Family Vacation Ideas in the Northeast USA

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There are many great family vacation ideas in the northeast to consider when planning your next family vacation. The best part is you don't even have to give up the dream of a great beach - there are plenty of wonderful beaches to explore along the United States East Coast.

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From the nostalgic beaches of the Jersey Shore to the pristine beaches of Maine, the options are plentiful. So, when planning summer recess, consider switching out the cliche Sunshine State of Florida for a different experience. Depending on where you live, traveling to one of the family vacation ideas in the northeast can be easier and less expensive than getting down south.

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An advantage to vacationing in the northeast is that there is often so much more to do than just enjoy the beautiful seashore. The quaint New England towns offer travelers a lot to see and do. You can make the most of your leisure time by choosing to spend your time off relaxing in the northeast.

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Family Vacation Ideas are Plentiful

If outdoor activities sound appealing, you can enjoy cycling or hiking, for example. Explore Acadia National Park by bicycle. The park was built by John D. Rockefeller in the 1930's and is a great place to experience. Or, consider hiking the Rail Trail, which is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore Park. There are other less strenuous activities to do outside, such as whale watching.

Taking an excursion to do whale watching is an adventure for the whole family. It can be done from several different locations, which makes choosing the northeast for your destination even easier. You could drive out to Provincetown, MA, which is at the end of Cape Cod, and take a tour from there, or you can get a tour from Gloucester, MA, north of Boston, MA, for example.

If Theme Parks are what your family is all about, then make sure you visit Six Flags New England, in Springfield, MA. A lesser known amusement park in the northeast is in New Hampshire and is called, Canobie Lake Park. It is located in Salem, NH. If you are going to be in the general vicinity of this park it is a fun place to visit.

Summertime can also be fun learning time. While visiting the northeast and New England you will be immersed in our country's history. There are many museums and landmarks to visit. Some are little curiosities you may pass on the side of the road; these are fun to just stop by and investigate without prior planning. Some of the best family vacation memories happen this way. Also, the benefit to vacationing in an area with such rich history is that if the weather turns inclement, there will still be many family activities to do.

This is just a brief overview of the many family vacation ideas in the northeast - enjoy your trip and especially enjoy making those precious memories with your family!

How to find the best Family Vacation Ideas

Asking friends and family to suggest places they have enjoyed with their families is a great place to start when considering what to do with your time off. They will be candid and trust worthy. Listen carefully because sometimes it's what is not said is just as important as what is said. Ask questions.

What activities does your crew like to do? Are they active or do they just want to relax and do nothing? Another great source to question is your co-workers. Are you involved in any community groups or religious organizations? Do your kids belong to any clubs or sports teams? Just ask. People love to share their family vacation ideas.

Family Vacation Ideas in the Northeast USA

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Beautiful Fishing Women - Keep Your Eyes Open and Your Are Sure to See Them

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Some people have a picture in their minds of the great outdoors only consisting of beer-bellied men chugging back beers and sitting idly by a lake with a pole in hand. This stereotype has not been formed injudiciously, but there is always the exception of their female counterparts.

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Some days, when the sun is out and the little fish are biting up a storm, one may look out on the banks of a pristine lake and see one of these ephemeral creatures. They will even some days choose to command a bass boat out into the midst of the waters for a better chance at their prey. Beautiful fishing women never leave home without catching what they are after.

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Some people have an idea of beauty that includes ribbons and bows, silk stockings, delicate perfume, and loads of painted on bright make-up colors. This is not a view of beauty shared by everyone it seems. There are a great number of men (and their numbers are growing more every day) who appreciate the beauty of a woman in her natural state, taking command of the outdoors and living life free... just like men.

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It has been proven in the last few years that women are no longer satisfied to play second fiddle to men. Hillary Clinton is a prime example of a strong, confident, and powerful woman, not afraid to take the spotlight.

The women we are concerned with in this article are not afraid of the spotlight either, rather, they prefer the sunlight. Beautiful fishing women are not scared to let their hair down (or to put it up when the sun is beating down on them). They do not need loads of make-up to cover up their God given features. They are simply out in their gorgeous natural state as was intended from the moment of their creation.

