If you’re heading to sunny Orlando for a summer vacation this year, don’t miss out on some new attractions, parades and concerts taking place throughout Disney World. Disney World drums up fresh activities and themed events every season, and summer 2008 calls for exciting events that continue with the Disney’s ‘Year of a Million Dreams’ theme. From Toy Store Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to new sports events at the newly-expanded Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, here are a few noteworthy activities and attractions to add to your Disney itinerary:

The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
A new upscale restaurant at the Contemporary Resort, one of Disney’s most popular hotels, is making a grand entrance this summer with American-fusion dishes and a seasonal menu of specialties,. The extensive wine list and signature cocktails are making this a valuable place for food and wine lovers at heart.

Toy Story Mania! Ride at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios presents the latest Toy Story attraction with a 3-D vehicle ride, the place to play the Toy Story Mania! Game as you shoot down animated targets and navigate through a real life game board. Toy Story characters come to life as you explore each stage of the game and tackle the latest challenge using your target-shooting skills. It’s fun for all ages and skill levels, and is sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!
Another new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the Playhouse Disney performance, a high energy, interactive stage show with a cast of characters from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Little Einstein.” The performance features sing-along activities and is ideal for preschoolers and kindergartners.

New Sports Lineup at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex
The 220-acre Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex has recently been expanded to accommodate even more space for gymnastics events, cheerleading routines, roller hockey and basketball games. This season looks to be one of the best ever, with an increased number of games and performances scheduled for the summer season.

Christmas
Colonial Williamsburg has been drawing visitors to its Christmas celebrations since 1936.  Today the town fills with elaborate decorations (hand made from fruits, vegetables and evergreens), special events, and fireworks.  It all starts on the first Sunday in December when the officially Grand Illumination takes place.  Although most of the activities are not historically accurate (colonial Americans didn’t celebrate Christmas), it is still a wonderful time for the whole family.

Thanksgiving
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an icon of the turkey holiday.  In 1934 Macy’s and Walt Disney Productions introduced the first Mickey Mouse balloon.  Live broadcast of the much loved event started in 1979.  Over 2.5 million people line the streets and brave the weather to see the amazing spectacle.  It takes more than 4000 volunteers and even more performers to bring it to life.  And at home, cooking Thanksgiving meals, more than 44 million viewers use this parade to kick off their holiday season.

4^th of July
What better place to celebrate America’s birthday than in the city of its birthplace.  Philadelphia does not take its place in history lightly.  The birthday celebration lasts for over a week and ends with a fireworks display that will leave you talking for the rest of the year.  There is something for everyone (and every age) for you to find.

Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)
It may not be the first and it may not be the wildest in the world, but Mardi Gras season in New Orleans is certainly a site to behold.  All the lavish costumes of the parade revelers are enough to keep your draw dropping on their own.  Add in the party atmosphere of the city and you can’t help but scream for beads.  The best way to experience the full effect of the extravagance is to attend a Mardi Gras ball.  Most societies only offer tickets to members, so it helps if you have someone on the inside.

New Year’s
In 1886 the Valley Hunt Club began the tradition that would be come known as the Tournament of Roses Parade.  It was designed to be a celebration of the amazing contrast between the ripening oranges in California and the piles of snow in the north east - it was a way to proclaim this paradise to the world.  It has now become America’s New Year Celebration as well.

The United States is filled with holiday magic.  No matter which holiday you want to celebrate, you can find a city that specializes in that event.

New York City is not just another vacation spot. It is a magical mystery place. You can take in a show at venues from Broadway to shop theaters. It’s hard to imagine taking a hike in a city this large, but the 843 acre Central Park (which was built by hand) offers just such an adventure. The things you can find to do in the Big Apple are limited only by your imagination (and maybe your pocketbook).

Fifth Avenue

You will find more than ordinary shopping to pass the time. Here you will find the Mecca of dolls in The American Girl Store. Visit the worlds of all the favorite characters, have a bite in the Boutique and Bistro, or enjoy a live musical.

Just up the street is a place everyone wants to play. Tom Hanks did it in the movie “Big” and now is your chance. FAO Schwarz will bring you into a special world that you might never be ready to leave. If you want to see the live animals instead of the stuffed, you need only walk a little farther.

Central Park Zoo has one of the longest histories, but has only recently become the jewel it is today. It was started all the way back in the 1860’s as a collection of donated animals. Today it is home to thousands of animals in natural habitats. The Tisch Children’s Zoo (which was only added in 1997) gives children the opportunity to get up close to some of the more gentle creatures.

Tours

If you want to see the Big Apple in a big way then take one of the many unique tours that is offered. Liberty Helicopter Tours will give you some of the most spectacular views of the city that you can imagine.

Everyone has to eat, but not everyone gets to eat like this. There are great tours that will take you on a taste of the town. Foods of New Your Tours, Inc. offers cultural walking tours and culinary experiences through several of historic New York Neighborhoods.

If you want to fly, but don’t want to take to the air then you might want to check out The Beast. This monster of a speed boat will give you a thrilling 30-minute ride will give you a quick look at (45 miles per hour) all the famous landmarks. After a quick stop near the Statue of Liberty (for a photo opportunity) you will be whipped back to shore. This tour gives you high-speed, great music, and is all about making waves.

