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5 Great Restaurants on Siesta Key, Florida

Siesta Key is a gorgeous barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. People flock to the island every year because they love the very relaxed, bohemian, old Florida beach feel. Siesta Key beach is known for its white sand that is 99 percent quartz. Even on hot summer days the sand feels cool and refreshing on under your feet. Other exciting activities include fishing, walking the beach, swimming, snorkeling, boating, jet skiing, parasailing and dining out.

Here are 5 great restaurants that I enjoy on Siesta Key:

1. Anna’s Deli and Sandwich Shop – 217 Avenida Madera, 941-349-7790 & 6535 Midnight Pass Road, 941-349-4888.

Anna’s has been around since 1971. I love their sandwiches. My favorite sandwich is the Surfer. It is made up of ham, turkey, swiss, cucumber and Anna’s famous sauce. If you are looking for a casual and affordable place give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.

2. The Broken Egg – 140 Avenida Messina, 941-346-2750

I took some clients to the Broken Egg a few weeks ago and they loved it. Established in 1984 the Broken Egg has been an island tradition for many years. It is really popular as a breakfast and lunch spot in the Siesta Key village. A few of the items they serve for breakfast is deep dish quiche du jour, norwegian smoked salmon & bagel and mexican skillet. A few weeks ago I ate the smoked salmon and bagel and it was scrumptious. For lunch you can always order the Dickie V Burger named after one a frequent customer Dick Vitale.

3. Daiquiri Deck – 5250 Ocean Boulevard, 941-349-8697

Here is another popular dining and drinking destination on Siesta Key. It is a great place to enjoy a casual meal or some cocktails in your bathing suit. Located in the middle of the village this place is always happening. People from every age group can enjoy this fun restaurant. A few of their dishes include raw oysters, caribbean chicken cobb salad, mahi-mahi wrap, snapper wrapper, pepper-crusted tuna and coconut crusted tilapia. If you are looking for a relaxed, fun and outdoor place to eat try the Daiquiri Deck.

4. Midnight Pass Pub Restaurant – 8865 Midnight Pass Road, 941-349-2280

Located on the south end of Siesta Key this restaurant offers a good casual dining experience. It is right across the street from Turtle beach so you are likely to see people sandy and in their bathing suits. I took some clients to eat there recently and they loved the grouper salad. Since it is located on the south end of the island and away from Siesta Key village is a little quieter. Yet, it is still a great place to eat.

5. Ophelia’s on the Bay – 9105 Midnight Pass Road, 941-349-2212

If you want to impress someone take them to Ophelia’s on the Bay. This is one of the nicest restaurants in Sarasota. Located on the south end of Siesta Key and directly on the bay it provides a fabulous dining experience while you overlook the gorgeous views of the Sarasota bay. Ophelia’s is now in its 22nd season. It has an old Florida feel, without glitz, just a grand view of an unfettered sweep of water, mangroves, seabirds, and an occasional boat or dolphin gliding by. The restaurant is known for its evolving American cuisine style that is creatively combined with other world cuisines. Combining fresh seafood and fine meats with Florida grown produce, Ophelia’s offers a menu with a New World flare that changes frequently.

I have eaten at all of these Siesta Key restaurants and recommend them. They are all unique in their own way and I don’t think you will be disappointed. If you are visiting Siesta Key, Florida give them a try.

European Ski Packages: The Best Of The Best From Elite Luxury Travel

Experience the excitement and romance of the Alps with the best ski resorts and five-star hotels in Europe.  Elite Luxury Travel offers unparalleled vacation opportunities with their Elite Ski Packages that will take you the world-class alpine slopes of the unforgettable Bavarian, Swiss and Austrian Alps.  

Ski the Zugspitze in Germany

Nestled in the heart of Germany’s winter sports capital, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the Alpenhof Murnau, currently offering the SKI THE ZUGSPITZE package available from January 2 – March 31, 2010.  The Alpenhof Murnau in all of its Bavarian charm is well blanketed in pure, natural snow nestled in the shadows of the towering Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak.

The SKI THE ZUGSPITZE package includes 5 nights accommodation, Happy Ski Card for 3 days, 3-course dinner at Hofmann’s nightly, full daily breakfast buffet, and complimentary entrance to Yavanna Wellness & Spa. Rates for this very special package start at $1,116 per person double occupancy, and for more fun additional nights are available for just $194.  

