Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Friday, 20 September 2013

Ten of the Main Barcelona Attractions for Young Children

English: Shot taken from Montjuïc
English: Shot taken from Montjuïc (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Port Vell, in Barcelona.
Port Vell, in Barcelona. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
barcelona españa barceloneta beach kids childr...
barcelona españa barceloneta beach kids children playing niños jugando playa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Copyright © 2010-2013 Olga Simon

To name only ten of Barcelona's attractions for families with young children would be to sell the city short, because it has much more than that. However, most families do not vacation in Barcelona, or even visit the city, long enough to visit much more than ten, so here are the top ten as we see them:

1. Las Golondrinas or Swallow Boats

Las Golondrinas are small double-decker boats that offer two tours: one round the harbour and the other round the coast and the harbour. One takes about 35 minutes, and the other 90 minutes and involves open sea cruising, but is only 12.50€ for adults and 5.00€ for children.

These tours are great for children and adults alike and you can get both directly in front of the Columbus statue, on the port side of the Plaça Portal de la Pau.

2. Tibidabo Amusement Park

This Barcelona attraction is wonderful for small children - it might be a bit young for the teenagers in your family, but who knows? Perhaps a return to their childhood would do them good. It offers over 30 traditional attractions, both traditional and modern, and you get there by means of train, tram and funicular railway! That's fun enough for most kids, but wait till they get into the park! The simulation airplane ride is very popular as is the traditional high Ferris wheel. If you have a young family they will love it.

3. Barcelona Zoo

Most kids love zoos, and here at Barcelona Zoo we have a large number of animals kept in the most humane conditions and offering you the opportunity to allow your children to come across many animals, birds and reptiles that they have only ever seen in books. Imagine their faces when they see the real things looking at them. On top of that you get pony rides, a mini train and electric cars. Add a restaurant and picnic area and that's one day's entertainment for the youngsters looked after!

4. Barcelona Aquarium

Barcelona Aquarium offers a fabulous array of fish from the smallest to the large sharks, and your kids will just love it. Apart from the normal glorious display of fish in their own habitats, you can introduce your children to marine world through Explora! - a fabulous interactive centre on the top floor. This offers over 50 ways for your kids to interact with the fish and other marine creatures through sight, sound and touch, and they can explore these animals in their own underwater domains. This is very popular with children (and parents!), and also caters for the tots.

5. Port Vell Imax Cinema

The Imax Cinema at Port Vell is something to experience if you've been to a wrap-around screen cinema before. With movies in three different formats on 600 square metre screens, including 3-D movies with special polarized glasses and the massive hemispherical screens that seem to wrap around you, Imax is something to be experienced for children and adults. Your standard movie theatre at home will never seem the same again!

6. The Wax Museum

The Barcelona Wax Museum, in the Passatge de la Banca, is a great way to spend a rainy day - even any day in fact! It is full of marvelous representations and the kids will love the horror exhibitions, the trip between the decks of an old sailing ship and the stone-age men. A great place to take them when you are stuck for something to keep them occupied.

7. Cosmocaixa Science Museum

This is a magnet for children, and if you are looking for a way to stop them complaining then bring them here. The geological wall and the planetarium will astound them, and the Amazonian rainforest is very educational, particularly about the difficulties the world would face without it! A visit here both educates them and entertains them.

8. Parc de Ciutadella

The Parc de Ciutadella is the largest public park in Barcelona, and offers you a great play area for the toddlers when they have to let off a little steam. This is in the El Borne area, and offers a boating lake that the kids normally love, and some wonderful Spanish architecture. It used to be a prison during the Napoleonic Wars.

9. Barcelona Happy Park

The Happy Park in Barcelona is for young children, and again is somewhere you can let them expend their excess energy. The Happy Park in Barcelona is for young children, and again is somewhere you can let them expend their excess energy. It's a huge covered labyrinth-type setup full of bouncy, touchy, feely, jumpy, rubbery contraptions for the little darlings to romp around on. Monitors are on hand and there is a special enclosed area for tiny tots. A must for every parent with boisterous kids - they will sleep well tonight after an afternoon here!

