It is Fun to Be a Tourist in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, NC

Your Ad HereWhether you live in the area or are just planning a visit, you will find it an easy occupation to be a downtown Hendersonville tourist. Hendersonville is a city with roots stretching back centuries.

Hendersonville became an incorporated city in January of 1847. And to everyone's pleasure, Hendersonville was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March 1988.

You will find Hendersonville located at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 26 miles south of Asheville, N.C. Hendersonville is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area of Western North Carolina where history and tourist attractions abound.

Hendersonville's population is rather small with only about 12,000 people living within the city limits. However, the city is booming with historic sites, attractions, and places to explore. Because of the area has four distinctive seasons, yet mild temperatures in both winter and summer, it is a wonderful place to visit or to live year-round.

When you walk down Main Street Hendersonville you will notice it is a serpentine shaped street lined with overflowing flower boxes and trees of all shapes and sizes. Along Main Street you will find antique shops, restaurants, and specialty stores of all kinds. There is something to be found along Main Street for people of all ages to enjoy.

Throughout the year Historic Downtown Hendersonville hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival, an antique show, art shows, car shows, and various parades throughout the year. Hendersonville shows off its traditional southern hometown charm through these special events. The friendly local residents are always welcoming to other locals and visitors alike.

Located on North Main Street you will find The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County. The museum hosts special traveling exhibits from around the world and specializes in local Geodes. You can even purchase a Geode for yourself and they will crack it open and reveal its inner wonders for you! There is no admission fee for the museum though it is considered appropriate to leave a small donation to help support the museum.

Located in the same area as The Mineral & Lapidary Museum you will find the Henderson County Genealogical & Historical Society. This excellent resource library was founded in 1983 to aide researchers and historians on the history of North and South
Carolina.

While visiting the museum and the Genealogical Society make sure you notice the McClintock Chime Clock attached to the Genealogical Society's building. The clock is about 65 years old and is a unique sight not to be missed.

The Henderson County Curb Market is open for business Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, all along Main Street. This large farmer's market offers only handcrafted items from local residents of the county. Here you will find produce, craft items, baked goods, and just about anything else you could possibly want to find at an open air market.

No tourist trek through Downtown Hendersonville is complete without a visit to the Hendersonville City Hall Building. The building was erected in 1928 and contains many interesting historic artifacts of the local area. Because three presidents were from North Carolina, (Andrew Jackson, James Knox Polk and Andrew Johnson) you will find statues and information on them located at the Hendersonville City Hall Building.

Whatever your pleasure, you are sure to find it in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina. It is great to be a Downtown Hendersonville Tourist!

Be Careful Fishing In Alaska As You Might End Up Staying

Be careful taking an Alaska fishing and camping trip. You may never want to go home again. The scenery is amazing, the fish are huge, and nature is still largely uncluttered by industrialization.

For those who have never been to Alaska, imaginations usually conjure up extreme cold, Eskimos, and igloos in a sparsely populated wilderness. Actually, Alaska has a lot to offer in outdoor tourism like camping, fishing, hiking and so much more.

For instance, a young man, in the military, is stationed in Alaska. Normally, a tour of duty lasts approximately 3-4 years. Whether you like the area or not, as a soldier in any branch of the service, when Uncle Sam says go, you pack up and move to the next base.

So, the gentleman moves to Alaska. Fortunately, he is close to getting out of the service, so he knows his stay will not be extended for years. However, he also has no idea how living in Alaska would begin to grow on him. An avid outdoorsman, he soon enjoys the great Alaskan fishing and camping opportunities, during his free time.

Halibut, salmon, lingcod, and Rockfish are all waiting for the adventuresome fisherman/woman. His favorite is probably the salmon. The fish are unbelievably huge, not to mention they taste great on the dinner plate. For instance, the winner of a halibut fishing tournament catches a fish tipping the scales at over 251 pounds!

Yes, individuals often talk about the big one that got away. However, pictures are worth a thousand words. Unbelievable! He catches enough to send some to his family in the lower 48 states. Awesome!

For the ultimate Alaska fishing trip, consider an extended camping trip. The fish are waiting to be caught, and the fisherman can hobnob with the local wildlife. For the city dweller, the wildest animal available to view may be an ornery house pet. Now, imagine seeing a big bull moose, up close and personal. How cool is that!

Fishing and camping in nature, largely unpolluted by careless human beings, being able to go on hunting and fishing trips whenever free time and finances allow, and catching fish big enough to feed a family for a month or more. What more can an avid outdoors person ask for? The sportsperson has found heaven on earth.
So, what if you are not an avid outdoorsman, yet you still want to experience the magnificent Alaska camping and fishing opportunities for a true adventure in the wilderness? No worries. Alaska tourism is alive and well; and guided expeditions are in abundance. For those who do not mind rubbing elbows with like-minded strangers, simply sign up for an awesome fishing experience.

