Scenic Seven: Take your sweetie on a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day

Written on February 1, 2012 at 8:15 am, by elizabeth

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, but if you can wait a few days to celebrate your sweetheart, the long President’s Weekend falls just three days after February 14th. Since many American’s will have Monday, February 20th off, it’s the perfect time to take a little getaway and enjoy a romantic rendezvous with the one you love. We think the Presidents would approve!

Of course, the biggest challenges in planning any vacation are where to go and where to stay. No matter what your perfect answer is to question number one, Scenic Rentals is sure to have the solution to question number two. With more than 2,000 by owner vacation rentals worldwide, there’s sure to be a hideaway in your chosen destination. Need a little inspiration? Here are our top U.S. picks for a romantic Valentine’s rendezvous over President’s Weekend:

1. Slide the slopes out West in Colorado, Utah or Wyoming. What can I say, if you’ve followed this blog for any length of time you know it’s my opinion that anytime it’s cold is the best time for skiing. But honestly, isn’t spending the day on the slopes and an apres ski drink in front of a roaring fire, talking quietly with the one you love simply romance at its finest? Every ski town has its own unique flavor, so whether you choose an old favorite or strike out in a new direction, you’re sure to have a memorable weekend playing ski bunny.

2. Key West, Florida – If sunshine and happiness is what you crave, there’s really no better spot in the U.S. than Key West. Almost anything goes in this laid back locale, ensuring you’ll never run short of things to see and talk about. Whether you fancy partying ’til the sun goes down in Mallory Square or taking in historic sites like Ernest Hemingway’s home, you’ll have plenty of time to stroll the palm lined streets hand in hand with your favorite beach bum.

3. Does the mere mention of Sleepless in Seattle bring a tear to your sweetie’s eye? Then take her (or him) to the city that inspired the tale, Seattle, Washington. See the Space Needle, linger over a cup of coffee on the corner that started a coffeehouse revolution and watch the fishmongers at Pike Place.

4.  Experience the Old South at it’s finest without sacrificing any of the best of the New South when you spend a romantic weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. The most charming city in the South is an ideal backdrop for some sugary sweet talk. You’ll eat well, shop well and sleep well when you choose a Historic Charleston or Charleston area by owner vacation rental.

5. Take a tour of the chocolate factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania. You’ll fall in love with romantic evenings by the fire, not to mention the aphrodisiac properties chocolate is renowned for.

6.New York, New York – Find it all in the Empire State. Romantic dinners, horsedrawn carriage rides and plenty of Broadway shows to keep you entertained. Or just snuggle up in a cozy booth or on a bench in Central Park and people watch to your heart’s content.

7. Is your idea of romance more “party ’til dawn” over “candlelight dinner for two?” If so, make plans to head to New Orleans, Louisiana, just in time for Mardi Gras madness. Fat Tuesday is February 21st, meaning you’re sure to be in for a wild time over President’s Weekend. And if you’re flying solo this Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing like Mardi Gras to help you heal your lonely heart…

What’s your favorite spot for a romantic getaway? Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page, Facebook.com/ScenicRentals.

Do you put more effort into attending a destination wedding? A recent study shows that destination wedding guests travel farther, look better and get more intimate.

Written on January 31, 2012 at 6:06 pm, by elizabeth

Engaged couples considering options for their big day should add destination wedding to the top of their lists.  According to a recent survey commissioned by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, not only are most Americans likely to accept invitations to a destination wedding (78%), but they consider them a better value for their money than traditional wedding receptions (56%).

This is good news for the betrothed who have always dreamed of saying “I do” in a tropical locale but feared that a wedding away might hinder the size or style of their nuptials.

