Overlooking Newport Beach

Throughout the vast state of California, Newport Beach
remains one of the most overlooked cities.  The city
of Newport Beach is actually a very charming island,
with great beaches and a peninsula.  With all of it's
charms, it remains overlooked by tourists and those
looking for an ideal vacation spot.

Lying cradled within the Balboa Peninsula, the seven
islands that make up Newport Beach happen to have some
of the most expensive real estate in California.  Many
of the homes here are 1.5 million and up!  When you
consider that many are surrounded by small yacht harbors
and a peaceful yet tranquil environment, you know the
price of the homes are more than well worth it.

If you live in California, you can find Newport Beach just
off Pacific Coast Highway in beautiful Orange County.  Simply
take CA 55 south from I-5 to Newport Blvd.  Or, you can
also take CA 1 at Newport Blvd. After a short travel, the
Newport Blvd. will turn into Balboa Blvd. and eventually
take you down the middle of the island.

Whether you live in California or just outside of it,
Newport Beach is one place you should visit.  Once you
visit this overlooked treasure, you'll probably find yourself
wondering why you didn't visit sooner.  Take our word
for it - Newport Beach is simply "that good".

Newport Beach Nightlife

No matter what you go in California, you'll quickly
discover that very few cities can capture the night
life quite like Newport Beach.  Although the area
is one of the most overlooked, it's beaming with
water sports, activities, things to see, and one
heck of a nightlife.  When most areas are winding
down, Newport Beach is just getting started!

From dancing to the beats of Latin rhythms to high
energy rock and roll, Newport Beach provides cutting
edge entertainment for the lovers of the night.  With
hip restaurants and trendy oyster bars, the Little
Inn by the Bay provides its fair share of helping
you enjoy the night.

With plenty of things around the area, Newport Beach
has you covered year round.  There are plenty of bars
to visit at night as well, many of them offering several
big screen televisions, games, and even pool tables for
those who love playing.  Clubs are a great attraction
as well, especially those that are located along the
Newport Bay area.

For day and nightlife, Newport Beach has everything
you need for an excellent vacation.  You don't have
to go to bed at a decent hour when you're here - as
Newport Beach encourages you to get out there and
do what you want - when you want.

Newport Beach Food And Wine Festival

If you enjoy exotic yet superb food and great wine,
the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival is where
you need to be.  Lasting a weekend long, the festival
is held annually at the Balboa Bay Club.  Normally
held the first week of May, this is the perfect time
to visit Newport Beach.

Although you won't need martinis at the festival, you
can bet on some of the best wineries in California
being on hand to pour their distinctive wines.  You
should also come hungry as well, as the food is to
die for.

On a typical night, you can find mounds of shrimp, a
variety of oysters, fish, pasta, and many other types
of seafood and exotic treats.  Along with the wine,
this festival is a great attraction to Newport Beach.

A highlight for the festival is the cognac and cigar
seminar, provided by Martel Cognac and Hamilton Cigars.
During the seminar you can sip superb cognac while
learning all about them.  Also, you can learn all
about fine cigars as well.

During May, the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival
is reason enough to visit the area.  There are plenty
of other things to do and see as well.  If you love
food, wine, and the water - Newport Beach is the place
to be in May.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Picture million dollar yachts, kayaks, electric boats
and other watercrafts gliding through the Newport
Harbor - and you have the Newport Beach Christmas
Boat Parade.  The parade features dazzling holiday
lights that light up the bay, amazing the nearly
one million visitors that crowd Newport Beach and
Newport Harbor.

From December 18 - 22, there are more than 200 vessels
participating in this holiday celebration.  Several
of these vessels will be decorated for the season,
playing music and displaying Christmas decorations
and costumed carolers.  In the past, some yacht
owners have spent as much as 50,000 dollars in
decorations for their yacht.

Over the course of 14 miles, the yachts and watercraft
will amaze the spectators.  For more than 90 years,
the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has dazzled
spectators and locals.  All along the beach, the parade
provides views for restaurants, locals, private home
owners, and even those on public beaches.

Along with the private boats, many charter companies
offer the chance for parade goers to participate in
the parade and view the "Ring of Lights", a group of
spectacular homes all around the harbor.  The "Ring of
Lights" is a popular addition to the parade, with
prizes given for those who have the best decorations
on their homes.

Newport Beach Beauty

With beautiful sunsets, picture-perfect beaches, and
a harbor that houses some of the biggest yachts, Newport
Beach California is truly an amazing place.  Perfectly
situated in Orange County, Newport Beach can be considered
both relaxing and ritzy.

The harbor features many small islands and also houses
several museums and attractions like the Newport Pier.  As
far as things to do here, surfing, volleyball, and romantic
walks along the pier can help to fill the void.  Surfing is
quite renowned here, as surfers can get truly bone shattering
waves from the boats that go by.

Nightlife at the Beach is no secret either, as there are
many different restaurants and clubs.  During the day, there
are many different amusement parks and arcade games.  For
the kids, Newport Beach is truly an amazing vacation.

Those of you who want to visit the past, shouldn't hesitate
to visit the Balboa Pavilion, which was built in 1904.  The
Pavilion houses many dances, and still proves to be an
inspiring Victorian structure - even to this very day.

For a tourist attraction or just a place to get away from the
pressure of life, Newport Beach is breathtaking.  The harbor
has something for everyone, even the hard to please.

Newport Beach Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center of Newport Beach is an ideal place
for anyone who loves the water or loves to work out
and stay in shape.  The over 18,000 square foot
facility offers a multi-purpose meeting room, both
weight and cardiovascular training facilities, locker
rooms for both men and women, and a storage area for
well over 400 canoes and kayaks!

North Star Beach is here as well, offering a launching
dock off the sandy shore.  The Aquatic Center offers
direct access to Newport Harbor and North Star Beach,
offering rowers and paddlers their choice of water
activities and sports.

During the year, the Aquatic Center offers many
different activities and events.  A majority of these
test team skills and individual skills, which is
perfect for anyone looking to get into the Olympics
or just learn more about water based activities.

Along with the many programs for members, the Aquatic
Center in Newport Beach is also open to the public.
Even though you don't have to be a member here, there
are special discounts that members receive.  If you
happen to be on vacation in Newport Beach, it's ideal
to stop by the Aquatic Center and check out everything
they offer.

Historical Sites Of Newport Beach

All along Newport Beach there are several historic
sites that are worth checking out.  Many of them
were around back in the early 1900's, which is
great to see for anyone who wants to see what the
past was like or to learn more about the history
behind Newport Beach.

Balboa Pavilion
Located at 400 Main Street, the Balboa Pavilion
is the first landmark for Newport Beach.  Built in
1905, the pavilion was the end of the line for the
Red Car of the Pacific Electric.  Now days, the
Balboa Pavilion hosts a variety of shops, a
chartering company, and even a restaurant.

McFadden's Wharf
Completed in 1889, the wharf began the decade for
Newport as a shipping port.  Built by James and
Robert McFadden, the wharf was a great way to ship
lumber from Northern California to those who
settled here.

Old Landing
The Old Landing is located at Highway 101 & Dover
Drive.  Established in 1870, the Old Landing was
designated to be a new port by the McFaddens, who
went on to establish a shipping service in the area
of Newort.  Now, there's a bridge and highway on
an area of teh site.  The remaining area of the
Old Landing is vacant.

Crystal Cove State Park

The Crystal Cove State Park, located in Newport Beach,
provides you with 3.5 miles of beach and over 2,000
acres of undeveloped woodland, which is perfect for
horseback riding and hiking.  Offshore, the waters
are designed to be an underwater park.

Popular for mountain bikers inland, and scuba diving
underwater, Crystal Cove beach is a great attraction
for swimmers and surfers.  There are also sandy
coves and nifty tidepools to explore.  Offering you
sand, rocky reefs, ridges, canyons, and a lot to
do with your time, Crystal Cove ensures that you
never find yourself looking for something to do.

The park also features a couple miles of Pacific
coastline, wooded canyons, open bluffs, and plenty
of water.  Giving Newport Beach more room for
opportunity, the park continues to be great for
swimming, surfing, or enjoying the sun.

During the winter months, Crystal Cove State Park
Rangers offer nature hikes.  This makes winter fun,
for anyone who visits the park.  Offering you
plenty to do and see year round, Crystal Cove State
Park adds more reason to visit or return to
Newport Beach.

Chimayo Grill In Newport Beach

If you happen to miss the big Wine Festival in May,
you shouldn't worry as the area has a lot of fine
restaurants to keep you coming back for more.  One
of the local favorites here, and a favorite for many
visitors is the Chimayo Grill.

The Chimayo Grill is located on Fashion Island, in
the chic shopping oasis.  After a long day of
shopping, nothing beats going to the grill for lunch
or dinner.  Starting with the legendary tequila
infusion is great, as it consists of fresh fruit
marinated in tequila.  Although they taste light
and fruity, they are full of tequila and pack quite
a punch!

The grill is decorated in a Sante Fe style, being
casual, but yet unique.  You simply can't go wrong
here, as all of the food they serve is great.  With
so much to choose from here, you may find that it
takes quite a few trips to sample everything they
have to offer.

