Over the Bounding Main
My feet left the deck as I clutched at the rail for balance. “Hold on” ordered the Captain as he spun the wheel into the whitecaps looming ahead of us. My breakfast slammed against my stomach and I...
View ArticleA Repeating Mystery
The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California just south of San Francisco, is an enigma wrapped in a conundrum surrounded by a mystery. It’s bizarre and beautiful. The story goes like this:...
View ArticleThe Coastal Highway
The California Coastal Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco is spectacular. I don’t think I have driven a more beautiful or challenging stretch of road as between Cambria and Monterey. Soaring...
View ArticleSegway Johnny
This tour is a blast! The Electric Tour Company in San Francisco, California does it right. I had never ridden a Segway before, along with most of the people in our group. A 45 minute training session...
View ArticleA Deluxe City Tour
I went on the Grayline Deluxe City tour to get an overview of San Francisco, California. I’m glad I did. We were on a large bus and navigated the narrow streets downtown before venturing out to stops...
View ArticleThe Wine Country
The locals say that the Central Coast of California near Monterey and Paso Robles is the next big thing in wine but for now Napa and Sonoma dominate the market. The Wine Country Tour from San...
View ArticleHop on, Hop off
Pier 39 and the Fisherman’s Wharf area in San Francisco, California are very popular so it’s nice to have a hop on/off trolley here. The one hour narrated tour has three stops -Pier 39, Ghirardelli...
View ArticlePier 39 is fine
Pier 39 is a two-level, themed, waterfront entertainment complex is a major attraction near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. It includes 14 restaurants, 110 shops, the Aquarium, an Arcade, live...
View ArticleLiberty
The S.S. Jeremiah O’Brien is a “Liberty” Ship memorial is docked at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, California and served as a Merchant marine Cargo vessel during WWII. These smaller, faster ships...
View ArticleBlue and Gold forever
Blue and Gold were my high school colors so naturally I noticed the Blue and Gold Fleet sightseeing cruise in San Francisco, California. I was surprised when the professional narration on this...
View ArticleMr. Toad
It’s fun when the owner/operator does the tour. I’m sure I just got lucky, but I really enjoyed the local perspective of a third generation San Franciscan. That is what Mr. Toads Tours offers in San...
View ArticleAmong Giants
I’m told that larger trees exist. Hard to imagine. I didn’t know what to expect as we traveled by bus on the Muir Woods- Sausalito tour in San Francisco, California. We arrived at a plain parking lot...
View ArticleAbundanza
I love to eat and drink. It is a passion with me. Taking the Local Tastes of North Beach Tour in San Francisco, California was a must. I was impressed. North Beach is the “Little Italy” of the City. On...
View ArticleThe Rock
Say “Alcatraz” and most people know what you mean. This prison in the bay of San Francisco, California is well-known. Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and the Birdman were guests. They say no one ever...
View ArticleOld St. Augustine
I live and work in St. Augustine, Florida. The oldest, continuously occupied, European-settled City in the United States. (whew!) The town was founded by the Spanish in 1565 and the local joke is that...
View ArticleWe miss you Otto C. Lightner
Yes, he is actually buried right out in front of the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida. Otto C. Lightner was a collector of collections and left behind a wonderful legacy inside these walls....
View ArticleScenic boat cruises of St. Augustine
The Scenic Cruise aboard the Victory III in St. Augustine, Florida is a nice way to see the City from the water. The Usina Family has been providing this narrated service for four generations. During...
View ArticleNice to see Historic Attractions doing well
Here’s an update about Jamestown’s 400th year celebration. I’m a big fan but “Living History” has taken it’s lumps lately so it’s nice to see them do well.
View ArticleGot $17.4 Million?
The Disney Blog has a good story about the impending auction for two theme parks: Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia and Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida. I really thought they were great...
View ArticleShuttle launches dwindling
Just got reminded that the Kennedy Space Center Complex in Florida has only 14 more shuttles scheduled to launch before retiring in 2010. Better see one while you still can! The next one is scheduled...
View ArticleAfter Midnight in Savannah
Savannah, Georgia is like an old friend to me. The fact that it was founded in 1733 would be enough but I’ve also met wonderful people, eaten great food and been creeped out a time or two. My company...
View ArticleGhosting in St. Augustine
Had the pleasure of a ride-along on our Ghosts and Gravestones in St. Augustine, Florida and was blown away by the Ghost Characters again. Part of my job with Historic Tours of America is reviewing our...
View ArticleGhosting in Savannah
Savannah, Georgia is a town I enjoy. History, architecture and creepiness combine with creative, eccentric folks living there for a singular experience. Of course, it rained non-stop. I was doing a...
View ArticleI love Disney
I love Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida because of the details. The extraordinary details of every experience within those walls. Yes, I understand that it is a created world. Yes, I will still...
View ArticleGhosts and Gravestones for all
The Night of all nights is here!… they all scream. Samhain…Walpurgisnacht…All Hallows Eve. The shadows lengthen as the moon soars up high. Witches and goblins and ghosts will fly by. Tonight is the...
View ArticleWe’re Expanding
A spirited discussion at Theme Park Insider about ride seats not being big enough for many guests. It seems that adults and children are getting bigger since many of the attraction rides and vehicles...