Beautiful fishing women can go out in a little bikini if they want to soak up some rays while they are casting their lines. They may use oils or lotions to enhance their glowing tan while their male counterparts usually end up with a farmer's tan from their awful stained up t-shirts.

The less clothing a fisher(woman) wears, the less she ruins! Anyone who has ever reeled in a big one knows the bleeders can stink up your clothes forever. No amount of laundry detergent can clean out the odor of fishy death. These women are wise due to centuries of being stuck at home doing laundry while the men were out enjoying their fishing trips on the weekend.

Beautiful fishing women are to be found everywhere on the shores of beaches in the summer. You will know them by the pole on their hand and the bronze on their skin. Keep your eyes open and you are sure to see. They can throw back brews with the boys, or sip a sultry sangria while they spend their afternoon in the most pleasurable way they can imagine: fishing the seas.

Beautiful Fishing Women - Keep Your Eyes Open and Your Are Sure to See Them

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Watch Hill, Rhode Island

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Watch Hill is a charming village that is situated along the coast of Block Island Sound in the southwest corner of Washington County, Rhode Island. Watch Hill is located on a peninsula that is surrounded by ocean, which adds to its breathtaking beauty. Watch Hill is situated at a distance of only 80 miles from Boston and 160 miles from New York and is famous for its coasts, history, bird-watching, fishing, and splendid sunsets.

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The outdoor activities in Watch Hill consist of rowing, swimming, ocean sailing, fishing, and hiking. In addition, local shops are filled with all kinds of wares. Antiques, art, and excellent restaurants all come together to make this a special resort area. If vacationers wish to venture outside Watch Hill, there are a lot of local attractions that vacationers can enjoy. Watch Hill's location between New York City and Boston makes it a supreme destination for day trips. Though, vacationers may prefer to extend their visits and stay in one of the local inns.

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The Niantic Indians occupied Watch Hill in the 1600s and were led for several years by Chief Ninigret. Migrants later on moved in, and Watch Hill became a strategic lookout spot during the French and Revolutionary Wars.

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The remarkable Watch Hill lighthouse was built in 1806. Throughout the early 20th century, Watch Hill grew to resort status and harbored a lot of hotels and beach cottages. In 1938, a great cyclone caused devastating destruction of the villages and ruined virtually all the hotels and cottages of Watch Hill. In spite of several changes over time, Watch Hill remains an isolated and a seasonal resort community.

Watch Hill is protected, calm, secure and easily accessible by car, boat, and air. It is a visual heaven, a town full of history, shops, and magnificent Victorian architectures to delight tourists.

Watch Hill, Rhode Island

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Charming Chatham Vacation Cottages

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The charm of the East Coast beckons to people pretty convincingly, as the ample shoreline sees its fair share of visitors during all the months of the year. If there's something drawing you to this region, you can bet it's this siren song of seaside fun; it's best to just succumb to the call and head to Cape Cod for a true New England experience that will satisfy your wanderlust and your desire to relax and recharge. Try Chatham, Massachusetts for a good representation of all there is to see and do.

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Even better, rent a vacation cottage in Chatham that will allow you to settle in as if you're one of those fancy folks who "summers" on the Cape or an early retiree who finds time to sneak away to their second home when it's time to catch up on some reading, strolling on the beach, and fresh lobster eating. You don't have to be rich or famous to reserve a beach bungalow or an ocean front villa with all sorts of convenient amenities, so check out your options before dismissing it all as fantasy.

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Chatham beach rentals make great places for family reunions, big or small. Sometimes getting the extended family together from their scattered places across the globe can be the most joyful way to spend a week, especially if you're all planted in an attractive and comfortable New England-style house complete with plenty of beds, bathrooms, and all the extra features necessary to keep people smiling the whole time. These include a washer and dryer, a kitchen filled with basic supplies, a grill on the patio, and even a closet full of games. Everyone will coexist peacefully in this miniature resort; remember that the beach and several sites worth seeing are all less than a mile away.

