Here are some tidbits and lore on the interesting origins of Halloween which are not widely known. This can help you start a conversation with a Halloween party guest you’ve been dying to meet.  If you’re hosting a party, you can make a booklet on your PC to hand out as party favors. Illustrated with Halloween icons, Gothic fonts or scary photos, adds to its value as an unusual memento and trivia collectible.

The Celts were the first Halloween celebrants, around 2900 B.C., although the name of the original celebration was Samhain. The occasion of Samhain was to mark the end of their year, October 31, probably relating to the end of harvest. However, the Celts also believed that the dead had their day each year on Samhain, allowed to roam the earth, sometimes disguised as animals. This put a little spookiness into the harvest season.

The Celts were pagans at this time. One of the customs on Samhain was to collect and exchange food to appease the gods and keep evil spirits at bay. To this end, they dressed in costumes, wearing and brandishing scary masks, designed to frighten off these evil spirits, in much the same way gargoyles were later used on churches. Bonfires were also customary, as an added measure to ensure the evil spirits did not gain a foothold in their community. So costumes, masks, pumpkins and treats were an integral part of the history behind Halloween from the beginning.

Christians converted the pagan Samhain celebration into a Christian celebration of Halloween, followed on November 1 by All Saint’s Day. This cleverly served to divert the offerings to pagan gods and point celebrants in a Christian direction. This strategy did, eventually succeed.

Over a period of hundreds of years, Halloween gradually picked up superstitious myths and stories, still hanging on to some of the pagan rituals and ideas. Thus, today’s ghost stories passed from generation to generation, became part of the history of cities like Atlanta, Savannah, New Orleans and San Diego, which are rich in supernatural folklore. 

Around the 1980s, adults celebrating Halloween came back in vogue. Although most adults still don’t go trick or treating, due to the typically chilly reception they receive, they do attend adult Halloween parties where the host provides the treats and everyone gets into costumes, just as the ancient Celts did.

Say, how about a Celtic Halloween costume?  That would turn up some interesting conversations!

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

Do-It-All Party Boat Tour of Key West

Can’t decide how to enjoy the turquoise waters of Key West, Florida? Then explore the water 11 different ways! On this six hour adventure you can go Snorkeling, Sailboating, Water Skiing, Rafting, Banana Boat Riding, Wind Surfing, Kayaking, Knee Boarding, Climbing the 20ft Ice Berg Mountain, Mini-sliding off the boat and riding speedy Wave Runners. Perfect.

Miami Seaquarium- Swim with the Dolphins

Nothing tops a close encounter with Dolphins and here is your chance in Miami, Florida. Spend two hours touring the Seaquarium, learning about dolphin behaviour and then suiting up for time in the water with these magnificent creatures. You’ll touch, feed and train these gentle giants. Inspiring.

Sanibel/Captiva Island Tour

Sanibel and Captiva Island, Florida offers some of the best shelling in the World. This six hour Eco tour experience takes you inside the The J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge for a 90 minute tram tour of the local wildlife followed by a stroll on the beach for shelling, lunch at the Hungry Heron, a view of the Historic Lighthouse and more beach time to find that last special shell. Nice.

Boston Whale Watching Cruise

Looking for a whale watch that requires less travel time, offers the most comfortable ride available and gives you more time viewing some of the world’s most fascinating and magnificent creatures? Look no further! The 3-hour Whale Watching Cruise in Boston, Massachusetts uses high speed catamarans to whisk you to the best viewing spots and back. Professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England narrate your briny adventure.

Whale Ho!

The DC Ducks

Splash down in Washington, D.C. for a river adventure like no other. From Union Station the DC Ducks waddle down to the mall where you’ll see the awe inspiring monuments and fabulous Smithsonian Museums. Then at the Potomac River you’ll splash in for a whole different look at the Nation’s Capital with a scenic river cruise. From the land to the water, it’s all in the same Vehicle! Cool.

Segway Night Tour of Chicago

Roll out Segway style in Chicago, Illinois for an After 5 Glide. Learn the amazing history, unique stories and fascinating tales of the Windy City while seeing the best sites on your own fun and easy to operate Segway vehicle. Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, The Field Museum, Millineum Park and more. What a blast!

