An Unusual Hotel With A View-The Queen Mary In Long Beach, CA

If you are looking for an unusual place to vacation and checking out accommodations think Long Beach, CA and the Queen Mary. This is a cruise ship that never leaves port, so you don't have to worry about getting sea sick. The reason, this vintage ship has been permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967 and was turned into a floating hotel. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In World War II it was called the "Grey Ghost" and Winston Churchhill stayed on board.

The Queen Mary has 314 staterooms that have been converted into modern guestrooms, but if you want to experience a bit of the past glory of the ship there are suites that retain their original Art Deco ambiance. There are six different award winning restaurants, cafes, and bars on board with views of the ocean and city skyline. The Sir Winston, a five star restaurant, is known for great service and creative cuisine. The Observation Bar is a Southern California landmark with lively entertainment. The Grand Salon, the ship's original first-class dining room, has a special Sunday Brunch. Tibbies Cabaret offers delicious cuisine along with a critically-acclaimed, "Broadway-Cabaret" style show.

Ship attractions include historical tours, and for some scary fun, ghost tours, because the ship has a haunting dark side to its past. Haunted Encounters Tour takes you on a guided tour of the ship's most haunted areas while the tour guide reveals the stories of the Queen Mary's most famous reported ghosts. Queen Mary also has a interactive special effects show called Ghosts & Legends featuring spooky animations of the ship's haunted past. Increase the mystery and fun by taking the nighttime tours.

Since you can leave the ship at your leisure take time and explore the city of Long Beach with its many attractions. Aquarium of the Pacific, Downtown Shoreline Marina and Village, the Pike at Rainbow Harbor are featured places to explore with entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. Long Beach is a bicycle friendly city where you and your family can explore the waterfront and city by bike. Check out Bike Long Beach for biking fun. Upcoming events of notice include the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which takes place April 16-18, 2010. The 15th Annual All Toyotafest is scheduled for May 8, 2010. The Queen Mary Park will be packed with over 370+ Toyota products (including Scion and Lexus). Featured vehicles include- modified, restored, hybrid, and all-original Toyota products.

Long Beach Airport ranked in the top five for lowest average domestic air fares in the nation. So, hop on a jet at your local airport and take off to Long Beach and experience the Queen Mary. Queen Mary can be found at 1126 Queen's Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802.-Vacation Rick Travel for travel information.

Old City Jail, Charleston, SC-Take A Walk On The Scary Side Of History

We were looking to do a scary nighttime tour in Charleston one day, so we called Bulldog Tours for some input. Their suggestion was the Haunted Jail Tour. We decided upon the 10 pm tour and were given directions on how to get there. The Old City Jail housed some of Charleston's most infamous criminals, 19th century pirates, and Civil War prisoners.

The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was just right with a slight bit of a haze in the air, no wind blowing, and a dark sky. We took some pictures of the outside of the Old City Jail while waiting for the tour to begin. The weather-worn brick and age-stressed structure crumbling in random places set the mood for the stories to come.

The tour began outside centered around the buildings history and executions by hanging. We entered the building through an old creaky and rusty iron door. The guide talked about the high death rate among the inmates because of the living conditions, disease, and sweltering summer heat. A story about one of the heavy doors flying off its hinges and almost hitting a guide was a bit of a stretch, according to my skeptical estimation.

At one point, the lights were turned off while the guide told the story about one of its only female inmates. You will have to do the tour to the find out the moral and climax of the story. The guide also pointed out the significance of the steps leading to the upper floor. Unfortunately, some areas we passed contained a few reminders of the present, such as ladders and paint cans from some current restoration, which somewhat diminished the eerie aspect of the jail.

It takes a good deal to scare me because I don't believe in ghosts, although the old House on Haunted Hill movie really frightened me. So, how would I answer the question as to whether it was truly scary? I will decline and leave it up to your judgment after you have taken the tour. It is one of the many historical tours offered in Charleston and is billed as one of the scariest.

The Old City Jail's imposing structure and aged condition makes for some good pictures, and if you free your imagination, you will be entertained. It is definitely not a tour to take little children on.

In conclusion, "If you have a message you want to send to hell, give it to me--I'll carry it."

Old City Jail is located at 21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC. Bulldog Tours is located at 40 North Market St, Charleston, SC or call 843-722-8687.

Spring Awakening In Asheville, North Carolina-Rejuvinate Yourself

Winter has finally ended. Thank goodness for that little bit of revelation.Thinking about spring and a close destination you can take in for that long weekend getaway, think Asheville, Nc. Asheville pops up on national rankings for a variety of things: Modern Maturity named it one of "The 50 Most Alive Places To Be," Self magazine labeled it the "Happiest City for Women," it is one of AARP Magazine's "Best Places to Reinvent Your Life," and was proclaimed the "New Freak Capital of the U.S." by Rolling Stone. In the 2008 book The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner, Asheville was cited by the author to be one of the happiest places in the United States. What makes Asheville the happiest place for women and the United States? Read the articles or just go there yourself and find out.

