Every summer and early fall, theme park thrill-seekers and amusement park aficionados prepare to flock en masse to these attractions across the country. Some 300 million visitors traveled to 400 amusement parks and traditional attractions in 2008, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. While the big-name parks are always fun, don’t overlook some equally exhilarating, but smaller, regional parks. You’ll likely find smaller crowds and save on travel costs.

“Often overlooked in preference to household names, these smaller regional parks can sometimes mean shorter lines, a one-of-a-kind adrenaline rush and a welcome escape from the tried and true thrills,” says Alistair Wearmouth, family travel specialist for Away.com, which recently published its Ultimate Theme Park Guide.

To get you started, here is a list of regional theme parks offering big thrills this summer:

Midwest

Silver Dollar City – Branson, Mo.

Nestled in the small town of Branson, Silver Dollar City touts itself as a “family-friendly vacation destination with down-home charm.” True to form, the park boasts 30 thrilling rides and attractions, in addition to a culinary school, a craft school and live entertainment. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the park just opened a new ride, the “Tom and Huck’s RiverBlast.” Raft riders and spectators, armed with water soakers, battle each other raft-to-raft and raft-to-shore.

Information can be found at www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com.

Mid-Atlantic

Kennywood – West Mifflin, Pa., near Pittsburgh

A designated U.S. National Historic Landmark, Kennywood, in West Mifflin, offers visitors a healthy dose of history and hysterics. In late June, the park, which opened in 1898, introduces a new roller coaster, “Sky Rocket.” The ride launches riders from 0 to 50 mph in less than three seconds up a hill. Little known fact: The 2009 film Adventureland was filmed at this location.

Information can be found at www.kennywood.com.

Northeast

Seabreeze – Irondequoit, N.Y., near Rochester, N.Y.

Being the 12th oldest operating amusement park in the world does have its perks. Seabreeze, located upstate in Rochester, offers visitors more than 70 attractions and a water park. In addition to housing the second oldest coaster in the U.S., the Jack Rabbit, the park will unveil a new ride, “Revolution 360 Degrees” this summer. Guests face outward aboard a giant disk which rotates 360 degrees in both directions five stories high.

Information can be found at www.seabreeze.com.

Southeast

Family Kingdom – Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Family Kingdom offers vintage boardwalk fun at Myrtle Beach’s only amusement park. Rides include a wooden roller coaster, South Carolina’s largest Ferris wheel with one-of-a-kind views out over the Atlantic Ocean and an oceanfront waterpark just across the street. Hot deals and discounts ensure fun for you and the family without breaking the bank.

Information can be found at www.familykingdomfun.com.

Southwest

Enchanted Island – Encantado Park, Ariz., near Phoenix

Conveniently located in a city park in the heart of metro Phoenix, Enchanted Island transports visitors to a magical world of amusement. The park boasts rides, bumper boats, a 50 year-old carousel and an old-school C.P. Huntington train. The “soft adventure” rides make this park especially ideal for younger kids ages 1 to 10.

Information can be found at www.enchantedisland.com.

West

LEGOLAND – Carlsbad, Calif.

Modeled after the iconic Danish brand of construction toys, LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is the only LEGOLAND in the U.S. This summer the park debuts the world’s first LEGOLAND Waterpark. The park will include a lazy river, several water slides, a splash tower, spray LEGO models and two beach areas.

Information can be found at www.legolandwaterpark.com.

Rockies

Elitch Gardens – Denver

Elitch Gardens is a combo theme-water park celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. Since its inception, it has been home to the first zoo, first theater, first movie house, first symphony orchestra and continues to be the oldest continually operating theme park west of the Mississippi. If the history isn’t a lure, its 14 extreme coasters, good range of kid-sized coasters and all-age group rides make this a good pick for the entire family.

Information can be found at www.elitchgardens.com.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Vacation homes at Disney's Old Key West

by Michael Coudriet

Two things that I look forward to while vacationing in Orlando are privacy and relaxation. I don’t know about you, but I do not want my vacation to be work. Many people take vacations and then need to take a vacation from the vacation. That’s not for me. I work to hard to take an Orlando vacation so I want to thoroughly enjoy it! That’s why I rent Disney vacation homes.

I have found that the best way to get the privacy and relaxation that I so earnestly desire is to rent a Disney vacation home rather than checking into the local hotel. It makes all the difference in the vacationing experience and here’s why.

When I rent a hotel room, I feel like a sardine in a can. There is little room to move around, and if you have kids like I do, you feel like your playing bumper cars with each other due to the lack of space. There is just not enough floor space. The beds alone can take up to half the room. The great thing about a vacation home is that everyone gets their own room just like at home. Not only do you get your own room but you also have your own kitchen, living room, laundry machines, and you can even rent a home with a private pool if you so desired.

Now, I know some ladies will not like the fact that there is a kitchen in the home. It represents work to them, and after all, nobody should be working in their Disney vacation home To keep my wife out of the kitchen, we bring our favorite menus, and a list of groceries (snacks included) to pick up after we arrive at the vacation home. I’ll grab the groceries while my wife gets the little ones settled. Once I get back, we cook our meals for the week and place them in containers that then go in to the refrigerator, shut the fridge door and we are done. Now, we will eat out on occasion too but with just a little planning, we will save quite a bit of money and calories. That ‘s why we also choose staying in Disney Vacation Homes rather than the local hotel.

