San Diego - SeaWorld : What You Don't Want to Miss

SeaWorld was indisputably the highlight of our San Diego family vacation last summer. And we're not alone. SeaWorld Adventure Park in San Diego is one of the most popular attractions in Southern California, and it has a little something for everyone.

The Shamu show is not to be missed. It is something you and the kids won't soon forget, as the trainers and whales are in perfect sync. Plan to get to this show a little early to get a good seat. Even if you show up as the show is starting, there might be some seating right up front in what is called the "splash zone." This is no joke. If you sit there, it's fairly likely you will be not just splashed but drenched. My recommendation would be to see the show first up high so you can make sure to see all the action, then if you see the show again, sit down low for the fun. The Dolphin Discovery show is also something every SeaWorld visitor must see.

If you visit in the summer, you don't want to miss Cirque de la Mer, especially if you are a fan of Cirque de Soleil shows. These amazing athletes and acrobats put on quite a show over the water, but this show runs only from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The shows at Sea World are always changing. In Spring of 2008, Sea World will debut a new Sesame Street show, called the Sesame Street Bay of Play. The shows change as time goes on, but they are, across the board, very well done and just long enough for a child's attention span. They are also well timed so that you can see quite a few shows in a single day at the park.
Seaworld offers special premium programs and tours that allow you to study different animals more in depth, whether it's dolphins, sharks, penguins, or sea turtles. We took a single full day, with just general admission (my kids were 4, 6, and 8 at the time) and had a fantastic time, but if we were to go a second day, we would opt for some of these special programs.

My kids loved the California Tide Pool exhibit, where they were able to reach their hands into the water and touch a Sea Star and a Sea Urchin. A knowledgeable and approachable guide was on hand to tell us about the creatures and answer the kids' questions.

In the shark exhibit, you can actually walk through a tunnel so that you are standing underneath the sharks. If you're a thrill seeker, the park's roller coaster (Journey to Atlantis) features two good drops as well as a splash or two. This was my 4-year-old's first roller coaster ride and I'm sure he'll never forget it.

You can also take the Skyride, which takes just six minutes round trip, and allows you to see Mission Bay Park. The Skytower will take you up 265 feet for a panoramic view of this beautiful area. The rafting ride, called Shipwreck Rapids, is a good time but it will probably soak you to your skin, so do this in the heat of the day. We saved it until the end of our day at SeaWorld, and the air got cold as the sun started to set – even in mid-July. Our teeth were chattering all the way back to the car, where we blasted the heat to defrost and dry out.

Another thing to know before you go: it's easy to find good discounts on your SeaWorld tickets. Check the SeaWorld.com website before you go to see if you can get a good deal. We got a discount through our AAA card that saved us a significant percentage of the ticket price for single day admission.

Our kids learned so much about aquatic life during our day at SeaWorld San Diego. They had so much fun, they didn't realize how much they were learning. Sea World is certainly an attraction my family will visit again and again. With parks in San Antonio and Orlando, all kinds of new adventures await.

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Plan Your Vacation at Beautiful Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island is a unique and beautiful retreat just off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. What makes Kiawah unique? First, Kiawah Island has one of the few beaches on the East Coast that runs east-to-west and actually faces south. Nestled in this harbored area where the coastline cuts inward, the surf on Kiawah is almost always gentle and calm. Second, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort owns the majority of the Island including the only hotel on Kiawah, the Five-Diamond rated Sanctuary Hotel. The Resort has carefully controlled development on the Island, limiting encroachment of commercial activity. This has created a one-of-a-kind pristine environment lush with a maritime forest and native wildlife. You will find no fast food chains, no outlet malls, nothing to mentally pull you out of the cocoon of coastal beauty that is Kiawah Island.

To begin enjoying your vacation on Kiawah Island, you will first need to plan where to stay. If you are looking for luxury and elegance, The Sanctuary is a must. This five-diamond hotel was completed in 2004 with intense attention to detail. It is beautifully decorated and offers every comfort plus two excellent restaurants, the Ocean Room Prime and the more casual Jasmine Porch.

For a more private, laid-back Kiawah experience, though, you can rent a villa instead of staying at the hotel. The Resort rents out villas ranging from small condos to elegant, oceanfront mansions and everything in between. Some private home owners on the Island rent out their homes to guests who elect not to stay with the Resort, but be aware that if you do not rent through the Resort you will not have access to a pool or to the Resort's activity programs.