10. Port Aventura

This is last, but the best has been saved for last. Port Aventura is actually about an hour in the train from Barcelona, but this is one of the best amusement parks in the south of Europe, you will ever visit. It's well worth a day trip to Port Aventura - your kids will love you for it.

Port Aventura offers several themed parks based on China, Mexico, the Far West, Polynesia and the Mediterranean, with the Carib Aquatic Park next door. Every one fabulous and every one loved by every child that visits it. It's a must for you and your young family.

So there you are: our selection of the best 10 attractions in Barcelona for families with young children. Details of how to get to each, and opening times and prices, are provided on our website.


About the Author:
Written by Olga Simon. Barcelona has a lot more to offer than just these 10 attractions, and whether you are visiting our fine city alone or with a large family, our Barcelona guide will offer you the best information on where to stay and what to do, eat and drink during your stay. Visit us at http://www.way2barcelona.com/


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Tuesday, 3 September 2013

Los Angeles Celebrity Helicopter Tours

Hollywood Sign
Hollywood Sign (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice (Photo credit: artnbarb)
Copyright © 2010-2013 Jay Wilson

Many people come to Los Angeles to get a glimpse of celebrities and the lifestyles they lead. A bus tour can get you in front of their home or take you to where the movie premieres are, but they can't get you a bird's eye view of where they live and spend their time out of the spotlight.

Los Angeles celebrity helicopter tours were designed to not only give people an amazing tour of Hollywood and the rich history behind it, but to give people a chance to see where these rich and famous figures live and the lavish properties they call home.

Helicopter tours can take you anywhere around the city but many people opt for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Many celebrities call this area home, as it is the movie making capital of the world, and people just want a chance to see where their favorite actor goes to work each day and what kind of palatial estate they retreat to at night.

Over Downtown Los Angeles
Over Downtown Los Angeles (Photo credit: brewbooks)
Taking a helicopter flight will ensure the most comprehensive and exciting tour possible. Fly just feet away from the Hollywood sign, cruise above the Sunset Strip and head out over the Hollywood Hills to the private pads of many of the most famous people in the world.

The scenic beauty of Malibu is also a top destination spot on a Los Angeles celebrity helicopter tour as many of the famous people in Hollywood choose the beach life over life in the hills. Malibu boasts an amazing 27 miles of beautiful coastline that is lined with waterfront mansions and many celebrities have their primary or secondary residence in this area as it can be a much needed retreat for the hard working actors.

Aside from the obvious stops, a helicopter tour of L.A. will take you over the famous Santa Monica Pier, Venice Boardwalk and Downtown. These are all hot night life spots where many celebrities hit the town for a night of fun. There are also many world famous restaurants in these areas that get frequented by the rich and famous.

You can't go wrong with a Los Angeles celebrity helicopter tour. Excitement and adventure is what these tours are all about and many people come back year after year for the same luxury helicopter tour and a chance to live the high life for a day.

With all this great town has to offer a helicopter tour is a sure fire way to get the most bang for your buck. You can see more in an hour in the sky than you can from a week on the ground. Take advantage of the pure entertainment and excitement that a helicopter flight will give you and your friends. There's no better way to see the town.


About the Author:
Written by: Jay Wilson. Elite Helicopter Tours offers luxury Los Angeles celebrity helicopter tours that give you a chance to see all this amazing town has to offer, including world famous celebrity mansions like the Aaron Spelling mansion and the Playboy Mansion. Located in Van Nuys and serving the L.A. community for over 29 years, our Los Angeles helicopter flights are an exciting ride that you will never forget. Learn more at: http://www.EliteHelicopterTours.com/


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Saturday, 10 August 2013

Beauty Care For When You're On The Go

GloMinerals gloTravel Body Kit $20.25 GloMinerals gloTravel Body Kit includes 2 oz. airline-approved travel size glominerals body products: body wash, body butter and sugar body polish, all in GloMinerals signature honey sugar butter scent. Kit also includes mini travel candle and new honey sugar butter lip balm, available exclusively in this kit. The gloBody travel collection includes these airline-approved glominerals body products all in our signature soothing scent of honey sugar butter: GloMinerals Body Wash (2 oz.) GloMinerals Body Butter (2 oz.) GloMinerals Sugar Body Polish (2 oz.) GloMinerals Lip Balm GloMinerals Mini Travel Candle GloMinerals gloTravel Body Kit

