Las Vegas shows, entertainment and family fun

Las Vegas,or as it’s otherwise known “Sin City,” is well known as the casino town and it is the city’s main attraction. However, more and more tourists are seeing Las Vegas as more than just a gambling town and the non-gaming revenue for Las Vegas and other casino towns are growing. Casinos invest much of their resources in hospitality – hotel amenities, exciting shows, animal exhibits, extravagant dining, pools, amusement parks and more and many of these things are becoming the main attractions.Not everybody is a gambler and a trip to Vegas offers much more. There are plenty things to do in Las Vegas that doesn’t involve dropping quarters in slots, throwing dice or doubling down.

Best Las Vegas shows

First of all, casinos are just as famous for their entertainment and high-class shows as they are for their gambling. From the standard chorus girls with feathers and fringe dancing around to magic shows, acrobatics and adult shows – Las Vegas has a wide variety. Here are some of the best Las Vegas shows to see. For amazing acrobatics, see Cirque Du Soleil at the MGM Grandor the “O” Cirque du Soleil show at the Bellagio.For music, see Celine Dion at Caesar’s Palace or Barry Manilow at the Las Vegas Hilton. There’s “Bite” at the Stratosphere for adult entertainment, Penn & Teller at the Rio Las Vegas for laughs and Lance Burton Master Magician at the Monte Carlo Las Vegas for kid-friendly magic shows. From adults to children and men to women, there is a show for everyone in Las Vegas.

Food/buffets

Casinos in Las Vegas attract some of the culinary world’s top chefs and the city offers a wide variety of fine-dining options. For tourists who don’t live in large cities, Las Vegas offers up a chance to try delicious dishes and exotic cuisines at reasonable prices. And of course, who could forget the famous Las Vegas buffets – just be careful not to eat too much.

Kid fun

Many families with children vacation to Las Vegas and the city has plenty to offer for kid fun. First of all, there is the hotel pools and poolside food and beverage service. Kids can play for hours in the pool and adults can sit poolside chatting, drinking and eating. For adult and kid fun, visit the roller coasters at New York – New York, the Stratosphere Tower and Casino and the Adventuredome, a 5.5-acre indoor amusement park at Circus Circus Casino. Casinos also have extensive arcades and midway games for additional entertainment. There also are animal shows, zoos and aquariums on and off the Strip like the Lion Habit at at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino or the Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Shopping

From casino shops and small shopping galleries to mini malls, there is tons of shopping to do, even if it is just window shopping. Consider the Forum Shops or Appain Way Shops at Caesar’s Palace, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, and the Via Bellagio at the Bellagio for casino-close shopping. For designer clothing, visit the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas, for the mall atmosphere visit Boulevard Mall, which is just minutes from the Strip and last for specialty shops and tantalizing restaurants go to the Desert Passage.

Outdoor fun (golf courses)

Need to get out of the always dark and flashy casinos? Las Vegas offers wonderful outdoor activities from great golf courses to balloon riding, horseback riding and hiking. Areas like the Red Rock National Conservation Area and the Grand Canyon National Park are not too far of a drive away. Of course, if you don’t want to wander too far from the Strip, casinos do have outdoor spectacles like the volcano at the Mirage Casino, the fountains at the Bellagioand the pirate battle at Treasure Island.

Spas

You’re on vacation, treat yourself! Head to the newly built Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa for relaxation – it’s only 10 miles from the Strip. Try other spas like the Artisan Hotel and Spa, The Westin Casuarina Hotel, Casino and Spa, JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa and The Platinum Hotel and Spa, to name a few. After all the shopping, show seeing, gambling, golfing and roller coaster and amusement park fun; you’ll need some time to relax.

There are many beautiful beaches in California. Although most of these have many activities available for day-use, not all of them provide facilities for camping and allow overnight stays. This article lists the best beach camping parks in California and gives you some of the hightlights of each park. We have broken the beach camping parks out into three sections: Northern California, Central California, and Southern California, so that you can locate beaches in just the region you desire.

Northern California
Clam Beach County Park is located just south of Little River State Beach, north of Eureka. It is one of the few parks that allows camping right on the beach. Beachcombing, clamming, fishing, picnicking, camping, kite flying, and building sand castles are all popular at this beach.