Once you have a place to stay, you need a place to eat. For a special occasion, the Sanctuary's Ocean Room Prime is a great choice. This upscale steakhouse has spectacular views of the ocean and the service will make you feel like royalty. If you're looking for more casual everyday dining, head up to Freshfields Village at the entrance to the Island. This new town center offers several restaurants featuring French cuisine, pizza, burgers, and paninis. At Vincent's Pharmacy, you can also get an old-fashioned malt or ice cream.

If you're renting a villa, be sure to stock up on groceries at Newton Farms grocery store in Freshfields. You'll also find fresh produce and seafood just down the road at Rosebank Farms. Rosebank Farms is a reminder of “old-Kiawah.” This rustic farm turned menagerie and museum offers fresh seafood and vegetables, works by local artists, and, for feeding and petting, barnyard animals including cows, horses, goats, rabbits, and chickens. It's always a big hit with children!

With your hotel and dining options in mind, you're now ready to play and Kiawah offers plenty of fun. First and foremost, Kiawah is a golfer's paradise. Kiawah Island's five golf courses are renown throughout the world for their quality, challenge, and views. In 2012, Kiawah will host the 94th PGA Championships on the Ocean Course. While green fees aren't cheap on Kiawah, for the avid golfer the experience is hard to top.

When you're not golfing, Kiawah offers world-class tennis facilities as well as a number of activities to help you explore the Island's natural beauty. Kayak tours, walking nature tours, boat excursions including dolphin sighting trips and biking are all great ways to get you into the natural environment. If you brought kids and are looking for a little reprieve, the Resort offers Kamp Kiawah, youth programs, and teen programs to keep your kids active and having fun while you relax.

The best Kiawah attraction, though, is the Island's remarkable beach. Wide and flat with firmly-packed sand, the beach is perfect for relaxing, biking, jogging, or tossing a Frisbee or ball around. Another benefit of having only one hotel on the Island is that Kiawah is almost never crowded. You'll have no trouble finding a private spot to set up your towels or beach chairs.

On a final note, Kiawah Island is just a forty minute drive from the beautiful and historic port city of Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston's architecture, history, attractions, and world-class restaurants make it well worth a day's exploration or even a side trip from your Kiawah vacation.

Kiawah Island is the right spot for your vacation if you're looking for pristine coastal beauty, quiet elegance, and an escape from the outside world. The Island offers a unique and beautiful retreat that can be tough to find these daysBusiness Management Articles, but oh so relaxing when you do!

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Things to Do in Chicago for Free

Looking for free things to do in Chicago? While the Windy City has a reputation for being an expensive place to live and visit, there are many free activities here as well. From history, to art, to music and more - there are free activities that will appeal to everyone in Chicago. Here are some free things to do in Chicago that you won't want to miss...

Smell the Flowers at the Garfield Park Conservatory -

The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is one of the largest conservatories in the United States. Occupying approximately 4.5 acres, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a stunning oasis of greenery in the midst of the urban Chicago landscape. A wonderful Chicago destination any time of the year, the Conservatory includes eight indoor display houses as well as several outdoor gardens. Garfield Park Conservatory is located in Garfield Park, a 184-acre site located on the West Side of Chicago. In addition to the beautiful gardens, Garfield Park Conservatory offers numerous free family events, demonstrations, classes, and special exhibits. Admission and parking is free. For more information on free things to see and do at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, visit www.garfieldconservatory.org .

Explore Chicago's Free Art Museums -

The Hyde Park Art Center is the oldest alternative contemporary art venue in Chicago. Showcasing works of art that include all forms of media, the exhibitions, discussions, and events at the Hyde Park Art Center invite visitors to experience art in a thought-provoking and fun environment. The Hyde Park Art Center houses five huge galleries as well as numerous artist studios, classrooms, an extensive library, and facilities for receptions and conferences. Admission to the Hyde Park Art Center is free. Limited free parking is available in the Art Center's parking lot; street parking is also available. The Hyde Park Art Center is also easily accessible by Chicago public transportation. The Hyde Park Art Center is located at 5020 S. Cornell Avenue in Chicago. For more information on free things to see and do at the Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago, visit www.hydeparkart.org .