The Islands Of The Bahamas offer an endless array of options for destination weddings.  With 16 island destinations to choose from, there is something for every couple, whether they picture a celebration with friends on a spectacular beach, a gazebo overlooking the ocean, or a mix of traditional ceremony and tropical touches.  Based on the survey results, other reasons why couples should consider a destination wedding in The Bahamas include:

• Location, Location, Location: 45% of respondents prefer to attend a destination wedding in a tropical beach setting. With an abundance of breathtaking pink and white sand beaches, The Bahamas has that covered.
• If You Invite Them, They Will Come: A common misperception is that guests will not travel far or spend the money to attend a destination wedding.  On the contrary, more than half of respondents (53%) indicated they are willing to travel up to five hours to get there, while a quarter will spend $1,000 or more to attend. Just be sure to give them plenty of notice.  73% of those polled require between one and three months advance notice.  No worries, guests can reach The Bahamas in as little as 30 minutes from South Florida and have any number of hotels and resorts to choose from to fit all budgets.
• Picture Perfect: Not only will the setting make for beautiful wedding photos that will be cherished for a lifetime, but the guests will look better too.  A quarter of Americans say they are more likely to go on a diet before attending a destination wedding than a traditional wedding.
• Getting to Know You: Couples can relish the fact that all of their loved ones are in the same place at the same time… and are enjoying each other’s company.  68% of respondents say they are more inclined to be more outgoing and get to know other guests at a destination wedding.
• Yes, it’s better in The Bahamas: Don’t forget to invite plenty of single friends.  Nearly a quarter (21%) of respondents fess up to partying harder at a destination wedding and (coincidentally?) the same percentage say they are more likely to get friendly with a bridesmaid, groomsman or other guest than they are at a traditional wedding.

Of course, at Scenic, our favorite advantage when planning a destination wedding is renting a couple of private vacation homes to house your guests for the ultimate wedding weekend. Indulge in a private pool, easy beach access and plenty of room for all of your friends and family to get together and celebrate. Now isn’t that better than blocking off hotel rooms and hoping the front desk delivers the gift bags?

The Islands of The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean are unforgettable places for a destination wedding. Think sparkling blue water, smooth sandy beaches and that special air of romance that only a tropical locale can provide. So what are you waiting for? Visit our Bahamas and Caribbean destination pages and start planning your dream destination wedding!

Finally: A Florida Travel Deal for ALL travelers, not just resort guests!

Written on January 29, 2012 at 10:45 pm, by elizabeth

This winter and early Spring, visitors to Perdido Key on the Florida Panhandle will receive a $50 gas card when they stay at least two nights, thanks to the Perdido Key Visitor’s Center.

Flickr.com/CherylGleason

Ideally located between Pensacola, Fla. and Orange Beach, Ala., Perdido Key is home to sugar-white sand, turquoise water and miles of untouched shoreline. Add to that some of travelers’ consistently top-rated events and you’ve got the makings of a perfect spring family getaway.  Book now and Perdido Key Visitors Center will give you a free $50 gas card for staying at least two days between Feb. 1 and Apr. 30, 2012.

Perdido Key’s version of the traditional Mardi Gras parade is a boat parade like no other on Feb. 11, enjoyed by spectators situated along waterfront vantage points, and an unforgettable after-party at the world-famous Flora-Bama on theAlabama-Florida state line.  Mardi Gras revelry continues the following weekend with a land-side street festival complete with colorful beads, live entertainment and the 2012 Cajun Cook-Off, where $5 buys you samplings of tasty Cajun fare.

March brings the annual Springfest carnival, where thousands enjoy carnival rides, games, outdoor entertainment, food, art and crafts vendors and more. On Mar. 24, the Perdido Key Wine & Arts Festival will once again draw travelers to the Key for wine samplings with some of their favorite wineries, live music and an outdoor marketplace of arts and crafts.

In April, Perdido Key Dragon Boat Races will bring to life a 2000 year old tradition—where teams of 22 rowers race colorful wooden boats decorated with dragon heads at the front and dragons tails at the back.  On April 27-29, Flora-Bama will host its annual Mullet Toss, a world-famous event where nearly 100,000 participants of all ages are expected to see who can toss a fish the greatest distance.

