Exploring banderas bay in puerto vallarta

While Puerto Vallarta is known for its charming architecture and majestic scenery, the city has always relied on Banderas Bay for survival. Resting in the middle of this sprawling bay off the Pacific Ocean, the city supported itself with the fishing industry long before the tourists arrived. Today, the vibrant culture of this unique destination still relies on the recreational possibilities of the bay’s calm waters. From the beaches lining the bay to all the water sport activities possible off the coast, visitors to Puerto Vallarta shouldn’t miss Banderas Bay. In one way or another, all of the activities in Banderas Bay start with the beaches. The bay boasts 34 miles of coastline, 26 of which are beaches. From Puerto Vallarta in the middle of the bay to the northern surfing village of Sayulita, the beaches are typically wide and sandy – perfect for relaxing and water sports alike. South of the city, the beaches tend to be rockier and more secluded. However, these beaches represent the exotic ideal known to travelers through movies and magazines – where the mountains spill into the sea and jungles rest above the water. Lining the bay in Puerto Vallarta, you will find the famous boardwalk – the Malecon. This waterfront walkway is lined with shops, restaurants and the city’s unique sculpture collection. The Malecon is a popular destination for visitors of all ages, as families can enjoy the scenery and festival-like atmosphere while couples can shop the luxurious boutiques and hit some of Mexico’s best nightclubs. Out in Banderas Bay, one of the most popular family-friendly activities is a whale watching tour. Each year, families of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Banderas Bay from their Artic homes. Here, the whales breed and raise their young in the bay’s protected waters. Conveniently, the whales visit the bay during the peak of the tourist season – December to March. There are plenty of tours available tailored to both whale watching and photography. Each tour company will offer unique options for travelers, from privately chartered sailboats to group tours perfect for families with young children. As sorting through the options for whale watching can be difficult, contact your resort for recommendations and reservations. Not to be outdone by the humpback whale, dolphins also offer plenty of fun for tourists. In addition to boats that tour the bay allowing visitors to observe bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, some organizations even offer trips to the Marietas Islands for scuba diving and snorkeling with these friendly mammals. Banderas Bay is also a hotspot for dolphin research, so you will be able to interact with gifted marine biologists able to answer all your questions about this vibrant ecosystem. Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay are also great spots to start a scuba diving or snorkeling expedition. There are plenty of great reefs within the bay’s calm waters that novice divers and families can enjoy. At the edges of the bay – where Banderas Bay meets the Pacific Ocean – experienced divers can test their skills in the waves. Regardless of where you dive, you will be able to spot numerous species of exotic fish, coral formations and underwater plant life. It is even possible to take scuba diving lessons and earn certification while in Puerto Vallarta. From sailing and fishing to jet skiing and surfing, pretty much every water sport is possible in Banderas Bay. Even if you aren’t the adventurous type, you can still relax on the bay’s white sand beaches or on the deck of a boat cruising the calm waters. Just make sure that when you visit Puerto Vallarta, you don’t miss a chance to enjoy the peaceful waters of Banderas Bay.

