Maple Syrup Festival Fun In Spring

While many people look to escape the winter weather in the Eastern states, spring brings about a whole new group of travelers to the area. As the temperatures rise and the east begins to thaw, the birds begin to return, the sun begins to shine once again and the millions and millions of maple trees throughout the region begin springing back into life, no pun intended.

Embracing the uniqueness of the region and the culture that makes it unique from others in the United States, hundreds of towns and cities both small and large begin gathering sap in earnest in preparation for the tastiest festivals of the year, the Maple Syrup Festivals. Drawing visitors by the thousands, states including Vermont, Maine, Michigan and Virginia are just a few that cater to the sugar crowd. In the good years, visitors can expect to see fun events and activities which include tapping demonstrations, discussions about area history and the native American tribes who used the sugar and sap from these and other species of trees in the U.S. and in Canada and even experience a taste of the life of first European settlers depending on which festival you visit.

Some of this years top festivals include:

The Vermont Maple Festival – Taking place in St Albans Vermont, this festival is in its 46^th year and anticipates over 50,000 visitors over the three day festival. Dates for this years festival are April 27^th - 29^th.

72^nd Annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival – Held in Vermontville Michigan, this festival begins on April 27^th and runs through April 29^th as well.

National Maple Syrup Festival – First and second weekends in March in Medora IN. This festival is the only National Maple Syrup Festival there is. Events, activities and excitement await the visitor including live music, demonstrations, vendors, food and more.

Do you have a maple syrup festival you enjoy each year? We welcome your feedback! Share your stories of how you enjoy Spring in the East and Mideastern parts of the United States. Embrace the special features and aspects of this part of the U.S. and enjoy a unique vacation experience in small town America.

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Santa Fe In Winter

Although Santa Fe is an ideal destination for travel no matter what time of the year, winter is a wonderful time to visit not only for the fun but also for the prices. Get to know a little more about what Santa Fe has to offer you in winter and any time of the year.

Beginning January 27th and running through February 5th, Santa Fe will be welcoming visitors to come and enjoy their second annual Winter Fiesta. Featuring concerts, parties, comedy, food, shopping and discounts on accommodations and skiing, this is one festival you may not want to miss when exploring the Santa Fe area.

If you cant make it for this festival, there is still plenty to see and do in Santa Fe in winter, especially those who enjoy the snow. Situated about 7,000 feet above see level in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, snow comes often to this, the highest and oldest capital city in the U.S. A unique destination, Santa Fe hosts over a million visitors each and every year and is not only great for recreation but is also a well established arts and cultural center offering nearly 300 galleries and art dealers as well as over 12 major museums dealing with not only the art but the cultures and history of the area as well.

Winter in Santa Fe can see plenty of snow. Despite the almost 300 days of sun, the cooler temps still bring the area almost 300 inches of snow a year to the higher elevations making it a skiers paradise.

Some of the area ski areas include:

Santa Fe Ski Basin Area
Ski Santa Fe
Ski New Mexico
Valles Caldera National Preserve


Take time to explore the many wonderful destinations throughout the United States and experience them in different ways in order to truly experience all they have to offer. Learn what makes this and other destinations so popular and why they continue to rank among the top destinations for travel anywhere in the U.S.

Review Top Destinations With Tradewinds Vacations

From winter festivals and skiing to summer fun and arts and culture, Tradewinds Vacations welcomes you to review areas like Santa Fe and other top destinations for travel with us. Learn more about the top areas for travel and what they have to offer you on your vacations and become a more informed traveler. Learn with us and explore the world with Tradewinds Vacations.

Gulf Shores Alabama A Review From Tradewinds Vacations

A coastal city in Baldwin County, this generally small area with a population of less than 10,000 people has historically swollen greatly in population each year, but most especially during Spring Break. Despite the BP spill n 2010, Gulf Coast is one area that has rebounded and is making an effort to not only stand out as the ideal destination on the coast but is finding new and creative ways to encourage tourism to the area.

Popular activities in the region include not only the newly returned fishery but also swimming, diving, zoos, parks, historical destinations and 9 signature golf clubs in the region as well.

Festivals And Events

Gulf Coast festivals and events are another great way to explore and experience the area including the 41^st annual National Shrimp Festival. Presented by Zatarain's, it is being held this year from October 11^th through the 14^th and is expected to attract over 300,000 people to this part of the Gulf. Events include fine arts exhibits, arts and crafts, continuous live music and even a children's activity village. In addition, the festival has many other events and access to the festival is free making it a cost effective way to enjoy the area.