Being on Fashion Island in Newport Beach, the
Chimayo Grill is in a perfect setting.  You can
take the kids here as well, as the grill has a nice
setting.  For a night out as a family or a night out
to have fun - the Chimayo Grill adds a bit of spice
to Fashion Island - as well as Newport Beach.

Balboa Beach In Newport Beach

Being one of the pristine beaches in Newport Beach,
Balboa Beach is found on the Balboa peninsula.  The
beach faces the Pacific Ocean, and is actually
just a few blocks from the well known Balboa Fun
Zone and the yacht harbor.

In the summer, the beach is very popular for swimming
lessons.  Balboa Beach is also well known for a 920
foot pier that was voted to be the best throughout
Orange County.  The beach is also well known for it's
no entrance fee.  Although there is a parking fee,
the free admission more than makes up for it.

Along Balboa Beach you'll find a bike path and even
places for bonfires.  Surfing is also welcomed here,
although it's banned from 11 AM to 6 PM in the
summer months.  Bodyboarding is also great here,
along with swimming.  During the summer, there is a
lifeguard on duty during the hours of daylight.

With plenty of sand and warm sun here, Balboa
Beach is one of the superb beaches in the Newport
Beach area.  If you visit Newport Beach in the
summer, make sure you drop by Balboa Beach and see
just how good life can be.

Attractions-To-Newport-Beach

Even though Newport Beach has many attractions, one
of the most popular is the beaches.  There are
beaches on the peninsula and in Corona del Mar.  On
the peninsula, there is the infamous spot "The Wedge",
which is great for body surfing.

From the Balboa Peninsula to Avalon, there is the
Catalina Flyer.  This 500 passenger giant provides
the daily transportation.  For residents, the Flyer
is the preferred means of transportation.

The Balboa Fun Zone is a great attraction as well,
offering a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, bumper cars,
and several shops and restaurants.  Located on the
Balboa Peninsula, the Fun Zone is great for kids.

The island of Balboa is actually an artificial
island found in Newport Harbor.  The island was dredged
and filled shortly before World War 1.  Between the
island and the peninsula, the Balboa Island Ferry
works to transport pedestrians and their belongings.

Newport Beach also offers a wildlife sanctuary, known
as the Back Bay.  Nearby, Fashion Island helps to
provide shopping experiences for those who like to
shop and splurge.

For many reasons, Newport Beach is very worthy of a
visit or a vacation.  Even though it's one of the
undiscovered treasures of California, there is plenty
to be found here.  If you've been looking for an area
with lots of attractions, look for further than Newport
Beach.

All Day Activity In Newport Beach

A vacation in Newport Beach or just a family getaway
can hold many activities.  For yourself, your family,
or your friends, Newport Beach holds many things to
keep you occupied during the day.

For the adventurous, the Beach has surfing.  Surfing
at Newport Beach is very rigorous and exciting, with
the high waves and insane temperature.  Along with
surfing, you can also go fishing.  The harbors around
Newport have basically everything you can possibly
think of with water - making it a water lover's true
paradise.

For more relaxed activity, you can enjoy a game of
golf along the harbor.  There are many golf courses
in Newport Beach, from beginners to professionals.
If anyone in your family enjoys a game of golf, you'll
find Newport Beach to be one of the most exciting
places in the world to play.

Other day activities include paddleboats, sailboats,
kayaks, bicycles, and even rollerblades.  There is
always something going on here as well, making it a
perfect getaway spot even for those who happen to
live in sunny California.

For a vacation or just a spot to relax, Newport Beach
is the one spot to go.  Take the entire family and
enjoy everything the Harbor has to offer you - they'll
thank you for it later!

The Wedge

If you like to surf or hit the waves, the infamous
"Wedge" in Newport Beach is something you have to
experience at least once in your lifetime.  Although
The Wedge isn't classified as a wave, it's actually
a 20 foot plus battering ram that was created by
sheer intelligence.

The way it heaves, throws, and bends behaves in ways
other waves can't begin to comprehend.  If you look
at it up close, you'll notice that The Wedge is a
combination of two waves that join together, resulting
in a massive slingshot that is capable of sending
anyone flying.

The Wedge takes a swell, but only for a few moments,
retracting the swell energy from the jetty then
smashing on the beach.  Though it may look like a
"humping effect", as the locals call it, the feel
and look of it must be seen to be believed.

For many years, The Wedge in Newport Beach has proven
to be the best place in the world for surfing.  Over
the years, professional body boarders have headed
here as well, to test their skill and experience
with the one thing that's very hard to top.

Deadly at all tides, the best time to show up at
The Wedge is in the morning or late afternoon, as
this is when the tide is at it's best.  With sizes
reaching between 6 and 20+ feet, you have to be on
your toes before you even attempt to tame it.

If you plan to go surfing or body boarding here, you
should also bring your camera, beach chair, swim fins,
goggles, and insurance card!  It's always best to be
prepared, which makes the insurance card great to
have - especially when you consider just how powerful
The Wedge truly is.

The best time to visit The Wedge is the summer, as
winter may be a bit cold.  As a beginner, The Wedge
may be a bit too difficult.  If you have experience,
you may even find it to be a bit psychotic.  At any
rate, it's a challenge you won't soon forget.

Nearby, you have many places to eat, such as the
Quick Fix and Worth The Wait.  There are also several
places to stay as well, along with places to shop and
enjoy yourself.

From surfing to sheer fun watching The Wedge pummel
surfers, Newport Beach offers you everything you need
to have an excellent stay.  If you enjoy surfing, you
simply must visit The Wedge at least once and see
if you have what it takes.

Romance In Newport Beach

It's no secret that finding a honeymoon location or
a place to take your sweetheart is important.  With
many places to choose from, you may be surprised to
hear that Newport Beach is actually one of the most
romantic - yet also one of the most overlooked areas
in the entire United States.

For honeymooners or those in love looking to re-kindle
the flame, Newport Beach has a lot to offer when it
comes to romance.  The entire environment and setting
around the Beach is romantic, with romance budding at
each and every turn.

On a hot day, walking hand in hand down Marine Avenue
on Balboa Island is enriching.  You and your mate can
check out the sites and talk about things.  Then, you
can head over to Balboa Fun Zone and play games together,
enjoying the best life has to offer.  To show her that
you care, you can even win her a stuffed animal - one
thing that all females seem to love!

On the harbor of Newport Beach, a romantic gondola ride
remains one of the most romantic things to do.  A gondola
ride is great to relax, sitting back with one and another
and enjoying the best of the beach.  Sometimes, nothing
beats just enjoying the presence of one another and
taking in some of the best sites that vision has to offer.

Once night begins to set in, nothing is more romantic
than a trip to the Bayside Restaurant or the Aubergine,
two of the most romantic restaurants in Orange County.
Both you and your partner will enjoy the setting here, as
well as the food.

After you have enjoyed a romantic dinner, you can watch
the sun rise on the beach.  Both sunrise and sunset is
breathtaking at Newport Beach, something each and every
couple should experience at least once in a lifetime.

Before you call it a trip, you should also make sure to
get pampered at a local spa.  The spa's around Newport
Beach are exhiarating, something your whole body will
find superb.  As a couple or a separate trip, a relaxing
day at the spa is very hard to rival.

When it comes to a honeymoon or a trip as a couple,
Newport Beach is one location you'll remember the rest of
your lives.  There is so much to do here as a couple,
you'll probably want to come back again and again.  As
time goes by and you get older, you'll find that Newport
Beach is the perfect place to come back to - no matter
where the road of life takes you.

Pelican Hill Golf Course

On the Newport Coast, standing high above the Pacific
Ocean is one of the best golf courses in the California
area.  Boasting a very nice golf course, the finest
services and amenities, and superb dining, Pelican
Hill Golf Course provides one of the best experiences
of golf and after golf.

With 2 golf courses, the course will provide challenges
to beginners and avid golf players alike.  While both
are great courses, the toughest decision you'll make
is deciding which one to play first.  Even though you
can go back and play the course you didn't select later,
choosing the one to start with is almost as fun as
playing.

The North Course
The North Course of the Pelican Golf Course reflects
a classic Scottish style, almost floating around an
elevated plateau.  The drastic elevation changes help
to create spectacular views of both the Pacific Ocean
and the Newport Harbor.

Staying true to the ingenious design philosophy, the
landscape here plays a major role in the challenge and
the overall beauty of the North Course.  Golfers all
around the world enjoy playing the North Course, as
the design here is better than most golf courses out
there.

The South Course
Set high above the Pacific, the South Course is also
ranked among the top golf courses in the entire Newport
Beach area.  The South Course offers breathtaking ocean
views, pine trees, manicured fairways, and a nice
soaring eucalyptus.

On the South Course you'll also find challenging greens
submerged by strategically placed bunkers.  The design
of the course here included rolling terrain, canyon
crossing tee shots, and holes that border the cliffs
of the California coast.