Perdido Key Visitors Center will reward travelers with a free $50 gas card for staying a minimum of two nights in Perdido Key accommodations between Feb. 1, 2012 and Apr. 30, 2012. Registration for the gas cards spring promotion is going on now through Feb. 29, 2012 or until all cards are gone. Find out more at www.visitperdido.com/you-play.

For more information and gas card registration visit www.visitperdido.com/spring-events.

Find your perfect Florida Panhandle vacation rental at Scenic Rentals. More than 200 Florida Panhandle vacation rental homes are advertised on Scenic Rentals, making it easier than ever to find your ideal vacation destination.

Do you own a by owner vacation rental in Perdido Key? Advertise your rental home with Scenic Rentals and increase your exposure (and your rental income!) for just $20 for a one year listing. Click HERE for details and the Top 10 Reasons to Advertise your Rental Property with Scenic! Scenic Rentals is a proud member of the Vacation Rental Managers Association.

Beaufort, North Carolina, a Top Contender in “America’s Coolest Small Town” Contest

Written on January 28, 2012 at 6:23 am, by elizabeth

Boasting more than 300 years of historical legacy, the town of Beaufort on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast has been nominated for “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel magazine and after proving a top competitor, the Carteret County town is encouraging fans to vote. As the only southern town represented, the competition has pulled support from the region earning more than 30 percent of the votes.

Flickr.com/Bill Gracey

The intense competition highlights the best of Beaufort and supports the community of less than 4,500. Voting is permitted every 24 hours and ends Jan. 31. Register your vote at http://www.budgettravel.com/contest/americas-coolest-small-towns-2012,11/.

Located on the Crystal Coast – North Carolina Southern Outer Banks – Beaufort possesses an old-world southern charm, wrapped in exquisite coastal beauty. With deep roots in both history and adventure, its charisma is unparalleled. Boats dot the marina with the daily catch and cozy inns line the harbor, inspiring Nicholas Sparks to choose Beaufort as the setting in several of his novels. Once home to Blackbeard the pirate, the town sits on the edge of the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” where divers can swim amongst more than 2,000 shipwrecks including Blackbeard’s own Queen Anne’s Revenge. As the coolest town both above and below sea level, Beaufort captures the hearts of all who visit there.

Each town met several requirements to be considered in the contest. The town’s population had to be below 10,000 and must have “that indescribable ’something’,” according to Budget Travel. “In other words, cool doesn’t necessarily mean quaint: We want towns with an edge and a heart.”

Dangling like a delicate strand of pearls off the coast of North Carolina, the favored Atlantic beach destination of generations represents one of the only remaining natural barrier island systems in the World. The Islands are strung together with 85 miles of silken coastline along the southern Outer Banks, 56 miles of which are in the protected Cape Lookout National Seashore. The barrier islands take a southward curve, blessing the Crystal Coast with beaches that course east and west with views of the dazzlingly bright sun rise to greet the day and then slip into the shimmering translucent blue waters during a spectacularNorth Carolina sunset.

Remember to vote before January 31st!

For your next Coastal North Carolina vacation, choose a by owner vacation rental and find out what makes the North Carolina Coast truly spectacular. Scenic Rentals offers more than a dozen North Carolina beach rental homes, from Corolla and Nags Head to Oak Island, so you’re sure to find the ideal vacation destination for your next trip.

Choose a by owner vacation rental from Scenic Rentals and Take a Vacation from Hotels!

Oregon’s Scenic Bikeways offer cycling fun for novices and enthusiasts alike

Written on January 26, 2012 at 5:55 pm, by elizabeth

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) announce two new state-designated scenic bikeways, bringing the total number of trails to eight, furthering Oregon’s position as a premier cycling destination. The move comes after the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission formally approved the routes in a meeting yesterday.

