Florida’s Paradise Coast includes Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades. Whether you are looking for beautiful beaches, great shopping opportunities, getting up close to tropical wildlife or just a relaxing family holiday, this is the place to be.

Florida’s Paradise Coast is blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches that stretch from Barefoot Beach Preserve at the northern tip of Collier

Naples Florida

County, through Naples, along Marco Island’s four mile crescent shoreline and into the Ten Thousand Island area of the Everglades. Some beaches offer full facilities whilst some are just perfect for beach walks along deserted sands. The beach resorts in Naples and on Marco Island allow easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Explore the backcountry mangrove estuaries by sailboat, canoe, kayak, motorboat, yacht, parasail or wave runner and marvel at the amazing scenery and wildlife. Whilst cruising the waters you will be treated to all kinds of wildlife including fish, birds, dolphins, sea turtles and manatee.

The natural beauty of the area attracts artists and art lovers who visit to see the amazing permanent art collections and travelling exhibitions. Apart from the Naples Museum of Art, the Marco Island Centre for the Arts and the Von Liebig Art Centre there are also some fine galleries to visit in the shopping districts and the Big Cypress Gallery which you will find deep in the Everglades. Every month the area hosts hundreds of art and cultural events and performances at the Philharmonic Centre for the Arts which is home to the Naples Philharmonic. The area has numerous museums displaying artefacts dating from the Calusa Indian Civilization and from the pioneers who settled in the area at the turn of the century. The unspoilt beauty of the area can also beseen at the many public parks including the Everglades National Park and the Big Cypress National Preserve. Enjoy a host of outdoor activities at the parks including nature photography, bird watching, hiking, boating and many more on your holiday packages to Florida.

Everglades Florida

A must on your family holidays to Florida’s Paradise Coast is a visit to Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens. These historic botanical gardens are home to all kinds of wild creatures from zebras to alligators, islands which are home to apes and monkeys and great wildlife shows which the whole family will enjoy. Other great fun attractions for the whole family to enjoy are the Children’s Museum, the nature centre which is home to a wildlife rehabilitation zone and miniature golf.

Collier County has more than 80 golf courses which offer different levels of difficulty for the serious golfer and those just wanting a fun round of golf. Whatever your need there is a course for you. If you enjoy a spot of shopping then leave the men enjoying their golf and head off to the Naples area where you will find unique boutiques selling one-of-a-kind items, boutiques, interior design shops and art galleries. If you are lucky enough to book holiday packages to Florida anytime between Thanksgiving and New Year you will be treated to the festival of lights in downtown Naples. Marco Island offers several shopping venues where you can purchase art, island treasures and clothing.

Marco Island Florida

Dining out on Florida’s Paradise Coast is an experience not to miss. The area offers everything from waterfront cafes to top class five-star restaurants. Around Naples you will find a vast array of dining venues including open-air bistros and even a pub serving traditional Irish food. Dine by the water at Tin City and the Village on Venetian Bay. Marco Island offers all types of dining from laid-back waterside grills to gourmet restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. In Everglades City locally sourced seafood is the order of the day. Offering amazing views of the Ten Thousand Islands these restaurants offer all kinds of seafood dishes including stone crab, shrimp, snapper and if you are feeling adventurous you can try frog’s legs and ‘gator tail!

Whatever you are looking for in a holiday, Florida’s Paradise Coast has it all.

Memphis, the city that gave the world blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, is perched above the Mississippi River in the state of Tennessee. Not only is Memphis renowned for its musical history but also for its BBQ pork with more than 70 BBQ places to eat at.

Memphis

Places to Visit

Graceland
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, the former home of Elvis Presley is one of the most visited houses in America, coming a close second to the White House. Here at Gracelands visitors can view two of the music legends private planes, his large auto and motorcycle collection and other memorabilia.