Discover the many advantages of staying at a bed and breakfast

When you are away from home, there is nothing more comforting that having that "home" feeling. That's what makes bed and breakfasts so special. You can get a bed, a breakfast , and a personal host. Staying at a bed and breakfast has some important advantages. Since it is often run by local people who are most familiar with the interesting sights in the area, you not only get a bed and breakfast, but often you get personal tour guides too. Your "hosts" can tell you about the local attractions and suggest interesting sights for you to see, which you may otherwise never even knew existed. Another benefit is that your hosts will know a lot about the local transportation and they can help you find you way about the area. And for serious shoppers , your local host could guide you to all the best shopping areas and show you where the best bargains are. This could mean big savings for you. The owners of a bed and breakfast are often able to provide information about the local attractions that is much more interesting than the commercial travel guides. That personal local touch could be just priceless. Making reservations at a bed and breakfast is really easy. The owners of these facilities around the world work together to supply information to travelers so you can make reservations as easy as 1-2-3. The information available is comprehensive so you will be able to make plans way in advance before you go, often at the click of your computer mouse. And for the spontaneous souls who prefer to go without any advanced plans, it is also possible to find the perfect bed and breakfast without having reservations in advance. Bed and breakfasts provide many options and opportunities that would make your trips unforgettable. If you are looking for a cozy atmosphere while traveling then a bed and breakfast is exactly what you need as a discerning travelerpared to a large hotel a bed and breakfast can provide a warm and cozy atmosphere. A bed and breakfast is often a renovated privately owned residence that opens it doors to accommodate travelers. These facilities are often run by a family who contribute to the friendly atmosphere for people who are away from their own homes. A bed and breakfast supplies exactly what the name suggests: a comfortable bed and delicious breakfast! The travelers who choose to stay at a bed and breakfast get treated more like "house guests" then like a "customer". The bed is usually very comfortable, and the breakfast is usually the equivalent of a satisfying homemade breakfast in contrast to the "continental breakfast" that would be supplied in a large hotel. Bed and breakfasts are located around the globe, from the most well known cities to the most far-flung corners of the earth. You can find a bed and breakfast in The Hague, Holland or in Willemstad, Curacao, in Williamsburg, Virginia USA or in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bed and breakfasts are usually located in a residential neighborhood rather than the business or shopping district of a town. So as a guest you get a special treat, namely, an opportunity to see the typical life in the area as opposed to areas usually seen by tourists. Since a bed and breakfast is usually run by local people who have converted a typical home into a boarding house for travelers, you can expect to experience first hand the warm hospitality of the local community. So does a bed a breakfast sound like something that might be right for you? Just think, you get a bed, a delicious home made breakfast, and a personal host! Sounds like a memorable experience.

Why learn important spanish phrases before vacation

Some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world are in Spanish-speaking countries: Cozumel, Barcelona, Buenos Aries, Cabo, Argentina and hundreds of other spots make a great destination. But your vacation will be much more enjoyable, and much less stressful, if you learn some Spanish phrases before you leave. When you are on vacation in your own country, it is easy to be polite with “please” and “thank you”. It is easy to learn the Spanish for these phrases. Everyone’s mother taught them to be polite – this includes mothers in other countries. Even if you pronounce it wrong, everyone will appreciate that you at least tried to speak their language. Remember, you are a guest and you need to be polite to your hosts. Furthermore, learning Spanish phrases for “pardon me” and other small apologies make people more inclined to help you. For example, yelling “waiter” in English is definitely rude. Instead learn a simple phrase for “excuse me sir”. No one likes being summoned in a rude way in a foreign language. Experience the Country Many tourists visit places but never leave their little tourist bubble; they stay on the bus, the designated restaurant, the tour. While this is a stress-free way to travel, it is also a bit disingenuous. Why travel to another country just to watch it like a TV show? Learning a few Spanish phrases can help to turn a TV experience into an interactive special experience. For example, many people like to take public transportation in their vacation city. After all, especially if that is how the real locals live. And a fifty-cent bus ride is a tour in itself. However, it could be very difficult to navigate even a simple bus ride without learning Spanish phrases for direction, destination, distance, and fares. Also, often the best restaurant is not the one on the tourist boardwalk with a photographic menu. It is out-of-the-way one the locals frequent anyway. Learning Spanish food phrases mean a culinary treat on vacation. As long as you know the words for what you do not like or are allergic to, try anything else on the menu. Even if you don’t understand everything the waiter says, pointing and smiling helps. Country Specific Spanish is a very diverse language, and there are as many nuances and dialects as there are Spanish-speaking countries. Be sure to pick up the local words and phrases. Get a guidebook specific to your destination area that has a glossary of phrases and language notes about these dialects.