While fishing, enjoy watching the whales in their natural habitat. The beautiful coastal waters are also home for sea-lions, sea-otters, puffins, and other indigenous species dependent on the Alaskan waters. Do not forget to look up; the majestic eagle also claims residence in the area. Although intending to catch fish for consumption, remember the camera. Catch nature at its very best, for a hard copy record of an unmatchable vacation, and the new friends undoubtedly made during the expedition.

Maybe you already brought friends along, and you would rather have a private fishing trip. So, charter fishing vacations are available. The captain and the crew will provide an optimum experience; take the group to the best fishing spots for a good catch and a excellent view of fish and animals in their natural environment.

Then, when the fishing trip comes to an end, the party does not have to be over. Camp in the great outdoors with a tour group, or set up camp in pristine areas set aside safe family camping. In a group, lead by an experienced guide, the fabulous beauty of the Alaska wilderness will come alive, and provide a memorable camping excursion like none other.

So what happens to the gentleman who was stationed in Alaska? Yes, you guessed it! When the young man retires from the service, he chooses to make his home in the great and wonderful Alaska, where he can fish and hunt to his heart's content whenever the notion strikes. Family members love to visit, view the awesome scenery, and eat the fresh catch of the day.

So what about the tourist coming to fish in Alaska for the first time? Chances are he/she is likely to fall in love with the scenery and abundance of outdoor fishing. The experience will likely be repeated in future, or maybe a permanent move will be in order. So, be careful! For an avid fisherperson and hunter, to know Alaska is to love Alaska.

Discover the Alaskan Cruise

Alaska is one of those rare destinations that never succumbs to the "been there, done that" syndrome. People who cruise once to Alaska usually go there again. It is not unusual for first-time cruise visitors to Alaska to plan or even book their next cruise before they get off the ship. What's so great about an Alaskan cruise, anyway?

The largest state in a very large country, Alaska is probably not the place you think it is. First, it is a vast land where civilization exists in outposts against a wilderness background. There are many parts of Alaska where animals outnumber people.

The wilderness theme crops up where you would least expect it. Try to get in and out of the state's capital city, Juneau, and you find that you need to do it by boat or plane. The place is not accessible by car.

Flying is altogether a normal way of going from point A to point B in Alaska. The state has made flight-seeing popular since so many great natural attractions were best accessed from the air.

Alaska also has a railroad system that was built specifically to show off the state's enthralling natural beauty. Though not extensive, you can travel by rail in Alaska in dome-topped luxury club cars and see the mountains, valleys, and wildlife from the comfort of a luxury vehicle.

That's not such a very different concept from cruising, where you can sail by glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and postcard-perfect scenery all without leaving the comfort of the balcony of your stateroom. (If you like to travel inside stateroom to save money, you can watch this from the many public rooms on the ship.)

If you cruise to Alaska, expect to find chilly temperatures, even in summer. Factor in the breeze off the water and the chill when the sun sets and you can see why a cruise to Alaska requires you to take what passes for winter wear in some of our more southern states.

Of course, that has never stopped adventurous souls from appreciating Alaska. The state has a very diverse history. First, it's the only part of the United States that was ever once part of Russia. You may find Russian artifacts, habits, and even souvenirs in some places. When Seward bought Alaska for the U.S. in the 19th century, the deal was negotiated with Russia.

Early in its American history, Alaska became the sight of a gold stampede as lots of miners headed north to make their fortunes. A few even planned to pan for gold.

Today, Alaska is more concerned with "black gold," or its native oil reserves. Despite abundant natural wealth and beauty, life and even tourism in Alaska isn't always easy. Many products and services in Alaska are expensive, at least by lower-48 standards. The weather is cold, and travel requires some pre-planning and fortitude.

That's why an Alaskan cruise makes sense, particularly for those modern-day adventurers who aren't so sure they want to climb a mountain of ice to see a glacier or struggle along an unpaved road in an off-road vehicle in the snow to get to the next town.

When shopping for an Alaskan cruise, look at the excursions that are offered. Most cruise ships offer plenty of time for you to soak up on-board activities, so you should take advantage of whatever shore excursions best match your interests.

Want to see polar bears? Go whale watching? Go fly fishing? Flight-see around a glacier? Shop for native art? Drive a dog sled? Most Alaskan cruises offer great excursions like these.

Some cruise shoppers penny pinch for excursions, but it is usually a better deal to penny pinch on a stateroom. Here's why. The biggest part of your bill in seeing Alaska is getting there. That's your cruise fare. Once you're there, you may be able to flight-see or whale watch or do other once-in-a-lifetime thing for a few hundred dollars.

Think of it this way. If you wanted to go fishing for Alaskan king salmon, right this minute, you'd have to get to Alaska and then charter a fishing trip.

