Discovering America’s Most Beautiful and Picturesque Spots

February 10, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The moment you return from vacation, one of the first questions that people ask you is: “Can I see photos from your trip?” It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur photographer, merely taking photos of your children as they experience a new part of the country for the first time, or if you are a photographer who prides yourself on capturing the perfect photo, you want to have the best photos to help you remember the amazing times you have had for many years to come.

One of the first things that will guarantee that you will have breathtaking photos to show off is a high quality camera. Make sure that you have the appropriate setting for the area that you are in, and the chances of having a great photographic moment increase exponentially. Another way to ensure a breathtaking photo is by visiting a beautiful area of the country. There are some amazingly awe-inspiring scenic spots across the US, but there are a few that take the cake. Travelers from all over the world gather at these spots to capture the perfect moment, in the perfect spot and at the perfect time. Consider visiting the following spots and making some memories for yourself:

    1.    Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This beautiful part of the United States has a grand combination of both mountain ranges and wide, open spaces. This national park has been a top vacationing spot for at least 11,000 years, with many coming to enjoy the picturesque hiking trails that are dotted around the glacier lakes.

    2.    Sedona, Arizona

Sedona doesn’t just have rock formations and canyons. These canyons are tinted a beautiful red, and they have been shaped by the winds and floods that also formed the Grand Canyon. Depending on what you enjoy doing, you can either go camping near the rock formations, hike around Sedona, or even slide down a natural waterslide that has been formed after thousands of years of water sliding by.

    3.    Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Voted Good Morning America’s “Most Beautiful Place in America,” this part of the country has blue beaches that bring visitors from all over the world. Nestled in the largest cherry growing part of the world, there are many things to see in Sleeping Bear Dunes that would not be seen anywhere else. Many living in the Midwest, who dream of heading to the West or East Coasts, can plan a less expensive vacation in this beautiful part of Michigan. It’s shocking how tranquil the water can be, but the dunes themselves have a unique appeal all their own.

    4.    Niagara Falls, USA

Beyond being the honeymoon capital of the world, Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful places in the US. The large falls, along with “The Maid of the Mist,” the old boat that brings millions of tourists up to the falls every year, are the perfect backdrop for all types of photos. Even if you don’t want to go into the falls for a photo, there are plenty of other opportunities surrounding the three sets of waterfalls that create Niagara Falls. Visitors’ guides to the Niagara Falls state that there are several beautiful walks and drives alongside the falls, so be prepared to take the amazing photos that will make others envious of you.

Let It Snow and Hail: New Phone Apps That Allow for Winter Fun and Safety

December 30, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The weather outside is indeed frightful in the wintery months, especially in areas of the country where the winter storms can leave you stranded, but with the perks of having a smartphone loaded with holiday and weather apps, you don’t have to worry about life being anything but delightful. As you travel this winter season, make sure that your smartphone is loaded up with apps that will make your travels safe and fun.

Winter Survival Kit App

For those who are traveling to vacations spots in the snow, part of your winter survival kit should also be the winter survival kit app, which was recently developed by the North Dakota State University Extension Service. The app, which works for both Android and Apple phones, helps stranded drivers notify family and friends if you’ve been stuck in the snow, calls 911 and even helps motorists know how long they can keep the engine running to keep the cab warm before carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a problem.

The Winter Survival Kit smart phone app is free for users, and might just be the tool that can save your life if you need help when trapped in the snow.

Ski and Snow Report

For those who are itching to go snowboarding or play in fresh snow, this is the free app for you. This particular app is meant to give you the latest snow conditions and ski opportunities near you, which will let you be able to plan snowboarding weekend trips in a moment’s notice. Ski boarders and snow bunnies alike can also look at the snow and ski conditions of their favorite out-of-the-area slopes and snow destinations, and they can keep tabs on the latest snow news there as well. This is perfect for the last minute getaway travelers, looking for an excuse to leave the area on a three-day weekend.