Memphis Walk of Fame
Modeled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Memphis Walk of Fame is designated to Memphis musicians, composers, singers and writers. People honoured here include B.B.King, W.C.Handy, Bobby Blue Bland and Alberta Hunter.

Stax Museum

Stax Museum

Located where the former Stax Records building stood, the museum is devoted entirely to soul music. Artists such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Reading, Booker T & the MG’s and Sam & Dave recorded their songs here in the 60′s and 70′s. 

National Civil Rights Museum
Housed in the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jnr was assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum includes a historical overview of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum of Memphis is home to interactive and education activities for children. Hands-on exhibits include an airplane cockpit, a skyscrapper maze, a fire engine, an art studio,mechanic’s garage and a grocery store.

Pink Palace Museum

Pink Palace Museum

The Pink Palace Museum is the Mid-South’s major science and historical museum, featuring a range of exhibits from archeology to chemistry. The museum has the third largest planetarium in America and an IMAX theatre. There is even a replica of the original Piggly Wiggly store, the first self-service grocery store, which commemorates the invention of the supermarket by Memphian Clarence Saunders in 1916.

Brooks Museum of Art
Founded in 1916, this is the oldest and largest fine art museum in the State of Tennessee. The permanent collection here includes works from the Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras to British, French Impressionists and 20th century artists.

Mud Island River Park and Mississippi River Museum
Located in downtown Memphis the park is well known for its River Walk. This scale working model displays 1000 miles of the Lower Mississippi River. Thirty inches of the model equals one mile of the river. The walk is about half a mile long and allows visitors to walk in the water and view models of cities and bridges on their journey.

Beale Street

Other interesting places to visit in Memphis whilst on your bargain holidays to America include the Victorian Village, the Cotton Museum, Beale Street, Memphis Zoo, Memphis Botanic Garden, Sun Studio, the Orpheum Theatre, the Pyramid Arena, the Peabody Hotel (famous for the ‘Peabody Ducks’ that live on its roof) and the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Not to be missed is a ride on a paddlewheel river boat along the Mississippi to relive the most romantic era in American history.

There is so much to do and see on your late deals to Memphis that you will be spoilt for choice.

If you are looking for a destination full of beautiful scenery, intriguing history and friendly people then look no further than New England in the USA. New England is a region in the northeast of America and consists of six states, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Autumn (the Fall) is an ideal time to visit when the leaves on the trees turn from green to thousands of different shades of gold, red and orange, a sight not to be missed!
In the winter you can ski in the mountains and enjoy cosy fireside evenings  at the inns of Cape Cod.
In spring and summer New England is the place to be for hiking and biking in the mountains and around the lakes and enjoying the beautiful beaches.

Dining out in New England is an experience in itself. Seafood is a speciality in coastal regions, especially lobster and clambakes, not to be missed on your direct holidays to America.

Places of Interest

Plymouth
Here you can explore a replica of the Mayflower II where actors re-enact the lives of the pilgrims. Just outside Plymouth is another replica, Plymouth Plantation where you can see what life was like for both settlers and Native Americans.

Rhode Island
This is the smallest state of the USA but is home to a fifth of the country’s historic landmarks.

Newport
Explore the history of sea trading and smuggling here in the world’s yachting capital. Newport became a colony in 1639 and is famous for privateering and the ‘triangle trade’ of slaves, rum and molasses. Today visitors can enjoy gazing at the expensive yachts in the harbour whilst sipping a cocktail in one of the waterfront restaurants and bars.

Salem
Located just up the coast from Boston, Salem is full of beautiful buildings and the Salem Witch Museum which is dedicated to the infamous witch trials which were held here in 1692. Although this is the main attraction here there are other museums relating to early colonial life and there is also the Peabody Essex Museum which showcases local and international art and culture.

