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Affordable Family Vacations to Consider
Many people especially with the struggling economy are trying to save money and cutting back on many things they would have considered before. However, times may tough and tension may be high but this is all the more reason why you and your family should consider an affordable vacation spot this summer. Everyone needs some time to just get away from it all, sit back, relax, and have a great time. Here are some affordable family vacations for you and your family to consider this summer.
Ask a real estate agent for advice
One of the best things you can do when planning a vacation is to contact someone from the area. Real estate agents know their areas probably better than most people do. This is because it is part of their job to know what people are looking for and also what they may not be looking for. They are a great source for questions and information.
Family Road Trips with an RV rental
This is a way for the whole family to go places together and you can also save on transportation, hotel, and food costs as well. You may think that renting an RV is out of your budget but if you look around you can find good deals for around one hundred and fifty dollars a day including fuel costs.
Houseboat Rentals
If you are going to a place with a canal or a large amount of water, you may consider renting a houseboat like an RV it helps to save on hotels, food, and even some entertainment costs for the kids. Plus everyone has their own space and is traveling in a whole new way. If you want to travel with friends you can also have plenty of space and share rental costs.
National Parks
When it comes to staying national parks a good tip is to stay at one that is not as well but still has great views, fun things to do and provides accommodations. Lassen Volcanic National Park is in California near San Francisco and offers many activities for everyone and rustic cabins that include three meals a day for about one hundred and fifty-five dollars.
Family Villa Rentals
You can share the cost of these with friends and their family and this provides you with housing, meals that can be home cooked or ordered in, and the kids and their friends can all enjoy time together at places such as Mexico. You can also stay up late and sleep in and have the freedom to make your own schedule.
Home Exchanges
This is where you and another family agree to swap homes for a week or two. This provides food, lodging, relaxing, and a new adventure for everyone. A good tip for this though; make sure everyone knows the guidelines and rules to be followed before switching homes.
These are some ways to get that family getaway time without a large amount of planning or extra costs. This way you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the whole experience and have a great story to tell after the summer has ended.
Number of Views :75International Mask and Puppet Museum
Summer is here and the weather is hot and getting hotter no matter which part of the country you live in. This is the time when many people start planning and thinking about nice relaxing places to spend a couple of days or a nice entertaining family vacation. Well if you know you want to go somewhere but have not decided yet because you may not have time and money to plan a big vacation, you may want to try a visit to the International Mask and Puppet Museum for a small but very entertaining day of fun for the whole family.
This museum is open from ten to four on Fridays by appointment and has live performances on Saturdays from ten to noon. This place features masks and puppets from all around the world. They also feature a traveling museum which lasts throughout the day for individuals to come and see different masks and learn about the history and stories behind certain masks and puppets from around the world.
There are programs and places just for kids such as the Open Hand Theater which is a castle like building where kids can play with all kinds of puppets from fairies to giants and let their imagination and their creativity explore new worlds. There are also many camps and programs just for kids throughout the year helping kids learn and become more interested in the theater
This museum features colorful, entertaining and lovable masks and puppets while teaching everyone about history and cultural in an interactive and exciting new way. If you and your family are looking for an enjoyable short getaway that is also educational, this is a great place to consider. It might have everyone thinking about masks and puppets in a whole new way.
Number of Views :85Syracuse, NY Relocation Guide
Syracuse is a fantastic place to live. There are all of the advantages of city life, with a small-town feel. Drive just a few minutes outside of the city, and you quickly enter a beautiful countryside filled with farms, wineries and breathtaking views.
There’s a lot to know before you relocate to Syracuse. Rather than traveling all over the internet to learn what you need to know, here’s a listing of some of the best area resources on the web:
Syracuse, NY The official website of the city, with information for visitors, residents, businesses and more.
Syracuse School District There are dozens of schools in the Syracuse school district. This is the official site, with information about the schools, teachers and administrators.
Syracuse Jobs If you don’t already have a position lined up, this is the best online resource for finding employment in Syracuse.
There are several sites with area news. Syracuse.com is the official site of the Syracuse Post Standard. Local TV stations also provide Syracuse news on their sites: NewsChannel 9 and News 10 Now are two of the best.
Syracuse Utilities Learn about your energy options before you move to Syracuse. This listing includes information on area water departments, along with gas and electricity providers.
