Columbus Best Amusement Parks

By Kendra Symon


When you are on the lookout for an excellent place to get out and have a bit of fun, consider spending the day at one of the amazing entertainment parks in Columbus, Ohio. There are a number of theme parks in Columbus as well as some Columbus water parks. Here are 4 exciting Entertainment Parks in and around Columbus for you to enjoy.

Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort

Encompassing more than 60,000 sq. feet of space, the Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort is the biggest indoor water park in Ohio. Featuring a spread of water slides, streams and pools, Fort Rapids is a good spot to bring the family for a fun day of water fun. Fort Waterfall also includes hotel rooms, a meeting center and plenty more.

The Ohio State Fair

Held yearly, the Ohio State Fair takes place every year from the week in July through the first week in August. The Ohio State Fair is found at the fairgrounds in Columbus and features several competitions, concerts, vendors, exhibits and of course, a good range of rides and colonnades. There are numerous discounts and promotions available to help save some money so that you can enjoy more of the rides and events.

Jungle Jacks Landing at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

As amongst the more popular amusement parks in Columbus, Jungle Jacks Landing at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers numerous rides and attractions that are targeted round the zoo animals. As amongst the theme parks in Columbus, Jungle Jacks Landing includes rides like the Jungle River Falls, Condor Craze, Safari Rush and much more. Jungle Jacks Landing has been open more than 50 years and continues to be a favorite among the locals and visitors alike.

Franklin County Fair

Located just one or two minutes west of Columbus, the Franklin County Fair happens annually during the 3rd week in July. The Fair has been held each year for over 150 years and includes a considerable number of attractions, rides, contests and much more. There are several sellers as well as music places and exciting shows. The Franklin County Fair even offers a campground so you can have better access to the site.




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Here's How To Have A Fun Vacation For Small Money

By By Peter Dazzer






Most people put off traveling due to the often huge costs involved. Nonetheless time does slip by, and those moments are gone forever. There is no need to sidestep notable lifetime experiences that may be gained by exploring regions and cultures outside of your own.


With some careful planning and insider tips, you can expand your horizons and engage with the world. Keep on reading for some ideas on how to keep costs in control while traveling. Rather than just having a rough idea that you want to travel, get specific and choose a real destination.

Don't think instantly of the price concerned - think rather than where you actually would really love to visit, like campervan rental Melbourne. Then do some research about how to go there on a restricted budget. Decide ahead of time how much you have to spend, then find out how to accommodate your financial position based mostly on the study you do.

Find out everything you doubtless can about the destination you are considering. Check the typical tourist websites to understand what's popular there, but do not rely wholly on that. Find unique cultural things about the city or country you desire to visit, then look for things "off the beaten path." These can not just be less expensive, but can expand your horizons in a fashion that costly tourist spots cannot. Book your flight ticket far in advance, and explore the options for finding the most interesting rates.

This can include going right to the airline site, where they frequently give discounts or specials. There are many travel websites which offer lower rates, depending on when you book and what days you opt to travel. Be aware that weekday travel is commonly less expensive. Try inputting varied dates into the fare calculators online, as there's regularly a big difference in fares according to the date and times that you select.

If possible, put in a wide range of dates and make your plans fit the lowest fare options. Hotel rates are infamous for changing almost everyday, and every hotel web site will usually have a "specials" section. When calling them on the telephone, ask for the lowest rate available, which can often be much less than the 1st rate they quote. If you are traveling by air, figure out if you can get a bundled deal which includes both airline ticket and hotel.

Keep a look out for "per person" rates, though, which can potentially make the grand total much higher than if you had scheduled the hotel separately. Eating in trattorias can take a massive bite out of any holiday budget. Consider booking a hotel outfitted with a mini-fridge and microwave, in order that you can have some meals in your room. This is especially constructive for breakfast, since you can simply make up a simple meal by yourself.

Look for hotels that even include a free continental breakfast. Check total deal web sites for the city you are visiting, and use discount rates at local restaurants. Research all the activities and events available at your destination, and include the cost in your vacation budget. Know which ones are way out of your price bracket, and avoid them if they are not crucial to your enjoyment.