Cape Cod
Once a major shipbuilding and whaling centre, Falmouth is now a typical pictuesque Cape town. This is where the Pilgrims made a stop. It is said that they were terrified of the huge lobsters and refused to eat them but were amazed by the gigantic cod. The Cape has glorious beaches, including the huge National Seashore, quaint fishing villages and rural inland areas where you you will find village greens complete with duck ponds! Catch a ferry from Falmouth harbour to visit Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

New Hampshire and Vermont
Here you will find rolling mountains with forests, charming villages and winding country lanes just waiting to be explored.

Sturbridge
Wandering around the 200 acres of rolling fields with ponds and ancient trees, you will feel as if you have been transported back to New England in the 1800′s. Actors in period costumes demonstrate their crafts, cooking and farming methods whilst eerily telling you about their lives in days gone by.

Berkshires
Once homes of the 19th century millionaires from Boston and New York, these historic mansions here are now museums, inns and performing venues. Two of the best to visit are The Mount with amazing interiors designed by the novelist Edith Wharton and Chesterwood which has absolutuley beautiful gardens.

Maine
If you are looking for some of Americas best seafood then look no further than the rugged coastline of Maine. Here you will find fishing communities complete with lobster pounds and lighthouses.

Rockport
Once a major granite shipper, Rockport now attracts visitors who want to sunbathe on the rocks and beaches, walk along the coastline, whale watch and wander through the honeysuckle woods. Rockport is also home to Thatcher Island which has two lighthouses, Halibut Point State Park and a number of art galleries and querky shops.  

Mystic
Built around the mouth of the Mystic River, the town was once a whaling and fishing community. Today visitors can learn about the local trades and crafts from costumed guides at the Mystic Seaport Museum.

Steeped in history and culture, New England is the ideal destination for family holidays to America as there is something of interest for everyone.

The California Coast has something for everyone, from surfing the waves in Santa Cruz, playing a round of golf and just soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches to strolling along the boardwalks, enjoying a jazz festival, visiting art galleries. There is so much to see and do along the coast that you will be spoilt for choice.

Museum

Santa Cruz is one of America’s surfing capitals with a great sandy beach on the Pacific Ocean. The resort even has it’s own Surfers Museum located in a small lighthouse overlooking the sea. At the boardwalk there is an amazing funfair with a wooden roller coaster dating back to 1924. When you need a break from the surf then you can enjoy the hiking and biking trails which run through the hills and along the coast at the Wilder Ranch State Park.

Built in a Mediterranean style, Santa Barbara is a relaxing place where you can wander aimlessly around the palm lined streets. Step back in time with a visit to the Old Santa Barbara Mission and the Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.

The beautiful white sands of Santa Monica were made famous by the TV

Pier

 programme Baywatch back in the 1980′s and 90′s. Renowned for it’s funky shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars Santa Monica offers great dining options, especially at Venice Beach and around the pier. The pier was built in 1908 and is the West Coast’s oldest pleasure pier. You can skate,walk or cycle along the coastal path which connects Santa Monica and Marina del Rey.

Monterey is famous for hosting a summer jazz festival which lasts for three days every September, with hundreds of different musical acts performing. Music not your cup of tea, then marvel at the amazing sealife at the Monterey Aquarium or enjoy a round of golf at the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Course right on the Pacific coast.

The Bohemian village of Carmel was governed by the actor Clint Eastwood in the 1980′s. Ocean Drive leads down from the town to the seafront and is lined with galleries where art lovers can admire the fine collections.

Long Beach has a long stretch of white sandy beach which is perfect for families. When you need a break from the beach there is the amazing Aquarium of the Pacific where you can view sharks and you can also take a touir of the Queen Mary which is permanently docked here. Explore the beautiful unspoilt Catalina Island on one of the boat trips from Long Beach.

Newport Beach stretches for more than 3 miles and is home to some of California’s most expensive and exclusive homes. Popular with surfers, Newport Beach also offers seal spotting at Seals Rock and glass bottom boat rides at Lovers Cove Marine Reserve. For shopaholics there is a spanish style outdoor shopping mall.

