Every year millions of people head to Las Vegas for vacation, but not all of them go there for what the city is most famous for, gambling. The casinos offer a lot more than slot machines and poker tables for visitors. There is a reason why this city is referred to "The Entertainment Capital of the World." There is a lot of entertainment available that has nothing to do with gambling for those wishing to forgo risking the over $400 that the average gambler looses in a trip to Las Vegas.

One of the biggest attractions is the shows. Some shows like Cirque du Soleil, which has various versions of their amazing circus running simultaneously at different casinos, have been running for years and grow more popular year after year. Popular entertainers play there, often for long runs. Celine Dionne recently ended a four-year run at Caesar's Palace. Elton John is scheduled for a few months in mid 2008 at the same venue.

Visitors also find Broadway musicals such as the wildly popular The Producers, top notch comedians, and compelling dramas on the stages at Las Vegas casinos and other venues.

Shopping is also a very popular activity for those who visit. While some of the high-end shops make window shopping necessary for many visitors, there is plenty of affordable shopping for those who want to spend their time in the stores. The Forum Shops at Caesars is home to 160 boutiques and shops, 13 restaurants and various specialty food shops.

At the Bellagio, the Via Bellagio offers high-end shopping, and the Pool Promenade has unique shops that cannot be found elsewhere. Bargain shoppers can find treasures outside of the casinos at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet that offers over 100 outlet stores or they can try their luck at the Fashion Outlets Las Vegas that offer many of the same brands that can be found in the hotel boutiques but for far less.

Another attraction for non-gamblers is the dining. Many celebrity chefs have restaurants in the city. Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck both have more than one restaurant in the casinos, and Bobby Flay has the popular Mesa Grill at Caesar's Palace. Celebrity chef restaurants aren't the only fine dining choices, however. There are many, many five star restaurants in the casinos and the surrounding area. It's also possible to get really good food in Las Vegas without the five star price tag at some of the other eating establishments. In a city that seems to be open 24 hours a day, there are lots of great places to get a meal any time of day.

Boxing matches also draw crowds to Las Vegas. The biggest ones are always held at the Las Vegas casinos, and it's not uncommon for the regular tourist to come face to face with the celebrities who attend these boxing matches. Other sporting events that Las Vegas caters to are kick boxing, WWE wrestling events, speed racing, and the occasional celebrity basketball game with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Las Vegas may not be the first vacation destination that people think of when they think of family vacations, but it is becoming an increasingly popular spot for families. The casinos and other businesses in the surrounding areas are adding more and more attractions for children. Many of the casinos offer live animal attractions such as Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef, The Mirage's White Tiger Habitat, and The MGM Grand's Lion Habitat.

A state of the art arcade called Game Works will appeal to kids of all ages, The Las Vegas Zoo offers hours of entertainment away from the casinos, and Circus Circus has been a family fixture in Las Vegas for years. The city boasts the world's largest indoor theme park, the five and a half acre Adventuredome. Families can find go-karts, kid-friendly shows, children's museums, and wax museums along with many, many other family oriented activities scattered all throughout Las Vegas.

Those wishing to get out from the confines of Las Vegas and its beautiful but flashy buildings can head outside for some fresh air. A visit to The Hoover Dam is easy by taking a tour bus that can be booked from Las Vegas. Bonnie Springs Ranch Old Nevada is just a short drive from the city, and visitors get to experience the Old West. Red Rock Canyon is a bit more of a drive, but it's a great place to get away from it all and do a little hiking. Of course, the area surrounding Las Vegas is littered with golf courses so no golfer has an excuse for not hitting a few while in Vegas.

By: Ti Stephanie Larkin
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as Las Vegas Vacation | Las Vegas Vacations

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The Dallas World Aquarium is actually much more than an aquarium though it's name suggests differently. It houses a variety of animals- mostly those from tropical areas of the world- in their natural habitat in a series of specially designed eco-systems. This makes the visitors feel as if they are walking around the world as they experience the different plant life and climate of various locations from all over the globe.

