Dutchmen's Landing Park in Catskill, New York

Located in Greene County in the mid-Hudson Valley, Dutchmen's Landing Park is a short drive from Catskill's Main Street area. This peaceful mid-Hudson Valley park is right on the Hudson River, and the park's four launch ramps make it a mecca for boaters. There's a lot to see at Dutchmen's Landing, and on a summer afternoon you can spot a variety of interesting boats of all sizes making their way up and down the Hudson.

Dutchmen's Landing is an ideal spot for that family reunion or summer get together. The park is fully equipped with barbeques, picnic tables and benches, and a playground for the kids. The snack bar at Dutchmen' Landing serves the usual summer fare like hamburgers, sandwiches, French fries and onion rings, as well as ice cream and cold drinks. Also check out the summer concert series at Dutchmen's Landing for great live music by popular local bands and performers.

While visiting Dutchmen's Landing in Catskill, don't forget to look across the river to Olana. The Persian castle that was the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church is visible in the distance.

The Historic Catskill Point in Catskill, New York

Just a few steps away from Dutchmen's Landing, The Historic Catskill Point is a hub of summer activity in Catskill. Located at the bottom of Main Street and just a short walk from Dutchmen's Landing, The Historic Catskill Point is host to a number of fun, warm weather events.

The warehouse building at The Historic Catskill Point is the location for the Riverside Farmer's and Artisan's Market held on Saturdays during the summer and early fall. There you will find a variety of goods for sale, including fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods, as well as locally produced art and crafts. Visitors to the Market enjoy music performances as part of “Music at the Market” presented by the Greene County Council on the Arts.

The Historic Catskill Point also hosts a number of festivals throughout the season, such as the Catskill Mountain Ginseng/Medicinal Herb Festival and the Shad Festival. Theatrical performances given by Classics at the Point theater ensemble in the Warehouse at the Point are a highlight of the summer. The popular group returns to The Historic Catskill Point each summer, performing classic plays in a riverside setting.

Catskill Point Park, adjacent to the historic Warehouse at the Point, is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the river. This park is one of those intimate mid-Hudson Valley locations where the visitor is just steps from the Hudson, and the Point offers unobstructed views of the river. During your trip to the park, check out the small maritime center at The Historic Catskill Point that documents the history of the area.

Catskill Point offers no picnicking facilities or refreshments at the park; however, Catskill Point Restaurant and Bar is right next door. Enjoy drinks and dinner from the deck of the Catskill Point Restaurant while you take in the magnificent Hudson River views.

Athens Riverside Park in Athens, New York

The village of Athens is one of the sleepiest little towns in upstate New York; however, it boasts one of the most beautiful, peaceful riverside parks in the mid-Hudson Valley. Located adjacent to The Stewart House hotel and restaurant, the park in Athens offers incredible, clear views of the Hudson River.

There are no picnicking facilities available at Athens Park, but the park offers a pavilion and benches that are a few steps from the Hudson River. The park in Athens is a lovely spot to sit awhile and enjoy the Hudson; after spending time in the park, walk across the street and enjoy a meal at The Stewart House.

Some Athens trivia: the village (and the waterfront area) was a film location for Steven Spielberg's movie War of the Worlds.

Hudson Waterfront Park in Hudson, New York

Hudson Waterfront Park in Hudson, New York is one of the newer riverside parks in the mid-Hudson Valley. Newly created by the City of Hudson and located at the bottom of Warren Street near the Amtrak Station, the Hudson Waterfront Park is a tiny, very intimate recreational area that puts the visitor right on the water.

The most prominent feature of Hudson Waterfront Park is the gazebo, which hosts musical performances and other special events. There are no refreshments or picnicking facilities available at the park, just areas of green and benches that are situated right at the river's edge. This small park provides open views of the mid-Hudson Valley's Hudson Athens Lighthouse in the distance, and the Hudson Boat Club is conveniently located right next door. Watch the boats cruise up and down the beautiful Hudson or sign up to take your own Hudson River excursion with Hudson Cruises, also near the Hudson Waterfront Park.

After enjoying time at Hudson Riverfront Park, don't forget to walk along Hudson's Warren Street area, often referred to as the “antiques capital of the Northeast.” On the mile long stretch of Warren Street, you'll find antiques and collectibles, as well as art galleries, fine dining, home furnishings and other unique sights and shops.