If you wanted to whale watch today, you'd have to get to Alaska and then book passage on a whale-watching expedition.

On the cruise, you're already there. You're just paying a supplement or upcharge for these incredible experiences. If you have to economize, you're better off making do with a smaller or inside stateroom and getting the excursions.

Years from now, you won't remember your cruise so much from what your room was like but rather the excursions you had.

A Bahamas Family Vacation Is The Required Prescription

The kids are back in school; extra curricular activities are demanding constant shuttling of kids from point A to point B and then back again; the family dog needs attention from a pet groomer in more ways than one and the house needs cleaning and repairs. So why in the world would you be thinking about a Bahamas family vacation at this time in your life?

This is the best time to be thinking about a Bahamas family vacation. Make plans now so that when the weather turns cold your family turns south for a tropical paradise bonding experience all families should enjoy.

The Bahamas are located off the coast of Florida, about one hour of traveling distance. The islands are located near the Atlantic Gulf Stream making the water temperature an average of 80 degrees year around. Starting to get the mental picture?

The beaches are white and sandy with more water activities than you can dream of. Swim with the dolphins, snorkel along the reef, or scuba dive with the sea creatures. Brilliant colors combined with sun and sea fresh air will create memories that cannot be lost.

If splashing in the sea with your family is not the required prescription for enjoyment then head over to Paradise Island and the Atlantis hotel in the Bahamas. Luxury accommodations are waiting to pamper you and your family for the most grand Bahamas vacation ever.

There is no shortage of activities on Paradise Island. The Atlantis Resort has a 14 acre waterscape filled with water slides sure to excite kids of all ages. Dad and mom can head over to the quarter mile lazy river ride and soak up the sun. Don’t forget the sun tan lotion!

The Atlantis Resort has eleven different pools with smaller kiddies’ pools as well. Plenty of Marina Village shops are nearby for those souvenir purchases.

If you are looking to book your Bahamas family vacation, check with your local travel agent. There are also many online Bahamas travel package options available from the major travel web sites.

Some of the travel packages will be all inclusive meaning that you can pay up front when booking your trip for things like meals and snacks and then relax during your vacation not having to worry about paying for these items. Just make sure when booking your package you know exactly what is included. The savings in cost may also cost you flexibility in choosing where you dine.

Shop around for airfare to the Bahamas. Most of the major airlines fly into Nassau International Airport, located in the Bahamas.

The best time to travel to the Bahamas would be from November to May. This will avoid the hurricane season and provide the warmest escape from your cold, northern winter weather.

Take time out now and plan your family vacation. It will be time well spent and long remembered.

Finding The Best Deals In Hotels

When it comes to choosing a hotel for your vacation, it often becomes an issue of low cost and convenient location. More often than not, particularly when traveling to major tourist areas with popular attractions, the closer the lodging is to the destination or attraction, the more expensive it will be. That is why the best way to save money on lodging is to stay in an outlying area.

Unfortunately, this might mean that you will spend more time driving to your destinations, which inevitably means more money spent on gasoline. It is important to asses all of the factors in order to make sure that staying in more distant hotel will really cost you less money.

There are several ways to save money on lodging without compromising the quality of your accommodations. For example, paying for a membership in AAA or a similar auto club also provides you with discounts on hotel rooms, as does being a member of the military or being a senior citizen. When booking a hotel room, make sure you ask about discounts that may be available.

Another tip for finding lower cost lodging is to try shopping early for your hotel room. Often, hotels will reserve a block of lower-priced rooms, available on a first come, first serve basis. Getting the best lodging deal is often based on timing and planning ahead.

Saving money on a hotel room means next to nothing if the place is a pigsty, or unsafe. Shopping for a budget hotel does not mean you have to settle for a hotel that is dirty, poorly run or in a dangerous area.

Fortunately, the Internet makes it so easy to find great deals on quality budget hotels. The Internet cuts the time it takes to research lodging down to a fraction of what it used to take.

Most hotels, even budget properties, have websites and feature photos of the property, rooms, and the surrounding area. It has never been easier to research the lodging that you are considering, especially if you have never stayed there before.

Don’t forget to research the area in which the hotel is located also. Be sure to check out things like restaurants and attractions within walking distance of the hotel. Amenities, especially on vacation, are important.

On the Internet there are a number of review sites available where those who have stayed in various hotels can share their experiences and their opinions of the hotels. These review sites are invaluable for travelers, especially if you are going to a place for the first time.

In addition, the Internet hosts a number of travel web sites where travelers and tourists can locate and compare lodging based on their particular need, such as for their individual dates of stay and destinations. These web sites provide several ways to search, including distance from an attraction, price, and star level. The only thing that you need to bear in mind when using such a web site is that comparison web sites only showcase properties that pay a fee, so using a particular site does not necessarily ensure the best price for your trip. For locating the best deals online, it is best to refer to several web sites in order to get a real idea of the lowest prices available.