Stone Mountain Park Adventure Pass

Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta, Georgia is a green oasis listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of ‘35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die’. Stone Mountain Park offers a variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation activities.  Join the Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise, ride the scenic Mountain Train and take the Sky Hike to adventure. Awesome.

So there are 7 Summer Vacation Ideas to get you started on making great summer memories. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

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.

Boston

The Cradle of Liberty brings us the traditional Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Esplanade. The Oval opens at 9am for this popular celebration hosted by Craig Ferguson and featuring music by Rascal Flatts. More than twenty thousand pounds of explosives create a pyrotechnic display like no other. It’s wicked good.

New York City

The Big Apple offers three prime locations for fireworks this year sponsored by Macy’s. While many locals head to the seashore for the weekend, you can catch the festivities downtown. The East River in Midtown, South Street Seaport and Liberty State Park will kick off together for this extravaganza. For an extra treat, spring $20 for the Roosevelt Island Festival in the East River for great views, music and activities. Dollars to donuts you’ll have a ball.

Washington D.C.

As you would expect, The Capital City puts on one of the best Independence Day celebrations in the country. A Capitol Fourth begins with a Parade down Constitution Avenue with events throughout the day including concerts by the United States Air Force Band and the National Symphony before amazing fireworks at night.

Balance your budget and don’t miss this one!

St Augustine

The Oldest City features a great celebration of Independence Day with fireworks on the bay front over the Castillo de San Marcos Fort. You can extend the celebration with a fireworks display at the World Golf Village on July 3^rd. You look younger already.

Philadelphia

 Yo! The City of Brotherly Love offers a weekend of celebration in the Birthplace of America. The Philadelphia Museum of Art showcases events all day on the Fourth of July along Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Penn’s Landing is the place to be on the 5^th with the Taste of Philadelphia followed by a Boyz ll Men concert and more fireworks over the Delaware River.

The Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona is a grand showcase of American Indian Art and crafts from the region. They have three locations now but I visited the main Museum in Downtown. I was lucky enough to join a 30 minute free tour given by the museum staff and I’m glad I did. He pointed out items I would have missed and we also learned background and history of the exhibits.

One of my favorite displays was the huge collection of Hopi “Katsina” dolls. These religious figures represent the many spirits used in rituals and they are colorful, diverse and amazing. The stories that go with each figure are fascinating. They also have wonderful examples of bead work, silver-smithing, weaving and more. The Museum Gift shop is filled with certified, authentic American Indian arts and crafts for purchase.

This is an excellent way to learn about the native peoples from the Phoenix, Arizona and beyond.  More Photos Here.

The Phoenix Valley Highlights Tour in Phoenix, Arizona is a great overview of the area. Covering the history of the valley from the Hohokam peoples, who lived their for over 1000 years, to the present downtown renovation, this tour is the perfect way to understand the culture, geography and growth of the fifth most populous city in the U. S. Phoenix is one of the fastest growing locations in the country and the Highlights tour helps to shed some light on that phenomenon, also. One of our first stops on the tour was the library.

Covering over 280,000 square feet, the Phoenix Central Library boasts the largest reading room in North America. This highly efficient, modern building designed by Will Bruder, is a testament to “Green Architecture” and innovation. It also has a great view of the Valley. One of the most interesting features is found on the fifth floor reading room and only occurs during the summer solstice on June 21^st. On this day, light and shadow travel across the floor from wall to wall and the tapered ceiling columns illuminate with bright light at the top just like candles. It is thoughtful design elements like these that make the Burton Barr Central Library a unique and engaging place for the community.

Downtown Phoenix is undergoing revitalization with much construction and renewal. Copper Square is the center of this activity with major sports arenas, convention space, hotels, restaurants, attractions and housing. We toured the heart of it and learned about the future of the city. Our next stop was the Heard Museum Gift Shop where authentic Native American crafts can be purchased. It was enjoyable to talk with the knowledgeable staff. They helped us identify various tribal works and the qualities of each. Next it was off to Old Town Scottsdale to stroll the streets and shops before we made a quick stop at the Botanical Gardens Shop to brush up on our local flora and fauna.

Take half a day and enjoy the Phoenix Valley Highlights Tour in Phoenix, Arizona. You’ll hear and see things not in the tourist brochures and meet some nice folks from all over. Isn’t that part of what travel is all about? See you in the Valley of the Sun.  More Photos Here.

