The Heavenly Island of Provo

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The breathtakingly gorgeous Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the West Indies.  The islands are widely known for their gorgeous beaches, natural beauty, and pristine coral reefs. 

Providenciales, or Provo, is the urban center of Turks and Caicos and it is also the most popular island.  Interestingly, only about forty years ago, Provo did not have a single wheeled vehicle and today it is one of the most popular vacation destinations among tourists.  The gorgeous beaches, beautiful landscape, and tranquilizing atmosphere of the city will make you fall in love.

Provo is a paradisiacal island that is ideal for families and couples trying to get away from it all.  Provo has gorgeous, white sandy beaches with dazzling turquoise waters, and miles of coral reefs making it the ultimate diving destination.  Flamingo Divers offers diving with small groups of eight people of any experience level and it provides an exciting and memorable diving experience!  The most popular 12 mile stretch of the beach is located on Grace Bay and is surrounded by a barrier reef. 

At the beach, you can indulge in a host of enjoyable activities including parasailing, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, kite-surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and waterskiing. 

Provo is a haven for golfers as it has one of the top ten golf courses of the Caribbean. 

The island also has the world’s only Conch farm; the mollusks with their beautiful pink shells take five years to grow.  The Conch farm offers tours during the winter; it is most definitely a must-see, unique attraction of the island. 

Another popular place of interest in Provo is The Hole located on the way to Long Bay Beach.  It is a breathtaking, bottomless pit that has ultimate natural beauty.  According to some, the pit is connected to the sea via underground tunnels.  The Hole is usually admired from the topside; you have to see this fascinating location on your visit!  

Historic points of interest in Provo include Cheshire Hill and Sapodilla Bay.  Cheshire Hall is a 200 year old building that consists of ruins of a prosperous cotton plantation.  The building ruins have been conserved and they offer beautiful views of the island providing a captivating contrast of the old Provo and the modern Provo. 

"The Hole" in ProvidencialesSapodilla Bay is a heavenly spot with white sand beaches and clear blue waters; there is a hill that overlooks Sapodilla Bay where you can observe historic stones engraved by shipwrecked sailors. 

Provo offers a luxurious and diverse dining experience.  The island has a wide variety of restaurants with distinct ambiances and cuisines.  A lot of restaurants have mouthwatering specials every day of the week!

During your stay at Provo, you must visit the island’s only live casino called Casablanca Casino.  The Casino is an exciting place with live gaming tables, a lounge, and a bar. 

At Provo Island, you are bound to have a magical vacation. Provo is a heavenly island that will leave you with memories of a lifetime!

St. Martin – the perfect blend of 2 countries!

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St. Martin is a magical island that is shared by the French and the Dutch; the two countries share an almost indiscernible and friendly border.  However, each side maintains its distinctiveness and represents its own culture. 

The island has a very calm and secluded environment that makes it a perfect spot for vacationers.  The fact that the island has two distinct cultures makes it an exciting place to visit.  The beautiful island is warm and sunny throughout the year, the average temperature is about 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Marigot, the capital city of St. Martin, has a vibrant French culture – it has colonial houses, bistros, pastry shops, luxurious boutiques, and European fashions.  The best part is that the entire city is very accessible and vacationer-friendly because it only has four wide streets. 

The figure of Fort St. Louis is a huge historical monument that is located on the side of the island and it overlooks the Marigot Bay.  While you’re looking at this monument, you can get a great panoramic view of the island.  At the South of Marigot, there is a museum that preserves the island’s history and culture as it has an abundance of pre-Colombian treasures and extensive displays that manifest the plantation and slavery period. 

Paradise Peak is the highest point on the island, after climbing 1,400 feet to the top, you can get a magnificent view of the landscape and tropical forest.  On the east of the island, there is a small village called Orleans, or French Quarter, which still preserves some of the seventeenth-century structures.  Spending a day in this beautiful village is a great learning experience that you will thoroughly enjoy. 

There are a ton of fun-filled activities that the great island offers.  St. Martin has thirty seven stunning and unique beaches.  The beach at Grand Case and the Anse Marcel beaches have vibrant local cultures and are great beaches to visit with families.  Orient Bay beach is unique because it has white sand and it offers a great variety of water-sports. 

Dining in St. Martin is world famous- the cuisine there ranges from French delicacies to Asian and Indian cuisine.  There are plenty of renowned restaurants on this island; many of them play music for dancing as well. 

Given the rich culture of St. Martin, the gorgeous beaches, the historical sites, the enjoyable activities, and the romantic and peaceful atmosphere, a trip to this beautiful island will be a magical one that you will cherish for the rest of your life!

The Galapagos Islands – Spotlight: Isabella

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First made famous by the great naturalist, Charles Darwin, the diverse assortment of mammals, birds, reptiles and marine life found on the Galapagos Islands make for an unparalleled look at what happens when nature is left unspoiled by the footprint of the modern way of life.

And while the Galapagos Islands have become mystified over the years, visitors shouldn’t expect to encounter freaky hybrid animals.  There are no iguana-mingos or sea-boobies, but there are plenty of marine iguanas, pink flamingos, sea lions and blue-footed boobies, as well as penguins, dolphins, whales, the famed Alcedo tortoises, and many, many other animals including Darwin’s finches.

What is a bit unique (though still far more cool than freaky) is that, besides figuring out some kind of harmonious and symbiotic relationship among themselves, these animals seem to tolerate if not welcome human presence.  There are countless stories of dolphins “dancing” in the water or mimicking tourists as they swim, or finches perching on peoples hands to grab a quick snack of seeds.

New York Times writer, Josephine Humphrey, wrote this of her experience:

“I met up with a blue-footed booby standing smack in the middle of the footpath. It made no offer to step aside and let me pass. Looking into its birdy eye, I saw . . . nothing at all. No fear, but also no aggression. No anxiety, affection, hope, recognition. Its indifference was profound, as if I were invisible, although I’d been told that if I did step too close it might jab at me with its beak. This strange fearlessness can’t be explained by any local history of kindness on the part of man. Even Darwin killed birds and ate tortoises. The blue-footed booby wasn’t afraid of me, but the name for this is not tameness. It’s genetic innocence. Since the animals evolved in the absence of man, their innocence exists at a molecular level. I saw it again in the eye of an albatross just before it turned to begin its mating dance; I saw it in the stare of a sea lion nursing her pup on the beach. The animals felt nothing for people one way or the other, yet all around them were people, including me, in love with the animals.”

Isabella is the largest of the archipelagos that make up the Galapagos Islands, which were formed right smack on the equator over a million years ago when a series of volcanoes merged.  Not many tourists visit this Island, which has the largest colony of Galapagos tortoises and picturesque beaches complete with coconut palms.

Sidenote – because of the flourishing animal life on the Islands, it is the general assumption that the plant life is just as abundant.  The Galapagos is not a lush Gilligan’s Island type place.  The Islands tend to me more barren and rocky and, in some areas, are devoid of vegetation entirely, mostly due to the recent volcanic activity.

Puerto Villamil is the main “hub” of Isabella and thrives mostly on fishing, tourism and agricultural activities.  With its sandy streets it is a welcomed escape from the more touristy Islands of the Galapagos.  There are very few motor vehicles and the whole town seems to adapt to the slow pace of the local tortoises.  Villamil has friendly (mostly Spanish-speaking) locals who are happy to point you in the direction of the nearest great place to find a hammock and relax, swim and snorkel – all within walking distance from the main drag.  The town has a good selection of accommodations and small seafood restaurants.  In Isabella there are no banks, so remember to bring enough cash to last you your entire stay.

