Saks 5th Avenue

This venerable New York establishment has been around since 1924 and is the epitome of grace, style and elegance. You can shop till you drop with their extensive collection of products from America and Europe. The information booth on the 50th street side offers quick tips on how to explore ten floors of pure luxury. Start at the basement where the waft of perfumes from the cosmetic counters set the scene. Then take a trip through the in-store designer boutiques namely, Chanel, Gucci & Louis Vuitton. Saks is still famous for its unique shopping experience and boasts the finest men’s department in New York, the best sales imaginable, great value and impeccable sales staff who treat everyone with genuine respect. For a look at the real ladies who lunch, take a peek at Café SFA on the 8th floor.

Bergdorf Goodman

Conservative sophistication with a twist! Bergdorf’s might have a classic air but it houses the most modern of designers, namely Jean Paul Gaultier, Chloe, and Kate Spade, also paying homage to the younger set with mid-price collections by DKNY, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Bergdorf Goodman Special Custom Collection by the Fashion Institute of Technology. Located in the elegant Vanderbilt Mansion, this store boasts resplendent views of Central Park. The handbag department is one of the best in the city, stocked right through from Prada to Chanel. Stop at the shoe department for a coveted pair of Jimmy Choo’s or if you prefer your Manolo’s you’re guaranteed the latest styles. The seventh floor houses gifts and antiques, bridal services and fur collections. Watch out for end of season sales which offer great savings.

Now you can drop your shopping bags and go upstairs to one of the city’s best kept secrets. The Susan Ciminelli Day Spa atop of Bergdorf Goodman offers skin products that not only turn back the clock but also imbue your skin with a radiant glow. Susan’s products are made of the purest essential oils, the finest botanicals and natural seaweed.

De Beers

A little South African diamond in New York: De Beers opened their store amidst great fanfare, joining the ranks of Cartier, Bulgari and Tiffany&Co. At the opening of this 6000-square foot boutique, guests got to walk on Swarovski crystal and delight in de Beers’s 203-carat Millennium Star, the largest pear-shaped flawless stone in the world. 1000 visitors frequent this store daily, enjoying the plush lounge area and the fact that no sales assistants hover. Selections range from $500 to $8 million, and include classic diamond jewelry, plus three fashionable collections of rings, earrings, pins, necklaces and bracelets. There is a bridal bar on the second floor where couples can pick out their engagement rings. The “beauty scan”, technology which is unique to De Beers will provide your wife to be with a true picture of just how bright her diamond sparkles.

Prada Flagship Store

The coolest shop on earth for the coolest clothes in the universe! The collaboration between Miuccia Prada and Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas turns shopping into a theatrical experience with screens and media installations. 23 000 square feet of retail space at a cost of $40 million, offers you a more imaginative shopping experience than the usual stores. First stop is an interactive kiosk where you can find out all sorts of facts about Prada. There is a massive glass elevator that you can shop in, and plasma boxes flash images and information at you while try on impeccable designs. The whole design space looks like a giant wave and there are retractable display cages for merchandise. Computer-equipped dressing rooms have glass doors made with SGG’s Priva-Lite technology, which enable a two-way mirror experience. While you are trying on you can watch what’s going on outside. This is exactly the kind of space you would expect from someone charging $600 for a pair of shoes.

Butik

Danish supermodel Helena Christianson has opened her own signature store with Danish partner, Leif Sigersen. Butick, the Danish version of boutique, houses a heady mix of eighteenth century antiques set off with black roses, marvelous organic chocolates and Matthew Williamson candles. This quirky mix of vintage and modern is sourced mainly from Scandinavia and Paris. You’ll find Norgaard Paa Stroget’s striped maritime T-shirts, and one-off retro-print skirts by Rutzou. Camilla Staerk’s understated footwear, handbags by Ricka, and Veronica Civa’s jewelry. This shop is worthy of exploration and chances are you’ll bump into someone famous. Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and Russian model sensation, Natalia Vodianova are regulars. Butik is a stone’s throw away from Nicole Fahri’s boutique, 202.

Barneys

All style gurus’ know that Barneys is a celebrity hangout as it has the hottest fashion, delivered fresh from seasonal shows. This is New York’s fashion capital when it comes to department stores, so come on in all you fashionistas. From fur and mile-high stilettos to the latest in jewelry and handbags by designers like Fendi and Hermes, this store has it all – women’s, men’s and children’s clothing with accessories, fragrances, shoes, cosmetics and tableware. Make use of their concierge services, personal shopping and services studio. Pamper yourself at the image studio with your own makeup artist and indulge your every delight at the resident spa. Shopping in New York City couldn’t be finer!