BORGHESE B Pampered Gift Set $17 A tradition of beauty... BORGHESE B Pampered Gift Set includes: BORGHESE Fango Active Mud for Face and Body (1 oz./30 ml) BORGHESE Splendid Mani Smoothing Hand Creme SPF 8 (1 oz./28.6 ml) BORGHESE Tono Body Creme (1 oz./28 g) BORGHESE Bagno Di Vita Gentle Foaming Gel (3.5 oz./100 ml) BORGHESE Labbro Piu Paffuto Lip Plumper (0.14 oz./4.74 ml) BORGHESE B Pampered Gift Set 

Caswell-Massey Sea Grass Hand & Body Gift Set $40 A perfect way to sample Caswell-Massey limited edition Sea Grass Collection. Be transported to the seashore with a warm, breezy air of a relaxing Summer day. Made from the freshest ingredients including a combination of citrus bouquet, sparkling notes of crisp greens, calming florals and hints of Cedar and Sandalwood. The essence of tranquility. Gift Set contains: Hand & Body Lotion (10 oz.) Hand & Body Wash (10 oz.) Individually Wrapped Single Bar Soap (6 oz.) Beautifully Gift-Boxed Caswell-Massey Sea Grass Hand & Body Gift Set

Get Fresh Bath & Body Kit - Mandarin Ginger $34 Our fully loaded starter set comes complete with everything your body needs to be cleansed, soaked, moisturized and refreshed. Indulge in 5 of our best-selling products, available in our 6 signature fragrances. Blackberry Vanilla Collection Apricot Chamomile Collection Cucumber Mint Tea Collection Lemongrass Lavender Collection Mandarin Ginger Collection Fig & Peach Blossom Collection Starfruit Pear Collection Kit includes: 1 - Bath Salts, 3 oz. 1 - Body Butter, 1.5 oz. 1 - Body Water, 1 fl. oz. 1 - Hand Creme, 1.5 oz. 1 - Body Wash, 2 fl. oz. Get Fresh Bath & Body Kit - Mandarin Ginger

Sunday, 21 July 2013

Vacation Rentals - Undiscovered Travel Retreats

Orlando Vacation Rental Villa
Orlando Vacation Rental Villa (Photo credit: Discount Vacation Rentals Online)
English: Rental cabins near the Great Smoky Mo...
English: Rental cabins near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevier County, Tennessee. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Copyright © 2008-2013 Jeb Maxwell

Vacation time may be several months away, and you may be starting to think about where and what might be the perfect vacation this year - the beach, golf resort, SCUBA diving, skiing, maybe just sight seeing? And you think about places you have been - and the problems you have had.

You cannot forget the time you went on vacation and discovered that the rooms that were really too small, or the room service was bad. There was also the time that the people in the next unit were loud and obnoxious, and the primary reason you had taken a vacation was to find peace and quiet. If only you could have the comforts of your home magically transported to your fantasy destination, then you could have had the perfect vacation.

Well, your dream arrangement is (almost) possible - you just have to look at vacation rental of a home, condo or cabin instead of hotels, motels and resorts. If you've never tried a vacation rental, there is a whole world of opportunities out there, just waiting for you to discover them.

Lots of people have vacation homes or condos that they use only part of the year. Many of these people rent out their places when they know they aren't going to be there to use it themselves. The process is a little different than pulling up in front of a Best Western or Holiday Inn, but the principle is the same - you get to use a room or set of rooms where you are able to reside, for the length of your vacation.

Normally hotel, motel or resort rooms are relatively small. So things can get a bit tight, particularly if the kids are along, or if are there or two, three or four couples who have a routine of vacationing together. By renting a vacation home or condo you will get more space, some privacy, and you may be able to get luxury features you haven't been able to install yet under your own roof. Another thing - you can find vacation rental units of practically all kinds, practically anywhere in the country - or, for that matter, in the world.

There are literally thousands of places available that are private homes, condos, cabins, etc., available for vacation rental. And, the facilities available in these rentals range from rustic to lavish, comfortable and spacious.