Laguna Beach stretches for 7 miles with 30 different beaches and tiny secluded coves. The surrounding hillsides are covered in eucalyptas and attract artists whose works are displayed in the local art galleries. Laguna has lots to offer including excellent surfing conditions, hiking in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, diving in the north of the region, whale and dolphin watching and golf courses. Visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Centre where rescued marine animals are taken for rehabilitation.

Huntington Beach is one of the top surfing spots in Orange County, with plenty of surf schools available for tuition when on your direct holidays. The 8 mile long promenade is ideal for running, skating or cycling. Surf shops and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum can be found in the town.

Tide pools, beach caves and quiet coves are all a part of Pismo Beach. Enjoy a horse ride on the beach or relax with a spot of fishing from the pier, followed by some clam chowder at one of the many restaurants or a bottle or two of wine at one of the local wineries. Take advantage of the many late deals to America which are always available throughout the internet and enjoy everything that the California Coast has to offer.

The Hawaiian Islands offer some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. This includes miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches and lush tropical rainforest, and much much more.
Hawaii is a volcanic island chain, comprising of hundreds of islands spread over 1500 miles. The main islands are Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Maui and Big Island.

Hawaii

Kaui (Garden Isle) is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and it’s most northen. The island has a laid-back atmosphere with small towns which are steeped in culture. Here you can hike through the Kokee State Park, ride through the tropical rainforest on a zip line, kayak to a waterfall where you can swim beneath the falls and go snorkelling at Poipu Beach.

Oahu (The Gathering Place) is Hawaii’s third largest island. Home to Honolulu, beautiful beaches, ancient architecture and great shopping, Oahu has plenty of different activities on offer.

Maui, Molokai and Lanai are known as The Magic Isles.

Hawaii

Maui is Hawaii’s second largest island. With some of the best beaches in the world, you can take in some whale watching, experience the many waterfalls and hike on the islands scenic slopes.
Molokai is Hawaii’s fifth largest island and is just 38 miles long and 10 miles wide at it’s widest point. This island is untouched and has beautiful white sandy beaches, a continuous fringing reef and is home to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Lanai, located just nine miles from Maui, has luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, two championship golf courses and stunning views. Spinner dolphins can be seen performing their acrobatics in the sea from Hulopoe Bay.

Big Island is nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian islands put together. Home to volcanoes, lush green rainforests, first class resorts, sandy beaches, historical sights, golf courses and much more.

With top-class hotels and plenty of attractions, Hawaii is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular wedding and honeymoon destinations. Couples can marry on the beach or in the grounds of one of the many hotels. These world-class hotels have great facilities including a state-of-the-art spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu.

The islands are home to some challenging golf courses, all with stunning backdrops. Kauai and Maui both have excellent championship courses.

An ideal way to experience the islands in true luxury is to take an island hopping cruise on a luxury cruise liner.

Looking for an idyllic, romantic wedding or honeymoon location? Hawaii is the place you are looking for with many travel deals that include weddings or honeymoons available, you won’t be disappointed with this perfect destination.

With many bargain holidays to Hawaii offered on the internet, these islands are the perfect place for couples and families alike to vacation on.

Philadelphia is located close to the New Jersey border and is the largest city in Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia

The historic city of Philadelphia is considered to be the Birthplace of America. It is here in the Historic District at Independence Hall that Thomas Jefferson wrote  the Declaration of Independence and where it was signed in 1776. Independence Hall is found in the Independence National Historic Park which is Americas most historic square mile. Other attractions in the Historic District are Congress Hall and Carpenters Hall. Visitors to the Independence Hall can see the famous Liberty Bell.

Independence National Historic Park

Philadelphia, or The City of Brotherly Love as it is fondly known, is divided into districts including the Historic District, the Old City, Chinatown, Society Hill, the Italian District of South Philly, the Avenue of Arts, Rittenhouse Square and Penns Landing. One of the best ways to see the historical sights of Philadelphia is by foot but there are tours available by bus, trolley, horse and carriage, river cruises, amphibious ‘duck’ tours and air tours by helicopter.