Another fantastic and free destination for art lovers in Chicago is The Smart Museum of Art. Located on the Hyde Park campus of the University of Chicago, this art museum currently has
a permanent collection of over 10,000 works of art. The collection includes Renaissance and Baroque paintings and sculpture, late 19th- and 20th- century sculpture and drawings, furniture by Frank Lloyd Wright, a major collection of works by H.C. Westermann (who studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago), significant works by African American artists, small-scale bronze sculptures from the Renaissance to the 20th century, German and Central European Expressionist graphics, 20th-century painting and sculpture, and East Asian art (especially ancient Chinese artifacts, Japanese and Chinese painting, and contemporary Chinese photography). The museum also holds free smARTkids workshops at the Bessie Coleman branch of the Chicago Public Library on the second Saturday of each month. Admission to The Smart Museum of Art is free. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays. The Smart Museum of Art is located at 5550 S. Greenwood Avenue in Chicago. For more information on free things to see and do at the Smart Museum of Art, visit www.smartmuseum.uchicago.edu

A unique art museum, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows is located on the famed Navy Pier in Chicago. This free museum is a permanent display of 150 stained glass windows (both religious and secular) and is the first museum in the United States devoted entirely to stained glass windows. Most of the windows on display at the Smith Museum could originally be found in Chicago area residential, commercial and religious buildings and provide unique glimpse into Chicago's cultural, ethnic and artistic history. Windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany, John LaFarge, and Chicago artists Ed Paschke and Roger Brown can be seen at the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. The museum also houses unique contemporary pieces including stained glass portraits of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Chicago basketball legend Michael Jordan, as well as a window created from soda pop bottles. Admission to the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows is free. The museum is located at 600 E. Grand Avenue in Chicago on the east end of Navy Pier. For more information on the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, visit www.navypier.com, click on "Things to Do", then on "Rides and Attractions".

The Museum of Contemporary Photography is located on the campus of Columbia College Chicago. Admission to "MoCP" is always free. The only museum in the Midwest region devoted exclusively to the medium of photography, MoCP's permanent collection is made up of more than 9000 photographs and photographically-related objects produced since 1936 (the year that Kodachrome was introduced). In addition to its collection of contemporary photography, the museum hosts free film screenings, gallery talks, and panel discussions. The Museum of Contemporary Photography is located at 600 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. For more information on free things to do and see at this Chicago museum, visit www.mocp.org.

Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is a great place to find free things to do in Chicago. Offering a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is a picturesque
destination for a picnic lunch or sunset stroll. Each year, Navy Pier produces hundreds of free shows and concerts, as well as special events for all ages featuring children's performers, puppeteers, jugglers, and magicians, fireworks displays, and cultural events showcasing music, dance, costumes, and food from around the globe. For more information on free things to do at the Navy Pier in Chicago, visit www.navypier.com.

Surround Yourself with Money for Nothing -

Visit the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum and have your picture taken with a million dollars. Learn how money and banking have evolved throughout the history of our nation, how to detect counterfeit bills, and see rare historical currency used in the United States over the past 400 years. Admission to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum is free. Guided tours lasting roughly 45 minutes are available Monday through Friday. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum is located at 230 S. LaSalle Street. For more information about this free museum, visit www.chicagofed.org and click on "Education".

Tour the City of Chicago for Free -

See the city of Chicago through the eyes of enthusiastic, city-knowledgeable residents known as Chicago Greeters. This free service, provided by the Chicago Office of Tourism, matches visitors with volunteer residents and highlights the wonderful things to do and see that make Chicago a fantastic place to live and visit. Discover the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago, enjoy the lakefront and city parks, visit world-class and off-the-beaten-path cultural facilities and museums - all with a free guide! Chicago Greeter visits are available in many languages. It is requested that visitors register for tours 7-10 business days prior to arrival. Greeter visits are designed for groups of six or fewer.