It has been a long winter and many of us have been anxious to get on with spring's warmer temperatures. Of course, warmer temperatures mean more sun, and more sun brings more fun. It also brings the flowers to bloom and Asheville is an excellent place to observe the spring awakening. The Western North Carolina area is blessed with a variety of elevations and terrain containing a variety of plants, trees and shrubs in and around Asheville. It is also home to the Biltmore Estate with its beautiful gardens and Grandfather Mountain where the majority of the spring bloom appears at various times through the season.

This is a list of when and what to look for on your visit. March: Iris, Crocus, Narcissus "Daffodil", Yellow Violet, Spring Beauty, and Dutchman's Breeches. April: Phacelia, Cersis "Redbud", Yellow Lady, Rhododendron, Pink Lady, and Painted Trillium. May: Tulip, Violet, Dogwood, Trailing Arbutus, Mountain Laurel, Flame Azalia, Mountain Magnolia, Wild Cherry, Japonica, Trillium, Crab Apple, and Pinkshell Azalia. If you are like me and don't know a Phacelia from a Cersis "Redbud" take the opportunity to do some research and if you don't have the time, just go and enjoy it first hand.

Aside from flowers blooming, Asheville comes to life with spring activity. It is at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most visited national park in the United States. Hiking, fishing, swimming, tubing, rafting, horseback riding, and a host of other outdoor activity is available. Named a must-see destination in 2007 by Frommer's, it boasts a thriving arts community, a vibrant and inviting downtown, numerous historic and architectural attractions, and unique shopping options. Restaurants and dining are plentiful featuring all cuisines. Many restaurants also feature live music from jazz to bluegrass. A guided walking tour called Food Tours is offered. Also named one of the top 24 cities in the world for drinking beer! A great place to stay is the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa overlooking Asheville. Don't give it another thought, take the trip.-Vacation Rick Travel

White Beaches On The Florida Gulf-Siesta Key Is Tops

Siesta by definition means a short nap taken in the early afternoon. When you visit the barrier island, Siesta Key, off the shores of Sarasota, napping is the furthest thing on your mind with all the things you can do. Although, laying in the warm Florida sun on some of its whitest beaches, a short nap may catch you off guard as you are surrounded by the soothing sounds and smells of the water.

Siesta Key is eight miles long and connected to the mainland by two bridges, Siesta Drive and Stickney Point Road. Siesta Drive is within the City of Sarasota and provides convenient access to the city, while Stickney Point Road provides access to south Sarasota County and a direct route to Interstate 75. Siesta Key's beaches have the honorary distinction of being one of “America’s Best Beaches", “Third Best Walking Beach in the USA,” by USA Today International Edition, and “The Best of the Best Sand,” by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.

Great place for enjoying water sports of all kinds, bird watching, golf, dining, shopping, and for the heartier vacationer, plenty of night life after the sun goes down. Check out Gilligan’s Tropical Bar located in the Village. World-class volley ball tournaments, craft shows, art exhibits, and food and wine tastings are just a few of the many scheduled annual events. Florida fishing for the angler is always great.

Plenty of resorts and accommodations are provided for your convenience and relaxation. Top rated attractions and restaurants in the Sarasota and Siesta Key area. Come stick your toes in some of the whitest, softest, coolest sand on the Gulf Coast.-Vacation Rick Travel

Cedar Point-The Amazement Park Located On Lake Erie

Speaking as an original resident of Northeastern Ohio, when spring and summer finally arrived after the long and cold winter, plans were made for the yearly visit to America's premier roller coaster park, Cedar Point in Sandusky. It was about a two hour drive from where I lived. Year after year I watched Cedar Point's collection of roller coasters grow into what is advertised today as "America's Roller Coast", and that is no exaggeration. Each new addition got higher and faster with more flips and spins, stretching the limits of what our senses can handle.

I remember when the Gemini was the new coaster on the block and the first time I took my son on it. He was terrified, hanging over the side like he was going to be sick as we made the slow journey up the hill to the summit, but when it was all over the first words he said to me were, "Let's go again." It was a full day of fun for everyone in the family. Packing the cooler with drinks and food, sitting at the picnic tables on the edge of the park, and then going for another round of being flipped, spun, stretched and compressed by g-forces, and in a matter of seconds going from zero to 120 mph rocketing upward reaching heights of 420 ft, the Top Thrill Dragster. I can't leave out mentioning the Dodgem and Cedar Creek Mine Ride, two of my kids all-time favorites.