Enjoy your cheap holiday vacation to iguazú falls

A vacation to Iguazъ is going to be exciting, thrilling and adventurous. The Iguazъ Falls is a spectacular sight to see when you take your cheap holiday vacation. The Iguazъ National Park is one of the great attractions in South America. The tropical rainforest has some large rivers, jungles with some huge and ancient trees. You will see over two thousand plant varieties, hundreds bird species as well as reptiles and mammals. Jungle, wildlife and the greenest vegetation you have ever seen surround the Iguazъ Falls. You can spend the entire day exploring the rainforest and the falls and still not see everything. Spend a few days exploring the Iguazъ National Park so you see everything it has to offer. You can take a different trail every day and see many different things on each one. The bird trails and the jungle trails will give you the true meaning of a tropical rainforest. You cannot imagine what this type of cheap vacation will give you. You will see things that you have never seen before. The trails are just as beautiful as one could imagine. You travel through twist and turns of the trails and hear the sounds of the wild animals lurking in the bushes. Since the falls are better seen in the fall or spring, you could plan your cheap holiday vacation around the Memorial or Labor Day weekends. If you decide to plan a summer trip, the forest will be very humid and hot. The winter months will not be as spectacular when visiting the falls since the water levels are lower and does not flow as fast over the falls. You want to experience the true rainforest when you visit, therefore, the fall and spring months are the best for traveling to Iguazъ National Park. When you stay in the Iguazъ National Park area, you might stay in the Iguazъ Grand Hotel where you will find a casino for some more modern fun. Your trip does not all have to be about the park and the falls, you can have some exciting times at some of the local attractions as well. You can enjoy a day of golf at the Grand Hotel par 72 eighteen-hole golf course or take a stroll down the streets and see the beauty of the area. During the winter months, you would be able to enjoy a day on the slopes. The Iguazъ Falls area is one experience that everyone will want to enjoy. You gain so much culture and understanding about South America by visiting their rainforest and the many water falls in the area. You can enjoy the nightlife and popular restaurants that serve different cuisines. The one thing you will not find on your cheap holiday vacation is car noise and chattering people. The area does have transportation, but it is a quite and amazingly clean environment that you will find tranquility and relaxation. After a day in the rainforest, you can relax by the pool or take a stroll to a nightclub for a look at the customs surrounding the entertainment.

Top wedding destinations and honeymoons

After planning your beautiful wedding and celebrating with friends and family, you are probably ready to enjoy your newly-wedded bliss away from everyday cares. For planning honeymoon vacations, the United States offers a number of classics. Whether you want to stroll down the beach hand in hand or take part in an adventure together, the United States has plenty of wedding destinations. 1. With its glorious beaches and exotic scenery, Hawaii is a traditional wedding destination for a reason. Couples from all over the world converge on the island to enjoy its varied amusements and countless tourist destinations. With so many tour packages available, it is possible to find one that works for the two of you. No matter which island you choose, you will be greeted with luscious waterfalls and stunning tropical views. Couples that enjoy golfing together will find some of the most beautiful courses on earth. 2. Another classic location for honeymooners is Niagara Falls, which sits right on the border between Canada and the United States. Home to the second highest waterfall in the world, the falls can even be the perfect place to get married. Immediately next to the falls are plenty of attractions for visitors. Take a cruise tour of water or gamble the night away at Casino Niagara. If you want to take a hike, go on a short trip to the Catskill Mountains, or even cross the border to get a different view of the falls. 3. When looking for fun and sun, do not forget Florida. There is so much in the sunshine state that you might not even know where to begin. Start by checking out Disney World. It’s not just for families! There are plenty of resorts that specialize in romantic getaways as opposed to the usual family fare. If you aren’t ready to begin your marriage in an amusement park, look southward to Miami and Key West. These locations have expansive beaches, and plenty of luxurious resorts to choose from. 4. As you think of California, do not immediately think of Southern California and congested Los Angeles. Consider the luscious scenery of California’s Wine Country. In Napa Valley, you will find beautiful mountain views and darling little towns. Of course, the region is most known for its gorgeous wineries and welcoming hospitality. You can tour through the country, stopping to taste all the best wine. When the day is done, bed down in a little bed and breakfast before continuing on your tour. 5. If you are ready to start your marriage off with some serious fun and excitement, then Las Vegas welcomes you. Here you will find many honeymoon specials to choose from. Besides the obvious black jack and slot machines, Los Vegas offers some of the best shopping in the world. If you would like to work in some nature, take a day trip to Death Valley or the Grand Canyon.