There are thousands of companies around the world acting as agents for owners. Many of these agents have listings in every state of the United States, plus Mexico and the Caribbean. They are really just booking agents, but they have information on a huge number of properties in a large number of locations. They have listings in Central America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the South Pacific. Unless you had your heart set on a vacation in Antarctica, it doesn't seem like there can be much of anywhere that you will not be able to find vacation rentals.

Most agents found online and offline have vacation rental homes in US destinations, and many also have access to international listings. On the Internet, you will be able to find listings provided by agents - and vacation rentals by owner. At most websites that cater to the vacation rental industry, listings will contain a full inventory of what a particular property has to offer the vacationer and most of those listings contain several photographs, including interior and exterior photos.

Many vacation home rentals can be found near the center of major tourist areas, such as Disney World in Florida, or near beaches - perhaps even on the beachfront - in many coastal states. Other vacation rental homes are located out in the boondocks, such as in the wooded and mountainous regions of Arkansas, Colorado or Tennessee.

For instance, there is the 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, lakeside, log home at Presque Isle, Wisconsin, located on the shores of Presque Isle Lake, an hours' drive south of Lake Superior. The property is a rustic wilderness stone and log cabin on top of a ridge, with sleeping space for up to 14 people. Overlooking the 1500-acre, crystal clear waters of Presque Isle Lake in the North Woods, this log cabin receives guest's year-around. During the summer, many families enjoy the swimming off of the cabin's lakeside dock, and anglers enjoy an ample supply of trophy Muskie, Walleye and Bass from the dock and by boat.

Let's say you are thinking about taking the family to Breckenridge, Colorado for a week of skiing or snowboarding fun. A short search on the Internet will give you a sizable list of resorts or hotels to choose from. They have nice rooms, food service, probably a pool, and transit service to the slopes. But what is available in a vacation rental?

There are more than two-dozen vacation homes available in Breckenridge, Colorado. You can access descriptions and photographs of many of these homes. Facilities range from units that sleep 6 to exclusive townhouses that provide sleeping quarters for up to 22 people. Rates start at $70 per day to $20,000 per week. That would seem palatial to me. I wonder if the rates are negotiable?

Finding exactly the right-sized home, with the desired amenities, for the price you are willing to pay will take some searching. You should really take the time to decide what kind of a place you really want, the amenities, and how many people will be going with you, before you start going though lists. Of course, some people go to Breckenridge in the summer, rather than during the winter for the ski season, and rentals are available, even during the off-season.

With a vacation rental you get more space and special amenities compared with a conventional hotel, motel or resort. The cost per square foot is usually less, but the amount of space is usually more. You have more privacy, but you will probably have to do your own cooking and wash your own dishes. As with everything else, you have to decide how you want to spend you time and your money - what do you value and how much is it worth to you?

Picking and booking the right vacation home may require some time, but it is also time well spent with people you love. Compared to the hotel experience, a vacation home rental is an excellent option that you should consider for your next vacation. It might create that perfect memory you have been looking to achieve for your family.

Suppose, instead of Breckenridge and skiing, you are interested in a week at the beach, a weekend in the woods, or a week following your favorite NASCAR event. On January 20th, 2008, it is estimated that four million people will be in Washington D.C. for the inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama. Hotels were sold out weeks ago... but there are still plenty of vacation rentals in the greater D.C. metropolitan area, looking for renters. Some people are even renting their homes to visitors coming in for the inauguration and taking the opportunity to visit grandma, while someone else is renting their home.




About the Author:
Jeb Maxwell writes about travel, vacation home rentals and the Bed and Breakfasts industry. To explore additional information about both, visit: http://www.findvacationrentals.com/ or http://www.findbedandbreakfast.com/


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Thursday, 11 July 2013

The Top 10 Amusement Parks in America

Copyright © 2010-2013 Ryan Hogan

The deciding factor in selecting the top ten amusement parks in America was the answer to the following question: is the park worth a trip across country? If the park is in Florida is it worth the trip from the West Coast? If the park is in California is it worth the journey from Boston or Baltimore? If the answer was yes, the park qualified for inclusion.