First Tracks

For those who like to plan road trips to new snow spots across the country, First Tracks might be the choice for you. This app is more likely to work for your desktop or for your tablet, as it is an Adobe Air product created by Hatchling. Find everything from directions to the new ski destination you are visiting to the forecast for the whole weekend on this app. Another addition that this product affords snow seekers is frequent updates on what mountainsides are open for snow sports and which are closed due to poor weather conditions. This might save you hours of travel only to be disappointed in the end.

Fizz Snow

For detailed maps of snowboarding and skiing slopes, this is the ideal app. The freshest snow is documented through this app, which costs smartphone users $2.99. This is perfect for those who are looking for a nice interface while they check out the weather of the area they are heading to. Seven-day and 48-hour snowfall forecasts are also displayed through this app, and you will be able to see the amount of lifts and trails that are open in any given area. New snow reports and visibility are also clearly indicated, so you never have to worry about the weather forcing you to hole up for the season.

Rocking out at Top Music Fests that Cannot Be Missed

December 26, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Music is a huge part of our lives, and it dominates both underground and mainstream pop culture. To commemorate the amazing talent of the United States’ most popular music artists, there are music fests that allow for music lovers to enjoy some of their favorite music from all over the country in just a weekend.

These festivals allow for indie fans to enjoy their favorite artists, and for pop lovers to flock together to dance to their favorite artists. No matter the genre of music, or the lifestyle of the fan, there is a music festival to go to. If you are planning on going this year, make sure to book a comfortable neighborhood hotel room well in advance, as neighboring hotels tend to run out of vacancy quickly.

1. Nerdapalooza – Orlando, Florida

All things nerd and musical can be found at this festival. The nerd culture has a strong following, and visual and digital artists from around the world come together with performers such as I Fight Dragons and Metroid Metal. Everything from nerdcore hip hop to video game music is featured at this festival.

2. SXSW – Austin, Texas

This is one of the biggest festivals in the country, and it has been a leading music event for a quarter of a century. This is also a trade show, so musicians can come and see some of the most legendary musicians, such as Bruce Springsteen, talk about what has helped them be successful.

3. Joshua Tree Music Festival – Joshua Tree, California

This festival, held at beautiful Joshua Tree, was created by a group of family and friends for the sole reason that they love music. Because this festival is in the middle of the desert, it’s important to pack a good amount of food for the duration of the festival, unless you plan on making the 8-mile trek to the nearest civilization. Some of the festival’s more recent artists include Dubconscious, Afromotive and Flowmotion, who love having their audience join in on the musical celebration.

4. Wakarusa – Mulberry Mountain, Arkansas

Wakarusa is held in one of the most unique spots in the world, the Ozarks, near the Mulberry River. Thievery Corporation, Mumford and Sons, Reelfoot and James and the Devil have performed at this festival. Unlike other festivals, Wakarusa offers yoga, Frisbee golf and other fun activities in between the performances. This is a perfect festival for those who love music and the great outdoors. This is the perfect destination after a road trip, and it will sure to be a festival that you will want to attend again.

5. Outside Lands – San Francisco, California

This isn’t just a music festival; this is a food, wine, arts and music festival. There are a plethora of stages, with artists such as Muse, Arcade Fire, Foster the People, Deadmau5 and OK Go being just a few of the big names that have graced the stages here. One of the top features of the festival is the food, which is not the standard festival fair—organic food and wine are the fare to be enjoyed.

Gnoshing at the Top Five Best Breakfast Spots in the U.S.

December 9, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Breakfast is the champion of all meals; it’s got everything that you need to keep you going throughout the day. Doctors and nutritionists have agreed that breakfast is important for a healthy lifestyle, so even while traveling, you need to get a meal that is nourishing. When traveling, it can be hard to find a place that’s got exactly what you’re looking for in a delicious meal.

There are breakfast spots all over the U.S. that claim to have the best pancakes or the best omelets you’ve ever had. To help you find which restaurants are able to deliver the best meal you’ve had in the morning, follow this list and see just how these places offer you a flavorful way to kick start your morning.