The Teddy Bear Cholla cactus can drop a man at ten paces…

Well…not really but it seemed that way when our Stellar Adventures guide explained the vicious nature of this barbed desert dweller during a Hummer Tour near Phoenix, Arizona. Razor sharp with hooked spines, the Cholla is almost impossible to remove. It was just one of the curious things we heard and saw bouncing over the rugged terrain. If the heat didn’t get us in the Sonoran Desert then deadly Snakes, Scorpions, Lizards, Toads, Spiders and Mountain Lions were waiting. Fortunately, our guide was armed.

I took the Four Peaks Trail Hummer Tour on a modified vehicle which allowed better viewing but it was still a Hummer. We drove out of Phoenix for about forty-five minutes to the Tonto National Forest before going off road in the Sonoran Desert climbing over rocks and hills while stopping often for photos and demonstrations. What a fun trip! Our guide was funny and knowledgeable. He was serious when he needed to be and really adapted to our group interests. The best part is the small size of the tour since the vehicle carries less than a dozen people. You do get rattled around a bit so be prepared and drink plenty of water along the way. You can thank me later.

Locals use this area for camping, hunting and riding ATV’s and motorcycles, so paths go everywhere. When the heat of summer arrives they switch to boating. Yes, I said boating. In fact, Arizona has more boats per capita than any other state. It’s a great way to beat the heat and during out tour we learned about canyon lakes and rivers where the fun takes place.

One of the highlights of the trip is to learn more about the Saguaro Cactus, which only grows here. Tall and small, they dot the desert with quiet dignity looking like people with arms outstretched. Sadly, we saw evidence of target practice on some. Once damaged, they can’t really recover. It was surprising to see up close the diversity of plant and animal life is such a harsh environment. The Four Peaks Hummer Tour is a great way to experience the desert in a safe and enjoyable way. When you travel to Phoenix, Arizona, take half a day and venture out into the landscape. You’ll be glad you did.

Just watch out for the Teddy Bear.  More Photos Here.

I knew going in that they had the advantage. I was out of my element. They were bigger, stronger and faster than me. Still, I slapped the water to call them closer. The dark, nine foot shadows darted past me and despite my best efforts, I hesitated. Suddenly, the beast broke the surface and rose up above my head. What now?

So I started to dance. Round in circles and side to side. Sunny the Dolphin danced with me almost laughing. I was clumsy he was not. Water was his medium. This gentle giant played with me and I was hooked.

Marineland just south of  St. Augustine, Florida is the World’s first Oceanarium built in 1938. It was designed to allow filming of sea creatures in a natural habitat. Time started to pass them by in recent years as new attractions to the south beckoned the tourists. Despite its amazing history, Marineland fell on hard times. It needed to reinvent the experience.

What has emerged is a research and conservation facility dedicated to dolphins and all marine life. Here the programs go from mild to wild. Stand on the edge, swim with the pod or become a trainer. Your choice. My daughter and I tried the Dolphin Discovery Program and after a brief educational talk we stood up to our waists in the dolphin pool and followed the trainer’s instructions. We petted, rubbed, kissed, danced, fed and splashed for 20 minutes with these amazing animals. It was thrilling. Now we want to go back and do more. The staff is outstanding here.

Marineland is a small, intimate facility on a beautiful stretch of beach. It’s not flashy or crowded. Be prepared to purchase photos of your experience and peruse the gift shop. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the grounds or head 5 minutes North past Summer Haven to the Matanzas Inlet for fun in the sun. This stretch of highway A1A is beautiful so take your time and bring what you need.

What a great way to relax and meet the oceans ambassadors. If you’re anywhere near St. Augustine, Florida and want a simple, historic, unique and exciting adventure this is your place. Turn off the cell phone, stare at the ocean and escape. 

More Photos Here.

The “new” buildings for the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia  are a sight to behold. Clean, sleek design by Architect Renzo Piano flows from gallery to gallery with ease. Moving through the space is a pleasure. The collections that fill the space are a pleasure, too.

