There aren’t too many places where you can take the family on vacation or for a weekend getaway, where everyone in the family can enjoy it. This is what makes a Branson Missouri vacation so much different from any other travel destinations. The parents will both enjoy all of the different attractions that are geared toward Mom and Dad; while the kids will have theme parks like Silver Dollar City or the famous Ride the Ducks ride to enjoy. Your kids are guaranteed to have a good time in Branson with so many things to choose from. The go-kart rides, putt putt golf, and the scenic Railroad are just a few of the great things for kids to enjoy while visiting Branson, Missouri.

One of the favorite things I hear about most often from the adults is the Legends in Concert. This is where some of the most famous entertainers in the World have a performer that looks like them and will dress like them on stage and perform some of their most popular signature songs. There are other great shows for visitors to enjoy in Branson too. The Titanic Museum is an awesome looking site from the pictures I have seen. I guess this is one of the newer attractions in Branson and I would love to take a tour through this massive ship, that is located in the heart of America. There are other museums you can look forward to visiting, while in Branson, like the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum and the Veterans Memorial Museum. The thrill rides, activities for kids, museums, and shows are just a small sample of all the great things you can take part in, if you and your family make Branson, Missouri your choice for the next family vacation.

About 160 years ago, everyone in the East was packing up and moving West toward the California coastline; in hopes of finding the mother lode or striking it rich with a huge gold find. In more modern times, folks have loaded up and went in the direction of California to find movie stardom or fame. People have always dreamed of being rich or a big movie star and the state of California has provided these dreams. Too bad only a few ever struck it rich with gold or found their self starring in a big Hollywood movie.

I know how it feels to see your dreams get crushed or never materialize. I have been there myself and I didn’t even get a trip to California, to see my dreams and hopes of the future go down the drain. I do believe you deserve some credit, if you did make the sacrifice to load up everything you owned and traveled to the Golden State, without knowing if you would be rich or famous. I’m sure the biggest challenge that faced gold miners and today’s actors and actresses is finding a place to live. The people of today have the choice to search for Apartments for rent in Long Beach or other areas of California. The 49ers from the California Gold Rush days, would have not seen apartments for rent or nice homes for sale, like the modern explorers of today.

Maybe you are in California right now and you are currently looking for a place to stay. While it might appear to be a tough task, it really isn’t, if you know the proper places to look. Nice apartment buildings in Los Angeles and just outside of the L.A. area, do have rooms available for fame seekers. The Long Beach area of California has the 1900 Ocean Apartments, which would be perfect for fame seekers, who are waiting for their Hollywood call-ups. Your Hollywood Dreams may have not included any images of the Long Beach Apartments, but at least you will have a nice place to rest your head at night.

Before anyone leaves their home and heads to California looking for work, make sure you have a back up plan. Finding a job is the most important thing you need to do first, when you arrive in California. You can then spend an afternoon reading the want-ads and seeing if a Long Beach Rental property is available. After you got the job and apartment in Cali, you can then focus on your original thoughts and the ideas that got you to California in the first place. I wish you lots of luck in Hollywood and maybe your California Dreaming really does come true. Maybe your side of reality will fall on the famous side of reality! If not, have you ever thought of gold panning as a hobby?

Guest post written by Drew Harris

I understand that Las Vegas has a lot of temptation for some couples to be unfaithful to one another but that city is what brought me and my wife together.

Believe it or not, we met at a craps table and I ended up getting her number and taking her out to dinner that night. We hit it off so well and then we realized that we both lived in Georgia! And the rest it our history.

So for our 30th anniversary this year we decided to go back to Vegas where we met. The casino that we met in was demolished and built over years ago but we went and had a romantic weekend at another one. But before we went, I really wanted it to be as much like when we met as possible so I stopped by miracle ear hearing GA and got some invisible hearing aids.

I felt so young again without having to worry about having some bulky obvious hearing aids on. We both really enjoyed our weekend and I think we might start going for every anniversary from now on.