About the author: If you are planning to visit Orlando and would like to get the best rates on vacation homes near Disney then be sure to visit us at www.dwvacationhomes

Courtesy: EzineArticles
Photo: lemoncat1

Miami’s South Beach provides the best mix of beach, culture and entertainment. Historic Art Deco boutique hotels line the boardwalk. For a truly deluxe experience, check out The Hotel Clinton South Beach on Washington Avenue. The ultra-contemporary hotel houses a full spa and 88 sleekly styled rooms with smooth carpeting and elegant, white accents.

After relaxing in the hotel’s pool or optional in-room spa, guests who step outside can find world-class clubs, shopping and restaurants. South Beach, or the “American Riviera,” headquarters the U.S. Latin music industry and offers a sizzling nightlife scene. More than 200 restaurants and upscale shopping — think Armani, Kenneth Cole and Versace — leave no visitor unsatisfied.

The beach itself is a long, white stretch of warm sand and blue water — perfect for sunbathing or a game of beach volleyball. Those with a taste for adventure can rent Jet-skis at the Miami Beach marina or visit the South Beach Dive and Surf Center, located across the street from the Clinton, to plan scuba, surf and snorkeling excursions.

If even a beach this lovely can wear thin, guests should explore South Beach’s cultural destinations. The Wolfsonian Museum houses modern art objects dated from 1885 to 1945, while the Bass Museum exhibits everything from 16th-century Flemish tapestries to contemporary conceptual art.

Of course, no visit to Miami would be complete without a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife. From popular clubs like Mansion, Prive, Glass, Bed and Opium Garden, to more intimate, but no less chic destinations like the Rose Bar, Social, Sky Bar and the Roof Top at Town House, visitors and celebrities alike can enjoy one of the world’s hottest clubbing destinations.

For more information, visit www.clintonsouthbeach.com.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

White-water rafting and kayaking: They define Colorado adventure, help forge friendships and, right now, are roaring into action. Thanks to this winter’s snow, Colorado’s 13 river systems are in tiptop shape for the state’s white-water season.

The rivers change in shape and feel each year because of the melted snow, or run-off. So water-lovers keep coming back each season for more surprises. From families seeking mellow float trips to experienced, death-defying thrill-seekers, people from all walks of life flex their paddle power on Colorado’s rivers.

River experts say rafters and kayakers will be able to enjoy sustained flows throughout the entire season on the Cache la Poudre, Arkansas, Animas, Yampa, Green and Colorado rivers.

Flows are expected to be at their best across the state from mid-May to the end of June. Early season, in April, is the perfect time to catch the wildest white-water and beat the crowds, however. It also is the best time to catch the early-season deals. Toward the end of the season in July and August, meanwhile, is when smoother waters prevail – making it perfect for float trips.

To experience a white-water adventure in Colorado, trek to the high country for an overnight trip, or take a day trip as part of a camping adventure to the mountains. Alternatively, gather a troop of weekend warriors and cash in on group discounts offered by most outfitters throughout the season.

Once there, get ready for the ride of your life. Colorado river guides know the rapids like the back of their hands, but they’ll also make you laugh, cook for you and educate you on some of the flora and fauna indigenous to the area. Most river outfitters provide all of the gear you’ll need. They are professional leaders and safety experts as well, so even if you are not a pro on the rapids, you can rest assured that someone is watching your back.

The cool spray of white water is the perfect way for you to wake up the action hero within. Contact the Colorado River Outfitters Association at (303) 280-2554 or www.croa.org to launch your adventure today.

For complete Colorado vacation information or to order a free official state vacation guide, log on to www.colorado.com or call (800) COLORADO.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

"Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike contest

Visitors to the Florida Keys always find something unique and exciting to do, especially in the summer and fall. The choices range from watching championship offshore powerboat races to enjoying culinary, musical, historical and cultural celebrations.

And for those in search of quirky, off-the-wall fun, the Keys certainly don’t disappoint. Key West even hosts an annual event celebrating chickens. Yes, chickens!

Fun-seekers should visit the Keys for these and other not-to-be-missed events.

ChickenFest Key West

This celebration, which occurs each June, honors the vivacious, squawking Key West chicken with a variety of lighthearted events culminating in the “Poultry in Motion” parade.

Underwater Music Festival

This unique annual concert in July is broadcast underwater for divers and snorkelers. It is held at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Hemingway Days

Fans of Ernest Hemingway’s literature and lifestyle commemorate the author’s July birthday each year in Key West, the island where the author lived and wrote throughout the 1930s. Events include a “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the catch-and-release Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament, the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition and an offbeat “Running of the Bulls.”

Key West Food & Wine Festival

This early August event showcases local restaurants’ special cuisine presentations, including indigenous seafood favorites.

Fantasy Fest

This annual, 10-day party with thousands of costumed revelers is the most outrageous of all fall events in the Florida Keys. It occurs in Key West during late October and features elaborate costume competitions, promenades and street fairs, masquerade galas and a grand parade with lavish floats and eccentric marching groups.

Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest

Divers carve pumpkins among the marine life during this annual event held off of Key Largo as part of the island’s Halloween festivities.

Some of these events occur during periods of excellent lodging values.

For more information about the Florida Keys, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.fla-keys.com or call (800) FLA-KEYS.

Courtesy: NewsUSA