March Ski Package in Austria

Thinking of an Austrian holiday this March?  The Thurnhers Alpenhof is offering a very limited Firn & Sunny Days package from March 13 – 26, 2010.  Family owned and run for more than 35 years, the Thurnhers Alpenhof luxury ski resort opens its doors each winter to travelers who come to explore the snow-covered wonderland of Zürs, Austria.

The Firn & Sunny Days package includes 7 nights accommodation with Gourmet half board, Firn and/or deep-snow skiing with a guide, one 25-minute massage, a 6-day Arlberg ski pass excursions to the prettiest ski huts in Arlberg.  Rates start at 3,600 Euros (or $5,100) for a double room.

Easter Ski Break in Switzerland

Switzerland’s Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz is calling for this Easter’s Ski Break.  Commonly called the “cradle of winter sports”, St. Moritz was the first to promote itself as a winter destination back in the late 19th century, playing host to the winter Olympic Games of 1928 and 1948, and continues today to be the playground for Hollywood stars and royalty.

The Kulm Hotel is offering this 4 night package April 1-5, 2010.  This package includes a lavish breakfast buffet and a 6-course dinner menu daily at the elegant Grand Restaurant, a 3-day regional ski pass for the entire Upper Engadin ski region, transfers from the hotel to the Corviglia train station and return.  Also included for your relaxation is one regenerating sea salt bath of your choice and unlimited access to the Panorama Spa and Health Club that includes complimentary participation in the weekly fitness program.  Rates start at CHF 1,520 ($1,458) per room for this entire package.

Ten Beautiful Places To Visit In Russia

Russia, or now more commonly known as Russian Federation, can be found in Eastern Europe. It is a country filled with rich history and culture as well as wonderful and beautiful places to visit. Here are some of the beautiful places that the great country of Russia has to offer.

1.) Red Square of Moscow

A visit to Russia deserves a visit to the Red Square. This is a popular tourist destination in this country. Here, you will find the famous St. Basil’s Cathedral as well as the State History Museum, and if these are not enough, you will also see here the Mausoleum of Lenin.

2.) Lenin Mausoleum

Of course, you should always visit the Lenin Mausoleum. In this great place, you will see the embalmed body of the great Lenin. Word of caution though, photo taking as well as cell phones are not allowed inside the mausoleum, and also, you have to leave your bags in the mausoleum’s baggage office.

3.) The Kremlin

A visit to Russia is never complete without a visit to the Kremlin. Do not forget to see here the Diamond collection. It will also be a great experience to get to see a performance like a ballet in the Conference Center.

4.) Old Arbat Street

If you are looking for souvenirs, then the Old Arbat Street is a must-go-to place. You will see here lots of shops where you can buy your souvenirs. There are also many restaurants here and cafes if you get hungry strolling along the old street.

5.) Tretyakov Gallery

This gallery houses mostly Russian artworks. It is also recognized as one of the world’s best museums. The gallery boasts of its collections of artworks made by famous Russian artists.

6.) New Arbat Street

A walking distance from the Old Arbat Street, this is more modern and trendier than the former street. This is also the place where well-off Russians go to shop and eat since it contains expensive stores and expensive restaurants as well. The nightlife here is also very lively, so partying in one of its nightclubs is a must.

7.) Tverskaya Street

Considered as the fashionable street of Russia, you will also find here expensive boutiques as well as restaurants and cafes that are frequented by locals as well as foreigners alike. You will also find here expensive hotels as well as theaters. This is a nice place if you want to spend a leisurely walk in the streets of Russia as you get to see some beautiful buildings as well as experience firsthand the busy lives of Russians.

8.) Gorky Park

This is obviously the most famous park in all of Moscow. Here, you will definitely enjoy the rides in the theme park as well as take a leisurely walk along the park’s charming pond. During wintertime, you will see here competitions in ice sculpting as well as people skiing across the frozen pond.

9.) The Hermitage Museum

This is a popular tourist destination that is located in Saint Petersburg and is also the main attraction of this city. If you are an art lover, then this is definitely a place that you must visit as it is home to some of the world-famous artists’ paintings – artists like Da Vinci and Rembrandt as well as Michelangelo and a lot more. Here, you have the option of getting a guided tour (where you will get to listen more about the history of the artworks as well as the artists themselves) or not.