Scuba vacations

For those who have taken scuba diving courses, scuba vacations are the next step to enjoying the treasures of the deep and perfecting their diving skills. In almost every country in the world that is by a warm water coast, there are scuba resorts and scuba vacations just waiting to be discovered. Popular destinations for scuba vacations include: • Australia • Honduras • Tahiti • Indonesia • Hawaii • Galapagos and many other breathtaking locations. Depending on the time of year and the popularity of the destination, you might be able to find discount on scuba vacations. However, many die-hard scuba divers would rather spend a little extra money for the best quality scuba vacations. Nevertheless, much of that money is spent on fancy food and five star accommodations rather than on the quality of the scuba experience, so it is worth doing some research and take into account your priorities before selecting a scuba vacation. A popular place to go for a scuba vacation is Montangi Island, which is close to Fiji. It is, however, a bit out of the way, and requires various forms of transportation to get there, but the spectacular beauty of the island and the large lagoon is well worth the trip. The lodging has gorgeous views of the ocean or the lagoon, and the resorts offer free tank refills as well as frequent transportation from the docks to the islands. Local nannies are provided for babysitting, if both Mom and Dad are going scuba diving, and many parents who go on scuba diving vacations to the Montangi Island report satisfaction with the local women as caregivers. The island is located around an extinct volcanic equator and has a striking 440 foot high promontory stretching upward. Many people who come to the Montangi island return for subsequent scuba vacations. If you are looking for great scuba vacations in the states, try Hawaii, with its many islands and gorgeous locations. The Kauai island is one of the most popular place in Hawaii for scuba vacations. You can choose vacations that focus on other activities, such as tennis and pool swimming, in addition to scuba diving, or resorts that are “scuba intensive” and provide opportunities for diving daily and sometimes at night. You should take into account your level of experience and be careful not to overstrain yourself; if you are a beginner, you can always warm up to diving and go on more advanced scuba vacations at a later date. The most sophisticated scuba vacations offer 50 foot luxury speed yachts with doors and ladders designed for efficient entry into the water. The yachts should have an excellent record of safety and have a high ratio of guides to guests. Many of these yacht scuba vacations will last for 7 days, with options to dive every day and also a free night dive. When you are not diving, you can enjoy comfortable rooms, internet, a mini-bar, a laundry service, and other amenities. Before embarking on your vacation, it is important to consider the focus of your trip. If you are the only person in your family who is interested in scuba vacations, you will want to choose a resort that is geared toward activities besides diving to keep other members of your family amused. However, if diving is a family obsession, you might want to consider dedicating your entire vacation to diving, and choose scuba vacations that focus more on the diving experience than on other activities.

Murcia weather in spring and summer

The weather in Murcia is among the mildest in Spain. Summer daytime temperatures can easily reach 40 degrees Celsius. The weather is favourable for a vacation in all seasons, with winter temperatures rarely falling below 10 degrees Celsius. The warm weather in this region has been very favourable for agriculture. The area is known for wine, fruits, vegetables, flowers and olive oil. The Segura River is the source of water for the region, including agriculture. You can enjoy the fresh produce when visiting this area. Murcia Weather in Spring and Summer The summer is the busiest time for travel to the Costa Blanca. The temperatures in summer are hot and most days are sunny. The average high temperature in the summer months is between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius. The average low temperatures range from 17 to 21 degrees Celsius. The climate in the summer is very dry. There is very little rain in the summer months. The average rainfall for the summer ranges from 0.7 inches in June to .22 inches in the month of August. The vast majority of the days are hot and sunny. The weather in the spring is beautiful in this area of Spain. If you want to avoid the crowds of the summer, but still want to enjoy hot and sunny weather, consider a vacation in spring. There is very little rain in these months as well. The average monthly rainfall in the spring ranges between .5 inches and .65 inches per month. The temperatures are warm and mild in the spring. The average daily high temperature ranges from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius. The average temperature at night is between 8 and 13 degrees Celsius. This season is favourable for enjoying outdoor activities and soaking in the sun. Murcia Weather in Autumn and Winter The temperatures in early autumn are nearly as hot as the summer temperatures. Toward the end of the season, the temperatures are beginning to cool, but are still favourable. The average daily temperature in the autumn is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. At night, the temperatures drop to between 9 and 18 degrees Celsius. There is still relatively little rainfall in the autumn months. The average monthly rainfall ranges from .8 to .69 inches per month. With so little rainfall, this season is still favourable for a trip to Murcia. Golf vacations are great during this time of year. It’s still warm enough to play, but not as hot as in the summer months. The winter is popular in this region among people looking to escape the freezing temperatures of Northern Europe. Some people escape for a short vacation to enjoy the warmer climate. Retired people may stay the entire winter season and return home when the temperature rises. There is little rainfall in the winter and most days are sunny. The average daily temperature during the winter months ranges from 17 to 18 degrees Celsius. The average night time temperature drops to between 5 and 7 degrees Celsius. It is still warm enough to golf see the sights or just relax in the sunshine during the winter season.