1. Salud – New York City, New York

Everyone is in a hurry in New York, especially during the morning rush. Salud, an organic restaurant, offers an adorable environment to enjoy a smoothie in the morning or a hot chocolate on chillier days for people who need a quick pick me up in the morning. For people who have time to sit down and enjoy a full meal, the family-owned organic restaurant has plenty to offer. Make sure to try a macaroon with your favorite smoothie blend, as they are made perfectly.

2. Bongo Room – Chicago, Illinois

There are few breakfast spots that are worth waiting 20 minutes for, but the Bongo Room and its intimate atmosphere is one of those places. The pancakes at this breakfast and brunch restaurant are known all around the city, and every season brings new flavors for everyone to enjoy. There are vegetarian options on the menu, and every meal is large enough to share. After waking up from a great night’s sleep in your hotel, try the tomatillo salsa scramble or the banana bacon flapjacks for a real treat before doing some sightseeing!

3. Flap Jack Family Restaurant – Lansing, Michigan

It can be hard to get your children to eat while on the road, so it’s important to find a place that serves options that they will actually want to eat. It’s hard to go wrong with pancakes, which is the ultimate child-friendly breakfast food. Flap Jack Family Restaurant makes no qualms about its family-style service. It’s not a high-end restaurant, but the quality of the ingredients is top of the line. Parents can enjoy the hearty skillets, while their children can feast on fluffy pancakes and gobs of toppings.

4. The Griddle Café – Los Angeles, California

A popular hole-in-the-wall almost seems like an oxymoron, but the Griddle Café, located right on Sunset Avenue in Los Angeles is one of the top celebrity spots that lives up to its hype. Not only are you likely to see a star or two eating breakfast at this landmark; you are likely to fall in love with everything on the menu. The cheesecake French toast is a perfect example of what you’d expect to find in the thriving diner that serves A-list celebs. You can even purchase mixes for some of their most popular dishes, such as the red velvet pancakes, to make at home.

5. Stoby’s – Conway, Arkansas

This restaurant is not for wimps; the large portions and hearty platters are definitely worth being on several top breakfast spot lists. The homemade biscuits are perfectly paired with “old-fashioned, real-deal breakfast gravy.” The omelets are gigantic and are smothered in cheese. If you’re dying for something new, ask for Stoby’s spicy white cheese dip on top for a bang.

Top Tips for Buying the Perfect Gifts for on-the-go Travelers

December 5, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Having a techie in the family is both a blessing and a curse. You’ll always have someone to go to when your computer is acting up, and someone to help explain what steps to take when trying to sync your phone’s music to your laptop’s playlists. On the downside, it’s almost impossible to buy them the perfect gift for any occasion, as they tend to buy their favorite items as soon as they come out. This leaves you wondering what technology to buy someone special and leaving you grasping at straws if you don’t know what gadgets and toys are popular.

If you’re looking for something for an anniversary, a birthday or a holiday, it’s best to begin your purchasing by reading up on what’s available, setting a budget for purchases, and reading up on what other travel techies are writing about online. Travel techies are in a league of their own, and knowing what the tools and equipment that they enjoy using are will greatly help you in your search for the perfect gift.

1. Set a budget for yourself.

If your spouse, child or relative needs the “best” gadgets for traveling, you need to know how much each item costs and where you can purchase them for less. There are many online technology review websites dedicated to helping individuals find the right priced tools and equipment they want to purchase, and they can actually help people on a budget find what they can afford in a certain category of technology.

2. Look on the manufacturer’s website for ideas.

Perhaps you want to purchase your traveler a nice gift, but you cannot find exactly what they are looking for online. When this happens, go to the manufacturer’s website and see if they have equipment that is comparable to what your techie is looking for. For example, if you are looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones for your son, who likes to listen to music while traveling, go to the company that manufactures the headphones he likes and see what is available. You may be able to find better headphones than the one he wants at a better price.

3. Ask for a wish list.

Travelers have wish lists of what they want, just like anyone else. All you have to do is ask what your traveler is interested in purchasing. This might take a little of the surprise out of purchasing a special gift for someone, but at least you’ll know that what you purchased is exactly what he or she wanted. If you don’t want to ask your loved one specifically what he or she wants, go online to see other techie gift wish lists.