Gold Bluff Beach is within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The campground is located in the dunes along a beautiful 10-mile stretch of golden beach. The campgrounds lie between the Pacific Ocean and a bluff thickly covered with Redwoods. It is located about 50 miles north of Eureka.

Westport-Union Landing State Beach covers over 3 miles of rugged and scenic coastline. There are approximately 100 campsites located on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is located about 19 miles north of Fort Bragg.

Central California
Half Moon Bay State Beach offers 4 miles of broad, sandy beaches. This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing, hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, and camping. It is located near San Mateo in the San Francisco Bay area.

Manresa State Beach is a large, beautiful sandy beach, which offers surf fishing, surfing, swimming, and camping. It is located on Monterey Bay just south of San Francisco.

New Brighton State Beach is located in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. This beach camping park offers swimming, fishing and a nearby forest. The camping area is located on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay.

Seacliff State Beach is best know for its fishing pier and concrete freighter just offshore. There is swimming, fishing, camping, and hiking trails. It is located on Monterey Bay near Aptos.

Sonoma Coast State Beach is one of California?s most scenic attractions. It has long sandy beaches below rugged headlands. The craggy coastline has natural arches and features secluded coves. The beach is located north of San Francisco between Jenner and Bodega Bay. There are many campsites to choose from. Fishing, hiking, horseback trails, and many other activities are available.

Sunset State Beach features pine trees, mountainous sand dunes, and oceanside picnic spots. The beach is 16 miles south of Santa Cruz.

Southern California
Carpinteria State Beach is approximately 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. This park offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May.

Doheny State Beach is two parks in one. Camping is located in the southern area and the northern area is limited to day-use. There is a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts. Surfing and surf fishing is popular here. It is located just south of Los Angeles.

McGrath State Beach is famous for bird-watching. The lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and the sand dunes along the shore create just the right environment for our feathered friends. There is a nature trail for hiking, and 2 miles of beach for surfing, fishing, or swimming. It is located near Ventura.

Morro Strand State Beach is a coastal frontage park with excellent picnic sites and about 3 miles of beach. Fishing, windsurfing, jogging, kite flying and camping are popular at this park. It is located near San Luis Obispo.

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I was born on the lower East side of Manhattan a few decades back. I moved out west in my twenties and have returned a few times. This past summer I got to spend some leisurely time showing my new bride the sights. As a first timer, she was obviously impressed by the shear grandeur and scope of this vital and bustling city. The height of buildings that block the sky is one of the first things she noticed. It was about then that I decided to look at the Big Apple through her fledgling eyes and revisit an old friend.

We stayed at a hotel not far from Macy?s and Herald Square at 35th street. We could easily walk to the Empire State Building, which still retains it?s magic and allure made famous in many a movie. At the observation deck, I could have sworn I saw Tom Hanks retrieve a lost teddy bear. The views are awesome and the whole art-deco lobby is clean and wonderfully unique. We made our way to Rockefeller Center and enjoyed a taping of the ?Today Show? in progress. The walk along Fifth avenue is decadent and a window-shoppers dream. Reaching Schwartz?s Toy Store, once again I visualized TH dancing on the keyboard on the second floor amid life-sized stuffed jungle animals.

We had already ducked into the Trump Tower and was taken by the opulent entryway. We then peered at the diamonds in the displays of Harry Winston and the renovation of the old Plaza Hotel into a condo project. Across the way was Central Park, boarded by an endless line of horse-drawn carriages waiting for lovers and tourists. Just inside the grassy knoll, they were filming a movie and we had to make a detour. Of course, it?s NY and they are always filming something.

The next day, the excitement continued at the Guggenheim Museum, a wonder of architectural ingenuity and the big dog: The Museum of Art, with it?s jaw-dropping Van Gogh originals and too many others to mention. We got to see the ?Imagine? tribute to Lennon and Nero Wolf?s plaque outside his building, which was fictitious but fun. We ended with a trip through Macy?s and hung around Times Square to absorb the ambiance and picture Dick Clark counting down the New Year. We left via Penn Station and caught our breath. It was only 3 days in town, but we had eaten NY pizza, deli pastrami sandwiches and mastered the subway system. Quite an accomplishment.