Credit: Flickr.com/KatherineH

The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway in Cottage Grove features an all-ages, all-abilities cycling experience.  Perfect for families, this 36-mile route boasts six covered bridges, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A mix of paved off-street, lakeside paths and low-speed Main Street riding provide diverse scenery and dining opportunities. The route passes Chambers Bridge, the only covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi.

Beginning and ending in Bend’s historic Drake Park, the Twin Bridges Loop Scenic Bikeway is rated “moderate,” with varying levels of traffic and hills. Featuring 36 miles of intermediate terrain, the route promises breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, rolling forests and high desert scenery. The Twin Bridges Loop gets its name from the two bridges that cross the Deschutes River along the route. Riders will pedal through the quaint town of Tumalo, a perfect rest stop to grab a bite to eat.

“Cycling and scenic beauty are both important components of Oregon’s $8.7 billion travel and tourism industry,” said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson.  “Being the first and only state in the nation to have developed a scenic bikeways program provides a strategic way for us to highlight the state’s natural assets and cyclist-friendly communities, boosting local economies and creating jobs.”

The bikeway program was launched in 2010 with the 132-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. Five more were added in September 2011. The program is a partnership between Cycle Oregon, Travel Oregon, Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.   Scenic bikeway designations are a community effort—led by local supporters—that showcase the “best of the best” road bicycle riding on existing roads and paved paths in Oregon.

“The Scenic Bikeways Program is an outstanding example of pioneering Oregonians working together to merge recreation, transportation and tourism to benefit the economy,” said OPRD Bicycle Recreation Coordinator Alexandra Phillips.

For information on Oregon’s scenic bikeways, itinerary ideas and ride inspiration, visit rideoregonride.com or go tooregonscenicbikeways.org for detailed maps and route descriptions.

Take full advantage of all the natural beauty Oregon has to offer when you book an Oregon by owner vacation rental through Scenic Rentals. Visit our Oregon destination page by clicking HERE for beautiful bike-friendly by owner vacation rentals.

Beaver Creek Ranks as U.S.’s Most Expensive Ski Resort, New Survey Reveals

Written on January 23, 2012 at 12:11 am, by elizabeth

Ski lovers planning a winter getaway on the slopes of Beaver Creek, Colorado, better make sure their bank accounts are well padded. The adrenaline rush that comes from shushing downBeaver Creek’s mountains is going to cost them – a recent survey by Cheaphotels.org found Beaver Creek to have the highest-priced rooms of all Colorado ski resorts. Of course, as a veteran by owner vacation rental renter, you’re not about to pay a high price for a small room…are you? Just for fun, let’s take a look at the results of the survey:

Credit: Flickr.com/zoejessica

Just how expensive will a Beaver Creek ski vacation run? On average, travelers to the resort area will have to pay $314 per night for the cheapest available double room. Weekend warriors will find themselves shelling out even more: $382 for a single night’s stay.

Budget travelers will have to be a little bit flexible if they want to avail themselves to Beaver Creek’s slopes, but cost-savings solutions do exist. For example, instead of staying at prime real estate in the Beaver Creek Village, they can opt for a hotel in the town of Avon. Just a 10-minute drive to the famed ski resort area, they will find rooms here for a nightly rate of less than $150.

Seven of the nation’s 10 most expensive ski resorts are located in Colorado. The Vail resort, just a stone’s throw away fromBeaver Creek, ranks fourth on the list with average available room rates coming in at $200.  Still, that’s 36% cheaper thanBeaver Creek.

Meanwhile Aspen, a hot spot for celebrities, is positioned slightly higher at number three. There, rooms are going for an average daily rate of $212 in February.

Following is a list of the 10 most expensive ski resorts in the USA. The rankings are based on the average rate for the cheapest available double room during the month of February 2012.