But before you book your flight to Isabella, stay tuned for upcoming articles exploring the other Islands of the Galapagos…

Travel America – Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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Kitty Hawk is a lovely town located in Dare County, North Carolina.  It is an old city that was established in the 1700s and was previously known as Chickahawk.  At one point, Kitty Hawk was a remote area; today it is one of the most thriving beach communities where thousands of vacationers visit every year.  The town has both a laid-back, romantic atmosphere and exciting attractions including sandy beaches, great shopping, superb dining, entertainment facilities, and enjoyable aquatic activities.  Kitty Hawk is an ideal town to relax and to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

By far, what attracts most vacationers to Kitty Hawk is the beaches! Particularly in the spring and summer, you can sunbathe, take a nice nap, read a book or people watch at the beach.  For ultimate relaxation, you can take a yoga class or get a massage.  In addition, you can hunt for shells or sea glass, swim, fly a kite, build a sand castle, surf, and boogie board.  You can literally spend your entire vacation at the beach without experiencing a dull moment!

Kitty Hawk is also a great city for fishing; TW’s Bait and Tackle is an impressive facility that provides fishing paraphernalia.  Besides aquatic activities, miniature golf is a popular attraction for the family.  You can also enjoy golf at the popular Seascape Golf Course.  Kitty Hawk Woods is a great attraction that has a maritime, forest, swamp, and marsh.  You can explore this 461 acre area and find a variety of animals including gray foxes, white-tailed deer, amphibians, river otter, hawks, and herons.  For hiking lovers, there is an impressive trail as well.   

Along with the outdoor activities, Kitty Hawk also has indoor attractions.  Kitty Hawk is a great city to eat out in; there are great restaurants that have Eastern North Carolina barbecue and local seafood is definitely a favorite!  You can relax while sipping on a cocktail at the patio of Ocean Boulevard and enjoy breathtaking views from the Black Pelican.

Shopping in the city is enjoyable as there are a bunch of locally owned and interesting shops in town.  Whether you are looking for homemade dog biscuits, local artwork, funky clothing, accessories, beach souvenirs, you are bound to find something of interest at Kitty Hawk.  For some entertainment, you can go to the Outer Banks Music Showcase that offers shows featuring live music and comedy.  The Music Showcase plays diverse music including pop, country, and beach hits.  During the winter, special shows are offered like Bluegrass and Elvis tribute.

Kitty Hawk has a great location because popular attractions like Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head are only a short drive away.  Kitty Hawk is a lovely city that provides a wonderful vacation experience.  A vacation at Kitty Hawk in a beach house will leave you with a lifetime of memories!

The Secluded Abaco Island – Bahama’s Little Paradise

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The beautiful Abaco Island, also called “the top of the Bahamas,” is located in the northernmost portion of the country.  The south of Abaco Island is comprised of a group of small islands and settlements including Casuarina Point, Elbow Cay, and Little Harbor.

Each settlement is worth exploring because of its uniqueness.  However, all the islands share the beautiful warm weather year-round and spectacular views.  Vacation homes are popular among tourists as they capture the true essence of the island and make you feel at home away from home.

Casuarina Point is a small, exclusive settlement that is located on the breathtaking beach.  The beaches are usually secluded and they are perfect for couples and also for families to spend private, quality-time with each other.   Luxurious beach houses are ideal for family reunions and for couples looking for a getaway.  At the beach, this is right outside your doorstep, you can enjoy gorgeous views of sunrises and sunsets, have privacy in a serene atmosphere, and observe the tropical landscape.  You can also indulge in snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, and fishing.

Elbow Cay is a nice island that stretches to the renowned Tahiti Beach.  You can go to restaurants and bars that you can reach by rented boats of golf carts.

Little Harbor is a laid-back, tranquil community of South Abaco Island.  It has a captivating deserted lighthouse that you can explore.  The beautiful sandy beach along the community has a number of boats and great rock cliffs to observe.  Little Harbor is a haven for people that like to fish and it is also a perfect idea for bone-fishing.  You can turtle watch which is an enchanting experience as the serene waters are replete with sea turtles.  The different communities of South Abaco Island make fantastic vacation destinations.  At Elbow Cay, you can visit nice restaurants and enjoy Tahiti Beach.  Casuarina Point is a little taste of paradise with its privacy and pristine beauty.  While staying at a beach house in this beautiful location, you will feel as if you are on your own island!

Party with Brazil’s own Morro de Sao Paulo!

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Morro de Sao Paulo (St. Paul’s Hill) is just about as good as it gets when it comes to a laid back vacation destination.  And while the island is not far from easy-to-get-to locations like Salvador, the small town has no cars and a much slower-paced lifestyle despite its popular nightlife.

The village of Morro de Sao Paulo is known for its grand festas. Hotels, pousadas, and restaurants that line the sandy path of Rua Caminho das Praias or Beach Road.  Stop in any of the restaurants and try the fresh local cuisine or a raska – Brazil’s favorite cocktail made from local tropical fruits, sugar, crushed ice and a splash of vodka.  Each restaurant will have their own take on the drink so try a few and find your favorite!

The Northeast coast of Brazil is famous for its beaches and Morro de Sao Paulo has arguably the best…so good that the beaches have no names as the natural beauty speaks for itself.  Merely named ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’ and ‘fourth’ each beach has its perks.

Summer homes that have long been located on First Beach now serve as pousadas or “inns” for surfers and other vacationers visiting from all over the globe during Brazil’s winter (America’s summer) months.  This is the best time to visit as the population of the town nearly doubles during the Brazilian summer – North American winter.

First Beach’s offers the most consistent waves to surf on, crystal-clear waters and is also home to most of the seaside restaurants.  Note:  Like everything else, Brazil likes their food spicy!  If you’re not a fan, make sure you order it mild!   This beach is also where you will find the tirolesa, or zipline, that runs from a lighthouse up on one of the morros, or hills, down to the beach – definitely something to try!

If you’re looking for excitement, head down to Second Beach – the party beach!  Bring your camera for a perfect photo op as you wind down Second Beach’s staircase – it offers amazing views of several of the island’s beaches and the sparkling ocean.  Brazilian “Luaus” take place along the beach every Saturday and nightly during the weeks leading up to Brazil’s Carnaval festival.  Since the parties often last into the morning, steer clear of Second Beach if this isn’t your scene. 

However, Second Beach is more than a party – one of Brazil’s most famous cultural arts, Capoeira, is preformed here every evening.  With the setting sun as the backdrop for this acrobatic martial art, you will not want to miss this!  Ask around for performance locations or simply follow the crowd!

Attention divers – on Third Beach you’ll find more pousadas and restaurants and less crowds as the beaches tend to get progressively quieter.  You’ll also find Caita Island, a large barrier reef just off of the shore (with up to 15 meter visibility!).  Rent a a kayak, snorkeling gear or dive gear and head out – the island is right off the beach!

Fourth Beach is the largest of Morro de Sao Paulo’s and is another reef beach.  It is the quietest of the four beaches making it the perfect place to laze under a palm tree, watch for jumping dolphins in the ocean and listen to the sound of the waves while sipping a roska.  Snorkelers and divers will find an assortment of coral and some of the brightest colored fish in all of Brazil. 

With 4 amazing beaches to choose from, a rich marine life, a variety of water and beach sports to partake in and local “must see’s” such as the Old Fort Ruins and Morro Lighthouse, make Morro de Sao Paulo your next south-of-the-boarder vacation!

Life’s a Beach in St. Croix!

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St. Croix is a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea and a county of the US Virgin Islands.  St. Croix, the largest of the Virgin Islands, has two different towns to explore – Christiansted and Frederiksted.  Each town is distinct and scenic, and carries all the offerings of a lively destination.  The gorgeous beaches, sunny weather, vibrant culture, and exceptional beauty contribute to making St. Croix a popular tourist hotspot!