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While it's nice to see the long-lost cousins and in-laws from time to time, it can be a treat just to get your own immediate, chaos-driven, busy-as-can-be family together in one place for more than a couple of minutes. Making the effort to go away together to a peaceful, quiet destination like Chatham could be exactly what is needed to restore a sense of togetherness, especially in a cozy home that lets you be close but not packed in like sardines (like the last hotel room you had the privilege of staying in). The mood will be light, laughter will come easily, and great memories will be made as you come and go from your conveniently located and delightful home base.

In addition to breathing room and distinctiveness, privacy also sets vacation rentals apart from other lodging situations. The nearest neighbors may be a way down the road, so there's no need to worry about hearing voices as you lie in bed or fear being awakened by a slamming door or late-night party next door. Enjoy the sweet sense of solitude as you lounge on your deck and look out across the sea, and entertain the idea of staying tonight for a home-cooked meal. Chatham village has plenty of restaurant offerings, but it's nice to keep the secluded vibe going and fix a meal with the ones you love, too.

Whittle down your group a little more and think about coming here for a romantic getaway with that special someone. You and your sweetie can relish the ocean views, the nature walks, the candlelit seafood dinners and so much more. A cute little cottage will be the perfect fit, and snagging one with a whirlpool tub and fireplace will practically beg for you to gaze into each other's eyes on more than one occasion. This is what vacationing is all about.

Chatham is a fine example of Cape Cod's intriguing qualities, and the vast array of vacation rentals will take you to the next level altogether. Mild weather, the calming sea, a laid-back town and a home away from home that will anticipate your needs all add up to one fine holiday. Start investigating Chatham Vacation Rentals as soon as you can in order to find a great deal, and count on the fact that you'll soon be living it up New England style.

Charming Chatham Vacation Cottages

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Best New England Beaches to Visit Anytime of the Year

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New England is blessed with many magnificent beaches you can visit throughout the year. These beaches include miles of white sand for walking, refuge and nature trails for exploring, and even beaches hundreds of miles from the ocean. Here's my pick of the best...

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HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, CONNECTICUT:

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Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just taking a crisp autumn hike. During the season the Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors. The beach can be found off Route 95 exit 62 in the Madison area.

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ODIORNE POINT STATE PARK, NEW HAMPSHIRE:

This 300-acre undeveloped shore on New Hampshire's short 18-mile coast is a world away from the high-energy beaches of Hampton. Visit the patchwork of trails and bike path and tour the Seacoast Science Center. Odiorne Point was the site of the first colony settlement in the area and is located 3 miles south of Portsmouth on Route 1A in Rye.

OGUNQUIT BEACH, MAINE:

Ogunquit Beach is three miles of a stunning white sandy beach situated in one of Maine's most picturesque and popular villages and along the famed coastal Route 1. To find more seclusion take the trolley from town center to Footbridge Beach, or walk the Marginal Way footpath to sample the Caribbean-colored white sand region.

CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE, MASSACHUSETTS:

The Cape Cod National Seashore, in my opinion, has the best beaches on the eastern seaboard, with beautiful white sand and miles of open beach for walking and easy access to nature trails. Nauset Beach in Orleans remains one of my favorites - the beach is sign-posted from the town center on Route 6A. But also stunning are Head of the Meadow beach in Truro and Race Point in Province lands. And there's a whole bunch of beaches with lighthouses along Route 6. In the summer the beaches on the Cape Cod Bay side tend to be better for families as the waters are warmer and less under-tow.

CRANE BEACH, MASSACHUSETTS:

Crane Beach is also a managed area for wildlife and the dunes, and a superb white sand beach with over 5 miles of trails and 1,200 acres of recreation and conservation. This is a beach not only to take a doze while listening to the waves, but also discover a habitat where protection is first job. Though the in-season parking fee is expensive it remains my favorite ocean beach in the Boston area. Crane Beach is on Argilla Road in Ipswich, on the North Shore of Boston.

NAPATREE POINT, RHODE ISLAND:

Watch Hill is a perfectly preserved Victorian seaside town removed from the crowded Misquamicut beaches. The town has shops to browse, a picturesque lighthouse, and an antique merry-go-round. Entrance to the invigorating Napatree Point walk is at the carousel, and takes you through dunes, scenic views, and to an old fort. You can reach the town by taking Route 1A south from Westerly.

