With each step you feel the anticipation intensify within you as you near the summit. This morning it was only a dream, a goal to achieve if you could motivate yourself. But now you are within feet of one of the most spectacular scenes you will ever see in your life. As you reach the summit you have a complete 360 degree view of the Island of Oahu. Beautiful flowers, green lush trees and tropical plants spread out before you as you take in the vastness of this Island paradise. You have conquered the hike to the top of Mt. Olympus, rising high above the city of Honolulu, Hawaii.The Hawaiian islands are well known for their popular tourist attractions, but if you are looking for something different this time, here are 3 magnificent Hiking Trails that will give you a special and unique Hawaiian experience, and provide a lifetime of memories:
* Maunawili Falls Trail - Beginners Trail ending with a spectacular waterfall and swimming hole.What could be better than finishing your hike by being rewarded with an exotic waterfall and swimming hole to relax and unwind. Located approximately 10 miles northeast of Honolulu on the Pali Hwy, the Maunawili Falls Trail is 1 1/4 miles long and will take you about 1 - 1 1/2 hours to complete.
* Mt Olympus Trail - Intermediate Trail rising above Honolulu.This 5.1 mile trail rises 1300 feet in elevation and will take you all of 4 hours to reach the summit, but thereward is well worth the experience. Remember your camera!
* Olamana Trail -Intermediate Trail.For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Olamana Trail is not very long with a total distance of 1.75 miles, but the last portion requires hiking through a narrow trail and over large boulders and rocks. Thetrail can be completed in about 2- 2 1/2 hours and finishes with truly breathtaking scenery.
For more information about these and other hiking trails on the Island of Oahu, please visit: http://oahuhiking.com/completed_hikes.htm.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
A guide to New Orleans Neighborhoods
New Orleans is perhaps one of the most storied cities in the world, due in large part to its variety of cultures and customs that have combined to become a tourists utopia. The history of New Orleans is quite captivating, but the local neighborhoods themselves have gained their own reputations and legendary status.
Originally claimed as a territory of France in the 1690's by French explorer LaSalle, New Orleans was heavily influenced with French Culture. The King of France designated Sieur de Bienville to become the Commandant of the new territory. Desiring to see this region become a full-fledged city, de Bienvilles hopes were realized in 1718, and in 1721, the streets were officially laid out by royal engineer Adrian de Pauger.
Continuing under French rule, New Orleans was finally sold to Spain in 1763. The citizens of New Orleans learned to use native materials like cypress trees and brick to build with, giving it a Spanish architectural feel. Many of the inhabitants of New Orleans came from the islands of the Caribbean, providing a different culture known as Creole. In 1803, New Orleans became part of the Louisiana Purchase, as America sought to expand its continental reach.
As the citizens of New Orleans began to lay out the city, they would often group together with those from their own cultures (as most cities do), providing us with those famous New Orleans neighborhoods. Here are a few of the most well known districts in the city.
French Quarter:
Known by locals as "the Quarter", it is the hub of New Orleans society. Located on the high-ground, it is the oldest neighborhood in the city and has been the inspiration for writers, singers and artists of all kinds. With a mixture of French, Spanish, Creole and American architecture, the district is decorated with gardens, markets, museums and plenty of culture to keep visitors busy for days. The French Quarter is also home to one of the biggest parties in the world, "Mardi Gras".
Garden District
Developed between 1840 and 1900, the Garden District was home to the rich and famous of New Orleans. Adorned with many historical mansions, it is a great place to learn about the upper society of New Orleans life. The mansions in the Garden District cover a variety of architectural styles including Georgian, Country, Greek Revival, Victorian and Gothic Revival. Some of the most well-known residents were Bradish Johnson and Mandeville Marigny. The garden district has also been the home of many current celebrities such as Archie Manning, father of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Visitors may also recognize Claiborne Cottage. It is the home of Anne Rice and was the setting for her book, "The Violin".
The Cemetery
It is unusual to say that a cemetery could be a famous place to visit, but New Orleans has a very rich history and its cemetery is the final resting place to hundreds of famous citizens. However, the cemetery has another claim to fame, as a place where spirits and ghosts are known to haunt the grounds. Inspired by the Creole customs and culture, many visitors who are curious about voodoo and the occult, come here to entertain their beliefs.