St. Croix is known for its breathtaking beaches.  Due to the wide variety and uniqueness of the beaches, the term “life is a beach” particularly rings true in St. Croix.  The island is surrounded by many distinguished beaches which are globally ranked.  Some of the beaches include the Hibiscus Beach, Turtle Beach on Buck Island, Cane Bay Beach, and Coakley Bay Beach.  Hibiscus Beach is ideal for snorkeling; Turtle Beach, which is accessible by one of the ubiquitous charter sail boats on the island, was declared a national monument by President Kennedy because of its indescribable beauty; Cane Bay Beach has clear waters, beautiful views, snorkeling, and diving on the reefs; and Coakley Bay Beach is a gorgeous and secluded beach.  

Scuba diving is an extremely popular activity at St. Croix as the island has more than 50 beautiful diving sites to choose from.  St. Croix is considered “undiscovered” to some extent, hence, there are a lot of hidden treasures waiting to be unveiled in this island.  St. Croix is known in the Caribbean for its eco – tourism opportunities – you can explore an untouched environment from the mountain peak all the way down to the coral reef!  In addition, the Caribbean island is a paradise for golf-lovers with three scenic, award-winning courses to choose from.

The culture of the city is portrayed in its colorful flora and fauna, the authentic arts and crafts, the music, and the nightlife.  St. Croix’s stunning plant life decorate hillsides and roads and add a dimension to the culture of the island.  The beautiful plants are used for many practical and medicinal purposes in the island.  St. Croix art is displayed in many different forms including painting, sculpture, pottery, crafts, photography, and woodwork.  Each form captures the essence of St. Croix in a unique manner and depicts the island’s sea, sunset, sunrise, plants, and culture.  You can enjoy St. Croix’s nightlife at buzzing beach bars, bistros, or balcony cafes while you can dance the night away to reggae, rock or jazz tunes. 

St. Croix has excellent dining – there are many restaurants that serve excellent food, and have beautiful balcony views.  Mouthwatering, fresh seafood is a specialty of the island and you cannot go wrong with a clawless Caribbean lobster.  Calypso Daiquiri made with Cruzan Rum or mango salsa flavored drinks are very popular in the island. 

The island is a festive place that celebrates events with a lot of zest.  The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a memorable event with parades of colorful displays of floats, and costumed characters.  The St. Croix Food and Wine Experience in April is a weeklong event that features the well-known people of St. Croix’s food and beverage industry. 

You can experience fine dining, wine tasting, and spot a few celebrities as well! St. Croix is a beautiful and exciting destination that promises a memorable vacation!

Guest Blog – Stacy & Jeff do Southeast Asia (6 of 40)

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local thai market - meow!

local thai market - meow!

conglomerate of stories…
“favorite food in phuket:  in our last few days in phuket, we found this little locals place hidden back off the road and tried their papaya salad for lunch, it was delicious.  we were so turned on by the spot we tried it for dinner that night.  the setting was something of an outdoor living room, the only other diners being what seemed family members and close friends.  the food was great and cheap! our first dinner there we sat and watched some thai tv drama while i sipped on so-co and coke…. it was great.  we ended up eating all of our meals there over the next two days and all were fantastic!  it was run by pretty much the sweetest lady with the best smile.  her daughter was a mini-me, looking to be 10 or so and seemed to be in training for a future running the restaurant.  dad looked like samuel l jackson if he were thai – by far the biggest/thickest guy we’d seen yet.  on our last night the woman was so sad to learn we were leaving for bangkok and, before we knew it, she ran off and then returned minutes later with this little plush blue bear.  she handed it to us and said it was for good luck on our travels and to make sure we come back when we return later in the trip.  it was great!  hugs and all and a firm handshake from the husband….great departure.

fresh orchids for sale

fresh orchids for sale

chinatown, bangkok:  it was like the stockroom of a dollar store or a walmart with all the hair things and fashion jewelry you could ask for.  swarming with ladies and girls.  crazy.  it then unfolded into the food market, which as the photos show, are not for the faint of heart.  it had anything and everything - most we didnt’ know what it was.  You can only imagine the smells that went with it…

teddy ska, brick bar, koh san road:  in search for the bathroom (cause I always have to go at the wrong time) we came accross a back-ally bar with live music coming out!  we decided to enter this dark brick-walled bar and check it out.  we walk in to a crazy rad bar filled with local 20-somethings rocking out to this really amazing ska band.  we were the only ‘farongs’ in there by far. it was great.  we met this drunk kid who proceeded to buy us beers and show usa good time.  sooooooo much whiskey there it was unbelievable.  for 1000 baht (a little short of 30 bucks) you buy a bottle and go to town.  nobody was drinking beer but us, so we too went to whiskey eventually.  but it was just so cool to see all these kids loving life and rocking out.  great tunes too, kinda like a mix between save ferris and no doubt…. we learned they’re a pretty famous thai band so we really lucked out in finding it…so cool can’t tell ya enough!!!!

monks waiting for the boat taxi

monks waiting for the boat taxi

with that we were on a music search and got a list of some top reggae and ska bands.  we bought our first cds today, “kaijai brothers”, famous for their song tuk tuk brokedown… the only bummer is now we can’t listen to them unless we find a usb cord for the ipod.  but we also, learned of “job 2 do” which is known for their song ‘do do do do…’ we had never heard it until today, but everybody refers to it everywhere…. and then “t-bone” which is  more ska…. we tried to get our friends from last night at the bar to write down their favorite bands for us, but too much whiskey and too loud….

stacy’s hair:  we were bored in phuket and i was frustrated with my hair being constantly wet and in knots… so jeff cut it.  he did a pretty damn good job too, but thanks to some remaining layers from my last cut, it wasn’t too hard.  i haven’t had my hair this short since highschool!  and it feels oh so fresh and so clean….

now we’re off to chang mai on an overnight bus……

cheers, peace and love!”

A Recipe From Each Continent of the World (3 of 7)

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North America:  America’s Best Burger Ever

(Recipe excerpted from ABC’s Good Morning America, host of Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Best Burger Ever Challenge – the winner was Allison Koplan’s Stuffed Bacon-Cheddar BBQ Burger)

Burger Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 lb. ground round
  • 2 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp. garlic salt
  • 8 oz. block of sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded
  • 1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 medium Vidalia onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 bottle of sweet barbecue sauce (of your choice)
  • Hamburger buns
  • Lettuce (optional)
  • Tomato (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Onions
  • 1/4 cup Barbecue sauce for basting

Winner Allison Koplan and Chef Emeril Lasasse

  • Combine ground round, ground chuck, salt and pepper in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine the coarsely shredded sharp cheddar and cooked bacon pieces. Let bacon and cheese mixture sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to get soft. Then, shape mixture into balls (for however many burgers you would like to make)
  • Form 2 patties of meat and place one cheese/bacon ball in between them. Pinch the sides together to seal in cheese ball. Gently press formed patty, to spread out cheese ball. Continue until all patties are formed
  • Cook burgers on grill over medium flame for about 7 minutes on each side. While burgers are grilling, slice sweet Vidalia onions and saute them in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of butter. Once onions become translucent (about 4 minutes), add some sweet barbecue sauce
  • Flip burgers, and baste the cooked side of the patties with the same sweet barbecue sauce used in the onions. After about 7 minutes longer, the burger should be done (these are big thick burgers and may take longer to grill to your liking). Baste again with sweet barbecue sauce before removing from grill. Butter hamburger buns and place on top rack of grill for several minutes, until toasted
  • To build burger, take toasted bun, add patty, and top with smothered barbecue onions. You can add tomato or lettuce, if you’d like, but the flavors are great without them

A Recipe From Each Continent of the World (2 of 7)

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Africa:  African Potato Stew & Ugali – native to Kenya

Stew Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 cups onions, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 2 cups cauliflower cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 medium sweet potato cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4 cups collard greens, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup dark raisins
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup shelled peas (for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper (to taste)

Now What?

