It’s an American ritual.  All over America, it happens.  It’s probably the one thing we do in unison (separated only by time zones), and we do it in much the same way. 

We gather up the family and head out for a 4th of July picnic of burgers, hot dogs and watermelon, or perhaps something more nouveau and color-coordinated – strawberry salsa, sun-dried tomato and roasted pepper dip, white ceviche, blue corn cakes, blueberry ice-cream and coconut macadamia truffles. 

Totally stuffed with picnic fare, we settle in to watch what we know will be a fabulous show in the summer nighttime sky. We stretch out on  blankets, lounge in lawn chairs, take our place in bleachers, lean on riverboat rails and look up, eagerly anticipating the first burst of sound and color.  Suddenly out of the darkness, streaks of gold, green, purple, red, white, or blue shoot up, exploding overhead in spectacular shapes –  starbursts, chrysanthemums, cascades - each ending in golden sparkles drizzling down in glittering rain.  Old or young, cynic or starry-eyed, we are dazzled.  And, as we eargerly anticipate the next rapid-fire surprise we tell each other that this is the best ever.    

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Saint Patrick’s Day – Is it a day of family fun, celebratory Mass, colorful parades, Celtic music, traditional Irish dancing, and green, green everywhere – or is it drinking and debauchery?  The answer is … both. 

This Saint’s day is wonderfully all-inclusive - for saints and sinners!  In the days and sometimes weeks surrounding March 17, we all celebrate our Irish roots – real or imagined!  Everyone, real Paddies, Plastic Paddies and Paddie wannabees, celebrates – one way or the other, or both.

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Great dining is a big draw for travelers, particularly in big destination cities where the culinary experience is an art form.  However, it can be pricey.  Imagine this – being able to feast on great food, in the best restaurants, at bargain prices! 

Do what the real foodies do - seek out Restaurant Week, usually happening twice a year in an increasing number of US cities. It’s smooth on the palate, easy on the wallet.   

Restaurant Week in participating cities is fun and festive, and everyone wins. Cities showcase their dining options; restaurants feature signature dishes and try out new ones; diners experience the city’s restaurant scene, feast on regional cuisine, sample creations by acclaimed chefs, dine in delightful ambiences, from glam to intimate -all for a great price! 

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Do you have kids? Are you having guests with children this holiday season? Planning your next family vacation in the next few months? Be sure to take advantage of the Kids Go Free deals offered exclusively through TrustedTours.com. For a limited time, Trusted Tours and Attractions has some exclusive deals that give free ticket admission for children when accompanied by a paying adult. These deals are in cities throughout the United States so chances are you might be able to take advantage of these amazing deals. Continue Reading »

In fall months, particularly in October, those mysterious intricate patterns carved in agricultural fields sometimes spotted in flights over American farmlands, are not extraterrestrial crop circles – they’re cornfield mazes, wildly popular tourist attractions during the fall festival and Halloween season. 

A cornfield maze, aka corn maze or maize maze, is a labyrinth cut out of a cornfield solely for use as public entertainment, an idea that began with the hedge design in the formal gardens of English castles.  Today, across America, negotiating the detours and dead ends of paths cut through 10′ cornstalks waving gently high overhead is a great way for families to have fun together in the crisp, fall air.  It’s also a way for family farms to generate additional income.

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Roseate Spoonbills

There are several reasons why the state of Florida is so popular with bird watchers. Birding in Florida contributes to the tourism economy of the area and brings in 2 million bird watchers each year. The diversity of habitat, its mix of temperate zones and its fortunate position as a point on migration routes have resulted in the documented sightings of over 500 species of birds, many of which are rare.

The most famous trail was introduced by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to encourage conservation and to attract visitors. Named The Great Florida Birding Trail, it runs for 2,000 miles across 489 sites. There are guide books with maps and highway signs to guide visitors along the trail. Various eco-tours like Everglades Day Safari play an important part in birding in Florida, by educating the public and touring the natural habitats of various species.

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Who else wants Summer fun? Here are 7 Awesome Summer Vacation Ideas for the whole family. So get out there and make a splash!

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Enjoy your Independence Day this year in 5 historic cities that know how to celebrate.

Here are 4th of July vacation ideas and things to do while enjoying the long weekend in star-spangled style.

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St. Patrick’s Day is a popular Holiday in the United States. In 1737, Irish immigrants in Boston celebrated the Day for the first time. In 1766, the original St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in New York City. Since then the Green wearing, Guinness drinking, corned beef eating revelers have made March 17th a day to remember.  Here’s a list of the 10 most popular St. Patrick’s Day Parades to attend.

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Ripe Strawberries, Whipped Cream and Cake…need I say more?

The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City near Tampa, Florida is in full swing. Where else can you eat chocolate dipped strawberries, watch livestock being judged, hear the Charlie Daniel’s band and watch Robinson’s Paddling Porkers race on any given day? Exactly!

The Festival started in 1930 and has grown into an amazing slice of Americana. It’s like a county fair, music concert, 4-H expo and flea market all rolled into one for 11 glorious days and you still have time to get there. Fly, drive or crawl but you can’t miss this nostalgic gathering filled with corn dogs, midway rides, contests, music, shows, animals, merchandise and did I mention Strawberries? Y’all come!

Here’s a tip: for the best prices and selection of strawberry related items seek out the local service clubs and their fundraising booths. You’ll mostly find these in and around the Parke Building. The festival ends March 9, 2008.

More Pics here.