogie boards for rent which are both perfect for beginners.
Boating

There are several types of boats that you can rent from the local marina. Whether you want to put the “pedal to the metal” and go really fast, or if slow is your “cup of tea”, you’ll find the perfect watercrat to fulfill your desires. Wave runners are also available to rent for those who like to go solo on their own personal watercraft.
Beach Volleyball

For many of us volleyball is a childhood sport that we just haven’t played for ages. Maybe seventh grade gym class was the last time you really spiked one over the net. If this is the case, it’s time to bring you back to your childhood, with several nets set up along the Ocean City shore that invite you to break out the ball and get a little exercise out in the Maryland sunshine.
Assateague Island

If you are going to come all the way to Ocean City, your trip will not be complete without venturing out to Assateague Island. The island is famous for the wild ponies that still run free, and you can share the gorgeous shoreline with these phenomenal animals. The ponies are enclosed on preserved land, so they are in no danger. What a perfect way for the lone traveler, groups, or families to truly enjoy the great outdoors!
Parasailing

What would it be like to see the world from a bird’s point of view? Well, now you can experience just that with a parasailing adventure in Ocean City. This is the perfect opportunity to conquer that fear of heights and enjoy this incredibly popular summer activity. If the idea of going up by yourself doesn’t pique your interest, consider inviting a friend or family member along for the ride-tandem rides are available for those who do not wish to parasail alone.
Kite Boarding

Wait…Isn’t this that thing that you’ve seen on TV with people holding ski ropes attached to parachutes while their feet are attached to a surfboard? Yes…I think it is. Sounds like a real blast, right? This is a new and exciting sport that has recently reached beach loving enthusiasts. If you’d like to learn more about it, get into the local surf shops to follow the word of mouth. Who knows, this may just become your new favorite sport.
The Zoo

If you need a break from watching the little ones dig holes and build sand castles on end, head over to Salisbury, MD to visit this great, adventure filled zoo! It’s just a quick 30 minute drive west of Ocean City, and it will be well worth the drive. Whether you are 8 or 80 years old, you are bound to have a great time exploring all of the wild animals. You’ll be able to interect with some of the animals and gain a true one of a kind experience with nature.
Sunfest

If you are planning on visiting Ocean City in the summer time, make sure you plan time to visit Sunfest. This is Ocean City’s biggest summer festival and offers everything that you’d expect from a huge fair. You’ll have the chance to enjoy entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors around every corner, and contests. The biggest contest, and one that the festival is known for is the Sunfest Kite Festival, so if you don’t own one, buy one. It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small, expensive or cheap, just get out there and participate in this wonderful occasion.
Winterfest

If winter time vacationing suits you better, try visiting Ocean City during the winter months. Because so many other summer resort and vacation towns across the U.S. are offering winter festivals, Ocean City decided to jump on the band wagon and join the herd. It’s important to them to offer something throughout all seasons. This actually may be the best time to visit, because hotel rates drop during the “off-season”, and it is marked with thousands upon thousands of lights to celebrate the magic of the season.

This is just a starting point to jump on as you plan your Ocean City vacation, undoubtedly you’ll find many more new and exciting things to add to the list. So, make sure to plan a few of these into the itinerary, and get on over to Ocean City. After all, adventure waits for no one!

Things To Do In Virginia – Winter Birdwatching

Winter in Virginia might not seem like the most enjoyable time to visit, but for birdwatchers, waterfowl enthusiasts and photographers, the season is an excellent time to explore the outdoors.

Among the most common winter birds seen are mallards, black ducks, pintail, teal, shovelers, buffleheads, mergansers, goldeneye, scaup, Canada geese, brant, snow geese, trumpeter swans, herons, egrets and gulls. In addition to waterfowl and songbirds, nature enthusiasts may spot whitetail deer, muskrats, otters and other wildlife.

Time of day is an important consideration when going on a winter birdwatching excursion. The early morning is one of the best times to see and photograph waterfowl and other wildlife. Some areas are open at all times, but most parks and refuges have limited hours which dictate the start of nature expeditions. Once inside a likely area, visitors can explore beaches, wildlife loops or nature trails.

Around sunset is another good time to see waterfowl such as ducks, geese, brant and swans. Birdwatchers can seek out likely areas beforehand and be in place to see waterfowl move in large flocks en route to their nightly roosting areas.

