The kids are all wet at Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada, is a great getaway for everyone. Seriously, how fun does this look?
Let’s go with very.
(Photo by Lisa Romano)
This summer, we finally took a trip to the Rockies. I had been talking about doing this for years; my family lives in Omaha, Nebraska, and the idea was to meet halfway and have a joint vacation, the bonus being the shortened trip, the kids (my sis has three, I have two) wrecking someone else’s place instead of our own, and maid service and restaurants to clean everything up and keep everyone refueled. We managed two out of three, landing a very nice, very inexpensive condo just outside of Dillon, Colorado. My wife and I debated: fly? Drive? If we drive, which car? We drove the Audi A4 (small, but it fit all of our luggage, the kids were actually pretty comfortable, and best of all the car kept up an average speed of 90 mph and cornered like it was on rails in the twisty mountain sections of I-15 and I-70; road trips are much more when taken in cars built to perform on the Autobahn), and the drive from San Diego took us two days.
The I-70 through the Rockies: a driver's-eye view.
The Center for Wooden Boats offers excellent opportunities to enjoy the Water in Seattle
Late spring ushers in a wonderful time in the Northwest. Grey skies gradually give way to magnificent sunny afternoons paired with low humidity and lush green landscapes. It is a breath of fresh air which convinces more than a few locals to take a step back from whichever bridge or cliff they may have been contemplating after dealing with endless dismal afternoons for the past several months.
And, for this long time resident, nothing refreshes the senses more than getting out on the crisp Seattle area waters. Too expensive you say? Well, it doesn’t need to be. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to get your outdoor boating fix in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Here are five refreshing options which won’t bust your wallet.
1. Ferries: The Washington State Ferry System has routes running all across Puget Sound and to the San Juan Islands. Several routes leave from downtown Seattle to various ports of call. One of my favorite lazy weekend activities is to board the Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry leaving from Pier 50. You can walk on for under $7.00 per person round trip and walk to the lovely town of Winslow. Alternatively, you can drive on for under $30.00 and then take a scenic drive around the Island. While traveling on the ferry, take advantage of stunning views of the water, mountains, city, wildlife, and other boaters as you travel across the sound.
Sea Kayaking in Seattle can be refreshing
2. Sea Kayaks: If you want to get more up close and personal with the water, and get a healthy workout while you are at it, you can rent sea kayaks from any of a number of local spots around Seattle and the Puget Sound. One trip I took with my wife we saw seals, bald eagles, water fowl and, at shallower depths, purple starfish and other Pacific marine species. For local sea kayaking options, a great place to start is with this link. Read More »
When planning a vacation to the North Carolina coast, Wilmington, Cape Hatteras and Nags Head are first places to come to mind. Many people often overlook the small towns and enclaves that dot the Tar Heel state’s vast coast. These hidden gems offer history, relaxation, culture and fun activities for the entire family to discover.
A great place for a coastal North Carolina vacation is New Bern. Located where the Trent and Neuse Rivers meet before spilling into the Pamlico Sound, the city is the second oldest in the state. Settled by the Swiss in 1710 and named after the city of Bern, Switzerland, New Bern served as the capital of the North Carolina colonial government and later briefly as the state capital immediately following the Revolutionary War.
New Bern’s rich history can be seen as you wander it’s old narrow streets lined with small shops and cafes. One of our favorite places to grab a bite to eat is The Chelsea, located at 335 Middle Street. The restaurant offers casual dining at a great price. Their fried green tomatoes are superb. You can follow your meal with a short walk over to Bradham’s drugstore, located at 256 Middle Street, for an ice cold beverage. It was there that pharmacist Caleb Bradham invented “Brad’s Drink” in 1898, which was later renamed and marketed at Pepsi. Today, the store is owned and operated by Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company and offers Pepsi, of course, as well as variety of Pepsi souvenirs and memorabilia for sale. Afterwards, New Bern Tours offers a 90-minute trolley ride through downtown, providing a look at many of New Bern’s other historic sites.