BUTTON BAY STATE PARK, VERMONT:

Hundreds of miles from any Ocean and bordering northern Vermont and New York is Lake Champlain. Conservation conscious Vermont boasts over 60 state parks, and Button Bay is a beauty. The park can be found by taking Route 22A from Vergennes out to Ferrisburgh. Take your shoes for this walk and stroll out to rocky Button Point to enjoy the views of the island and distant Adirondacks.

No trip to New England is complete without taking the time to enjoy at least one of these marvelous beaches.

Best New England Beaches to Visit Anytime of the Year

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Guide to Best Family Beaches in USA

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Beaches have always been a hot favorite as vacation spots. When one needs an escape from their daily chores the gusting waters at the sea provide a perfect sight to sooth the senses. Nothing is more rejuvenating than the best of U.S. beaches. Among top rated beaches in U.S. is the Fort Desoto Park's North Beach, St Petersburg, Florida. The beach is a natural treasure for the city and accounts for majority of popularity enjoyed by it. It offers excellent opportunity for variety water games including kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, camping and bird watching. A specialist attraction of the place is a dog park that enables one to go touring with their animal partners. Another vital facility offered here is ample parking space that is an essential requirement for any beach to be successful and popular. Concerned officers and administrators, who work to educate public about environmental concerns of the sea, contribute to enhance popularity of the beach through planned management and smart projects.

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Ocracoke Islands, Outer Banks, North Carolina is another favorite beach for vacationers. Ocracoke Islands being surrounded by water on all sides is reachable only by air or water and is a part of Hyde County. Its banks spread to around 16 miles offering all possibilities for surfing, fishing and swimming. Many birds that migrate from water and land on the eastern flyway present exotic view for bird lovers.

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One more beach adding to U.S. list of admired coastlines is Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii. The region offers excellent opportunities for high surfers and serves as a contest site for expert surfers. However there might even be dangerous waves at specific time spans. Both Amaama Road and Hee Road lead to Waioli Beach Park. Another popular coast is Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu that is essentially an underwater park.

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Florida boasts of having finest coastlines that spread around 1,100 miles. It has beaches to suit everyone's taste. Shell Key, St. Pete Beach offers best birding opportunities with bird sanctuary spread more than half of the area. There is minimal concrete on the surface and consists of only natural beauties. Bahia Honda State Park is supreme tropical seashore revealing clear, gentle water. It serves as a tropical heaven on earth with swimming opportunities. Sebastian Inlet State Park at south of Melbourne Beach is excellent for surfing and is treated as capital of east coast. Another attraction of Florida's beaches is that of South Walton famous for its soothing effects on feet. The gleaming sand on the beach provide exciting experience when walking bare foot. This is basically due to fact that this sand is composed mainly of pure quartz that has been brought down by Appalachian Mountains. The list of Florida's superb coastlines extends to many other beaches but giving space to other seashores in U.S. are the following water bodies.

Massachusetts, Coast Guard Beach at Cape Cod is major swimming beach during summer season. The region has limited parking space and even that remains closed during summer days. Visitors to the place are taken to and fro by specific shuttle bus services provided at those days. The place is excellent for hiking opportunities.

Guide to Best Family Beaches in USA

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Vacationing in Cape May, New Jersey

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Sitting at the tip of the Cape May Peninsula in southern New Jersey, Cape May is nestled into the spot where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city claims the title "The Nation's Oldest Seashore Resort," and with its beautiful scenery, spectacular sportfishing opportunities, interesting antique shops, and fabulous beaches, it is easy to see why it is and always has been a favorite getaway. Make Cape May, New Jersey your next vacation destination and you will never want to leave this amazing city that combines a beach vacation with a historic atmosphere.

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Cape May is a historic city that is simply begging for exploration. Visitors travel from bustling areas such as New York City and Philadelphia to soak in the relaxation that emanates from the picturesque, tree-lined streets, the perfectly landscaped gardens, and the numerous Victorian buildings. Cape May boasts the second largest concentration of Victorian houses, behind San Francisco, and has been designated a National Historic Landmark city in order to preserve the gingerbread architecture that defines the city and draws in tourists.