  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat – a add onions and garlic and cook them for 5 minutes (or until onions become transparent and soften).  Stirr occasionally
  • Add ginger, seeds, coriander and cloves – cook (stirring frequently) for 2 minutes
  • Next add the potatoes and gradually stir in the 4 cups of water.  Then turn the heat up to high
  • Once the mixture comes to a boil, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and reduce the heat to low.  Simmer the stew (uncovered) for 5 minutes and stir occasionally
  • Stir in the cauliflower, sweet potato, collard greens & raisins and continue to cook for 10 minutes (or until the potatoes & sweet potatoes are tender)
  • Last, season the stew with the vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and add in more water if the stew is too dry – garnish with peas

Serve hot and Enjoy!

Ugali Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 3 or 4 cups maize meal (a bit more coarse that American corn meal, however, corn meal will work fine too)

Now What?

  • In large pot, bring your water to a boil
  • Add the maize meal, stirring to prevent lumps
  • Gradually add more maize meal to make a thick mixture (it will resemble grits until it cooks down a bit more)
  • Continue to stir until the maize meal is well cooked and mixture is about the consistency of Play Dough
  • Remove the ball of dough from the pot and place onto a serving plate – the ugali should hold its shape
  • Traditionally, diners pinch off pieces of the ball and use it to “sop up” soups, stews or sauces

A Recipe from Each Continent of the World (1 of 7)

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Asia:  Tom Ka Gai Soup – native to Thailand

Ingredients:

  • Good quality Chinese chicken stock – 1 cup
  • Coconut milk – 1 cup
  • Fresh or frozen lemongrass – 1/2 a  stalk
  • Galangal – fresh – 6 slices (If you don’t have any at home, you can order some online)
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves – 2 (hand-torn)
  • Thai bird’s eye chillies (or Serrano chillies) – 2-3 (big slices so you can avoid them easily)
  • (If you don’t have any of the above, Amazon ships a package of all the fresh ingredients you need for the soup.)
  • Fish sauce – 1 tbsp (The saltiness can vary a lot across brands, so start with less always.)
  • Lime juice – 2 tbsp
  • Sugar – 1/2 tsp
  • Coriander (cilantro for the Americans) leaves – 2 tbsp
  • Boneless chicken breast (or Tofu) – 2 breasts or 1 package
  • Straw mushrooms (or regular button mushrooms) – 4 (sliced)

Now What?

  • With lemongrass, recipes generally only call for the bottom 6 inches or so (the white part).  The rest is woody and can be trashed. Using the flat side of a cleaver or a heavy object, pound and bruise the lemongrass to releases the flavor before cutting into 2 inch segments. Easy with the cleaver or you can do way more than bruise the lemongrass – we don’t want any missing fingers!
  • Pour the stock into a pot and bring to a boil.   Then toss the galangal, lemongrass, sugar, and lime leaves in and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add the coconut milk, chillies and fish sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Lastly, add the chicken (or tofu) and mushrooms and cook till the protein is just cooked. (Chicken will be done shortly after you first see it turning all white on the outside – tofu can be cooked until you get the desired texture – 20 minutes for more meaty tofu and shorter if you like it tender).
  • For the grand finale, turn off the heat and add your lime juice and garnish with coriander leaves (wait till the end to add the lime juice in order to maintain that citrusy goodness – the longer you cook it the more it will mellow). Test for saltiness and sourness. The galangal should give you some good earthy flavor, there will be some tasty salty/sweetness from the coconut milk, and a fair bit of lime and chili flavor.  (If you need to kick up the salt factor, throw in some extra fish sauce – lemon juice will kick up the sour factor.

Enjoy!  (Or as they say in Thailand, kin-khao-hai-a-roi-na   กินข้าวให้อร่อยนะ)

Best places to get Patriotic for the 4th of July

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1.  Washington DC

Beginning with the Independence Day parade along Constitution Avenue, the Nation’s capital has activities all day long to keep you busy this 4th.  After the parade, head on over to the US Capitol’s West Lawn for the FREE Capitol Fourth Concert – the National Symphony Orchestra as well as some pop artists will rock out until the fireworks begin with a spectacular display over the Washington Monument.  Of course, the National Mall’s iconic fireworks show, launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool is hard to beat!

2.  Mount Rushmore

Celebrate a day early with Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln in South Dakota – Mount Rushmore kicks the festivities off on July 3rd!  Education programs and entertainment, including bands, presidential re-enactors and children’s programs, and even a Military fly-over are scheduled throughout the day with fireworks beginning at 9:20.

3.  Philadelphia

Harness your inner brotherly love and get your 4th on at the location the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted.  Once the stomping ground of the founding fathers, Philly hasn’t forgotten its roots.  After almost 2 weeks of gearing up, beginning on the weekend of June 26th with the Taste of Philadelphia on the Penn’s Landing waterfront, live entertainment from top-notch talent and a dazzling display of fireworks over the Delaware River.  On the 4th, Revelers will anxiously await the sun to go down, when Philadelphia hosts “the biggest, most spectacular, free outdoor concert in America” with Sheryl Crow headlining this year.  Afterward, stick around for an amazing fireworks grand finale set against the dramatic Art Museum.

4.  At a Baseball Game

Is there a better way to celebrate America’s birthday than partaking in America’s favorite past time?  I’d be surprised if a once-a-year mandatory meal of hot dogs, peanuts, ice cream and your frosty beverage of choice weren’t written into an early draft of the Constitution.  With 15 Major League games to choose from on the 4th, most of which will have a fireworks show at some point, there is guaranteed to be one not too far from your hometown.  And on this day, every one’s a winner…Go USA!

5.  New York

Speaking of hot dogs – the Fourth of July in New York means it’s your chance to finally watch the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest!  Not your cup of tea?  Try taking a dinner cruise, a “Revolutionary Walking Tour,” checking out the massive Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular or enjoy a concert at Battery Park instead – this year it’s Sonic Youth taking the stage at 3:30pm.

Destin, Florida has it all!

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Destin is an all-encompassing destination spot located on the Emerald Coast of Florida. Destin is also referred to as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” as it has the largest fishing vessel in Florida.

Attractions and activities in Destin include high-end shopping and dining, golfing, fishing, boating, water-sports, renowned beaches, forests, scenic state parks that are perfect for hiking, Broadway shows and well-known art galleries. This beautiful city truly has something for everyone!

Destin has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with crystal clear water and white sand. The emerald green surf of the Gulf of Mexico is breathtakingly gorgeous and it is bordered by Destin’s beautiful beaches. There are fourteen gorgeous beach communities on this wonderful vacation spot and an abundance of water-related activities offered, including fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and boating.

There is a magnificent festival called Autumn Tides in South Walton, which is just ten miles away from Destin. This festival takes place on the beaches of South Walton and it offers a music concerts, art galleries, wine tasting, nature and cultural events, theatre, and film presentations. It is the perfect way to experience the uniqueness and beauty of the beaches around Destin!

In addition to the beaches, Destin offers a host of activities and attractions. The Gulfarium is a renowned marine park just across the bridge from Destin that has live marine shows and an enjoyable dolphin interaction program. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park has over 40 exciting water activities including body fumes, speed slides and the world’s biggest man-made waterfall. This park is enjoyable both for the family and for couples.

Golf is very prevalent in Destin; the city has some of the best golf courses in the country including the Emerald Bay Golf Course with its three large, tropical mini-golf courses.

You ought to visit the Indian Temple Mound Museum which displays the lives of Native Americans that lived in that area 10,000 years ago. The preserved temple mound was used for political and religious ceremonies; it is an amazing site that is a must-see for everyone.

Destin also has amazing shopping malls including Alvin’s Island Tropical Department Stores and Silver Sands Factory Stores. These malls have pretty much any store that you can think of!

Finally, Destin is also known for its world-class dining; some of the restaurants in this city are nationally rated. There is a wide range of restaurants and cuisines to choose from.

Destin is truly an extremely exciting and versatile city that has something for everyone!

