Destinations

Former Olympic Cities That Are Definitely Worth A Visit

Published

4 months ago

June 2, 2023

We’re still a ways away from the next Olympic Games, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about Olympics past! In fact, this is as good a time as any to revisit some of the amazing cities that have hosted the historic games over the years.

It turns out many of them are still absolutely gorgeous and very much worth a visit. We went through all of them and here are our top 5 you definitely have to see.

LILLEHAMMER, NORWAY

Lillehammer hosted the Winter Games in 1994 and it provided some unforgettable moments. Like American Bonnie Blair winning her third straight gold in the 500-meter speed skating race, and Norway’s own Johann Olav Koss setting world records in three different speed skating events. Many of the courses and tracks used during those games are still open to the public. You can explore all 211 miles of the cross-country trails, ride the luge and bobsled tracks, or check out the ski jump arena.

LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK

I didn’t know this; Lake Place actually hosted the Olympic Games twice! First in 1932, and then again in 1980. The 1980 games were the setting for one of the most famous moments in American Olympic history: The Miracle On Ice. When the men’s hockey team miraculously defeated the seemingly unbeatable Soviet team. Many of the Olympic facilities are still open for use by the public, but the big draw for Lake Placid is the beautiful scenery. Surrounded by rolling mountains and the beautiful blue water of the lake itself, it’s easy to see why Lake Placid is a two-time host of the Olympic Games.

ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

St. Moritz also hosted the Olympic Games twice. First in 1928, and then again in 1948. The 1928 games are famous for introducing the skeleton event, one of the most exciting and dangerous sports in the winter games. One attraction you have to catch when you visit is the Olympic Ice Pavillion that was built in 1905 and used in both Olympic Games that were held here. It’s also right by the beautiful Kulm golf course if you’d like to get in a quick 18 while you’re there.

HELSINKI, FINLAND

Helsinki was the proud home of the 1952 summer games. This was the first Olympic Games that saw athletes from Israel an the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union wasted no time getting down to business, as their women’s gymnastics team dominated their field.

Helsinki is especially famous for its beautiful architecture. Most notably Helsinki Central Station, and Hotel Kamp, which features an incredible hall of mirrors. And don’t forget to stop by the Design District to take in some art, pick up a few mementos, and grab a bite of the local fare.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC

The 1976 Olympic games took place in the one and only Montreal. A very important Olympics, as women’s handball, rowing, and basketball were included for the very first time. But beyond that, most people remember Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci the most. She famously earned the first-ever perfect 10 at the age of 14.

The legend of these games lives on in the old Olympic Park through ‘Since 1976,’ a beautiful exhibit celebrating all that took place that year. Definitely worth a look if you ever make it to this beautiful city.

Destinations

Destinations with Perfect Blue Water

Published

1 day ago

September 23, 2023

Loren Thorn

We are all searching for the perfect vacation destination with crystal blue waters and great temperatures. Your search is over as we have compiled the paradise on Earth list with the most amazing blue waters you can find. See if your wanderlust will take you to these incredible destinations and the paradise you seek will finally be attainable. These places have the bluest and clearest water on the planet, so book your trips ASAP and enjoy your vacation bliss.

Palawan, Philippines

You’ll feel like you are on your own beach here, with few tourists and plenty of sand. Filled with private lagoons and the bluest water around, Palawan is paradise that we’ve found. You’ll also find the world’s longest navigable underwater river.

The Maldives

Celebrity destination number one, the Maldives’ blue waters will blow your mind. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the hottest vacation spots around. A bungalow sitting over blue waters is paradise in my mind.

Peyto Lake, Canada

Sapphire blue water will blow your mind while visiting Banff National Park and checking out Peyto Lake. Filled with glacier runoff and snowmelt, you’ll take some memorable photos here.