Tradition Attractions (Experience them with a twist. These places can be more fun -and much less crowded - at unusual times. The guides will also be able to share more information with you when the crowd isn’t so large.)

Empire State Building - for an incredible view of New York at night, take a ride to the 102nd floor Observatory - after midnight. The last elevators go up at 1:15am. You will get the full experience of the twinkling lights and you just might be alone when you do it.

Statue of Liberty - Take the early shuttle over to this National monument. The peak seasons are June through September but visitor numbers are also high during holidays. If you want to do more than admire the outside, you will need to make a reservation to go inside. They are available through the ferry company with the purchase of a ferry ticket.

Ellis Island - another quick ferry ride from the Statue of Liberty and you will be at what became the nation’s premier federal immigration station. It stayed in operation until 1954 and over 12 million immigrants were processed through its system. You may be able to trace your own family history to Ellis Island. Over 40 percent of the American population can trace their roots to this spot.

New York has more sights, sounds and experiences than any one article can hold. It would take a life time to find them all. After taking a bite of the Big Apple, you may find that a life time here is just what you want.

This world is covered with amazingly diverse flora and fauna. Each region has a unique variety of similar plants or plants that are unique to that one area. If you appreciate beautiful flowers and magnificent plants, then a Flora Tour could be the perfect getaway for you.

If you aren’t up to the world travel just yet (or your budget doesn’t allow it) then start local. You can visit botanical gardens all over the United States. If you become a member at your local gardens then you may be able to visit many other ones for free or for a discount through reciprocal programs. Check with your local botanical gardens to find out for sure.

Another way to see amazing plants for little money is to go on local garden tours. Most plant societies hold national and regional tours of gardens that show off their specialties. You may be able to participate for a small fee if you are part of the general public, but some tours may require that you be a member of the society.

Around the world, tours of gardens are available. If you prefer your plants in the wild, there are some of these as well.

Costa Rica is rich in nature. There is an abundance of plant life - with over 9,000 species spread through out the country. You can travel with a tour group, or see the amazing landscape on your own.

The Central American country of Belize has been hard at work protecting its tropical forests. Here you will find over 3,000 species of vascular plants (a plant that has an internal water and food system). This country’s diversity of ecosystems means that you will have the chance to see a wide range of plants in a small area of land.

Sri Lanka has a huge show of orchids, trees, and medicinal plants. The different zones offer unique presentations (some specific to the country). Each area offers a performance - even the dry zone puts out a splash of color after a rain. Special tours can be arranged that will have you guided through the beauty by experts in their field.

There is so much to experience in the natural world. The next time you plan your vacation or getaway you need to remember the old saying about taking time to smell the roses. You may not see roses on a Flora Tour, but you will see more beauty than you could ever have imagined before.

Dallas, Texas is full of big southern hospitality and even bigger attractions. Whether you want to look, to hear, to see, or to participate, this great southern treasure has the event to fit your need.

Art

- Find all the sculptures on the sidewalks of Downtown. There are pieces from the 19th century as well as contemporary works. There is even a sculpture of a painter capturing Dallas on canvas.

- The Sculpture Garden offers more statures for your viewing. Through out the gardens and waterfalls are 20 statures from French masters. You can find this peaceful getaway at the base of Trammell Crow Center.

- If nature is your statue of choice, then you need to check out Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive - adjacent to the Dallas Convention Center. The bronze steers and cowboys are located on the actual Shawnee Trail from the 1850’s and is the largest bronze monument of its kinds.

- There is more nature in the Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture & Exhibit. You’ll find nine bronze mustangs splashing their way through the stone and granite plaza of Williams Square. There is also a film that shows the making of the sculpture and gives you some information about the mustangs.

- The Southern Methodist University has a wonderful collection from the Spanish masters. When you visit The Meadows Museum you can see these paintings, view the other special exhibitions, and visit the sculpture garden.

Sports

Dallas is packed with opportunities for sports fans of all varieties. Professional team events are available for basketball (The Dallas Mavericks), football (The Dallas Cowboys), baseball (The Texas Rangers), hockey (The Dallas Stars), soccer (FC Dallas) all offer games in or near the Dallas city limits. Of course there are high school events to help you through the week as well.

It wouldn’t be Texas without some horsing around. You can find live quarter horse racing, some of the best rodeo action of anywhere in the world, and horse shows of every make and fashion.

Some people prefer to be in the action instead of just watching it. This city opens up for the Dallas Wellstone’s Dallas White Rock Marathon and several other smaller runs as well.

Boston, Massachusetts is a city of first: first public library, first subway system, and first public school. It is also a city of history - from it’s founding in 1629 to its part in the American Revolution. Today Boston is ideal for visitors, thanks to its pedestrian friendly layout and its numerous attractions.

Another of Boston’s firsts is its St. Patrick’s Day celebration. In 1737, the custom of celebrating the sainted missionary Patrick came to town. It started with the wearing of shamrocks and had spread to green EVERYWHERE! More than a half-million people gather for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and numerous other events scheduled on and around the day will keep you busy (or make you green with envy if you can’t attend).