Visitors can usually choose their own path around the complex allowing them to spend more time on the animals that intrigue them the most. There are four main sections of the zoo each one representing a different eco-system. One represents the ocean and is a huge salt water aquarium, a rainforest, the South American Rainforest, a series of South African Biomes and the centerpiece is no doubt the Mundo Maya exhibit which shows the gradual progression of biomes from the Highland Rainforest to the sea of the Yucatan Gulf in Central America.

The two most interesting exhibits are the aquarium and the Mundo Maya complex though the other two are breathtaking as well. The aquarium represents the waters of four continents, three oceans and various seas; the aquarium gives a glimpse of the underwater world. The exhibit has more than 85,000 gallons (321,800 l) of saltwater with marine life from around the world. Tourists can walk through the 22,000-gallon (83,280 l) tunnel to experience a panoramic view of reef life. Many animals found at the top of the food chain can be seen in the Predators exhibit. Ten 2,000-gallon (7,571 l) displays present marine life from around the world - Palau, Southern Australia, Lord Howe Island, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Bahamas, British Columbia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Japan.

Mundo Maya is an eight-story, immersion exhibit that takes visitors from the waters of the Yucatan's gulf coast to the highland rainforests. This great culture believed that nature did not need to be conquered or subdued. Many plants and animals were given important roles in their daily lives. The land of the ancient Maya included the countries of modern day Belize and Guatemala, the western parts of Honduras and El Salvador, and five Mexican states (Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Campeche and Chiapas).

There are of course many Dallas hotels that offer access to sights and sounds of the city and are conveniently located. The decision making factor for a tourist when staying at a hotel in Dallas would be the price, cheaper accommodation is available at a number of motels and lodges while, some star class hotels offer guests and especially business travelers with many facilities.

By: James V Cook
James Cook is an executive at Hotelseye.com. http://www.DallasHotelseye.com has access to wide collection of Dallas hotels located near many popular area attractions. The portal also offers other Dallas travel services such as car rentals and fight reservations.

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Manhattan is the most densely populated county in the United States offering residents and tourists alike a number of things to see and do. Skyscrapers that have shaped Manhattan's skyline have been closely associated with New York City's identity since the end of the 19th century. While they may not be the tallest buildings in the world anymore, structures such as the Empire State Building and The Chrysler Building are still visually impressive landmarks. The Empire State building in particular attracts a huge amount of tourists, eager to enjoy the view of Manhattan from the building's observation deck.

Another impressive structure is Madison Square Garden - or just "the Garden" as it's commonly known - the world famous arena that's home to several of New York's finest sporting teams, including the NBA's New York Knicks and the NHL's New York Rangers. The Connecticut-based company, World Wrestling Entertainment considers Madison Square Garden 'home', with the inaugural Wrestlemania event taking place at the arena, as well as the tenth and twentieth anniversaries of the spectacular in 1994 and 2004 respectively. The 20,000 capacity arena has also staged some of the biggest concerts in history including multi night runs from Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and the Who. Elton John has also famously performed at the arena on 60 separate occasions. The Garden is considered a Mecca for sports and arena rock by fans all over the world.

The majority of New York City's media outlets are also based in Manhattan, with the offices of cable television networks and newspapers, including The New York Times, New York Post, NBC, FOX and MTV, all based in the borough. The United States' largest financial newspaper, The Wall Street Journal is also based here, as well as popular leading alternative weekly, The Village Voice.

The neighbourhoods that make up the borough of Manhattan all offer a vast array of multi-cultural dining and shopping. Both Soho and Fifth Avenue are world renowned for their upscale shopping opportunities while Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side and the East Village have long been associated with the "Bohemian" subculture. The Upper West Side is often characterized as more intellectual and creative, in contrast to the old money and conservative values of the Upper East Side, which is considered one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the United States and features some of the finest hotels in Manhattan.

Travellers visiting Manhattan won't fail to be impressed with the architecture, landmarks and the melting pot of cultures that exist in the borough, factors that help pull thousands of tourists to New York City every year.