Both courses are very set in their unique designs, using
the terrain and topology to golf players challenges
they simply won't find elsewhere.  While many golf courses
use the field to add to the playing experience, Pelican
Hill uses many different tools.  The result is a game
of golf that will leave you wanting more.

If you enjoy playing golf, Pelican Hill Golf Course in
Newport Beach provides the golf you crave.  There are
plenty of other things to see and do in Newport Beach,
from kids to grown ups.  Whether your on vacation or
a local, Pelican Hill can help you to enjoy playing
golf for the first time.  All you need to do is play a
few games on the course - then you'll discover the
way golf was meant to be played.

Newport Harbor Art Museum

Featuring vintage art, the Newport Harbor Art
Museum is the primary showcase in Newport Beach
or California for that matter for the best in
contemporary art.  Being founded in 1962, the
museum is dedicated to the collection, exhibition,
and the interpretation of both contemporary and
modern art.

By reflecting on the past as well as the present,
the museum features the exhibitions of local, national
and international scopes, and also maintains one of
the most impressive and important works of California
Art since the beginning and end of World War 2.

For those who don't know much about contemporary art,
the Newport Harbor Art Museum offers a broad series
of programs designed in assisting the understanding
and appreciation of the subject.  Even though you
may be new to contemporary art, the museum will
show you all there is to know and love about it.

Known all over the world, the museum has a reputation
for its depth of holdings in California post-war art,
a collection of over 2,000 sculptures, paintings,
prints, drawings, and even photography.

Those who are already familiar with contemporary art
will surely appreciate everything that the museum
provides.  Fans of post-war art will enjoy this
museum as well, as it provides the most extensive
collection of California art around.

Some of the key holdings found in the Newport Harbor
Art Museum include David Park, Nathan Oliveira, Joan
Brown, Ed Ruscha, Larry Bell, Joe Goode, Robert Irwin,
Chuck Arnoldi, and Judy Fiskin.  There are also major
holdings in room size works featuring Bill Viola's
Theater of Memory and even the Tale of Two Cities by
Chris Burden.

Open year round, the museum hours are Tuesday -
Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM and Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM, closed
on Monday.  Although there is small price for
admission, the day to visit is Tuesday - as admission
for everyone is free.  If you are in the Newport area
on Tuesday, you should drop by the museum as you have
nothing to lose.

If your on vacation in Newport Beach, you can go to
the Newport Harbor Art Museum during the day, on a
side trip.  The museum is a great way to spend the
day looking at art.  For the locals of the area, the
museum is a great place to go back to time and time
again to bring back memories of the post-war art and
everything that contemporary California art is known
for.

Newport Beach Shoppers Paradise

Although the area of Newport Beach is known for
the harbor and love of the water, it also contains
a hidden shoppers paradise.  With the infamous
Fashion Island and Balboa Island nearby, Newport
does wonders for those who like activities yet
enjoy shopping.

Fashion Island is one of the best areas of Newport
Beach, containing over 200 stores.  The Island
has everything you could ever want, from toys to
expensive clothes.  If you've ever tried Fashion
Island before, you're probably aware of just how
great it can be.  With over 200 stores, it'll take
hours and hours to explore everything here - and
possibly even days.

If you happen to be looking for an inexpensive, yet
excellent experience, Balboa Island is where you
should be going.  The Island is accessible from
Palm Street by ferry at the Balboa Peninsula, or
by car/foot from Jamboree Road at the Pacific Coast
Highway.

With its great location and environment, the
community is home to more than 80 galleries, gift
shops, and fine restaurants.  All along the streets
on the island, you can find locals selling great
merchandise, along with vendors selling superb
sweets and hot eats.

When walking on foot on the island, you'll notice
that there are wonderful views of the extravagent
homes, harbor, and even the bay.  Passing the street
signs, you may notice that they are indeed named
after precious stones, which is quite different.

Once you pass Turquoise, Topax, Diamond, and Sapphire,
you'll reach the popular Marine Avenue, which is
where shoppers will fall in love.  With unique and
attractive gift shops and sidewalk cafes, it's easy
to spend hours here looking at everything you can
purchase.

The heart of the Balboa Island's shopping and apparel
district, Marine Avenue has many unique boutiques
and galleries as well.  If hunger strikes, you can
lose yourself in the tastefully impressive Balboa Bar,
a bar made of vanilla ice cream that is dipped in
chocolate.

With restaurants on the Avenue as well, you can enjoy
everything from a simple meal to some of the best
Italian food in Newport Beach.  Offering you plenty of
things to see as well, Balboa Island gives you more
than just shopping - although the shopping here is
something you must experience.

If you enjoy shopping and seeing beautiful views,
Newport Beach is truly the shopping paradise you've
been longing for.  As a family vacation, Balboa Island
and the surrounding areas can provide everything you
need for fun and entertainment.  For shopping lovers
everywhere, Newport Beach provides the type of
shopping you won't find anywhere else.

Newport Beach Gondola Ride

Over 800 years old, the gondola is a regarded as a
symbol of romance.  Although thinking of a gondola
may bring thoughts of Venice Italy, the gondola
ride found in Newport Beach can be just as romantic
when it comes to the symbol of romance.

Once you sit in the black yet sleek gondola, you'll
be steered into the fairy-tale setting of the
hidden canals beyond Newport Beach.  Most of the
time, the individual steering the gondola will
appear discreet yet mysterious, hearing nothing
and saying nothing.

With this sense, the boat will almost appear to
be moving by magic, gliding along with nothing to
disturb the soft music.  Occasionally, you can
hear the splashing of a fish breaking the surface
of the water, which actually adds to the music and
the tempo of the gondola ride.

With the gondola floating so close to the surface
of the water, you'll feel as if every sense you have
is being tapped.  The warmth of the sun, the smell
of the water, and the lapping of the waves will set
your mind off like never before.

As you travel through the canals, you'll find
yourself wondering if the houses are deserted and
just how romantic the atmosphere and setting make
you feel.  Even though you may have the urge to
dangle your fingers in the water, the relaxing feel
of the gandola will make you feel as if you are
too relaxed to move a muscle!

When the sun sets, you'll pass other gandolas as
they travel through the canals.  On a couple ride,
the gandola can help to rekindle the flame or just
take you to a whole new world.  Once you return to
the docks, you'll probably find yourself wishing
that the ride would never end.

If you've never experienced a gondola ride, it's one
thing that you simply must try.  As a wedding ride,
honeymoon ride, couple ride, or just a couple of
friends, the gondola ride is something that will
make you feel as never before.

While there are a few providers of gondola rides in
Newport Beach, each one offers you the ride of a
lifetime. The gondola ride brings a touch of romance
to Newport Beach, which is something each and every
couple should have the pleasure of experiencing.

If you plan on visiting Newport Beach or if you
already live in the area, a gondola ride is something
you shouldn't hesitate to try.  It brings a whole new
sense to the word romance and can easily make you
forget everything that has troubled you in life - if
even for a brief moment.

Little Inn Newport Beach

The Little Inn by the bay in Newport Beach provides
the best hotel experience in the area.  They offer
unbeatable prices, still staying true to maintaining
quality service.  Offering many comfortable rooms
and packages, they do more than enough to ensure you
have a great stay in Newport Beach and save as much
money as you possibly can.

In the morning, the inn allows you to customize your
own continental breakfast from a variety of possibilities,
such as muffins, cereals, and juices - delivered to
your hotel room along with the morning paper!

Along with the morning paper and a continental
breakfast, the Little Inn by the bay also provides
beach cruisers.  There's no sense in walking when you
can use the bikes they provide to explore the miles
and miles of beaches and boardwalk that Newport
Beach and peninsula has to offer.

Located very close to many restaurants and shops, the
Little Inn makes it easier than ever.  You can step
out of the Inn and enjoy many great tasting restaurants
and California shops.  Being relatively close to the
beach, you can go out at night and enjoy romantic
walks on the beach with the one you love.

The nearby restaurants to the Little Inn by the bay
include Blue Water Grill, Billy's at the beach,
Rusty Pelican, Charthouse, and many more.  Offering
everything from seafood to Japanese food, the Little
Inn ensures that there is food in the area for many
different tastes.

Along with being a great location, the Little Inn also
offers you spacious rooms with cable television, nice
views, and even beach rentals.  During the day you can
see everything that Newport Beach has to offer then
at night you can enjoy winding down and relaxing in
one of the many excellent rooms.

When the time comes to take off to Newport Beach, you
should make sure you book your room in advance.  The
Little Inn by the bay is one of the best hotels in
Newport Beach, making it very crowded during the
summer months.  The last thing you want to do is wait
until the last minute then arrive in Newport Beach and
find that there are no rooms left!

Booking in advance can save you a lot of headache, and
provide you with a great place to stay once you arrive
in the area.  Once you have stayed a few nights at the
Little Inn by the bay you'll know what true Newport
hospitality is all about.  Then, when you return to
Newport Beach - you'll want to ensure that the Little
Inn is where you stay.

Fashion Island Newport Beach

The Fashion Island, located at the Newport Center
in Newport Beach is the ideal place to go if you
like adventure and shopping.  Proving to be one
of the premiere establishments in Newport Beach,
Fashion Island is one place you simply must go if
you crave a fun and exciting time during your trip
here or your stay here.