The list also favored parks associated with popular franchises (Disney, Marvel Comics, Peanuts, and Sesame Street just to name a few). While this may put off some adults (okay, most adults), kids love the characters. And after all, amusement parks are all about the kids.

English: The Contemporary Resort in Walt Disne...
English: The Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando) Nederlands: Het Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
1. Walt Disney World Resort
Location: Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Phone: 407-939-7675
Website: " target="_blank">http://disneyworld.disney.go.com
Size: 25,000 acres
Rides: They don't have "rides" they have "attractions."
Operating Season: Hours vary by season.
Top Attractions: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort is the largest and most-visited amusement park on the planet. There's not enough summer to see and do everything Disney World has to offer. Sure the resort is a "little" commercialized, but with 25,000 acres of high quality fun Disney World is the prime vacation spot for both the young and the young heart.

Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, Walt D...
Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
2. Universal Orlando Resort
Location: Orlando, Florida
Phone: 407-363-8000
Website: " target="_blank">http://www.universalorlando.com
Size: Unknown
Rides: 25+
Operating Season: Hours vary by season.
Top Attractions: Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Wet 'n Wild Orlando, City Walk Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort is a smorgasbord of family fun. Many of its amazing rides and attractions, including 4-D adventures and state-of-the-art roller coasters, are based on popular movies and television characters like Harry Potter, Shrek, The Simpsons, and Marvel Comics. Yet, as cool as Spider-Man and the Hulk are they can't beat the mouse and that's why Universal Orlando is number two.

3. Cedar Point
Location: Sandusky, Ohio
Phone: 419-627-2350
Website: " target="_blank">http://www.cedarpoint.com
Size: 364 acres
Rides: 75 total, 17 roller coasters
Operating Season: May through Early November
Top Attractions: 17 roller coasters, water rides, Challenge Park, Planet Snoopy

Many amusement park enthusiasts put Cedar Point on the top of their "Best of" lists. That's because it's probably the best pure amusement park in the world. After all, its 17 roller coasters are the most of any park on the planet. Besides the coasters, visitors can get all wet at their world famous water park, Soak City, or enjoy one of their many exciting live shows. Cedar Point comes in it at number three because, well, to put it bluntly, it's in Sandusky and it doesn't have the cool franchises like Disney World and Universal Orlando.

4. Disneyland Resort
Location: Anaheim, California
Phone: 714-781-4565
Website: " target="_blank">http://disneyworld.disney.go.com
Size: 510 acres
Rides: 1 (see #1)
Operating Season: Hours vary by season.
Top Attractions: Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, Downtown Disney

Disneyland Resort contains two amusement parks, one is the famous Disneyland, which opened in 1955, and the other is Disney's California Adventure. The two parks, together with Downtown Disney and various hotels, attract more than 20 million visitors every year. So why is this legendary resort only number four on our list? Is it because of the song "It's a Small World (After All)" incessantly repeats during the ride of the same name? Yes.

5. Busch Gardens Europe
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Phone: 800-343-7946
Website: " target="_blank">http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/default.aspx
Size: 250 acres
Rides: 25 total, 5 roller coasters
Operating Season: March through October
Top Attractions: Roller Coasters, Sesame Street Forest of Fun, Special seasonal events

In case you didn't glean it from its title, Busch Gardens Europe has a European theme going on. It also has a small but highly rated set of roller coasters. When your stomach needs a break from the thrill rides, the park offers several relaxing but entertaining Broadway style shows. Busch Gardens is a great place to visit during the holidays.

6. Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari
Location: Jackson Township, New Jersey
Phone: 732-928-1821
Website: " target="_blank">http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/index.aspx
Size: 260 acres for Great Adventure, 350 acres for Wild Safari
Rides: 46
Operating Season: March through November
Top Attractions: Roller coasters, 350-acre wildlife preserve, Looney Tunes pals

Due to its close proximity to New York and Philadelphia, Six Flags Great Adventure is one of the most popular amusement parks in the North East. Great Adventure is known for its spectacular roller coasters like Nitro, The Ride, Kingda Ka, and El Toro. Its 350-acre wildlife preserve is home to 1,200 animals and the park boosts that it's the largest "drive-thru safari" outside of Africa.