Among the best areas to see ducks, geese, swans, herons, egrets and birds of prey are the wildlife refuges along the Virginia Coast, including Chincoteague, Eastern Shore Of Virginia, Fisherman Island and Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuges. These areas of waterfowl habitat allow photographers and birdwatchers a chance to take a quiet walk and see birds, mammals and other wildlife undisturbed.

Several refuges have submerged aquatic vegetation which attracts ducks such as teal, mallards, black ducks, pintail, shovelers, ruddy ducks and others. Many of these areas include sandbars and marshy areas where snow geese congregate by the hundreds or thousands. Canals and smaller impoundments also attract ducks, herons, egrets, coots and other shorebirds.

Not to be overlooked by Virginia birdwatching enthusiasts are outlooks such as piers and bridges. Many of these structures offer excellent views of the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean, with a variety of geese, brant, ducks and other birds feeding nearby. Winter beach walkers will also find a variety of birds and wildlife, with sandpipers, gulls and ocean going bird sightings being common.

Virginia fishing piers and bridges include structures such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the Virginia Beach, Ocean View and Little Island fishing piers.

Dubrovnik Top Ten Things To Do And See

Dubrovnik Car Rental

Take in spectacular views of historic Dubrovnik and the Adriatic from the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik hotel. Dine out on the restaurant’s terrace or relax by the sunlit indoor pool. Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 110 yards away.

Take the whole family to Porat Restaurant with its kids’ menu, Croatian specialties and local wines or just sip on a pina colada from The Bar. Splash in the indoor swimming pool or just relax at the onsite sauna and steam room.

1.

Heritage – Discover this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site
This charming walled city, known as the “Jewel of the Adriatic”, was built in the 7th century as a fortress town. The southern-most city in Croatia, Dubrovnik was one of the centres of the development of language and literature and was home to many famous poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians and other scholars. Its gorgeous old town became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Be sure to visit Stradun, the city walls, Sponza Palace, Rector´s Palace, the Baroque church of St. Blaise, the Duke´s Palace, Cathedral of Assumption, Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius, Franciscan Monastery and the Old Pharmacy to mention just some.

2.

The Rectors Palace
was the administrative centre of the Dubrovnik Republic. In the 15th century the Palace was destroyed twice in gunpowder explosions. Restored by Onofrio della Cava in the late Gothic style after the first explosion in 1435, the Palace got its present-day size with the central atrium and front portico. Today the Rector’s Palace houses the Cultural-historic Department of the Dubrovnik Museum with exhibition halls. The Museum also guards a collection of old coins used in the Dubrovnik Republic, a collection of arms and utensils of Domus Christi Pharmacy from the 15th century. Apart from being exceptionally beautiful, the Rector’s Palace Atrium has excellent acoustics, and is often used as a concert venue.

3.

Stradun
The Old Town main street is called STRADUN or PLACA. It is approximately 300-meter long, pedestrian zone and it runs from the Pile to Ploce gates. The street came into being in the 12th century, was paved in 1468 and reconstructed after the earthquake of 1667. The houses on each side, though preserving an ancient ground plan, also date from the 17th century. With numerous cultural attractions, cafés and restaurants the street is a great place to relax and enjoy.

4.

City Walls and the Five Fortresses
Dubrovnik city walls have been built between the 13th and 16th Century. With over 2 km in length, 25 m in height and with 16 towers, they are one of the most beautiful and strongest fort systems in the Europe and the main attraction to the city´s visitors. A wonderful way to experience the city history is to walk around the wall. Five fortresses, including St Lawrence and Revelin, are incorporated within the walls and Minceta Tower, Fort Bokar and St John´s Fortress in particular provide visitors with unforgettable views.

5.

ST. Blasius Fest
The most important annual festival for Dubrovnik citizens St. Blaise´s Feast is celebrated on the Feb 3rd each year, since 972, more than a thousand years and it is the most popular religious feast in Dubrovnik. People come to Dubrovnik from the whole of the surrounding area, dressed in picturesque national costumes, to take part in an impressive procession The Fest is opened by the glamorous troubadours play while the flag of the city is being put on the Orland´s statue.

6.