If you’re a fan of history and architecture, I recommend these must-see places:
Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens
Tryon Palace was built under the direction of North Carolina Governor, William Tryon, and completed in 1770. The elaborate building became ”a monument of opulance and elegance extraordinary in the American colonies.” In 1775, when the Revolutionary War began, the mansion was siezed by the Patriots and converted into the North Carolina state capital building. It remained as such until Raleigh was declared the capital in 1794. Later, in 1798, the building was consumed by a fire that started in the cellar. To preserve New Bern’s colonial heritage, the massive structure was reconstructed in the 1950s and is now a state historic park.
When visiting this historic site, wear your walking shoes. The expansive Palace gardens, which overlook the Trent River are a great place to wander and enjoy shady trees, fountains, colorful flowers and a spectacular view. And adjacent to the Palace are other historical structures, including, a house built in the 1830s for George W. Dixon, a wealthy merchant tailor, who was also a former mayor of New Bern; the Hay House, built at the start of the 1800s; and the New Bern Academy, the first school in North Carolina established by legal mandate, in 1766. Like Tryon Palace, the original academy building was destroyed by fire. The current structure was built between 1806 and 1809.
Historic Churches
Like many colonial towns and cities, churches played a major role in New Bern’s history. Many of the old structures can be found in the city’s downtown, offering a look at some interesting architecture.
The Christ Episcopal Church celebrated its 268th anniversary in 2008 and is the oldest church in New Bern and one of the oldest in North Carolina. Located at 320 Pollock Street, the current Gothic Revival building was rebuilt in 1871–1885 after a fire gutted the c. 1821–1824 church. It’s graveyard still contains a number of eighteenth-century stone markers. King George II of England gave the church a silver communion service, a prayer book, and a Bible in 1752 that are still in use today. Another Gothic Revival church is the First Baptist Church at 239 Middle Street, built in 1847.
First organized as a congregation in 1772, construction of the Centenary United Methodist Church was 1905. Standing at the corner of New and Middle streets. The church features rounded walls and turrets that give it a Moorish look.
The oldest continually used church building in New Bern, First Presbyterian Church was built between 1819 and 1822. Located at 412 New Street, the church is surrounded by a cast-iron fence that dates from 1903.
Celebrating the Arts
Located at 516 Hancock Street, the Masonic Theatre, which dates its beginning to 1805, was once the cultural center of New Bern. Architects described it as “the largest and most elaborate building ever built in New Bern up to its time, with the exception of Tryon Palace.”
Through its more than 200 years, the Masonic Theatre was the scene of many stage plays, talent benefits, concerts, vaudeville acts, political rallies, civic conventions, school commencements, church services and other community gatherings. During Civil War, it was used as a Confederate arsenal and later as a hospital when Union forces occupied New Bern.
After having served all this time as New Bern’s chief place for civic gatherings, it became a motion picture theatre in 1917 and remained so until 1974 when it closed. It was the nation’s oldest continually operating theatre until that time. The theatre is currently being resorted to its historical glory and offers a variety of shows and performances.
For the first three decades of the twentieth century, New Bern was known as the “Athens of North Carolina” because of its many artistic and educational endeavors. While the Great Depression put a halt to much of the activity, a rebirth occurred in the 1970s, and today locals enjoy performances and exhibits from an ever-increasing number of local and touring artists. Along with with many art galleries throughout downtown, New Bern’s main venue for arts is the Bank of the Arts, located at 317 Middle Street. It’s a great place to see the work of local painters, sculptors and other artists showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
Fun on the Water
There’s a saying in New Bern – “water sports are NOT a luxury in New Bern. They are ‘our thing.’” The city’s location on two rivers and close proximity to the Pamlico Sound certainly do make New Bern a great place for fun on the water. Whether cruising the rivers in a power boat, taking a leisurely sail boat ride, skimming across the water on a wake board, kayaking or canoeing a narrow, calm creek or casting a fishing line, there are plenty of water activities to suit everyone’s desire.