Centrally located between Los Angeles and San Diego,
stopping here won't put you out of your way.  Offering
shopping, beaches, theme parks, museums, parks and
other events, this is an absolute treasure.  On
Fashion Island itself, there are more than 1,300 hotel
rooms within the Newport Center.

On Fashion Island kids love the carousel.  The carousel
is a custom made Venetian-themed ride with 32 antique
horses and other animals, perfect for riders of nearly
any age.  With animals such as the rabbit, tiger, bear
and fish, the carousel is a must see for anyone who
enjoys theme parks and amusement rides.

For younger children, Fashion Island offers the whimsical
Kiddie Train.  For younger children of the area, the
train has become a tradition.   If you are visiting here,
you can find the train between Bloomingdale's and Marcus.

On the island, two of the most signature elements are
the splashing fountains and the well known sparkling koi
pond.  Located adjacent to Macy's, you'll find the Pop
Jet, and near Island Terrace you'll find the also well
known Iris Fountain.  Both were created in 1989 and
custom made for Fashion Island.  The koi pond was also
custom made in 1968 and holds 15,000 gallons.

The entire area of Fashion Island is surrounded by top
class hotels, including the Hotel Newport Beach.  Minutes
away from the island is the Orange County airport and
several beaches.  During the summer, the sandy beaches
provide the ultimate relaxation from a day of shopping
and fun on Fashion Island.

Throughout the year, there are many events as well.  With
summer concerts, a project playhouse, and seasonal
activities for the children, Fashion Island proves to be
more than just shopping.

On the shopping side of things, as the name implies, you'll
find hundreds of shopping stores and several fine restaurants
to dine in here.  Fashion Island on Newport Beach is the
place to be for anyone visiting the area looking to see
the best in shopping and entertainment.

If you're looking to visit Newport Beach, make sure you pay
Fashion Island a visit.  You can find almost anything to
buy here along with plenty of activities to keep the kids
happy as well.  A visit to Newport Beach isn't complete
without stopping here - making Fashion Island a very
important part of the entire beach experience.

Family Fun In Newport Beach

No matter what type of family getaway you have in mind,
you'll always find something for everyone throughout
Newport Beach.  From young to old and everyone in
between, Newport Beach easily combines the best of family
fun with activities to keep everyone entertained for
hours and hours.

One of the most popular family activities in Newport
Beach is going to the beach.  During the summer months,
the beach is a very popular resort and getaway spot for
the entire family.  You and your wife or your friends can
enjoy swimming, boat riding, or even hitting the waves on
a jet ski.  With temperatures in the summer hitting 75
degrees and above, nothing breaks the heat better than
the beach.

For the kids, the beach holds many different activities.
They can build sand castles in the sand, play around in
the water, or simply bask in the glorious sun.  If they
get tired of playing in the sand, you can simply go back
to your hotel room and enjoy the fun of the safe yet
confined swimming pool.

Another popular activity in Newport Beach for the family
is the Balboa Fun Zone.  There is something here for
everyone, with the Fun Zone keeping kids entertained the
entire time they are there!  If you've never experienced
the Fun Zone before, you'll be in for the treat of a
lifetime!

The Balboa Fun Zone is comprised of many different areas,
including restaurants and beaches.  There is so much to
do here that you'll probably have to come back over the
course of several days to see everything that the Fun Zone
has to offer.

Another activity that yields a lot of fun in Newport Beach
is rollerblading.  You can rent rollerblades from many
different providers, from kids sizes to adults.  There are
also many places to use your rollerblades, including the
sidewalks along the beach.  If you like rollerblading,
Newport Beach helps to set a new standard of fun.

When it comes to the kids enjoying themselves, nothing
will please them more than the Toy Boat.  Located at 3331
East Coast Highway, the Toy Boat is the best place in
Newport Beach to take the kids.  There are hundreds of
thousands of toys and activities here to keep your kids
and probably yourselves entertained for hours.

After you have a day of family fun in Newport Beach or
the surrounding areas, you can stop and have a relaxing
meal at one of the fabulous restaurants.  The food here is
to die for, giving everyone in your family a chance to
eat their favorite food.

With something for everyone, it's hard to believe that
Newport Beach is actually an undiscovered vacation spot
for many.  The area has so much to offer, that it's just
a matter of time before people start to discover
everything the area will provide them with.  When the time
comes for your getaway - make sure you give Newport Beach
a try - you'll be glad you did!

Disneyland Resort Near Newport Beach

If you're looking for action and adventure in the
Newport Beach area, the Disneyland Resort is
everything you need.  Bigger and more magical
than ever, the world famous Disneyland is just a
short ride from the Little Inn by the bay by.  With
the addition of the California Adventure Island,
the Disneyland Resort is better than ever.

For kids of all ages, Disneyland is where the dreams
come alive.  From riding the many rides to the magical
parade and seeing the enchanting characters of Disney
in person, no place on earth can capture the wonder
and magic like Disneyland.

With everyday excitement and the seasonal events like
the fireworks display, Disneyland Resort will keep
kids of all ages enchanted for hours.  Best of all,
Disneyland Resort has something for the entire family.

You can also learn about past and present California
at the Disney Adventure Park, as well as learn about
the colorful history that makes California what it is
today.  Things such as the California Gold Rush and
the Hollywood Golden Years are all included at the
Adventure Park.

There are plenty of family activities to be found here
as well, such as the Muppet Vision 3D, Twilight
Zone Tower, and several others.  From enjoying the
rides to exploring everything in the Disneyland
Park, you can spend hours and hours here and still
not discover all of the magic.

When you get hungry, you can rest assured that the
resort has plenty of places to eat.  You can stop and
eat at one of the restaurants or simply grab some food
from one of the many vendors.  There are all kinds of
treats here as well, from caramel apples to cotton
candy.

What was once a tourist attraction giant, has become
even bigger with the recent addition of the Disney
California Adventure Park.  The park has become very
popular as well, helping to add an extra bit of kick
to the resort.

Although there are many reasons to visit Newport
Beach, few are bigger than either the Disneyland
Resort or the Disney Adventure Park.  Both are great
for the entire family, and both will provide days and
days of cutting edge entertainment.

If you plan to visit Newport Beach or a nearby area,
you shouldn't hesitate to take your family to the
Disneyland Resort.  It's a short distance from the
Little Inn by the bay in Newport Beach, which is more
than worth that extra bit of time.

Balboa Pier In Newport Beach

A pier can be one of the most romantic places to
go in the world.  If you doubt that, take a trip to
the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach and you'll see
first hand just how great a pier can be.  On any
given summer night, this pier is enveloped in
darkness by 10 PM.

While the average fisherman heads home when the
pier is dark, life continues.  All along the pier,
darkness does nothing but add to the atmosphere.
Towards the end of the pier, you can see the neon
lights of Ruby's Diner lighting up the sky, calling
out to those on the pier.

Walking along the pier you can see many different
lights illuminating the sky.  The Balboa Pavilion can
be seen as well, adding to the already magical time
that the lights help to add to the pier.

In many ways, the Balboa Pavilion is a sister attraction
to the pier.  They were both built in 1906 and designed
to attract people to the Newport area.  Even in those
times, the pier and the pavilion helped to bring
travelers to the area.

Down the peninsula from the pier, the area has a
feeling that rivals days gone by.  For fishermen and
those that enjoy fishing, the Balboa Pier is simply
heaven on earth.

Looking to the south of the pier, you'll see the Newport
Jetty and the bay entrance.  Main Street is right
around the corner, adding a wealth of things to do to
the pier.

Even though some consider fishing to be secondary on
the pier, it gives fisherman that are there more room
to fish.  For many residents of the area, the pier is
where they began their life of fishing.

When standing on at the end looking down the Balboa
Pier you'll probably be amazed.  The 920 foot pier is
simply incredible to look at.  Walking down it is
great any time of year, especially at night when
taking a moonlit stroll.  For honeymooners or married
couples, the pier beckons out for romance.

The Balboa Pier is open from 5 AM until midnight.  There
are restrooms located near the entrance, with lights
and fish cleaning stations located on the pier.  At
the end of the pier, there is even a small restaurant.

Located in the city of Newport Beach, the Balboa Pier
is a must visit for anyone who loves fishing.  Even if
you don't like fishing, the pier is great to walk at
night or during the day.  If you want to see what piers
are all about, make sure you check out the beauty and
splendor that the Balboa Pier will provide you with.

Balboa Fun Zone Newport Beach

One of California's oldest and greatest coastal
amusement parks, the Balboa Fun Zone is a great
place for your entire family.  With plenty for the
entire family to do, the Fun Zone can make the
time just fly by.

Perfectly situated on the Balboa Peninsula along
Newport Beach, the Balboa Fun Zone has always
managed to rival with top amusement park giants such
as Sea World, Disneyworld, and even Belmont Park.

For more than 50 years, the Fun Zone in Newport
Beach has provided people with something to do either
day or night.  Residents of the area and those who
have visited in the past can recall the big name
bands and loud music that streamed from the infamous
Rendezvous Ballroom.

