Perhaps you thought this was Texas. True, they do everything bigger, but this kernel of candy corn is located outside Disneyland Resort’s second gate Disney’s California Adventure.
Disneyland knows big, too. The two guys in the photo are both well over 7′ tall. Read More »
Are you looking for ideas for your next vacation? Want to go somewhere, but can’t decide exactly where?
Perhaps you should check out one of the Top 10 US Cities to Visit. Of course, whether or not a city is the best is a subjective opinion – but Conde Nast Traveler has taken a poll of its readers collective subjective opinions and come up with 10 American Cities that you’re most likely to enjoy visiting. With cities from across the country highlighted, there should be a great vacation destination for everyone.
San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge - Best US City to Visit
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of San Francisco, California is The Golden Gate Bridge. Residents rave about the culture and the year round mild weather that’s never too hot or too cold. Visitors to San Francisco can stay in some of the country’s most eco-friendly hotels and enjoy organic dining. UpTake’s own Cat Lincoln shares insider information on San Francisco via podcast.
There’s about to be more magic in Orlando.
Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. have finally revealed the “first-ever details about the incredible scope of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Not the least of which is that the land will open in spring 2010. That’s soon!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an addition to Universal’s Islands of Adventure park, which is already AWESOME (it’s all Marvel characters though, which leads me to wonder what talks are underway between Universal and Marvel’s new owner Disney). The Spider-Man ride alone is worth the price of admission.
And the Dr. Suess stuff.
Harry Potter’s new land is obviously based upon the stories and characters of J.K. Rowling and promises to remain “faithful to the visual landscapes of the films.” Read More »
And you may ask yourself
Where does that highway go?
With all apologies to the Talking Heads we know where said highway goes – wherever we want. Eat that train tracks!
I put out a call to our Vacations staff for photos of summer and all that it entails. The following are their contributions.
Don’t worry, if your favorite writer didn’t submit a photo as they’ve probably got their own story brewing, or they’re just lazy, but probably the story thing.
Ed:
Hatteras, NC
What I did on my summer vacation (in 53 words or less). Read More »
Florida proudly calls itself The Sunshine State. It offers beaches, oceans, gulf waters, islands and amusement parks galore. What’s not to love about a Florida vacation?
Well, since you asked…
New Smyrna Beach in Volusia county, Florida is the shark bite capital of the world. Granted, the locals will tell you that it’s highly unlikely you’ll die from a shark bite. “A shark will just take a little taste to see if you’re something good and then let go”, I’ve been assured. Doesn’t that make you feel much better?
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st to November 30th. That’s roughly half the year, for those keeping track at home. Thinking of taking advantage of your children’s summer vacation with a trip to Florida? Be aware you’re heading out in prime hurricane season!
Chances are that you’ll get lucky and avoid a hurricane during your Florida vacation. But you’re almost guaranteed to experience at least one torrential downpour if you head to Florida from spring to fall. The locals don’t mind because it cools off the day and helps combat outrageous water bills. But a day at the beach? Plan an afternoon trip to some place with a roof.
It is not a dry heat. Florida is great if you love warm weather. Just be prepared to mix that warmth with constant moisture in the air, a sticky feeling on your skin, and a head full of frizzy hair.
With all that rain and humidity, you’d think the wildfires would stay out west in California. But when it’s not raining, Florida is constantly battling drought conditions (something about the sun sucking up the moisture before anything has a chance to get too wet). You never know when a wildfire will hit the Florida brush – but you do know there’s plenty of kindling to be found thanks to the state’s robust plant life!
They don’t call it The Sunshine State for nothing. American tourists seem to forget that it’s warmer in Florida because the state is quite a bit closer to the equator. The sun is intense and even people who “never burn” and “tan easily” will learn the joys of sunburn and blisters if they don’t frequently apply sunblock. Yes, even you. No, really. Trust me.
The only thing more important than sunblock on a Florida vacation is insect repellent. And even that probably won’t help you if you happen to step on a colony of fire ants. A can of bug spray should, however, help ward off the largest mosquitoes you’ll ever see in North America. I mean, you know, as long as you don’t miss a spot.
It’s said that you can find at least one alligator in every single body of water in Florida. No joke. Florida residents with lakes and ponds behind their homes are warned to keep small pets inside if they want to avoid their furry friends becoming gator snacks. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission receives about 16,000 alligator-related complaints per year, and usually removes about 8,500 alligators because they’re considered a “danger to people or property”.