Gear Up For Hiking- Tips on Staying Healthy on the Trail

Hiking is one of the best pastimes you can imagine: it's good for you and just about anyone can do it, since there are so many different levels of trails out there. However, no matter how fit you are, there are some medical problems you could encounter in some situations. This is a quick run-down of the most common environmental hiking hazards, and how to deal with them. There are environmental hazards, traumatic injuries, animal & insect dangers and, believe it or not, infectious diseases. However, we are only dealing with the environmental hazards here.

Environmental hazards would be things like altitude sickness. This is caused by lack of oxygen which occurs at high elevations (over 8000 feet). Most people are affected by altitude sickness, and a more severe form is called Acute Mountain Sickness, or AMS for short. In short, less oxygen in the air means your muscles and brain aren't getting as much oxygen. This makes the heart and lungs work harder to compensate, in order to get the required oxygen to the brain and muscles. Symptoms of AMS are dizziness, loss of appetite, hard time sleeping, headache, 'laziness'. AMS can get worse without warning, and you can die from it. When it gets worse, you get breathlessness, coughing up pink stuff, severe headache, loss of balance and coordination, vomiting, acting irrational, and unconsciousness. If you think you have AMS, stop hiking and rest. Rest for a day or two. Take aspirin for the headaches. If your symptoms get worse, go back down the mountain immediately. There are some controversial drugs to prevent AMS, but they can mask the warning signs altogether. Prevention is better with slow ascent, keeping hydrated, keep snacking on carbs, don?t drink alcohol or take sedatives.

Fungal infections are another type of environmental hazard to hiking. This goes especially for backpackers, who may not have as many opportunities to wash clothing as they normally would. You can get a fungal infection like athlete's foot (tinea). This shows up between the toes. Moisture is your enemy in this situation. To prevent a fungal infection, wear clothing that allows your skin to breathe. Tight clothes made of artificial fabrics that don't wick away the moisture are to be avoided. If you are backpacking and stay at a campground, wear sandals in the shower area so you don?t catch it from another hiker. In general, wash your clothes and towels in hot water and dry thoroughly.

Our final environmental hazard for hikers is heat exhaustion. Dehydration contributes to heat exhaustion, as does a salt deficiency. Sweating a lot in the hot sun causes your body to lose salt as well as liquid, so drink lots of water. A little extra salt on your lunch should be enough supplement for the salt deficiency problem No need to eat salt tablets. Athletic drinks or sports drinks as they?re sometimes called have the replacement salts, too.

Selecting The Portable GPS System That Is Right For You

GPS systems are becoming increasingly popular - and for good reason. These symptoms are capable of helping drivers find their way when they are lost, as well as providing them with directions to nearby hospitals, restaurants, car services, or other businesses or points of interest. With the help of GPS systems and the voice prompts that they provide, drivers can also drive more safely by keeping their eyes on the road rather than looking at a map.

Obtaining a GPS System

Many newer model vehicles are including GPS systems built into the car. For those consumers that do not have vehicles with a built-in GPS system, another option is to purchase an in-dash add-on GPS system. Unfortunately, these devices require replacing the radio or CD player. While many of these add on systems include CD players or even DVD players, this is more of a hassle than many car owners wish to undertake. In addition, they can be quite expensive to purchase and often require adding an additional antenna to the outside of the vehicle. For these reasons, portable GPS systems are the more popular choice with many consumers.

Choosing a Portable GPS System

If you have multiple vehicles, one of the first things you will want to consider when shopping for a portable GPS system is whether or not it can be easily moved from one vehicle to another. Many systems can be easily mounted to the window or dash of the vehicle, but this is not always the case. So, be sure to check into how to mount the unit before making a purchase.

You should also make sure the portable GPS unit has a satellite receiver or a built-in GPS antenna. Otherwise, you will still have to add an antenna to the outside of your vehicle in order to use your navigation system.

Another consideration when purchasing a portable GPS unit is how it is powered. Some are battery powered while others are powered through a plug. If you don't have any plugs conveniently available in your vehicle, you will obviously need to purchase the battery powered model. For most consumers, however, the models powered by plugs are the most convenient.

When purchasing a portable GPS system, you also want to be sure it can be easily updated. Most units will allow you to attach the unit to your personal computer in order to update the software and to add new maps. Without this ability, the system will quickly become outdated and of little use to you. Make sure the system you are considering purchasing is compatible with the operating system of your PC in order to avoid hassles down the road.

GPS systems are a modern convenience that are becoming increasingly popular. Be sure to purchase a unit that is both easy to use and to update and it will be sure to become an invaluable component of your driving experience.