Travel Tools – Yelp Review

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Founded in 2004 by a trio of MRL Ventures guys based out of San Francisco, Yelp has grown into one of the leading search and user review sites in the world.  Yelp got its name by truncating the words “Yellow Pages” into something short and catchy enough to stand out.  Already surpassing its closest rival, Citysearch, Yelp has incorporated a social networking aspect into its site hoping to capitalize on the popularity of such sites as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.  Users of the site can type in whatever they are searching for (Japanese restaurant, dry cleaners, hair salon, etc) and where they are searching (as specific as a street or neighborhood or as general as a city or zip code) and seconds later they will be rewarded with a list, sorted by popularity according to a 5-star user rating system.  Each of the results contain the basics, address, telephone, Website, as well as a blurb about the business and reviews from customers.  The fact that the good, the bad and the ugly reviews are all included in the results makes the site an accurate and unbiased source of information when you need to narrow your options.

What’s Good: Read and write reviews on restaurants, shopping, events and other sights or activities in your home town or places you have visited. Even small town hot-spots have somehow amassed a heap of reviews – and not just those lame three word “I like it” reviews, but ones that are actually helpful.

What’s Bad: Has info on the US and just launched its UK version, but you’re screwed if you plan on venturing much beyond that.  Also, users should keep in mind that the business does get to pick which review they want to show up first – so you may want to skip over that one – with that one exception the rest of the reviews are ordered by date they were posted, along with some more complicated algorithm.

Lake Tahoe – so much to offer!

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Mark Twain famously describes his first glimpse of Lake Tahoe in his semi-autobiographical tale about his travels through the Wild West, Roughing It:

At last the lake burst upon us–a noble sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three hundred feet above the level of the sea, and walled in by a rim of snow-clad mountain peaks that towered aloft three thousand feet higher still! As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole world affords.
-Mark Twain, Roughing It.


Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, famous for its clarity, deep blue water, and surrounding snowcapped peaks. Sprawling across the state line between California and Nevada, it lies just over 6,000 feet above sea level in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Because of its unique geographical orientation, Lake Tahoe appeals to a diverse population of visitors. About half its tourists come looking for a low-key and activity-filled get-away. The rest skip the California side and instead head for the Nevada side to get their fill of the glittering casinos, big name entertainment, bargain buffets, and around the clock revelry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many think of Lake Tahoe as only a popular winter wonderland and a great ski and snowboard destination, however Tahoe is nearly as bustling in the spring, summer and fall months.  Year-round activities include is great for sightseeing, hiking, fishing, camping, and boating.

Tahoe, and the immediate surrounding area, is home to 12 major ski resorts, with Heavenly perhaps being the most popular.  Spanning 4,800 acres, as well as offering 95 trails and 30 lifts, it is the largest resort in California.  And, at 3,500 feet from base camp to peak, it is has California’s the vertical drop…all with a jaw-dropping views of Lake Tahoe.  And don’t think that just because it gets an average of 380 inches of snowfall it’s always snowing – Heavenly also boasts 300 days of sunshine.

Top 5 Beaches Where You Can Bare it All

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2916787894_cc7c44f5e4Banana Beach, Greece - What would you expect from the aptly named Banana Beach, but lots of – er – bananas?  Well get your mind out of the gutter, because this beach is actually a trio of beaches located on the small Greek Islandof Skiathos, whose name came from the yellow-hued sand and the curved shape of their coastline.  The three beaches that make up Banana Beach are Little Banana (also called Sparticus), Big Banana and a small beach separated from Big Banana by a rocky outcrop.  And while one may have assumed that bigger would mean better (especially in this situation) Little Banana is actually the most popular of the three.  Durring the peak winter months, clothed onlookers tend to swarm the other two beaches while leaving Little Banana to itself.  As if there wasn’t already enough to look at, all three beaches have tremendous views of the tree covered foothills that surround the beaches behind you and the crystal clear Aegean Sea in front of you.

5111987645_5d03bd3665Baker Beach, San Francisco, CA – In the city that is known for its liberal lean, Baker Beach is right at home in San Francisco.  Baker Beach is blanketed in clean, fine white sand – not too dusty, not too pebbly – clear sapphire water, and maybe the most dramatic views of any beach you will come across.  Satisfy your inner vouyer, and we’re not just talking about the old men bits and pieces you are sure to see… as you walk the beach you will also catch a glimpse of some of California’s prime real estate – and have a chance to take in the same views that those homeowners enjoy – the cliff houses look out over the bay and the famous Golden Gate Bridge.  Parking is a breeze, free, and just a short walk from the beach, or you can opt to take public transportation, which dropps you off very close by.  Visit in September or October as the summer months tend to be covered with San Francisco’s notorious fog bank.

4910303358_101ac07014Valalta (Rovinj), Croatia – As far as nude beaches go, Valalta is perhaps the Mecca – the destination where all nude sunbathers and naturists feel drawn to and hope to journey to at least one time in their life.  This resort (yes, it is a planned resort, different from some of the naturally occuring beaches that have been gradually morphed into a nude beach over time) is huge, with the beach alone streatching over 3 miles.  Visitors can stay in a variety of accommodation – Valalta offers everything from fully-equipped apartments and bungalows to luxury mobile homes and glorified tents…all with electricity and running water though.  There is also a sports harbor, a number of restaurants, beer that has been brewed in their own brewery, souvenir shop, kids club, and a host of day and overnight excursions.  And if you prefer to get your bare-bronze on in relative seclusion rather than with the rest of the resort, there is a beach that is not an official part of the Valalta Resort that is usually much less crowded.

2773305082_27c5f70fb2Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii – If you like to live on the edge (which you must if your’re reading this post in the first place), Little Beach may be perfect for you.  Although nude sunbathing is technically illegal at the secluded Little Beach – and the rest of Hawaii – it’s referred to as Maui’s “unofficial clothing-optional beach” since the law has not been enforced here for a number of years.  It’s also somewhat of a local’s hot-spot…while the vast majority of beach-goers opt to sunbathe au natural, there are those who wear clothes (mostly tourists).  So if a little thing like illegality doesn’t rock your boat, grab your sandals and towel and make the trek to Maui’s Southern coast, and you will find Little Beach located just North of Big Beach.  Tucked behind rocks and high shrubs, and guarded by a narrow entry, Little Beach is picturesque Hawaii – white sand contrasted by bright blue/turquoise water.

5651319954_6a3b1c6a39Wreck Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia -

Named for a hulking, wrecked vessel that once sat on the sand, Wreck Beach is the shore of choice for Vancouver students. Just several hundred steps below the University of British Columbia, the 3-mile-long beach is a wildlife and nesting area for both bald eagles and bald bodies. Other sections of the beach assume a more carnival-like atmosphere. One stretch on the beach known as Vendors’ Row is a 1-stop shop for souvenirs, refreshments and the ever-important sunscreen.

Standing Strong in Spite of Sandy

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In late October, 2012 Superstorm Sandy swept through New England and resulted in a lot of damage for the people living on the East Coast. According to the US Department of Energy, eight million people were left without water or power and tens of thousands lost their homes. The residents of New Jersey were hit the hardest by the hurricane, which swept the shoreline and went on to affect twenty-three other states in the area before it died out a few weeks later. Since then, the remodeling and various construction projects taking place on the East Coast are bringing life back to the area.

Though each of us at BeachHouse.com was shocked to learn about catastrophic damage in places like the Jersey Shore, we were pleased to hear that recovery is going quickly. Thanks to donations from the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund, many of the people who had lost their homes are now able to rebuild on their previous foundations. We spoke to many of the vacation owners that use our website over the phone and asked how Sandy had affected the homes in their areas. Our clients mostly responded by explaining that the storm was concentrated in the Northern regions of New Jersey, such as Essex County, but had thankfully left areas such as Long Beach Island more or less untouched. “They actually did pretty well to be honest with you,” said David Deleo, a vacation specialist at Bayshore Realty, in regards to the company’s rental properties. In order to assess any potential damage the storm may have caused when passing through the state, he explained that they had a poll to see which homes had fallen in the storm’s path. Fortunately, the results were mostly positive: “Long Beach Island did good. There was some damage; people are fixing things and proceeding forward.”