Syracuse Events There is always something happening in Syracuse. Music, comedy, the arts, family fun and more can be found within the city every weekend. We’re also the home of the Great New York State Fair.
Downtown Syracuse Within walking distance, you can find some of the best shopping, dining and events that Syracuse has to offer.
Syracuse Attractions With a zoo, a children’s science museum, theaters, and regular sporting events, you’ll be surprised at what Syracuse has to offer. There are more attractions listed at the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Center.
Syracuse is a great place to live, work and play. If you’ve decided to relocate to the area, you’re making a great choice. If you’re still indecisive, take the time to browse the sites above to see all the wonderful things Syracuse has to offer.
Number of Views :53Haunted Syracuse
Halloween is right around the corner. While those of you with younger children will be spending October 31st trick-or-treating, the rest of you have a great opportunity to check out some of the supposedly haunted locations in and around Syracuse.
The Landmark Theater
The Landmark Theater is considered by many to be one of the most haunted buildings in the Syracuse area. There are several ghosts thought to haunt the property, but the most well known is an actress named Clare, who was supposedly married to one of the stage technicians. One night, while rehearsing for a show, tragedy struck. The technician was electrocuted by some stray wires. In shock, Clare collapsed from the balcony (where she had been overseeing the work on stage) and fell to her death.
There have been multiple sightings of Clare, and her husband, since their deaths. Clare has been seen up along the balcony, sometimes as an eerie apparition and sometimes as a pale blue light. She has also been known to call out to other stagehands as they work on the sets of other plays. Her husband has been seen backstage and in other areas of the theater.
Thirteen Curves
Just outside the town of Marcellus , there is a one mile stretch of road populated with thirteen quick turns. According to local legend, a young couple was riding along these curves, but missed one turn and drove off into the trees. Neither survived the crash. As their vehicle crashed, they were separated, each thrown off in a different direction. They died alone. The young woman has been seen wandering along the curves late at night, looking for her lost lover. She is sometimes caught in the headlights or in a rearview mirror; briefly visible before she turns and disappears.
Split Rock Quarry in Solvay
Of the three haunted hot spots, this is probably the most tragic. The quarry was being used as a munitions plant, which required work with various explosives and other dangerous substances. On July 2, 1918, the plant caught fire and exploded, killing 50 workers instantly. Of the bodies pulled from the site, 15 were unidentifiable. They were put into a mass grave, and the plant was closed down.
All that remains of the work area now is a large rock and one last piece of equipment, called the Crusher. Although trespassing into the quarry is illegal, many have reported paranormal activity in and around the crusher. The sound of booted footsteps, falling rocks, and men calling back and forth to each other are the most commonly reported occurrences. Some say they have seen ghostly figures wandering near the crusher and in the tunnels leftover from the days the quarry was still in use.
Number of Views :71Fright Night at the New York State Fair and Halloween Safety
It is that time of year again when everyone dresses up in costumes, buys pumpkins and goes trick or treating. If you are look for something scarier to do or just something different why don’t you bring the family to Fright Night at the fair where there is much in store for everyone. Just make sure to travel together and be well prepared for whatever may happen. It will be a fun Halloween adventure you will not want to miss.
There is a little something for everyone at” Fright Night at the Fair”. There are five terrifyingly spooky attractions including: The Circus of Horror, the Insane Asylum, Frankenstein’s Mansion, The Crypt, and the Haunted hayride. These are scarier attractions and may require parental supervision for younger kids. There will always be plenty of food concessions and a hay bale maze and a miniature carnival for younger kids. The fright Night events are on the 23th, 24th, and 25th of October. It is located at the Beef Barn and is held from 7-11:30pm. A single attraction is only ten dollars, the hayride is fifteen dollars and all five attractions are twenty dollars (http://nysfair.calendarpublisher.com/events/detail/20091022/1/0/3/ALL/0/75).
This will be event you will not want to miss, no matter what age you may be. It is important though to remember a few important safety tips about Halloween and related events. These may include: not traveling alone and always staying in groups, not taking food or drink from anyone you do not know, and knowing who to contact in case of any problems. It is also important to know how much “frightening” events you or your family can handle. If your children are ten and above and do not scare easily, the fright night may be okay and fun for them. If events like this tend to scare you easily, you may be better off just going to the carnival and enjoying some good Halloween-themed food.