1. Beaver Creek (Colorado) $314
2. Squaw Valley (California) $214
3. Aspen (Colorado) $212
4. Vail (Colorado) $200
5. Snowmass Village (Colorado) $175
6. Copper Mountain (Colorado) $160
7. Jackson Hole (Wyoming) $159
8. Park City (Utah) $153
9. Telluride (Colorado) $141
10. Keystone (Colorado) $121

At those prices, it’s easy to see your ski vacation dreams melt away like last year’s snow. But never fear, with more than 30 Colorado ski rentals offered on Scenic Rentals, you’ll have a place to hang your poles without breaking the bank. Take this luxury five bedroom Aspen home – ski in/ski out access, jacuzzi tub, fireplace, washer/dryer and all the comforts of home (plus a few luxuries you won’t want to miss). You and nine of your friends can stay during the peak February ski season for less than $100/night per person. Now show me a hotel that offers that kind of a deal!

Book your Colorado ski vacation now by visiting http://www.scenicrentals.com/vacation-rentals/17/United-States/Colorado. It’s ski season folks, make the most of it and take a vacation from hotels!

Lineup Announced for AllState Fan Fest leading up to BCS Bowl Game in New Orleans

Written on December 31, 2011 at 3:02 pm, by elizabeth

It’s no secret we’re Auburn fans at Scenic, but we of course support the SEC and this season’s BCS rematch between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers in New Orleans, Louisiana (we’ll just keep our score predictions to ourselves). No matter which team tugs at your loyalty, there’s one thing for sure – every fan in town will be looking for a good time. Good thing the Allstate Fan Fest is back and bigger than ever, returning to the Crescent City for the sixth year with a variety of fun and family-friendly activities and concert performances for college football fans and New Orleans residents leading up to the 78th Allstate® Sugar Bowl® and the 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship™.

Credit: Bcsfootball.org

Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter in Jackson Square, this year’s Allstate Fan Fest will feature live concerts from pop music stars, school pep rallies, marching bands and football-themed activities to get fans excited for college football’s most iconic BCS Bowl games. Cee Lo Green will headline the festivities leading up to the Allstate BCS National Championship™ with a free concert on Jan. 8, while local legends The Neville Brothers will perform on the Allstate Fan Fest main stage on Jan. 7. Before the Allstate® Sugar Bowl®, fans will enjoy free performances from Kelly Clarkson on Jan. 2., and New Orleans’ musicians Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on Jan. 1.

College football fans of the participating Allstate® Sugar Bowl® and the Allstate BCS National Championship™ teams will have a chance to show their school spirit during high energy pep rallies featuring the schools’ marching bands, mascots and cheerleaders the day before the Bowl games.
This year, Allstate invites fans to register on-site for a chance to win an on-field experience during trophy presentations after each BCS Bowl game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Also, the first 500 fans that check-in to Allstate Fan Fest on Foursquare will receive a free Allstate® Sugar Bowl® or Allstate BCS National Championship™ phone skin, courtesy of the title sponsor.

The traveling Allstate Tailgate Tour will return to Fan Fest where fans can test their football skills through a variety of interactive games, including a replica “Good Hands®” field goal kicking unit and the Legacy Museum – a hands-on, retrospective look back at the history of college football. Members of the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, an award which honors college football players who stand out for their commitment to serving the community, will be recognized during a special introduction at Allstate Fan Fest and at halftime of the Allstate® Sugar Bowl®. While in New Orleans, Good Works Team® members will surprise more than 200 local children from the YMCA of Greater Orleans by teaching fundamental football skills as part of a special football clinic on Jan. 2.

The following activities will highlight this year’s Allstate Fan Fest:
Sunday, Jan. 1
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Concert – 6:15 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 2
Virginia Tech Hokies Pep Rally – 1:30 p.m.
Michigan Wolverines Pep Rally – 2:45 p.m.
Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® Introduction – 6:00 p.m.
Kelly Clarkson Concert – 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 7
The Neville Brothers Concert – 6:15 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 8
LSU Tigers Pep Rally – 2:00 p.m.*
Alabama Crimson Tide Pep Rally – 4:00 p.m.*
Cee Lo Green with Eric Benet & Ahsan Concert – 6:15 p.m.