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If this list was composed 50 years ago, the Falls would likely have been number two. The Honeymoon Capital of the World suffers from a suffocating overlay of tackiness, wax museums, huckster shops and casino jackpot lights flashing around the clock, but nothing can detract from the prodigious grand falls and the Maid of the Mist’s trip right into the heart of it.

#6: The Florida Keys

When you first start heading south on the causeway, you may be unimpressed as if you’ve been in Florida for a while there’s causeways everywhere. However, this is quite different. Pretty soon you’ll be suspended over an endless sea with no land in sight, just you in your vehicle on a ribbon of concrete smoothly swooping over the waves faster than a speedboat. When you finally reach the end of the road, the lazy, languorous, tropical island of Key West, dine on real Key Lime Pie and hang out at Hemingway’s haunts, you’ll know you’re having the experience of a lifetime.

#5: Yellowstone National Park

A park so large it spreads over three states, Yellowstone is the ultimate natural experience to be had in the Lower 48. The park is far more than Old Faithful, it’s a magical country owned by bears, wolves, elk and buffalo who are allowing you to temporarily share their domain. The park is even more thrilling in the winter when the crowds are gone and the land wears a mantle of dazzling snow. Yellowstone is the greatest park in the country, bar none.

#4: The whole state of Alaska

It dwarfs Texas, it’s largely unexplored, the weather in the southwestern section is much milder than you would think, and it’s a natural wonderland unlike any other. Whatever you are looking for in the magnificence of nature you’ll find in Alaska with the possible exception of tropical desert. Alaska has endless mountain ranges that no one has ever climbed. It has huge swaths of rolling land that go on and on to the horizon. It has temperate rainforest swarming with bears gorging on salmon. It has the friendliest people in the entire United States. When you finally visit Alaska, bring lots of your stuff with you as you may never want to go home.

#3: California Highway 101

Leave Interstate 5 to the truckers and the travelling salesmen. The only way to really see California is on the sea-hugging majesty of what is arguably the greatest highway in the world, 101. From the broad beaches of Santa Monica, all the way up through to Silicon Valley, 101 is a delight mile after mile. The list of amazing wonders is endless. The stretches between Ventura and Santa Barbara, and the whole of Big Sur present simply mind-bending scenery and natural beauty that’s easily accessible from any major California city. And who has not dreamed of riding a Harley Sportster across the Bixby Creek Bridge while the violins play the Then Came Bronson theme?

#2: Walt Disney World

To the detractors who call the wonder in the swamp just a money grubbing capitalistic scam, it is obvious they must never have been children or seen the park through the eyes of a child. Walt Disney World is one of the great American wonders in the way that it compresses an entire planet into one beautiful, clean, idealized version that can be traversed in a couple of days. From the souks of Morocco to the studios of Hollywood; from the African Savannahs to the Canadian rainforest gardens of Victoria; the world is here waiting to be discovered. The jury is still out on whether it’s preferable to visit EPCOT’s perfect, clean and lovely Piazza San Marco or the real one which is blighted by flood control walls and the nauseating smell of rotten fish on a hot summer’s day.

#1: The Grand Canyon

The magnificent Arizona chasm defies the senses. Its magnificence and grandeur will inspire awe in the most jaded Wii-addicted teenager. However, it is nowhere near enough to just drive to the South Rim, elbow some Japanese tourists for a quick peek and then head back to Flagstaff for a Denny’s Grand Slam. There are two Must Dos at the Canyon and if you haven’t completed both of them, you might as well have just stared at a postcard.

a) Take the mule ride to the river. You ride on a recalcitrant donkey on some precarious stony paths all the way down to the Colorado River where you camp, have dinner around a campfire and the next morning go all the way back up. It’s dirty, gritty, uncomfortable, occasionally scary and one of the most exhilirating experiences you’ll have in your entire life.

b) Skip the South Rim. Although it’s a good day’s drive each way, loop around towards the northeast and end up at the North Rim. Not only is the high forest scenery unforgettable on the way, but you’ll end up at the historic and unforgettable Fred Harvey Lodge and see the Canyon from a much higher elevation. Many people don’t realize that the North Rim’s Point Imperial is at 8,803 feet which is more than 2,000 feet further up than the South Rim. The difference in view and experience is palpable.