From basking on the sandy yet pristine beaches to
exploring the Fun Zone areas, you'll quickly find that
there's always something to do here.  You can go out
on the Balboa Pier as well, which was built in 1912 as
a way to go from Balboa to Catalina Island. The pier is
also one of the few to survive the well known yet
destructive coastal storms California endured during
the 1980's.

Those of you looking for adventure and travel would
enjoy the Catalina Flyer, which is actually one hour
to Catalina Island.  The island ferry at Balboa Island
only costs a buck or so, yet it takes you to the well
known Catalina Island.

One of the biggest attractions here is the well known
Fun Zone ferris wheel.  Since 1936, this wheel has proved
to be a night and day landmark at the Fun Zone, calling
out to all to enjoy the fun.  If you've ever been on
a ferris wheel, you know just how much fun they can
actually be.

In 1986, the Fun Zone was rebuilt completely from the
ground up, adding to the already fun and exciting
environment here.  The ferris wheel, bumper cars, arcades,
and everything else here make the Fun Zone so much
fun for everyone who decides to pay it a visit.

After you've had experienced a few of the rides and
attractions, you can get some food at one of the many
vendors or restaurants, then enjoy a cruise on the
harbor.  Young or old, the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport
Beach can help you relieve those precious memories
from when you were a child.

If you plan to visit California and you want something
fun to do, make sure you visit the Fun Zone.  There are
plenty of things to see in the area as well, making the
Fun Zone an absolute treasure.  With no cost for
admission, the Fun Zone is one area of Newport Beach
that you don't want to pass by.

Adventures At Sea Newport Beach

Since 1980, the Adventures At Sea Yachts have been
taking people on unforgettable cruises.  The energetic
staff behind the cruises have the capability to
handle any type of charters, such as corporate, wedding,
private, surprise, sailing, sport, fishing, private,
and much more.  With many awards, accolades, and happy
clients to their credit, Adventures At Sea in Newport
Beach enjoy what they do and put a lot of attention
to detail in their cruises.

For the area, Adventures At Sea offers champagne sailing
cruises for Southern California, an Orange County sail
boat charter, a sailing yacht charter in Newport Beach,
and sea yacht cruises throughout California.  From
Newport Beach, Adventures At Sea can help you visit
and view California in ways you could never dream of.

Those of you who are planning a wedding could greatly
benefit from these wonderful charters. Nothing is more
romantic than tying the knot on board a luxury yacht,
with the wind whipping in your hair and splendid views
of California and the beaches everywhere you look.

For the corporate world, Adventures At Sea offers
corporate events.  On these charters, you can impress
friends and visitors with the California lifestyle that
a charter embodies.  From showing off to friends to
a bouquet with your boss, these charters can help make
you very popular in little to no time at all.

As a vacation trip, the charter experience of these
cruises can help you relax in many ways.  Whether its
around California or just through the bay, a charter
ride is a lot of fun.  You can check out the views from
the ocean, or just sit back and have the time of your
life.

Avid fishermen and anglers enjoy the fishing charters,
as they allow you to fish from the seclusion of a
yacht.  You can get out there in the ocean and have a
blast, just doing what you love to do.  With the sun
beaming down and the wind whipping in your face, a
fishing charter is a great way to relax.

Offering you many types of charters to choose from,
Adventures At Sea in Newport Beach helps to make your
vacation a pleasant one.  For the locals, these charters
are a blast, something the locals can't seem to ever
get enough of.  If you've never been on a yacht or a
charter cruise you shouldn't hesitate to check in to it
the second you arrive in Newport Beach.  Once you
experience it for the first time, you'll find yourself
wondering why you waited until now to take the ride of
your life!

The Incredible Value of the New York Pass

If you're planning to visit New York City it really pays to make the investment in The New York Pass. This pass will allow you free entrance into some of the biggest attractions that New York has to offer in addition to discounts to many more attraction and a 140 page guide book that gives you information about many of the places you won't want to miss while you're visiting this great city.

Some of the places that you are allowed free admission by way of your New York Pass include the following: The Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Isle with a free round-trip ferry ticket and gives you skip ahead privileges for the ticket line, free admission to the Guggenheim Museum (though you may need to pay additional fees for special exhibitions), the New York Skyride, and the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. These are just a few of the many places you can go for no additional fees. If you're planning to fit many activities into your time in New York, this is by far the best way to go.

There are often offers for discounts if you are purchasing multiple days of The New York Pass, the fact remains however that if you are choosing more than two events on any given day you'll probably be saving money on admission alone by purchasing the pass. If you're only planning on one paid activity per day then you're better off not making the purchase of a pass. With all vacations there are simple matters of economics involved. There are two forms of economics that come into play on a vacation-money and time. Time is often the most carefully guarded of the two while vacationing and people forget to pay attention to cast budgets as a result feeling it is better to waste money than to waste time.

I personally like to waste neither. I enjoy the skip ahead privileges that having city passes often allow as well as the knowledge that I've already paid for the days activities and can keep a better eye on where the remainder of my funds are being spent.

In addition to the many freebies that are involved as a result of the New York Pass there are also invaluable discounts that you can get on dining, souvenirs, even tours such as the New York Helicopter Sightseeing Tours. And then there are some tours that having a New York Pass will allow you to experience for free as well. Among those are: the United Nations Tour, The NBC Studio Tour, the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour, the Rockefeller Center Tour, and the Tour at Lincoln Center.

The pass will introduce you to museums and zoos with free admission that you may not have otherwise considered and open the doors to extra entertainment for the entire family. If you're going to be in New York for an extended period of time, 3 days or more, and plan to take a lot of tours and do a lot of sight seeing on your trip, I seriously recommend that you buy the New York Pass and use it every chance you get for free entrance fees and merchandise or food discounts and freebies. This is by far one of the best tips anyone can give you about your visit to New York and your budget. I also recommend tailoring your experience to the free things offered as much as possible and save your money for gifts, mementos, and the wonderful food and shows that abound in this fabulous city. Be sure to pay close attention when ordering tickets and checking to see if you are entitled to a discount because of your New York Pass. Do your best to enjoy your time and try not to fit too many things into one day. There are only so many hours in a day and while New York may be the City that Never Sleeps, we all need to sleep sometime.

The Blessings Of Vacations

There are so many wonderful things to do and see in New York City. It's hard to imagine that in a lifetime someone could possibly manage to get to them all. The problem is that many of them sound like so much fun it's hard to choose between the men and select the few. The best solution for me is to stick with things that can't be done at home. Playing in parks for the most part can be done at home. While none of our parks compare to the many available here, it can still be done at home without traveling thousands of miles in order to do so.

The same can be said for watching movies, fishing, hiking, riding bikes, and roller-blading. While getting exercise is great, there will be plenty of walking while in New York and I can actually roller blade when I get home, right? But if you like doing those things, why on earth would you deprive yourself of doing them simply because the locale has changed? If anything you will have a new shot of scenery to enjoy, new sights and sounds, and perhaps you can get your family, up, out, and active right along with you.

In addition to the physical activities there are so many wonderful shows that can be seen on and off Broadway, there are also some wonderful opportunities to dance yourself as well as to watch others dancing. You can make music and listen to the beautiful sounds that others have made. You also have the wonderful and unique ability to choose from so many bookstore and antique shops. There are literally thousands of things you can choose to do and see within the course of a day in New York City, many of them free and some of them are actually freeing.

It is so important that we remember when vacationing what the actual purpose of a vacation is-to renew ourselves in our commitments to our families, our mates, and our work. In doing this we are supposed to come back refreshed and renewed ready to face the challenges that await us. Find something freeing to do while on vacation. Let your hair down and enjoy the ability to dance without worrying about who might see. Sing karaoke in a tavern, act silly with your kids and go walking barefoot on the beach with flowers in your hair. Remember what it was like to be young and have fun for the sake of having fun and most importantly, remember how to smile.

Your New York Vacation should remind you, if nothing else how fleeting life is. The skyline of this great city has forever been changed and that is something we can never forget, it is not something we need to dwell on, but it is something that should really make us think when we remember it. We should seize each moment with our friends and families for the opportunity it is to not only be blessed but also to be a blessing in return.
Use your vacation as an opportunity to read to your children, sing to your mate, hold hands in the rain, and fall in love with each other all over again. Be romantic and sweet and hold the door open for him. Be silly and make up rhyming songs and tell your children often just how much you are enjoying playing with them and remember all of these things when you return home. That is when you will find that you are truly blessed.

Teens in the City

New York City offers a virtual treasure chest of fun things to do for teenagers. This age group is generally the most difficult to please and appease while vacationing. They are too old for the kid stuff and too young to appreciate some of the more 'grown up' entertainment and of course, they don't want to look like they're having too much fun. From amusement parks to cyber cafes, from bookstores to malls and video arcades, to sporting events and sporting complexes New York City is a city that was almost made for teens to enjoy.