7. Canada's Wonderland
Location: Vaughan, Ontario, Canada (Greater Toronto Area)
Phone: 905-832-8131
Website: " target="_blank">http://canadaswonderland.com
Size: 330 acres
Rides: 48 thrill rides
Operating Season: May through October
Top Attractions: Planet Snoopy, The Mighty Canadian Minebuster, Riptide, Drop Tower, Psyclone, Whitewater Bay, Hollywood's Stunt Spectacular

Canada's Wonderland is renowned for its great variety of roller coasters, probably the best assortment on the continent. In fact, if you ignore the United States, Canada's Wonderland has the most roller coasters of any amusement park in the world. This is also the most visited seasonal park in North America. Canada's Wonderland is about 30 minutes from downtown Toronto.

8. Legoland California
Location: Carlsbad, California
Phone: 760-918-LEGO
Website: " target="_blank">http://www.legoland.com
Size: 128 acres
Rides: 50+
Operating Season: Hours vary by season.
Top Attractions: Miniland, Legoland Water Park, Dino Island, Fun Town, Pirate Shore, Imagination Zone

Everything is better when it's made out of Lego's. Amusement parks are for kids but this park's height requirements really favor vertically-challenged young ones. Legoland is laid out in nine areas each with a different theme. One of the most popular areas of the park is Miniland. In this area, artists have used Legos to construct several American landmarks to 1:20 scale.

9. SeaWorld San Diego
Location: San Diego, California
Phone: 800-25-SHAMU
Website: " target="_blank">http://seaworld.com/sandiego/default.aspx
Size: 189 acres
Rides: 8
Operating Season: Hours vary by season.
Top Attractions: Journey to Atlantis, Wilde Arctic, Lights, Camera, Imagination 4-D!, Sesame Street Bay of Play, Dolphins, Orcas

SeaWorld Adventure Parks Tycoon
SeaWorld Adventure Parks Tycoon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
SeaWorld is a classic. Since opening in 1964, SeaWorld San Diego has delighted visitors with exhibits, rides, and of course, its wonderful marine wildlife. SeaWorld is near the bottom of our list because it lacks the thrill rides of other amusement parks and it maybe too educational for some kids. Still, SeaWorld has enough things to do and see to make it a viable vacation destination.

10. Knoebels Amusement Resort
Location: Elysburg, Pennsylvania
Phone: 800-487-4386
Website: " target="_blank">http://www.knoebels.com/index.asp
Size: Nearly 300 acres
Rides: 55
Operating Season: April through September
Top Attractions: Twister, Flying Turns, Haunted Mansion, Grand Carousel, 3 Ponds Golf Course

Knoebels is a straight-forward, non-pretentious, kid-friendly, family-run amusement park. The park was created to entertain, not to sell merchandise-no ubiquitous cute and furry corporate mascots here. Knoebels has the best amusement park food in the country and bills itself as "America's Largest Free Admission Park." You can buy rides a la carte or via a day pass.




About the Author:
Ryan Hogan writes for ParentingFun411.com, a website that offers parents who want to have fun all kinds of useful resources such as a directory of fun parenting businesses like toy stores across America. Also read the parenting blog that offers great information for parents such as the top amusement parks in America. Learn more at: http://www.ParentingFun411.com/


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Friday, 21 June 2013

The Art of Miami

Images from top, left to right: Skyline of Dow...
Images from top, left to right: Skyline of Downtown, Freedom Tower, Villa Vizcaya, Miami Tower, Virginia Key Beach, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, AmericanAirlines Arena, Port of Miami, skyline of Downtown at night. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Copyright © 2009-2013 Lynda Belcher

The art scene in Miami is always full of creative enterprise, with art openings occurring regularly and some of the most well known artists (of all types) choosing to display their work here. Moreover, the art scene includes a diverse grouping of performing arts venues as well as museums, music halls and much more.

One of the newest additions to the cultural scene in Miami is the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. This is the second largest performing arts center in the country, only behind the famous Lincoln Center in NYC. The Arsht Center is home to the Florida Grand Opera, which is renowned for its professional, talented performers. Other venues housed in the center include: the Knight Concert Hall, Carnival Studio Theatre, Peacock Rehearsal Studio and Ziff Ballet Opera House.