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As the black tooth climbs higher into the sky it begins to look more like an island of some substance. From the charts and its shape, it is established that they are indeed gazing at Santa Cruz Island. On the western side is Academy Bay and Puerto Ayora, their final destination. At this moment, with the island dominating the offing, it suddenly disappears and leaves what appears to be a blank canvas on which, only moments ago was a very real island. The captain, deliciously (for him), allows the crew to panic momentarily and then explains rather loftily that this phenomenon is known as the ‘Garua Effect’ and is peculiar to the Galapagos Islands. During the dry or ‘Garua’ season, inversion layers form over the highlands of the islands and frequently a fine mist forms. This translucent haze very often obscures the high ground making it invisible to the observer from a distance. They, being well back over the horizon unable to see the unobscured lower slopes, and with the western sky now cloudy, the impression of the island disappearing is very genuine.

‘My goodness’ she exclaims, ‘fancy them not knowing that!’ Her resonances coming in an entirely different form, and under water, tell her that islands of that size just do not move!

All sail is best trimmed, and she thrusts forward with urgency now that the decision has been made to make landfall that night. Sailing into the gathering gloom, the islands, built completely of black lava and basalt, appear incredibly intimidating. Their steep and jagged cliffs, fringed at the base with foaming white water, conjure up Jurassic Park thoughts. A Frigate bird could easily morph into a pterodactyl and a sea iguana into a T-rex, such are the overactive imaginations of her crew. Darkness falls and with the cloud cover obscuring the moon, it is a very black night. The original hydrographic charts of the area show some lights, but they are either not turned on or fallen into disrepair, as there is only one in the main approach, off the starboard bow. Fortunately as she rounds the final headland and Academy Bay opens up, the lights of moored craft and the small port help her into the bay. There is going to be no docking here as the port consists of a partially sheltered corner of the bay in which all vessels, commercial, tourist and yachts alike are moored.

Creeping forward, she approaches a vast black hulk outlined against the dim port lights. It is very poorly lit and there is some suspicious looking activity going on alongside. Our crew, staring, staring, can see some things being hauled up the side of the ship from a lighter, and as she comes closer a single gallows like arm protruding over the side of the ship is doing the hauling. Attached to the end of the heavy chain is a very upset, upside down milking cow. Her mouth is working and her free hind leg kicking furiously, but that
is all the resistance she can muster as she is dragged unceremoniously up the rusting side. Fifteen to twenty of these poor animals disappear into the hold of the ship in this manner, and her crew are wondering what barbarous acts may be exacted upon them once inside the bowels of the ship. Feeling her way further up into the corner, where hopefully she can find a mooring position more out of the swell, many a long rode and scope is piloted around, until they arrive at a spot her captain deems fit for them to drop anchor and moor.

Over her nose rattles the chain endlessly, almost to the bitter end before it takes in the mud. With the constant swell she realises that she has to let out as much scope as possible. This task completed and a small stern anchor laid out to reduce her swing, the crew sit down to a self congratulatory cup of tea. Halfway to their lips, their cups freeze, as the whole island is suddenly plunged into total darkness. Santa Cruz is on generator power, and midnight is the shutdown time. Our poor crew slide into their bunks that night with some level of apprehension, wondering what tomorrow is going to bring.

Dawn breaks a murky grey sheet over the town. The bugle blast of the navy reveille is the first sound to be heard, and her crew stumble into the cockpit. Peering into the mist they realise they are moored directly off the local navy base. Without a military vessel in sight, crisp white uniformed ratings line up in the quadrangle, and salute the Ecuador flag as it is hoisted up its staff. Our crew remind themselves that Ecuador is indeed a democracy and they have no need to worry – however, following on from what they saw the previous evening, the nagging doubts firmly lodged in the corner of their minds will not disperse. These islands are so unique, and classified ‘eco tourist’ by the Ecuadorian government, there are strong warnings and procedural advice for visiting yachtsmen. Visiting areas other than designated ports, is not allowed, and if caught will face immediate arrest and probable confiscation of vessel. Visits are only allowed for a maximum of forty eight hours on an emergency basis, repairs and/or provisioning, with visas issued to this effect. All printed material stresses this, so her crew are acutely aware of this protocol as they put ashore in the dinghy to visit the Puerto Capitano.