A more modern day to prospecting for gold can be done with various gold investments. The United States Gold Bureau has a very educated and polite staff of workers, ready to help anyone start a gold coins collection or help them find other ways to invest in gold, silver, and other precious metals. Gold has held the power through out history of changing men’s lives forever. The purchasing power it brings and the ability to diversify in a wide range of different investments, has made gold a reliable investment to hold for many investors. The story and history of gold doesn’t end today and this very heavy metal will continue to make new roads in history, as the gold prices continue to soar each day.

Up in the North Georgia Mountains near Chatsworth, Georgia you will find a state park called Fort Mountain State Park. For a long time now there has been a mystery surrounding the mysterious wall on the top of the large Georgia mountain. The mystery actually got solved a long time ago, as for who built it and why. The officials running the state park don’t want to give up the secrets and make this public information. They rely heavily on visitors coming in through their gates each year and the wall’s mysterious past keeps a lot of them flowing in each year. If they told why the wall was built and who built it; they would probably lose 30% or more from park and camping fees. So officials will be keeping the Fort Mountain State Park secret under their hat for at least a few more years, if not forever.

I can help to clear up one thing about the “moon-eyed people” the Cherokee Indians use to refer to in the 1700′s. These people may have been in the area before the Indian civilizations set up shop in Georgia. However, for anyone who thought these moon-eyed people might be aliens, I can tell you otherwise. Through an extensive research and trying to discover as much information as possible on the moon-eyed people of Fort Mountain state park, I have come to learn why the Indians in North Georgia call these people  moon eyed. The MoonEyed folks living around Fort Mountain in Chatsworth, Georgia was actually a group of folks who had excellent night vision. Not sure if we could consider it better than average or to what extent their night vision powers could reach. They did have better eye-sight than the Cherokees at night and it was the Indians in Georgia who noticed and caught on to their excellent night vision. The Moon-Eyed people in Georgia were simply given their name, because they could see better at night than the Georgia Indians could. I know this might not be an exciting final answer to the mysterious moon eyed people of North Georgia, but this is the factual conclusion.

As for the mysterious wall, I can tell you the story here is pretty boring too. Some did think the wall was a defensive wall and there were a number of groups who could have built it, to defend their self from rival groups over the last 2,000 years. After taking a closer look, you could see the wall wouldn’t be much help for a defensive battle. The wall does offer an interesting design; which pertains to the Sun. It is built in a way, so the rising sun from the East can light up one side of the wall. While the Sun setting in the western sky, the other side of the wall becomes lit up. So, I can tell you the Sun was a big influence in the creation and design of the mysterious Fort Mountain Wall in Georgia.

I will let the park keep some of the secrets associated with the wall in Murray County.  Like who built it and when exactly did they build it? Both of these things are known, but the officials at Fort Mountain State park is not planning to make this public knowledge anytime soon. I would guess a little over 100 people currently know the full story about the wall at Fort Mountain state park in Northern Georgia. Normally 2 people can’t keep a secret for very long, so I would imagine in time, the truth will slip out and everyone can know the full and complete story about this 800+ feet wall in length and never going above 7 feet in height. Now on to more unsolved Georgia mysteries…

If you live in Georgia or plan to travel to Georgia soon, I have a great place you can eat some good seafood. The Marietta Fish Market is a super place with great-tasting seafood and a excellent variety of seafood choices to choose between.

I really enjoy eating here during their lunch hours. You can save a lot of money by eating here during the daytime hours. They don’t give small samples either during their lunch specials. I get more than I can eat at the restaurant and always end up getting a to-go box to take home, so I can enjoy this great seafood later. I love to eat fresh fish and these guys have a big selection to choose from on their fish menu. You will also have a choice of how you want them to cook your piece of fresh fish. I usually will get mine grilled, but their fried fish is good too. The shrimp can be ordered grilled or fried and I recommend a combination platter. Order your favorite kind of fish, you see on the menu and then get a order of fried shrimp or the grilled shrimp to go with it.