These are just a few of the many unique Wards you will find here. New Orleans is definitely a special place and one that has to truly be experienced first-hand. Once you visit, you will find yourself coming back, over and over again.
Originally claimed as a territory of France in the 1690's by French explorer LaSalle, New Orleans was heavily influenced with French Culture. The King of France designated Sieur de Bienville to become the Commandant of the new territory. Desiring to see this region become a full-fledged city, de Bienvilles hopes were realized in 1718, and in 1721, the streets were officially laid out by royal engineer Adrian de Pauger.
Continuing under French rule, New Orleans was finally sold to Spain in 1763. The citizens of New Orleans learned to use native materials like cypress trees and brick to build with, giving it a Spanish architectural feel. Many of the inhabitants of New Orleans came from the islands of the Caribbean, providing a different culture known as Creole. In 1803, New Orleans became part of the Louisiana Purchase, as America sought to expand its continental reach.
As the citizens of New Orleans began to lay out the city, they would often group together with those from their own cultures (as most cities do), providing us with those famous New Orleans neighborhoods. Here are a few of the most well known districts in the city.
French Quarter:
Known by locals as "the Quarter", it is the hub of New Orleans society. Located on the high-ground, it is the oldest neighborhood in the city and has been the inspiration for writers, singers and artists of all kinds. With a mixture of French, Spanish, Creole and American architecture, the district is decorated with gardens, markets, museums and plenty of culture to keep visitors busy for days. The French Quarter is also home to one of the biggest parties in the world, "Mardi Gras".
Garden District
Developed between 1840 and 1900, the Garden District was home to the rich and famous of New Orleans. Adorned with many historical mansions, it is a great place to learn about the upper society of New Orleans life. The mansions in the Garden District cover a variety of architectural styles including Georgian, Country, Greek Revival, Victorian and Gothic Revival. Some of the most well-known residents were Bradish Johnson and Mandeville Marigny. The garden district has also been the home of many current celebrities such as Archie Manning, father of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Visitors may also recognize Claiborne Cottage. It is the home of Anne Rice and was the setting for her book, "The Violin".
The Cemetery
It is unusual to say that a cemetery could be a famous place to visit, but New Orleans has a very rich history and its cemetery is the final resting place to hundreds of famous citizens. However, the cemetery has another claim to fame, as a place where spirits and ghosts are known to haunt the grounds. Inspired by the Creole customs and culture, many visitors who are curious about voodoo and the occult, come here to entertain their beliefs.
These are just a few of the many unique Wards you will find here. New Orleans is definitely a special place and one that has to truly be experienced first-hand. Once you visit, you will find yourself coming back, over and over again.
Golfing in Table Rock Lake, Missouri
How would you like to leave your daily routine behind and escape to a place where your family can relax while enjoying peaceful mountain living? Better yet, how about playing golf among some of the most beautiful scenery in North America? If you need a break from the demands of life, then welcome to Table Rock Lake, just a stones throw from legendary Branson,Missouri.
You're playing one of the best games of your life on a gorgeous golf course that awakens your senses and reenergizes your love for the game. You're thinking about how you woke up to the smell of the mountain pines and fresh air. Something you have not experienced for a long time.
You even had time this morning to take your family out on the lake and regain some of the freedom you've lost. Tonight you plan on going out for a well deserved steak and seafood dinner, and then take in some of the numerous shows in Branson. You set up from the tee box on a quaint little Par 3 and tee off wondering how life could get any better than this, then it happens!
Your first hole in one!While I can't promise you the ace, you will experience unforgettable adventures and quiet surroundings. Here are 5 great reasons to pick up your clubs and head for the fairways of Table Rock Lake, Missouri.
5 -Fisher Creek Country Club: Located on the north shore of Table Rock Lake in Kimberling City, the Fisher Creek Country Club is home to a semi-private 9 hole golf course designed by Hobe Jennings and Mel Taylor. Open year-round, it offers both 9-hole and 18-hole golf rates as well as junior and group rates. For more information, visit their site at http://fishercreekcountryclub.com/.