In their smartest casual gear they manage the tricky landing on the stone wall, stepping ashore with the minimum amount of mud and salt water stains on their clothing. Straightening their garments as best they can, and the captain, importantly carrying their waterproof doco/passport bag tucked under one arm, they set off down the quay. Arriving
at the lovely old colonial stone building which is the Custom house, and Puerto Capitano’s office, all varnish and gloss inside, they are ushered into his office. A handsome fortyish officer, with a level gaze, stares at them bleakly from the other side of a huge desk. Varnish must be cheap in this country as this piece of furniture is positively glowing. Our crew are not easily intimidated, but with his cool, silent stare, and two matelots one each side standing to attention behind, this comes close. Our captain
compliments him on his fine building, and his incredibly crisp and brilliant white uniform. He cocks his head slightly, breaks into a raffish smile and says:

‘How long would you like to be staying in our country?’.

Our captain, momentarily taken aback, but having risen early, replies that ten days would be very nice indeed, thank you.

‘No problem’, a now very relaxed Puerto Capitano replies.
Visas are produced, with passports being stamped accordingly, entry fees paid, and our crew shuffle backwards out of his office almost bowing as they go. Our captain is on the
point of inviting the Port Captain to join them for a beer at some point at his convenience, but considers this might be pushing their new relationship a little too far! Instead, they march straight faced down the sea wall, eyes to the front, out of sight round the first corner and suddenly leap into the air, fist punching in their exhilaration. Ten days to explore these fabulous evolutionary islands. A local fruit seller looking out from his stall, gives them a quizzical glance – crazy foreigners! Events as we shall see, will extend this time to eleven days. Later, checking their entry fee dockets, our crew discover that it was somewhat less than they had calculated.

Extract from the ebook ‘Voyage of the Little Ship ‘Tere Moana’ by Vincent Bossley

Vincent Bossley is a sailor and publisher living on the Northern Beaches in Sydney. He has his own website on www.sailboat2adventure.com for cruising sailors, sailors preparing for their lifetime sailing adventure, armchair sailors, virtual sailors and anyone who has ever dreamed of sailing off into the oceans of this beautiful planet of ours. He offers a package of extremely useful dollar saving tips that could save the voyager many hundreds of dollars and more, plus a FREE one hundred and thirty five page ebook download ‘Voyage of the Little Ship ‘Tere Moana’, of his sailing adventures in many of the exotic paradises around the globe. You can visit him anytime on www.sailboat2adventure.com

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Indian Harbour Beach, Florida is probably not the first, (or a last stop for most) when you venture to the sunshine state. Places like Daytona, Miami, even Key West take the bill here. Known as the ‘Greatest Little City in Florida”, Indian Harbour Beach is in Brevard County, Florida along the coastline, offering everything that a relaxing vacation epitomizes. Close to Orlando and to Kennedy Space Center it is a liaison between a quiet escape and excitement. Just minutes from the Melbourne International Airport, this spot is perfect for getting away from the everyday. I also have found the best hotel deal anywhere around Indian Harbour. The Lexington Hotel is offering a 3 day/2 night package for $97/nt. Including deluxe accommodations for 4 and a $20 credit to Doubles, their on-site restaurant, this is the classic definition of a “diamond in the rough”.

Another not so well known vacation spot is located in Illinois and has some of the most beautiful settings on the bluffs, high above the Rock River. “The Forest City” as it is beloved known; Rockford is an integral park of the Rockford metro area. Experience any of the 50 excellent national golf courses or stay in touch with nature with a tour of the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which has been ranked the top Japanese garden in North America. I was lucky enough to stay at the Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort which was located inside of 12 miles from loads of attractions, right on the Bluff overlooking the river. With prices starting at $129/nt, this is an affordable way to catch the wonderful sites of Illinois.

Of course, Illinois and Florida could be two places that vacationers might rank high on their list, but Arkansas? At first glance, I couldn’t believe that this was going to make my list of out of the ordinary places to visit, but then I found Hot Springs I started to change the way that I viewed this state. Hot Springs is the 10th most populated city in Arkansas and as the name inclines is known for national spring water. The city hosts a number of art shows such as the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and the Hot Springs Music Festival. Other events include the Hot Springs Jazz Festival held in September and the downtown Bathtub Races in the Spring. It holds the number 4 position of the “America’s Top 100 Small Arts Town.” They also have a Racetrack and Casino which, lucky for me, was located just one block from my hotel. Americas Best Value Inn has all the necessities that is needed in this town.