Clermont State Park in Clermont, New York

Many visitors to the mid-Hudson Valley don't realize that a beautiful riverside park is tucked away just off Route 9G in Germantown, New York (near Tivoli.) If you see the sign for Clermont State Historic Site, turn in to experience sweeping views of the Hudson River in a peaceful setting.

Clermont was home to many generations of the prominent Livingston family, and their mansion and grounds are now open to the public as a New York State historic site. House tours of the Clermont mansion are given during the summer season, a great way to learn about the history of the Livingston family and the mid-Hudson Valley. While you're there, also check out the garden, the Visitor's Center and the museum gift shop at Clermont State Historic Site.

One of the best features of Clermont is the beautiful park-like setting with many green meadows and pastoral views of the Hudson River. The park that surrounds Clermont State Historic Site isn't steps from the river; however, the way the trees and grounds frame the Hudson from atop the rolling hills makes the location feel very intimate.

Clermont State Historic Site is a perfect place to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic on a summer afternoon. Bring some art supplies and sketch or paint scenes of the mansion and river. Consider attending one of the many mid-Hudson Valley festivals and events at Clermont in the warmer months, like Steamboat Days or the annual Fourth of July Celebration. Clermont is ideal for families because it offers an opportunity to learn about mid-Hudson Valley history while enjoying nature and some stunning views of the Hudson River.

Main Attractions

Musical Waters

This is a synchronized display of water and lights set to music. It is located on Dewey hill and can be watched from the waterfront stadium. It is supposed to be the biggest in the world. You can learn more about it at the performance. They tell a little history about it over the speakers before the show. There are nightly performances that start Memorial Day weekend and run until Labor Day. Performances are held on Friday and Saturday evenings only from Labor Day through September. Starting times vary from 8:30 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. To find out exact times visit grandhaven.org or call (616) 842-2550.

Beaches/Pier/Lighthouse

I love walking the beach on the Grand Haven state park area. You also have access to the pier with a lighthouse on it. It is beautiful to walk it. You can walk it from the beach or all the way from the downtown area. On windy days the waves really come up on the pier so be careful! Of course it is fun to get splashed but it is slippery. Usually the best place to get the high waves is at the end of the pier. I usually hold on to one of the cement structures sticking up at the end of the pier. Of course again be careful; some have been swept off during high waves. Remember to catch the sunset on the water, it is gorgeous.

Trolley

A fun thing to do is ride the trolley. It goes around Grand Haven and you can even tour Spring Lake and Ferrysburg. The drivers are college students who talk about various landmarks and add some humor!

Festivals

There are several festivals throughout the summer and fall but the highlight is the Coast Guard Festival. I have been to it several times. It is always packed in town so book your hotel rooms ahead of time. It is around the end of July through the first part of August. For 2008 it is July 25 to August 3. There is so much going on during this time. Some of the highlights are a Coast guard cutter ship, the Mackinaw, and the Biscane Bay ships. There is also a National Memorial service, a downtown carnival and parade, as well there are many music events going on at the waterfront. But there is always something to do at the festival for everyone’s budget.

Fireworks

The fireworks are spectacular. I have gone several times on the 4th of July. They shoot them off across the black river going into Lake Michigan , and you can sit in the Waterfront grandstands. And if feels like the fireworks are falling on you. It is wonderful!! Of course there are some other events leading up to the big fireworks night. When I went they put on a beautiful patriotic show in the waterfront stadium. There is usually a 5 k run that weekend as well. Then there is a fourth of July parade in Ferrysburg also. To find all the 4th events visit this page. 

Where to Stay

We have always stayed at Days INN, it is located off US 31. It is close to the downtown and the lake. It has an expanded continental breakfast included. There is also the Holiday Inn which is in Spring Lake, across the bridge, overlooking the spring Lake Marina, but still quite close. I have never stayed here but have eaten at the restaurant inside and know it is a nice hotel. Of course if you are more budget conscious there are other hotels and motels offering lesser rates. And there are several bed and breakfasts. One of the nice ones is Harbor House. I also have never stayed but have checked into it. There are also houses/cabins to rent, and even places to camp your trailers or tents. For a list of other places to stay visit this page.