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After strolling through the town and admiring the beauty and purity of the area, make your way to any of the numerous beaches for an exciting, family-oriented day. Higbee Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cape May with its wide expanse of soft, white sand and generally gentle surf. There is a long pier off the beach that is perfect for a casual stroll out towards sea or for a sightseeing trip as you watch the numerous fishermen cast a line off the pier. Other fabulous beaches in the area include Windsor Avenue Beach, which is great for sunning; Grant Avenue Beach, perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the sand; and Broadway Beach, sometimes crowded but an ideal place for people-watching and a lazy afternoon.

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Two extremely popular activities along the Cape May coastline are whale watching and bird watching. Charter a boat with a company like Cape May Whale Watcher to catch sight of amazing marine animals including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles and for an adventure that everyone in your family is sure to remember. Bird watching is also popular throughout the area, and one of the best places is Cape May Point State Park. You can hike around the 153 acres and take part in the guided bird walks that occur from late spring until early fall.

Since Cape May has the second largest fishing port on the Atlantic coast, it is no wonder that fishing is one of the most popular activities for visitors to the area. You will find a wide selection of sportfishing charters in the area, many offering a knowledgeable and experienced guide to help you find the catch of a lifetime. For those fishing inshore during the summer, you will find flounder, sharks, blue fish, sea bass, weakfish, and numerous other species. If you are looking for a wilder, rougher adventure, make your way offshore for tuna, blue marlin, white marlin, swordfish, and dolphin.

Whether your ideal vacation involves wading into the refreshing water of the ocean, soaking up the sun, reeling in a big one, or strolling through a gorgeous town, Cape May has everything you need for the perfect getaway. When choosing accommodations for the vacation of a lifetime, look into Cape May vacation rentals that have all the amenities of home and are conveniently located in town near the sand and the surf. You will have easy access to all the attractions you want to visit without giving up any of the comforts of home. Begin your search today for the perfect vacation rental, and experience what it means to have a truly relaxing vacation.

Vacationing in Cape May, New Jersey

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Top 10 Romantic Getaways in the U.S

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How do you make a top-ten list of something subjective like honeymoon locations? Systematically, that's how.

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Highly Scientific Ranking

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To create this list, I started with general Internet searches for top honeymoon spots in the U.S. I tried to weed out the advertisers and focused instead on the news and information websites, such as About.com, MSNBC and USA Today.

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Next, I began putting the various lists into a spreadsheet, and then cross-referenced the data to find the ten locations that occurred most often on the most lists. When that proved to be way too complicated, I just picked the ten locations I liked the most! Voila ... a top-ten romantic getaway list (in no particular order).

Top 10 Romantic Getaways in the United States

1. Mountain Cabin - Part One

If you're the kind of person that equates "romantic getaway" with "mountain seclusion," then a cabin in the Rockies might be just the thing. The popular ski towns of Aspen and Vail, Colorado are popular for another reason - cabin retreats. Imagine the snow falling around your warm and cozy cabin. Imagine the smell of hot chocolate and the bubbling sound of a hot tub. And just imagine being there with the one you love!

2. Mountain Cabin - Part Two

The Smokey Mountains come up on a lot of romantic getaway lists. For instance, each year approximately 10,000 people get married in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a popular vacation spot in the Smokey Mountains. Because of this, the mountain town has become known as the unofficial wedding and honeymoon capital of the South. With its wooded seclusion, small-town charm, and breathtaking mountain views, it's no wonder so many people equate "Gatlinburg" with "romantic retreat."

3. Bed & Breakfast in Vermont

Manchester, Vermont offers all the ingredients of a classic New England getaway -- white-steepled churches, bed and breakfast accommodations, romantic dining and great skiing.

In more recent times, shopping has also taken root in Manchester. The city's website, ManchesterVermont.com, says: "Today, visitors to our community come to enjoy Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren and J. Crew, as well as the more traditional recreational activities."

4. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

There's a reason the Kennedy family owned vacation homes in Cape Cod. This New England seascape is the essence of "small beach town" tranquility. Don't expect an action-packed beach-resort experience - Cape Cod is not that kind of vacation spot. But if your idea of relaxation is a seaside stroll along historic harbors, biking and boating, and visiting an antique shop or two, then this is your place.

5. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a picturesque city with a diverse mix of cultures and populations. It's also a popular destination for couples in search of a romantic getaway. Between the Golden Gate Bridge and their world-famous trolleys, San Francisco offers something for everyone.

As an alternative, you might also consider adjacent Sausalito, California, a Mediterranean-style village that marks the gateway to California Wine Country. And speaking of California wine...

6. California Wine Country

If your idea of romance involves good wine and good scenery, you can't go wrong with California Wine Country as your destination. Napa Valley and Sonoma County are about an hour's drive north of San Francisco, and they have long been an attraction for honeymooners, wine lovers, and wine-loving honeymooners. Add in the scenery and the availability of bed-and-breakfast-style lodging, and you have all the makings of a great romantic getaway.

7. Big Island, Hawaii

Sure, some parts of Hawaii are quite touristy. (Waikiki comes to mind.) But there are plenty of locations on the volcano-formed island that offer beauty, seclusion and a nature-rich experience you can't find anywhere else.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the Kona Village Resort is famous for providing comfort and luxury in an otherwise remote tropical region. The resort is also a popular spot for honeymooners, and it comes up on quite a few "top ten" lists like this one.

8. Charleston, South Carolina

I grew up in Virginia and have traveled all throughout the Carolinas. But when I think of "Southern hospitality," one place comes to mind above all others. Charleston, South Carolina. Marjabelle Young Stewart, one of America's well-known etiquette experts, once called Charleston the "most mannerly" city in the U.S., and I think she was right.

Founded in 1670, Charleston held significance during both the American Revolution and the Civil War. To this day, it retains much of its old-world charm and gentility. Conde Nast Traveler has named it a top-ten domestic destination for nine consecutive years.

There's one other thing I love about Charleston. I'm a southerner by birth, and I vote for Charleston as having the most delightful of all the southern dialects.

9. Niagara Falls

Okay, so this one's a bit cliche. But the reason Niagara Falls has been in so many movies, songs and water-cooler conversations is because so many people flock to it with romantic notions in mind. Straddling the border between the U.S. (New York) and Canada, Niagara Falls has attracted honeymooners and getaway-ers for 200 years.

In fact, if you played word-association and said "Niagara Falls," most people would probably say one of two things - waterfall or honeymoon. For that reason alone, Niagara Falls has earned its place on this list.

10. Home Sweet Home

If you consider your home a cozy refuge from the world, it is in a sense a getaway. After all, home is a place to get away from lots of things -- work, school, crowds, relatives, noise, traffic and hassle. It's also a place where you're the most comfortable. So there's certainly nothing unromantic about a crackling fire, a bottle of champagne, and a table for two in home sweet home.

Top 10 Romantic Getaways in the U.S

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Nantucket: Coastal Charm and Beautiful Beaches

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Let a gentle ocean breeze wash over you, peruse exquisite boutiques in town, or simply soak up the sun 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. Anything you can imagine, and anything related to relaxation, is waiting for you on the charming and isolated island of Nantucket. Nantucket is brimming with adventure and excitement in an atmosphere all its own, so hope aboard the ferry and set out for an actively invigorating getaway to this popular Massachusetts destination.

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It is impossible to overstate the beauty of the pristine and stunning beaches that line the shore of this quaint little island. The sparkling stretches of sand along the north shore, including Children's Beach, Dionis Beach, and Jetties Beach, are the perfect place for family-oriented excursion since they are protected by Nantucket Sound and generally have few waves. Swimming, shelling, and sunbathing are all available near the water in addition to sandcastle building competitions and Fourth of July fireworks at Jetties Beach and a playground at Children's Beach.

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In contrast to the relative calm of the north, the rest of Nantucket's shoreline is susceptible to pounding surf and strong currents. The south and eastern shores, which feature Miacomet Beach, Cisco Beach, Surfside Beach, and Siasconset Beach, are particularly dangerous since the Atlantic's waves flood into this area. Depending on the conditions, swimming is sometimes possible, but wading is usually a better bet along with surfing at Cisco Beach. On the western shore, Madaket Beach has very heavy surf along its lengthy banks and is the best place on the island to soak up a vibrant and breathtaking sunset.

