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.

Finding fun things do in New York City really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re on the hunt for family related fun, you can start with the plethora of museums and venues geared towards the younger generations.

For a unique and genuine New York experience, make sure you spend some time exploring the South Street Seaport. Here you’ll find yourself engulfed in maritime History as you walk into a bustling seaport with tall ships and old fashioned style docks and original port structures. The South Street Seaport also plays host to numerous street vendors and performers who have mastered the art at keeping you entertained. You’ll see jugglers, musicians, magicians, cyclists, comedians, actors, and just about every other talent just waiting for the chance to light up your world with awe and enjoyment. Here you’ll also find the opportunity to sail around Manhattan Island aboard an authentic tall ship, or any of the available smaller, more modern touring boats. And while you’re visiting the port, don’t forget to pay a visit to the many shops and restaurants, many providing some of the countries freshest and tastiest seafood.

For the adults looking for some fun in the big apple, you’ve got an unlimited supply of unique coffee shops, lounges, bars, and world famous nightclubs. Once you warm your stomach with a few of New York’s finest spirits, the options keep rolling in.

New York has ample theatres to choose from. Watch a European style dance show, catch a few hours of superb acting, or drop into any of the many comedy clubs just waiting to open up and having you laughing until sunrise.

Speaking of comedy, if you plan on being in New York during the month of November, you may want to consider timing your trip so that you can catch the New York Comedy Festival. This event attracts some of the world’s funniest comedians and is considered by many to be the ultimate comedy experience. The New York Comedy Festival takes place on November 7th through the 12th.

In any event, finding fun things to do in New York City is not in any way a difficult challenge. In fact, there’s really no challenge at all. Because of the city’s enormous size you’ll quickly notice the bustling businesses make sure you’re fully aware of what they have to offer. This is quickly apparent as soon as you step into the busy streets and find information at every turn.

Be safe, and have a blast. This is one of the greatest city’s in the world!

Known as one of the best vacation destinations in the country due to its sunny weather, amazing attractions, and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, San Diego, California is an absolute must-see for any discerning traveler. Outdoor adventures abound along the breathtaking terrain and the numerous attractions in this city are some of the most famous in the world. Come to San Diego the next time you are in Southern California and experience what all the buzz is about.

The beaches of San Diego are renowned for being some of the most beautiful and scenic along the California coast, and with so many to choose from, you could end up spending your entire vacation lounging in the sand. While all the beaches have something to offer guests, Mission Beach and Coronado Beach are two can?t-miss options that will take your breath away. Mission Beach is the perfect place for surfing, swimming, and kayaking in the water and people-watching, biking, and roller blading along the boardwalk. Sunbathing on the weekends and watching the various people go by is always a popular activity since the local flavor of exotic pets and numerous tattoos and piercings comes out.

Coronado Beach is accessed via the San Diego Bay Bridge and is worth the excursion due to its elegant, upscale surroundings. While the beach is the ideal place for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing, the nearby homes, restaurants, and boutiques mean you could spend an entire day on the island without a dull moment. It is important, however, to return to the beach at sunset so you can soak in the amazing views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean.

If you want to view more of San Diego?s gorgeous terrain, head over to any of the local parks for outdoor activities and noteworthy sights. Los Pe?asquitos Canyon Preserve is an interesting and exceptional park with its 37 miles of multi-purpose trails that take visitors past rare plant and animal species in 14 different habitats. Another great option is the Tri-Canyon Park System, which is comprised of three parks, Marian Bear Memorial Park, Rose Canyon Open Space Park, and Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center, that are perfect for bird-watching, hiking, and biking.

Probably the most famous of all of San Diego?s attractions is the San Diego Zoo. Known throughout the world as a top-notch zoo, it attempts to recreate the natural habitats as closely as possibly for the more than 3,800 animals and 800 species that live on its 100 acres. All the exhibits are impressive so plan on spending an entire day trekking around the park, experiencing the many exciting tours and activities this amazing attraction has to offer.

If you or your family craves more animal activities even after your visit to the San Diego Zoo, make your way to the SeaWorld Adventure Park. Here you can see Shamu the killer whale, of course, and a variety of other animal life such as polar bears, manatees, and dolphins. The animal-themed shows are usually the most thrilling and exciting part of the experience for kids, so make sure you at least catch the Shamu show extravaganza where he lives up to his reputation as a true showman.

When searching for the best shopping or dining in the San Diego area, head over to the Gaslamp Quarter to see a lively neighborhood that blends food, fun, and culture in one of San Diego?s most historic areas. Surrounded by Victorian-style buildings, you can stroll the streets and stop by fine art galleries, unique stores, and specialty shops to get a taste for the local flair. And when your stomach begins to call out to you, there are over 90 restaurants waiting to meet your needs and serve you food from all around the world.

With so much to see and do in San Diego, it is important to choose accommodations that make it easy to experience every part of San Diego that interests you no matter how long you are staying. With San Diego vacation rentals, you can make your home base in just about an area or neighborhood so those attractions that appeal most to you are within sight or walking distance. Whether you prefer to feel a cool breeze off the water after you awaken or you want to be near the entertainment and dining options of the Gaslamp Quarter.