Area Attractions Include:

Baldwin County Heritage Museum

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Foley's Graham Creek Nature Preserve

Fort Gaines Historic Site

Fort Mims Historic Site

Fort Morgan

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX® Dome Theater

Gulf Shores Museum

Gulf State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park

National Museum of Naval Aviation

Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum

The American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA)

The Estuarium at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

Florida Point - A Gulf State Park beach area

Cotton Bayou - A Gulf State Park beach area

Romar Beach - A Gulf State Park beach area

Gulf State Park - Pavilion Area

Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby Recreation Area

Gulf Shores Public Beach

Gulf Shores 2nd Street Public Access

Gulf Shores 4th Street Public Access

Gulf Shores 5th & 6th Street Public Accesses

Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Access

Lagoon Park

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Beach

Alabama’s Coastal Connection: A National Scenic Byway

Baldwin County Heritage Museum

Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

Fishing Charters

Marinas

Golf Courses

If you have a favorite place you enjoy at Gulf Shores, share your story!

Tradewinds Vacations reviews top destinations for travel to help you learn more about where you may want to explore with your family on your vacations. Learn more about what you can see and do when you travel and make the most of your vacations. Become an informed traveler with reviews to help from Tradewinds Vacations.

Great Family Friendly Destinations In The U.S.

Finding great places to take your family can seem daunting. Finding a place that offers you the variety that you and your family need from a destination as well as offering a price you can afford can be the most difficult aspect to your entire experience and leave you exhausted and wishing you had simply skipped the vacation. However, the U.S. has hundreds of great vacation options when it comes to planning your next vacation. Without even leaving the U.S., you can explore new and exciting destinations and get the most of your travel dollar. Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to look at some of the top U.S. destinations for family travel in 2012.

Yellowstone National Park – Hot Springs, Geysers, trails, basins, Mountains and more are just part of the draw to this amazing National Park site. Unique and diverse, the opportunity for you and your family to explore the outdoors and the amazing geothermal features of the area that make it so unique are just some of the reasons you should spend some family time here. Encompassing history, cultures and environmental issues, this is a great way to learn and still enjoy your time together and on a budget.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Built in 1882, this has been drawing visitors of all ages. Traveling 45 miles through the San Juan National Forest, it is a great way to explore the area history and the beauty of the area and all from the comfort and excitement of a train. A unique way to enjoy time with your family.

The Alamo – San Antonio itself offers much for the family retreat however, the most well known of all sites is and will always be, the Alamo. As this is an integral part of history and will generally be covered in school, it is a great way to bring education into your vacation and still enjoy your time together. Beautiful and unique, this area of Texas is a paradise for vacationers of all ages.

Mall of America – Over 500 stores, the Mall of America could hold 258 Statues of Liberty, need you say more? Its sheer size and sites make it a great place to spend some quality family time. Including the Nickelodeon Universe, the Mall also includes movies, restaurants, Sea Life Minnesota, Build a Bear Workshop and Lego store just to name a few of the top sites and attractions.

There are thousands of other great destinations to see and explore with your family in the U.S. alone. From national parks to museums, theme parks, parks, cities, towns and more, it is worth spending time exploring and getting to know the world around you with your family by your side. If you have a destination that you and your family enjoy, we welcome your comments.

Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn more about travel with us. Explore the world around you and enjoy all it has to offer you when you plan your vacations. Travel more, save more and make the most of your time by being an informed traveler with tips and reviews to help from Tradewinds Travel Club.

Holiday Travel Tips

Informing You About Traveling Abroad This Holiday Season

Travel abroad during the holiday season may be crowded and seem a bit overwhelming if you have not done it before. For many the list of things you need to thing about when preparing to leave in addition to the added pressure of longer lines and thousands of other frustrated travelers can leave them wondering why they chose to leave home at all. If you are one of the millions who are braving the crowds to head out on your holiday vacation this week or next, here are a few tips to help you feel more prepared.

STEP – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program – This is one way that you can feel more secure when traveling abroad. By registering your trip, you can feel confident knowing that in case of an emergency, you have the added security of assistance from the U.S. government.

Passport – Hopefully, you applied early for your passport as wait times can be from four to six weeks when applying. You are required to have a passport or passport card when traveling outside of the United States.

• Make sure your passport is signed and that the emergency information is filled out.

• Make a copy of your passport and put it in a safe place. In fact, make two copies and leave one with someone you trust and carry the other so you can put your real passport in a safe place like your hotel safe to avoid it getting stolen or lost.

Make An Itinerary – Leave a copy including contact information with your family back home to make sure that in case of emergency, someone has information on where you may be and how to contact you.

Research – Make sure you know a bit about your destination including laws and conditions before you go. Being an informed traveler can help ensure that you leave little up to chance.