The trick to enjoying your New York City vacation while ensuring that your teen enjoys his or her time in the city is compromise. Agree to go watch the skateboarding in the park if he or she will suffer through a museum with you. You just might find that you each find something to enjoy about the other's activities. There are so many wonderful things to do and see in New York. You don't have to pay a lot of money in order to have a good time as many of these wonderful events are offered free or for very little cost. You can also purchase passes that allow free entrance to certain city attractions for one low fee. You will find that of the freebie offerings there is usually something that will appeal to various members of your family including your teens.

Compromise is a good idea on any vacation with friends or family and it teaches your teens an important lesson-their opinion matters to you. They also learn to compromise, to share time and experiences, and to think critically. They are forced to weight all the things they would like to do and select the things that matter most to them to do. This is a very good thing for people to learn as early as possible and will be an invaluable lesson, as they grow older and eventually begin making their own decisions in life as well. I even try to offer the younger children a voice in what's going on. I offer age appropriate choices and allow them to select the one that matters most to them.

Teens are often very hard to please or predict and their wants can change between the time it takes to open a pack of pop tarts and the time it takes to actually drop them in the toaster. Be aware of this when making plans with teens and go with the flow. You do not have to let your teen rule your vacation but by allowing him or her a voice in the decision making process you might all learn some important and interesting things about each other.

Girl teens are often easily distracted by shopping-while New York City has some of the trendiest boutiques you may want to see if you can talk her into some of them any consignment or secondhand stores that abound. You can call it 'vintage clothing' if you must in order to get her in the doors but you can score some awesome deals on clothes that look barely worn if that and she'll have some nice additions to her wardrobe for a fraction of their costs if new. There are also some wonderful outlet malls in NYC as well. The trick with shopping any of these stores is to know the prices of things. Some things are excellent bargains while others are not so much.

Teen boys will have a grand time at places such as Game Time Nation where they can play video games for endless hours. You can even try playing games together if you're brave enough. Fair warning offered here, teens are brutal in their victories and you will never live down your failures in the video game arena with them so study up before hand.

The most important thing to remember about vacationing with your teen is that you'd like them to have some fond memories of your time together, even during their teen years. Take care that you are including them in your plans rather than making their plans for them. It is time they are let into the decision making process to some degree even if it's allowing either or options or asking them to list a few things they'd like to do and you selecting from those. If you're having fun it is quite likely that they will eventually join in.

Shop for Art off the Beaten Path

Art is one of many cultural draws in New York City. There are art galleries in abundance in this great city and almost certainly an artist to fit almost any taste. Art has always been to some degree in the eyes of the beholder and beauty in the city of New York is in abundant supply.

Whether you consider yourself an enthusiastic supporter of art and the arts, it's hard to deny the fact that New York has a great deal of art to offer those who are willing to seek it. From the graffiti that is so artfully rendered along bridges, buildings, busses, and signs throughout the city to murals and store windows that are so wonderfully made art comes in this city in many forms. You will find artists, sketchers, painters, and those seeking muses wandering around various parts of the city that may be particularly lovely, inspiring, or even forlorn.

The art doesn't end with sketches, drawings, or paintings. It goes well beyond that. In this great city you will see sculptors with magnificent works that might be inspiring to you and might be utterly and completely unintelligible and you might find art that touches your heart and simply won't let go. For whatever reason, art for most of us is purely emotional. This isn't only true for the painter but also for those who witness the beauty of the art that has been created.

There is also pottery, blown glass, metal works, wood works, and literally dozens of other works of art within this city. You can stroll through the many galleries of the city or walk along the streets and through the parks seeking art and the artists that create these wonderful works. You might find the grandest work of art in the hands of the slightest of creatures or in the most unlikely of places. New York is full of surprises that go far beyond the beaten paths.

If you are truly seeking art to bring home from your trip to New York, the best place to look is in second hand or consignment shops. You can generally find nice pieces of art at unbelievably low prices. This is one of the best ways to begin building your collection and there are some second hand shops that specialize in artwork or 'junk art'. Of course there are galleries that deal with rare second hand art and it is highly unlikely that you'll find a discount there. Stick to the consignment shops, flea markets and used furniture stores if you are truly seeking some nice pieces that are seriously undervalued.

Keep in mind that the art you choose only needs to speak to you (and hopefully match your décor to some degree, unless of course you are searching for an excuse to redecorate) and doesn't have to really mean anything at all. When you do find a piece of art that you feel you must own, price is often not a consideration. This makes the fact that you're looking in a second hand store a much better way to shop. At least in this instance you won't have to deal with sticker shock from the massively over inflated price tags you will find in most galleries. Of course that is because they are recovering their commissions off the top so you're automatically knocking off that much of a discount by shopping second hand and off the beaten path.

Relaxation New York City Style

New York City is perhaps the busiest city in the world. The people here are always running to and fro from work to home to meeting to school functions for their children to dinner you name it and most people in this city are constantly on the move. New Yorkers work hard and they play hard and for the most part you will not find a city full of couch potatoes.

As a result of the constant movement and often constant stress of keeping pace in the city that never sleeps there is a huge demand for spas, massages, and a service industry that is devoted to helping these over worked, over played, and over stressed people learn to relax. Of course there are other industries in New York City that are equally dedicated to keeping them awake and alert.

If relaxation is the order of the day you will be glad to know that there is a spa on almost every corner in New York City and if your vacation is one in which you wish to have a relaxing time of things then you may want to select a hotel with a spa on the premises and never walk outside. I can't imagine being in New York City and staying in my hotel the entire time but for some getting away is the only way they'll be able to leave work and responsibilities behind in order to truly relax and receive the full benefits of a spa treatment.

In addition to the many spas that are available there are also gyms and sports complexes that will allow you to work out your frustrations or aggressions through physical exertion in addition to the many parks scattered throughout the city that offer places to walk, run, jog, ride bikes, roller blade, and participate in dozens of other physical activities as well.

If the physical activity and the spa treatment don't help you reach your relaxation goals, then perhaps an evening out is in order. You will find all kinds of ways to spend your evenings in New York City. There are bars, lounges, comedy clubs, dance clubs, and simple hotel bars where you can have a nice drink or two to lighten your mood and then head back up to your room without the worry of how you're going to get back to your room.

Of course, many believe that laughter without a doubt is the best medicine for whatever might ail you so the many comedy clubs around New York might be the best place to look for a night of fun and relaxation. Chances are if you're standing in New York City, pretty much anywhere you are kind of near a comedy club. If there's doubt I can almost guarantee that a bellhop or concierge might be able to help you find one close by and rather quickly.

Then of course, there's the last resort. Well for some, for me it's the first thought that comes to mind for relaxation: hot tub and massage. Not necessarily in that order but either or both is a great way to spend the evening. If you are fortunate enough to have a loved one along with you it is a great idea to share both the hot tub and the massage. While giving massages to each other is nice, there is something deliciously sinful about lying beside each other while receiving the royal treatment. You know you will be heading back to reality soon so enjoy this while you can.

Planning your NYC Vacation Makes all the Difference

Whether you realize it or not, planning is the key to any successful vacation. You do not have to be a vacation tyrant that makes your family dread vacations and the boot camp they entail but by having some sort of plan of action for each day of your vacation you can much better stick to a budget as well as assuring you will get the rest and relaxation that is so very important to the renewal of mind and body before returning to work.

Vacations do not have to cost a vast fortune, even vacations in cities that are known for being expensive such as New York City. Most people fail to realize that people of all economic backgrounds live in these cities as well and there are some forms of entertainment that offer a little something for everyone and many of these are free. If you plan carefully you can have two or three activities that are low or no cost in one area of the city each day followed by a restful hour or two in your room during the afternoon and a very nice event for each evening. This gives you budget control, down time each day for you and your kids and (if planned right) activities in one general area each day rather than spending a lot of time and money on transportation.

Most cities have city guides that can be found easily online. New York City is no different. In fact there are several city guides. It would be a good idea to find out the activities you can do for little or no cost, choose several of those activities that interest you or may interest other members of your family and see where they are all located in reference to each other. Try to bunch the several that are geographically central to each other for one day's activities and doing the same for subsequent days.

Keep in mind that you aren't marrying the plan and shouldn't overlook things you happen upon that may not have been in the guide or may not have seemed as appealing in the guide as they do in person. Some of the best trips we'll ever make in life are detours. Not only that, but if you allowed yourself the cushion of time each day I recommended earlier you have the option of adjusting your schedule slightly and enjoying less rest or skipping one of the less appealing items on your itinerary in favor of this new attraction you found.

Vacations are meant to be fun for the entire family. We often forget that and make plans without getting the input of the family. If you do not allow for open dialog and at least get some input from all family members no one is going to enjoy the vacation. The kids are going to be fussy and irritated, the spouse is going to feel neglected and overlooked, and you are going to feel that no one is sticking to the plan. This is why getting everyone to look over the plan, sign off on the plan, and to compromise is by far the best way to go about things. This way everyone has input, everyone gets something that is important to them out of the vacation experience, and there are no major surprises or upsets involved. Everyone knows what to expect along the way.