By: Isla Campbell
Isla Campbell is an online, freelance journalist and avid traveler and pilates devotee. When not on the road she lives on the outskirts of Oban.

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Are you looking to rejuvenate your body and mind after a strenuous week? Thinking about taking your wife to refresh the thrilling memories of your honeymoon? Destin, the best beach in the south is where emerald green water lashes on the sugar like sand beaches with a gentle breeze rolling over the aquarium water generating the much sort after cherished calmness within you.

Destin, Florida has kept open various options for fun and frolic to rejuvenate your soul recharging it to fight afresh with your professional pressure. As Destin is a sea beach, it has got plenty of water sports like the Paradise Watersports of Okaloosa Island or Blue Lagoon Watersports at the foot of the Destin Bridge or the Boogies Water Sports.

If you love fishing then your dream of fishing in crystal clear water (NOT in troubled waters!) can be fulfilled at Adventure Charters of East Pass, where you can be choose to be guided by an experienced captain. Or you may want to try the Destin Florida Yacht Charters of East Pass to explore on an excursion of your own choice and taste the real thunder or try the Dolphin Cruise, which was recently featured on CNN. Your earnest desire of Scuba diving may find reality at Emerald Coast Scuba, which is located just behind the Taco Bell. But a caution! Never mix drinking and diving ?. Among glass-bottom boat trips, we recommend the Glass-Bottom Boat of Boogies Dock.

Have you ever thought of playing with a dolphin? You can opt for the cruises of Moodys at 194 Hwy. 98, Destin. Have you crossed that young mind set, where you would only think of passing a weekend privately with your girlfriend? Take your children also for the weekend break to The Track Recreation Centre of Hwy 98, which organizes events for everyone of any age of your family. Ladies should remember - the way sparkling jewellery attract guys, they do the same with sharks also! So, it is better to avoid jazzy ornaments in the sea of Destin.

A few things to be careful about in Destin: if you are intoxicated while boating, your enjoyment may come to an end and you can land up in a prison or pay a penalty up to $2500. Be cautious about sharks! Always try to avoid isolation and avoid staying out in the beach in isolated areas during darkness or the twilight hours.

If you want to add some dry sports to your day, you can also take the quick 1-mile loop Bike Trail from Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail, which is located at 1.1 Miles south of Hwy 98 or Scenic 30-A Bike/Hike Trail which is situated at South side of Scenic 30-A. The matter of concern is any adventure should not be deadly as it ultimately defeats the purpose of fun and recreation. So, keep faith in your judgement and intuition and never disobey the caution signals spread over various places of Destin.

If all that has whetted your appetite for a vacation at Destin, you need to plan the right accommodation as well. Destin has a buffet of vacation rental homes, condos, cottages to make your vacartion memorable. There are many service agencies/ tour operators/ independent property owners, who offer a versatile range of condos, bungalows. Rates of such accommodations vary to a great extent depending upon the season and days. The best rates are usually available online on sites such as the one mentioned below.

So, take care of some rules and regulations, keep yourself alert and Go! We wish you all a happy vacation!

By: Kenny D
Kenny Doucette writes about Florida vacation rentals. Visit his Vacation Rentals Blog or find a Florida rental today.

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Most tourists seem to gravitate towards the crowded, expensive theme parks or the teeming hot beaches, but if you're looking to get off the beaten path when traveling to Florida, history and some of the more cultural offerings of the Sunshine State should be considered. From northern Florida with the Southern hospitality of the Panhandle to the exciting cultural influences at the bottom tip of the state, a vacation in Florida offers endless possibilities of unusual places to visit.

Each coast, in fact, from the Atlantic to the Pacific with the Gulf Coast included, exudes history relating not only to America, but globally as well. From the Keys to Tallahassee, the importance of the dynamic story of Florida and the history of the state is immediately evident and the locals hope to share its countless cultural assets with you.

