Vacation Packages

Spicewood, Texas is a romantic destination that encompasses fantastic lodging accommodations, dining, music, boat rentals, and golf. Spicewood?s streets and creeks are bordered with cypress trees which are beautiful to view while driving or walking. Home to over 20 wineries in Texas Hill Country, Spicewood is a great retreat for those who fancy wine.

Vacation rentals in Spicewood include motels, hotels, hill country bed and breakfasts, vacation homes and log cabins. Texas vacation rentals such as homes fronting Lake Travis are also accessible. One suggestion is Chanticleer Log Cabin Bed and Breakfast. Chanticleer has restored turn of the century log cabins into small, tranquil abodes resting on Lake Travis seashore. For more information about these remarkable cabin escapes filled with down home comforts, visit their web site.

The TreeHouse at Cozy Cove is one more romantic lodge great for an anniversary. Also located on the shore of Lake Travis, The TreeHouse has impressive views of the lake, is beautifully decorated, private and quiet. Its close to great dining and wineries, so along with the lake activities, there is plenty to do or nothing to do at all.

For dining, Lee?s Almost by the Lake is recommended for a great meal. You can get their Leeburger for $5.00, a huge double meat double cheese hamburger stuffed with fresh jalapenos. Their Philly Cheesesteak is loaded with beef and is great. Located at 801 Pace Bend Road, they are open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Moon River is another recommended restaurant for some down home Fried Catfish , Chicken Fried Chicken or great burgers and fries.

Spicewood Vineyards is a lovely vineyard to drop in on for the afternoon. With striking fields and prize winning wines, this is a great place to expend some time. Spicewood Vinyards also has a great event center that can serve up to 200 guests for wedding parties, family reunions, or the like. For more information about Spicewood Vinyards, visit their website.

Stone House Vineyard is located on a high bluff overlooking Lake Travis. This vineyard has outstanding views, distinguished wines for tasting and purchasing, and a romantic ambiance for dining with amazing food. The Tasting Room and Winery are open Thursday through Sunday from noon to five by appointment only. For further information or to make an appointment, go to their web site.

For an afternoon of golf, Pedernales Golf Course, a nine hole community course, is located on Rt1, Briarcliff 2 in Spicewood. Owned by Willie Nelson and operated by PGA Professional, Chris Woolery, this is a beautiful nine hole course spanning the hill tops near the Pedernales River. To book your tee time, call them at 1-512-264-1489.

Spicewood, Texas has a lot to recommend for a romantic retreat. The individuals operating the splendid Texas vacation rentals, restaurants, wineries, lake activities and golf courses, are more than happy that you have come to visit their lovely town and go out of their way to greet you.

James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on Texas golf rentals and things to do.

Key West is, as the name suggests, the westernmost island of the chain of islands stretching back from Florida’s southern tip backwards into the Gulf of Mexico. Originally known as Cayo Hueso, or Island of Bones, the island was first officially claimed for the U.S. by Commodore Matthew Perry in 1821. For many years, it was a naval base of operations against pirates of the Caribbean. Civilian settlement followed, and by the late 19th century, Key West was the most prosperous community in Florida. For many years, the only way to reach Key West was by boat or train (a railroad was in place by 1912), but since the extension of U.S. Highway 1 in 1938, the community has been readily accessible by automobile.

Key West is drenched in history, particularly when it comes to American literature. Novelist Steven King makes his home in the Keys for part of the year, but he is only the most recent in a line of American literary figures who have been residents in this community, which most notably include late playwright Tennessee Williams and novelist Ernest Hemingway. The home once owned by Hemingway has been declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark and it is here that he later said he did some of his best writing. At the La Concha Hotel, Tennessee Williams penned the first draft of A Streetcar Named Desire, and he made his home in Key West for the last 34 years of his life. Today, a theater on the campus of nearby Florida Keys Community College bears his name.

There are beautiful Florida Keys vacation rentals throughout the chain of islands to rent for short or long term. If you haven’t ever travelled to the Islamorada Florida Keys, this stretch of the Keys is a spectacular location. Islamorada is comprised of six islands that include Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key. This might be the only area on Earth where it is possible to hook a sailfish in the morning, and then sail into the backcountry in pursuit of bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish in just inches of water. There are also abundant Islamorada vacation rentals accessible that are charming and tranquil.

Old Town Key West offers a large range of interests that include water sports such as deep sea fishing, diving and snorkeling as well as a large number of cultural events throughout the year. In fact, in an area four miles long and two miles wide, there are no less than 89 art galleries exhibiting a wealth of paintings and sculptures by local residents and include works by Cuban and Haitian artists in exile.

In addition, the Florida Keys are quarters to the areas only nonprofit self-regulating film multiplex, where film buffs can attend screenings of foreign and independent films that are shown in very few other venues. The Tropic Cinema is just one of the must see attractions in Key West. In addition to pictures, live theater is flourishing at venues such as the Marathon Community Theater, which presents musicals and other plays that recently included Guys and Dolls, Deathtrap and a full Broadway review.