With more than 90 museums on offer the whole family will find something to suit them. The most popular museums include the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, The Rosenbach Museum, the Atwater Kent Museum of History, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute Science Museum and the Please Touch Museum. When visiting the

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art don’t forget to run up the steps just like Sylvester Stallone did in the Rocky film!
Apart from it’s fantastic museums Philadelphia also has a zoo, Fairmont Park, the US Mint, the Tyler Arboretum and the Reading Terminal Market where the Amish farmers sell their produce, which are all worth a visit.
Philadelphia offers visitors some great dining and shopping opportunities. The city has many shopping malls selling souvenirs, gifts, antiques, arts and crafts, and designer clothes, along with a traditional Italian market which is one of the citys most popular retail attractions.
Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out with everything from the small neighbourly trattorias to the more upmarket restaurants owned by some of Americas finest and best known chefs. A visit to

Philly Cheesesteak

 Philadelphia would not be complete without sampling a Philly Cheesesteak (a delicious loaded, messy, melted sandwich)!

The best time to visit Philadelphia is during the Spring or Autumn, when there are lots of cheap package holidays on offer and when the warm dry weather makes it ideal for touring the city to take in all the great sights and attractions.

Direct holidays to America are always available throughout the internet.

America is a vast country with a huge variety of attractions. The following are just a few of the hundreds of sights and attractions on offer when visiting this intriguing country.

Hollywood

Hollywood

The 50ft Hollywood sign on the Los Angeles hillside can be seen from miles away. Regarded as the film and entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood attracts millions of vistors a year who come to see its attractions and museums.

Empire State Building

Built in just 410 days in 1931, the Empire State Building stands 436ft high and offers amazing panoramic views across New York from observation decks situated on it’s 86th and 102nd floors.

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

Formed by the action of the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world. The canyon is a mile deep, over 270 miles long and is up to 18 miles wide in some places. Visitors can experience this awesome spectacle by rafting down the Colorado River or on horseback, by foot, or from the air by plane or helicopter.

National Parks

Established in 1872 Yellowstone National Park is a wilderness of fantastic mountain scenery, alpine lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
Yosemite National Park is home to 3,000ft granite cliffs, high waterfalls and ancient giant redwood trees.

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty

Modelled on the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Liberty was donated to America by the people of France in 1886, commemorating the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution. The statue is a symbol of freedom and democracy and is the first landmark seen by immigrants who pass through the Ellis Island Immigration Centre.

Golden Gate Bridge

San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in the world. This great suspension bridge was built in 1937 and spans the two mile Bay of San Franciso. During very high winds the bridge can sway 27ft in both directions.
The largest Chinatown outside asia is also located in San Francisco.

Kennedy Space Centre

Kennedy Space Centre

Located 45 miles from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Station at Cape Canaveral gives visitors an insight into the history of NASA’s space exploration through exhibitions, movies and tours.

When planning a visit to America you will always find fantastic package holidays on offer throughout the internet.

There are always lots of late deals available for the whole family to visit some of the great attractions in this vast country.

San Francisco doesn’t have any beaches but it does have some fantastic scenery. Famous for its Golden Gate Bridge and its historic cable cars there is plenty to do and see in San Francisco.
The hilly streets here are lined with Victorian houses which overlook the huge blue bay surrounded by mountains. This bay area is home to the famous crooked street and a Chinatown.

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

The Golden Gate Bridge is a magnificent 1.7 mile long suspension bridge that links San Francisco to Marin County. There are parking and viewing areas at each end of the bridge which can be crossed by car, cycle or on foot. Views from the Marin Headlands stretch from Golden Gate Park and Twin Peaks to

Golden Gate Bridge

 The Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island and beyond.