Look for free activities, including beaches and parks, or free nights at a museum. Eat at bar cheap cocktails hours if possible, and take along your own bottled water and snacks. Don't make the mistake of spending dear dollars on each day products that you did not remember to pack. They can be terribly dear "on the road," and are simply packed into your suitcase. Make a list at least a week before your exit date, and start placing items in your suitcase.

Travel can be high-priced, but you can easily mitigate the impact with just a little forethought and planning. Use some of the idea here to get your journey off to the right start and then enjoy the ride.




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Willy Rock in China

By Jonny Blair


China offers endless travel possibilities and its well off the beaten track for the most part. There are not a lot of English speakers in the world's largest country but that doesn't matter - the place is fantastic. There's a really good scenic spot north of Shaoguan in the Guangdong Province that is worth checking out. It's a hike up to a rock shaped like a man's penis! Yes this is penis rock! []

What is dick rock/the yang yuan rock?

Basically it's a rock in the shape of a man's sausage! Whatever name you want to call your penis. It is a naturally formed rock in that shape and even has the same curves at the top!

Accessibility is easy if you're Chinese - if you're not, then get ready for a tiring adventure to find Penis Rock. Luckily with my girlfriend being fluent in both Chinese languages, it was easy for us to get to Penis Rock.

First of all you need to get to the city of Shaoguan in North Guangdong Province. We got there from high speed train from Shenzhen. Timetable here: Shenzhen to ShaoguanLiving in Hong Kong at present, most of my China adventures start off with a border crossing into Shenzhen. To confuse you even more, Shaoguan has TWO train stations, we needed a bus between the two of them to get a connecting bus to the Danxia Mountains. Nobody really speaks English in Shaoguan, though the Chinese folk in the city are extremely hospitable and friendly.

In Danxiashan we stayed in the village of Yao Tang - a river separates Yao Tang from the small market village of Jin Jiang. From Jin Jiang, a 30 minute walk witll take you to the first viewing platform for Penis Rock. We stayed in a hotel in the centre of Yao Tang.

An entrance ticket is needed and you can get them at the ticket office in front of the gate - they cost 120 RMB. They are valid for 2 days.

Once you get inside the National Park try and buy a map so you can get your bearings. Danxiashan mountains are huge and a map will come in handy, but it will be in Chinese!

Head to the top of the Pavilion for sunset. The view is just stunning and well worth the trip. You can get your comedy photos of penis rock done on the way up. It's a high climb up so take some water!

What Is It? A rock shaped like a penis

Why Go There? Amazing shaped rock formations, fantastic sunset, cheap beer, good hiking and walking, incredible views.

Cost per day - Easily under $10 US Dollars




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What you should Choose when Buying Cheap Golf Clubs

By Mark Forge


Golf is the most exciting outdoor sport and choosing the right gear is the only way you can enjoy its full benefits. Choosing the right golf clubs is the most basic investment for any aspiring golfer. With increased technology in the golfing arena, understanding how to select the best cheap golf clubs that suits your game level is critical.

The accessories name to begin with might sound confusing for the beginner but with patience, you come to understand simple terms like putter, driver, and hybrid as well as ball sleeve. When shopping as a golfer, it is advisable to go through the available reviews online before deciding on the how much you want to spend, and the type of club.

Improving your golf skills calls for tools, which will prevent injuries while at the same time give you encouragement to better your ability. With many shapes, sizes and designs of golf clubs available for you to choose, buying the right tool the first time should suit your body shape. You can choose by determining whether yours is a short game or a long one by analyzing your drive ability.

When choosing clubs, your game level determines how much the cost is. You do not want to buy expensive tools only to realize that they are not your best fit. The more experience you gain, the more you become aware of which clubs are best suited for your kind of game. There are specifically designed clubs that help golfers significantly improve their overall game.

As a beginner, you need to value buy, which helps in improving your golfing techniques. There are many of these affordable one in local golf stores. Most reviews show that choosing the right tool helps in maximizing on your golfing ability. Some stores offer to do alterations on your clubs to fit your size and style while other accept returns on condition you pick a new set from their outlet.

To get familiar with the sports tools that you purchase takes some time and the moment you gain confidence. Working on new golf clubs calls for persistence and you need to put your heart to it and interact with fellow golfers and get first hand insights on the perfect sets. Experienced golfers or your personal trainer will help you on how to find the right clubs.