Nature lovers may learn a great deal about the local flora and fauna at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, which includes a fine art gallery of its own. You can also experience some of the early history and archeology of the area by going to the Crane Point Museum Nature Center and Historic Site, which is situated on one of the oldest existing home sites on the island.

Key West is an island off the coast of Florida with a lively history and unique current day character. There are numerous Florida Keys vacation rentals obtainable on this magical isle.

James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on Florida golf rentals and things to do.

Many do not realize that in addition to theme parks and beaches, Florida is additionally splendid for camping in its National Forests. Year round mild temperatures keep the National Parks operating through the winter months.

Ocala National Forest and Apalachicola National Forest are some of the premier hiking and camping destinations in Florida. Trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The temperatures for the dry months of November through February range from a daily average of 50 F to a high of 72 F.

There are a lot of activities to enjoy in Ocala National Forest. The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is a challenging 22 mile long ride through live oak domes, verdant prairies and stands of pines. Given that the trail is in a figure eight shape, shorter loops can be ended at the central point. Because this trail is not smooth, mountain bikes are ideal. There is not a charge to ride the trail and there is complimentary parking available at the trailhead at Clearwater Lake and the parking area of FR 538. Alexander Springs is located at the north end of the trail and Clearwater Lake is located at the south end. Water, showers and flush toilets are accessible at both areas, but please note there is a fee to use these amenities. Water is not available along the trail, so be certain to bring plenty of water. The trail is marked with yellow diamonds and arrows and posts at road crossings. Other interests are horseback riding, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. Camp fires are permited at camp sites.

If camping is a little too rustic for you, but you still enjoy day trips to the National Forests, Florida cabin rentals are plentiful all throughout the northern regions of Florida within short driving distances to parks.

Near Tallahassee is the Apalachicola National Forest. The Apalachicola National Forest offers water based recreation such as boating and fishing along the Ochlockonee and Apalachicola Rivers, and swimming in the numerous lakes. Trails and roads accommodate hiking, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, and off road ATV and motorcycle riding. Primitive camping is allowed throughout the Forest; fee campsites provide restrooms and water, picnic tables and fire rings. Hunting for deer is the dominant activity in December and January.

Subsequent to a couple of weeks traveling and camping in the National Parks, a little relief in a Florida bed and breakfast will feel like luxury. Inn keepers are very knowledgeable and obliging with area suggestions for restaurants, shopping, golf, night life and the like. Most country inns are near to city amenities so that you will be relaxed and geared up for your next camping event in more Florida National Parks and beaches.

Wesley Mathews is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on Florida beach rentals and things to do.

There are many great vacation deals if you want to go to Dallas, Texas. A trip to cowboy country is an unbridled one because there is no place like Texas. Dallas, Texas offers scenic drives along with excursions to the wide open Old West. Going on an education excursion by visiting the Dallas Museum of Art or the Dallas World Aquarium are a couple of attractions tourists can see while in Dallas. Those who want to relax and flee the stresses of city living can go on a retreat to the Dallas Arboretum.

Before a scenic drive or visit to some of the area attractions in Dallas, finding the ideal Texas vacation rental is a chief priority. Dallas is well-known for their historical bed and breakfasts that are conveniently found all throughout the area. A lot of Texas pride goes into each minute element in every room and the setting quite often exudes the effort. Travelers feel transported in time, as if they are one of the first settlers to stay in Dallas. Dallas bed and breakfasts are a genuine lodging treat that will commence your vacation on the right cowboy boot.

Dallas is a city saddled with culture, art, great dining and fantastic outdoor activities. Located in the heart of Casa View is the scenic White Rock Lake where most of the locals visit during the weekends. White Rock Lake is host to many activities such as jogging, picnics, and sailing. The Dallas Zoo is also an attraction the whole family will enjoy and is also conveniently located down town.

For those who want to see the major attractions in Dallas, do not fail to go to Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe, a historic landmark designed in the early 18th Century. Southern Methodist University is a magnificent campus that genuinely represents the grand Texan outdoors with great walking paths, magnificent oak trees and wonderful views. Another optional place to pay a visit is the JFK Memorial located in West End and the Dallas Holocaust Museum.

Dallas, Texas has countless fantastic attractions, delicious dining establishments, historical attractions and delightful bed and breakfasts. Each excursion will delight you and leave you feeling proud of our larger than life Texas heritage.

James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on Texas vacation rentals and things to do.

Half way between Savannah and Jacksonville, is a scenic island haven, Jekyll Island, Georgia. Georgia’s smallest barrier island is 5,700 acres of bike trails, scenic shoreline, historic mansions, delicious restaurants and more. Jekyll Island is right in the middle of a renewal project to increase it’s eco-system and tourism and is one of the largest revitalization campaigns in the Southeastern United States.

The eight hotels on Jekyll Island include comfortable economy, internationally recognized resorts, suites and beach villas. Vacation cottages are available for short and long-term rental. Also, a secluded campground welcomes tent campers and motor homes. Jekyll Island vacation rentals are dispersed throughout this lovely island, so it is convenient to get around from any vacation rental you choose to stay at.