If you’re not into getting in or on the water, you can enjoy a relaxing walk at the Union Point Park, a scenic six acre site located at the point of the Neuse and Trent Rivers in downtown New Bern. The hallmark, a recently constructed Gazebo frequently used for weddings, festivals, and various special events, highlights what is a magnificent and breathtaking view. The park complex includes a walkway bridging Union Point Park with nearby Bicentennial Park, two boat launches, restroom facilities, picnic tables, fishing pier, grills, and a small playground.
And, don’t forget, New Bern is also just a short drive (or sail) from the beaches and marinas of the Atlantic Ocean. You can rent a car and head to nearby Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, or Atlantic Beach for a day in the sand and sun.
While in Atlantic Beach, be sure to visit the 398-acre Fort Macon state park. Built between 1826 and 1834 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the pentagon-shaped fortress was the scene of a significant Civil War Battle while occupied by Confederate troops. The fort was under a Union artillery siege from March 23 to April 26, 1862. Its fall into Union hands gave the Northern forces complete control of the entire North Carolina coast. It was re-garrisoned during the Spanish-American War and again during World War II.
How to Get There and Where to Stay
New Bern is surprisingly easy to travel to by air with daily flights offered by U.S. Airways via Charlotte and Delta via Atlanta. The airport is located just off Highway 70, just minutes south of downtown. New Bern is only a two hour drive from Raleigh via Highway 70 and a just under two hour drive from Wilmington via Highway 17.
New Bern offers a variety of accomodations from the major hotel chains like the Sheraton New Bern Hotel & Marina and Comfort Suites Riverfront Park to the small, quaint bed and breakfasts, such as the Harmony House Inn and Meadows Inn.
As always, these are just a few of the sites and things to do. New Bern offers much more that can’t be fit into a single post. Book your vacation today and you’ll discover much, much more.
Photos by Jason Roth and VisitNewBern.com
Located 30 miles east of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is a water lovers paradise.
Straddling the borders of Nevada, Arizona and California, the lower Colorado River system features two major lakes attracting millions of tourist each year seeking the very best in water sports, swimming, boating, camping and fishing.
Located just 30 miles east of Las Vegas is the enormous Lake Mead, the centerpiece of the 1.5 million-acre Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Created in the 1930s with the construction of Hoover Dam, it is one of the most visited recreation lakes in the Southwestern United States. Its bright blue waters are a refreshing sight in contrast to the harsh desert landscape and jagged, majestic cliffs that contain it.
The lake is popular for both motor and sail boating, primarily due to its vast size. Several marinas offer boat launch ramps and rentals for both leisure boating and water sports. Houseboats can also be rented from Forever Resorts or Seven Crown for fun family getaway, offering a chance explore the lake’s many sheltered coves, islands and beaches with all of the amenities of home. For vacationers casting a line, Lake Mead is famous for its large striped bass.
Secluded campsites can be found throughout the recreation area and can be reserved for a nominal fee. For families interested in hotel accommodations, the Hacienda Hotel & Casino is located just a few miles from Boulder Beach and the Las Vegas Boat Harbor on US Highway 93. Other hotel and motels can be found in nearby Boulder City.
The Desert Princess offers spectacular views for sightseeing and dinner cruises on Lake Mead.
For day visitors, Lake Mead Cruises offers sightseeing and dinner cruises aboard the Desert Princess. Passengers are treated with spectacular views of the lake’s breathtaking scenery, including the colorful landscapes and panoramic views of landmarks such as Fortification Hill, a clearly-defined, extinct volcano, and the Arizona Paint Pots. The Desert Princess embarks daily from the Lake Mead Cruises Landing at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor for sightseeing cruises. Dinner cruises are seasonal, so visit the Lake Mead Cruises Web site for schedules, rates and reservations.