View ArticleInfamy
Air Force Brigadier General Paul Tibbets just died. He was 92 years old and requested that no funeral be held and no marker be placed on his grave. He was concerned that these memorials might draw...
View ArticleMOSI over here in Tampa, Florida
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, Florida is…well…industrial. No flourishes or fluff, just interesting science exhibits and daily demonstrations. Even the IMAX dome Theater lets you...
View ArticleLowry Park Zoo for You
The Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida is one of the most unusual zoos I have ever visited. Part zoo, carnival, water park, aquarium, theme park, arcade and petting zoo, they try to have a little...
View ArticleAmongst the Fishes at the Florida Aquarium
Okay, I’ll admit it…I drove past the Florida Aquarium four times before I saw it over my left shoulder. Sheesh! I was so annoyed that I had to sit down and breathe deeply. Once inside my tension melted...
View Article12 sunny San Diego, California sites you must see
San Diego, California averages only 10 inches of rain each year. The average daytime temperature is around 70 degrees. For you, that means great weather for sightseeing and tours. Here are 12 sites...
View ArticleStarlight Cruise in Tampa, Florida. Like Day and Night.
I was surprised by how different the day and night Starlight cruises are in Tampa, Florida. Completely different crowd from day to night. While the daytime was casual, relaxed and oriented to...
View ArticleFright Factor
I’ll bet ever since you were old enough to remember, you’ve avoided stepping on a crack, walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror, and black cats crossing your path. These things fill us with...
View ArticleGator Fan paradise
His shiny black eye never blinked. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other waiting for an opening. Slowly… ever so slowly…his head creeped up and to the right. I held my breath. His...
View Article9 Spring Fling Hotspots
Tired of the daily grind? Ready to blow off some steam? Need to get away? Look no further! Here are 9 Vacation Ideas for a Spring Fling that up’s your energy. Go for a weekend or a week. Just go! Las...
View ArticleWild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia
So you’re driving to Atlanta, Georgia from Florida when you see the signs. Wild Adventures ahead. You have to stop don’t you? Of course you do! Some folks suggest that Wild Adventures Theme Park in...
View ArticleCoke, it’s the real thing.
The World of Coke in Atlanta, Georgia pays tribute to this bubbly sensation and more. It’s like entering Willy Wonka’s factory in a way. Located next to the Georgia Aquarium, it’s a one two punch that...
View ArticleGeorgia Aquarium Whale Shark Wackiness
Who would expect to see four Whale Sharks (let alone one) in Atlanta, Georgia? If you visit the Georgia Aquarium, you will. Four of the most elusive creatures on the planet are on exhibit there along...
View ArticleAtlanta Zoo Panda – monium
Get this. The Atlanta Zoo in Georgia started in 1889 when a bankrupt circus left their animals south of town. No really. That’s how it started. The animals were relocated to Grant Park where they...
View ArticleTiptoe through the Tulips at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
When you need to escape downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the solution is not far away. Walking the grounds of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens will restore your energy and renew your focus. It is a refuge of...
View ArticleHigh Museum of Art should be high on your list
The “new” buildings for the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia are a sight to behold. Clean, sleek design by Architect Renzo Piano flows from gallery to gallery with ease. Moving through the space...
View ArticleWhat Lurks Beneath
I knew going in that they had the advantage. I was out of my element. They were bigger, stronger and faster than me. Still, I slapped the water to call them closer. The dark, nine foot shadows darted...
View ArticlePhoenix, Arizona – The Valley of the Sun
The numbers shimmered and danced in the sweltering air. I blinked to make sure. 113… Yep. One hundred and thirteen degrees. No wonder I felt like a baked potato. Just give me some foil. Phoenix,...
View ArticlePhoenix, Arizona Desert Tour
The Teddy Bear Cholla cactus can drop a man at ten paces… Well…not really but it seemed that way when our Stellar Adventures guide explained the vicious nature of this barbed desert dweller during a...
View ArticlePhoenix Valley Highlights Tour is Topnotch
The Phoenix Valley Highlights Tour in Phoenix, Arizona is a great overview of the area. Covering the history of the valley from the Hohokam peoples, who lived their for over 1000 years, to the present...
View ArticleAll Aboard the Verde Canyon Train in Arizona
The Iron Horse sat quietly as we boarded her in the small town of Clarkdale, a few hours north of Phoenix, Arizona. The vintage FP7 Diesel engines gleamed in the desert sun waiting to pull the...
View ArticleTouring the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona
“To inspire people to live in ways that promote the well-being of the natural world” This is the mission of the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona. Who could argue with that? Since 1962, they have tirelessly...
View ArticleThe Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona
The Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona is a grand showcase of American Indian Art and crafts from the region. They have three locations now but I visited the main Museum in Downtown. I was lucky enough...
View ArticleExcellent New Reptile Exhibit at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological...
The Komodo Dragons saliva contains over 60 deadly bacteria. It is the largest lizard species on earth, growing up to 10 feet long and weighing up to 200 pounds. It is carnivorous and has been known...
View ArticleQuiet on the set!
This was my favorite of the many New York tours offered! The guide is amazing and the content is funny, interesting and enjoyable. The New York TV and Movie Sites Tour starts at 11am daily next to...
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