Where to Go and What to Do During Your Vacation in Florida:

Tropical Treasures in the Keys

Key West, slightly off the coast of Florida and connected by a bridge, is a continuously sunny destination that has entranced everyone from President Harry Truman and Tennessee Williams to Ernest Hemingway and the U. S. Navy. The famed author Hemingway, after a vacation to Florida, subsequently decided to live in Key West, and his home has now been turned into a museum with the descendants of his polydactyl cat still roaming the grounds.

With the close proximity of the ocean, the locals and tourists alike enjoy activities that incorporate the blue water of the sea, including ship salvaging and diving for ancient sunken treasures. Many U. S. presidents, including Harry Truman and Franklin Roosevelt, bolstered local lore and Florida history by calling Key West home in the winter months at the Southernmost House Grand Hotel and Museum.

Early Industrialists in Fort Myers

Both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford decided to call Fort Myers home in the winter months after taking a vacation to Florida. Edison's home, called "Seminole Lodge," has been accurately renovated to reflect the time period in which it was built and resided in, and includes one of the first modern swimming pools in Florida history and his laboratory much as he would have had it, remaining a fine example of one of the best historical places in Florida.

Located adjacent to Edison's graciously designed house is "The Mangoes," Henry Ford's recently refurbished winter home. After a vacation to Florida, Ford decided that Fort Myers would be better than the Michigan cold. A garage full of restored antique Ford automobiles rounds out the serene atmosphere. Both historical homes have lush gardens along the Caloosahatchee River.

The Contrasts of Palm Beach

From industrial influences to charming gardens, Palm Beach is a sun-lit city of contrasts. Henry Flagler linked the cities of Florida after realizing that a sophisticated system of transportation could help revitalize the state and bring more tourists to vacation in Florida. Starting in the late 1880s, Flagler began purchasing railroads, combining the routes, and installing more tracks up and down the coastlines and eventually well in between. The Henry Flagler Museum, located in his grand winter home called "Whitehall," heralds his accomplishments and his idea of bringing the first vacationers to the state for profit, a first in Florida history.

Located outside of the city limits in Delray Beach, the sweeping and serene Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens brings Japan to the coast of Florida. Exhibits include galleries highlighting ancient and modern Japanese art and culture, tea ceremonies, festival celebrations, tasting events, and special displays in the gardens. While on your vacation in Florida, the Morikami is a must see.

Family Fun in Sunny Sarasota

Sarasota is another hotbed of historical places in Florida. The city has a detailed cultural history complete with Native American and Spanish influences. Historic Spanish Point, highlighting 5,000 years of Florida history, features prehistoric Indian mounds, living history performances, archaeological tours, a butterfly garden, and pioneer-era buildings. Cruises in historically inspired vessels sail Sarasota Bay for an entertaining finale to your vacation in Florida.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Ringling Museum of the American Circus are centered on the home of the museum's namesakes who designed their sprawling mansion to mimic European architecture, a fine example of one of the more elaborate historical places in Florida. Ca d'Zan, completed in 1926, saw the biggest and most expensive parties of the early 20th century in Sarasota. The art museum, from the Ringling's collection, displays both old and new American, European, and Asian works of art. The circus museum, which was opened to the public in 1948 and has since become a popular stop during a vacation to Florida, has a large collection of handbills, posters, costumes, and props from the early days of the circus. Also on the grounds is a miniature circus constructed by Howard Tibbals, who was integral to designing the tiny circus set that is now a part of Florida history.

Military Origins in Pensacola

Home of the Blue Angels, Pensacola, a must see on a vacation to Florida, is proud to be the home of naval aviation. More than 150 restored aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are displayed at the National Museum of Naval Aviation where visitors can experience the flight simulator or learn more about naval aviation in Florida history and the rest of world in the Memorial Theatre. In addition, the museum features an IMAX screen, a tour of the restoration hangar, cockpit trainers, and Blue Angels events on select days.

Located nearby is historic Fort Pickens, which was constructed in 1834 and used well into the 1940s. The Fort, significant in Florida history, had been influential during the Civil War, and in the mid-1880s, the famous Apache warrior, Geronimo, was incarcerated at the Fort, where he became a sideshow for the tourists on vacation in Florida. A Visitor Center showcases memorabilia, art, and books enhancing the history of the Fort.