Eating

• Dee-lite restaurant downtown is good, especially for breakfast. I have never eaten there for other meals.
• Jack’s Restaurant. For breakfast lunch or dinner–the fish is wonderful , and everything I’ve had has been good. Lunches run $6 and up, with dinners 10 and up. This overlooks the Spring lake Marina area. Beautiful view.
• Kirby house is wonderful! My mom and I love the hamburgers. And be sure to order the onion rings they come on a wooden peg stacked high. Also try the onion soup, it is the best! And the Wood fired pizzas are great there too I have heard!! This is casual/fine dining and runs from $4-20.
• Porto Bello is in one of the shopping centers downtown right across from Black River. This is wonderful Italian food. I would recommend everything. I have had the pizzas, and the lasagna. If you sit by the windows you can catch a glimpse looking at the Black river across the way. This is a casual dining as well. There is also outdoor seating. This runs $5-$9 for lunch and $10-$18 for dinner.

I hope this information will be helpful in your trip to Grand Haven Michigan. I hope to see you there this summer!

For further information on Grand Haven visit MyHaven.

Estonia

Estonia is a wonderful way to see the essence of Europe. To the east is Russia, to the north is Finland, on the west side sits Sweden, and to the south, there is a land border with Latvia. The small nation enjoys a Baltic Sea coastline. Estonia was oppressed for decades under the U.S.S.R.'s ruling, after World War II.

In 1991, it was finally declared a separate nation. The national language Estonian enjoys a fully, 100%, literate population. Sometimes it is referred to as “E-sonia,” seeing as it is highly wired for the Internet and technology.

Throughout Estonia's history, it has often been in the middle of battles, strictly on account of its geographical location. It is a country that was taken over by Hitler in 1941 and then lost its identity again as part of the U.S.S.R.

While visiting Estonia, be sure to check out Hiiumaa Islets Landscape Reserve, a national park and island; Kiek-in-de-Kök, a fortress and a museum; and Naissaar, an island and war memorial in a lush natural forest.

The capital of Tallinn is a favorite destination for many seasoned globe trotters that know what they like. Estonia is full of beautiful churches and countryside.

The ideal season to check out this enchanting locale is from June to September, as the winters are quite frosty. Estonia is known to have a great deal of character and charm, without breaking the traveler's bank account. Some visitors find it similar in quaintness to Prague as it was 20 years ago.

Estland

This is Estonia

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is in Central America, and while the country did recently endure a civil war, it is peaceful now. Nicaragua is a beautiful and scenic tropical spot that is not a tourist trap. It lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

This Spanish-speaking country is a place of thick green tropical rain forests, vast beaches of blue water and remarkable volcanoes and mountains. As this is a rainforest, the best time to visit is the dry season, from November to April.

Who wouldn't want to visit an unspoiled and still pristine part of the world with exotic animals, gorgeous beaches and postcard perfect natural splendor? Many travelers return to this country for the hospitality of the “Nicas”, the people of Nicaragua.

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is an island about 200 miles off the coast of Brazil. The island is largely in a natural and conserved state. It is another stunning, unspoiled place for explorers looking to stray away from the usual island tourist crowds.

To keep the island from becoming overcrowded, less than 500 visitors are allowed on the island at one time. Although the remoteness of the island is more expensive than what you would pay on the mainland, the seasoned tropical visitor will find it to be truly fabulous. Seventy percent of this island is appointed as a national park, and wildlife abounds. Sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, exotic birds and manta ray all share the habitat in and around this island.

The archipelagos a favorite place for diving enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it is becoming quite expensive to stay on this island, as the natives are rumored to be enjoying the foreign cash. However, even if you could stop off for a few nights, it would be worth the splurge to be so close to a perfect ecosystem of such intense beauty.

Fernando De Noronha

Fernando de Noronha National Park - Brazil

Fernando de Noronha - A hidden and lonely beach in Brazil

Beach - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Greenland

Greenland. You are thinking, the land of ice? Yes, it is “that” Greenland, and it is actually showing more greenery than ever, thanks to climate change, and revealing is what lies beneath.

Crime is completely unknown in this area of the world, so if you value safety, this may be the place for you. Greenland is the world's biggest island. 85 percent of Greenland is ice cap. This ice cap is used by ten percent of the Earth's population as a water source. If these ice caps melt, the level of the oceans would rise by more than 20 feet.