It is better by far when you can build happy vacation memories rather than of hours spend in the hot sun with cranky children who feel as though no one is taking their input seriously or spending a day with cranky spouses in desperate need of some downtime themselves. So plan for these times as well as the activities (particularly the more costly activities) in which you will participate. No ahead of time where the bulk of your money will be spent and make it clear that there is only so much money to be spent. Many people don't keep close enough track of vacation spending and find they've spent far more than they anticipated.

NYC National Parks Offer Glimpse of History

If you are considering a vacation in New York, planning ahead is the only way to go. There are simply so many things to see and do that you must have at least a general idea of how you want to spend your days before you can even begin to get started. New York is one of the greatest cities in the world, it didn't get that way without a reason and it has a long history that is part of its greatness.

If I were to choose how to spend my time in New York and what wonderful things about New York City to introduce my children to, I would choose to introduce them to those things that bore the most historical significance first in order for that to really sink in and not be competing with the Nintendo Store or the really cool keyboard at FAO Schwarz. I would want my children to understand the history of our country good and bad and I want them to someday instill in their own children the importance of that history.

By visiting the national parks first, I will have enjoyed the benefits of the price tag (free is good almost anyway you slice it, particularly when you and your children are getting an education) in addition to fresh minds on which to impart this crucial knowledge about the birth of our democracy. Ellis Island is a great place to visit, but I think I will show them the statue from afar rather than taking the ferry ride out there. There is just so much to do in New York and every second counts. I want them to have a wonderful time as much as I want them to gain some wonderful insights that they can share with their friends at school as well (something other than the latest and greatest new Game Cube game that is coming out soon).

Some of the important national parks I'd like to take my children include: Federal Hall, where Washington was inaugurated, Grant's Tomb, Theodore Roosevelt's Birthplace, and Castle Clinton, which was designed in order to keep invaders out. I would also like to take them to Saint Paul's Church. Not for religious reasons but for Religious freedom issues. I think there is an important lesson to be learned here even today, perhaps especially today.

I think the lessons that can be learned about the history of our nation in New York City are just as important as the lessons that can learned in Washington or Philadelphia. This country has taken many steps along the road to democracy and we've stumbled a few times along the way. There would have never been the Salem Witch Trials, the Civil War, or the Civil Rights Movement if he hadn't but we've come so far and still have so far to go. I want my children to learn from our past and to look forward to our future.

I think these are the lessons we can learn from our state parks and those are much more valuable than the lessons we can learn in toy stores and throwing Frisbee in Central Park. I want my children to visit museums and toy stores and see new cultures, I also want them to take home with them a deep sense of the history of our great nation.

NYC Educational Entertainment

Learning opportunities abound in New York City. These opportunities are not all in boring atmospheres or hallowed halls of learning but in interactive experiences that are widely available to young and old alike in many brightly lit and fun to explore corners of this great city. We are never too old for learning and we can never have too much fun. Whether you are young, have youngsters of your own, or are simply young at heart, New York City has a lot of entertaining ways to educate you.

Perhaps one of the neatest things to do in New York City is to pay a visit to the FDNY Fire Zone. General admission is free but if you wish to experience a Fire-Simulation presentation there are nominal fees involved (currently under $5 per person). The Fire Zone is a state of the art facility where fire safety is taught. Kids, big and little alike, enjoy the fact that they can actually put their hands the equipment, try on the gear, and work with parents to establish an escape plan for their homes. Most importantly children to can learn what to do in this situation rather than being paralyzed by fear. This is one place that really should be on your list of places to visit while in New York City, the price is certainly nice and it could save a life.

The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art is another great place to spend a few hours and learn about the many different aspects of art, comics, and cartoons and what kind of role they have played in recording the history of our world. They offer different exhibitions at different times so this is a place you could definitely visit often in order to get the maximum enjoyment from the process. The hours for this particular museum are different than the average so be sure to make sure they will open to the public on the day and time you wish to visit. Current admission rates are $3 for children and adults over the age of 12.

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden is another great place to learn, this time it's about history. This building is steeped in history and was once the home of the daughter of President Adams. Take a walk through history inside this lovely home turned hotel and then stroll around in the gardens outside. If you feel a need to get away from the big city while remaining in the big city this is a great place to visit and feel the air around you and forget about the fact that the nearest mall is actually very close by.

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is great fun for kids of all ages, shapes, sizes, and nationalities. Fun after all, is a universal language and you will find plenty of that here. The good news is that this particular fun is actually well disguised education. The Brooklyn Children's Museum was the very first museum of its kind, by that I mean the first museum that was dedicated to entertaining and educating children. It was a wildly successful experiment that is responsible for the 300 children's museums now located around the world. The admission is very reasonable at $5 per person and children under the age of 1 are free. The museum is closed on Mondays during July and August and on Mondays and Tuesdays for the remainder of the year with the exception of certain public school recesses. It is best to check with the Museum if you are uncertain and hoping for a Tuesday visit.

The New York Hall of Science is another great learning experience that is available here. There is so much to do and see here and most importantly you get to play with many exciting new toys and such. Enjoy activities and exhibits that bring the science to magic and prove that they are not exactly mutually exclusive. Magic is after all, in the eye of the beholder. Exhibitions change frequently and always offer something fun for everyone. There are age appropriate activities for children and the science playground ($3 per person admission fee above the museum admission fee of $11 per adult and $8 per child is required for the playground) is always a big hit. Now you're off to an excellent educational experience that everyone in your family will think was simply fun.

New York Wildlife

New York City might be a jungle according to many but the animals can be found in its many zoos. If you'd like to check out one or more of the many zoos in New York City I highly recommend purchasing a city pass that will allow you free admission to many of the area zoos. Keep in mind that some of the attractions inside the zoo will cost extra so you should expect to pay something for your day at the zoo(s) but every little bit you can save along the way helps and you will be surprised at how quickly you can recover the cost of your pass.

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the U. S. and is open 365 days a year. Those that have city passes can enjoy free admission to this zoo. Once you've had your fill of the award winning exhibits the Bronx Zoo has to offer you should check out the New York Botanical Garden, which is located nearby and offers great fun and many activities for children to avoid (this experience is another that can be enjoyed for no additional charge with the New York pass). Also nearby are Wave Hill, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and Van Cortlandt House Museum. All of these activities are free with the New York pass and are all very much suited for family members of all ages.

Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo offers a view of animals in their natural habitat rather than in cages. While this is becoming more and more of the norm as far as American zoos are concerned the Central Park Zoo was a relative pioneer in this particular process. Today the Central Park Zoo boasts an indoor rain forest; a chilled penguin house along with a pool for the polar bears while also being home to breeding programs for certain endangered species. While you're there be sure to have lunch in the Leaping Frog Café, which offers kid friendly fare that is surprisingly health oriented (such as trans-fat-free French fries). If your walk through this 6.5-acre zoo wasn't enough exercise for your day be sure to stop by the bike rental area of Central Park, which is located nearby.

New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium while not exactly a zoo is another great place for the family to experience animal life. This happens to be one of the highlights of many trips to New York. Young and old alike will enjoy watching the marine animals play and frolic while learning important lessons about our marine friends. The aquarium is located at Coney Island and is near Astroland Amusement park if you want to make a day of it. The New York Aquarium offers free admission to holders of the New York Pass and Astroland offers discounts for these holders as well.

 Prospect Park Zoo

Prospect Park Zoo offers a unique experience for children to have interactive contact with more animals. This increased interaction makes the trip much more enjoyable for youngsters than many larger zoos which allow little interaction with animals or a very limited number of animals to interact with. The Prospect Park Zoo hosts more than 400 animals representing over 80 species. This zoo is located near the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum of Art-all of which allow free admission for The New York Pass holders.

Queens Zoo

The Queens Zoo offers a unique experience for visitors in that it is less lake a zoo and more like a prairie home for the animals it houses. This 12-acre park is home to 70 animals that live in very authentic habitats. If you choose to visit this particular zoo, be sure that you take the time to visit the barnyard area so that your little ones can feed some of the friendlier creatures. This zoo is located fairly near the Queens Museum of Art, the New York Hall of Science, and the American Museum of the Moving Image. These attractions are all free with the New York Pass.

If you are a true animal lover, then New York City has you covered for opportunities to get your fill. Who would have thought that a city this full of skyscrapers and commerce was also the home to some of the most beautiful and exotic wildlife in the world?

New York Sports

New York City is most definitely a city that loves its sports and cheers for the home team. New York is probably the best represented city and state in this country when it comes to major league teams. I've never quite seen anything like it but I honestly can't imagine a night when there isn't some sort of major sporting event taking place somewhere in this great city.

The National Hockey League that almost wasn't is back and going strong. New York is represented well by the Ranger's who have made a wonderful deal this year to woo Shanahan away from the Red Wings. They play their home games at Madison Square Garden and have some of the most loyal fans. Even if you're say from Detroit and visiting, and if the Rangers are playing at home then it's the perfect opportunity (assuming you can get a ticket) to drop in and see how Shanahan is adjusting to life in the Big Apple and if he misses life back at the Joe.