I don’t know of anyone who didn’t like eating at this restaurant in Cobb County, Georgia. I live in Cherokee County and don’t mind one bit driving south on Old Highway 5, to get down to the Marietta Fish Market for some good seafood. Have you already ate here before? Please leave your comments and what you thought about this little taste of fresh seafood from the Ocean; that’s located right here in North Georgia. You will have a hard time finding a restaurant that serves bigger portions, better taste, and for such a good price; than this tasty little seafood restaurant in northern Cobb County.

Any golfers planning a trip to Myrtle Beach to hit a few golf balls around; might want to listen to this. There is a website online called 48 hour tee times and they can save you money on your next round of golf. They are currently working with a lot of the area golf courses in and around the Myrtle Beach area in South Carolina. For the golfers who come online and book their tee times in advance by 48 hours or so, can get nice discounts at the golf courses. I don’t live too far away from Myrtle Beach and I do love to play golf. If I see an opportunity in the near future to go play some golf on a weekend getaway to beautiful Myrtle Beach, you can sure bet I will book my tee times in advance. Who wants to pay full prices; when you can save money on golf games by putting your computer to use?

Mini Golf Prices at Full Length Golf Courses

Playing putt putt golf can be a lot of fun, but it is still no comparison to the big boy golf courses. If Myrtle Beach golfers will take the time to book their tee times on the computer, they can play some real 18 hole golf at cheap prices. It may not be quiet mini golf prices, but the bottom line is all golfers can save money by booking 48 hours in advance. If some golf in Myrtle Beach sounds like fun to you, just be sure to check out this website first: www.48hourteetimes.com/  48 Hour Tee Times is ready to get you and your golf clubs on the course, so you can have a reservation to some of the nices places in Myrtle Beach.

The Heather Glen Golf Course, Pine Lakes, Sandpiper Bay, and Azalea Sands are just a few of the golf courses you will see available for reservations and golf discounts. Just by booking your golf times in advance, you can save money off the regular costs, these Myrtle Beach golf courses are normally charging to their golf players. Now you know who to get in touch with, before you visit the next Myrtle Beach golf company.

Miss Universe – Jimena Navarrete

With the world getting a glimpse of these beauties in their national costumes, evening gowns and swimsuits, there is no denying the fact that there seem to be a few contestants who are being considered as really strong contenders, and favorites at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant.

So who are the hot favorites at this years Miss Universe pageant? Based on the popularity of the contestant as well as their “beauty & brains”, these are the contestants who are likely to fall in the “winner” category.

Congratulations to Jimena Navarrete for being the World’s Miss Universe for 2010!

Are you or someone you know Moving To New York? I’m sure a lot of Americans would like to live in New York, so they could experience life in one of the most popular U.S. states. People who are moving to America from another country, would probably list N.Y. as their first choice to live and work. It wouldn’t seem like there is any more New York real estate to go around and would be tough for a new home owner. I guess this is just the views of an outsider and one that views everyone calling New York City their choice for home. I’m sure in up state New York there is plenty of land to go around and a lot of people would find living space there for them and their family.

For most Americans, going to see the Statue of Liberty is a tradition or something every American needs to do at least once in their life. I haven’t seen Lady Liberty up close and in person, so I would certainly have that on my list of “to do things” before I die or the bucket list. People who are coming from other countries and especially the 3rd world countries, would be in for a big surprise, when they decide to become New York Movers. For them, they would view the Statue of Liberty in a whole new way. Both ways would be in the honor of freedom, but probably more special to a non-American, who may be living in conditions right now, where there freedom is limited.

The New York International Movers would be there for foreign citizens who are planning to make a move to the Big Apple state. Just like all of the other local New York Moving Companies that are ready to assist and help Americans make the move to NY. For anyone who was going to move close to the City, would really need a professional moving company, so they could trust their precious travel items would arrive at the right location. Trying to move everything you own and treasure in life to your new home in N.Y., would be too much stress for any traveler to handle. So do you still want to call New York home? Be sure to get one of their moving companies to help you and your family arrive safely and intact; to the most well-known state out of the 50 America has to offer.