For free things to do in the outdoors of Chicago, don't miss Millennium Park, a center for art, music, architecture and landscape design showcasing the work
of world-renowned artists, architects, designers, and planners. Among Millennium Park's most prominent features are the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue which is home to many free concerts, the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, and the Cloud Gate sculpture on the AT&T Plaza. Free things to do in Millennium Park include winter ice skating (free lessons are available for novice skaters), free dance sessions and lessons, free family gardening workshops, free summer movies, and free tours. For more information on free events and activities at Millenium Park in Chicago, visit www.millenniumpark.org.

Explore the Shores of Lake Michigan -

Spend the day along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago is one of just a handful of cities in the United States that has a beach within a walkable distance from its downtown area. Parking is free along Lake Michigan, and there are tons of free things to do in this scenic area of Chicago. Go swimming, running, biking, rollerblading, or just go for a leisurely walk. Play a game of beach volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, or tennis with some friends. Play a game of chess at the free chess pavilions. Take your dog to the dog beach. Go fishing, birdwatching, or kayaking. Check out the free Lincoln Park Zoo located just off Lake Shore Drive near Fullerton Parkway. There are tons of free things to do on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. For more information, visit the Chicago Park District website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

There are many more free things to do in Chicago than can be listed here. For more free activities and events in Chicago, visit the official tourism website for Chicago at www.explorechicago.org

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Six Ways to Plan Your Holidays in Better Way

1. First Things First:
secret to holiday happiness is to start planning NOW. Yes now, while the weather is still good and the yuletide crush has yet to hit the mall.

2. Plan Meals Ahead:
Looking for convenient, fast mealtime solutions? There are plenty of great resources on the Internet, such as the Louis Kemp Seafood recipe database (Dead link removed).

3. Delegate :
can't do everything. So share the celebration and the joy – and the planning – with family and friends. Don't wait until it is snowy and cold to get the kids untangling the lights and finding the ornaments in storage.

4. Take Care of Your Body:
A person can only cram so many activities into their calendar. Over-commitment and lack of sleep can lead to major stress. Self-care and making sure to get enough sleep are especially important during the holidays.

5. Get a Handle on the HolidayHelpings:
According to a National Institutes of Health study, the weight people gain during the holiday season adds up year after year. Try not to overindulge this year. Allow yourself only a taste of rich foods during holiday parties and try creating healthier versions of holiday favorites with low calorie ingredients or fat-free products.

6. Keep Expectations Realistic:
Slow down, savor the moments and try not to rush so fast through the season that you miss the good stuff. Having a realistic attitude can go a long way toward making holidays less stressful and happier for all.

Time Management Tips For a Stress-free Holiday

1. Check it Out:
For starters, make a list of what needs to get done. Set priorities for what needs to be accomplished along with a timeline. This includes menu planning, gift selection, shopping, baking and cooking. Once you've written it down, it will be easier to keep it in mind and get it done.

2. Mark Your Calendar:
Set specific dates and deadlines for what you want done and when. Then stick to your schedule.

3. Spread the HolidayJoy:
Communicate with your family – it's easy to assume that your family knows your plans just because you've mentioned them in passing. Make a point of gathering your family together to talk about family get-togethers and outings, so that everyone is aware of the schedule.

4. Money Matters:
Take a close look at your financial situation and create a holiday spending budget. This will help alleviate money woes and overspending, which will help cut down on a common source of holiday stress.

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Things To Do In Napa Valley

We often hear people say they don't want to visit the wine country because they can't drink wine all day. We tell them not to be concerned, because the combination of superb weather, an educated population, and numerous art lovers is enough to drive lots of other activities. We list 10 of the best (in no particular order) below.

1. Take a Safari Tour

Located between Calistoga and Santa Rosa, Safari West maintains over 400 acres with some 350 species of animals.
2 ½ hour tours are led by a resident naturalists, with half the time being spent in an open-air safari vehicle, and half on foot. The organization offers regular tours, private twilight safaris in the summer with wine and cheese (from 7:00 until the sun is gone), and private sunset safaris in the spring and fall, also featuring wine and cheese. Various renditions of these private tours occur on holidays.

Contact 800-616-2695 or 707-579-2551 for times and more information.

2. Soar in A Hot Air Balloon

In Napa, at least, most hot air balloon rides begin before dawn in order to take advantage of the optimal air currents and atmospheric conditions. There are many companies operating rides, and different options are available. Some, for example, include various types of brunches and/or wines. The hour you are in the air is spectacular.