After Sandy, many assumed that the Jersey Shore would undoubtedly be shut down for the upcoming vacation season. The houses that had the least amount of damage in October are being revamped and are expected to open up again in time for the end of the summer rush. And in order to attract even more people to the area, vacation owners are offering special discounts on their properties. Now, vacationers from all over are competing to stay in the limited number of open spots currently available on the East Coast. This turn of events is making it increasingly difficult for vacationers to be able to go back to their favorite spots on Long Beach Island. The combination of more-than-affordable prices and a decrease in space is resulting in fewer options for everyone hesitating to book their homes before Spring. There is an increase in the chance that those who take longer to decide where and when to rent are less likely to get what they’re looking for!

The folks at Bayshore are excited to see vacationers this year, and our proud of the recovery in New Jersey. If this is your first time booking a vacation in New Jersey, this is the perfect time to inquire so you can see the recovery firsthand! Not to mention the fact that everything is more affordable as all vacation-related businesses are trying their hardest to please anyone willing to travel to Jersey in hopes that their businesses stay strong and each sequential year will be better than ever! The increase in tourism will help boost the state’s economy and help restore things back to the way they were before Sandy so that eventually, what started out as a disaster will only be the prequel to a great story about recovery!

Support International Beach Cleanup Day!

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What’s your favorite kind of beach? Some beaches near coral reefs have pink sand. Others near volcanoes have black sand, and still others have red sand or green sand or even purple sand. Every beach is unique, because every beach has a different tide, latitude, longitude, and chemical makeup.

At BeachHouse.com, our favorite kind of beach is a clean beach. That’s why this year we’re encouraging all of our vacationers, homeowners, and employees to participate in beach cleanup initiatives worldwide. Not only are dirty, trashy beaches unsightly and un-fun to visit, they pose a huge threat to local marine wildlife and can even pose health concerns to human beings.

This September 15 is International Coast Cleanup Day. Starting at 9 AM and running till 12 noon, volunteers will meet at beaches all over the United State to remove trash and other debris to keep our beaches clean. Sand in a dirty beach can have bottle caps, cigarette butts, food wrappers, and even dead animals that can poison the water and make the beach a much less beautiful place to stay.

Beach Cleanup crews will be provided with reusable and eco-friendly tools to pick up and dispose of trash. At some locations rakes and shovels may be used to sift through the sand.

Do you love clean beaches too? Consider participating in or donating to a local beach cleanup event! It’s a great way to give back to the community and to show your love for the coast.

For more information, check out the website for the Ocean Conservancy here.

Got a great Beach Cleanup story? Share it with us on facebook for a chance to win a special beachy prize!

Horses

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There’s more to beach house rentals than just snorkeling or surfing, or soaking up the sun. For the vacationer looking for a real adventure, there’s always something more to do at your Beach House. Horseback riding along the shore is an excellent way to spend an afternoon in the outdoors with your family.

Next time you book a beach house vacation rental from BeachHouse.com, consider taking your family on a horseback ride along the shore. Ranches are available where you can rent horses and even go on guided tours in almost every major tourist destination in the United States.

Renting a house in Myrtle Beach? Check out myrtlebeachhorserides.com to book a ride along the beach. Similar services are available up and down the Florida Coast, in Galveston, Texas, and in the Caribbean islands.

Many of you have heard of Pebble Beach, near Carmel in California. It has some of the nicest beach houses in the United States and some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Imagine riding horses with your family along an unspoiled stretch of California coast. You could probably even ride them up to the steps of your beach house!

Beach horses are very tame and well trained. They can take you and your whole family on a unique and fun adventure for your coastal vacation. Next time you book a beach house rental from BeachHouse.com, consider horseback riding for a safe and fun family activity.

Try Kite Boarding on your next Beach House rental!

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Most coastal cities which cater to beach vacationers are crowded and congested during the Summer months. Now that Fall is right around the corner, though, is the perfect time to try a beach vacation where you can get some serious play in. Next time you book a beach house rental from BeachHouse.com in Southern California, try out kite skating.

A Kite-Blader in Long Beach, CA

One popular activity for beach cities in Southern California is inline kite skating. You use custom roller blades and a sailing kite to pull yourself along, like a kite surfer does in the water. You can also “dolly-skate” or use a skateboard, or roller-skates, whatever works best for you. It’s a fun and a unique way to move around, perfect for beach destinations with a healthy breeze.

A good chance to do this is on a breezy September day near Long Beach, CA. After Labor Day crowds should be minimal and you’ll have a chance to test out for yourself this fun and exciting pastime.

View rentals in Newport Beach

Beach House rentals near Newport Beach, CA, are also great for skating enthusiasts. Now that the summer crowds are gone you can enjoy a quieter vacation with your family, and experiment with hobbies like kite-skating. You could even skate your way up to the front porch of your beach house!

North Captiva – Vacation with the Manatees!

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It is typical during the summer months to see manatee in the water surrounding North Captiva.  Typically I have seen them in the canal near the runway.  I have gathered some information about the manatees for you.

Belonging to the Sirenia order of mammalians, manatees are the common name for a large, gray or black air-breathing water mammal.  Sometimes called a “sea cow,” the manatee looks somewhat like a hippopotamus.  Adult manatees have large bodies averaging ten feet in length and weighing between 440 and 1300 pounds.  Manatees have a small head with a straight snout having a bristly moustache on the upper lip.  Paddle-like forelimbs are used to move through the water.

Manatees live in fresh, brackish, or salt water and roam with small herds somewhat like a family.  Six to eight hours a day is spent grazing upon seaweed and other marine plants.  Their slow metabolism reduces the energy requirements, thus they move slowly through the water.  Because of their size, manatees have few natural enemies.

While you are on your vacation in North Captiva, there are many water activities to enjoy including swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, fishing, taking boat tours and diving, just to name a few.  You may even get to see a manatee!

2. Newport Beach, CA

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A traditional beach vacation books during the summer months, from late may to mid August. For many of us, finding a good booking in September can be like finding money on the ground. Just because the “season” is over, though, doesn’t mean there’s nowhere in the world to go on vacation. Here’s five amazing places to visit in off season. It goes without saying that these 5 great locations can be enjoyed with a beach house rental from BeachHouse.com.

2. Newport Beach

View rentals in Newport Beach, CA

There’s no such thing as “Winter” in Southern California. Even into January and February it won’t get colder in Newport Beach than 60 degrees in the shade. September in Newport is just as sunny and warm as every other of the year.

The only difference is it costs half as much.

A diligent vacationer can book a Newport Beach vacation in September and November for ½ to ¼ the price of summer rates. During this time they’ll have the city more or less to themselves. Parking, a nightmare during the busy season, is readily available, and you can still see and experience everything Newport Beach has to offer: the waterfront villas, the kayaking, sailing, fine dining in Newport and Corona Del Mar, the best shopping malls California has to offer at Fashion Island, and the best weather of the California Coast, year round.

Did I mention it’s 20 minutes’ drive from Disneyland? Talk about a dream vacation!

Here are a couple beach homes in Newport Beach with travel deals:
Beautifully Remodeled Beachside Location
Sand and Surf

The Heavenly Seven-Mile Long Community of Boca Grande

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Boca Grande is a peaceful seven mile long community in Gasparilla Island, Southwest Florida.  This paradisiacal location is ideal for a get-away-from-it-all location as it offers a tranquilizing alternative to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Boca Grande does not have any high rises or traffic lights and the mode of transportation for most people is golf carts.  At Boca Grande, you can enjoy the pristine beaches, aquatic activities, fishing, golfing, dining, and shopping.  Luxurious beach vacation homes are very popular among tourists on this island as they capture the true essence of this serene destination!