One of the most scenic places to take a nice and relaxing vacation for the whole family; is located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The employees of Carolina Designs are the ones you need to contact to make this vacation become a reality. Get in touch with them and your next travel destination, could have you and your whole family staying at one of these luxurious Outer Banks vacation rentals.

In the Northern Outer Banks and in the county of Dare; is where visitors can find the quiet southern town of Duck, North Carolina.

The SEAHAWK

One of the highlights on your trip, could be choosing to stay at the Seahawk; which is located near the salty waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Finding a place like this for your family on vacation is simple; when you get in touch with the friendly folks from Carolina Designs. They can provide your family with all of the details for this rental property known as the Seahawk in Duck, North Carolina.

Can the Adults and Elderly Enjoy Their Stay at the Seahawk?

Well the kitchen area alone offers a dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, electric mixer, blender, and a ice-maker just for starters. The Seahawk includes 5 bedrooms and 2 of these are master bedrooms, so no shortage of places to sleep at night or taking a nap during the daytime hours. If you need to do any ironing, washing, or drying while spending time on the Outer Banks, your stay at the Sea Hawk will include all of these things, to help your clothes stay neat and ready to wear again if needed.  Carolina Designs has thought of everything to insure the adults have all they need to make them feel at home. There is also deck furniture available for those who want to sit or lay around outside of the Seahawk. A grill is also provided for those who want to cookout on the scenic balcony area.

Will the Seahawk Offer Anything for the Kids?

Well there is a 15 x 30 pool, do I need to say anything more? The outdoor pool is only the beginning for your kids and teenagers to enjoy; while staying at the Seahawk. The younger folks will have access to free high-speed Internet, cable TV, an XBOX video game, stereo system, and a game room too! Oh, did I mention the pool table?

The Pool Table at the Seahawk

I believe the pool table would be a highlight for the kids and the adults both. I know I would certainly be spending a little time knocking the balls around on this beautiful pool table; which Carolina Designs is providing for each family that chooses to stay at the Seahawk rental property.

If I haven’t convinced you yet; on why your family should choose the Seahawk on the Outer Banks in North Carolina, let me tell you about a few more things you can expect to find here. Some of the other features will include a hot tub, 10 television sets, 3 VCR’s, 2 DVD players, a video library, and access to a place to play volleyball! You will get all of these things, plus you will have easy access to Duck Village. No matter what age you are or how big your family is; you will have everything you need, if your next vacation includes a trip to the Sea Hawk in North Carolina!

We still have some hot days left in 2010; which has already been one of the hottest summer seasons on record. The current heat wave is a sad reminder that summer doesn’t ever last for long. At least it doesn’t seem to ever last as long as we would like it to. I have many things I wanted to accomplish this summer and have only scratched the surface so far. I plan to get out of the house on Friday and start making a dent into some of these summer time goals I had planned for this year.

Most families have taken their summer vacations already or are currently staying in a Myrtle Beach hotel this week or some other exotic beach hotel next to the ocean. I wished my family would have went to the beach this year for a vacation. I love the ocean and going to the beaches in Florida or around the Carolina coast, to a place like Myrtle Beach, is an easy travel from my North Georgia home. I have been to Myrtle Beach a few times and it never gets old. I haven’t been recently, so I need to find out about the new things in and around Myrtle Beach this year. I found one website online; which offered some great information about this vacation destination and you can go to: http://www.horizonmyrtlebeach.com and get some solid information, if you’re thinking about this part in the Southeastern USA.

Did you and your family already make a trip this year? Where did you travel to in 2010; for the place you thought would be the best place for a family vacation this summer? I would love to hear the highlights of your trip and if everything went as planned.

