Lovin' Atlanta

Those that say you can't take it with you
never saw a car packed for a vacation trip.
~ Author Unknown

We're baaacck from our 'relative vacation'.
Atlanta is one of our favorite cities, and
we have several favorite places to visit
-- in addition to our relatives!

Stone Mountain is the largest
exposed granite monolith in the world.
A massive Confederate Monument
is carved into the granite face, like Mt. Rushmore.
Ride a Swiss cable car to the top of the mountain.
In season, enjoy a paddlewheel steamer ride.
Visit an antebellum plantation, the auto museum
and the Stone Mountain museum. Great day!

The new Georgia Aquarium is a tribute to ingenuity.
Stroll through an acrylic tunnel as tropical fish swim
beside and above you. Explore the world's varied
water habitats within the themed "aqua-areas".

ZooAtlanta started with an abandoned carnival
in the mid-1800's. It's located in Grant Park,
next to the Civil War Museum and Cyclorama.
Cyclorama – a 360º painting of the Battle of Atlanta,
is one of only two in the nation.
The museum also houses the "Texas",
the famed engine from "The Great Train Race".

Next time you're in the area, spend a day or two
exploring the history and attractions of Atlanta.
It's a great place to visit …

In the meantime, remember ...
Life is a journey, travel first class!

Mini-Vacations not "Nay-cations"

Just read an article telling the reader that 2009 will be the year of "nay-cations". He listed nine reasons why Americans will say NO to travel, among them: the economy, the hassle, and the added costs/fees/surcharges.

I'd like to disagree. Giving up vacations is like giving up chocolate! No matter how tough life gets, we still need to reward ourselves with things to look forward to ... things to enjoy. Travel is important to personal well-being.

Here are some tips to make your vacation planning more cost-effective.

Mini-Vacations Not "Nay-cations" - Seven Money-saving Travel Tips

Don't give up the things that keep us sane. Knowing there's a trip in your future gives you something to look forward to. Happy Traveling!

Mini-vacations: easy, economical and everywhere!

Have you made plans yet
for your annual vacation?
Are you thinking about
the fun and relaxation,
Or are you bumming
about the airfare or fuel expense?
The cost of a hotel for a week or more?

Here's a suggestion …
plan shorter trips
more often,
closer to home.

Mini-vacations are a great way to add
more playtime to your life without a lot of expense.

Explore your own hometown like a tourist.
Then explore the next town!
Pick a destination that's only a few hours away
for a quick three-day getaway.

Then let us know how much fun you had!
We'd love to hear your vacation stories.
Happy travels!

A Mini-vacation in Chocolate Town!

We're off on another mini-vacation!
This one's in Hershey PA. Ed has
a conference. I came along for the ride.
(I told you I'd go anywhere, anytime!)

Hershey is always fun.
Even though the amusement park isn't open,
there is still plenty to do.

My favorite spot is Hershey Gardens.
It's too early for the roses to be in bloom,
but strolling the grounds is enjoyable any time.
Hershey Gardens sits atop a hill overlooking the town.
It's 23 acres with more than a dozen themed areas,
including a new Children's Garden and Butterfly House.

No one should visit Hershey PA
without seeing the original Hershey Hotel.
The lobby, circular dining room and grounds
remind visitors of the mansions in Newport –
an era of refined comfort and elegance,
recaptured for the guests of the Hotel.
I particularly like the Spanish-style lobby
with its ornate tilework. Even if you're not staying there …
go see it! Have a drink in the lounge;
stroll through the formal gardens at the rear of the hotel.

Next stop – Chocolate World, a simulated tour
through a chocolate factory –
complete with a free sample at the end of the ride.

Hershey is the town where street lights
look like Hershey kisses,
and everything smells like chocolate,
especially when it rains!

For more information, visit
www.touringwithus.com/articles.

We'll visit with you again soon.
Happy travels!

Mini-vacations don't have to be travel …

That sounds kinda weird, but let me explain.

Mini simply means 'small'.
And Webster defines 'vacation' as a respite,
a time away from something …
an intermission.
The concept of travel –
of being away from home and work –
is the third meaning … not the first.

So … anytime you take a break from something,
you're creating a mini vacation
for your mind and body.

Of course, vacations away from home
are wonderful!
If I could, I'd be gone every weekend.
But in the meantime,
I've decided to add more 'mini vacations' to each day.

A cup of tea out on the deck before work …
A ten-minute walk at lunch …
A quick game of 'Spider'
before I start the next project.
A Saturday afternoon hike.

The older I get,
the more I realize that life is short.
And it's meant to be enjoyed.
So, I'm headed outside with that cup of tea.
Why not join me?

Don't forget our book give-away.
There's a new book out called
"The Secret To True Happiness".
It's by Joyce Meyer, and she tells us
how to create more joy in our lives … every day.
I'd like to give away a few copies to some of you.

Use the comment box below to tell us how
you've found more joy in your own life.
We'll celebrate your joy with you

Mini-vacations … Exploring local history

Experience...travel –
these are an education
in themselves.
~ Euripides

We had an assignment to write an article
about local bed & breakfasts.
It sounded kind of fun since
most B&B's have historic roots.
Another mini vacation for us!

We live near Chautauqua NY, world famous
as a destination for learning and outdoor enjoyment.
This part of New York was settled in the early 1800's.

The oldest building in the county, Landmark Acres,
dates from 1802, and is now an upscale antiques mart.

The William Seward Inn was once the home
of the former governor and Secretary of State
who pursued the purchase of Alaska -
Seward's Folly.

There are Victorian mansions, historic hotels
and a B&B that stables guests' horses.
Trailer in and ride the local trails.

Walk the grounds of Chautauqua Institute,
the beginning of adult public education in the US.
The Institute started as an adult church camp in 1871.
It's the original … and one of only three
permanent chautauqua's in the country.

If you'd like to read the whole story,
visit the 'Articles' section of our website.
And don't forget to come touring with us next time!