Boca Grande is widely known for its gorgeous, white sand beaches; that is not surprising because the island has perpetually gorgeous weather averaging 75 degrees.  At the beach, you can enjoy the beautiful view, soak in the sun, people watch, talk a walk, and read.  In addition, you can indulge in more active ventures including swimming, shelling, surfing, and scuba diving.

If you stay at a beach vacation home, you can have access to the beach twenty-four seven!  Not only will you experience ultimate luxury, you will feel as if you are at home away from home.

At Boca Grande, you can also go for boating and sailing by tour or on your own.  Boating and sailing are enjoyable activities and you encounter some exotic species like dolphins, white pelicans, and ospreys.  Boca Grande is a haven for people that like to fish because Southwest Florida is globally acclaimed for its fishing.  In fact, fishing is an integral part of the culture of Gasparilla Island. The waters of Southwest Florida are replete with game and food fish.  Tarpoon in the spring is a key fishing season and between August and November, offshore fishing is excellent for grouper, snapper, and kingfish while inshore fishing is great for snook and redfish.  Nevertheless, recreational fishing is an exciting sport in Boca Grande throughout the year by means of your own boat, a rental boat, or one of the many local fishing guides.

Along with the aquatic activities and beaches, Boca Grande offers scenic beauty, great restaurants, unique shops, theatres, and art galleries.  One of the most special aspects of Boca Grande is that it seeks to protect its distinct atmosphere and its quality of life.  The art galleries have works of local artists that have admirably captured the spirit of Boca Grande.

All the restaurants in this community have a unique style and they all specialize in fresh, local seafood.  Moreover, the restaurants offer a vast variety of international cuisines with mouthwatering flavors and upscale ambiances.

Boca Grande has served as a backdrop in many movies including Denzel Washington’s Out of Time and the movie based on Carl Hiaasen’s book Hoot.

During your vacation at Boca Grande, you can also visit some of the beautiful islands that are very close to it including North Captiva, Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Useppa Island - all are all beautiful, exciting and excluive.

Boca Grande is a community that is ideal for an unwinding, relaxing vacation. A trip to Boca Grande is a memorable one that will keep you coming back for more!

Dana Point – Harboring the Good Life!

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Dana Point is a beautiful city located in southern Orange County, California.  The motto of the city is “Harboring the Good Life,” which is manifested in the life of residents of the city.

This city is a popular vacation destination because of its serene natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, shopping, beautiful parks, and host of activities that it has to offer.  A prominent point of interest in the city is Dana Point Harbor which offers boat rentals, fishing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, boat charters, shops, and restaurants.  Vacationers thoroughly enjoy the lively atmosphere and activities at the Harbor.

Dana Point has 23 beautiful parks, including Chloe Luke Overlook, Creekside Park, Crystal Cove Park, and Salt Creek Park.  The renowned parks are free of charge for visitors and are perfect for picnics, barbeques, relaxing, walking, biking, and playing sports.  You can reserve the parks for large parties and you can also have a memorable wedding at one of the parks.

Dana Point has world-famous beaches and a number of beach-related activities and facilities, such as boat rentals and surf shops.  Some of the beaches include Capistrano Beach, Doheny State Beach, and Salt Creek Beach.

Capistrano Beach is a beautiful beach that offers sports, cycling, fishing gear and beach supplies.

Doheny State Beach has an impressive picnic area and is famous in the state of California for its swimming and surfing.

Salt Creek Beach is also popular for surfing and is located in Salt Creek Park.

Dana Point is referred to as the “Whale Capital of the West” because a variety of whales use the city as a navigational landmark on their migrations. Thus, whale-watching is a popular activity that proves to be a majestic experience particularly in the months of January and February.  Moreover, Dana Point is a well-known fishing area and Dana Point Harbor offers fishing trips for everyone.

The Ocean Institute is a valuable resource that provides an authentic ocean experience by means of children’s day camps, boat excursions, and wildlife cruises.

Dana Point has a prominent shopping culture; the city offers shops that sell a broad range of items including Indian artifacts, custom-designed jewelry, designer sunglasses, well-known art galleries, and high-end clothing.  The city has something exciting for every shopper.

Dana Point Harbor also has seventeen, well-known and diverse restaurants to choose from.

Dana Point has annual events every season including boat rides with Santa Claus, Festival of the Whales, Doheny Blues Festival which is a vibrant event that celebrates the coming of the summer, Fourth of July fireworks, and Shakespeare by the Sea which is a free Shakespeare production.

Dana Point also has a great location as it is close to a number of attractions.  Disneyland and other theme parks are about forty-five minutes away and the gorgeous Newport Beach is nearby as well.  San Diego is an hour away and Hollywood is about an hour and a half away.

Dana Point is a magnificent city that promises a memorable vacation for everyone!

Unwind at Redington Shores!

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Redington Shores is a beautiful beach town in Pinellas County, Florida.  It is a lovely town that promises a soothing and enjoyable vacation experience.

You can unwind by soaking in the natural beauty, relaxing at the wide sandy beaches, and going to the pleasant parks.  The more active people can enjoy fishing, boating, water-sports, golfing, shopping, and the arts and culture.  There is something for everyone in Redington Shores!

Redington Shores has beautiful, white sand beaches along the Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.  The beaches have spectacular sunrises and sunsets—you can watch the first ray of light from the Tampa Bay and sun set in the Gulf of Mexico.

Redington Shores is a lively beach that has concession stands, a fishing pier, and showers.  Incidentally, Redington Long Pier is the ideal place for fishing.  Various fishing charters are available catered to any fishing enthusiast.  Charters can offer short fishing trips in Tampa Bay while others offer hour-long or day-long trips in the Gulf of Mexico.  You are bound to have an enjoyable and successful fishing trip in these waters!

Dinner cruises or gambling cruises are very popular in Redington Shores.  You can go on an elegant dinner cruise and view breathtaking scenery and the beautiful sunset.  It is no surprise that sunset cruise boat weddings are exceedingly common in this area.  Redington Shores is a perfect golf destination primarily because of the pleasant weather year round.  There are a variety of beautiful golf courses that golfers can enjoy.

There is a wide selection of things to do in and around Redington Shores.  Unique and enthralling theme parks are very prevalent close to Redington Shores.  You can go to Busch Gardens, one of the largest zoological parks in the nation, that has rides and an African theme.  The Sea World of Florida features 20 shows and exhibits of whales, dolphins, and sharks, and it is also the world’s most popular marine park.

Tampa Bay has educational museums that are worth checking out.  The Great Explorations is a hands-on children’s museum and learning center.  The Museum of Science and Industry is the Southeast’s largest science center that features Florida’s only IMAX Dome Theater, traveling shows and demonstrations.

Redington Shores has a variety of restaurants that have outstanding seafood items.  You can also relax and meet locals at the bars and pubs of this beautiful town.

Redington Shores is a wonderful town where you can enjoy the stunning surroundings for an unforgettable vacation experience!

Isla de Roatan, Honduras – A Divers Dream

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Roatan is a scuba diviers paradise.  Located off of the North Coast of Honduras, Roatan is one of the three Bay Islands and is quickly becoming a premier scuba diving destination.  Often called the Caribbean’s best-kept secret, the island boasts diverse and unique reef systems, friendly people, and is a unique culture full of authentic Caribbean charm…after all, it was once inhabited by pirates!

The three Islas de la Bahia – Roatan, Utila and Guanaja – lie along the southern end of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-longest coral reef in the world.  Beneath the clear turquoise waters is a trove of unbelievable riches: vibrant coral formations, enormous sponges, a wide variety of colorful fish as well as manta rays, sea turtles and whale sharks.  Yet prices remain remarkably low, (the Bay Islands are said to be the cheapest place in the world to get your PADI dive certificate!) making the Bay Islands a great place to learn scuba diving – and if you learn here, chances are, you’ll be hooked for life!  And don’t worry – if you’re like myself, who gets claustrophobic at the thought of being at the bottom of the ocean with only an air tank to keep you alive, the snorkeling in Roatan is pretty amazing too!