Cedar Point is more than just the capital of roller coasters, it is an amazement park. It is home of the Millennium Force, Magnum XL-200, Raptor, Mantis, Iron Dragon, Gemini, Mean Streak, Wicked Twister, and already mentioned, Top Thrill Dragster. The Blue Streak is the oldest coaster at 45 yrs. There are water rides to soak you. The latest addition, Shoot The Rapids, opens this year. There is a train ride, boat rides, and attractions galore. When you get hot cool off at Soak City, a collection of water slides and lazy rivers. The landscaping is beautiful, the scenery surrounding the park is striking. All located right on the shores of Lake Erie.

An abundance of places to stay and plenty of recreational activity to choose from all packed into the Sandusky area. So, if you are a roller coaster enthusiast, you haven't done it until you have experienced Cedar Point. If you are looking for family fun, then make plans to visit this playground capital by Lake Erie. You will not be dissappointed. Park opens May 15. For more history and a small video sampling of roller coasters go to Vacation Rick Travel Cedar Point.

Amelia Island-Not Just Another Florida Island

One summer while staying on Jacksonville Beach, we decided to take a drive up the coastline along Florida A1A. At one point of our journey, we had to board a ferry called Saint Johns River Ferry to continue our trek. The scenery was beautiful and the beaches great. There was a stretch of beach in Little Talbot Island State Park onto which we drove our four wheel drive vehicle. Driving along the surf was an exilerating experience. From there, we continued northward on Florida A1A and crossed a bridge that took us to Amelia Island. Up till then, I didn't know Amelia Island existed.

Amelia Island is the southernmost of the barrier islands stretching along the coast from South Carolina to Florida called the Sea Islands. It is south of Cumberland Island, Georgia. It is considered the only community in the United States to have experienced life under eight different flags. The island has a long and illustrious history that goes back 4,000 years. Amelia Island has a natural deep harbor on the north end of the island, which provided easy access for smugglers, pirates, and assorted sea captains.

Today, Amelia Island attracts a wide variety of recreational and commercial activity. For the vacationer, it features activities from golf and tennis at world-class resorts to kayaking, sunset sails and horseback riding on the beach. It has river cruises and charters, fishing, a museum, a community theatre, and walking tours of Historic Fernandina Beach. Or maybe you just want to take a quiet walk to enjoy the unique variety of birds and wildlife. To top it off, there are the 13 miles of beautiful, sandy beaches for taking in the warm Florida sun either to lay out on, walk on, or collect seashells.

Amelia Island offers a 1350 acre beach resort called Amelia Island Plantation. The resort offers four Audubon International certified sanctuary golf courses, 23 Har-Tru tennis courts, holistic spa, shopping village, year around youth programs, Nature Center, and Segway tours. Plenty of other resorts and hotels to choose from.

Southend Brewery and Smokehouse, Charleston, SC-Food and Fun

It was a beautiful sunny day in the Historic District of Charleston. We were sitting at a table outside of the Southend Brewery and Smokehouse absorbing the festive atmosphere and the happy people parading past us along the busy sidewalk. A gentleman sporting a very unusual bushy mustache walked past. My daughter couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a picture of this individual who politely obliged.

The waitress brought out the menus and asked us what we would like to drink. My daughters suggested I should try the brewery's sampler of the eight different microbrews it offers, to which I agreed. They each ordered a Bloody Mary. We took our turns posing for some quick family pictures and a few moments later the waitress returned with our drinks. While we waited for our orders we sipped our drinks and shared some laughs. My nineteen year old son snuck a few of my samplers. A good start to a delightful lunch.

The Southend Brewery and smokehouse is located in the historic Wagener Building downtown on East Bay Street close to the famous Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park. The first thing you notice upon entering the brewery is a distintive three story atrium housing large copper and stainless steel brew tanks. The presense of the tanks and open atmoshere heightens your dining experience. There is not just one, but three floors of dining space accessed by Charleston's only indoor glass elevator.

The indoor glass elevator will wisk you up to the third floor Southend Harborview Bar where you can have a brew, play pool, shoot darts, or watch sports. If Charleston's nightlife is your thing, Southend Brewery is the place for after-hours entertainment. All attire is appropriate and perfect for bringing the family or a date. Southend offers a diverse menu of regional American lowcountry cuisine. A full description of the menu offering oak-smoked and grilled dishes can be viewed by clicking on this link. Oh, just one more thing. While sitting at your table you might be surprised to find a stranger has joined your dining party. The building has a long fascinating history and is now featured on local ghosts tours. Enough said, come and see for yourself.

Vacation Rick Travel

Southend Brewery and Smokehouse, 161 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC.