Where Nashville Eats

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It is eight in the morning and the van is packed with all our luggage and camera gear. We are off to our first destination, soon to become an adventure. Being the first day, the group is just getting to know one another and the level of excitement is high with everyone talking about cameras and pictures.

Our destination is Arenal, an active Costa Rica volcano, but along the way there are some very interesting sights to see and photograph. We stop in Sarchi where decorated, brightly colored ox carts, famous in Costa rica, are made in a water powered factory which is 80 years old. After Sarchi we go to nearby mountainous Zarcero where there is an old wooden church and its amazing double row of beautiful topiaries. With the colours and patterns in Sarchi and the remarkable shapes of the topiaries in Zarcero there is no problem filling the memory cards of our cameras at these stops.

Luis, our driver, is very familiar with the many potholes that make Costa Rica famous, so he cautiously makes his way along the road while most everyone else, on 2 or 4 wheels, pass us by. The number of wannabe Formula One drivers in Costa Rica is staggering. There is even a bus driver who has been known to have passengers find religion and speak directly to God on his overland route.

After our planned stops and lunch in La Fortuna we are now just a few miles from our lodge at Arenal. As we leave the main highway we find ourselves on a road that is one continuous pothole. It is January and the rainy season has just ended so most roads are in poor condition but what is unique about this road is that it was constructed from crushed lava rock.

In rounding a curve we come upon a clearing at a river and behold, there is Arenal Volcano! The majority of my group have never been face to face with an active volcano and this perfectly shaped volcano is an awesome sight.

We see that the peak of the cone is shrouded in puffy little white clouds against a cerulean sky. The sight is picture perfect and we stop and everyone quickly descends from the van in the process of attaching cameras to tripods. Some of us wade into the tropical river to capture the incredible image from a different perspective and others are shooting from the riverbank.

Of course being this close to an active volcano could be very dangerous but Arenal is quite predictable, a low risk. The lodge is only one and a half kilometers to the base of the volcano and two kilometers to the top of the cone and needless to say, any activity attracts your attention.

While unpacking and getting settled in, Arenal speaks. It is a great roar, smoke and gas billowing many hundreds of feet into the sky and the sound of the rocks tumbling down the slopes. After the eruption, the Mantled Howler monkeys are extremely vocal but we do not know if they are protesting the roar of the eruption or just answering back.

While enjoying our meal in the lodge dining room mighty Arenal speaks again! Although there are many photo opportunities in Costa Rica, who would have imagined that while eating dinner we would be gazing up at a volcano erupting in front of our eyes? And this on our very first day of the tour!

The next two nights are without much sleep since we find comfortable chairs in the common area of the lodge just outside our rooms and we mount our cameras on tripods attaching cable releases. Since I had already been to Arenal many times I had chosen to use an 80-200mm lens set at 80mm and an aperture of f8, the camera shutter set at “B” for time exposure.

With the activity of the small flare-ups at the cone and the lava flowing down the opposite side I think a time exposure of more than twenty minutes will produce an ugly yellow blob of light, so if there had been no eruptions after this length of time I will close the shutter and start another exposure. Using a cable release makes these exposures very easy and Arenal puts on quite a display while we are there.

Arenal is the first adventure in Costa Rica for my photo group. With another eight days of photography everybody is looking forward to the next destination that is going to be just as exciting.

Times are tough and brother, can you spare a dime? California is the Golden State, but recently, that golden luster has faded. Though most sectors of the economy are in full-fledged recession, the Silicon Valley seems to be resisting the urge to lay off masses of employees. Nestled between the cities of Livermore and Oakland, Pleasanton, California is actually enjoying a relative boom.

Pleasanton was founded by justice of the peace, John W. Kottinger in 1894. It was named after Kottinger’s Union Army compatriot, Major General Alfred Pleasonton. No, it’s not a spelling mistake on this writer’s part, but on the part of the United States Postal Service. It seems a postal transcriber misspelled Pleasonton as Pleasanton. Regardless, the city has thrived to be the host of the annual Alameda County Fair.

The Fair tends to draw a considerable crowd, luring families from the entire San Francisco Bay area to attend. Safeway is headquartered in Pleasanton and to borrow one of their early slogans: “Since We’re Neighbors, Let’s Be Friends.” This is also an opportunity for the resident powerhouse, Safeway Inc., to connect with its customers as the supermarket powerhouse is an annual contributor.

When the infamous bandit, Joaquin Murrieta used it as a base of operations in the 1850s, Pleasanton took a turn for the worst. He and his bandits terrorized the area, robbing prospectors in broad daylight. Main Street was home to daily shootouts and murders. Indeed, it was nicknamed “The Most Desperate Town in the West.” It would hold claim to this unfortunate moniker until 1917, when Mary Pickford and the crew at Artcraft Pictures used Pleasanton as the backdrop for the film, REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM.

When the mother of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, Phoebe Hearst, built her 50-room mansion on 2,000 acres of land in Pleasanton, the city’s reputation soared. The fabulous mansion is now the site of Castlewood Country Club. As a result of this mansion preservation, many of the city’s fine examples of Spanish Mission architecture were lobbied for preservation. The city hosts one of the largest preserved collections of early California architecture.

Del Mar California is the quintessential dream beach town - a quaint, yet chic Southern California community overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Like La Jolla and San Diego, Del Mar’s aura of paradise comes in a large result from its world-class beaches and persistently clear blue skies. Add to all that a unique fairgrounds, horse track and a quaint, upscale “downtown” village, and you have activities for everyone.

1. The Place To Be Is Epazote

Del Mar’s historic downtown village dates back to the 1880’s and offers over sixty unique shops, quaint inns and hotels and twenty five restaurants with enough variety to please even the pickiest of shoppers and eaters. A great place to begin or conclude your shopping and dining tour of Del Mar proper is at the impressive Del Mar Plaza at the corner of Camino del Mar (old Highway 101) and 15th Street.

The plaza is the home of Epazote, a local restaurant favorite. It’s a wonderful place for lunch or end of the day cocktails because it has an outdoor patio that swells with sunshine, sea breezes and enchanting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also one of Del Mar’s favorite nightlife destinations with a contemporary, upscale vibe. Sleek and sophisticated, with a 180-degree views of the Pacific, hip bar and a cutting edge ocean view lounge, Epazote is a great day or night experience. Oh, and did I mention the food? All of it is creative, unique and wonderful.

2. Take A Hike Through Time

You can spend an entire day hiking up cliffs and down to the ocean, around and through ancient sculpted sandstone canyons at this San Diego treasure: Torrey Pines State Reserve. The reserve is enormous, nearly 1800 acres set aside to protect the rare and endangered Torrey Pine. You’ll find multiple trails for hikers and joggers, each affording a different yet phenomenal view of an other-worldly landscape. Here you’ll find wind bent trees, eerie sandstone formations and fields of wildflowers all framed by the Pacific Ocean below and beyond - it’s a constantly changing landscape depending on the movement of sun and clouds. Bring a camera - every trail has an awesome views and different perspective of the Pacific Ocean.

3. Up, Up and Away

Soar through the sky in a hot air balloon as it becomes part of the wind and glides effortlessly above the hills and bed and breakfast inns - a calm, peaceful and relaxing way to panoramically take in the enormity of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego countryside. Hot air balloon companies offer daily sunrise and sunset tours from a site near the Del Mar fairgrounds and race track. You’ll float eastward towards Rancho Santa Fe and the Cuyamaca Mountains and experience rare views of the San Diego coastline from San Clemente all the way to Mexico.

Google the following companies to compare itineraries and rates: Panorama Balloon Tours, Skysurfrer Balloon Tours or Sky’s The Limit Balloon Adventures. On clear days you can see San Clemente and Santa Catalina Islands, 60 - 70 miles off shore. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying at a hotel in Del Mar or an Encinitas Bed and Breakfast, you’re just minutes away from experiencing a lifetime treat.

4. Get The Tan Of A Lifetime

For good reason, Del Mar is one of the most popular beach communities in San Diego County. With more than two miles of world-class beaches, the usually warm, calm water makes for near-perfect conditions for surfing, swimming, boogie boarding or just catching up on that beach novel. Del Mar also has two seaside parks - Seagrove and Powerhouse, both great for picnicking, playgrounds for the kids and stunning ocean views. Often referred to as “Malibu South,” Del Mar beaches have gentle waves and warm water, making them the perfect beaches to learn to surf. Beachgoers can also find good, cheap lunches at Roberto’s Mexican Restaurant on Carmel Valley Road just east of the Penasquitos Lagoon parking lot. Out-of-town visitors love the quiet, romantic Encinitas Bed & Breakfast near the ocean, Inn at Moonlight Beach.

5. Pedal Around Town

Bike riding is one of the simplest ways to have fun, enjoy the wonderful Del Mar scenery, especially if you’re staying at a Del Mar B&B or other vacation lodging. With near-perfect weather all year, enjoying the great outdoors is a way of life for most Del Martians who enjoy riding down quiet residential streets along the ocean. Del Mar is full of paths and trails that give cyclists an opportunity to relax, exercise and explore. Any way you cut it, Del Mar is a great place to have fun, get fit, and relax!

Thailand is country that hustles and bustles all year round as people from all around the world. Thailand has things to offer people of all budgets and of all tastes. From the capital of Bangkok, a city that is chaotic and crazy everyday of the week, to the serene tropical islands where you can get a tan on, there is something to see for everyone.

Thailand is a great country for sun worshippers. The islands and beaches here are filled with white sand and surrounded by warm blue water. There is a beach for everyone here. For the young backpackers out there, you can find parties on the islands of Ko Phi Phi and Phangan. For the romantics, you can find luxury retreats on Ko Samui. Water in Thailand is clean and warm and youll be able to swim and cool off after a very hot day in the sun.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and it is a city that people either love or hate. Visitors either love or hate this city. There is a lot of pollution, traffic, and chaos. Its Asian madness at its finest and only some people can deal with it. However, Bangkok is a city that reveals its secrets slowly and if you spend the time to learn about the city youll find that there is more to this city than Pad Thai and temples.

Phuket is also one of the major places that tourists are aiming to go on a vacation. In fact, this largest island in Thailand has attracted many visitors to spend their summer getaway on its wide variety of beach resorts. The white sand beaches of Phuket have been some of the most sought places to go in order to experience a revitalizing beach experience. Phuket not only has great shores but also has excellent nightlife. Visitors coming to Thailand never fail to notice the liveliness of Phuket bars as wells as the entertainment provided by tourist attractions such as the Phuket Fantasea Show and Simon Cabaret Show.

Aside from Phuket, there are other alternatives for beach resorts in Thailand such as Pattaya and Samui. Pattaya is the closest beach area to central Bangkok, which makes it the most accessible summer place for Bangkok residents and visitors. Even though its beaches are not as excellent as the beaches of Samui and Phuket, visitors visit the location for its active nightlife.

Thailand is a wonderful country to visit. Its cheap making it a popular destination for all travel budgets. The locals are really friendly too. This country is known as the land of smiles because locals are so helpful and caring for the tourists. No matter what you want out of a holiday, the diverse landscape of Thailand has something to offer you. Consider a vacation here the next time you want to go on holiday.

Taking a vacation is always a good thing.But the cost of the airline tickets is not nearly as entertaining.

But don’t worry, airfare doesn’t have to be expensive; there are many ways that you can find airplane tickets for under a hundred dollars.

If you really want sub $100 airfare, you are going to need to do some research.You can start online,using the search engines.Many discounted airfares are now available online.

You can chose to use some travel agencies or travel agents.Travel agents might seem to have a reasonable rate, but they are out to make money, so obviously it could be cheaper.

The season in which you intend to travel may also determine whether you’re able to find flights for under a hundred dollars. There are particular times of the year that are popular for flights, so the rates are higher.

The end of December, March, July and August are some of the periods in question.More families travel during school holidays, and during that time prices going up.

But remember, a con of buying a one hundred dollar plane ticket is you wont get a full refund.You should chose a plan that you know you can complete, and stick with it.