Havelock Island, India

The Bay of Bengal has a few surprises for visitors like Havelock Island. Get off the grid with this secret snorkel spot. Located in a string of Islands of the coast of India you’ll find some of the clearest waters around.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Home of the earth’s second largest barrier reef; Belize is a scuba and snorkelers paradise. The clear waters are home to many amazing dive sites including Shark ray Alley where you can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. Or if more mystery is up your alley, check out the underwater caves of the Blue Hole. The shades of blue here are so vibrant you’ll think it’s a dream.

Devil’s bay, British Virgin Islands

Sometimes the juice is just worth the squeeze and Devil’s Bay is exactly that. After an adventurous hike you’ll find the picturesque views and tranquil bright turquoise waters. Snorkel in the crystal clear waters and you’ll know why this place is so magical.

Con Son, Vietnam

A hidden gem in Southeast Asia, Con Son is the only inhabited island in the area. Steep granite cliffs surround the beaches and protect them from violent storms, making the area pristine and untouched. Finding your inner peace here should be easy.

Crater Lake, Oregon

A huge crater created by a volcano centuries ago has left us with a spectacular and picturesque mountain lake. Crater Lake in Oregon is simply stunning and a place that we all need to see. Make sure you go in the summer or late spring as the winters here can dump feet of snow in a matter of hours. The deepest and clearest lake in the US, Crater Lake has visibility 400 feet down. Take a dip, but beware, it’s cold.

Egremnoi, Greece

The Mediterranean has some of the most beautiful waters around and Greece may have the best. Check out a hidden gem in Egremnoi Beach on the West coast of Lefkada, a small Greek island. A steep staircase keeps the hoards of tourists down and the powder white sand welcome the brave visitors. You will be rewarded with crystal turquoise waters and relaxing waves crashing on the shore. Swim in the luke-warm waters and let all the hassles of the real world melt away.

Destinations

America’s Most Visited National Parks

The United States have some of the most amazing and spectacular National Park land in the world and you should be visiting them all. Here are the top 10 most visited parks in the system and why I think you should check them out.

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2023

Brady Pearson

The United States have some of the most amazing and spectacular National Park land in the world and you should be visiting them all. Last year was a banner year for National Parks as they recorded 331 million visitors in 2016, a 8 percent increase over 2015. That’s a lot of visitors, they all can’t be wrong, these National Parks might have something here.

Luckily, our great country has over 417 National Parks for you to explore and all are reasonably priced. The parks just celebrated their 100^th anniversary so let’s all celebrate together by checking some out. The top 10 National Parks are some stunning places to visit, so what are you waiting for?

Here are the top 10 most visited parks in the system and why I think you should check them out.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial — 5,299,713

Located in Washington, D.C., the Vietnam Memorial is a somber and powerful monument. The Washington Mall has many great monuments that symbolize our country’s freedoms; the Vietnam memorial may be the most shocking. The amount of names on the list of people that died fighting for our country is alarming.

Check out this monument if you are in D.C. and want to see a truly moving piece of American History.

Natchez Trace Parkway — 5,891,315

The parkway cuts through Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee and is over 400 miles of American History. Native Americans and settlers used the ancient trail during the country’s expansion West. Take a trip back through time as you can explore hiking trails, camping and horseback riding.

Grand Canyon National Park — 5,969,811

This should be number one in my opinion, just based on how epic and awesome the Grand Canyon truly is. One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, The canyon is so awe-inspiring. Everyone should see the sun rise over the North Rim and walk over the glass bottom observation deck. Make a day trip from the Las Vegas area or make a weekend trip and take a donkey tour to the bottom.

Real adventurers will take a white water rafting tour down the Colorado River.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area — 7,175,891

Straddling the border of Arizona and Nevada, Lake Mead Recreation area is a watery paradise. Spring breakers gather here to party and families venture here for some boating fun. Great destination for the whole family, so check it out and make a day trip to the Grand Canyon, boom, two birds baby.

Lincoln Memorial — 7,915,934

Another wonderful monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Lincoln Memorial is a great place to take in the whole mall and reflect on our country’s greatness and deficiencies. Be one of the millions of people who take a selfie with President Lincoln.