The Performing Arts Center attracts a number of national and international concerts, operas, ballets and musicals; it is considered to be one the grandest and most elaborate performing arts centers in the state.

Miami is also home to a host of other performing arts facilities including: the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Lincoln Theatre, Jackie Gleason Theatre, Ring Theatre, Colony Theatre, and the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. The Miami International Film Festival is a celebrity-laden showcase for cinema from around the world, specifically concentrating on Latin America as well as the North American continent.

When it comes to dance, Miami is well represented by the Miami City Ballet. The Ballet rounds out the cultural scene in Miami with its talented cache of top performers and facility. It is located at the Ophelia and Juan Js. Rojas Center in South Beach, which is one of the few facilities in the world that is made specifically for the ballet.

In addition to the numerous performing arts venues, Miami is host to a number of local museums. In fact, there are so many museums that it takes days just to get through a few of them. Some of the city's best collections can be found at the Bass Museum of Art.

Located in Miami Beach, the Bass Museum draws large droves of visitors to its stunning collections of Renaissance and Baroque paintings as well as the special temporary exhibits. In the past, these temporary exhibits have included works by Picasso, Matisse, and Frida Kahlo. There are free docent tours at the Bass Museum of Art each Saturday and a personal collection of Austrian art from John Bass, the museum's founder.

However, the crown jewels of the Miami art scene are the Miami Art Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art at North Miami. The Miami Art Museum is located in the heart of the city, and features installations as varied as video, photography, sculpture, painting and much, much more. Exhibitions included at the Miami Art Museum consist of various contemporary artists, including Carlos Alfonzo, Ana Mendieta, Frank Stella and Chuck Close. There are re-creations of famous works, such as Vik Muniz's take on Monet's "Waterlilies."

The Museum of Contemporary Art at North Miami is home to some of South Florida's most talented artists. There is a 7,500 sq. ft. gallery space and a separate exhibit hall that showcases local artists only. Work by Ruben Torres Llorca, William Cordova, Hernan Bas and others are displayed here amongst the various interactive works of art around the facility. Past MOCA exhibitors were Salvador Dali, Pablo Cano, Gianni Versace and Anna Gaskell.

Additional museums in the Miami area include the Miami Children's Museum, Jewish Museum of Florida, Frost Art Museum, Miami Science Museum, to name a few.

The cultural scene in Miami captures the very essence of the city and its residents. There are so many avenues in which to literally breathe art, entertainment and culture that it's hard for visitors to avoid soaking up a bit of it and carrying it with them when they leave.

Copyright 2009 MiamiSmarts.com




About the Author:
Lynda Belcher is a professional writer who contributes to Miami Smarts, a CitySmarts website. Miami Smarts is full of useful Miami information about all-things-Miami. Find original and current articles South Beach for example. If you live in Miami or you're planning on visiting, http://www.MiamiSmarts.com/ is a website you should visit.


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Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Get Your Summer Holiday At Club La Costa

Cabopino beach, Costa del Sol, Spain 2005 4.jpg
Cabopino beach, Costa del Sol, Spain 2005 4.jpg (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Fuengirola beach
Fuengirola beach (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
English: The beach in Marbella in the Costa De...
English: The beach in Marbella in the Costa Del Sol, Spain. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
GREAT FAMILY FUN AT CLUB LA COSTA RESORTS

'We offer an exciting and wide range of holiday choices. For example, our stunning Costa del Sol resort is set on the sparkling Mediterranean with its wealth of things to do; in Turkey, Club La Costa offers a taste of the Orient at Apollonium Spa & Beach Resort, which fringes a white sand beach; and in vibrant Tenerife, 4 resorts offer year-round sunshine - virtually guaranteed!'

JOIN THEIR PRIVATE MEMBER CLUB AND YACHT CLUB

CREATE YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY BREAK AT VCM_Club La Costa

With resorts in Tenerife, Costa del Sol, Turkey, Red Sea, Cornwall and more holiday cater for individuals and families with a reliable professional and friendly approach.




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