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Although the numerous public beaches cater to different crowds, the local attractions offer the perfect blend of history and ambiance to leave every visitor satisfied with their experience. Outdoor enthusiasts simply cannot miss a jaunt around the island on a harbor cruise that also features a lobstering demonstration, a popular pastime off the Massachusetts coast. Even more adventure awaits at the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, whose complex ecosystem is perfect for appreciating the great outdoors. Featuring miles of hiking trails, acres of maritime dunes and forest, and extensive white sand beaches, visitors can catch a glimpse of various wildlife, including egrets, osprey, harbor seals, and much more, or visit the historic Great Point Lighthouse.

With its rich history as the whaling capital of the world during the 1800s, a stop by the Whaling Museum is always in order during your stay on Nantucket. The awe-inspiring 43-foot skeleton of a finback whale is sure to delight children, while adults can certainly appreciate the paintings, portraits, and collection of scrimshaw in addition to the daily lectures, chock-full of colorful history, on the whaling industry. If the history of the island appeals to your senses, or you simply need to fill a rainy day, the Nantucket Life Saving Museum, with its stories of heroism, is always inspirational, and the Egan Maritime Foundation Museum offers interesting insight into the traditions, architecture, and history of Nantucket.

Even after all of these coordinated attractions, the bountiful shops in Nantucket Town, housed in wharf shacks along the harbor, are still waiting for you to pick up a memento or little piece of history. Festival aficionados will also appreciate the Daffodil Festival in April, the Nantucket Wine Festival in May, the Nantucket Film Festival in June, and the Nantucket Arts Festival and Nantucket Harvest Weekend in October.

With so much to see and do on this exciting, welcoming island, it can be easy to overlook the importance of your lodging. When you stay in Nantucket vacation rentals, the island is an oyster of nearby amusements and activities just waiting for you a short stroll away. Enjoy easy access to boutiques, museums, and beaches without giving up any of the comforts of home you are accustomed to, including a spacious living room, gourmet kitchen, wireless internet, a washer and dryer, and much more. For a Nantucket getaway to remember, search the numerous Nantucket rentals available and experience the difference of truly accommodating accommodations.

Nantucket: Coastal Charm and Beautiful Beaches

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Florida Time Share Promotions

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Florida is a very popular tourist destination. As a result, some tourists stay even longer than a few weeks. That's where time share rentals come in. The getaways offered by timeshare ownership combines the comforts of home with the luxuriant style of world-class resorts or clubs.

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To experience the magic of Florida, these resorts entice potential owners with attractive promotions such as discounted vacations and free resort tours, presentations that outline the advantages of buying into their property, free tickets to popular attractions and gift vouchers. There is also owner referral, where the resort offers incentives to a member on recommending a guest or potential buyer.

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The great feature of these promotions is that it helps a great deal in deciding which timeshare vacation to purchase. Instead of being taken in by the glib spiel of marketing geniuses and misleading promotions, extensive and meticulous research is a must.

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In Florida, timeshare resorts have great promotional ideas. Typically, in tourist hubs like Orlando and Kissimee, 4 day stays at prices ranging from -0 are available. At times, the stay could even be free!

These timeshare promotions find their way to us through the Internet, mail or telephone. Disney World, Sea World, Westgate vacations, Marriott, Sheraton and numerous beach resorts are not far behind in their attempts at seducing the buyer with their 'unique' features.

Leisure is an integral part of our lifestyle. Life is a blessing and one needs to take time to smell the flowers. These promotional vacation packages are definitely steps in the right direction.

Florida Time Share Promotions

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Where to Stay on Cape Cod

Cape Cod Rental Vacation

Choosing Cape Cod as a vacation destination was a great decision. You must, however, now determine what part of the Cape to visit and where to stay. Our 65 miles have distinct "sections," each with its own special features: The Upper Cape (closest to the bridges), the Mid-Cape and the Lower or Outer Cape. Even though, technically, the Lower Cape is farther North than the Upper Cape, it is easy to remember the terms if you think of Cape Cod as your arm raised over your head. Your lower arm may be higher than your upper arm but you can still remember the difference. (Illustrated using an actual picture of my arm!)