However, you shouldn’t stop looking, because the 100 dollar plane tickets are definitely out there, and when you find the right offer, all you have to do is buy it.Now you do not get a paper airline ticket. Rather, the airline supplies you with a boarding pass upon check-in.

Cabo San Lucas was not easily accessible before as compared today. It was in those times that the place was known to be only for influential people, celebrities, and those who can afford to go to place. It was also in those times that hotels are built in the area.

The Las Cruces Hotel situated on the East Cape was the first in Cabo. It was built jointly by those wealthy visitors to the place. As the place progresses, roads were improved and an airport was constructed, and so does other areas of attraction.

The progress of Cabo as it increases accessibility also has brought more visitors to the place. It did not only attract those who want to have a pleasant stay at the beaches but also those who want to play golf and join big fishing tournaments.

With more and more visitors, hotels in Cabo have also grown in number to cater to the constant flow of visitors all year round. At present, a lot of hotels have emerged in the place including the very luxurious ones.

Of course it is important to note that convenience is one main consideration in getting your accommodation in Cabo. Convenience may mean close to the airport or the beach or the restaurants or the bars, or close to all these. If you have a hotel of your choice but not close to the establishments, you can however check for any transportation services.

Comfort is also an important consideration in choosing your Cabo hotel. If you want to experience utmost relaxation and enjoyment, getting a hotel that will provide you great comfort would be the first thing you should be doing. Air-conditioned rooms with entertainment system should be present.

Other important things to check in a hotel are the restaurants, laundry services, spa, Jacuzzi and even fitness centers. In case you need to address a very important business matter, it is also important to check for internet access in the hotel.

As there are actually many hotels around Cabo that offer various services and comfortable accommodations, finding one that fits your needs is never hard to do. If you are someone who wants nothing but the best vacation you would want to have, luxurious hotels are everywhere in Cabo. Similarly, if you want something that fits your budget, you can also find that in Cabo.

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With luggage and camera gear packed in the van by 8 in the morning my new friends and I on my photography tour are off to our first destination, promising to be an outstanding adventure. The excitement is high with everyone getting to know each other and talking cameras and pictures on this their first day.

Our destination is Arenal, an active Costa Rica volcano, but along the way there are some very interesting sights to see and photograph. We stop in Sarchi where decorated, brightly colored ox carts, famous in Costa rica, are made in a water powered factory which is 80 years old. After Sarchi we go to nearby mountainous Zarcero where there is an old wooden church and its amazing double row of beautiful topiaries. With the colours and patterns in Sarchi and the remarkable shapes of the topiaries in Zarcero there is no problem filling the memory cards of our cameras at these stops.

The roads in Costa Rica are famous, not only for the magnificent land which they traverse but for their condition. Our driver, Luis, knows that we will encounter many potholes so he is cautious and as a result we are passed by most everything on two or four wheels. Many drivers here, from the ubiquitous taxistas to truck drivers, think they are Formula One drivers. Indeed, reportedly there is a bus driver whose passengers frequently find religion on his overland route.

After Sarchi and Zarcero we stop for lunch in La Fortuna and are now just a few miles from the lodge in Arenal. Upon leaving the main highway for the lodge we find ourselves traveling in, out, and around potholes. The rainy season ended about the beginning of December so many roads are still in very poor condition. Our road is unique because it was built out of crushed lava.

We round a curve and a come to a clearing at a river and there is Arenal Volcano! Most have never been face to face with a volcano before and it is truly an awesome sight to see, a perfectly shaped volcano.

We see that the peak of the cone is shrouded in puffy little white clouds against a cerulean sky. The sight is picture perfect and we stop and everyone quickly descends from the van in the process of attaching cameras to tripods. Some of us wade into the tropical river to capture the incredible image from a different perspective and others are shooting from the riverbank.

Arenal is highly monitored and quite predictable so even being this close the volcano holds little risk of a sudden, catastrophic eruption, though small eruptions are very common. The base of the volcano is 1 km from the lodge and the cone is 2 km away, which gives the guests at this lodge many opportunities to experience the volcanic activity.