The Panhandle's Gorgeous Gulf

Surprisingly, Apalachicola, the secluded, charming town on the Gulf Coast that is mired in Florida history, offers many options of things to see and do. The Camp Gordon Johnston Museum provides a glimpse into the life of World War II soldiers and their intensive training. Opened in 1942, the camp, a permanent reminder of the military's impact on Florida history, trained America's amphibious soldiers before they left for war, and remnants of the training grounds and camp still survive. Exhibits include photographs, articles, and knickknacks from the camp's heyday.

In the town's center, the historic old district features over 900 buildings, constructed as far back as the early 1800s, that are listed on the National Register. Walking tours allow visitors to explore each location in depth and include an old cotton warehouse, three parks, and rows of live oak trees and magnolias. A Visitors Center provides maps, ideas, and directions for experiencing Apalachicola's historic downtown while on your vacation in Florida.

History from Coast to Coast

When on a vacation in Florida, the Sunshine State offers much more than just beautiful beaches and warm weather. From coast to coast, Florida and the history of its people and culture still influence its society and lifestyle. You shouldn't be worried about the endless choices on where to go or what to do - if you're looking for history of any kind, Florida has it!

By: Fraser Hannah
Fraser Hannah spent eight years working as a freelance television production manager and researcher before leaving to join his family's business working with the elderly. He founded Traveling2Florida.com in 2003 after purchasing his own vacation home in Florida and being frustrated by the lack of vision shown by many of the existing vacation rental sites. Traveling2Florida.com now connects thousands of travelers directly with the owners of high-quality vacation rentals in Florida, from Orlando to the Florida Keys.

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Each year thousands of people flock to Yellowstone National Park, the United State's oldest national park. Once visitors have spent a few days admiring the amazing geysers, waterfalls and thermal pools - what else is there to do? In one word, plenty!

Yellowstone National Park is situated in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The park itself is criss-crossed with enough boardwalks, paths and visitors centers to keep any tourist busy. But there are those tourists always looking to add some adventure and sports to their itinerary. Here are some activities to consider trying during your Yellowstone National Park vacation.

Scenic Golfing

Montana, Wyoming and Idaho may not be the first states to spring to mind when contemplating a golf retreat, but golf enthusiasts will be pleased they packed their clubs when they arrive! There are many stunning courses located within Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding areas. With rolling foothills, open greens, amazing wildlife and challenging layouts, these courses are absolutely amazing.

Horseback Riding

When surrounded by the beauty of Yellowstone, it is very easy to imagine what life must have been like for early settlers. Booking a half or full-day horseback tour allows visitors to literally hop in the saddle and experience that feeling for themselves! Guides take tours to their very favorite places within the park - often only accessible by horseback. The scenery is breathtaking and the experience is often unforgettable for families of all ages.

White Water Rafting

Thrill seekers will not be disappointed by the offerings of the Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. From scenic trips the kids can enjoy to pulse thumping class IV rapids, this river offers one of the best side excursions a visitor can add to their Yellowstone National Park vacation. There are several tour companies from which to choose that offer half and full day trips as well as "saddle and paddle" horseback/rafting combination trips.

Mountain Biking

Biking in nearby Teton Valley Idaho is an adventurous and spectacular excursion not to be missed during a trip to Yellowstone. With dozens of mountain bike trails ranging from truly mountainous and romantic back roads to paved beginners paths - there is a trail for every level of biker. Plenty of adventure companies offer bike rentals, trail maps and even guided bike tours.

Skiing

A winter trip to Yellowstone National Park brings forth a whole new set of possible side excursions! Some of the best white powder in the country means that there are plenty of snowboarding and ski trails to explore. The area surrounding Yellowstone offers a complete range of skiing options, but advanced and expert skiers simply should not miss the opportunity to take part in a heli-ski experience. Nothing but a heli-ski trip allows skiers to find the best virgin snow, enjoy the tranquility of nature and stretch the boundaries of skiing.