The weather in murcia spain

The weather in Murcia is consistently warm and mild, and is said by some to be the best weather in Spain. Summer temperatures go to 40 degrees Celsius, perfect for swimmers and sun lovers, but the weather is great during all of the other seasons as well. In winter, you can expect the temperature to hover about 10 degrees Celsius. Because of its warm weather and unique location on the Segura River, this region is a veritable greenhouse for fruits and vegetables. The river flows through agricultural section, irrigating farms that produce wonderful fruits, vegetable, and flowers. The grapes and olives from the area produce great wines and olive oils. Be sure to partake of the fresh fruit and vegetables when you visit. There is little rainfall in summer in this area of the Alicante, only .7 inches in June to .22 inches in August. This leaves the summer days hot and sunny for swimming and sunbathing. Spring is a lovely time to spend here; if you prefer not to have the heat, and you want to avoid crowds, you couldn't pick a better time. The temperature is mild, but not hot, about 21 to 26 degrees Celsius in the day and falling to 8 to 13 degrees in the evening. And there is still little rain, even though spring is the rainy season in so many other places. During the spring, the average monthly rainfall is between .5 inches and .65 inches. Autumn is an ideal time to vacation in Murcia, since the temperatures in early fall are still almost as warm as the summer temperatures, but the crowds are gone, so you can enjoy all the beaches more easily. Even when the temperature starts to come down in later fall, it is still pleasant, between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Average monthly rainfall is still low, between .8 and .69 inches per month. Many people prefer to take a golf vacation in this area in the fall when the weather is still warm, but the sun is not beating down on them as much as during the summer months. A lot of people from northern Europe like to escape to the Alicante region and Murcia in particular since the temperatures, though cooler than summer are practically balmy to them in comparison to home! Some retirees stay all winter, and some people just take a short getaway to get a break from the cold. The cooler temperatures, ranging from 17 to 18 degrees Celsius in the day and 5 to 7 degrees in the night, are still accompanied by sunny skies, since the rainfall is still sparse. This is the perfect time, many people feel, for a golf vacation, or to visit sites without the crowds and heat.

Cheap holidays in lapland

Cheap holidays in Lapland are something that everyone should enjoy. The area is unique not only because of the weather, but also because of the many things there are to see and do. Have you ever seen a reindeer driving competition? You can see one in Lapland. This is an extraordinary event to see. It is exciting and funny at times. The entire family will find this event something to remember. The open-air museum of the Lappish Museum is something to see. It is a reconstruction of a village from yesteryear. In the music hall, you can enjoy the Jazz in the Polar Nights event, which is more for the adults in the group. Your cheap holidays in Lapland can also include fishing at Lake Inari or exploring the nature and wildlife of the Northeastern Wilderness area. If you enjoy scenic tours, you will enjoy a ride down the roads of Lake Inari for some beautiful views you cannot see anywhere else. This area alone is worth the trip to Lapland. In Pyhajarvi, you will see the ice fishing competitions with many anglers out on the ice trying there hand at catching the prize fish. In Muonio, they have the cross-country ski races for everyone to watch. The area is filled with competitions that will interest everyone. A favorite competition that you will find interesting is the gold panning competition in Rovaniemi. This is where you will find the Gold Museum as well. The Tankavaara Ski races and the Hetta Music event are events to see as well. There is so much competition in Lapland that you will have your share of thoughts on everything you see. If you happen to wonder onto the Artic Highway to Sodankyla, you will see the Lapland festival of arts, the Midnight Sun Film festival and the Urho Kekkonen National Park. In Enontekio, you will see the midsummer ski races and fitness run while Kilpisjarvi has the midsummer skiing contests. Lapland is a winter vacation for the entire family no matter what time of year it is. You will enjoy fun, excitement and some adventures as well. The hotels and restaurants in Lapland are just beautiful. The restaurants serve different cuisine from different areas of the world while the hotels offer luxurious accommodations for everybody. No one has to leave the hotel if you do not want, the hotels have plenty to see and do around the hotels. Cheap holidays to Lapland are spectacular because you are never going to miss out on winter activities. Have you ever seen a man in swim trunks crawl into a hole in the ice and enjoy the water as refreshing as it was? Well probably not, but you will see this in Lapland, where everyone tries something different for the first time. This may just be a new way to enjoy a hot summer vacation. Get away from the heat and try spending your vacation in Lapland where winter wonderland is not a term it is a way of life.