10.) Peter and Paul Fortress

If you know the history of the Romanovs, then you will surely love this place. This is the resting place of the Romanov Czars. You should also see the church, which is also a tourist attraction.

perisher blue 2008 snow boarding

some fun at the snow

Ski Boats

When wanting to buy a boat you have to know exactly what you want to buy it for. What will be the ultimate purpose when using it? A lake boat for instance won’t be good in salt water. A ski boat won’t do for fishing or cruising. So before choosing a ski boat you have to be sure that that’s what you want to use it for. These kinds of boats are specially manufactured so they can drag a water skier who is attached to a rope tied to the front of the drive motor. They have a high horsepower and very good acceleration. They have to have a very good trick-system, easy and safe maneuverability. A ski boat is tested by Water-ski Committee. There are a few rules that need to be followed when practicing this hobby. These boats have to be driven in deep water, starting five-six feet in depth, away from any obstacles. The ski-jet has to be well equipped. When purchasing this type of boat you need to consult a specialist. You can find cheap ski-jets and find out that they have no accessories attached. So be careful with the cheap ones. A well equipped ski boat has to have  an under floor fuel tank, a sounder, very important, a GPS that will guide you through your way, a marine radio, a ski sole, a bait board, a boat cover, ballast tanks, mirrors, an automatic fire extinguisher. It has to drive and turn easily. Of course the seating are also a major criteria while choosing a ski boat. You have to be comfortable and enjoy the ride, not get all kinds of aches from the bad seats. If you buy this kind of ski boat you’ll have to take over 200,000 dollars out of you pocket.
If you are not a big amateur of adrenaline, you could go for the cheaper ones, which are not very well equipped, but also won’t drive very fast and won’t allow you to make very impressive tricks. These are ideal if you like to chill and work out while doing it. Doesn’t matter on what side of the boat you are, supposing you won’t buy a ski boat just to drive it.
You can choose between sizes from under 20 feet, up to over 40. You can find inflatable ones as well as racing ones. These cost between 2500 dollars (the smallest inflatable kind) and 300,000 dollars (a 40 feet long boat, well equipped).
Brands like Calabria, Lewis, Viking, Monza, Javelin, Millenium and many others are brands that made a name during time due to the competitions and ski tournaments that placed them in the top. You can also order custom-made <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.squidoo.com/ski-boats”>ski boats</a>; these will cost you more though.

6 Places for a Great Holiday in Turkey

Turkey is a great place to go in the summer. The holiday destinations have everything you need for a great vacation. The weather is almost always perfect with sun the whole day. The beaches are great and the parties are going on all night. Finally the Turkeys kitchen is very good.

If you are the relaxing type, you can spend the whole day at one of the many great beaches. Here you can play beach volleyball or try one of the many water activities like: parasailing, jet skiing or the banana boat.

You can also have an active holiday with trekking in the mountains. Ravine climbing and mountain climbing are also getting very popular. If you like the water more, you can try rafting or sea kayaking. Diving is also a possibility.

Alanya is without doubt the most popular holiday destination in Turkey, with 10 % of all Turkey tourists staying here. The city does also have nice beaches and some interesting sights. The most popular is the 250 meter (820 feet) castle hill, which divides the two beaches. From the top you can see Alanya and the surrounding country.

The Water Planet Aquapark is one of Turkeys largest water parks; and a great place for kids. Here they can try everything from water slides and rafting to bungee jumping and crazy golf. After some branded goods shopping (both real and fake) in Alanya, you can finish your day in the many discos and bars.

Antalya is not like the other holiday destinations, which has developed from a small fisher village to a holiday destination. With its 500,000 residents you will see more locals than tourists. So a visit to Antalya will give you a better look at the real Turkey.

Because of the size of Antalya you find a lot of shopping centers, shopping streets and bazaars. But the city does also have many interesting sight; especially from the Roman Empire. Most of them are in the old town Kaleici, where you also can see old women preparing the dinner while their men are playing dominoes.

Belek is the number one golf destination in Turkey. In the area around the city there are eight golf courses; and many more are being built. It has been so popular to play golf in Belek that it can be necessary to book months ahead in the high season.

Belek is also a great destination even though you not play golf. The nature is fantastic and silence is incredible compared to the lively destinations like Side and Alanya. If you love bird, Belek will also seem like a paradise to you. And you can still find both shopping and water parks.

Kemer might have the most beautiful location in Turkey. Surrounded by the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains is this special place. The city does have a unique mix of the real Turkey and a modern holiday village. The city has an elegant marina, beautiful beach promenades and lively pedestrian streets.