Events and festivals
Dubrovnik is town of rich history and culture is host for many famous festivals and events. Each season it has special festivals. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is one of the most significant cultural events in Dubrovnik, which lasts each year from July 10th to August 25th since 1950. Film lovers can enjoy at Libertas Film Festival, which is taking place every year in June and July. The Festival of chamber music ´Julian Rachlin & Friends´ is hosting the most famous world musicians each year at the beginning of September.

7.

Beaches
Slews of public beaches offer Dubrovnik travellers plenty of options for swimming, tanning and boating. Banje Beach is the most convenient beach because of it’s proximity to Old Town. It also offers the best view of Dubrovnik’s walls. Copacabana Beach is a perfectly pleasant and family-friendly beach on the Babin Kuk peninsula. On the Lapad peninsula, beach-goers might enjoy the pebble beaches that sit in front of the large hotels—but unlike other areas where hotels have private ownership, these beaches are open to the public. St. Jakov Beach is known to few tourists and loved by the locals.

8.

Croatia Land of a thousand Islands
Croatia is truly a land of islands because it has more than a thousand of them and each one is different. While staying in Dubrovnik, use the opportunity to visit many attractive islands of Dubrovnik Riviera. Visit charming Elafite Islands a stunning collection of islands that offer peace and tranquillity, rich in culture and natural attractions. The National park Mljet is perfect Island for the virgin nature lovers. You can also explore the Island of Korcula, birthplace of famous seafarer Marco Polo. The Island of Love — Lokrum, which is in close vicinity to the Old town.

9.

Cavtat
Cavtat is the ancient Epidaurum, the predecessor of Dubrovnik, a mediaeval town built according to zoning plans on the slopes of a pen-insole with two easily accessible bays. Within the vicinity of Dubrovnik, Cavtat developed into the cultural, social and tourist centre of Konavle. Interesting sights to see are: the Racic Ivan MeÅ¡trovic mausoleum, Franciscan monastery, Bukovac Gallery, Pinakoteka, Rector´s Palace Museum and the St. Nicholas Parish Church.

10.

Peljesac Wine and Wine Yard
The PeljeÅ¡ac Peninsula spreads on a surface of 355 km2 and is 65km long. It is connected to land by a narrow isthmus of Ston. Natural beauty on Peljesac still stands against commercial and urban values.. At Pelješac they make Croatia´s most renowned wines: “Dingac”, “Postup”, “Plavac” i “Pelješac”. It is particularly enjoyable to drink it with homemade specialties in the local restaurants.

Cheap Car Rental

Things To See On Your Holidays In Belize

Bounties of treasures await the visitors of Belize. It is well said by those who have gone there that Belize is an adventurer’s paradise. It is on the Caribbean coast and just two hours away from 3 major U.S. gateways. It has rich wildlife, majestic mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences.

One of the many attractions of Belize includes the Cays. Cays are islands that are located between the mainland and the barrier reef perimeters of the offshore atolls. The mangrove cays serve as a shelter of the many birds, fish shellfish, and marine organisms. The island cays, on the other hand, have provided the foundation for the development of many fine resorts to cater for the water sports enthusiasts and the marine naturalists.

One of the popular cays includes the famous CAE Caulker, second-most popular to the Ambergris CAE- the La Isla Bonita from Madonna’s song. It is located on the Caribbean coast of Belize in Central America. It is considered as a magnet for mid range travellers looking to detach themselves from the world.

Belize is also a haven for those who love fishing. All kinds of fishing can be experienced there. The estuaries, inlets and mouths to the many rivers are known for their tarpon, snook and jack. The lagoons and flats are known for the bone fish, permit and barracuda.

The coral reefs support grouper, snapper, jack and barracuda while the deeper waters off the drop off are home to sailfish, marlin, bonito and pompano. Belize also has 20 major river systems and smaller streams that provide outdoor adventures for the kayak and canoe lovers. It is also an excellent way to bird watch and view wildlife.

There are also many caves in Belize. It is an ideal location for the formation of caves because caves are a common feature in the landscape of Belize. The caves include the Che Chem Ha Cave, Rio Frio Cave, St Herman Cave, Barton Creek Cave, Ben Loman Cave and the Actun Tunichi Muknal Cave.

Though there are thousands of caves in Belize for some reason, one of which includes the protection of the caves archaeological significance many of the caves are closed to public exploration.