The Allstate Fan Fest is free to the public between the hours of 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2, before the Allstate® Sugar Bowl®, and on Saturday, Jan. 7, and Sunday, Jan. 8, before the Allstate BCS National Championship™. Fan Fest is located at Jackson Square in the Jax Brewery parking lots off Decatur Street. Allstate will celebrate its sixth year as the title sponsor of the Allstate® Sugar Bowl® held in New Orleans on Jan. 3, 2012. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. CST. This year marks the second time the company has sponsored the Allstate BCS National Championship™, broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. CST on Jan. 9, 2012. Both BCS Bowl games will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

For more things to see and do in the Big Easy, check out our coverage of the 2010 New Orleans Jazz Fest and tempt your tastebuds with our favorite Big Easy Bites.

Top 10 Quirkiest New Year’s Eve Celebrations in America

Written on December 30, 2011 at 5:50 am, by elizabeth

From the windswept Eastern seaboard to the balmy shores of Key West, here are TEN FREE EVENTS providing extraordinary entertainment to ring in 2012. With all the money you’ll save on entertainment, why not make this a New Year’s Eve to remember by spending an extra night or two in a by owner vacation rental? With thousands of properties throughout the United States and the world, there’s sure to be a comfortable, well-appointed place to lay your head once the champagne stops flowing. Visit Scenicrentals.com to find the by owner vacation rental in your dream destination and ring in 2012 in style!

1. The Maine Event — Sardine and Maple Leaf Drop, Eastport, Maine
Home to the first sardine cannery in the U.S., Eastport has celebrated the industry since 2005 by dropping an eight-foot long, 30-pound sardine made from wood and acrylic at midnight. After the sardine plunges from the third-story window of The Tides Institute, revelers rush to give the fish a salty smooch in the belief this will bring good luck in the coming year. The festivities begin even earlier, however; at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, a four-foot wide Maple Leaf is dropped, to honor Maine’s northern Canadian neighbors.

2. Mammal Madness — Possum Drop, Brasstown, North Carolina
Brasstown will celebrate its title of “Possum Capital of the World” for the 18th year, with two fun-filled hours of activities. Local men resplendent in feminine attire will compete for the coveted title of “Miss Possum Queen”, while revelers can soak up live music and tasty treats in anticipation of the lowering of a triangular, plexiglass box containing a prized possum. Once the crowd clears, the nocturnal mammal – unscathed from its public appearance – is given a midnight snack and released in to the night.

3. Savory Soirée — Bologna Drop, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
As the clock strikes midnight, a 12-foot long loaf of bologna, weighing 200 pounds, swallows the attention of New Year’s revelers as it is lowered to the ground from a crane service. Following its descent to Earth, the salty sandwich staple will be donated and devoured by a local charity. This annual fête is held at the corner of Ninth and Cumberland Streets and includes toe-tapping tunes, complimentary hot beverages, and festive First Night fun.

4. Pest-acular Party — Wooden Flea Drop, Eastover, North Carolina
Until the 1920s, Eastover was known as Flea Hill, due to a pandemic of the pesky insects throughout town. In honor of its former wretched “residents”, the town will ring in 2012 by dropping a 30-pound flea for the second consecutive year. Constructed from fabric, foam, wire and wood, revelers are in no danger of being bitten by the oversize bug as they partake in the family-friendly celebrations, which include a bonfire, refreshments, and old-fashioned fun.

5. Trifecta of Fun — “Sushi” Drag Queen Drop, Key West, Florida
The isle of Key West will be brimming with holiday cheer as it hosts three fun-filled festivities. Travelers can ring in 2012 at The Bourbon Street Pub, where legendary drag queen “Sushi” is lowered to the ground, while seated in a giant, glossy red shoe. Celebrations will also be held at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where a six-foot tall Styrofoam conch shell is lowered into a sea of revelers – while a “pirate wench” will be dropped from the mast of an old wooden ship at Schooner Wharf Bar, on nearby Williams Street.