As we took our train out of town, we vowed to return to have a dog at Coney Island, visit the Statue of Liberty, The Museum of Natural History, explore more of Central Park and probably take a full week to capture all we missed. I was content that I could act as tour guide and point out the sights, but realized the wondrous diversity and culture that the City affords the tourist. Having been around the world, I can still honestly say that New York has something for everyone and should not be missed. Plan a trip in the spring or fall, if possible. We hit a cool spell for June, but the off-seasons are quite special. You won?t regret a moment, I promise.

The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas recently introduced their new exclusive adult alternative pool area, Bare. This European-style (topless) pool provides all the comforts of ultimate luxury. Bare offers only the best for all their client?le with many complementary perks. Picture yourself draped over a chaise lounge, in sheer sun worshiping bliss when a rather attractive server approaches and offers complementary tasty treats like frozen fruit, mini fruit smoothies and Popsicles. Just to be sure you stay cool under the Las Vegas sun, refreshing Evian misting bottles are provided as well as iced towels, rolled and chilled in flavored water, no less.

To enhance your experience, DJ-spun music keeps the fun alive. If all this isn?t enough to lose yourself in this exotic pool haven, dolphins, yes actual dolphins, are swimming and playing just a few short feet away. Never under estimate the limits Las Vegas will go to please you!

With the end of summer rapidly approaching, pamper yourself with the ultimate Bare experience. Nothing can wrap up the summer like being treated like a VIP, sunning away those tan lines while relaxing on a day bed and sipping on your mojito and nibbling on exotic fresh fruit. If you?re up for a unique pool experience, this adult-only pool is the place for you.

Los Angeles Stars Homes – Travel around Los Angeles visiting the homes of great movie and pop stars such as Nicholas Cage and Britney Spears. You will see some of the finest houses in Beverley Hills and Holmby Hills that belong to all your favourite celebrities. You may even catch a glimpse of one of the A-list stars.

Hollywood Walk of Fame – Take a trip down the Hollywood Walk of Fame to find the stars of all your favourite celebrities, old and new.

Universal Studios – Visit Universal Studios and experience some of the scariest and fun rides in Los Angeles, all of which are based on your favourite movies and television shows. Ride through Jurassic Park and get attacked by a T-Rex, travel back in time in the DeLorean from Back to the Future and then go forward to The Terminators timeline and battle armies of robots.

Helicopter Tour – Take to the skies of Los Angeles in a helicopter tour which will show you the city from a whole new perspective. See all the attractions including downtown LA, the Hollywood sign and the Sunset Strip, soaking up the breathtaking views from the sky.

Venice Beach – Take a stroll down Venice Beach Boardwalk, a 3 mile stretch of beach full of shops, street entertainers and tourists alike.

Shopping – Los Angeles provides some of the best shopping in all of America and while you’re there you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to shop in stores like Gucci and Tommy Hilfiger. Go spending on Rodeo Drive where all your favourite celebrities shop, head to Muscle Beach and Marina del Rey and you are guaranteed to be satisfied with your purchases.

Getty Center – See some of the finest art known to human kind in the Getty Center, a complex which was built purely to house J. Paul Getty Trust’s collection of European art. Even if you are not interested in the art, the Getty Center is worth a visit simply for the beautiful gardens and scenery, though the quality of the art will no doubt touch you in some way.

Warner Bros. studio tour – A tour around Warner Brothers Studio is a tour through some of your favourite shows. Visit the sets of shows like ER and Lois & Clark and see costumes and even scripts from the shows on your tour.

La Brea Tar Pits – A trip to Hancock Park will steer you to the La Brea Tar Pits, which boasts the greatest number of prehistoric fossils excavated in the world. A great collection of these fossils can be found in the Page Museum located at the tar pits. If you are lucky, when you visit you may be able to see actual excavations being carried out, though this is only normally during the summer months.

Los Angeles Zoo – Visit Los Angeles Zoo all year round and see over 1200 animals from around the world. Open for over 40 years and boasting 1.4 million visitors a year, Los Angeles Zoo is a must visit as a fun thing to do while in LA.

I “fell for Greenville” during my first fall here in 1999. No one can deny the beauty of any variety of palm trees or bougainvillea. Coming from the gorgeous gulf coast of Florida, I had not been denied beauty in my environs. The lush evergreen landscape along with the scent of water in the atmosphere is a nature lover’s paradise. Colourful tropical flowers and plants were forever sashaying their brilliance under the golden rays of the sun. What could be as beautiful? Greenville in the fall!