“Fright Night at the Fair” is an exciting event for everyone and there is something for everyone, but please remember to be safe and have fun this Halloween. Having fun and being safe is really what it is all about. So bring the family to “Fright Night at the Fair” and have some spooky scary fun you will never be able to forget!
Number of Views :310Travel around Syracuse: Apple Picking Farms and More
The weather is getting colder and fall is here and for some of us, that might mean bundling up and cuddling up in the house with a good book or getting out those warmer clothes or even some cleaning. For other people though, this means, apple picking, cider, and pumpkin carving and much more. So why not put away that book and those cleaning supplies for just a bit longer and take the kids for some fall fun the whole family will never forget on some apple orchards.
One of these farms is Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard near Cooperstown, NY. You and your family can enjoy specialty foods such as mill made fudge, cave aged cheddar cheese, salsa, apple wines, and hard ciders. You can also take self guided tours through the Mill Store Marketplace, the Cider Gallery and more. Then you can stop in for a bite to eat and some sweet treats at restaurant and bakery. At the marketplace, you and your family can sample some specialty foods and make a gift basket with the help of a mill gift basketing expert or shop online when you get home at the mill’s online store
At the restaurant and bakery you can enjoy fresh baked goods, soups, sandwiches, BBQ, ice cream, cider floats, doughnuts, coffee and more. There is seating inside and on the boardwalk overlooking the Millpond. It is open seven days a week nine o’clock until five-thirty pm. The whole cider mill and orchard is open until 9am-6pm every day until December 20th (http://www.flycreekcidermill.com).
The other place to do some good apple picking and buying is Beak and Stiff apple farm located in Lafayette, NY. This place includes an apple orchard, farm market and even a new farm cider/winery. Here you can pick some quality fresh apples and enjoy some fresh cider. This is a family business and they take real pride in their work and their products, bringing locals and tourists just the very best (http://www.beakandskiff.com/).
Number of Views :59Travel around Syracuse: Winery Getaways
So fall is upon us and it is getting colder, but that is no reason to stay in and do all that cleaning weekend after weekend. After all, the kids are back in school and busy with their friends. Now might be the perfect time for a romantic getaway and a chance to reconnect. This is a great chance to visit some wineries and enjoy a few great wines and great food as well as scenery. It will be a fall getaway to continue every fall for years to come.
One of these wineries is Long Point Winery. This winery is located on the east side Cayuga Lake in Aurora, New York. This winery produces the finest red and white wines such as red Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Dry Riesling. This winery has seventy-two acres overlooking a scenic lake. The wineries hours are Monday through Thursday 10:00am-5pm, Friday and Saturday 10:00am-6pm, and Sunday 10:00am-5pm. This winery also has a deli open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm. This deli features good sandwiches and other great food at affordable prices. You can eat indoors or take your food and drink outside and sit by the beautiful lake (http://www.longpointwinery.com/index.shtml).
The other winery getaway is three brothers winery located in Geneva, NY. Here you can enjoy fine cabernet by a warm fireplace on a cool fall afternoon. You can also eat delicious food from their café and enjoy their decks that overlook the vineyard and Seneca Lake. You can also go visit Rogue’s Winery Hollow. Here you can kick off your shoes, relax and enjoy some nice drinks, food, and good company. If you are looking for a more comfortable intimate wine experience, you will enjoy Passion Feet Vineyards and Wine Barn. You can sit down and enjoy good wine in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. If beer is more your thing, you will not want to miss War Horse Brewing Company. War Horse features many types of ale to choose from as well as whole made root beer (http://3brotherswinery.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=2).
Number of Views :77Travel around Syracuse: Lake Placid
Maybe because fall and winter are drawing closer and summer is gone, you have decided to stay in and work on that cleaning or help the kids with their homework. After all, it will be cold soon and you might think there is not much to do outdoors. That is where you need to think again. There are still plenty of places to vacation even in colder weather, including Lake Placid. Here is a place where there is plenty to do no matter what the season, including canoeing, hiking, hockey games, sleigh rides, rafting, skiing, golfing, fishing, shopping and more. So put away those cleaning supplies a little longer and take the family to Lake Placid for a great getaway
If you are not up for some outdoor activity or if you want to relax while the kids play, there are also spas, restaurants, hotels, shopping and other attractions of Lake Placid to enjoy. If you like to shop, Lake Placid offers a bit of everything from antique shops to high tech gear to designer clothing. There is a store for everyone. After you are done shopping you might also enjoy some of the history and museums from the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars maybe you would like to visit some community theaters, dance shows, concerts, and art shows (http://www.lakeplacid.com/).