For some sightseeing you can visit the ruins of Phaselis; the winter location for Alexander the Great. Another great place (especially for the kids) is the 55,000 m2 Moonlight Park in the middle of Kemer. Here you find a playground, restaurants, bars, discos; and even a dolphinarium

Like many other holiday destinations Kusadasi was originally a small fisher village. Today you find great Turkey food and a quieter nightlife with only a small bar street.

There is an international feeling in the city because of the many cruise ships; most of them come to see the famous sight Efesos (also called Efesus) near Kusadasi. So if you like smart cafes and international clothing brands, Kusadasi is the city for you.

If you are looking for a romantic holiday destination, Side might be the answer. In the old town you can see many Roman building. Do also walk a little away from the main street and take stroll among the well-preserved wood and stone houses in the quieter streets. Finish the day in the city theater, where concerts and theater has replaced the gladiator fights.

Side does also have a wild nightlife. You can even combine culture with pleasure in one of the most popular bars in the city; placed among the ruins of two 2nd century temples. For sun bathing Side has two beaches; the quit east beach and the livelier (and kid friendly) west beach.

Baxter House EPK

Punk/Rock/Pop band from Los Angeles, CA. Signed to SYNHERGY RECORDS. New album "ANOTHER PLATINUM DISC ON THE WALL" coming in June 2009 on itunes, Amazon, Napster, and more. Visit myspace.com/baxterhouse or synhergyentertainment.com for more information.

Buy Snowboard Bindings

The sport of snowboarding is a growing sport hence the huge range of snowboard brands available. There are hundreds of brands that sell snowboards and the related gear and hardware. This fast increase in snowboard gear is down to the fondness for the sport at the Olympics and many intense sporting events. This paper will list some good snowboard brands and some things to watch out for before getting a board or other related gear.

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Renting Before Purchase

Most likely the simplest way to choose your snowboard is to try before you purchase.

You can get pretty much anything you want but the most important costing gear, apropos snow-boarding is the board. You can then test out assorted boards and get an understanding of the type of board that is best for you and even the brand.

Other boards, made for the half pipe, are shorter. Some boards are made for speed and will have less of a curved edge and may be longer. Again if you are a noob, you almost certainly do not have to fret about this too much. The main thing is to get an all mountain board primarily based on your weight and height. Men’s boards are different to girls’s vis length. They will also have different designs but there is nothing stopping either sex from employing the others boards. Youngsters also have different boards based primarily on their size.

Some Common Snowboard Brands

Some of the common snowboard brands are Burton, Rome, Flow, K2, Arbor, Salomon, Rossignol, Elan, Nidecker and GNU.

If you’re looking for all mountain boarding then you can’t go past snowboards like Rome Anthem, Flow Team, Arbor element and lots of the Burton snowboards. They are popular for both experienced and newb because they will be able to be utilized in most environments.
For the top snowboard brands, you can expect to pay up to $500 to $1000. The dear boards are sometimes highly specialized boards that are made for tight turns or speed riding. These kinds of boards will generally get cheaper at the end of the snow season. You’ll find an enormous selection of boards online these days. It is commonly hard to buy a board online because you want to touch and feel it so it’s a smart idea to try out the board you are thinking about buying first. Either hire one or one that is of an analogous dimension and riding style.
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Favorite Orlando Water Park

Orlando Water Parks-What Is Your Favorite

With summer right around the corner, and school getting ready to get out. Many people head to Water Parks to cool off.. 

Well Orlando has four of the best Water Parks in the world with: Wet ‘N Wild, SeaWorld Aquatica, Disney Typhoon Lagoon & Disney Blizzard Beach.. 

What would be your favorite if you had to pick one…Maybe you haven’t been to Orlando before and are planning a trip. What would be the one that you are most looking forward to visiting? 

Walt Disney World legend has it that after a freak winter storm blanketed the area with snow, Florida’s first ski resort was born. When temperatures returned to normal, the powdery snow turned to slippery slush. Slalom courses, bobsled and toboggan runs became downhill waterslides. The chair lift carried swimmers instead of skiers. The ski jump became the tallest, fastest water slide in the nation. You are invited to what has become Disney’s Blizzard Beach, the most slushy, slippery, exhilarating water park anywhere!

Imagine yourself plunging down one of the world’s tallest, fastest free-fall speed slides at a dizzying 55 mph – in a snowy winter playground smack in the middle of sunny Florida. Sound like a cool idea? It’s only one of 22 water slides and bobsled runs at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, the largest of the Walt Disney World®Water Parks. Special areas for pre-teens and toddlers, and a one-acre wave pool are just a few of the many “snow-capped” amenities found in this ski resort.