It takes a few weeks before gaining full control and confidence over your new acquisitions. Golf specialties shops are the best places to get authentic clubs though there are other shops, which sell used items and you can value buy from them as your game improves. Consulting your personal trainer can yield positive results since the trainer understands your abilities.




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Why I love the Carmel & Monterey Wineries

By Philip Vonwrede


Among the seven appelations that encompass Monterey County, Carmel valley houses Monterey wineries, which is definitely unlike no other.You can find the Monterey wineries amidst the towering landscape of Santa Lucia. With this, Carmel valley is able to survive despite of the daytime fogs and gusts of wind during summer days due to its warm climate, which is remarkablt beneficial to many types of red wines like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Camel valley village is uniquely filled with attractive looking spaces for wine tasting representing the fast progress of wineries in this area.

My first pick is Ventana Vineyards. Randy Pura owns Ventana vineyards, a winery room in Monterey wineries and J. Douglas Meador produces the wine. The Ventana vineyards different a wide range of wine varieties including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Gewurztraminer, Meritage, Muscat, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Shiraz/ Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting wine at Ventana vineyards is usually charged at a fee which is essentially waived with a purchase. There are various amenities you can enjoy here including barrel room, gift shop, scenic views, meeting facilities and others.

Another winery in Carmel valley wineries, Talbott vineyards is owned by Robb Talbott and its Chardonnays have made this winery a legendary in its own right. The vineyards were launched in 1982 when the first grapes were planted on the Diamond T vineyard. Since then, the winery has continued to flourish and it today rated among the top wineries in Montreal County. It has continued to release a wide selection of top wine varietals since its inception.

Standing out, Parsonage Village Vineyard is a great

choice. Bill and Mary Parsons co-own the parsonage village vineyard, a winery in Carmel valley and Bill Parsons produces wine at this vineyard. The various wine varieties produced here include the Bordeaux Blend, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Petite Verdot, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. Its unique location in Carmel valley wineries provides them with the advantage of the best climatological conditions for winery production.

Primarily, Chateau Julien Wine Estate is one of the larger vineyards. Chateau Julien Wine Estate boasts of a myriad of amenities for their guests such as manicured gardens, visitor facilities, covered patios, expansive areas and a vineyard that produces wine right in the 'Chateau'. Within a 6 acre land and a fully equipped barrel room, the wines there are consist of ferment aged wines and Chardonnay barreled longer in the oak. Some other wines that they have are cream sherry and port.

Also one of the winery vineyards in Montreal wineries, Bernardus winery and vineyards offers Bernardus as their main brand of wine. Nevertheless, there are still other signature varietals which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. If you plan to visit Bernardus winery and vineyards, you should expect to find world class amenities like the art display/ museum, restaurant where you can purchase food and nice places for events such as weddings.




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Affordable Wine Trips: Livermore Wineries

By Philip Vonwrede


At the moment, Livermore Wineries is undergoing a major reformation in term of their wine. Over 40 wineries and vineyards scatter the 5,000-acre land that completes Livermore Wineries and has mastered developing Spanish and California varietals. The newest one to venture the wine business is boutique across well-kept vintage properties. These have positively improved the status of the state of California as a serious wine producing location. Not only that, this wine region has a myriad of leisure activities offered all throughout the year. Nearly all of the wineries in Livermore open their tasting rooms without any fee, the others that do only charge reasonably.

3 Steves Winery

The idea of starting 3 Steves winery was hatched by three friends who were just comfortably sitting enjoying some wine where they thought of starting their own wine machinery. They had previously owned a small winery boutique and had the necessary skills of making it in wine industry and staring their own label wasn't a major challenge as such. Their philosophy is buying the best quality wine making grapes in the region where great varietals grow in Livermore and transform the same to wine at their facility.

Concannon Vineyard

In terms of size, Concannon is certainly one of the leaders in Livermore wineries. They are able to package more than 30,000 wine cases every year and have Concannon and Petite Sirah wine they bestsellers. They also have other varieties of wine produced to accommodate every kind of preference and another outstanding blend that they carry is their Chardonnay. Founded by James COncannon in 1883, The Wine Group own Concannon Vineyard. Ever since, they have been the primary provider of the wine needs of the Roman Catholic church and they are distinguished to as the California Historical Landmark.