4. If all else fails, go with gift cards.

If you want to be certain that your gift is going to be perfect for your loved one, go with a gift card. This allows your techie traveler to find the tablet that is ideal for traveling that he or she has had his or her eye on. If anything, this will allow you to save time on what to purchase them, and the traveler can opt to save up the gift card and use it towards a more expensive item that he or she would not be able to purchase otherwise.

Tablet Gadgets: Getting More Out of Your Tablet

November 21, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Even if you’ve already joined the legions of tablet fans, you may have only uncovered a fraction of how useful these little machines can be. With the accessories now available, many users are finding that their tablets can replace many of their other devices, especially during travel, when packing light really calls for a less-is-more approach. By selecting just a few of the small add-ons for your iPad, Galaxy Tab or other similar device, you, too, may find that you can have all the networking, entertainment, composing and presentation capabilities you need, courtesy of your tablet.

Precision Pointers

One of the major complaints many people have about tablets—at least in relation to extensive use—is how touchy the touchscreens can be. If you can’t hit the right angle, have bigger fingertips or lack just the right degree of pressure, you can find yourself inadvertently closing pages, typing an entire sentence incorrectly or (maybe even more frustrating) not getting anything to happen at all. Here’s where a stylus can save you hours of aggravation. The Targus Touch-Screen Stylus (about $17) is compatible with most tablets (and other touch-screen devices). Its rubber tip is sturdy, but it will not scratch the screen as you turn pages, type or draw. Targus’ deluxe model, the 3-in-1 Stylus ($40), gives you a touch-screen stylus with a ballpoint pen and a laser pointer (with low and bright settings)—all in one compact and classy design.

Comfortable Keyboards

Even with a great stylus, most of us prefer a real keyboard for doing extensive composing. Fortunately, the most popular tablets do offer add-on keyboards—all running in the $60-$100 range. One of the best Bluetooth wireless (and relatively universal) keyboards is the Scosche freeKEY. Marketed as flexible (it actually rolls up!) and waterproof, it may be a traveler’s dream with it’s advertised battery life of sixty hours before recharging is needed (retractable charging cable is included).

If you’d like a keyboard that doubles as another accessory, check out Samsung’s soft-touch, full-sized keyboard dock for the seven-inch Galaxy Tab, which lets you charge your tablet while using it. The built-in headphone jack in the dock can also come in handy if you’re trying to work during a layover in a busy (and loud) airport. Another two-fer is the Adonit Writer for the iPads. This Bluetooth keyboard is fashioned as part of a protective carrying case for the iPad, and it also folds to provide an angled prop, secured by magnets, for the tablet itself as you use the keyboard. The lightweight (1.1 pounds) keyboard and case still leaves you with all the carrying convenience of a tablet.

Serious Sounds

Okay, maybe an MP3 player isn’t that much extra to carry along, but hey, when the goal is to simplify, why not fully outfit your tablet as your sole music and entertainment device? With the number of earbuds, headphones and speakers out now, it’s pretty easy. You can choose among brand-specific models and universals, as well as a wide variety of the quality levels (and prices). For the Motorola Xoom alone, choices range from $15 earbuds to Monster Lil Jamz High Peformance Headphones ($100). As you might expect, iPad’s options run pricier, from about $40 to upwards of $400. If you want something that’ll work for your iPhone and your Android tablet—and something good for your budget in case you lose it—the GE 98974 Voip Stereo Headset (around $15) gets solid reviews.

While a tablet may not fully replace your laptop or iPod (after all, how handy is a tablet while you’re jogging?), perhaps during business trips and vacations you can equip that one mighty little machine to efficiently and compactly serve your needs, and give you one less device to schlep along and keep track of on the road.

Fast Food Picks and Pans

November 18, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

“May I take your order, please?” All of us hear those words at one time or another through a car window or at an airport food court counter—especially when we’re in a hurry to grab a bite and get on our way. Yet we all know that fast food is not exactly synonymous with healthy eating. However, many fast food chains have jumped onto the healthy-eating bandwagon, and even more significant, several health-focused organizations and publications have come out with fast food dining guidelines and even praise for some of the menu items.