If you’ve never been to Roatan, you can plan on using your US dollars rather than the local lempiras as US currency is accapted, even welcomed, nearly everywhere.  Do keep an eye out for favorable conversion rates and cash in if and when it makes sense.  Also, expect to see a heavy military presence.  There is almost guaranteed to be an AK-47 wielding guard at the enterence to most establsihments – they keep a low profile and it is the general consensus that Honduras is safer for locals and tourists alike since the new government has implemented this military presence.

Regardless of your skill – or lack of – Roatan has everything for your diving vacation:  wreck diving, wall diving, scuba lessons, certification courses, and fun day or night dives.  The island has a wide variety of diving resorts, in addition to small hotels and independent diving operators offering outstanding diving opportunities at varying and competitive prices.

“Mary’s Place” is perhaps one of the most popular dive sites off of Roatan – the dive starts at a permanent mooring buoy on the reef shelf, along a vertical crevice that drops from 40′, with a huge section of the wall broken away from the main section to form a wide slit.  Smaller crevices invite exploration among bouquets of Rope and Tube Sponges, deepwater seafans and Black Coral.  A sand shelf drops from 140′ to 200′, offering a magnificent underwater view.

If you’ve never been wreck diving, “El Aguila” is an amazing sight – a 210′ cargo boat perfectly sunk in 100 feet of water on a sandy bottom full of Deep Garden Eels.  Divers can descend onto open large compartments where you can surprise a number of fish in their homes!  The wreck runs alongside a wall where many choose to finish off their dive among the shallow water tropical fish.

If you’re not into diving, Roatan is big enough to keep you busy, with botanical gardens, butterfly and iguana farms, canopy tours, and winding dirt roads leading to small villages and isolated bays.  And if you just want to relax, head to Roatan’s West End and West Bay,- the beaches there look like they could be right off of a brochure.  Picture clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and coconut palms.

The Best Thing to do in Cat Island is to do Nothing at All!

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Cat Island is a beautiful and historic island located in central Bahamas.  Cat Island’s exceptional beauty, peaceful atmosphere, superb climate, and pristine beaches contribute to making it a spectacular vacation destination.  Cat Island has the one of the best climates in the Bahamas – the temperatures average 80 degrees in the summers and 70 degrees in the short winters.  You can escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life to this lush island for a romantic getaway for an intimate family vacation.  Everyone is bound to have a marvelous time in this beautiful island.  Beach vacation homes are a popular mode of accommodation in Cat Island, as they provide a luxurious home away from home.

There is pleny to do in this beautiful Bahamian island.  Cat Island has serene, beautiful beaches that offer enjoyable activities.  The expansive beaches are so secluded that you will feel as if the beach is your own private beach; this feeling is intensified if you stay at a luxurious beach house!

Some of the beaches include the Greenwood Beach that has pink sand, Old Bight Beach with its pure white sand (ideal for walking, beach combing, picnicking, and relaxing), New Bight Beach, which hosts weekend dances and holiday picnics, and Fountain Bay Beach.  You can enjoy fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba-diving at the beaches.

Mount Alvernia, which is 206 feet above sea level, is the highest point in the Bahamas and it is located in Cat Island.  Even though the island offers enjoyable activities, you can choose to do nothing at all and, instead, appreciate the distinct serenity of the island.

Cat Island was once one of the thriving Loyalist colonies of the Out Islands.  The island prospered by means of numerous cotton plantations that were established in the 1700s.  Now, you can view the vine-covered, semi-ruined mansions in which the cattle was penned and the pineapples were grown centuries ago.

The island has many other intriguing historical sites.  Columbus Point, which is also a momument to Christopher Columbus, is one of the  many Indian caves located in Cat Island.  Hawk’s Nest is a beautiful and fascinating area where a wonderful hawk awed all the locals by making her nest for several years.

The Hermitage, a minature monastry, is an tremendous imitation of the larger hermitages in Europe.  The Hermitage is built on Mt. Alvernia and you can enjoy exceptionally beautiful, panoramic views of the island from there.  The historic sites are a must-see for tourists!

Cat Island has variety of diverse restaurants that will ensure a wonderful dining experience.  Delicious, authentic Bahamian cuisine and seafood is a specialty of the island!  Some of the great restaurants include Bachelor’s Restaurant, Pass Me Not Bar Restaurant, and Blue Bird Restaurant.

Cat Island is serene place that provides a superb vacation experience for everyone!  You are warmly welcome to say at a luxurious beach house and enjoy the serenity of this exotic island.  You will undoubtedly have an unforgettable vacation experience!

#1 Jamaica

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All week we’ve been discussing good candidates for a vacation in off season. Many vacation hot spots are just as beautiful until late October, but experience a drop-off in tourist traffic, making for a more private experience. Just because the “season” is over, though, doesn’t mean there’s nowhere in the world to go on vacation. Here comes our #1 favorite spot to vacation after Labor Day!

View beach rentals in the Caribbean

Maybe it’s the obvious choice but if you’ve never vacationed in the Caribbean Islands you’re missing out. It’s warm, and sunny, the water is blue and clear, the fish are colorful (and delicious) and the drinks are cheap and plentiful. Stay at one of the waterfront villas offered through our site in Bluefields Bay, and save on rent and air fare when booking your trip!

Rates are much cheaper after Labor Day because the rainy season starts in late September. That being said, the “rainy season” in Jamaica is characterized by brief, warm-water afternoon showers, which don’t get much more severe until late October or November.

The waters in Jamaica are warm and calm, perfect for swimming and kayaking. Explore a tropical paradise when you hike on the island, golf at its incredible resorts, explore duty-free shopping centers, ride horseback on the beach, and discover the culture and history of Jamaica. At our Bluefields Bay villas you can enjoy complete white-glove service – helpful villa staff will pick you up from the airport, cook your meals, clean your home, and take of the whole family while you enjoy the ultimate caribbean vacation – at a huge discounted rate.

Book a trip to Bluefields Bay today! If you don’t you’ll really regret it!

3. Destin, FL

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A traditional beach vacation books during the summer months, from late may to mid August. For many of us, finding a good booking in September can be like finding money on the ground. Just because the “season” is over, though, doesn’t mean there’s nowhere in the world to go on vacation. Here’s five amazing places to visit in off season. It goes without saying that these 5 great locations can be enjoyed with a beach house rental from BeachHouse.com.

3. Destin, FL

View rentals in Destin, FL

Florida holds a unique place in vacation rentals because many destinations have two busy seasons. In the summer, Florida is a tourist destination. It’s tropical, it’s fun, there’s a lot to do and it’s a heck of a lot nicer than just about any other place during the summer. After Christmas, Florida is home to the snowbirds who migrate down in waves from the frigid north and settle in beach homes up and down the coast.

The only time it’s not super busy is from September – November. During these months Florida cools off, humidity drops below 80%, and the beaches clear out. Here in the “dead zone” between winter and summer seasons, you and your family can finally discover the “real” Florida.

Destin is the perfect place to pick in a September vacation in Florida. The city hosts a month-long concert series at the Harbor Walk, an annual kite festival in late September, and a seafood festival at the end of the month. There are huge beaches, quality golf, fun attractions for the whole family. It’s just like Destin in the summer, only without high prices or big crowds.

Here are just a few of the hot properties from BeachHouse.com in Destin with travel deals for August and September.
Ocean Cabana
Island Obsession – New 9-bed/8-bath W/private Pool – Gulf View!
5 O’clock Somewhere – Large Private Pool, Elevator