SURVEY: What is your favorite vacation spot or activity?

Back to Basics and Communing with Nature

Northern California – from San Francisco to  Yosemite National park with whitewater rafting on the Merced River and the wine country in between: 

“San Fran is a unique & fun city to visit, drive a few hours to Yosemite National Park with many interesting stops along the way if desired; luxury hotels to rugged campground in or near Yosemite which is filled with beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, interesting shops & exhibits.  The whitewater rafting was an exhiliarating lifetime experience for anyone from teens to seniors.  It was an awesome family trip last May (2007) & we’re going again (from Minnesota) later this month.”

Iowa : 

“I know it sounds silly, but in late hot and humid July there is an incredible bicycle ride across the state of Iowa. RAGBRAI is a seven day event with 10,000 + people from all over the U.S. and other countries who ride their bikes, stopping as often as they wish to enjoy plenty of  Iowa hospitality offered in each small town (and I mean small). Sleeping in tents or neighbor houses (rented out just for RAGBRAI), finding a shower (offered in schools, gyms or temporary trailers along the streets), and discovering Iowa home cooking are all a part of the daily routine. Believe me there is nothing “routine” about it!  Music, drink and just plain fun abound the entire week for an event that is survival at its finest!” 

Colonial Williamsburg:

"By far and away, our favorite place to go is Colonial Williamsburg.  The Restored Area is a step back in time.  Depending on the season, it can be very relaxing but any time it is educational and inspiring.  The programs make you think, especially in this heated election year, about the principles on which our country was founded and inspire you as you understand what this freedom cost. 

"Besides the education on a political/historical level, there's the demonstration of many crafts and a chance to see rare breed animals whose pedigrees go back to Colonial times and beyond.

"Beyond the Restored Area, there's Busch Gardens for the thrill seekers and lots and lots of shopping. Or if it's summer, there's the water park with it's gigantic slide.

"Just down the street so to speak is Jamestown and Yorktown, two historic areas valuable in their own right.

"You can take a cruise on the river, visit an excellent air and space museum in Norfolk, or take a little side trip to Virginia Beach to walk on the sand and look at the Atlantic.  (The Aquarium in Virginia Beach is still in development stages though and is very small)."

Mackinac Island , Michigan :

"My favorite vacation spot has been Mackinac Island, Michigan.  It is really a place that is almost frozen in time.  No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island and you have to get over to the island by ferry or hydroplane.  You can rent bicycles and ride around the 8 mile perimeter of the island.  It is the site of the Grand Hotel, a famous resort hotel that was featured a number of years ago in the movie "Somewhere In Time".  It is also famous for the many shops that make homemade fudge.  Most of the village is historic and is also the site of a historic fort."