It’s called the Eternal City. But you got to do that first visit. So what do you do on your first visit? Cat Lincoln has been to Rome a few times and explains what a first time visitor needs to do. She explains about the sense of the city too – what to do after museums and what to watch out for. Like sitting on a piazza in the afternoon; don’t get swayed by the beautiful people and go shopping. Better to just soak in more of the city’s amazing history all around you.

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Related posts:  Residenza Madri Pie; When in Rome, Definitely Take a Tour.

Who can argue that autumn is one of the most colorful times of year?

That was a rhetorical question.

Fall is pretty, mostly because of the glorious displays put on by the fall leaves changing color.  This phenomenon occurs all over the United States, but some spots offer better views than others.  Grab your camera and a road atlas and take a day trip to one of the 11 best fall foliage sites in America.

11 Places To See Fall Leaves

Fall Leaves on Carriage Road at Acadia National Park

1.  Acadia National Park – Maine

Of course anywhere in the North East is going to boast spectacular fall foliage.  The Acadia National Park offers gorgeous views and extensive Ranger-led educational programs so that you can learn more about what you’re staring at.  Make sure to head to Bar Harbor Maine before the end of October to take full advantage of the sights and services available.

Fall Leaves at Oak Mountain State Park

2.  Oak Mountain State Park – Alabama

Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park.  This nearly 10,000 acre forest is featured on several sight seeing lists.  Admission is only $3 for adults on weekends and holidays.  You can visit the park for fall foliage viewing from 7am to sundown.

Fall Foliage in New Hampshire

3.  Mt. Washington – New Hampshire

While it’s typical to see fall foliage while you’re driving, the Mount offers guided cruises on the M/S Mount Washington.  Starting Sunday, September 27, the Mount will offer Fall Foliage Dinner Cruises from 4:30 to 7 p.m. each Sunday through mid-October. The cruise departs from Weirs Beach, boarding at 4 p.m. Cost for adults is$43. Visit Cruise Mount Washington for more information.

Fall Color in Colorado

4.  Aspen – Colorado

It’s no surprise that Aspen, Colorado is the perfect place to watch the Aspen trees change colors with the seasons.  San Isabel National Forest offers extensive trails for viewing of some of the most fabulous aspen trees in Colorado.

New York Fall Foliage

5.  The Catskills – New York

The Catskills and Hudson Valley region is about a two hour drive from New York City.  One of the unique features of this area is that the color changing season lasts about six weeks, with colors rivaling those of its North Eastern neighbors, Vermont and Massachusetts.

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Notre Dame Stadium

This is the most beautiful sight these eyes have ever seen!–Rudy’s father [upon entering the Notre Dame Stadium for the first time.]  Now while I might lean toward the skeptic in assuming that a visit to Notre Dame Stadium on game day is the absolute pinnacle, I would be lying if I told you that the experience is anything less than a moving, almost religious experience.  Of course, it’s God’s school so you would expect the divine, right?

The University of Notre Dame located in South Bend, Indiana is home to one of the most storied college football programs in the country.  National Championships.  Heisman winners.  Hall of Famers.  They invented football.  No?  OK, they invented the forward pass.  The Hail Mary?  You bet!  Read More »

How about a free trip for two to Miami? Includes airfare, four nights in a pet-friendly hotel, a spa/ relaxation package for you and your pet (optional), an air boat tour of the Everglades, and $500 spending money. Sound good? Great. Let’s go.

Petfinder.com Febreze Sweepstakes

Before you start packing, though, there’s a small catch –  Two, actually. First, you need a pet. Oh, so now you want a pet? And secondly, you need to win the Petfinder.com sweepstakes. The ‘Petfinder Sends You and Your Pet Packing’ Sweepstakes is sponsored by Febreze, a pet odor eliminator which sends pet odor packing.

Tell you what - Why don’t you go out and get yourself a nice German Shepherd Dog puppy? They have these pointy ears and they’re very loyal and strong. And did I mention intelligent and obedient?

If you win the sweepstakes, you+guest+afore-mentioned GDS pup will be enjoying the oceanview and the beaches, barking your way through Lincoln Road, trying to strangle the nutty parrots in Jungle Island, herding baby sea turtles towards the ocean, and enjoying the hedonistic pleasures of Mango’s Tropical Cafe. All for free! 

If you don’t win, no worries – Febreze is handing out free bottles of Pet Odor Eliminator to 40 runners-up. If it’s just not your day, and you lose out even on the free bottle, well… Look on the bright side – you have a very smart German Shepherd Dog to help you find the hustler who tricked you into getting a dog that eats more than your entire family put together.