Seven reasons to take a connecticut vacation

As a New England vacation travel writer I’ve always considered Connecticut an overlooked state when people choose destinations and attractions for a New England vacation. As you’ll discover here a Connecticut vacation offers excitement... or peace and quiet, depending on your mood. Let’s take a quick look at seven reasons why you should consider a Connecticut vacation for your next New England trip. THE MUSEUMS OF CONNECTICUT With more than 14 diverse theme museums in Connecticut, there’s bound to be something to suit your taste. Here’s a quick rundown... Bridgeport is home to The Barnum Museum and Discover Museum, and at Danbury you’ll find the Military Museum of Southern New England and the Danbury Railway Museum. Keeping with a train theme Thomaston hosts the Railroad Museum of New England and Naugatuck Railroad. In Bristol you can find The New England Carousel Museum and period time pieces at the American Clock and Watch Museum. Just a little south in Waterbury is Time Expo, and a chance to celebrate the heritage of the Litchfield region at the Mattatuck Museum. At the Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum in Kent experience machinery that once drove commerce in the area. Windsor Locks is not just home to Bradley International Airport but also to the New England Air Museum and south in East Haven experience another form of transportation at the Shore Line Trolley Museum. And rounding out our must-see list is Mystic’s Museum of America and the Sea, and the fabulous Mashantucket Pequot Museum in nearby Mashantucket. THE CONNECTICUT WINE TRAIL Wineries in Connecticut? Yes, in fact there’s 16 of them scattered throughout the state, and they make a perfect basis for a Connecticut Vacation. The climate in Connecticut is mild compared to the rest of New England and wines produced include: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, and Riesling. While Connecticut wines have only been produced since 1978, many farms where the grapes are grown are hundreds of years old. The wine tasting room will usually be open but call ahead for a tour time. You’ll find these wineries not geared for large bus loads, but on the plus much more intermit than wineries in Northern California. The wine trail is split into two major regions and it’s suggested your tour is split up over three to four days. But because the trail takes you near so many other destinations and attractions in Connecticut let yourself be distracted and enjoy the jaunt through scenic and historic New England towns. FOXWOODS AND MOHEGAN SUN Combined Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun make the largest casino complex in the world. Foxwoods in owned and run by Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and Mohegan Sun by Mohegan Tribe on lands they own in Uncasville. These are sophisticated high-style experiences with shopping complexes, hotels, high profile entertainment acts, and top-rated restaurants. They are both close to each other and located in the eastern region of Connecticut, and close to museums, scenic drives, and the Connecticut vacation attractions in Mystic. HISTORIC HOMES OF CONNECTICUT Perhaps the most famous home to see on your Connecticut vacation is Mark Twain’s in Hartford, which is now a museum as well full of many artifacts he accumulated in the 17 years he lived there. Also in Hartford is Harriet Beecher Stowe home of Uncle Tom’s Cabin fame. Another famous woman’s home is the academy run by Prudence Crandall in Canterbury - it’s the site of the first academy for black women in New England. Your trip to Connecticut should include the town of Litchfield where you can view museum quality preserved colonial homes, and the Litchfield History Museum and Tapping Reeve House and Law School. Connecticut includes many historic homes that played an important role in the Underground Railroad and the African-American journey from slavery to freedom. ESSEX STEAM TRAIN AND THE CONNECTICUT RIVER The historic 1892 Essex station is your kick-off point for a unique combined 21/2 hour vintage Steam Train and Riverboat Cruise along the Connecticut River. In the summer it’s cooling, and in the fall stunning with the turning of the leaves. The Connecticut River Museum is also in Essex and vividly brings to life the river’s history as told through paintings, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. THE TOWN OF MYSTIC Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium are magnets for visitors to Connecticut. The seaport is billed as The Museum of America and the Sea and depicts an authentic 19th century seafaring village, tall ships to tour, and a Preservation Yard where master shipbuilding skills are still practiced. The Mystic Aquarium includes a delightful array of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including Beluga whales, and a stunning display and model of the Titanic. THE ANTIQUE RUNS Connecticut is famous for its concentration of antique shops, and draws thousands of treasure hunters each year who take a Connecticut vacation just to stock up on bargains and specimens to collect and decorate their homes. The village of Woodbury is known as the "Antiques Capital of Connecticut" and has over 45 dealers, but the fact is you’re never too far from that special purchase no matter where you are in the state. Just sometimes its nice to take the time to follow your nose along a scenic New England road and see where it takes you... you can bet if it’s in Connecticut, it’ll take you close to an antique shop.