Greenland has the most daylight hours in the summer, with a 'midnight sun,” visible from May until late July. The highest summer temperature is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Whales are frequently seen by tour boats, whose passengers will be able to view some of the most beautiful humpbacks, pilot whales, sperm whales and narwhals very easily.

The Northern Lights are best in August and September. There is fishing and golf on the island, and many quaint inns for lodging. Nature lovers will become addicted to this spot, as there are a variety of fantastic outdoor activities, such as ice climbing, dog sledding, and kayaking. Greenland is probably the most isolated place left on the planet, hence the serenity is the most beautiful aspect of a journey to this seemingly mystical land.

Aurea Borealis and Animals on Greenland

2004 Greenland

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Tasmania

Tasmania is an island off the coast of southeast Australia. About 40% of the island is protected land and reserves. Less than half a million residents call Tasmania home. It is about 26,000 square miles in size. Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is from December until February. The trees on the island of Tasmania are some of the oldest on the planet.

Tasmania is full of lush rain forests, alpine meadows, mountain peaks and large clear lakes. Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair National Park are some of the most beautiful places to see on the fabled island.

The best time to visit Tasmania is between the months of October and April. The Tasmanian Devil is found only on the island of Tasmania, and cartoons, of course.

Tasmania: A Visual Experience

Soothing Sunrises on the Shores of Tasmania

Tasmania In Spring

These little known and lesser publicized destinations will surely create many memories of adventure and stunning views for those who dare to venture off the well-traveled path.

It's summer and let's face it we all love to go out and have fun take a day trip or a weekend trip or even that long needed vacation. Many of us stress out when it comes to planning the trip and what to bring the weather, looking great and so much more. Many time with stressing out will leave us vulnerable and after our, what is supposed to be relaxing trip, we end up sick and miserable. Here are some great tips to prevent that this year. If you are traveling and hoping on an airplane sometimes the abuse you luggage takes on will leave you clothes will a lot of lint. If you forgot a lint brush and are going out to a nice dinner, don't panic. Use the Sticker the airport put on your luggage. Its supper sticky and removes list just as well as a lint brush.

One great way to prevent that after vacation sickness is to take an Airborne when you now you will be in a large crowd like a bus or airplane. This works great for amusement parks too. Also bring some hand sanitizer (and put the bottle is a small Ziploc baggy to prevent messy spills) and sanitize after using restroom before you and any time you feel you need to.
When packing you clothes consider what you will be taking. Don't take anything that wrinkles easily unless you want to spent 1/4th of you trip ironing. Many professional travels recommend pants with Lycra in them. This makes sure you pants won't wrinkle and helps them keep their shape. They are also great to wear a couple of days in a row and they won't look worn. This will help you pack light. ** Ann Taylor and express have a huge selection of clothes with Lycra in them

If you are traveling internationally it is highly recommended that you leave all your good jewelry at home. This included your wedding and engagement bands. If you wish to still wear a ring go to Wal-Mart and any cheap jewelry place and buy some fake bands for you and you hubby to wear. Many international destinations (like Latin America) don't understand the concept of engagement rings and by wearing one you may attract the attention from the wrong kind of person.

When you are visiting museums and historical sites sneak into the gift shop first and look at the post cards. This will show you what is in the area and then you can decided where to you want to focus you efforts instead of wasting time and energy on this you don't want to see.

There is several campgrounds along the parkway where you can camp. There is some cabins and a few lodges. If you need gas or food you can get off of one of the exits that goes to a nearby town. Also all along the parkway there is stuff to do, that in not too far from the parkway. Sometimes we will drive along the whole parkway on our trips and camp at the different campgrounds along the way. Other times we will stay on the North Carolina side of the parkway.

The parkway is a nice place to get away from the big towns. There is a lot of pretty flowers. Some times you might even get to see a black bear. When you walk the trails and look around at the scenery, it is so peaceful. Now on the parkway, you do see a lot of bikers enjoying the scenery. There is a lot of tunnels to go through. The Blue Ridge Parkway is pretty in the spring, summer and fall. I have been there all of those times and have enjoyed the trips. The overlooks can look different at different times of the day or when the weather is different. It is all pretty!