Putting hockey aside for now, there are many other professional sports you can enjoy watching while you're visiting New York City. I think there are a few baseball fans in this city somewhere. I say a few because it seems that they had to create two baseball teams in order to contain all the fans. I will say though that these fans are loyal to a fault to the teams they support. The New York Mets and the New York Yankees represent this great city in Major League Baseball and both teams draw loyal support from all their fans.

The amazing thing to me is that the double-teaming didn't end with baseball. It seems that New York City also has two National Football League teams as well. The New York Giants and the New York Jets both represent this fair city to football fans across the country. While I have no favorite or even preference for all these teams and really have no idea how a city can survive with this sort of heated division. Obviously they aren't as rabid as some hockey fans can tend to be or there would be civil war within the streets.

All joking aside, it seems that so far there is only one NBA team and they are the New York Knicks. I won't go into how unfair it is to so improperly represent hockey and basketball because these guys might actually be getting the better end of the bargain-the entire city roots for them, not just half. With so many major sporting opportunities it's amazing that men in this city get anything at all accomplished without carrying a portable pocket television with them at all times.

I don't know about your house, but in my house it's difficult enough to schedule important events in our family lives around one local team for each sport (and we don't even have a baseball team). I can't imagine how women in New York do it. But to all of you women and the men you love, I have to say kudos for supporting your great teams and giving your many visitors such wonderful opportunities to watch our sports when we're away from home too. It's hard to identify one thing about this city that is the greatest but that just may be it.

New York Nightlife and Changing Directions

The nightlife is a big part of the New York culture, there's no reason if you are able, willing, and have no children to keep you in the room at night that you are your date for your New York City vacation can't get out and hit the town while checking out some of the wonders of New York nights.

The problem is that there is no one size fits all when it comes to nightclubs, bars, and lounges. Each of these is well represented in almost any New York neighborhood and it really is up to each individual to find the bar or club that works best for them. The best recommendation I can give anyone is to check out the acts that are headlining and find an act that you think will suit your style and tastes.

If you're in the mood for laughter, then a comedy club might be the best for you. If you're looking for a nice quiet place where you and your date or mate can converse quietly and contemplate life and love then a piano or jazz lounge might be the best option for you. Trying to suggest a bar in New York is almost as difficult as trying to recommend one on Bourbon Street, they are all somewhat alike and yet they are all very different. The trick is in finding the one that suits you best.

Now, if you want to get terribly sloshed and have a rousing good time, then I will suggest a karaoke bar. What could be better than an off key sing-along to bad eighties music? Not much, but laughing at someone else for doing it is much better than getting up there and doing it yourself. There is so much potential for fun to be had and only you are the one that can decide if you would even consider enjoying certain moments. We all have music we prefer, crowds we prefer, and more importantly music and crowds we'd rather avoid.

The good news is that within New York City there are bars that represent almost any musical tastes in history, and then a few more. Chances are that there's a bar somewhere that offers the kind of music you prefer or are in the mood for tonight. Some of these bars will have live bands or one man/woman shows and some will have DJs spinning tunes till last call or the sun comes up. There's Jazz, Hip Hop, The best and worst of the 80's, the 90's, alternative, country, techno, pop, smooth jazz, R&B, Manilow and Streisand, the 70's, Classic Rock, and so many more my head spins trying to think of them all. Somewhere in the mix there has to be something that works for you, or perhaps silence or simple piano ballads are the way to go.

Whatever your music and whatever your mood there is a bar or a club in New York that has something that will speak to you. And if you are in a particularly dark mood, they have clubs for that too. Many of us use our vacation time to explore other aspects of our nature, if you are interested in trying out new music or a new crowd; New York City is a big anonymous city in which to try new things. Just don't have so much fun that you decide to stay.

New York Fun Freebies for the Family

New York City, other than being the city that never sleeps is also an excellent vacation destination. If you're considering a New York Vacation but worried about the selection or availability of great family activities in which to participate, let me put your mind to rest. There are many family activities in New York City that will appeal to all ages from toddlers to teens. Some of these great activities are surprisingly easy on the pocketbook despite New York City's reputation for being an expensive place to live and/or visit.

There are many ways the careful planner can enjoy many of this great cities attractions for little or no cost. Most museums offer free admission one night or day each week. Check around and plan your trip to that particular museum on the free days and evenings. Additionally, several of the museums offer a 'pay what you wish' policy, which allows you to offer a donation for entrance rather than having a set price that would exclude many from visiting. Visiting museums are a great way for everyone in your family to gain some cultural insight from their New York City visit while the free nights make this experience rather easy on the pocketbook.

In addition to these museums you can also experience the technology of tomorrow at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab at no cost or take a stroll down the boardwalk of Coney Island. In the winter, try ice-skating in Rockefeller Center. If you have the time and inclination Queens County Farm Museum offers free admission (with the exception of special events so be sure to check) and provides the family with a step back in time.

To really take a bite out of the Big Apple try the market at Union Square Green Market. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables you will find all kinds of yummy goodies to eat and drink. There are also many walking tours some guided (these tend to cost money) and many self guided tours you can take through the neighborhoods of New York as well as some historic walking tours.

For a truly historical experience visit Federal Hall National Memorial. Admission is free and you will be able to view American History at its core. This is the place where George Washington took the oath of office and our form of democracy was born. For any American history buff or school aged child this is one of the must see freebies available in New York City. Other national parks in New York City that are of interest historically include Ellis Isle, the Statue of Liberty, Grant's Tomb, and Fort Wadsworth. Each of these parks offer free admission to the general public and make a great place for the entire family to not only visit and enjoy but also to learn about our history.

Wave Hill is another great place to visit. This tour is free during the week otherwise is it $4 for adults and $2 for children. Regardless of whether you go during the week or on the weekend it is still an excellent value for the price of your visit.

Of course this is only a small sample of the many free and low priced things to do in this great city. You will definitely want to wear comfortable walking shoes for the many miles your feet will take you in this fascinating city. In addition to the many family activities mentioned above, New York City is home to some of the world's finest parks, which also offer free recreational and cultural experiences to their visitors.
I highly recommend that you pay careful attention to try and plan activities that are free and activities that cost little money with those other can't miss activities in similar areas. This will save time (a very big commodity when traveling around New York City) and the money you would pay in transportation fees. Planning your trip ahead of time is one of the most economical decisions you can make. This doesn't mean that you can't be flexible if you see something when you get there, just that you have a pretty good idea of the things you really want to do balanced with the reality of the budget with which you have to do them all. The most important thing to do is have fun!

New York for Youngsters

If you're vacationing in New York City with children you may find that doing all outdoor activities can be quite tiresome for all involved but going through museum after museum might not do the trick for all of your children. Children enjoy doing hands on activities that all museums simply don't readily allow for. This is where planning creative outlets for your children during your vacation can have a wonderful impact on everyone's enjoyment of the time spent in New York.

In addition you may discover a talent your child has that you'd have never known about otherwise. Some of the most interesting crafting types of opportunities in New York City will be mentioned here. I'm sure there are more that won't make the list but there are only so many hours in any given day.

The first store to make my list is based upon a creative outlet that has shown a rapid rise in popularity over the last few years, painting your own pottery. The name of the store is The Painted Pot and you are allowed to select and paint your own pottery. You can even take pottery wheel classes with your little one if you are brave enough but it is quite likely that you will have a wonderful time and be able to bring your artwork home with you upon your return for vacation. Remember that there is firing time involved so do this early during the week if it's going to be on your list of things to do. Otherwise you'll need to arrange shipping to have your child's creations sent home to you.

For those of you who have promising musicians, how about a day at Triple Z Music Recording Workshops? This is a rather costly excursion but your child will gain actual studio experience and bring home a CD of their music at the end of the day. Kids will learn about life on both sides of the booth and this is a great idea for older children who have indicated a sincere interest in music.

If you'd like to really impress your youngsters take them to the Cloisters, which is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum that centers on the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Your kids will feel as though they've stepped into a fairy tale. It is also a good idea to check out the works of art at the Met as well as this is one of the more kid friendly museums that wasn't designed specifically for children.

You should also be aware of stores like Toys R Us in Times Square and FAO Schwarz, which each have unique offerings designed to enchant and entertain children. You'll have a ball watching your children have fun in these neat stores and you may find yourself having fun right along with them. Just make sure no one is watching of course. There are many other stores that have something to offer children of all ages, be sure to check it out and see which stores you find appealing and which stores your children might find fascinating.

Keep in mind that New York City has many wonderful parks that present excellent opportunities for your youngsters to get out, about, and run off some pent up energy. I think it's very important that you schedule some serious park time for your children while you're visiting New York in order to keep you all sane through the times that they are not fully entertained and prone to wondering minds.

It is also important when traveling with very small children that you schedule some sort of quiet time for them during the day. Children are so prone to sensory overload if they aren't provided with some sort of quiet place in which to unwind for a bit. Mid afternoon is a great time to go back to your room, freshen up, allow the little kids a bit of a break and the parents and older kids a little break from the noise and the crowds as well. Everyone will be much happier if your remember to schedule this vitally important rest time when planning your day.