They say that everything is bigger and better in Texas; and I’m not one to argue with that line of thinking. My next stop brought me to the Lone Star State and into San Antonio. This live and vibrant city was like no other that I have visited and with its serene valleys and rolling, cedar-studded hills, it was no wonder why I fell in love with it as quickly as I did. I stayed right on the Salado Creek and enjoyed the feeling of history that this place took me too. With 300 days without rain, there is never a short list of outdoor activities. The Alamo is nearly impossible to forget as it is Texas’ top tourist attraction. The San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas are just a few of the other activities that this wonderful city has to offer. Shell Vacations Hospitality has all the information that you need to make a real life cowboy out of anyone!

My only stop in the great Northeast was in Newport, RI. You may be thinking if this should really go on this list of ‘unique destinations’ but I thought that it doesn’t get as much attention as some of its other counterparts; mainly because of the price associated with the mere mention of its name. With presidents being married there and others making Newport their “Summer White Houses” not only does it seem unattainable, there almost seems like nothing more to do then to tour the streets and look at some insanely expensive houses. But Newport has something for even the frugalist of travelers. Along with being filled with culture, the city of Newport has Cliff Walk, which is considered one of the most popular attractions. A 3 mile walkway that borders the shoreline and has been designated a National Recreation Trail; and for lovers of folk, country, blues music, the Newport Folk Festival is also hosted in Newport. If all this sounds like a big budget breaker, don’t fret. I found a great deal on a place to stay right in Newport just in time for summer. The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina is everything that name implies. Close to all the activities and some of the best restaurants anywhere, this resort is one not to be missed. Use the Exclusive Corporate Number: DUN, and stay at this breathtaking resort for only $235.

Heading out west, another little known escape is Gunnison/Crested Butte, Colorado. With so much to do in this quaint Colorado town, Gunnison will keep you wanting more. Enjoy mountain biking and hiking up the peak of Mt. Crested Butte for one of the most spectacular 360 degree views you will ever see. My stay was complete when I located this wonderful deal of $160 for 2 nights. It included ½ day of one of my favorite activities, rafting. For all its worth, this vacation certainly will inspire your passion for the Colorado Rockies.

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Brighton has long been one of the UK’s biggest and most fashionable seaside towns and is a popular tourist resort with many hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities together with a considerable business conference industry.

Originally known as the modest fishing village of Brighthelmstone, this city has strong connections with the past with its regency architecture, Victorian Sea Life Centre, Brighton Pier, and of course The Royal Pavilion. By 1825 after Dr Richard Russell extolled the virtues of bathing in and drinking seawater, Brighton was born as a fashionable seaside resort.

Now it is a contemporary metropolis, with diverse shopping from Churchill Square and Western Road, to The Lanes and bohemian North Lanes, London Road and St James Street, Church Street and George Street in Hove. There is a new state of the art Library, restaurants, bars and clubs to suit every taste, theatres, cinemas, 10-pin bowling and casinos. In addition there are 2 universities, and a wide variety of sporting activities, including successful cricket, and football teams, and even a racecourse and greyhound stadium.

Another unique and historical attraction is Volks Railway, the oldest operating electric railway in the world. Created in 1883 by Magnus Volk, this 1 ¼ mile track links the Aquarium and Pier with Brighton Marina, with a half way stop near the children’s playground.

This year Brighton & Hove have been awarded its first ever Blue Flag award for its beaches at Hove Lawns and West Street. These guarantee that they are litter free and have clean swimming water. There is also a discreet naturist beach at Dukes Mound near Brighton Marina.

After a visit to Brighton Pier what better way to continue than with a stroll along the beachfront and down to the boardwalk. Here you can find the artists’ quarter and fishing museum. There is a traditional carrousel and various bars, clubs and restaurants under these historic arches. Further along the seafront you will discover a children’s playground, paddling pool and volleyball court.

From here you come face to face with the remaining wreck of the West Pier. This was originally built in 1866, has been lying derelict since 1975, and was destroyed by arson attacks in 2002. Although certain pieces from this Grade I listed building were removed and have been kept in storage.

However, the exciting news is that work is due to commence at the end of July on this site for the groundbreaking Brighton Eye. To be built at the shore end of the wrecked pier, the i360 (as it is also known) will have a 172 meter high needle tower, with an ascending and descending circular viewing platform with a capacity for 125 people. It will be Britain’s highest observation tower with breathtaking views along the coast, across the South Downs and across the Channel. Completion of this exciting and innovative construction is scheduled for 2009.