No matter your fancy, you're sure to find plenty of exciting things to do in and around Yellowstone National Park. A visit to Yellowstone is so much more than just a vacation, it can be a life-changing experience that takes us out of our hustle and bustle world and reminds us of the beauty, awe, and inspiration of nature.

By: Christine Harrell
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Yellowstone National Park, visit http://www.tetonspringsresort.com.

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Vail, Aspen, the names summon images of skiers and snowboarders flashing down steep slopes of pristine, powdery snow, forests of trees covered with Christmas lights, pricey shops, tony restaurants and fancy hotels. Now think summer. Think of hotel rates which may be half those of winter. Think of restaurant discounts and bargains at fashionable shops. Think of carefully groomed golf courses.Think of rafting and canoeing and hiking, concerts and dance and theater. Then think of a drive along mountains more than 14,000 feet high.

The two resorts are 90 miles apart just around the corner in western terms of distance.

The best way of seeing both of them during the summer is an auto trip that takes you through passes as high as 12,095 feet. It goes through Leadville with its history of colorful characters as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, Baby Doe and the Unsinkable Molly Brown. It takes you into trendy Aspen with its tree-lined streets and sandstone and brick buildings, then over to Glenwood Springs named for its warm mineral water pools and caves and from there east to your starting point.

Vail is where most visitors are likely to start the trip, since it's a direct, slightly less than two hour' drive from Denver via the I-70 interstate.

Vail is beautiful during the ski season, its beauty augmented by the brilliant whiteness of newly fallen powder snow on the dark mountains. In the summer, Vail's beauty comes from the dark greens of the evergreens, the lighter green leaves and white trunks of aspens, the dazzling blue of the sky and processions of cumulus clouds rubbing against the sharp peaks of the mountains.

Summer visitors come to golf on five top-rated courses. Younger and more vigorous tourists come to mountain bike, torturing muscles and lungs by pumping up steep mountain roads and trails or taking a ski lift to the top of a high peak and plunging down its side on two wheels, dodging rocks and holes and small animals, staging a heart-stopping, animated display of why Vail has one of the nation's largest hospitals specializing in sports injuries and rehabilitation.

Older and less vigorous tourists are likely to restrict their athletic activities to hikes, canoeing or fishing on a peaceful mountain lake, viewing the Vail Valley from a hot air balloon, or riding horses through parts of the surrounding national forest.

In the summer, Vail Village resembles a sidewalk sale of skis, jackets and other winter equipment and clothing marked down as much as 50 percent, sometimes more. In the winter, its impossible to find a hotel offering rates lower than $125 a day or bed and breakfasts under $100. Summer hotel rates are as low as $59. Many restaurants also cut their prices during the summer or offer two for one specials.

My wife and I stayed at the Minturn Inn, a rustic but comfortable bed and breakfast in Minturn, an old mining and railroad town five miles from Vail Valley. Many of the town's weathered buildings have been converted into inns, excellent restaurants and a variety of small, arty shops and galleries, selling items as Indian head dresses, buffalo heads and light fixtures made from elk horn.

Minturn's main street is Route 24, aptly named the Top of the Rockies Highway, which leads off I-70 just west of Vail. Its the most scenic route to take on the first leg of the trip to Aspen.

South of Minturn, Route 24 begins a sharp ascent. Off to the right is the 14,005 foot high Mount of the Holy Cross. The 1,500 foot cross, created by natural crevices in the face of the mountain, can be seen high on the northwest side of the peak.

Continuing toward Leadville, we came into a high, level valley nestled between mountain ranges. Here is the site of Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division trained on skis and snowshoes before engaging in bloody combat in World War II. Robert Dole trained at the camp. So did the founders of the Aspen and Vail Ski Resorts.

From Camp Hale, the highway begins its ascent to the Continental Divide and Tennessee Pass, 10,424 feet above sea level. Fifteen minutes away and six feet higher is Leadville, which describes itself as North America's highest city. It's been more than 100 years since Doc Holiday killed two men in Leadville and Soapy Smith and his thugs ruled the town, over a century since Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson walked the streets and Leadville Johnny Brown and his young wife Molly gave parties.