If you are into running and you want to test your skills then the Boston Marathon can provide the perfect test. It is the world’s oldest annual marathon and was started by John Graham back in 1897 with only 15 runners. In 2007, 20,000 runners completed the 26 mile run.

Boston is an amazing city to visit if history is your thing. You could spend weeks visiting the sites in around the city. The Freedom Trail is a walking tour of 16 of the historical sites in the area. It takes you from Colonial Boston through the Revolution. Walking through the streets and buildings can almost make you feel like you are walking back in time. Boston is the home of the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere, and JFK.

To get away from the city and enjoy a little piece of nature, take a trip out to the Boston Harbor Islands. The 30 islands spread across the harbor and can only be accessed by water. The beaches are sandy to cobblestone and swimming is permitted at Grape, Bumpkin, Lovells, and Peddocks islands. These islands are excellent for birding, hiking or just finding a quiet spot to relax.

The true baseball enthusiast must take a peek at Fenway Park. This is the oldest major league ballpark still in use today. It began its reign as home for the Boston Red Sox in 1912 and is still much the same ballpark today that it was back then. Tours are available or take in a game to get a real feel for the park.

Boston is a great city – no matter what you are looking to do. It is rich in culture, steeped in history, and full of blarney.

When you think of the beach, you probably picture glistening oceans and LOTS of tourists. Thinking outside the vacation box will require that you be willing to look for your beach experience in unusual locations. For a more intimate experience, you should try going inland to get your fix for the sandy life.

Anywhere there is a large body of water, people gather for recreation. Some of the bodies are larger than others and offer more opportunities. The Great Lakes Region has large waves, great fishing, and even some sandy beaches for you to enjoy – all with out the annoyance of the salt. The lakes are so large that the waves rolling into shore will remind you of the best ocean beach you have ever been on.

The southern part of the United States has its share of fine lake retreats. Lake Guntersville, located in Alabama, is ranked as one of the top sportsman’s lakes in the United States. The fishing has drawn several tournaments to the area, including a Bass Master’s. Although it is a man-made lake (created by a dam on the Tennessee River), it remains the same level within a few inches no mater what the weather around it.

The west is definitely not going to be out done when it comes to freshwater retreats. Many people think of Lake Tahoe as a skier’s paradise. While this may be true for part of the year, during the warmer months the water sports take over the community. If you’ve always wanted to scuba dive but never wanted to brave the ocean creatures then you have found your spot. The crystal clear waters are perfect for enjoying an underwater adventure.

If you really want to get away and enjoy your freshwater vacation then choose one of the many smaller lakes that dot the country. Private vacation rentals can give you the luxury you desire coupled with seclusion that you didn’t even know you wanted. Just settle in on the water and enjoy the lull of the small waves lapping against the shore line.

Freshwater vacations can offer many of the same benefits that you can get from the ocean. There are beautiful mountain lakes and man-made wonders all through out the United States. You can parasail on some of the larger lakes, windsurf on almost any of the lakes with enough water to take a boat, and with a little luck you can find a sandy location far from the chaos of the tourist infested beaches by the ocean.

If you are looking for something to do for the week, or the weekend, or just the day then Los Angeles has something to offer. There are plenty of “traditional” tourists’ sites that you can visit, or you can reach into the history and culture of this 16th century settlement and find some gems that you might not expect.

What to Eat
Don’t stick to the well know - try something unique and unexpected.

• The Oinkster offers traditional deli foods with a gourmet twist. Don’t expect your meal fast, but do expect it to be good. This remodeled 1950’s Dairy Queen is bringing a new life to American fast food.

• If you are really ready to take the plunge then experience dining in a way you have never before - in complete darkness. The Opaque offers meals in a pitch black dining room served by blind servers who guide you through the experience.

Where To Stay
If you are looking for normal and simple, then Los Angeles is probably not the best place to start. It is all about glitz, glamour, and flash.

• The Standard hotel definitely follows these trends. The rooms are extraordinary - as is most everything about this hotel.

• For something more classical, try the Hotel Angeleno. It has a casual luxury that anyone would appreciate.

What to Do
Los Angeles is known for its star power, but the trees have their place as well.

• Debs Park Audubon Center is located within the 300 acre city park. Here you can take bird watching hikes, free tai chi classes, or just tour the eco-friendly facilities.

• While you are out visiting nature, take a trip to the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens. It’s a great place to see it all and a whole lot more.

• More is also what you get at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. There are hands-on entertainment for kids and grown-ups alike. You can also catch special exhibitions that are known the world over.

• Take your television experience to a new height by requesting tickets to be part of the live audience. CBS Television City offers tapings for shows on a first-come, first-served basis (writing in advanced will allow you to reserve tickets to guarantee your place in history). You and also claim your fame by competing on a fame show. The bubblier your personality the better your chances.

Los Angeles has more to offer than the hunt for the latest super star. With a little research you will be able find the places that even the locals haven’t yet discovered.