6. Marshmallow Madness — MoonPie Drop, Mobile, Alabama
Home of America’s first Mardi Gras celebration, Mobile celebrates the famous “throw” of MoonPies to masked Mardi Gras revelers by dropping a 12-foot electronic MoonPie from a height of 34 stories. Residents consume more than four million MoonPies annually, hence adopting the mouthwatering marshmallow treat as the town’s informal emblem and even paying homage to it as the clock strikes midnight. Events begin at 7:30 p.m. with a Mardi-Gras style parade, featuring floats, live music and more.

7. Festive Fromage — Cheese Drop, Plymouth, Wisconsin
Cheese lovers can satisfy their cravings at Plymouth, Wisconsin’s annual “New Year’s Cheese” drop, which pays homage to the local dairy industry. This year will mark the fifth annual dropping of the 80-pound Styrofoam chunk of cheese from a 100-foot ladder truck. Painted and decorated by a local artist, the star of the show is guaranteed to offer flavorsome fun, rounded off with art, games, and complimentary refreshments as hundreds gather to welcome the New Year.

8. Groovin’ in the Gulf — Pelican Drop, Pensacola, Florida
The streets of Pensacola will be flocking with fun and games in honor of the New Year with three stages of live entertainment. At 8 p.m., a “Bubble Stomp” will invite children to jump and jive across a vast expanse of bubbly mailing wrap, to mimic the clamor of fireworks – before the real star of the show, a giant, 14-foot pelican, makes its 100-foot descent at midnight. Celebrations will conclude with a dazzling display of fireworks and colorful confetti.

9. Fruity Fun — Watermelon Drop, Vincennes, Indiana
For the fourth year, Vincennes’ Watermelon Drop will celebrate the local melon-growing industry along with the start of the New Year. Thousands of spectators – many of whom are dressed as the waterlogged fruit – gather to watch the 18-foot, 500-pound watermelon drop 100-feet onto a “splatform”. The man-made melon, crafted from steel and foam, also releases a dozen locally grown watermelons to signal the beginning of a tasty New Year.

10. Midwest Mayhem — Little Apple Drop, Manhattan, Kansas
For folks who are not able to make it to New York City, Manhattan, Kansas brings the spirit of Times Square to the Midwest. Thousands of revelers gather to join the festivities, which begin at 10 p.m. with a laser light show, accompanied by live music from local artists and a deejay. At the stroke of midnight, a rotund ruby apple, made from aluminum and glass, will shimmy its way to the ground for the ninth consecutive year, as fireworks illuminate the sky.

(Source: TripAdvisor)

Hotel Rates in New York City Skyrocket for New Year’s Eve

Written on December 29, 2011 at 3:46 pm, by elizabeth

Are you planning to celebrate the start of 2012 watching the ball drop in Times Square? Ringing in the New Year in New York City this December 31 will be an expensive proposition for travelers who waited until the last minute to secure a reservation. New analysis compiled by NewYorkHotels.org has found that a few hotel rooms are still available in and around the Big Apple, but only if revelers are willing to pay sky-high prices. Just how much more is the City that Never Sleeps charging someone to sleep there this New Year’s Eve? The survey uncovered rates as much as 700% higher than usual.

Credit: NY Daily News

Staying in the heart of the New Year’s celebration in Manhattan will cost travelers the most. There, 50 hotels are still posting room vacancies, but on average, they’re charging more than triple their regular rates. The Central Park area and the Financial District are particularly expensive if one wants to see the New Year’s Eve ball drop in person.

For instance, the 4-star Eurostars Wall Street, which typically goes for $129 per night, will cost $549 on New Year’s Eve. That price elevation represents a 325% increase. Even more costly is the Excelsior Hotel. Situated one-half block from Central Park, this 3-star accommodation is jacking up rates almost 570%, to $1332 versus the usual $199.