The gambling tables and brothels are gone, but you can still belly up to a bar where Buffalo Bill Cody and the James brothers downed their drinks and the restored 1866 Delaware Hotel from the rough days of wealth and sin remains open for guests. The Tabor Opera House, once described as the finest between St. Louis and San Francisco, still stands, although in need of refurbishing. It is open for tours from May 30 to Oct. 1.

Once past downtown, there are unobstructed views to the west of Colorado's highest peaks, Mt.Elbert at 14,433 feet and Mt. Massive, only 12 feet lower.

Mt. Elbert continues to dominate the western skyline as Rt. 24 continues south from Leadville. Fifteen miles later Rt. 82 intersects. We turn right toward Aspen. Driving west, Mt. Elbert looms larger on our right. On the left is the Twin Lakes Reservoir, popular for fishing and camping.

Beyond Twin Lakes, the highway climbs in a continuing succession of unguarded curves and hairpin turns to Independence Pass, which crosses the Sawsatch Range at 12,095 feet. The pass is sensibly closed doing the snow season.

On either side of the pass are turnoffs and parking spaces and footpaths where sightseers are offered a feast of mountains, streams and dense forested wilderness.

West of Independence Pass, Route 82 dives down the canyon of the Roaring Fork River. The Roaring Fork flows through Aspen, which got its start as a silver mining center in the 1880s, but found gold nearly a century later as a ski resort. Located in a glacial valley surrounded by magnificent peaks, upscale Aspen, with its many rust-colored buildings dating from the turn of the century and mature trees shading the downtown streets, gives the impression of more permanence and history than modern Vail.

Both are trendy and pricey, the playgrounds of movie and rock stars and a billionaire or two. Vail is a golfers' paradise, but Aspen ups Vail by also offering travel by helicopter, underground trips through old silver mines and treks into the back country with a llama to carry your gear.

Aspen also has the edge on culture, earning an international reputation for its annual summer jazz and classical music festivals.

We linger in Aspen only long enough to window shop at the fashionable shops and galleries and to people watch as we nibble on crepes served from an old popcorn wagon standing outside near one of several downtown fountains.

Then its back on Route 82 to follow the Roaring Fork River through red rock canyons to Glenwood Springs.

The Ute Indians regarded the hot springs and vapor caves as a sacred place of healing. The old gunslinger Doc Holiday may have hoped to find confirmation in that Indian belief when he came to Glenwood Springs afflicted by tuberculosis. If so, he was disappointed. His grave is now a tourist attraction.

But most visitors come to swim and bathe in the hot water pools, or try to sweat away tensions and stiffness in the caves.

After drying off, we start on a fast 60-mile drive back to Vail via I-70. For the first 12 miles, we follow the Colorado River as it courses through the scenic Glenwood Canyon. The stream is swift here and endowed with challenging rapids with names like Maneater and Tombstone. With those names, its not surprising that it's a popular stretch of the river for rafters and kayakers.

We halt for a late supper in the Gas House, a popular restaurant in Edwards, 15 miles west of Vail. Frequent guests include Frank Gifford and Kathie Lee, who have a house nearby. Then its back to our b&b for a night's long sleep.

By: Joseph Ritz
Joseph P. Ritz is a retired journalist, an author of two books and a published and produced playwright. His latest book is a memoir, "I NEVER LOOKED FOR MY MOTHER and other regrets of a Journalist." It is meant to be most humorous. You may read selections at Amazon.com or at his website:
http://jritz.net

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If you are a winter sports enthusiast you will no doubt be enjoying some skiing or snowboarding at one of the area's many fantastic resorts. Heavenly Ski Resort is on the South Shore and is a well rounded resort and one of North America's largest mountains. The 3500 foot vertical drop is unmatched anywhere on the west coast. Heavenly is famous for its gondola, located half a block west of Stateline, and putting the serenity of the mountain just steps away from the major casinos and nearly 5,000 hotel rooms. The eight passenger enclosed compartments take you 2.4 miles up the mountain in 12 minutes while you marvel at the staggering views of the lake. Once you arrive at the 14,000 square foot observation platform, you will be treated to views of Carson Valley, Desolation Wilderness, and shore to shore views of Lake Tahoe. Regardless of whether or not you are continuing to Adventure Peak at the top of the mountain to enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling, a trip on the Heavenly Gondola is something that everybody should do while in Lake Tahoe, the views will be unmatched.