Apps-etizers

To make the whole process easier, before you even consider eating fast food, there are also both apps and websites that you can access through mobile phones to help you make the best possible choices right from the start of your meal. A couple of the best are Fast Food Calorie Counter(iPhone, $.99; Android, $2.99) and The Fast Food Explorer website.

Belt-Healthy Burgers and Sandwiches

When easy grab, go and eat is a priority, sandwiches are a natural choice. Unfortunately, most fail the healthy-eating test, being loaded with fat in the fillings—fried (and deep-fried) meats, slathered-on creamy sauces and cheeses—plus overloads of sodium (in processed and salty meats and cheeses). Still, there are a number of fast food sandwiches, and even a burger or two, that can make the grade according to nutritionists, like the following:

  • Subway, Panera Bread and Au Bon Pain’s lean meat sandwich options, like grilled chicken or roast beef, with light vinaigrette-style dressings and plenty of healthy veggies (ranging from 300-400 calories)
  • Starbucks’ Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich (420 calories)
  • Wendy’s Jr. burger (only 320 calories)
  • Burger King’s Whopper Jr. (340 calories).

Satisfying Salads

It’s all too easy to think you’ve chosen healthily when you order a salad, but watch out! Many fast food salads are loaded with fatty dressings and often topped with things like cheese, bacon and fried chicken. The result is a meal as high or higher in saturated fat as a full-sized burger. This doesn’t mean you have to give up everything but lettuce, though. Au Bon Pain, for example, has the following several great salad choices, all of which received four-to-five star health-conscious ratings from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine:

  • Garden Salad
  • Charbroiled Salmon Filet & Yellow Peppers Salad
  • Mediterranean Chicken Salad
  • Thai Chicken Salad
  • Tuna Salad

Another four-star winner is Subway’s Subway Club Salad with Fat-Free Italian Dressing.

Chill-Fighting Chilis and Soups

In cooler weather (or after sitting in an over-air-conditioned office all day), soup is a natural comfort-food choice, and several fast food restaurants offer up some choices that can offer that comfort in pretty healthy form, like the following:

  • Chick-fil-A’s Hearty Breast of Chicken Soup (140 calories, 1.5 grams of fat)
  • Quizno’s Creamy Broccoli Cheese (175 calories, 9 grams of fat)
  • Quizno’s Chili (145 calories, 3.5 grams of fat)
  • 13.25-ounce bowl of Panera’s Vegetarian Black Bean soup or French Onion with Asiago Cheese (180 calories, 4 grams of fat each)

Even Desserts!

Of course, we can’t forget the call of the sweet tooth. Fruit is, of course, the healthiest choice, but sometimes, we just want something gooier and more, well, decadent—at least in taste. Even here, there are comparatively healthy choices available at the fast food counter. The following three options that make Fitness Magazine’s list are all at just 3.5 grams fat:

  • McDonald’s Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream Cone (150 calories)
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Lil’ Bucket Strawberry Shortcake (150 calories)
  • Pizza Hut’s Cherry Dessert Pizza (240 calories/slice)

Rustling up the Best Tex-Mex in Austin

November 7, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Texas is known for offering a bigger than life lifestyle, and its booming city, Austin, with its constantly growing population, is a perfect example of just how true this statement is. There are many reasons why over 19 million people from around the world flock to the state capitol every year: the live music, the college football and, of course, the Tex-Mex.

It is nearly impossible to go anywhere in Texas without enjoying the unique flavor of true Texan Tex-Mex, especially since the state prides itself on offering the best. Tex-Mex, for those gringos who have not had the pleasure to enjoy it, is a combination of Texan flavor and Mexican food, which is blended into a signature style that makes the mouths of many water. Spicy salsa, freshly fried tacos and endless mountains of homemade flour tortillas are a staple in any good Tex-Mex stop, but there are a few Austin stops that must be made to experience the real deal.