Gateway National Recreation Area — 8,651,770

The top destination for New Yorkers Gateway national is actually three parks in one. It includes Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook, NJ and Staten Island, NY. These three parks combine to offer big city dwellers small glimpses of nature to enjoy. Living in the urban jungle is tough and sometimes you need some greenery in your life.

George Washington Memorial Parkway — 10,323,339

Take a scenic drive down the GW parkway alongside the Potomac River; you’ll understand why so many people come here. With miles and miles of hiking trails and jogging paths, the GW parkway has some great green areas. Located just outside of Washington DC in Northern Virginia, the parkway connects the city and the suburbs.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 11,312,786

Spread across North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains offer grand views and amazing local foliage. Visitors love hiking and other outdoor activities. Come in the fall for some amazing color displays as the leaves are changing.

Blue Ridge Parkway — 15,175,578

Driving on top of the world is how this park feels. Located in Virginia and West Virginia, the Blue ridge Parkway takes drivers on some winding mountain roads. Motorcyclists love these mountain rides and huge convoys can be seen on weekends.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area — 15,638,777

Outside of San Francisco is a wonderful park full of mystic and wonder. The most visit national Park in the United States is a great one. With giant sequoia trees to ever expanding vistas, the park is worth the trip.

Destinations

10 Best Casinos Outside Las Vegas

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2023

Tymber Aldaine

The United States has other casinos outside Las Vegas. Here is a list of the top 10 casinos that you can visit even without going to Crescent City.

There are more than 1,500 casinos spanning the entire US. Aside from the casinos that are located inside Las Vegas, gamblers can easily visit various casinos near their area. If you like playing a game or two—or three, it’d be nice to know the different casinos that might be near you. In this article, we decided to feature the 10 best casinos outside the Big Easy.

Mohegan Sun

Located in Uncasville, Connecticut, Mohegan Sun boasts of three casinos. These are Casino of the Sky, Casino of the Wind, and Casino of the Earth. To provide you with even more entertainment choices, the three floors in between these casinos feature about 5,000 slot machines, 42 poker tables, 275 table games, a race book. If you like playing Asian table games like Pai Gow Poker, Baccarat, and Sic Bo, you can also visit the Sunrise Square. You can even find a couple of smoke-free areas, sections that are dedicated to non-smoker visitors.

Pechanga Resort and Casino

Branded as California’s largest casino, the Pechanga Resort and Casino measures 188,000 square feet. It has over 4,000 slot machines, a 700-seater Bingo area, 154 table games, and a non-smoker poker section.

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City

You can also visit the Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City that’s located in New Jersey. It has 2,172 slot machines, a 3,800 square feet sportsbook, and a daily poker tournament.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa

If you’re in Florida, this can be your new hangout as it boasts of over 4,000 slot machines, 46 poker tables, and a multitude of table games.

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

If you’re tired of Las Vegas but still want to visit a casino within Nevada, you can check out the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino that’s located in Reno, Nevada.

Casino Del Sol

For Tucson, Arizona gamblers, you can visit Casino Del Sol. Players can enjoy various table games for the minimum expense of $3 per game.

Ocean Casino Resort

Another Atlantic City gambling destination is the Ocean Casino Resort. Aside from its multiple slot machines and Sportsbook, it has the biggest Topgolf Swing Suite in the whole United States.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

Another casino that’s located in Reno, Nevada, the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa has 1,400 slot and poker machines. It even provides guests with a tropical-themed experience.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City

Another popular destination is the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City. This New Jersey casino has 2,115 slot machines and various poker and play tables to check out. It also provides customers with an Asian gaming area that allows visitors to play Baccarat, Asian Poker, and Pai Gow.

Foxwood Resort Casino

Ranked as the best casino outside of Las Vegas, the Foxwood Resort Casino is located in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Offering around 4,500 slot machines and numerous gambling amenities, visitors will surely enjoy the place. The place even boasts four hotels to choose from and more than 30 restaurants, as well. If you’re looking for your new staycation and gambling destination, the Foxwood Resort Casino is a must-try.