For more information you may call:
Adventures Aloft: 800-944-4408
Balloons Above the Valley: 800-464-6824
Calistoga Ballooning: 800-359-6272
Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.: 800-253-2224
Up & Away Ballooning: 707-836-0171

3. Shop

There are some wonderful shopping opportunities in the Valley, beginning with the revitalized downtown area of Napa, and going all the way north to Calistoga. We can't list every specialty shop in wine country, but the following are some of the places to go.

Downtown Napa
The Hatt Market in Napa
Southern Yountville, including Vintage 1870 Shops
Napa Valley Grapevine Wreath Company in Rutherford
Olive Oil Shop at the corner of Rt. 29 and Rutherford Rd.
Main St. in St. Helena
Lincoln Ave. in Calistoga
Ca' Toga Galleria in Calistoga, featuring works of resident artist Carlo Marchiori

4. Cycle The Circuit

There are few places in the world better suited to biking than the Napa Valley. In the morning temperatures are jacket cool (even in the summer) and early evenings are very pleasant. Even in the middle of the day, the dry heat lends itself to cycling. There are tours available that combine biking and wine tasting, or you can plan your own schedule.

For more information and rentals, the following can help:
Napa Valley Bike Tours: 707-251-8687
St. Helena Cyclery: 707-963-7736
Napa Valley Bike Tours: 707-2453

5. Enjoy Mudbaths & Spas

There are some beautiful hotels and country clubs in the Napa Valley offering modern health clubs and spas, but when most people refer to a spa in wine country, they are speaking of Calistoga, a town founded in the 1860's for its volcanic ash and peat-moss mud and mineral baths. Calistoga sits near natural mineral and mud springs, as well as near functioning hot water geysers, thus making it the ideal spot to luxuriate.
For more information we suggest you go On Line, or contact the Chamber of Commerce.

6. Fly Silently

Is there anything more peaceful (unless you're a nervous wreck) than riding smoothly and silently through the air in a glider? Crazy Creek Gliders operated out of Calistoga for years, and has moved about 20 - 30 minutes north to Middletown to keep up with their expansion and need to park more planes. You can choose from varying lengths of rides.
For more information and reservations call 707-987-9112

7. Six Flags Marine World

Located in Vallejo, about an hour from mid Valley, is Six Flags Marine World, America's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park. Need one say more?
For more information call 707-644-4000

8. Golf (Always Golf)

There are only a few courses in the Napa Valley itself, but at least the golfer won't have to go cold turkey. You can find one 18 hole public course in Napa, and two 9 hole public courses - one in Yountville and one in Calistoga. Private links include 18 holes at both Silverado and Chardonnay Country Clubs, and a 9 hole at Meadowood country club.

Chardonnay Golf Vlub: 707-257-1900
Napa Municipal Course: 707-255-4333
Vintner's Golf Club: 707-944-1992

9. There Is Water In Napa

Napa River Adventures offers a variety of watercraft that allows people of all ages and abilities to experience the beautiful Napa Valley, and the Napa River. Regularly scheduled cruises on an electric, luxury riverboat offer the opportunity to relax in comfort on a guided narrated tour of current river developments, local history and ecology. You will enjoy the gorgeous sweeping vistas of the mountains, and see and learn about wildlife such as the Great Blue Heron, the osprey, the egret, and the kingfisher. You can also bring wine. Canoes and kayaks are available for those looking to get a closer look into the wetlands and surrounding marshes.
For more information and reservations call 707-224-9080.

10. Festivals and Arts

Throughout the year there are dozens of festivals honoring many things that have nothing to do with wine, as well as a number of shows, concerts, and arts demonstrations. To name a few, we let you know there is the Napa Valley Dog Show, The Zarzuela Opera Festival, The Napa Chef's Market, The Wine Country Film Festival, The Music Festival for Health, Bluegrass jams, The Micro-Brew Fest, The Mustard Festival, The Memorial Weekend Sprint Car Races, The Silverado Parade, The Napa Valley Shakespeare Festival, and The Antique Car Show.

Recommended calling the various Chambers of Commerce for more information.
Calistoga: 707-942-6333
Napa: 707-254-1142
St. Helena: 707-963-4456
Yountville: 707-944-0904

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