Chuy’s

Located in South Austin, this restaurant has been a staple stop for Austinites. Perfect for large parties, Chuy’s does a great job of getting you your meal, quickly, while also ensuring that you’re provided with chips and fresh salsa from the self-serve bar. Once the dishes arrive, be prepared: the portions live up to Chuy’s “big as yo’ face” philosophy. Top dishes include the chile rellenos, which are fire-roasted peppers that are filled with cheese or meat before being fried, and the Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom, hand pulled chicken and cheese with a Boom-Boom sauce. You’ll want extra tortillas to sop up any remaining sauce.

For those who aren’t sure what type of spice level they can handle, Chuy’s has several signature sauces for your enjoyment. Pick from a mild, one-jalapeno meter rating, given to the ranchero sauce, to the hot, three-jalapeno rating, given to the hatch green chile. There are other options in between, so make sure everyone orders a different sauce to ensure you get to try the full spectrum. Also, be sure to order the special creamy jalapeno sauce—it’s not on the menu, but it’s well worth asking for.

Hole in the Wall

This bar is not your standard “hole in the wall,” despite what the name portrays. The Hole foods are spectacular, especially the breakfast items, which are served all day long. Try interesting combinations, such as the Crawfish Omelet or the Redneck Benedict for a unique blend of flavors.

Obviously, every bar has specials, and Hole in the Wall has done a good job of making its own spectacular fun.

Maudie’s

If you’re in the mood for finger foods, Maudie’s has some amazing tacos, quesadillas and chips for you to enjoy. There are six Austin locations for you to choose from, so there are plenty of spots for you to enjoy a Mexican meal.

The top favorites are the crispy tacos, which are covered with yellow cheese, lettuce and tomatoes and stuffed with flavorful meat. Maudie’s has managed to make interesting variations of favorite dishes, such as the Skinny Sheryl’s Enchiladas. This tasty dish is made with chicken, a sauce made with tomatillos, lettuce, tomato and even grilled zucchini. For the indecisive, the combination plates have ample portions of everything.

Who Doesn’t Dig Dinosaurs?

November 4, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

From Barney and Baby Bop to Bob, Dawn and Rex (of Dilbert fame), Jurassic Park to Bedrock, children and adults alike find dinosaurs fascinating—and just plain fun. Even officialdom is into the prehistoric game. All but eight U.S. states have official state fossils, and six states plus Washington, D.C. even have official state dinosaurs. While dinosaurs (their remains or recreations) may be seen in almost all the states, Colorado may claim the title of Dinosaur Central.

Dinos in Denver

Even if you’re only in the Mile-High City for a brief business trip, you can say hey to a few prehistoric reptiles. Denver’s Museum of Nature and Science provides plenty of chills and thrills in the interactive Prehistoric Journey exhibit, complete with battles between flying dinosaurs overhead. Another must-see is the new robotics exhibit, T. Rex Encounter: You vs. Sue, where dinosaurs “react to your every move, sizing you up as friend, foe or their next meal.”

Just thirty miles southwest of Denver, near Morrison, is Dinosaur Ridge, where you can actually walk past footprints left by the huge creatures millions of years ago. On some of the trails, you can view naturally formed 3-D sandcast tracks of Triceratops and other dinosaurs, plus imprints of insects and plants that filled the landscape eons ago. Younger members in your group can take a turn at being junior paleontologists in the Cretaceous Crime Scene sand pit, and if you’re there November 11th, you can take in the annual dinner and silent auction fundraiser, Rock Out for the Ridge.

Forests and Ferocious Beasts

For outdoorsy travelers, the Colorado Springs area can’t be beat—with an average of 300 sunny days per year, the Pike National Forest (and Pike’s Peak, of course), the thriving nightlife—and dinosaurs, too! The small town of Woodland Park, less than thirty minutes outside Colorado Springs, is home to the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. Among the Center’s many dinosaurs is a cast replica of an armored Denversaurus and one of the largest skeletons ever found of its arch-enemy: T-Rex. Other exhibits include marine reptiles and prehistoric fish, plus hands-on activities at the Children’s Learning Center. At Halloween, Veteran’s Day and during the Thanksgiving-Christmas season, you can catch puppet shows and story times with holiday-themed activities.