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The Nova Icaria, well known to tourists as it is only a short walk from the Olympic Marina, this beach will be crowded no matter what type of year, though it offers not only great beaches, but a series of beach bars, restaurants on the promenade, and a handful of other bars and restaurants not far away; though it may be a case of deciding whether to abandon your place on the surf for food, or stay put and starve.
Bogatell is right next to Nova Icaria, but is mainly loved for the stone walkway, which attracted roller bladders and cyclists from near and far. You might take your life in your hands walking there, but the raised level means that traffic noise is blocked, and you just have the peace and quiet of the sands.
Should you want to, the nudist beach is just along the strip from Bogatell (which it is separated from by a windsurfing and kayaking school and hire shop). This beach is carefully hidden from other holiday makers with a long stretch of bamboo; and there is an excellent park nearby where you can eat or just crash out away from the sun.
The southern end of the Barcelona strips are longer, with more shallow waters, making it the best option for people with children. The northern points are smaller and pretties, with deeper waters, proving an attraction with the extreme sports crowd.
Barcelona’s beaches have been given the European Foundation of Environmental Education’s “The Blue Flag”, which means that the beaches have fulfilled some of the requirements, such as cleaning up the water and surf, improving security and first aid treatments, as well as easy access for everyone. This blue flag means that you should be reassured when trying out the fabulous sands, or swimming in the water. Before, the Spanish beaches were notorious for their dirty sands, but this flag should mean that you can visit them securely.
While the Catalonian capital boasts great beaches, they are often overcrowded and not very exciting (as well as a mecca for petty thieves). If you want something a bit different, then try catching the Spanish Metro for an out-of-town beach that suits you best. Temperature is the main consideration here (though the south is better for children, having shallow waters).
15 mins ride from Barcelona town, the beach of Casteldefells has great bars and eateries, as well as a super beach. It is still very accessible from Barcelona, so if you were hoping to miss the crowd, you will need to go a little bit further out. However, Casteldefells is an amiable and friendly beach if you are not feeling adventurous.
Sitges, which a couple of years ago was unknown, is a very nice beach, though more and more tourists are turning up to eat ice-cream in its parlours, rent sun loungers, or just shop. The town is a popular gay resort, so no surprises that here are nudist beaches and great bars. All in all, Sitges is a great place to hang out and compare ices.
To the North is the great beach of Ocata; with a massive stretch of unspoiled beach. The best news about this beach is that the general tourist population don’t know about it; there’ll always be places to soak up the sun, and the local area has organized fun activities for kids.
Wherever you go in the Barcelona beach area, there are also plenty of things to do within the city itself.  There are a number of festivals throughout the year, and the late summer has two big festivals, the Festes de la Merce, at the end of September, features music, performance artists and celebrations, the majority of it completely free. The second big festival, the Festes de Gracia, which is slightly earlier in the season, takes over most of the Gracia quarter, and is again a festival of music, street performance and partying long into the night. Visiting Barcelona at the end of April means catching the fantastic Sant Jordi festival, which is like Barcelona’s individual valentine’s day. With people wandering the streets hading out roses, it is a popular and widely celebrated festival.

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Three centuries of history and landmarks that represent the Revolution, Civil War, the War of 1812, and the birthplace of our national anthem are all found in this compact state.

Maryland incorporates an area of just 10,000 square miles and extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains. With the magnificent Chesapeake Bay at its heart and the Atlantic Ocean its eastern boundary, Maryland is all about water. Baltimore is a major port, Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy and the Chesapeake (which comes from a Native American word meaning great shellfish bay) provides the ingredients for Marylands world-famous crab cakes

A stop in Baltimore is a must. The area is filled with history and there are great sights throughout the city, but its Inner Harbor is the best place to begin any visit to Maryland’s largest city. Once a collection of ramshackle warehouses and abandoned factories symbolic of urban decay, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is now a showplace of urban renewal.

The Inner Harbor hosts many great attractions, restaurants and shops. A highlight for visitors is the Showcase of Nations, which offers colorful ethnic festivals each weekend from June to October. A favorite stop is the National Aquarium, a five-story structure which houses an Atlantic coral reef in a 335,000-gallon tank, a South American rain forest in a glass pyramid, the Open Ocean where visitors can get an up-close look at several species of sharks, and a 1.2-million-gallon dolphin habit.