Golden Gate Park covers an area of 1,013 acres and is San Francisco’s largest park, bigger than New York’s Central Park. The park has over a million trees, nine lakes, fly casting pools and a lily pond. It is also home to the Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Garden, The Conservatory of Flowers and some museums.

CABLE CARS

The San Francisco cable car system is the only transportation system listed on The National Register of Historic Places. It is the last of the world’s permanently operated, manually operated cable car systems.
The cable cars operate on three routes, two from Union Square to Fishermans Wharf and one which runs along California Street.

ALCATRAZ ISLAND (The Rock)

Located in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz island lies 1.5 miles from the mainland. This historic island has been home to a lighthouse, a military fort, a military prison and a federal prison. In 1972 the island became a national recreation area and can be reached by ferry from Fishermans Wharf.

Alcatraz Island

CLIMATE

San Francisco is surrounded on three sides by water, hence the weather here is influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean.
It has a mild climate that varies very little with seasons. From May to October it is dry with mild to warm temperatures, reaching 18-21C and with lows of 11-13C. November to April is the rainy period with temperatures of 14-18C and lows of 8-11c.

If you are thinking about visiting San Francisco, you won’t be disappointed. There are many holiday websites offering holiday packages to America to help you on your way.

For more information on America and to view my latest articles please visit my America Blog.
Happy Holidays.

Have just come across this travel guide for New York and found it very interesting and informative.

The guide includes info on sightseeing, shopping, eating, nightlife and beaches. I have visited New York many times, usually on last minute holidays ( I am a very busy person), and found that after reading this guide there are still places i need to visit and things i need to do!

Trevor Butler set up his first ‘travel’ related business in 2004 and has written many other destination articles with tips and information. I have found these articles both interesting and helpful, hope you do too.

Martha’s Vineyard (which includes the smaller Chappaquiddick Island) is an island off the south of Cape Cod in New England, in the state of Massachusetts. The island consists of six towns and is only accessible by boat and by air.

The island has good summer weather and beautiful beaches, hence it is fast becoming a popular tourist destination.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Vineyard Haven (Tisbury)

Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard
Steamship Authority Wharf
Owen Park & Legion Field
Lake Tashmoo, which includes Tashmoo Overlook & Tashmoo Opening
The Lagoon
The Black Dog
The Capawock Theatre
West Chop, which includes the West Chop Lighthouse & West Chop Woods

Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs Harbour
The Flying Horses Carousel
The Island & Strand Theatres
The Wesleyan Grove, which includes 350 gingerbread cottages
Ocean Park, Hiawatha Park & Viera Park
Farm Neck Golf Course
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest
East Chop, which includes East Chop Lighthouse
Eastville

Edgartown – An old whaling town where the movie Jaws was filmed, the town was called Amity in the film.

Edgartown Harbour & Lighthouse
The Whaling Church
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Chappaquiddick

West Tisbury

Martha’s Vineyard Airport
Christiantown, which includes Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary & Mayhew Chapel
The Grange Hall
North Tisbury,which includes Makonikey

Chilmark

Menemsha Harbour, Menemsha Pond & ‘Squid Row’
Tiasquam River
Menemsha Hills Reservation
Beetlebung Corner

Aquinnah

Gay Head Cliffs
Gay Head Lighthouse

BEST BEACHES
Cape Pogue – Chappaquiddick
The Inkwell – Oak Bluffs
Lambert’s Cove Beach – North Tisbury
Lobsterville Town Beach – Chilmark
Lucy Vincent Beach – Chilmark
South Beach at Katama – Edgartown
State Beach – Oak Bluffs
Harthaven Beach – Oak Bluffs
Menemsha Beach – Chilmark

For something a bit different, why not visit Martha’s Vineyard for your summer holidays.

With lots of holiday deals on offer at the moment you will be spoilt for choice.

For more information on America and to view my latest articles please visit my America Blog.