Other Things You Should Know Before You Go

From the location and contact information of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to looking less like a tourist and more like an educated and informed traveler, there are many ways that you can control your situation when traveling abroad. Though you may not be able to control all aspects of your vacation such as the weather and who sits next to you on the plane, take advantage of the knowledge you have and become a more informed traveler to ensure you have a smooth holiday vacation.

Tradewinds Travel Club Wishes You A Happy Holiday Season

Know more about travel and become a more informed traveler with tips and advice from Tradewinds Travel Club. If you enjoy travel or would like to travel more, find out how Tradewinds Travel Club can help. Most of all, travel safe and enjoy your holiday season!

Tradewinds Travel Club Explores Another Top Warm Winter Destination In The US

The state of Hawaii is not only the newest addition to our 50 states but one of the most diverse but also one of the most unique in our nation. A tropical paradise, travel to Hawaii is more like traveling to some far off land. Offering ecologically spectacular destinations and stunningly beautiful views in conjunction with a tropical environment, you can never go wrong visiting the state of Hawaii no matter what time of the year. Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn more about this top warm winter destination and what it holds for you as the ideal vacation destination.

Made up of many small islands, the main islands in the Hawaiian chain include:

• Hawaii or the Big Island
• Kauai
• Oahu
• Molokai
• Lanai
• Maui

Each of these islands offers a unique experience from the other. From wilderness exploration and National Parks to crystal clear waters, amazing underwater views and the largest waves in the hemisphere, you have so much to choose from.

The winter is a wonderful time to visit the islands especially the island of Maui which offers an unique experience during this time of the year. Humpback whales come to the shallow waters off the island of Maui during the month of December through May offering some of the most spectacular whale watching opportunities in the world. The clear calm waters and close proximity to land make it one of the most popular activities in the islands during this time of the year. Visitors can choose from personal charters to passenger rafts and larger tours as well. They take place often and can be found along the Lahaina Harbor.

Whether you want to experience the whales or just relax on the beaches, Hawaii is an ideal warm weather destination for your vacation in winter. Explore this and other amazing sites throughout the US this winter and avoid the winter weather blues from Tradewinds Travel Club.

Tradewinds Travel Club Invites You To Learn More About Travel

Tradewinds Travel Club explores and reviews the tips and destination specific information that you need to know when planning your vacations. Whether you enjoy traveling in the U.S. or abroad, Tradewinds Travel Club wishes you only the best in all your travels and wants to help by offering you tips to make the most of your trip. If you travel frequently or would like to travel more, Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to learn more about us by visiting our members site. Travel more and enjoy your vacations with your friends at Tradewinds Travel Club.

Tradewinds Travel Club Reviews Great U.S. Holiday Destinations

For many travelers, the holidays mean getting out of the house and off to some wonderful destination in the U.S. or abroad. If you are one of these travelers, finding a new and exciting place to visit that will offer you a grand holiday retreat may seem like a daunting task. Tradewinds Travel Club would like to help you find the destination of your dreams this holiday season by reviewing some of the most popular and most beautiful holiday destinations in the U.S. for you to explore. Get to know more about destinations for travel for you and your family this holiday season with Tradewinds Travel Club reviews.

Look At The Lights

There are cities around the U.S. which are well known for their amazing holiday decorations. Spreading the holiday cheer, Tradewinds Travel Club reviews these top holiday displays.

Chicago -Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade. Taking place on the 19^th of November, this is just the start of the season and the stunning light displays that fill the city of Chicago offering you a stunning yuletide view. Great holiday events and sites include the Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue.

New York – Rockefeller Center – Decorated for over 75 years, this is indeed one of the most recognizable trees in the U.S. if not the world. If you miss the tree lighting ceremony, you can always stop by and visit this amazing, one of a kind scene.

Boston – The Faneuil Hall tree and Back Bay streets are filled with holiday lights. In addition, the Boston Christmas Festival offers much to do during the season for you and your family including arts and activities and music including amazing performances by the ever popular Boston Pops orchestra offer an amazing way to relax and enjoy the spirit of the season.

Washington DC – The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway to Peace is just one amazing site in our nations capital. Also beautiful and fun to see are the lights at the National Zoo, the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and many winter festivals at sites throughout the surrounding city.

If you are looking for the ideal location to spend your holidays this holiday season, take a look at these and other top areas for enjoying the rich, holiday spirit. Experience the best the holiday season has to offer and make the most of your travel dollar.

Tradewinds Travel Club Reviews

Reviewing topics and destinations for travel is part of what makes Tradewinds Travel Club special. We enjoying offering you tips and topics on travel that will help you find the perfect destination for your vacation. Whether you enjoy travel in the U.S. or places further away such as Europe and the Caribbean, Tradewinds Travel Club reviews these topics and more to help you become more informed. Learn more about travel and the top destinations for travel with Tradewinds Travel Club reviews.