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Archive for the ‘Real Estate’ Category

Breathtaking Views over Newport Beach Coastline

Saturday, December 5, 2009@ 6:14 PM
Author: Frank Stevens

Breathtaking Views over Newport Beach Coastline

More and more people are moving to the Newport Beach for its quality of life and affordable homes now available in the market. The city has a lot of affordable options from the suburbs to golf course and beachside living which makes the city attractive for home buyers, investors and businesses alike. With a moderate cost of living and perfect climate throughout the year, you’ll find activities, entertainment and housing options to fit your lifestyle

Now close to the holiday, if you are looking for that unique experience or gift idea, look no further than a hot air balloon ride overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In Newport Beach, early morning commuters get a chance to view the beauty of the balloons on the horizon. These hot air balloon rides allow you to soar peacefully over the beautiful scenery of Newport Beach.

Hot air balloon rides can be enjoyed year-round. Typically, the flight is 60 to 90 minutes in length normally begin around sunrise. Some companies do offer sunset flights as well. Depending on the weather and time of the year, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothing with closed toed walking shoes and casual pants or shorts. It might be chilly in the early morning, but it will be warmer in the balloon. The balloons soar as high as 500 to 1500 feet above the ground.

The entire experience usually takes from 3 to 5 hours and will be a memorable adventure. You’ll enjoy a relaxing ride guides by your experienced pilot who will be happy to point out the highlights of the area. Unwind and enjoy the beautiful oceans views and miles of coastlines. Depending on your package, you have the option to enjoy a champagne send off before you depart or after you return. Or, have a gourmet champagne lunch served aboard.

Many companies offer a brunch after your flight as well. Your favorite music can also be incorporated into the flight. Since this is an activity you can enjoy year-round, a ride with someone special on Valentine’s Day would be a romantic alternative to dinner and flowers. Anniversaries are also a nice way to commemorate your special day. For the person who has everything, this would make a nice birthday gift. Or, turn your next company event into an unforgettable experience.

You can book a private flight for 2 or join a group of up to 16 passengers on some of the larger balloons. If you are planning for an early ride, local overnight stays are encouraged. The Newport Beach Hotel or the Balboa Bay Club & Resort are nice options for accommodations.

Newport Beach is a city full of vitality and energy. A hot air balloon ride over Newport Beach is an experience you will remember for a lifetime!

Atlanta, a City of Diversity

Sunday, November 15, 2009@ 5:11 PM
Author: Frank Stevens

Atlanta, a City of Diversity

The attractions in Atlanta are as diverse as the people that live and visit here. There are plenty of things to do, sightseeing, and attractions that will allow you to experience everything that this exciting city has to offer.

One tip is to purchase the City Pass. The Atlanta City Pass allows you to visit six major attractions for one low price. The pass includes tickets to visit the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca Cola, Atlanta Zoo, Inside CNN Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Atlanta History Center. A booklet comes with your pass that provides transportation and attraction directions. It also includes which best times to visit, a map and some expert advice on where to find the best Atlanta has to offer.

The Georgia Aquarium is a perfect place to visit with family and friends. The aquarium is the world’s largest with over 8 million gallons of water. Both entertaining and educational, the aquariums mission is to instill in visitors a new appreciation of life in our oceans. Visitors will walk under and alongside sharks and marvel at the size of the beluga whales and giant Pacific octopus. You will also spot some African penguins, California sea lions and other marine mammals of all shapes and sizes.

Be sure to stop by The World of Coca Cola at Pemberton Place. With over 60,000 square feet to explore, learn about Coca Cola’s complete story. The exhibit includes a 4-D movie and you’ll be able to watch a full functioning bottling line. And best of all, you get to an opportunity to sample over 60 products from around the world.

If you are a civil war enthusiast, take a journey to Old South by visiting the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum. Here you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Battle of Atlanta, fought on July 22, 1864 during the American Civil War. The museum also includes artifacts such as a steam locomotive known as the Texas. The main exhibit it the Cyclorama Painting. It’s 32 feet tall and is said to be the largest painting in the world. Visitors will enjoy a presentation that includes narration.

For the NASCAR enthusiast, Atlanta Motor Speedway is sure to please. The speedway has a slogan “Where the fast go faster” and there are plenty of events throughout the year to enjoy. Some upcoming major events for March 2010 are the Georgia Power Qualifying Night, the Atlanta 200 and Kobalt Tool 500, NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series which brings all the stars of NASCAR.

Atlanta is a city of great diversity. The many museums, theaters and historic landmarks will keep visitors and residents alike busy all year round. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, want to experience the thrill of NASCAR, or you want to take in the arts and culture first-hand, Atlanta has something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Affordable Nashville

Sunday, November 15, 2009@ 4:50 PM
Author: Frank Stevens

Affordable Nashville

If you are planning on make a move to Nashville or are just visiting, there are plenty of attractions and affordable things to do and see. You don’t have to venture too far to find interesting destinations. A trip to Nashville doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of attractions and affordable things to do and see.