I was lucky enough to visit during the special Louvre exhibit, “The Eye of Josephine” and “The Ancient World.” I truly enjoyed the beautiful Egyptian works and ancient sculptures. Since it was a first time visit, I began my journey there but soon discovered other treasures waiting inside.

The High Museum of Art is well known for its extensive folk art collection but they really have a little bit of everything here. Monet, Rodin, Rameriz, Heade and Rowe.

Very diverse works that cover a wide range of mediums. Grazing through the galleries is a full meal taken in small bites. It was satisfying to see works from 1630 and 1930.

Take your time in this wonderful space and drop in at their full service restaurant, Table 1280. A refreshing, renewing experience can be had at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia for art lovers of all kinds. Don’t miss it. More photos here.

Earth Day reminds us to be better Citizens of the Planet. After all, it’s the only one we’ve got! Here are some easy vacation ideas from Trusted Tours and Attractions to travel greener this year.

•1)                  Go to eco-friendly destinations – With research, you can discover places to travel that embrace a greener attitude. You don’t have to march through the jungle or trek across Antarctica to find sustainable journeys. Right here in the United States cities like San Francisco, California are thinking green thoughts.

•2)                  Pack light then cut it by a third – Do you really need five pairs of shoes for that weekend trip? Maybe not. Every ounce you can avoid carrying adds up to fuel savings on your trip.

•3)                  Think about your transportation – Walking is better than biking is better than trains is better than ships and planes. Sometimes you just have to get there. Take non-stop flights which save landing and takeoff fuel. Choose to add a blend of walking and biking tours in your activity mix. Think low impact excursions while still having fun.

•4)                  Consume local products – Whenever possible, eat, drink and use local products to reduce shipping costs to you destination. This also supports the local economies for a positive effect.

•5)                  Do business with greener companies – Find Greener hotel, restaurant, tour and transportation companies wherever you travel. Many excellent resources are now gathering these for you like http://www.greenhotels.com/  and  http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/

•6)                  Consider a volunteer vacation – Rewarding and renewing, volunteer vacations are becoming more popular. Whether rebuilding in New Orleans, Louisiana or painting in Costa Rica the opportunity to serve has never been more available.

Green travel doesn’t have to mean sacrifice and discomfort. It does mean more thoughtful planning and choices to reduce your impact on the environment. Developing these habits now will pay dividends forever. Happy Earth Day!

I was surprised by how different the day and night Starlight cruises are in Tampa, Florida. Completely different crowd from day to night. While the daytime was casual, relaxed and oriented to sightseeing with mostly an older group the night time was energetic, fun and oriented to dancing with a younger group.

The Starlight Majesty ship is roomy, stable and capable of carrying 280 passengers on three levels. The top deck is open and the other two are enclosed and air-conditioned except for a small area near the bow. The staff is friendly and helpful. Starlight offers 3-hour lunch, dinner, dancing and sightseeing cruises out of Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg, Florida.

Day:

The Lunch Sightseeing Cruise out of Clearwater Beach, FL is quiet and relaxing.

The lunch menu offered 5 choices from salads to seafood in lunch sized portions served at your table. The cruise goes south on the Intracoastal Waterway between Clearwater and Clearwater Beach. Music is provided by a duo and features classic sing-a-long hits and when the music takes a break in the middle of the cruise, the captain narrates for 20 minutes.

Overall a nice, quiet, relaxing midday sightseeing cruise with good food and good service. They also offer a dance luncheon cruise.

Night:

The Dinner Cruise out of Clearwater Beach, Fl is good fun.

They seat you as you board and immediately bring out an appetizer, which was a bacon wrapped scallop and a slice of grilled chicken. Once you order your dinner from 12 or more choices, they suggest exploring the ship until salads are served at 8pm. Dinner follows and is tasty. The crowd ranged in age and many danced to the musical duo that also does the lunch cruise but the music was more upbeat. I’d compare the music to attending a wedding.

The atmosphere was lively the whole night and the lights from the shoreline of the Intracoastal Waterway added a nice background to the night air. Lots of couples and groups seemed to enjoy the experience. A fun way to spend an evening.

So is there a difference between Day and Night? Absolutely! If you want to just relax and enjoy sea breezes or put on your dancing shoes and sing along you’ll find it at Starlight Cruises in Tampa, Florida. Permission to come aboard Captain!  More photos here.