A little farther away from the action, in Soho and Tribeca, rooms can still be found for below $500 per night. To break the $300 mark, however, New Year’s visitors will have to trek to the borough of Brooklyn. They’ll still be paying significantly more than they usually would though.

In fact, the hotel with the largest overall percentage price increase is located in Brooklyn. The Red Carpet Inn, situation near the Brooklyn Bridge, is charging $1000 on New Year’s Eve. That’s 740% more than its typical rate of $119.

Do budget travelers still have any hope of spending New Year’s in NYC? If they want to save on their stay and don’t mind a bit of hike into the city, they can check out the JFK Airport environs. Rooms here can be had for $200 per night. The AirTrain, which runs round the clock, can then get them into Times Square and back in under one hour.

Before you blow your budget (not to mention those resolutions) and fork over next month’s mortgage payment for a night in the Big Apple, do yourself and your wallet a favor and check out the New York City by owner vacation rentals advertised on Scenic Rentals.com. For often significantly less than the cost of a hotel room, a by owner vacation rental offers travelers all the comforts of home – including fully equipped kitchens, living areas and bedrooms. Extra amenities like laundry facilities, WiFi and expanded cable are often part of the deal. AND, larger groups will appreciate the extra space offered by a by owner vacation rental – no more stacking sleeping bags on the floor and hoping the front desk doesn’t notice and charge extra.

If you haven’t made your plans for New Year’s Eve yet, don’t despair. With thousands of properties worldwide, you’re sure to find one to suit your budget and destination. Just visit our destination page to get started.

Check out Scenic Rentals.com and Take a Vacation from Hotels! Happy New Year Travelers!

LA Chinatown Welcomes the Year of the Dragon With the 113th Annual Golden Dragon Parade

Written on December 27, 2011 at 12:20 pm, by elizabeth

The Year of the Dragon is a significant year in Asian tradition: the dragon is sacred and symbolizes strength, luck and new beginnings. Throughout Asia and also in the U.S., cities are preparing for this important time of year with much fanfare and celebration—this is especially true in Los Angeles’ most unique historic district, LA Chinatown. LA Chinatown hosts one of the largest New Year celebrations in the country with more than 125,000 attendees convening in the district for the weekend-long celebration.

Flickr Creative Commons/V Pickering

LA Chinatown will kick off the Year of the Dragon the weekend of January 28 – 29, 2012, beginning with the 113th Annual Golden Dragon Parade. Attendees can enjoy hundreds of spectacular floats, decked-out cars, dancers and bands as they parade down the heart of Chinatown. This year’s Grand Marshals include Disney’s Mulan and Mushu and international bestselling author Lisa See whose book Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was adapted into a movie in 2011.

The Chinese New Year Festival gets underway following the parade with cultural performances by some of the nation’s best Chinese acts, children’s activities and hands-on cultural workshops. LA Craft Experience (LACE), LA’s premier artist’s market will feature over 40 local vendors, offering shoppers a truly unique shopping experience.

Attendees can expect to nosh on traditional Chinese cuisine offered at many Chinatown restaurants as well as non-traditional dishes offered by food vendors and some of LA’s hottest gourmet food trucks. Additionally, the wildly popular show Cupcake Wars will be on hand with 1,000 Chinese New Year-themed cupcakes for people to enjoy.

There are two festival sites with entertainment stages at each: 727 N. Hill Street on Sat., Jan. 28, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Central Plaza at 943-951 N. Broadway on Sat., Jan. 28 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 29 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The 113th Annual Golden Dragon Parade is on Sat., Jan. 28 beginning at 1 p.m.

The always popular 2012 LA Chinatown Firecracker 5/10K run follows the Chinese New Year Festival on February 11 – 12. Visit firecracker10k.org for more details.

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