Jekyll Island was purchased from John Eugene duBignon in 1886 by some of the wealthiest men in America as a hunting resort. The names of the owners are recognizable to most, and include J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, Marshall Field, John J. Hill, Everett Macy, William Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Richard Teller Crane. As Florida was not developed yet, these men created their own clubhouse and througout the years, extended the clubhouse to include cottages. Many of these exquisite cottages (mansions) have been restored or are currently a work in progress. The principal “cottage” is almost 8,000 square feet. The Jekyll Island Clubhouse is now a romantic Victorian hotel.

Millionaire’s Village is a great attraction to see on Jekyll Island. A lot of the historic cottages described above have been restored, and tours are available. If you arrive by small cruise ship on the Intracoastal Waterway, you will dock at the same Jekyll Island Wharf where a number of the most luxurious pleasure crafts ever constructed are presently docked. From the wharf, you can see the entire Millionaire’s Village. If you do not plan to stay overnight on Jekyll Island, there are several lovely Georgia vacation rentals all along the coast.

Bike riding is a wonderful way to see this spectacular island. There are several bicycle rental stores on the island and a great bike path that encircles the complete island. It will take about 2 hours to get around the complete island, but there a few paths to take that cut across the midpoint to shorten your trip if you require it. From these paths are numerous sites to see.

On the other side of the waterway is the famous Georgia “Marshes of Glynn” made famous by the poet Sidney Lanier. “The Marshes of Glynn” became a highly acclaimed poem and Sidney Lanier made plans to write a series of poems entitled Hymns of the Marshes. Only a few in the series were actually composed. Through the 1900s, Georgia students were required to memorize the poem. Tours run from 10 am to 3 pm at the National Historic District Welcome Center, which is located on Shell Road a short walk from the wharf.

Jekyll Island is located right off the Georgia coast. A six-mile causeway separates Jekyll Island from the mainland. Jekyll is convenient to I-95, take Exit 29 and follow the signs east on U.S. 17 for about 10 miles. For more information regarding Jekyll Island, please call the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 1-877-453-5955.

Wesley Mathews is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on Georgia beach rentals and things to do.

If you have never visited Tulum Mexico and you adore wide white powder sand beaches and the azure gin clear waters of the Western Caribbean, then for no other reason you should come. Visiting a number of of the finest beaches in the world is only one of the draws to this magical region. There is genuinely something magical available here. The Mayans felt the magnetic pull from this majestic part of the world and created an observatory on the cliffs above the sapphire waters of this Yucatan paradise as a major harbor and viewpoint for the inland Mayan city of Coba. The locations along the beaches of Tulum are currently home to many Tulum resorts which present an eco-friendly yet luxurious retreat option.

The name Tulum originates from the Mayan word for wall, although this early Mayan city was also referred to as Zama which means “city of dawn”. Possibly they called it that because of the extraordinary sunrises you can observe from the cliffs and beaches around these well preserved and sublime ruins containing the most prevalent ruins of any in Mexico to visit.

Tulum is a long way removed from the mega resorts and hotels of Cancun and even outside the thriving Playa del Carmen hotels and resorts. The Tulum lodges you find in this vicinity are primarily the eco friendly variety and the area is known for coining the phrase ‘eco-chic’. These are not your typical eco friendly hotels with several offering full service spas and facilities you would not be expecting in such a unaffected and unspoiled environment.

Yucatan Peninsula travel gives you a wide variety of options as far as style and substance. If you are traveling to the inland locations, you can explore the new 7th Wonder of the World at the ruins of Chichen Itza or stop at historical Merida hotels where colonial elegance meets Mayan history and culture. Playa Del Carmen hotels offer a more characteristic Caribbean holiday experience. The streets are bustling with world class shopping and nightclubs as well as an enthusiastic daily beach setting ideal for people watching and sun worship. Of course Cancun has long been recognized as a major tourist getaway since the late 1970?s and now represents a more modern and conventional large luxury resort experience.

Yucatan hotels vary in both size and style and there’s genuinely something for everyone. For me it’s the less significant Tulum resorts, Holbox Island hotels and the more subdued places that are still comparatively undiscovered. Beyond the evident draw of the white sand and mixed shades of turquoise waters there’s something about being in a pristine part of paradise that does make it feel all your own, a magical location to rest and envision what life was like for the Mayans that ruled this region for so many years.

There is a great deal more to this area that we can look at beyond what I’ve written, so we’ll without doubt be talking more regarding the Yucatan as we go. One of the things we will touch on soon is the best times of the year to visit. You could be surprised to find that some of the best Yucatan travel deals can be found within peak seasons and what you may think is off season can sometimes be the top time of the year for great Playa del Carmen deals or Holbox deals where you can swim with the largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark! Stay tuned for additional updates from the homeland of the Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula!

Ron Williams is a freelance travel writer living year round in Tulum, Mexico specializing in information about Merida hotels and life on the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to contact Ron directly if you need local tips or information.