Alaska is beautiful, but you have to be safe traveling there. Do check road and weather information here before taking off on your leisure trip.
By Peter Greenberg
Can’t wait for your next trip, but are miserable at the idea of leaving your best friend behind?
After all, who better to experience long walks on the beach with – or snuggling up on the terrace to watch the sunset with – than your pooch (especially when no meaningful conversation is expected)?
If you’ve got to get away, but can’t bear the sad look from those puppy dog eyes, maybe it’s time for a little getaway that includes Fido, too. The following are some canine-friendly cities that offer more unusual treats to lure both of you for a visit.
NAPA, CALIFORNIA
“But my dog doesn’t drink,” you argue. No worries. While you’re lapping up
the region’s top-notch wine, your canine pal will have plenty of things to
do.
WINERIES
Cuvaison Winery
4550 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, California
707-942-6266
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed to join you in the small tasting
room and in the three outdoor picnic areas.
Clos Du Val Winery
5330 Silverado Trail, Napa, California 94558
800-993-9463
Dogs on leashes are allowed in the enormous tasting room and on the property
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hillcrest Country Inn
3225 Lake County Hwy, Calistoga, California
707-942-6334
Host Debbie O’Gorman runs this country home with her three dogs, Taz, Debo
and Bamboo, who are friendly and welcoming to other canine friends. The
antique-filled home is located on a hilltop with an unbeatable view of Napa
Valley. You and your pup can romp around the 36-acre property where there is
swimming, hiking and fishing, and then he has the option of staying in your
room or in a large outdoor kennel.
Beazley House Bed & Breakfast Inn
1910 First Street, Napa, California
707-257-1649
You’ll be able to play with resident Golden Retrievers Sissy and Autumn
Beazley in this downtown Napa inn, and you’ll even receive a doggie welcome
basket with a bowl, doggie beer, bones and cleanup baggies. Three rooms open
out into the gardens, and there is a $25 per day per dog charge, with a
maximum of two dogs per room.
RESTAURANTS
Angele
540 Main Street, Napa, California
707-252-8115
This gourmet French restaurant allows dogs on leashes in their outdoor
patio, and will provide water and treats while you dine.
Bistro Don Giovonni
4110 Saint Helena Hwy, Napa, California
707-224-3300
This laid-back Mediterranean restaurant (it’s the sister to San Francisco’s
Scala Bistro) allows dogs in their outdoor tables, but please call ahead to
inform the staff.
Los Angeles already has a reputation for being a dog-friendly city, but its neighbor down south is making steps to become the next hot dog spot in
Southern California. Long Beach is a coastal city that has recently opened three acres of its beach in Belmont Shore as an off-leash area. “The
Dog Zone” visitors must follow the rules- only one dog per adult, and pooper-scoopers are a must. The Dog Zone starts at 4800 E. Ocean Blvd., between Roycroft and Argonn streets.
Also in Long Beach is the very active Haute Dogs organization, which
arranges several doggie-centered events in Belmont Shore all year long. The
Haute (pronounced “hot”) Dog Easter Parade features hundreds of dogs
marching along in bonnets and Easter outfits, while the Howl’oween Parade
and Canine Costume Contest that includes an adoption fair, a bulldog kissing
booth; and a dancing dog demonstrations. If that’s not doggone wacky enough,
stick around Long Beach for the Haute Dog poetry contest and bulldog beauty
contest.
Several restaurants and shops along the busy Second Street in Belmont Shore
offer water bowls to welcome pets. Pet-friendly accommodations are rather
scarce (you may be better off making Long Beach doggie festivities part of a
day trip), but you can try the following:
Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, a luxury hotel that welcomes dogs of any size
for a $75 non-refundable fee. 111 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, 562-437-5900
Peter Greenberg is a preeminent expert on travel. His focus is on the journey, providing insider’s tips and recommendations to an increasingly savvy and demanding traveler. Peter is also author of The New York Times best-selling series, The Travel Detective, which uncovers secrets the airline, hotel, cruise and rental car industries don’t want consumers to know. Check out Travel Tips for more insider information.
By Mark Polk
“Are RV’s dangerous to own and operate?” After giving this question some thought I realized that this one short question covered a very large spectrum. There is no quick or easy response to this question. In most cases it’s not the RV that is dangerous, but the individual that is operating the RV that is dangerous. Some examples of unsafe acts that I have witnessed are carrying a full spare LP gas bottle inside the RV, sleeping in the RV with the generator running and never weighing the RV or checking the inflation pressure in the tires.
When you begin your search for an RV, the first thing to verify is that the RV manufacturer is a member of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). If they are, the RV will have an oval shaped RVIA seal displayed on the exterior, usually by the entrance door. This seal means that the RV manufacturer is in compliance with more than 500 safety requirements regarding electrical, plumbing, heating, and fire and life safety. These safety requirements are established under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard for Recreation Vehicles. This should put to rest any concerns you may have about the RV itself being safe when it is manufactured.
