Vacation In The US
Vacation Ideas

There is a lot to do in Gatlinburg whether you are a shopper, an explorer or you just want to relax. I like to do a little of each. In downtown Gatlinburg you will find many shops.

One of my favorite shops is called "The Pepper Palace" which is a must stop for our family each time we go. In the shops you can find anything from candy to beautiful art and jewelry. An explorer can have lots of fun as well.

There are many indoor activities from visiting Ripley's Aquarium or Fort Fun which has a little bit of everything. And for those Dukes of Hazzard Lovers, visiting Cooter's Garage is a must.

There are also many outdoor activities as well there are numerous hiking trail to visit as well as driving trails for those who prefer not to hike.One can visit numerous waterfalls and see different animals as they visit. Relaxing in the mountains is great as well.

Whether you are relaxing on a short fishing trip, in your hotel room or beside a fire in the cabin, there are many relaxing options for you. If you have never visited the Smoky Mountains, I recommend this for your vacation ideas. You will not be disappointed.

However, my preferred method of travel is the Sandia Shuttle Express, which picks you up at the airport and drops you off at your hotel. If you stay near the Plaza at the heart of the city, you do not need to rent a car in Santa Fe.

There are plenty of sites worth visiting within walking distance, such as the Loretto Chapel, Turquoise Trail, and my favorite restaurant ever, The Shed. I am a huge fan of The Shed’s red chile beef enchiladas. Once you’ve had them, you will dream about them. The Shed is always busy though, so remember to make reservations.

If you want to venture further afield for more relaxation, you can go to Ten Thousand Waves, which provides a full range of spa services including massages and heated outdoor private pools and saunas. If you visit Ten Thousand Waves in winter, you can enjoy a hot pool under the stars with snow surrounding you. It is a dream.

One memory I will never forget is when a herd of bison wandered right through the middle of our camp site! They were not afraid of us, but we had been warned to stay away from them. There have been injuries and even deaths from what the rangers told us. While on a hike, I remember finding a wild strawberry patch with tiny pink berries, so sweet and delicate. Of course, no visit to Yellowstone is complete without a visit to see Old Faithful.

As far as geysers go, it is unique in that it erupts about every 90 minutes or so. There is a palpable sense of anticipation when you see the little spurts of steam that signify the impending burst. Onlookers cheer as it gushes high into the air! What a sense of awe can be felt, at this unique natural marvel.

If you are a movie buff, you'll like Astoria - it has been the filming site of several movies, including the 80's Spielberg classic, "The Goonies". Speaking of the Columbia, the bridge over the river into Washington is a trip in itself! If you can brave it (and believe me, it's a challenge - sturdy bridge, but it's high and pretty scary to drive over and it's almost 4 miles long!) the gorgeous Lewis & Clark National Historical Park is waiting for you. You must see this park! One spot in particular is a beautiful hidden waterfall, huge and powerful. You'll have to find it yourself, I won't tell you which one - exploring is half the fun!

Astoria is a wonderful place to visit - if you can, drive in from the south along Highway 101. I've taken this trip driving from Arcata, California all the way up to Astoria, and between other quaint little towns, huge redwoods and rolling rivers, it is worth it!

One of the most sought after vacation ideas in the world, Maui is perfect for families, couples and even singletons. Water sports, hiking, scuba diving, dining or just spending the day by the pool, this island has no limits and will cater for whatever your heart desires if you look hard enough. A very family orientated atmosphere across, however still an eccentric lively nightlife appears at dusk. I’ve traveled the world but Maui, Hawaii is something magnificent and unworldly.

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