Golf courses are also abundant in Belize. Not to mention the Cave Chapel Island Resort Golf Course, it is located just off shore from Belize City on a cave that was developed for the very purpose of golfing and relaxation.

The Maskall Golf course Lodge, located in the Belize District, has a nine-hole jungle setting.

As a country whose history is rooted from the Mayan civilization, Belize is also known from its place Cayo. It is a 1500 square mile district that encompasses a good portion of the Maya Mountains and has more than its fair share of ancient Maya sites.

Some Interesting Things to do in Bermuda

Every year, thousands of British tourists flock to Bermuda to enjoy the sun, sea and sands but there’s actually a lot more to the place than just this. Here are a few things that tourists can enjoy on a luxury Bermuda holiday…

Beyond the Beaches…

Let’s get the beaches out of the way because, although there’s plenty more to see, there’s no denying that they’re absolutely stunning! Some of them offer great conditions for water sports, including windsurfing and kayaking, while others are notable for their unusual pink sand! The quality of the beaches is beyond question, and visitors will be hard pushed to pick a favourite. That said the best advice is probably to investigate Elbow Beach, Astwood Cove and Horseshoe Bay.

A Whole World Beneath the Waves

But those who choose to concentrate on the sands and nearby shallow waters are missing out on a whole world just below the surface. Bermuda offers outstanding scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities – amongst the best in the world. Once qualified, divers can explore a whole world of colourful coral reefs and submerged shipwrecks in no time at all. Great for newly qualified divers or veterans, scuba diving is taken very seriously here, and it would be a crying shame to miss out during your luxury Bermuda holiday.

Golf in the Sunshine

It may sound like hell for some Bermuda holiday makers, but for some reason many want to switch the beaches for the bunkers! If a day on the fairways sounds like paradise, then Bermuda is really well served – there are seven 18 hole and one 9 hole golf course. For a real treat, The Port Royal Golf Course is well worth a look, and is regarded by some as amongst the best in the world. Even if you’re struggling to hit par, the views of the ocean are the perfect anaesthetic to a rough game.

Enjoy High Tea

As Britain’s oldest colony, the Union Jack has flown above Bermuda for more than 300 years. If you’re prone to missing Blighty on your travels, the island should be a rare treat – there are echoes of Britain throughout Bermuda, from the duty free versions of London department stores to the tidy British cottages. Perhaps the most pleasing echo of England though is high tea served in the island’s guesthouses – it’s definitely worth leaving the beach for.

Plenty of Fish in the Sea

If you’re fond of fishing, then Bermuda is the holiday destination for you. Not only does the incredible climate make passing time in the boat relaxing beyond belief, but there’s no need for a fishing permit over there, meaning you can enjoy it as you please. Once you’ve hired a fishing boat, you can begin to hunt barracuda, bonefish and blue marlin at will. Why relax on the beach, when you can enjoy some prime fishing time?

Pamper Yourself in the Spas

All this relaxation can really take it out of you, so why not allow yourself to be pampered for a little while? Bermuda has a selection of excellent spas to choose from, and visitors can choose from a wide range of heavenly treatments from facials to massages. Two of the best spas are at the Fairmont Southampton and Cambridge Beaches, and whether you’re heading for a romantic couples massage, or just a quick treatment for one, there’s no doubt you’ll come out feeling completely refreshed… and ready for some more relaxation!

Take in the Sights

There’s actually quite a lot to see on a Bermuda holiday. From the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo (BAMZ) to the crystalline tidal pools of the Crystal Caves, Bermuda is not short of a few things to see. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the Royal Naval Dockyard though. Used throughout the 1800s to World War II and beyond, it’s now one of Bermuda’s top attractions, and contains a museum, snorkel park and plenty of interesting shops with local pottery and glass artists.

Prove Your Tennis Mettle

There’s plenty of room for brushing up on your tennis form with nearly 100 courts across the island. If you’re staying in one of the larger hotels, you’ll likely have one on your doorstep! Once you’ve reached a serviceable standard, watch out for tournaments which are held throughout the island – many of these are open to visitors, so you can do your best to prove that it’s not just Henman and Murray who can fly the flag for Britain!

Hopefully this list will have shown you some of the lesser known aspects of a luxury Bermuda holiday. Of course, you can spend the duration of your trip on the beach and you’ll have an excellent time, but you’ll be missing out on some of the most relaxing activities this wonderful area has to offer.