The next step is to educate yourself on the systems of an RV and what is required to operate the RV safely and properly. If you’re going to be towing a three or four ton travel trailer, or driving a six ton plus motor home you need to understand the importance of proper hitch work, weights and driving techniques. I also explained that anytime you are dealing with petroleum products like LP gas and gasoline generators there is cause for concern, but if handled properly there is nothing to worry about. A good place to start is with our RV video and DVD library.
In no particular order, I offer the following advice concerning RV safety:
•Take care of your RV’s tires and they will take care of you. When you’re not using your RV keep the tires covered to protect them from the damaging affects of ozone in the air and UV rays from the sun. Invest in a quality inflation pressure gauge and check the tire pressure in all tires every time you use the RV. Check and adjust the pressure when the tires are cold, before you move it. Maintain the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Consult the owner’s manual for proper tire inflation and never exceed the maximum pressure located on the tire sidewalls.
•Weigh your RV and tow vehicle. The only way to know if the weight is properly distributed and that you are within the allowable weight ratings for the RV and tow vehicle is to have them weighed. Look for certified platform scales in your yellow pages under moving companies or truck stops. When you weigh your RV and tow vehicle have them fully loaded for travel to include passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings, and full fresh water and propane tanks. Verify that you do not exceed any manufacturer weight ratings such as, the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR), and Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). NEVER exceed any manufacturer weight ratings. It is quite possible to be within the weight ratings, but still exceed a tire rating. This is why you must weigh each axle end separately to insure that the load is within the capacity of the axles, wheels and tires and to see if the load is properly distributed.
•Have the LP gas system inspected every spring before using the RV. Take your RV to a qualified service center and let them check the LP gas system for proper appliance operating pressure and to check the system for leaks. Familiarize yourself with the odorant added to LP gas to assist you in detecting a leak, and what to do if there is a gas leak.
| If you smell LP gas or the leak detector alarm goes off: 1) Extinguish any open flames and pilot lights. It is not recommended that you travel with the LP gas turned on. If you do have the gas on while traveling turn off each individual pilot light, appliance, and the main gas supply before refueling. |
•The onboard generator makes your RV fully self-contained. It allows you access to 120 volts when there is no shore power available, but keep in mind that carbon monoxide is deadly! NEVER sleep in the RV with the generator running! Before you start and use the generator inspect the exhaust system. Do not use it if the exhaust system is damaged. Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV. Know what the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
1) Dizziness
2) Vomiting
3) Nausea
4) Muscular twitching
5) Intense headache
6) Throbbing in the temples
7) Weakness and sleepiness
8) Inability to think coherently
If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention. Shut the generator down and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional.
In my opinion, these are some very real concerns that all RVers need to be aware of. I also want to mention that this is a very short list. There are many other safety issues involved in owning and operating an RV, but by practicing common sense, and through education, RV ownership is not only safe, it’s lots of fun.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101
RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America’s most highly regarded series of DVD’s, videos, books, and e-books. www.rveducation101.com/
Mark Polk is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. In addition to owning and operating RV Education 101, (based in North Carolina) since 1999, Polk also has a very extensive RV background working in RV service, sales and management. Polk has a degree in Industrial Management Technology and his 30 plus years of experience in maintenance includes working as an RV technician, a wheeled vehicle and power generation mechanic, an automotive maintenance technician, Battalion and Brigade level Maintenance Officer, an RV sales manager and also in the RV financing department as the Finance & Insurance manager. www.rveducation101.com/
By Jeff Mills
Planning a summer road trip this year? Do movies like RV and Family Vacation not scare you from the adventures that could await you on your cross country trek? Before you go, make sure you check off these top 23 travel tips.
Overall, enjoy the road trip. It’s not going to be as crazy as Clark W Grizwold’s family vacation experiences, and if it is, make sure you video it and put it up on You Tube!
Jeff Mills is a former Youth Pastor and became a self made millionaire in less than 3 years, using the internet, and by plugging into proven and successful business opportunities online like http://www.coastal-vacation-club.com
Jeff has become one of the fastest reps in coastal vacations to sell over $1.5 Million Dollars of Coastal Club Memberships in less than 3 years. Jeff provides yearly training events, live coaching calls and one on one trainings to his groups. Jeff has an umblemished reputation on the internet because he is one of the real deals out there who does care about helping others achieve their dreams of financial independence.
For free videos and a $400 vacation voucher, visit his Multi-Media Blog at http://www.coastalvacationclubblog.com
Jeff will take your call live, if you call him at 651-309-1091 or you can visit his website at http://www.coastal-vacation-club.com to save up to 75% off all your travels for life, with out coming home broke.
Find the Best Car Rental Rates in Top Destinations on Travelocity.com
By Dave Pipitone
If you love Spring, tulips are blooming from mid-April to mid-May.
This is your time. The Tulip festival in Holland MI occurs in the first part of May every year. In fact, Tulip Time in Holland, MI is the official celebration of one of the largest Dutch ethnic events in the midwest United States. If you have always wanted to see a close imitation of the Netherlands, visit Holland, MI to see beautiful tulip fields in full bloom.