Located 67 miles south of Hoover Dam is Lake Mohave. Also part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Lake Mohave is formed by the Davis Dam at Laughlin/Bullhead City.
Lake Mohave is a popular desination for boaters.
Like Lake Mead, Lake Mohave is a popular destination for boaters. A long, narrow lake, it’s ideal for waterskiing. Boat ramps and rentals, as well as houseboat rentals can be found at the Cottonwood Cove Marina, accessible from US Highway 93 on the way to Laughlin, and Katherine Landing, located above Davis Dam, just north of Bullhead City on the Arizona side of the Lake.
Lake Mohave is just minutes north of the resort town of Laughlin, where hotel casinos line the riverfront, offering accommodations, shopping and entertainment after sundown.
Enjoy the nightlife in Laughlin.
Both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave also provide good locales for freshwater diving. Visibility is best from October through April and local dive shops organize dives and offer equipment rental. Land-based activities include hiking through the eastern Mohave Desert, especially during the cooler winter months, or horseback riding on trails designated for equestrians.
The best time of year to visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area is during the fall, winter, or spring, when desert temperatures aren’t sweltering. The region’s winters are mild, however water temperature can be quite colder during the winter months.
Due to the climate and surrounding rugged landscape, careful planning for a vacation to Lake Mead or Lake Mohave is essential. Read the “Things to Know Before You Come” feature on the National Park Service Web site to ensure your family’s visit is safe and enjoyable.
Fees for entry in the Lake Mead Recreation Area are $5 per vehicle for one to five days or an annual pass may be purchased for $20 for families planning frequent visits. Motorized vessels fees are $10 for the first vessel and $5 for each additional vessel for one to five days. Annual passes for vessel fees are also available for purchase.
Photos: Lake Mead Panorama courtesy of MLBbrad and Lake Mojave courtesy KJKolb via Wikimedia. Desert Princess and Laughlin are from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Visiting the Seattle area during the holidays and want to treat yourself to a unique Northwest experience? Check out a Puget Sound Christmas cruise from Argosy Cruises. These cruises, which have been a Northwest tradition for nearly 60 years, leave from various Seattle area ports of call each evening from late November through December the 23rd. Each beautifully decorated and lit Christmas ship is also accompanied by a number of decorated ships and private boats, creating a floating, parade-like, holiday atmosphere. This flotilla of festive boats sails the waters of the Puget Sound spreading the cheer to land lubbers gathered at designated beachfront locations. It is a memorable and wonderful event to experience.
Sail into Christmas on a Seattle Argosy Cruise
Santa Claus, refreshments, and photo-ops are available on board these Christmas Ships. To add to the festive atmosphere, each lead ship in the flotilla is joined on board by a local choir, which performs a 20 minute long concert of Christmas carols at each designated port of call. (The Northwest Boys Choir put on a wonderful show on last weekend’s south sound cruise). These holiday themed performances are simultaneously piped over state of the art speaker systems on board the ship to throngs of locals gathered around huge bonfires on shore who take the opportunity to join in. It is a perfect Northwest kickoff to the Christmas season.
Tickets prices: $35 for adults, $19.00 for kids, Free for kids 4 and under.
Value nights: $25 for adults, $12 for kids , Free for kids 4 and under.
A portion of the proceeds from these cruises are donated to the local charity The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy. So, you can splurge a bit on your family, and still know you are donating to a good cause. In these tough economic times, every little bit helps.
So, whether you are enjoying the food and activities on one of these festive ships, or snuggling around one to the community bonfires on a cool Northwest evening listening to the sound of the waves mix with the sweet harmonies of the carolers, you will agree that a Puget Sound Christmas Cruise from Argosy Cruises is a very unique and very Northwest way to get into the holiday spirit.
Photo courtesy of Argosycruises.com
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