4 -Branson Creek Golf Course: Experience the feel of Troon Golf in the midst of the Ozark Mountains. Branson Creek Golf Course offers a unique golf experience for golfers of all ages. With a full service including golf instruction, pro shop and memberships, this course is sure to provide everything you need to enjoy and improve your game. When your ready for a break, they also have an onsite dining room offering breakfast and lunch menus as well as a snack bar. For further information, visit their site at http://www.bransoncreekgolf.com/.
3 -Pointe Royale Golf Course: For the complete golf vacation experience, check out the Pointe Royale Condominium Resort Golf and Conference Center. Pointe Royal provides accommodations up to a 4 bedroom condominium with nightly rates and a championship 18-hole golf course among the Ozark Mountains. The resort features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness center and playgrounds. You will find easy access to trout fishing and hiking trails as well. For more information, visit http://www.pointeroyale.com/.
2 -Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club: Holiday Hills is here to provide you the best golf vacation experience available. The club features the newest technology in golf, including the Prolink GPS System, installed on each golf cart allowing you to do things like measuring the distance to the hole, calling for a marshall, checking specials at the pro shop and even ordering lunch from your cart. For further information, visit http://holidayhills.com/.
1 -Thousand Hills Golf Resort: Praised by celebrities, politicians and everday people alike, Thousand Hills Golf Resort is one of the best golf resorts you will find anywhere. Featuring a complete pro shop and large U.S.G.A Bentgrass Greens, this Robert E. Cupp designed course will fulfill all your golf vacation dreams.
You're playing one of the best games of your life on a gorgeous golf course that awakens your senses and reenergizes your love for the game. You're thinking about how you woke up to the smell of the mountain pines and fresh air. Something you have not experienced for a long time.
You even had time this morning to take your family out on the lake and regain some of the freedom you've lost. Tonight you plan on going out for a well deserved steak and seafood dinner, and then take in some of the numerous shows in Branson. You set up from the tee box on a quaint little Par 3 and tee off wondering how life could get any better than this, then it happens!
Your first hole in one!While I can't promise you the ace, you will experience unforgettable adventures and quiet surroundings. Here are 5 great reasons to pick up your clubs and head for the fairways of Table Rock Lake, Missouri.
5 -Fisher Creek Country Club: Located on the north shore of Table Rock Lake in Kimberling City, the Fisher Creek Country Club is home to a semi-private 9 hole golf course designed by Hobe Jennings and Mel Taylor. Open year-round, it offers both 9-hole and 18-hole golf rates as well as junior and group rates. For more information, visit their site at http://fishercreekcountryclub.com/.
4 -Branson Creek Golf Course: Experience the feel of Troon Golf in the midst of the Ozark Mountains. Branson Creek Golf Course offers a unique golf experience for golfers of all ages. With a full service including golf instruction, pro shop and memberships, this course is sure to provide everything you need to enjoy and improve your game. When your ready for a break, they also have an onsite dining room offering breakfast and lunch menus as well as a snack bar. For further information, visit their site at http://www.bransoncreekgolf.com/.
3 -Pointe Royale Golf Course: For the complete golf vacation experience, check out the Pointe Royale Condominium Resort Golf and Conference Center. Pointe Royal provides accommodations up to a 4 bedroom condominium with nightly rates and a championship 18-hole golf course among the Ozark Mountains. The resort features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness center and playgrounds. You will find easy access to trout fishing and hiking trails as well. For more information, visit http://www.pointeroyale.com/.
2 -Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club: Holiday Hills is here to provide you the best golf vacation experience available. The club features the newest technology in golf, including the Prolink GPS System, installed on each golf cart allowing you to do things like measuring the distance to the hole, calling for a marshall, checking specials at the pro shop and even ordering lunch from your cart. For further information, visit http://holidayhills.com/.
1 -Thousand Hills Golf Resort: Praised by celebrities, politicians and everday people alike, Thousand Hills Golf Resort is one of the best golf resorts you will find anywhere. Featuring a complete pro shop and large U.S.G.A Bentgrass Greens, this Robert E. Cupp designed course will fulfill all your golf vacation dreams.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