Getting settled in while we are unpacking mighty Arenal speaks! It roars as smoke and gas billow hundreds of feet into the sky and we hear the rocks tumbling down the slopes. The Mantled Howler monkeys are extremely vocal following the eruption, however, we do not know if this is in protest of the roar or if they are just responding to its call.

While enjoying our meal in the lodge dining room mighty Arenal speaks again! Although there are many photo opportunities in Costa Rica, who would have imagined that while eating dinner we would be gazing up at a volcano erupting in front of our eyes? And this on our very first day of the tour!

For the next two nights most of us get very little sleep as we find comfortable chairs in the common area outside our rooms, mount our cameras on tripods and attach a cable release. I had already decided to use an 80-200mm lens set at 80mm and an aperture of f8, the camera shutter set at “B” for time exposure.

I think a time exposure of more than 20 minutes will produce an ugly yellow blob of light since there is a lot of activity of small flare-ups at the cone. Lava is flowing down the opposite side, so I allow no more than 20 minutes to pass before I closing the shutter and starting another exposure. The use of a cable release makes these exposures very easy and while we were there Arenal puts on quite a pyrotechnical show.

What a magnificent first day of the tour in Costa Rica. Eight more days of photography to go and everyone is anxiously looking forward to what exciting adventure tomorrow will bring.

When it comes to theme parks, Ohio has several good ones to be boastful about. Cedar Point has the largest roller coaster collection in the world, while King’s Island has the longest wooden roller coaster in the world. In addition to these two large theme parks, Ohio also has quite a few smaller family entertainment centers to keep its residents and visitors amused year round.

Cedar Point, located close to Cleveland, has been voted the Best Amusement Park in the World for 11 years by Amusement magazine. It has 75 rides, 17 of which are roller coasters. Aside from the amusement park area, it also has a mile long sandy beach as well as an outdoor and indoor water park.

Several large hotels are present within the grounds of Cedar Point for the convenience of patrons. The guests of these hotels are also offered early entry as a reward for staying with them and they get to enter an hour before anyone else.

Coney Island is also in Ohio, located near Cincinnati. It has a large water park as well as the more traditional ‘land based’ rides. Coney Island also has The Sunlite Pool, which is the world’s largest recirculating pool. With around 3 million gallons of water setting on 2 aches of land it is worth a visit even for the sightseers, and is great fun for everyone.

King’s Island is another hugely popular theme park located near Cincinnati. Behind Cedar Point, it is the 2nd most visited theme park in the United States. King’s Island has a myriad of great roller coasters including the wooden roller coaster called the Beast, Son of the Beast, the Racers, and the Vortex. It also has a large area devoted to the younger park goers with about a dozen rides for them to enjoy, including a mini-rollercoaster called the Beastie.

To go along with all these great land rides King’s Island is connected to a very popular water park. Entrance to Boomerang Bay is included in the ticket price of King’s Island and visitors can enjoy both for the price of one. For easy access a walkway and a train connects these parks.

“The Brady Bunch” brought a lot of extra popularity on top of King’s Island already large supply of visitors when the famous family made an appearance at the theme park in the 1970’s. In the episode Father Brady led the family around various parts of the park and rode on many of the rides including the Racers.

A less obvious attraction, since it’s not a theme park, in Ohio is The Jungle Jim International Market. While it is really a grocery store you honestly have to pay it a visit to believe it. With over 12,000 different types of wine for sale and 1,400 kinds of cheese, it is one of Ohio’s most popular sites for visitors. Jungle Jim’s is also home to a 10,000 square foot events centre for anyone in the need.

The Magic Mountain, as well as several other family fun centers, is another popular attraction in Ohio. While the Magic Mountain boast mini-golf and go-carts along with other attractions of that nature, The EnterTrainment Centre is a family fun centre that is railroad themed and the Hocking Valley Canoe Livery and Fun Centre is also a must visit family fun centre. In the end the state of Ohio is a great destination for all, no matter what your age or what you might be looking for.

You never run out of choices when you are vacationing in Cabo San Lucas. The place is not only a beautiful place to enjoy the tropical sun but also a place to enjoy exciting activities. The best thing to get the most out of your Cabo San Lucas vacation is to plan your vacation well.

Here are a few things that you can put on your list to enjoy the great beauty of this world-renowned vacation spot.