At Pier 1 is the USS Constellation, the last Civil War vessel still afloat and the last all-sail warship built by the Navy. Many artifacts are displayed and visitors can try their hand at turning the capstan and setting the sails.

For a personal look at the people who have made Baltimore their home, groups can take a walking tour through the charming neighborhoods of Little Italy, Union Square, or Federal Hill, where 4,000 residents gathered to celebrate the ratification of the Constitution in 1788.

From the Inner Harbor you can reach Fort McHenry, which guards the entry to Baltimore’s harbor, by boat (or by motorcoach). This is where Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812.

A flag of a different color flies at Pimlico Race Course on race days. Home of the Preakness, this is the second jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown. Pimlico is the second oldest race course in the United States.

Another 19th-century event has evolved into the Baltimore & Ohio Railway Museum. Started as a tradeshow exhibit for a major Baltimore railroad, the museum has evolved into the best collection in the world of American railroad rolling stock and railway memorabilia. Now a National Historic Landmark and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, visitors gain a sense of both the importance of the railway in Americas expansion and also the elegance of railway travel in its heyday.

In Columbia, groups are in for a treat at Tobys Dinner Theatre. Now in its 27th season, this award-winning regional theatre offers groups Broadway-style entertainment in an intimate setting.

This article is sponsored by: www.grouptravelblog.com

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Basilica in Paris, devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a famous landmark atop the Monometer, from which it tower above the city. Built during 1875 -1914 by subscriptions as a votive offering after the Franco-Prussian War, it was consecrated in 1919 after World War I and has a patriotic as well as religious symbolic significance. Designed by the architect Paul Abadie, the basilica is a huge and harmonious edifice in the Byzantine-Romanesque style. Behind its tall dome rises a bell tower 276 ft high.

The Sacré-Coeur Catholic basilica was constructed at the end of the 19th century at the top of the Montmartre hill in Paris. Its famous white pastry like architecture is dominating the city. The Sacré-Coeur is a holy place and a flagship of Catholic devotion to the Holy Virgin in Paris. It pull towards itself many pilgrims from all over the world and has a large network of affiliated churches .The Sacré-Coeur has been represented many times by the Montmartre painters near-by on Place du Tertre.

The principal frontage, with the broad bronze doors, is framed equestrian statues of Louis Saint and Jeanne d’ Arc. She opens on a square which dominates the town of Paris and makes it feasible to welcome a splendid sight on the capital.Inside, the apse is adorned with an immense mosaic of 475 m signed of Luc-Olivier Merson, representing the Trinity and the devotion of France to the Sacred Heart.Many statues also decorate the vaults. The basilica of the Sacred Heart is one of the Parisian monuments most famous and most visited.

It was decided to establish in front of the Basilica, a public garden inclined repurchasing the 50 meters of difference in level between the boulevard and the hillock and to largely open this public garden on the boulevard by cutting down the block of houses which masks the aspect of it. The study of the venture was entrusted to Jean Formigé, who with the assistance of Bévière, draws up a great project of inclined garden, leading by slopes and embranchments simply laid out, initially with a large water tower, then with the esplanade which precedes the Basilica.

The basilica of the Sacred Heart was born from the wish of the catholic church of expier the “revolutionary crimes” of the insurrectionary movement of the Commune and to wash the defeat of France at the time of the war of 1870 against Prussia.

In rise, Abadie took as a starting point the church of style romano-Byzantine of Saint-Face-of-Périgueux, which it itself restored. The Sacred Heart, entirely built out of white stone, comprises four domes encircling a vast cupola which culminates to 94 Mr. a bell-tower; high of 94 m contains a large bell melted in 1895.

But, as one walks a few meters away from the core tourist area, one discovers very quiet and charming spots, quite unexpected in such a large city as Paris.

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While the actual mechanics of how each RC vehicle works can vary greatly from one to the next, the basic principles remain the same. Once you understand how RC cars work, you’ll have a better idea of just what’s involved, and which one would be right for you.

There are four main parts to an RC vehicle:

• Transmitter: This is the control you hold in your hand, usually powered by a 9-volt battery. Using radio frequencies, the transmitter relays the steering and control commands you give it to the receiver.

• Receiver: There are two parts to the receiver- an antenna and a circuit board inside the car. The radio frequencies sent by the transmitter are picked up by the receiver and relayed to the various appropriate parts of the vehicle.