Another popular ski Resort is the Squaw Valley Resort on the North Shore. The Resort, home to the 1960 Olympic Games, is set over six magnificent mountain peaks and offers over 4000 acres of skiable terrain. This is a large resort with an abundance of activities for all the family to enjoy. As well as many recreational opportunities, Squaw also is home to the Village at Squaw Valley, an interesting collection of stores, boutiques and some great eateries, and is a great way to spend a leisurely day.

After an exhilarating day on the slopes, Lake Tahoe allows you the chance to either relax over a good meal in one of the area's exceptional restaurants, or for those with energy left to spare, there are a huge variety of thrilling nightlife options, mostly centered around the casinos. Lake Tahoe is famous for its casinos, most of which you will find on the South Shore, and each with a multitude of dining, entertainment, gaming and dancing options. Most casino resorts have up to ten different restaurants, and several bars, lounges and nightclubs. Day or night, there is always something going on, but with the gaming laws, all the casinos are on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, with the Stateline area being where most of these resorts are clustered together. Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Harvey's, the new MontBleu Resort and the Horizon Resort and Casino are all great choices for 24 hour action under one roof. No trip to Lake Tahoe would be complete without a visit to at least one!

Of course winter is not the only time that Lake Tahoe is buzzing, the summertime brings with it blue skies and warm weather, and opportunities for enjoying the outdoors like no other place on earth. Hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, swimming, kayaking, rafting, the list is endless and the backdrop for any of these activities will take your breath away. Tahoe is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, full of hidden coves to discover, hiking trails that afford views unlike any other, magical treasures just waiting to be found. One of the most scenic games of golf anywhere can be found at the Edgewood Tahoe, an elegant resort situated on the South Shore, and designed by George Fazio. Edgewood is the home of the annual celebrity golf championship and if you enjoy golf, this beautiful course will test your skills with its challenging but fair game. If you prefer to hike than play golf, then try the Emerald Bay to Vikingsholm trail. Starting in the spectacular Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe, the trail is wide and well maintained, but can be a little steep in places. It runs for two and a half miles round trip, and you will get to see the amazing Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle that was once a summer home for a wealthy family, but now serves as a museum, and is a unique blend of architecture and nature.

For those who prefer to take things at a more relaxed pace, there is no better way to enjoy the splendor of the lake than to sail on its waters. Zephyr Cove in South Lake Tahoe offers not only horseback riding, camping, beaches and jet-ski and boat rentals, but also is where you can cruise on one of its historic paddle wheelers and take in the scenery. The award winning vessels serve champagne brunches, breakfast and dinner, and there is even a romantic sunset cruise to music. Scenic cruises run daily from June through mid September and there are many different themed cruises to choose from, such as the 'Mark Twain's Tales of a Tahoe' cruise, or the 'Family Fun Cruise with Tahoe Tessie.' The cruises are a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend some time and provide some incredible photo opportunities to ensure that you will never forget your trip.

With or without photographs, a trip to Lake Tahoe will always be memorable and very special. This destination has it all, and anyone lucky enough to visit will be spoilt for choice with the extent of recreational and sightseeing activities available here. This is a place where the variety of things to do for all the family, coupled with the glorious scenery make an excellent choice for your next vacation.

By: Ellie Cominos
Ellie Cominos is a travel expert and a content associate and travel guide writer for BookIt.com® - the online travel company offering discounted hotels and vacations wherever you are FROM! Visit the BookIt.com ® Travel Guides for additional travel information including articles, reviews and helpful travel tips.

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