1. Visit the famous Lover’s Beach

Not only for lovers, the Lover’s Beach is a popular beach in Cabo San Lucas that tourists often visit. The beach has a stunning view of rock formations bordering the beach and a great spot to spend a day of relaxation. There are also good snorkeling and swimming spots in the beach but there are only designated areas for these activities, as huge waves can come crashing to the rocks in some parts of the beach. You will however need to hire a water taxi if you intend to visit the beach, as it cannot be reached by foot.

2. Sign up for a snorkeling tour or a scuba diving tour.

Joining other tourists for a snorkeling or scuba diving tour is one exciting adventure you can experience in Cabo San Lucas at any time of year. Professional divers will tour you around the best snorkeling and diving sites in Cabo including the frequently visited Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, which houses a live coral reef and numerous varieties of aquatic life.

3. Take a horseback riding adventure to the desert or the beach.

Joining other riders for a horseback riding adventure to the desert or to the beach is also a good adventure in Cabo San Lucas. If you are on your honeymoon, you can also choose to have a romantic horseback riding trail by the beach. There are several stables in Cabo San Lucas that will provide horseback riding lessons if it is your first time on the activity. Tour guides will also be provided if you need one.

4. Take a hiking adventure in the deserts of Cabo.

You can take a hike through the deserts of Cabo if you want a different adventure. You can actually join a group of experienced hikers to make the adventure more fun. Mountain bikes are also available for rent at Cabo so you can also do cycling to experience a different land adventure.

5. Party at the Cabo Wabo Cantina

After a long day of adventures and tours, you can finish the day with great partying at Cabo Wabo Cantina - a place owned by a Van Halen member, Sammy Hagar.

Those that require a ride to or from Franklin Field, have many choices. If you live in the immediate area and are going to drive to the field, consider using an alternative park and ride facility off premise. You might save cash and minutes when using this option. Being a non native, you’ll need a reliable service for moving you from the field to your stopping point. Sacramento Airport transportation provides many options.

More than likely, the reason for your search is that you’ll be coming to the area as a visitor. When your flight arrives at the airport, collect your luggage. Once you’ve done so, you can proceed to the exit where you’ll find Courtesy phones. These phones will connect you with a wide variety of services.

Locals pride themselves on local busing system. Buses are affordable and safe; they help cut back on pollution and are fun to ride. You may get to a destination you require arriving at within the municipality by this method. But thinking maybe yours is not much of a public transportation fan, there are alternatives that’s more suitable.

SMF has entered into contract with local efficient and reliable cab company that aids with assistance. These cabs run 24/7 to fulfill your requirements. One may locate vendor areas at Concourse A around and right near the hotel. Rates start out at $2 dollars and 80 cents for the the original mile plus two dollars and forty cents for the remaining miles on your journey. The cab company offers discounts of up to twenty percent for older folks and service men and women.

Perhaps you’re traveling with a large group, using the shuttle may be most suiting for your needs. An on alert shuttle driver can drive to any location in the immediate locale and nearby counties. Trips to locations throughout Nevada are also possible. To locate an on alert shuttle vendor, exit the building and locate the ground transport area just beyond the baggage carousel in Building A. Building B vendor location is in the middle of the lane transport area.

You will also find luxury automobiles for hire at Franklin Field. When you are looking for superior pampering to meet your Franklin Field carriage needs, this is the way to go! You will arrive in style at journey’s end, relaxing while your chauffeur gets you there safely. You can find vendor departure locations opposite from bags in Building A and also from the middle curb area of Building B.

Commonly used, the rental auto agencies that you are familiar with from home are there to meet your requirements. When leaving Concourse A or Concourse B, look for the courtesy and hired auto signs. Hop on the shuttle and arrive at the agency counter in minutes. Maybe you’re thinking about specials or discounts, check with your agency before arriving.

No matter whether you leave by single auto, shuttle or taxi, you will surely enjoy the ride to your journey’s end. The area is beautiful and full of things to see and enjoy. Franklin Field uses only the finest screened companies to provide travelers with services. Be positive that you’re getting to your location and enjoy!