Holland Michigan tulips are on display, depending on the Spring weather and the growing season. In 2007, the tulip season seems to be on track and the Holland tulip festival is scheduled for May 5- May 12, 2007. The city of Holland features a line up of tulip viewing, entertainment, events and ethnic celebrations for tulip lovers and families. Here is what to see when you visit Holland, MI for Tulip Time.
Fields of Authentic Festival Holland Tulips
When you drive down River Street from US 31, you will see the beginnings of tulip flowers that fill the Holland, MI area. The city claims that more than 5,000,000 tulips are on display in parks, along streets and in local attractions. For starters, visit the Veldheer Tulip Farm. This attractive farm began in 1945 with 100 red tulips and 300 white tulips. Now, there are millions of tulip bulbs that blossom every Spring. The farm hosts multiple gardens that teem with white tulips, yellow Big Smile, orange Apricot Dream, red Appeldorn, and literally dozens of other varieties and colors.
The Veldheer Tulip Farm displays lily tulips, Darwin Hybrid tulips, peony (double) tulips, parrot tulips, Triumph tulips and specialty tulips. The grounds show blue, white, and pink hyacinths, white and yellow daffodils and narcissi. Each garden has a numbered stake that identifies the type of flower. Visitors match the flower number with a printed guide sheet to learn more about the flowers. For those who want to order Holland tulip bulbs, visitors can order Holland tulip bulbs from the guide sheet, which are shipped the following September. Admission to the farm is $10 for adults, $5 for children. The Veldheer Tulip Farm is located on Quincy Street, just off Highway US 31, about 3 miles north of Holland.
If you are taking children and the family to Holland, make sure to visit Nelis’ Dutch Village. Dutch Village is a family theme park model buildings, authentic Dutch chocolate and licorice, Delftware, a wooden shoe factory, a working street organ, bell tower and photo spots for adults and children. Dutch Village offers a beautiful setting for family fun. The spot has buildings modeled after 1800’s Netherlands cottage architecture. Dutch Village had smaller patches of tulips that are spread throughout the grounds. Each “garden” is identified by numbered stakes so that visitors know what the tulips are. Dutch Village is on US 31 on the northern edge of Holland. Admission for adults is 10; $5 for children.
A third scenic spot to view tulips during the Holland Tulip Festival is Windmill Island. Windmill Island is the home of the “De Zwaan” (graceful bird,) a 240 year-old working windmill from the Netherlands. Located just off 7th Street, Windmill Island offers a shopping area, historic architecture including the Posthouse museum (14th century replica of a wayside inn. During Spring, Windmill Island boasts 150,000 tulips; during summer and fall, the gardens offer colorful annuals. Admission is $10 for adults.
You can wander downtown Holland on 8th Street and view the many attractive settings and plantings of tulip flowers. Then, drive along the eight miles of curbside tulips planted throughout the city. You can get some inspiring ideas for creating and enhancing the tulip garden at your home.
Make your Spring a joyful one; visit Tulip Time, the tulip festival in Holland MI.
Dave Pipitone is hopelessly in love with tulips and nourishes them in his Hope Patch. For more information on the tulip festival in Holland MI, visit http://www.tulipreview.com
By Kenneth Ng
This long line of islands, stretching south of Miami like an alligator’s tail, has long captivated visitors. And, just as you’d be careful while hiking through gator territory, exploring the Keys today demands a certain amount of caution. No, there are no real dangers (although the crass consumerism comes close), but there are real highs and real lows. And because the highs are so great – stunning tropical fish, unparalleled views of the sea, scrumptious dining adventures – it’s best to not waste any time with the lows of T-shirt shopping or cheesy-hotel stays.
The 45-island chain, held together by a 1130-mile roadway, has a pace of life that becomes more mellow and island-like the further you get from Miami. Surroundings also turn more beautiful as you travel south, and your experience will peak in all ways as soon as you settle into the southernmost point in the lineup, Key West. But don’t make the mistake of flying by all that rest spots in between these points.
While much of the HWY 1 (the only road that takes you through) is lined with fortresses of strip malls that block any views of the the gleaming shores, it’s worth turning off the highway, breaking through the barrier and enjoying what lies in wait,. Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Grassy Key’s Dolphin Research Center, Marathon’s kayaking tours and the amazing Cuban food tucked away in Big Pine Key are just a few of the pleasures.
– Islamorada
Islamorada (eye-luh-murr-ah-da) is actually a collection of smaller islands with equally fanciful names – Plantation, Upper and Lower Matcumbe, Lignumvitae. It’s one of the best driving stretches because you can actually see water on both sides for much of the way. There are several placid, easily accessible little ocean-beach nooks providing scenic rest stops. Islamorada is known for fishing and as a result has some of the best seafood dining in the Keys.
Author : Kenneth Ng. Email : touristattractionguide@yahoo.com
World’s Best Tourist Attractions ! Free Information, Pictures on Tourist Attractions. Travel deals, Tips and much more! http://www.touristattractionguide.com.
Southeast Asia Travel Guide ! Free Ebooks, Information, Pictures, Tourist Attractions, Festivals, Essentials & Many More! http://www.southeastasia-guide.com