In the evenings we like to go to a near by overlook and watch the sunset. It is really pretty and you can get a lot of pretty pictures. Sometimes we like to take some music and play it will we camcord the scenery. You also might see us sometimes on the video dancing to the music. Our relatives like to watch our camcorder stuff so we try to make it interesting for them. You never know what kind of silly stuff we might do on the parkway.

If you like scenery than the Blue Ridge Parkway is a place for you to go. If you like nature stuff go to the parkway. You can also camp with a tent on the parkway for a week and still be cheaper than going to some other place and paying for a night or two in a motel. When it is raining, we enjoy hearing the rain hit on the tents. It is very relaxing! For you who like to take lots of scenery pictures than the parkway is also for you. The parkway also has some places along it if you would like to get a postcard etc... to take home with you. If you are looking for a scenic drive to go on try the Blue Ridge Parkway. I think that you will enjoy it very much.

The Summer months can see temperatures as high as 90 degrees, but the average temperature is 85 degrees. The Summer months are during May through October. The Winter months are from November through April. The temperatures have been as low as 10 degrees but only at night. The average temperature during the day is 78 degrees which is not much different than the Summer months. Yet, during the Winter Hawaii will experience the most rain. Flooding is not uncommon.

There are several little islands that belong to Hawaii. Depending on which side you live on will depend on how much dry or wet weather you will get. Typically, when you live on the windward side which is the northeast side you will get the most rain and the coolest weather. This happens since the winds are coming from the northeast. The driest parts of the island will be the southwest area of the islands. The southwest side is called the leeward side since the winds die down and the rains tend to lighten by the time it gets to the southwest side of the islands.

Hurricanes do not happen as often you may think. The last major hurricane that hit Hawaii was in 1991 which was the most severe hitting Inko, Kauai, and parts of Ohau. For the most part, hurricanes do not hit Hawaii. They may get heavy winds, but nothing too strong to destroy the islands.

If you are looking for a place to go on vacation that has the most reasonable and consistent weather then think about going to Hawaii. If you want to visit the higher elevations of the island then be sure to dress appropriately with pants and a sweater since it can get rather cold up there depending on what time of year you go. It doesn't just have natural beauty but it offers great weather.

No one wants to end up like the couple in the movie “Open Water” so when vacationing on the great barrier reef and scuba diving do not venture far from the boat. Make sure everyone on the boat know who you are and make a pact with them to stick together.. and to make sure you all get back to the boat safely. Have a water proof watch with a timer on to keep track of time while you're under water. You can purchase watches like that at any diving shop or sport watch shops located online or shopping centers. Vacation is usually the time when we kick back and relax but if drinking is one of your favorite ways to unwind be aware of your limit. Limiting your alcohol consumption will ensure you the ability to think clearly while diving and keep you from becoming dehydrated while out in the slat water. It is important when scuba diving to always stay hydrated.

A safety procedure that everyone scuba diving should abide by is checking to make sure all of your scuba diving gear fits accordingly. It should be snug but not cause discomfort. You must monitor your air supply and consumption often during your dive. Pay close attention to your guages make sure you never run out of air. The method of safe scuba diving also involve checking to prevent dangling hoses along with straps and other objects from becoming tangled with you. Carefully checkidng your equipment and making sure it's all functioning properly will make your trip under water safe. When scuba diving you should avoid all ice, caves, and shipwreck areas. No matter what happens you should never attempt diving by yourself. To be safe always dive with a friend or partner.

Careless tourists can become easy targest for thieves and scams when vacationing. It is important when vacationing in the great barrier reef to practice safety on land as well in the water. While vacationing in great barrier reef always keep your travel plans to yourself. As the old saying goes, “Don't talk to strangers.” Thieves and scam artists always come in disguise as a friendly local or tourist. You should always have a charged cellphone with you and a list of local cab numbers in the phone or on paper with you for those lost “in a strange area” moments. Beware of venturing off at night. Always keep the contact details of the Australian embassy with you in arms reach.

You never know when you might need their assistance. Using travelers checks and credit cards instead of cash will keep you safer while vacationing. Practicing safety in the water and on land will make your vacation in Australia's Great Barrier Reef enjoyable beyond belief.