The view from Ravens Roost If you're itching for a different kind of road trip this summer, motor down South to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia and North Carolina started as a Depression-era project to put people back to work. Its 469 miles of pure motoring pleasure wind through spectacular mountain vistas, wildflowers, trails, and waterfalls. Designed by landscape architect Stanley William Abbott, this is a drive that's all about the journey -- not the destination. Discover Native American settlements and old farmsteads, as well as handicrafts inspired by over 200 years of Appalachian culture. Take some time to explore the Linville Caverns or hike across the mile-high bridge on Grandfather Mountain. Fuel up on the homemade apple pie at Famous Louise's Rock House restaurant, or pick up supplies at a country general store. Most importantly, when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway, take your time and enjoy the drive. Suggested Sites... The Blue Ridge Parkway - Parkway map and things to see and do every mile of the way. Cherokee, North Carolina - the end of the trail on the south end. Check out Oconaluftee Indian Village. Virginia's Explore Park - living history demos, outdoor recreation, and historic Brugh Tavern. National Park Service: Blue Ridge Parkway - get the scoop on the most visited unit of America's National Park System.

Directory categories: Blue Ridge Parkway, Road Trips, Scenic Highways and Byways, Desitnation Guides, Travel

Archived under: Autos, Conservation, Driving, Environment, Hiking, History, Outdoors, Parks, Recreation and Travel, Roads, Roadside Attractions, Small Towns, Tourist Attractions, Travel, United States, Vacations

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"Where are we going?!" (Photo by Curtis Perry) Recreational vehicles have come a long way since Americans started using them to tour the country in the 1920s. "Tin Can Tourists" were (and are still) blessed with curiosity and a sense of adventure, but didn't necessarily want to give up the amenities of home -- and thus was born the RV. After World War II, such companies as Airstream and Winnebago sprang up, dedicated to giving motor tourists comfort in a surprisingly compact form. Even Hollywood got into the act, as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz attempted to drive across the U.S. in their movie, "The Long, Long Trailer" (a feat emulated 32 years later by Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty in "Lost in America"). And just what do these road warriors want to see? Well, they might start in Collinsville, IL, just to get a peek at the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, then it's east to Flanders, NY, where the "Big Duck" holds court. After that, it's northwest to Ironwood, MI, home of Hiawatha, "The World's Tallest and Largest Indian." Finally, it's all the way west to Livermore, CA, and the World's Oldest Working Lightbulb (burning continuously since 1901!) -- or any number of other unique destinations. The price of gas may be high, but so is their enthusiasm. Suggested Sites... RV Advice - recreational vehicle events, tips and tricks, FAQs, and more. Roadside America - you're out on the road; here's what to see. Roadside Architecture - keep your eyes peeled for one-of-a-kind buildings, restaurants, and giant... things. Gas Buddy - get your motor runnin' and head out on the highway -- but first know where to find the cheapest gas. Vintage Vacations - restoring and selling period trailers and campers.

Directory categories: Road Trips, Recreational Vehicles, Roadside Attractions, RV Parks

Archived under: 1920s, 1940s, 1950s, Adventure, Autos, Camping, Cultures, Driving, Fanatics, Parks, RVs, Roadside Attractions, Society and Culture, Tourist Attractions, Transportation, Travel, Vacations

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"What are YOU doing this weekend?" (Photo by Veronica ML) Ah, the lazy days of summer are here. Wait -- "lazy?" We Americans are lazy enough already, according to this month’s American Journal of Medicine. That means it’s time to get out, get active, and to take advantage of some summertime activities! Nothing on your calendar? No problem! Ours is packed through the season. Here are just a few ideas for just this weekend: In major metropolitan areas, of course, there’s always something going on. If you’re anywhere near Chicago, this weekend is "Taste of Chicago," with free admission and filled with food and music. Speaking of music, everyone in Dallas is likely lined up for the "American Idol" auditions. If you missed registering in Texas, get your plane tickets now for one of the upcoming auditions in Los Angeles, Orlando, or Denver. Are there events geared toward those who want to get or stay fit this summer? Certainly! Remember the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer swims in the East River because the pool is too constricting? It turns out there's a gaggle of like-minded New Yorkers who are swimming around Liberty Island today. If you can't make it, don’t worry; they have more events scheduled. Of course, you don’t have to live in the big city to find cool things to do. Wherever you are, you can still participate in "Take Your Dog to Work Day" (provided your employer approves, of course!), Some folks in Petaluma, California, however, will be skipping work with their pooches to visit the Sonoma-Marin Fair and enter the "World’s Ugliest Dog Contest." If the thought of big crowds and rats on leashes makes you want to just stay home -- or if you’re just saving all your energy for the Fourth of July weekend -- you can still get involved by watching other people push the limits of hockey, golf, or pure speed. Just don’t say you’re bored!

Directory categories: American Idol, Recreation in Manhattan, Chicago Travel Guides, Activities for Dogs, Sports

Archived under: American Idol, Animals, Boredom, Calendars, Chicago, Cities, Contests, Dogs, Eating, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Food and Drink, Health, Outdoors, Pets, Recreation and Travel, Regional, Seinfeld, Sports, Summer, Swimming, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Vacations

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On the Extraterrestial Highway in Rachel, Nevada (Photo by Jerry Pierce) In case you need a reminder, it's still summer. If you're lucky enough to have some vacation time left, use it. Get off your duff and plan a trip. We suggest you veer away from the typical cruise, beach holiday, golf adventure, or camping trip. Try something a bit more thematic. Why not scope out some of the weirder spots of the globe? Explore the ghostly haunts of Las Vegas, New Mexico, or the UFO highway in Nevada. If this itinerary sounds too frightful, maybe you should follow your stomach. Dine at several famous diners, compare local varieties of clam chowders, or go wine tasting off the beaten path. If you absolutely need to get in that game of golf, try to visit as many putt-putt golf courses as possible. Once you spice up your summer vacation regime, you may never want to go on that tired old cruise again. Maybe next year, with a little more time, you can see a few baseball stadiums. Suggested Sites... Lonely Planet Theme Guide - just a few ideas to spark the travel bug. Yahoo! Trip Planner - see unique trip ideas from other quirky travelers. World Heritage Sites - in case you really want to get off the beaten path. Minor League Baseball - this could be a fun and quirky way to see the country. The Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations - Martha, I think an actor stood there.

Directory categories: Tour Operators, Ghost Tours, Murder Mystery Weekends, Budget Travel, Travelogues

Archived under: Roadside Attractions, Summer, Travel, Vacations

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(From Yahoo! Travel) Thinking of taking a cruise this summer? Don't let the recent headlines about shipboard tummy problems deter you. Just make sure you get the facts and put the situation in perspective before embarking on your journey. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates a Vessel Sanitation Program. No, they're not out there scrubbing off barnacles -- they train ship staff to help limit the risk of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships. Check their site to find inspection results and outbreak information for specific vessels and see if everything is shipshape. Suggested Sites... Northwestern University: Cruise Ship Virus - offers tips to reduce the risk of getting a virus aboard a cruise ship. WebMD: Sailing Into Sickness? - discover the causes of and learn how to prevent shipboard outbreaks. ICCL: Norovirus - read the International Council of Cruise Lines policies on avoiding the spread of gastrointestinal viruses aboard ship. Washup.org - hand-washing facts intended to prevent the spread of disease.

Directory categories: Cruise Lines, Cruise Ship Health, Gastroenteritis, Norwalk Virus

Archived under: Health, Sailing, Summer, Travel, Vacations

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