When you get hungry, there is everything from bakeries and cafes, diners, family restaurants, to fancy wine bar restaurants. There is something at Lake Placid for everyone. At Lake Placid there are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy and plenty of time for the adults to relax and enjoy or to try something new. So why not make a reservation at Lake Placid and plan the getaway you and your family will never forget. The memories will last a lifetime and who knows you may even want to go again next year.
Number of Views :42Travel Around Syracuse: Old Forge
If you feel like getting away this Labor Day or this fall either for a place to relax or have a little adventure with the whole family, visiting Old Forge may be just right for you. You can go mountain hiking, lake swimming, kayaking, chair lift riding, boating and much more at Old Forge or you can just relax at one of their hotels. So what are you waiting for, put off that cleaning and those books and head to Old Forge today for a nice getaway!
At Old Forge you can take lake cruises which feature historic narrated sightseeing, and fireworks for the kids through the first four lakes of the Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondack Mountains or you can take a boat tour which offers a one hour narrated boat tour along the Stillwater Reservoir and see loons, bald eagles and maybe even some deer. You can even eat lunch at the lodge or enjoy a drink on the lakeside porch. There are also ten minute chairlift rides available which allow you to see great views of lakes, mountains and even the deer (http://www.oldforgeny.com/tow_attractions.html)
If the kids want a little water fun, you can take them to New York’s largest water theme Park at the Enchanted Forest or enjoy train robberies and more at the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.
Old Forge also features many hotels, vacation homes, vacation rentals, lodges and even campsites to choose from. There is also the Goodsell Museum to visit which features six rooms of changing exhibits, artifacts, photographs and more of early life in the Adirondacks. Old Forge also has a wide variety of restaurants and shopping stores to meet the needs of everyone in the family (http://www.oldforgeny.com/tow_where.html).
So why not getaway this fall and have some fun relaxing or having an adventure with the family at Old Forge. It may just be educational for you and the kids. It will be more fun then all that cleaning or book reading, so come on and take a chance and visit Old Forge. You may just decide to go back again and again.
Number of Views :58Travel around Syracuse: Finger Lakes Wine Country
If you are looking for something different to do this Labor Day Weekend or during the school year for a nice get away with a loved one and you would rather not cook, clean, or do those other million chores on the to do list, then send the kids to a friend’s house for a sleepover and head to Finger Lakes Wine Country. There is plenty to taste, see and do, and it may just be the getaway you have been searching for.
Finger Lakes have wine trails that you can go on or tour and participate in various different wine tastings such as their international Riesling. Also at the Finger Lakes Wine Country are museums about glassmaking or experience the west at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art or get a taste of Broadway at the Clemens Center. There are also farmer’s markets that you can visit and get fresh fruits and vegetables or experience some auto-racing history at the Watkins Glen International, which features IndyCar, NASCAR and Watkins Glen Grand Prix. There are also different tours that can be taken for this as well (http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/Things-to-Do.aspx).
There are also antique shops to explore, shopping centers, local vendors, and more museums about flight such as National Soaring Museum or the Glen H. Curtiss Museum where you can see vintage airplanes and much more. If wine is not your thing, Finger Lakes also has many breweries and distilleries where you can taste and sample of kinds of different whiskey and beer.
If you need a place to stay Finger Lakes also offers many choices from bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels, to country Inns and Vacation Rentals as well as campgrounds and cabins. There are also many places to eat from fine dining to casual dining and winery restaurants. There is a little something for everyone at Finger Lakes Wine Country.
So put off that to do list and that cleaning for one more day or maybe a few, send the kids to a friend’s and prepare for a nice getaway to Finger Lakes Wine Country. There is so much to taste, see and do, you’ll be glad you decided to get away.
Number of Views :49