“Green”-ville is set among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is located far enough north and south to provide four equitable seasons. When the harshness of one season becomes intense, a welcome change happens, almost miraculously.

The hot, humid, balmy, unbearable heat gives way to cool, crisp, casual days and nights. The smell of fall permeates the air. Greenvillians and transplants alike, perk up for the vivid colours of the season. We know a fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye. Green hues become golden yellows, russet reds, ornate oranges and bodacious browns. The subtlety of this magnificent transformation is spectacular to behold and suddenly realised. Fall is here!

There is an award winning festival in Greenville, South Carolina called “Fall for Greenville.”

“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.”

Autumn quote by John Donne

I have experienced six such transformations with the seventh one looming like a contended sky. Fall festivals in nearby cities are a beckoning lure. The drive into Asheville, North Carolina; passing through Hendersonville is a most spectacular sight to behold. Without a doubt, I’m at my most energetic self at this time of year.

I fall for Greenville and other areas including the New England states especially during the month of October. Perhaps I am biased because I was born in October. Although, I really don’t think that is the reason. Fall is harvest time. The harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few. Time to get to work, there’s much to do! If you have sown unselfish seeds in fertile soil, it is time for you to reap a bounteous harvest. This is what I feel, fall is all about!

While many people think of the amazing winter activities that abound in Breckenridge, Colorado, this gorgeous resort town is actually a year-round vacation hot spot. If the thought of blazing down the ski slopes makes your heart melt or the image of rafting down the Colorado River raises your blood pressure, make your way to Breckenridge for an action-packed adventure among the Rocky Mountains.

When traveling to Breckenridge for a winter excursion, the numerous ski slopes of varying difficulty will provide the perfect remedy for the winter blahs. Whether you prefer the stability of skis or the excitement of snowboards, you will certainly find some slopes that meet your level and allow for a thrilling weekend. For an amazing expedition across 10 miles of snow-capped peaks, make your way to the Breckenridge Ski Resort where you will find plenty of space to feel the rush of the cool mountain air against your face.

The Breckenridge Ski Resort is the place to go for the ultimate winter adventure. Here you will find four mountain peeks that are stuffed to the gills with world class half pipes, huge kickers, and various terrain features so your cruise down the mountain is never boring. Moguls abound on some runs so the skilled can display their speed and accuracy while a drop off the side of the mountain is always a possibility for those who need to feel their heart beating a little faster.

While hitting the slopes and working on your skiing and snowboarding skills is a great way to spend a winter day in Breckenridge, the scenic beauty of this area should always be enjoyed. Consider a cross-country ski tour on the Continental Divide for a more slow-paced yet difficult workout that is rewarding with its breathtaking sights. Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are other great and active ways to take in your surroundings, while a horse-drawn carriage ride is the perfect entertainment option for those who want a scenic and relaxing journey around this gorgeous town.

The beauty of Breckenridge does not fade out after the winter months but only becomes more vibrant and inviting to summer visitors of this Colorado resort town. With whitewater rafting trips available from late April to late August, summer is the perfect time to head to Breckenridge for an exhilarating quest down the Colorado River. Whether you want a cozy, half-day thrill or a challenging, multi-day adventure, there are numerous companies around Breckenridge that can meet your needs and give you the most memorable experience of your vacation.

If hiking and sightseeing are on your itinerary, then the Colorado Trail can certainly fit the bill as an accommodating host. This trail provides a backcountry route through the forests and mountains of the area so you can surround yourself with the pristine beauty and invigorating mountain air that is associated with Colorado. For those times when you need a relaxing day amid towering elegance, head over to the Breckenridge Golf Club to play on 27 Jack Nicklaus-designed holes. Sitting in a gorgeous mountain valley, you will be able to hit the ball farther and straighter than every before, allowing for a less stressful but still challenging test of skill and mettle.

No matter which time of year you decide to visit Breckenridge, you are going to find an abundance of outdoor activities that will energize and revitalize your spirit and help you forget the stresses you have left behind. For the best in year-round accommodations, look into Breckenridge vacation rentals for your next trip to this Colorado getaway destination. You can enjoy all the amenities of home while surrounding yourself with the amazing mountain and forest scenery that completes any Breckenridge vacation.