I will say this about the families who wait until the last minute to go on their summer vacations. You can save a lot of money, by choosing a vacation week later in the season. Most families still try to go before school starts back, so usually the prices are still the same. For older adults, who don’t have or bring children with them on their summer vacations, they can wait until the school bells ring again in the fall, for them to head out on an affordable trip. Most hotels, restaurants, and other tourist spots on the itinerary will lower their prices after the school year begins. Even the Myrtle Beach best hotels will cut room prices for their guests; who make reservations for the last days of summer or during the fall season.

So some of us may have frowns now and hate to see summer coming to an end, but for those who haven’t taken their yearly vacations yet. They continue to count down the days; until they can say good bye to their bosses and leave their jobs for a week. Summer hasn’t ended yet. Now is the time to enjoy these long daylight hours and make the best of what we have left in the summer of twenty ten!

Judging by the picture of Wildcat Creek in North Georgia, this would seem like a good place to go swimming. A big rock that has water constantly flowing over it, would make a great natural water slide. I’m sure a lot of people go swimming here in the hot Georgia summers.

Have you ever been to Wildcat Creek in North Georgia? Please let me know your thoughts on this area and if it is still open to the public. I wouldn’t mind taking a crack at this water slide; which Mother Nature has provided for us. This area in Georgia looks like a good place for picnics or a weekend camping trip. I’m not sure if anyone is looking over this area or if its monitored in any way. It’s not often you find a waterfall that you can actually slide down. This looks to be like one of those great natural water slides. I am also curious to know how many deep pockets of water are located on this Georgia creek. I might just have to bring the fishing rod and the swimming trunks to this beautiful creek in North Georgia. Please help with any information you have heard about or know about Wildcat Creek in Georgia.

The extreme heat conditions most of the United States is currently suffering from, is leading more families to the beaches. The ocean vacations have always been a top destination for travelers, but perhaps they are even more popular this year.

You can’t beat all of the fun you and the kids can have at an ocean beach. Not to mention the beach is free to use anytime and it makes an ocean vacation even more affordable. I like all of the past ocean vacations I have been on. There is just something about the sound of the ocean and the non-stop breezes that make a ocean vacation seem like the best spot in the world.

Man’s natural history is strongly connected to the ocean. You get a sense of nature and being some where you belong; when you walk along the beach front. At least I get the sense nature is talking to me; when I have spent time around the crashing waves and sandy beaches.

 

Your first trip to the ocean will probably not be your last. Once you see the ocean, you will want to see it again one day. I have seen the ocean about a dozen times in my life and would still like to see it again one day. I just love that first feeling of seeing it. Especially when you have drove a long distance to get there. Your first experience with the ocean is like none other. I can’t even think of anything to compare it to, since the ocean is one of the greatest, natural beauties our world has to offer. Seeing the ocean up close and personal is nothing like seeing it on television. The TV doesn’t give the ocean it’s full justice of scenic amazement and everyone should visit the ocean just once in their lifetime. You can make 2010 the year and plan out a ocean vacation, before the warm days of summer are over.

Using one of the more updated clear tarp or canvas tarps can make a huge difference in your camping experience.

The gold miners don’t use their custom made tarps as well as the typical group of campers, who place their tarps in key areas to prevent things from getting wet. I guess because we walk around a lot in wet clothes and even our boots and socks get soaked and we just keep going. As long as there is gold to find in “them thar hills“, we don’t mind getting wet to find it. Did you get wet on your last camping trip?

On Sunday afternoon, many of us gathered around the TV to watch the MLB All Star Selection Show on our 4th of July afternoons. The sports special on TV showed us all of the American League and National League starters and reserves that will be playing in California on July 13th; in the Major League Baseball game we know as the All Star Game. Baseball is one of the best all star events in sports. I still prefer the NBA All Star Weekend over them all, but baseball ranks right up there.