To round-out your view of the prehistoric era, about thirty miles west of Colorado Springs is the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, “one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world” for petrified trees and other vegetation that fed and sheltered creatures roaming through the Eocene era.

Tracks of Time

Further afield, on the Colorado-Utah border, is the Dinosaur National Monument in (you guessed it) Dinosaur, Colorado (though portions of the park are actually in Utah). Along the half-mile Fossil Discovery Trail or the Quarry Wall in the indoor Quarry Center, you can view over 1,500 fossils embedded in the mountainside. The brand new Center and Exhibit Hall also includes a life-sized Stegosaurus model. At the other side of the state, Picketwire Canyonlands in Southeastern Colorado is the site of the longest trail of dinosaur tracks ever discovered. Along the roughly quarter-mile trail, you can view 1300+ tracks; some were made by carnivorous Allosaurus dinosaurs and some by what scientists believe may have been a group of young and old Brontosaurus traveling together.

Whether you want to view the creatures up close and personal (in recreated or fossilized forms) or follow in their footsteps, Colorado is only one of the many states in which to “dig dinos.” The U.S. government has a great downloadable pamphlet on dinosaurs, and dino fans of all ages can use the Dino Database to plan their next road trip.

Top Haunted Spots in the US to Scare Your Pants Off

October 31, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Fall’s weather and atmosphere offer a chance for people to enjoy the thrill of going home and enjoying time with family or enjoying traditional excursions to local areas of interest. For some, fall is also the perfect time to discover some amazingly spooky and haunted spots throughout the United States. These are not just Halloween spots; they are really haunted and can give you the creeps any time of the year.

Here are a few of our frightening finds.

  1. The Whaley House – San Diego, California

This old home is believed to have been built on an old cemetery, and it has been called the “most haunted house in the US” by many. Tourists and individuals working in Old Town San Diego, where the home is located, have had ghostly encounters during tours of the home. The home was built in 1857, and it served as the county court house, the area’s first commercial theater, a general store, school and ballroom. With the violent suicide of Violet Whaley in 1885 and other deaths that occurred on the premises during the house’s time as a courthouse, a dark reputation has developed.

  1. The White House – Washington, D.C.

If you’re visiting the District of Columbia, you might actually have a chance to see Andrew Jackson in his bedroom or Abraham Lincoln pensively standing in the Oval Office. These are just a few of the White House ghosts that occasionally make their presence known in their former home. Many, including First Lady Michelle Obama, have reported strange things occurring around the Presidential Estate. When you schedule a tour, be sure to keep an eye out for presidents of eras past.

  1. Moon River Brewing Company – Savannah, Georgia

This former hotel was known for being the ultimate in high-class living. However, the hotel also had a violent past as well; it was near the epicenter of the Civil War, and had its fair share of violent skirmishes. Confederate loyalists beat a Unionist to death in the bar, and today, some patrons see bottles fly through the air on their own during particularly rowdy nights. Funnily enough, banquets and meals can still be enjoyed at the brewery. If you choose to dine within, just be aware that you might not be eating alone.

4. The Copper Queen Hotel – Bisbee, Arizona

Having run since opening in 1902, the Copper Queen Hotel is Arizona’s oldest continually running hotel. Located in a quaint town just outside of Tucson, this old hotel tries to transport its guests and visitors back to the early 1900s. However, there are at least three resident ghosts that make sure patrons know there is more than just meets the eye:

· Julia Lowell, a woman who committed suicide in the hotel;

· A gentleman in a top hat that is surrounded with the wafting smell of cigar smoke; and

· A naughty young boy whose giggle is occasionally heard by guests.

These places may be historical, or perhaps they have tragic stories that tie them to the ominous. Though some of the most haunted spots in the US are hotels, you more than likely won’t want to stay in them, so make sure you find a reservation at one of the nearby Extended Stay Hotels for a good night’s sleep, without the ghosts.