If you enjoy the outdoors, Nashville has plenty of parks Radnor Lake State Natural Area offers hikes, canoe floats, and specialty events each month. Warner Park Nature Center is an excellent place for hikes and nature programs for all ages. They offer a wide range of environmental education programs and school field trips. They also serve as a resource for organic gardening and native plant landscaping.

There are plenty of Nashville attractions to see for ten dollars or less. The Tennessee State Capitol building tour is free to the public. The majestic Tennessee State Capitol, completed in 1859, was one of the most magnificent public buildings of its time. The Capitol, still in use by state government, features numerous works of art, historical murals and frescos. The grounds include the tomb of President and Mrs. James K. Polk, the famous equestrian statue of President Andrew “Old Hickory” Jackson. Another great place to visit is Nashville’s Farmers Market is within sight of the capitol building, and is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you are looking to buy local produce, this is one of the finest places in the city for fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, they have seafood, plants and international foods available.

To learn about Nashville’s rich history, there are a few places that are a must. The Hermitage Mansion Museum, home of Andrew Jackson, our 7th President of the United States, is a beautifully preserved piece of history. The tour will walk you through this magnificent estate, gardens he and his wife kept, log farmhouse, and the outer buildings that supported the mansion that are still perfectly preserved today. Another great stop is the Belle Meade Plantation. They have an affordable guided tour led by a knowledgeable tour guide garbed in 19th Century outfits. Highlights from the tour are the plantation house built in 1853 Victorian inspired Mansion, the 1890 Carriage house and stable and 1790 Log Cabin known as the old building in Tennessee.

For those who want to experience a little culture, there are plenty of museums and art galleries to choose from. The Parthenon at Centennial Park is not only an incredible replica of the Parthenon in Greece, but is houses a permanent art collection and visiting exhibits for the city of Nashville. An art gallery that features artists like Cezanne and Picasso is the Van Vetchen Art Gallery. The well-organized gallery houses the Alfred Stieglitz Collection of Modern Art. The building was constructed in 1888 as a gymnasium and rededicated in 1949 to the memory of Carl Van Vechten, a New York critic and art collector who encouraged Georgia O’Keeffe to give Fisk University part of the art collection of her late husband, Alfred Stieglitz.

There is no shortage of affordable things to do in Nashville. From parks to museums, historical sites and music, or whatever your interests are, you are sure to find something that appeals to you.

Scottsdale Salutes Its Veterans

Sunday, November 15, 2009@ 4:41 PM
Author: Frank Stevens

Scottsdale Salutes Its Veterans

Scottsdale is a city full of rich history from its early beginnings. Those thinking of visiting or moving to Scottsdale will appreciate the cities commitment to honor our Veterans. The city, along with all other cities in the US will be celebrating Veterans Day this month and there are many ways that the city will show its appreciation.

It was President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 who proclaimed Veterans Day observation. It was originally known as Armistice Day and became a legal federal holiday in 1938. Due to President Eisenhower, it became known as Veterans Day so that, “a grateful Nation might pay appropriate homage to the Veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this Nation”.

There are plenty of Veterans Day events in Scottsdale and in the surrounding cities. Scottsdale will be commemorating 20 years since the Arizona Army National Guard helped the city bring the French Merci Boxcar to the park under the volunteer leadership of the late Zina Kuhn, who also began the annual tribute to veterans. The boxcar is a symbol of Europe’s gratitude to the U.S. in the aftermath of World War II.

Scottsdale is home to 4,000 veterans and the city of Scottsdale will join with local veterans groups and the Scottsdale Public Art Program to dedicate a heroic-scale statue honoring Scottsdale veterans. The Chaplain, by Scottsdale artist Austin Deuel, depicts a World War 1 chaplain and is being installed on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. The 5th Annual Veterans Day Parade includes floats and music, plus a flyover. At McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park there will be a memorial that includes dignitaries, guest speakers and live performances. Scottsdale Community Colleges will hold a Veterans Day Appreciation program where they will be dedicating a Veterans Lounge in the Student Center cafeteria.

In honor of our Veterans, several attractions in Scottsdale have extended discounts. Some restaurant chains conducting food giveaways to veterans and active duty personnel are Applebee’s, Outback Steakhouse and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Sassi’s Free Meals for Veterans Sassi will provide a three-course dinner comprised of any three offerings from its menu such as a spuntini of wood-grilled shrimp with prosciutto, an antipasti of Roman-style meatballs and an entrée of manicotti with four Italian cheeses or organic chicken breast with chicken sausage, in addition to non-alcoholic drinks. All U.S. veterans and active duty military with proof of current or former military service will eat free. Home Depot and Lowes are offering a 10% discount to all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members.

It’s important to Scottsdale to show it’s appreciation to the men and women who have served and are serving our country. Veterans Day is a day to come and show respect and support for those who have fought, died, been captured or are missing in action in the cause of peace and freedom.