Cape Cod Rental Vacation

PLEASE NOTE: Some people are trying to divide Cape Cod into four sections: Upper, Mid, Lower and Outer. If you hear these distinctions, the Lower Cape is then meant to refer to the "elbow" region of the cape, while the Outer Cape refers to the forearm, wrist and hand. To most people, however, the terms "Lower" and "Outer" Cape are synonymous.

Cape Cod Rental Vacation

The Upper Cape was settled first (if you don't count the Pilgrims pre-Plymouth landing in Provincetown, circa 1620). On the Upper Cape you will find many historic houses and classic architecture. The beaches are found on Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound.

Cape Cod Rental Vacation

The Mid-Cape is the most populated part of the Cape. Our only city, Hyannis, is located there. Visitors who do not want to be without the urban influences of malls, neon and night life should plan to stay there. Mid-Cape beaches are found on Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay.

The Lower Cape is the most remote and least populated part of Cape Cod. It is also the narrowest and is surrounded by water. Lower Cape beaches are found on the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay and at the numerous crystal clear fresh water ponds located throughout. These ponds were formed by huge chunks of ice left by our last passing glacier.

The Great Beach, running from Chatham to Provincetown, faces the Atlantic and is truly the best beach on the Cape. It inspired President Kennedy to form the Cape Cod National Seashore Project here on the Lower Cape and not in the Mid-Cape area where he had his own summer home. It is the only place to go if you are a lover of waves. Standing on the shore, beneath towering dune cliffs, one gets a special feeling watching the sun rise out of the ocean, knowing that beyond the horizon lies Portugal. The North Atlantic is known for its violent storms and these produce some of the most majestic breakers here on the Outer Cape. Surfboards and their owners are seen trying to harness that power year 'round here.

Because of The National Seashore, there are no motels on the ocean. Some motels may be found by the bay or on Nantucket Sound in other towns, but most of their guests end up commuting to the Atlantic Ocean beaches just the same.

The Lower Cape has been described as what the rest of Cape Cod used to look like. Quaint little villages, local fishing boats and an abundance of undeveloped land in its natural state wait for you to explore.

The Lower Cape is a hiker's haven, a bird-watcher's bonanza and a city-dweller's oasis. The main motto here is....Life's a Beach!

Cape Cod lodging offers motel, cottage and house rentals on Outer Cape Cod.

Where to Stay on Cape Cod

Cape Cod Rental Vacation

Color Sells Houses

Cape Cod Rental Vacation

Staging is like a competitive reality show, but the prize isn't a cool million dollars or an opportunity to host your own show. It is selling a property quickly and for maximum dollars. Staging a house is like getting ready for a blind date, you only have one chance to make a first impression. The key is to focus on the selling features of a property with careful attention to the visual aesthetics, updates, de-cluttering, placement, and color geared to appeal to your target market and competing comparable properties. Color plays a large role in the success or failure of the staging process. Take a look at some color tips that will result in successful staging.

Cape Cod Rental Vacation

Color begins outside - The exterior and interior color palettes must complement the architecture of the house. I recently was asked to look at a condo that had been on the market for 9 months. Driving up to the lovely Cape Cod style condos, I was eager to see inside. I walked into an interior filled with Miami Vice colors of hot pink, bright green, and black with 80's art. Our new Sherwin Williams color palette of Blonde, Clary Sage, and Rain, created a house that sold at the next showing because the colors "fit" the exterior of the house and also gave the condo a "turn-key" feel. The exterior and interior colors made sense and provided great eye appeal.

Cape Cod Rental Vacation

Color Sells - The average buyer looks at 12 homes over 90 days before purchasing. Have you heard Simon Cowell, of American Idol fame, tell contenders that they simply are not memorable enough? The staging goal is the same, make the house memorable. Old rules recommend using white and predictable neutrals which simply results in a house that has blends in with all of its competitors. Warm soft colors in the family and living room accented with a touch of boldness such as warm red or rust in a dining room will create a space that sells. Add color with large accessories and artwork to complete the process always keeping in mind showcasing the selling features of the house.

Cape Cod Rental Vacation

Color Sells Houses

Cape Cod Rental Vacation