• Motor(s): RC cars and trucks feature a variety of different types of engines, all with varying degrees of difficulty and output. The motor is often said to be the heart of the RC car and is the most intricate part of building your own RC.

• Power Source: Of course power is needed for acceleration, steering and overall engine output. Aside from the 9-volt battery in the transmitter, the power source depends on the type of car: electric cars run on rechargeable, replaceable battery pack while nitro cars use a fuel mixture similar to what runs a real car.

What does RC Stand For?

If you’re new to RC it can often be confusing just what is meant- radio or remote control cars. Though the two are often used interchangeably, this is incorrect; they are not the same thing at all, since the way they transmit signals is completely different. You can spot a remote control car by the wire connecting the controller to the car itself. Radio control vehicles, on the other hand, use radio frequencies to send messages from the steering controls on the transmitter to the receiver in the car.

There are FCC regulations for all consumer electronics that use radio frequencies, in order to properly allocate the frequencies on the band without too much interference. Usually RC vehicles operate at 27MHz or 49MHz frequencies- the same as your walkie talkie or garage door opener. More advanced RC models like planes require a higher frequency, and are regulated to 72MHz or 75MHz. Always consult your manual to make sure you’re using the correct frequency, and for instructions on how to change frequency.

As long as you’re running your RC by yourself, all you need to do is follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to choose the correct frequency for your vehicle. But when it comes to race time or even just practicing with friends, you’ll need to make sure every one has their own frequency or the signals will get crossed. If you’re at an official race, the organizers take care of this by providing each racer with a specific frequency and a flag with which to mark your car. In order to avoid crossed signals, you’ll need to make sure when practicing that you follow a similar process.

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Governor Mark Warner. He sang and played harmonica, while each of the bands that played during the evening came up on stage for an explosive finale that set the bar high for the number of functions to follow that weekend. Other highlights included the Official Louis Armstrong Society Jazz Band at Louisiana’s breakfast
function, with its fiery singer and talented band members all worthy of the name of their band; dinner and entertainment at the Virginia Science Museum and the many tours on Saturday showcasing the city of Richmond and its surrounding areas

ALABAMA

The Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel is promoting 2006 as “The Year of Outdoor Alabama.” The 2006 calendar of events has a special section devoted to the more than 140 outdoor events and festivals taking place in Alabama throughout the year. A separate brochure titled “100 Outdoor Adventures in Alabama”
lists great outdoor activities all over the state. Both are available at Alabama welcome centers or by contacting the Bureau. Mobile is getting back on its feet after Hurricane Katrina damaged many attractions and facilities throughout town. The Mobile Bay CVB encourages visitors to come and see how Katrina has impacted the town, as well as to witness the strength and perseverance of this community. The USS Alabama, which was closed for several months due to immense storm damage, reopened in January on the 41st anniversary of its original opening to the public. The Museum of Mobile will be opening this spring after extensive work to repair flood damage. The majority of the city is back up and running but support from the tourism community is still greatly needed and warmly appreciated.

FLORIDA

Construction is currently underway on the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, due to open later this year. The 6,000-square-foot facility will feature interactive exhibits depicting the region’s underwater and upland habitats, with special emphasis on the ecosystem of North America’s only living contiguous barrier coral reef. The
center will be located on Truman Annex overlooking the Key West waterfront. The TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach will open its season in November with a new expanded boardwalk featuring more observation areas. The center has also installed a new live webcam and has opened the South Shore Café refreshment area. The center celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year.

GEORGIA

The brand new home of the World of Coca Cola will open summer 2007 on a twenty-acre site adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. The facility houses the world’s largest collection of Coca Cola collectibles and memorabilia
and – of course – offers samples of Coca Cola products from around the globe. The famous beverage, which was first served ‘soda-fountain style’ at a small pharmacy near Underground Atlanta, is served over a billion times per day in over 200 countries around the world.

LOUISIANA

A full seven months after HurricaneKatrina, New Orleans is coming into their festival season with gusto and a great big helping of pride. After the wrap-up of the city’s 150th Mardi Gras this March, Steven Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Metro CVB had this to say: “Our industry guests were overwhelmed by the spirit of the city and its people. It was startlingly clear that although New Orleans still faces real challenges in some areas, the historic core of the city, the tourism areas, and the experience of coming to New Orleans is not only intact but thriving.
We planted the flag in the ground that announced to the world that New Orleans is open and ready to welcome visitors again in our own special style!”

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