Red tide is the unofficial term for “lots and lots of algae in the water” – and it’s not good. Although no one has ever died from red tied (as far as we know), it can cause skin irritation, burning and possible respiratory problems. All of those things make for a fantastic vacation, obviously.
Most cities in Florida have crappy public transportation systems – or none at all. Add to that the fact that many tourist destinations are outside of metropolitan areas (where public transportation systems would be impossible) or on remote islands accessible by narrow bridges, a large driving population of tourists and snow birds, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to find yourself sitting in traffic at some point during your vacation.
So, who’s ready for a trip to Disney World?
Dad....we're lost. Aren't we?
Before Garmin, and Tom Tom, before GPS apps for the iPhone and Mapquest there were, well….maps. Large pieces of folded paper with markings to indicate roads, rivers, towns, cities and states. Yet even with all of these modern and archaic conveniences, sometimes it’s necessary to ask for further assistance when traveling.
As a general rule, asking a curmudgeon at the local dairy bar for travel directions is a fairly safe bet. Chances are, he’s lived in the area his entire life and knows the area intimately. And they are more than happy to oblige a request as it simply gives them an opportunity to belittle someone, something for which he lives. Note I said general rule. There’s a whole other set of standards applied to directions and mapping means and measurements when you ask a curmudgeon for directions in the south.
“Excuse me. But can you tell me how to get to Tuscumbia?”
“No problem, boy. Just head on down that road a bit and when you get to where the old oak used to stand, take a right. It’s just past Old Man Johnson’s place. Go on over the Cobb Creek Bridge and that road’ll (road + will = road’ll perfectly acceptable in the south) take you right there. You can’t miss it, unless you’re blind or an idiot!”
“The old oak?”
“Ay-yupp. If you get to where the school house used to be you’ve gone too far. You can’t miss it. It’s just up the road a bit.”
“This road here? Then the Cobb Creek Bridge?”
“Cox Creek.”
“Cox Creek?” I could have sworn that was what he was saying.
“CONCRETE! CON–CRETE, SON!!!”
“Oh, like cement?”
“Boy, y’ain’t from around here. Are ya?”
“Nah,” I said smiling in an aw shucks you got me sort of way. “What gave it away? My accent? The out of state license plates? Full set of teeth?” (I didn’t really say that last part–but I certainly thought it.)
Not wanting to appear any more the idiot I got back into the van. Granted, I had no idea where the old oak used to stand and had never heard of Old Man Johnson’s place. Those two items were not listed on my must sees in rural Collinwood, TN.
Fact of the matter, rural Collinwood, TN was not on my map either. I started out in search of where the old oak used to be and looked up into my rear view mirror to see the old man waving his arms wildly and yelling at me.
I stopped and rolled down the window to hear him yelling, “the other way, you stupid fool!”
Two miles down the road I stopped and asked again for directions from what I have now found to be a fool-proof source. The UPS guy.
Another invaluable source is the post office, the sheriff’s office or local fire/ambulance department. There’s also a pretty fair chance that even the local insurance agent has invaluable knowledge of the area. Much more so, believe it or not, than the pimple faced high school kid working behind the counter at the corner gas station and convenience store.
Getting lost is a real possibility on even the most well thought out trips. Knowing who to ask for directions can make all the difference in the world.
Happy Traveler
San Diego Skyline from Coronado
Living in San Diego, a true coastal town, makes it an ideal place to explore marine life and all its glory. But just like those who live near the Rocky Mountains or those who live in the majestic redwood forests of Northern California, I imagine the amazing becomes a bit ordinary. We forget all that there is to offer. Sometimes it takes something a little unusual to jolt you back to reality. Like a wayward whale spending some time checking out San Diego Bay when he should be heading north with all the other whales. And while we are used to seeing whales at Sea World, whales hanging out in the bay is quite another thing altogether. This time of year is usually the time when Gray whales are heading north from their warm Mexican vacations to back to chillier waters of Alaska and whales are not uncommon in the coastal waters. December and January are actually the best times to whale watch because you have some whales still making their way south and some whales returning north so you get double whale action to check out.
There are many boat companies that offer excursions out to see whales and dolphins. One of the most popular is Hornblower Cruises who offer whale watching tours (and excellent dinner cruises, but that’s another post). A three and a half hour tour (great, now I’ll be singing the Gilligan’s Island theme song all night) will run you $30 and is narrated by an experienced captain.