Garre Vineyard & Winery

Garre Vineyard & Winery is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is part of Livermore wineries. The vineyard has unique panoramic views that give visitors spectacular backdrops as they enjoy what the winery has to offer. Garre Vineyard & Winery to be the producer of award winning wines and it is one of the greatest destinations in California where visitors keep coming back again and again.

Red Feather Winery & Vineyard

Bearing the catch phrase "Wine From The Heart", Red Feather Winery & Vineyard is owned by Dan and Connie. Ever since 2005, they had produced the best quality of wine and made sure that when people come to taste it, they are placed in a beautiful and comfortable tasting area. Some of their finest wines include Gunnar Cabernet Sauvignon, Jaidem's Dessert wine, Livermore Merlot and a lot more. Guests can check this out every Saturday from 12 o'clock noon to 5 o'clock in the afternoon.

Wente Vineyards

Founded more than a century ago as part of Livermore wineries, the family owned Wente Vineyards is regarded as the oldest winery in the country. Presently, the winery is still recognized as a leader in the wine making industry of California and has been managed by consecutive generations of Wente family. Currently, they blend innovative and traditional wine making practices on their vineyards located on over 3,000 acres of land and have created a unique portfolio as being a producer of world's fine wines in Livermore region.




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Hana Tours By Bus On Hi-360 In Maui, Hawaii

By Rena Hudson


There's no dearth of spectacular beaches and waterfalls in Hawaii, but Hana tours offer an experience unlike anything else on the islands. Located in an isolated corner on the eastern tip of Maui, it is the last unspoiled tropical paradise in the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors will be immersed in lush greenery and natural beauty so often promised in the tourist brochures, but seldom seen in reality.

The usual point of entry into this area is through Kahului Airport. The tourist experience begins almost immediately, once the tour bus is clear of Kahului and heads out on the HI-360 towards Hana. This 52 mile trip is among the most popular things to do in Hawaii.

Navigating the 620 treacherous curves and 59 bridges requires a driver with a great deal of skill and knowledge of this route. Many of the bridges and hairpin curves take an eternity to cross because only one lane of vehicles can cross at a time. All of this is irrelevant for passengers entranced by the incredible natural beauty on display.

For those who want to enjoy this as a proper tour, there are air conditioned tour buses. The large windows offer a spectacular view of the coast and the scenery as the bus winds its way through the highway hugging the eastern coast. There will be many stops along the way at bridges, waterfalls and scenic points of interest where tourists can get off the bus and admire the beauty and historical attractions.

One of these stops is at the Puohokamoa Falls. The lower falls here tumbles down 130 feet into the ocean. Another serene spot where the bus stops is called the Ohe'o Gulch Pools, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Visitors can spend some time taking a dip in the pools. Just before the bus reaches Hana, it stops at the Black Sand Beach, which is in Waianapanapa State Park.

Yet another place for a relaxing break is the Tedeschi Winery. Passengers can get off the bus, explore the winery and get a taste of some of their wines. Keanae Peninsula is also a popular attraction, created by lava flowing out of the Haleakala Crater. The never-ending and momentous battle between the jagged lava stones and the ocean waves offers clear evidence that man has no control over the elements in this part of the world.

After all this, visitors enter into Hana and are presented with the spectacular Hana Bay and historic attractions such as the Hasegawa General Store. Most tours will also stop by at the Kahanu Garden Botanical Gardens and the 13th century temple there, better known locally as Pi'ilanihale Heiau. Beaches included among the stops are Hamoa Beach and Hana Beach Park.

Hana tours don't end in the town, because getting back to civilization requires another drive on Hi-360. Visitors on a tour bus will likely go back the same way they came, but some tours and people in their own vehicle may decide to continue past the town to the Palapala Ho'omau Church. It is famous and well worth a stop because it has Charles Lindbergh's grave. The road continues past the church and snakes ahead towards the opposite coast and then through the island's central part back to Kahului, making this tour a round trip of Maui.




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