A brief history of the tower of london

The Tower of London has a fascinating history spanning nearly 1,000 years. It has served various purposes over the centuries – fortress, prison, royal palace, jewel house, mint, arsenal and place of execution. When work was begun by William the Conqueror in 1078, Londoners had never seen anything of the like before. He had stone specially imported from France to build the White Tower and its unique Norman style was quite outlandish to the locals. William saw the need to build a fortress in this powerful and prosperous city not to defend it from foreign invasion, but to protect the conquering Normans from the city’s own inhabitants. For centuries afterwards, the Tower served the same purpose, providing safety and security for various monarchs from their own subjects in turbulent times. As time passed and needs changed, the Tower was adapted and extended until it became an extensive complex of fortifications. The 13th century saw the establishment of a Royal Mint on the premises, as well as a menagerie. This private collection of exotic beasts is thought to have begun when Henry III received three big cats (leopards or possibly lions) as a wedding present in 1235. The Lion Tower was built to house the collection, which had become a public attraction by the late 18th century. However, with the opening of London Zoo in the early 19th century, the animals were transferred and the menagerie closed down. The Lion Gate is all that remains of the area where it was housed. The Tower of London is probably most well known today for its notorious history of gunpowder, treason, imprisonment and murder. From the early days it was used as a prison and place of execution, often for very high profile or illustrious captives. Henry VIII had two of his wives beheaded on Tower Green – Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. The Reformation was a particularly gruesome time, when hoards of political and religious prisoners were incarcerated and executed. Probably the most famous is Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward VI declared his successor just before his death in 1553, fearing that his own daughter Mary would restore Catholicism. She was only a few days into her reign when Mary took the throne from her cousin and had her imprisoned and eventually executed on Tower Green in 1554. Mary also famously had her half-sister Elizabeth (later to become Queen Elizabeth I) imprisoned there for three months under suspicion of plots against her. Elizabeth herself had various notables incarcerated in the Tower upon her succession to the throne after Mary’s death – from aristocrats and dukes to clergymen and bishops. Another event for which the Tower is infamously known is the mystery of the two boy princes in the 1480s. The two sons of Edward IV, Edward V and his younger brother Richard, were housed in the Tower by their Uncle (Richard, Duke of Gloucester) for ‘protection’ after the death of their father in 1483. Edward V was to be crowned King. However, the Duke took the throne himself and after remaining in the Tower for a short while afterwards, the boys vanished. Their fate is still a mystery today, although it is commonly believed that their uncle had them murdered. In the 17th century, the Crown Jewels were first put on public display, and they can still be seen there today. It was also during this period that the Tower started to be used as an arsenal and armoury. During the 19th century, however, the Tower gradually lost many of its functions. As explained above, the menagerie was moved to London Zoo. The Royal Mint was moved to new buildings elsewhere in the city (although it’s now based in Cardiff) and the War Office moved the weaponry elsewhere. This wasn’t the beginning of the end for the Tower, though. In fact, it heralded a new and exciting period for the fortress. Medieval romanticism had started to become fashionable in Victorian times and architectural and historical interest in the Tower started to increase. The Victorians undertook an enormous programme of restoration and reconstruction, paving the way for it to become one of Britain’s most popular tourist attractions. Indeed, by the mid 19th century visitors were coming in droves and a ticket office had to built at the main entrance to cope with the crowds. The Tower was very much still in use as an official public building though. Even in the 20th century, it was used as a prison during World War Two. The last execution took place here in 1941 – a German army sergeant was shot in the grounds by firing squad for spying. To this day, it still retains its function as a royal residence and home of the Crown Jewels. As a result, it’s still guarded by its own ancient regiment of Yeomen Warders (more commonly known as Beefeaters) whose role is to guide and entertain tourists as much as it is to defend the Tower. Although no royals have lived at the Tower for a long time, it still has one very important set of residents – the famous ravens. These black, long-beaked birds have been here for centuries. An old legend states that Britain will never be invaded as longs as ravens remain there, so they can still be seen wandering around the grounds today and even have their own guards to look after them. No-one’s taking any risks though – their wings are clipped to ensure they’ll never leave!