Whale in San Diego
Of course, if you happen to be here when a whale is exploring the bay then just plop down along Coronado island, looking back towards the San Diego skyline and keep an eye out for a big fin. But chances are, you’ll need to book a tour if you really expect to see anything so cool as a whale up close.
Photo Credits: Whale Tail: Tomcio77 and San Diego Skyline: Grady’s Kitchen.
The Franklin Park Conservatory
When you live in the north, or if you are planning a visit, you need winter weather options. Backup plans. Alternatives. It’s cold in Ohio and the prolonged winter weather is only slightly more tolerable than a colonoscopy. Don’t ask me how I know this, just trust me. The Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, OH thankfully falls into that pleasant category of most enjoyable of alternatives.
The Franklin Park Conservatory is close to downtown but on a large enough parcel, 90 acres, that you don’t feel the cramps of being in the big city. The park has a really cool outdoor amphitheater and several times during the year hosts concert events. There are two play areas and several picnic areas. A paved path around and through the park is perfect for a jog, walk, bike ride or roller blading.
But, baby it’s cold outside! Remember?
Thankfully, The Conservatory is plenty warm. The Victorian styled glass Palm House, the Park’s most distinguishing feature, was erected in 1895 following inspiration from the Chicago World’s Fair a few years prior. The conservatory has grown over the years to approximately 73,000 square feet of greenhouses and botanical exhibits. According to their website, there are over 400 species of plants and over 40 species of palms. I can only attest to several. I did not count.
There's a lot of plants at the Conservatory. Several!
Cactus plants in The Desert Zone--several species.
There are also several annual exhibitions: The Orchid Forest (currently running through March 1), Blooms and Butterflies (beginning mid-March) and a Holiday Exhibit (scheduled coincidentally around the holiday season).
The orchids were as billed; in bloom and pretty.
Pretty Purple Orchids
The Conservatory is divided into several temperate zones or regions with plants typical of each area. The walkways are wide and clear, though there are a few areas with steps. You’ll want to keep that in mind if visiting with small kids in strollers, or older kids with bum knees, or adults in wheelchairs, grandparents with walkers… Elevators are available but the presence of steps in some of the viewing zones limits accessibility to the full area.
The Franklin Park Conservatory offers a wide range of educational and informative classes and workshops throughout the year. It’s best to check their website for specifics prior to your visit.
As part of it’s mission, The Franklin Park Conservatory attempts to blend nature and artistic expression and rotates several exhibitions during the year. Currently, there is an exhibit entitled Bending Nature, a large-scale group showcase of 15 Ohio artists using different media.
Part of the Bending Nature Exhibit. In my defense, it did not say Do Not Touch.
There is an area in the atrium where children can have a hands on opportunity to re-create some of the installations on display.
Minutes of entertainment with interactive art.
One of the most impressive permanent displays is the artwork of Dale Chihuly. Several years ago he presented what was to be a temporary installation of his famous blown-glass artwork. The exhibit drew record numbers of visitors, so much so that the privately funded Friends of the Conservatory decided to buy the entire collection making it a permanent part of the Conservatory. It’s quite impressive.
Is that a Chihuly? No, that's a fish!
Pretty Balls!! No, those are Chihuly.
Is that a Chihuly? Yes. Now that is a Chihuly!
The newest feature of the Conservatory is probably one of the most impressive and oddly enough, best enjoyed from outside and after hours. Translation….it’s FREE!! Award winning artist James Turrell brings the historic glass Palm House to life each evening after dusk with a mesmerizing light display. A series of lights illuminate the Palm House with an array of color that is simply amazing to view. The installation, a permanent exhibit, is best viewed from the Grand Mallway west of the Palm House.
The Palm House at dusk (photo the Columbus Dispatch)
The Palm House (pink) (photo the Columbus Dispatch)
The Palm House (brightly illuminated) (photo The Columbus Dispatch)
The Franklin Park Conservatory is located at 1777 East Broad St. Columbus, OH and is open daily Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. (Wednesdays until 8:00 pm) Admission is $7.50 for adults and $4.00 for children 4-12. Parking is free and plentiful.
Unless otherwise noted the photos (and precious children) were created by Ed Lamaze.
© UpTake Networks, Inc. 2009