I love the Futures Game; which will be held next Sunday and will be on TV for us baseball fans to watch. We get treated to the Century 21 Home Run Derby on Monday; which will be July 12th. I really wanted to see the Braves Jason Heyward in this year’s home run derby, but it doesn’t look like that will happen now. Since the Braves rookie outfielder is recovering from a slight strain to his thumb; which has placed him on the DL or disabled list. His injury is not as severe as the Phillies second basemen Chase Utley is and I am hearing surgery for his thumb.

Finally on Tuesday, baseball fans all over the world get treated to the Mid Summer Classic. Since this year’s All Star Game will take place in Anaheim; where the Angels baseball team plays their home games, we will see a daylight baseball game. The baseball game will be filled with stars, but it just won’t take place under the stars. I’m sure the sun will set in the later innings and the end of the game will be played in the beautiful night air out in Anaheim, California.

Votes are still coming in for the final roster spots to each team’s all star squads. MLB fans can still vote on a few selected players and two will get voted in as the last man to make the All Star Game for each team. So you can still make a difference, if you will exercise your right to vote. Let’s check out the candidates for each side and tell me which player you would like to see the most in the 2010 All Star Game in Anaheim.

National League Choices for Last Player

1. Billy Wagner – Atlanta Braves

2. Carlos Gonzales – Colorado Rockies

3. Heath Bell – San Diego Padres

4. Joey Votto – Cincinnati Reds

5. Ryan Zimmerman – Washington Nationals

American League Choices for Last Player

1. Paul Konerko – Chicago White Sox

2. Delmon Young – Minnesota Twins

3. Michael Young – Texas Rangers

4. Kevin Youkilis – Boston Red Sox

5. Nick Swisher – New York Yankees

These are the MLB players on the ballots for the last All Star roster spots to be added to the American and National League teams in the 81st All Star Game. You can vote now for which player you would like to see for each side. Since the All Star Game does count now, you may won’t to vote on the worse choice for each side. If I was an American League baseball fan, I would vote for Billy Wagner of the Atlanta Braves. He would have the least amount of chance of causing harm to your American League team. If the American League wants to keep their winning streak alive, the A.L. fans should vote for Billy Wagner of the Braves for that last N.L. roster spot.

Braves Closer Billy Wagner

On the flip side, if I was a National League fan, I need to vote for the worse player on the American League ballot for the last player. I would be glad to do that, but I really don’t know which player is the worse. I really like Nick Swisher, but really don’t want to see another Yankee in the All Star Game. So no votes for Swisher, even though I like him best as a baseball fan. No need to help the Red Sox nation with another vote for one of their players, so I won’t vote for Kevin Youkilis. I guess Delmon Young of the Twins; who is a great player, would be the best choice for National League voters to choose, so they could help the N.L. All Stars win this year.

Vote Delmon Young for the worse player possible. American League voters will want to vote for the pitcher Billy Wagner of the Atlanta Braves, because the odds are in the A.L. favor, that Wagner will have no impact to the 81st All Star game in Anaheim, California.

Why was Billy Wagner of the Atlanta Braves, the only pitcher in the final vote for last player in baseball? I know they selected players from the top divisional leading teams, but the Braves do have some better choices for a All Star player. Not sure if it’s still true, but Troy Glaus was leading the National League in RBI’s or runs batted in. The committee could have made a better roster choice for the N.L. side by putting Troy Glaus in the mix. The A.L. votes will love to vote for Wagner and he would be their guy for the last spot in.

MLB fans have until Thursday at 4PM EST to get their votes in. The last roster spot will be determined by the online votes, so your vote does count! Go get your votes in now and be sure to vote early and often! I hope your favorite group of 2010 All Star Players wins next Tuesday. It should be a good All Star Game; which I’m sure they will still be talking about Stephen Strasburg not making the National League squad. The Nationals rookie pitcher is the talk of baseball right now and his presence will be felt in Anaheim as Charlie Manual of the Phillies left him off of the 2010 All Star Game for the National League team. Now go get those votes in for the final MLB player for the 2010 All Star Game.