By Valerie Moloney
For some of us, nothing strikes more fear than parading around in a swimsuit — in public. Add a water park to the mix, and that’s downright fearless. (more…)
Articles for July, 2011
Wet and wild: America’s top water parks
Thursday, July 28th, 2011Ranches and rodeos: Saddle up for a Dallas vacation
Tuesday, July 26th, 2011
Stockyard parade at Fort Worth Stockyards, home of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Credit: Woody H1.
By Derek Brown
You don’t have to don a 10-gallon hat or drawl to appreciate the Big D. Wannabe cowboys and cowgirls can carve out their own piece of Texas via rodeos and Western adventures. So here are 5 ways to experience the ultimate Dallas vacation, and don’t forget to sample the local ‘cue. (more…)
Refreshing summer adventures in Asheville, N.C.
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
Try whitewater rafting in North Carolina. Credit: chrishusein.
By Derek Brown
Mosquitoes and humidity come to mind when I recall summer camp, but I didn’t have the fortune of growing up in Asheville, N.C. Tucked into the Appalachian Mountains, this Western North Carolina town is active and only a short drive to adventure and full of history. When the mercury rises, the chilly mountain waters and outdoor adventures are natural magnets for explorers like me. (more…)
3 days of baseball, brats and beers
Tuesday, July 19th, 2011
U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. Credit: FaceMePls.
By Derek Brown
Play ball! The boys of summer might be all there’s to watch in August if the football lockout continues. Grab your glove and head out on this tour of 3 Midwest baseball stadiums in 3 days and watch 6 teams play in these cities known for brats and beers. (more…)
Child’s play: 5 kid-friendly attractions in Portland
Thursday, July 14th, 2011
Discover a youthful Portland. Credit: Travel Portland.
By Derek Brown
Through the eyes of a child, Portland is a city teeming with opportunities for exploration. So round up your little Lewis and Clark and experience all the City of Roses has to offer: museums, fountains and an aerial tram. Here are 5-kid friendly attractions in Portland. (more…)
Foodie finds: 3 stellar New York City organic eateries
Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Farm fresh produce for a healthy summer meal. Credit: NatalieMaynor.
By Derek Brown
I can still smell the fresh street fair food from my weekend trip to New York City. Grilled summer corn, fresh fruit carts and lots of greasy deliciousness are summer scents that are hard to resist, but I managed to just enjoy the aroma. It’s a good thing, too. There are so many chefs creating amazing meals with the freshest ingredients right from the farm. Here are 3 New York City restaurants where the focus is on healthy, sustainable and delicious dining. (more…)
5 new muscular roller coasters for 2011
Thursday, July 7th, 2011
Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
By Derek Brown
Stomach turning, scream inducing and heart racing roller coaster rides are as much of a summer tradition as barbecues and beaches. Every year there’s a race to build faster, more exhilarating and technologically-advanced rides. From coast to coast, 2011 is no exception. (more…)
Summer vacation in Bald Head Island, NC
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
By Derek Brown
Bald Head Island, NC is an escape to tranquility and ocean breezes. There are no cars just golf carts and bikes. The island is at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and is steeped in naval history, including the Revolutionary War, Civil War and sunken ships. Golf, tennis and beach walks are popular activities. The more active set will enjoy fishing, stand up paddling (SUP) and even kite surfing. In addition, it is a favorite destination for sea turtles to lay eggs.
Bald Head Island is accessible by a ferry from Southport, N.C., a short drive from Wilmington.
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Derek Brown, a member of the Orbitz editorial team, just returned from vacation in Bald Head Island, N.C. He’s off to New York City this weekend.