The Lagoon homes the largest man made watershed mountain, Mt. May Day. Sitting on top of Mt. May Day is Miss Tilly, an old shrimp boat that was brought from Safen Sound, Florida. Miss Tilly erupts every half hour causing a 50-foot flume of water to spray out the boats smokestack.Whether you want to spend the day going down water slide after water slide or just sit back and relax in a lounge chair on the beach, there is plenty of fun stuff to do to keep adults and kids of all ages happy and busy for the entire day.

Typhoon Lagoon is also the place to see one of the largest wave pools in the US. The pool has an area of 2.5 acres and holds 2.75 million gallons of water. The pool has been surrounded with a white sand beach for relaxing and catching some sun. The wave pool produces 4-foot waves every 90 seconds that you can body surf on or just try to make it over. There is a tropical setting throughout the park which includes, palm trees, tropical flowers, and tropical noises.

Rising up in Orlando is a whimsical, one-of-a-kind water park only SeaWorld could create. Aquatica blends up close animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrillsand wide, sandy beaches.

“SeaWorld is famous for immersing guests in the mystery of the sea and its animals,” said Jim Atchison, executive vice president and general manager of SeaWorld Orlando. “Aquatica takes this immersion to a new level, inviting guests to play in, over, and under the water itself.”

Setting foot into Aquatica, guests immediately experience the vastness of nearly 60 acres of lush landscape inspired by the vivid color, stunning flora and carefree personality of the South Sea Islands. Reminiscent of the rugged beauty of New Zealand, Australia and New Guinea, the landscape of Aquatica is striking. Crystal-blue rivers wind through hidden grottos and refreshing waterfalls, while rich greenery and bright flowers adorn towering rock formations.

Wet ‘n Wild Water Park is consistently voted one of America’s number one water parks. Wet ‘n Wild is owned by Universal Orlando and is located just a short drive from Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World Orlando, and Universal Orlando. There is no better way to keep your family happy on a hot day than to take them to Wet ‘n Wild Orlando. 

So if you had to pick one, which one would you pick? Click any of the logo’s to see a discription of your favorite Orlando Water Park. 

Haven’t got tickets to the Water Parks yet? Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages for vacations to your favorite Water Park.

Towable Tubing Tips:how to Get the Most Out of your Towables

Few watersports offer such sheer enjoyment as boat tubing. And the great thing is that it’s so easy compared to, say, water skiing. This ease makes it suitable for all age groups and so a great activity for the whole family. Easy as it is, however, you need to take some precautions. Here a some pointers on how you can get the most out of your towable tubing experience.

First, let’s look at what towables are. Essentially, the towing experience involves being pulled behind a boat in or on one of various types of “towables.” These boat towables can take a variety of forms but tubes are the most popular (like water ski tubes). Tubes come in a vast range of shapes and sizes, so our first tip is about buying your tube and the rope that connects it to the boat.

Towables are made of artificial fibres such as nylon, polyester, PVC or neoprene. Polyester is the most durable while neoprene is the most comfortable and most expensive. If you have kids, you might prefer the latter.

Next there’s the matter of shape. Towables come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The original design is the donut shape. This is most suitable for adults who can sit on top. However it’s not so convenient for smaller people to sit on. Plus the donut rolls over easily making it unsuitable for young children.

Then there are deck tubes which are flat and delta shaped. These are great for multiple riders. These can flip over easily so they’re most suitable for teenagers and young adults.

Next we have ‘ride in’ and ‘ride on’ tubes. The former are like small boats and so are perfect for small children and those requiring a gentler experience. ‘Ride ons’ are long narrow towables. Sometimes called torpedo style, these can sit up to six riders. So they’re great for groups of young riders seeking speed and thrills.

Finally for extreme thrills there are the rocker towables which have wings. These are examples of concept tubes which are aimed at the thrillseeker.

As for the ropes that connect the towable to the boat, these are graded according to the number of riders allowed. Towable ropes should be 50 and 65 feet in length.

Now that you’ve bought your towable and rope, it’s time to look at some tips for using them. First, always check any warning indicators on the tube. Read and obey the manufacturer’s specifications on such factors as the number of riders, their maximum size and weight, and the recommended top speed limits. Then the tubers should be instructed into how to position themselves on the tube. Don’t forget they must always wear a personal floatation device while in the water.

The next thing to do is to find the right area of water for towing. To be safe, you should allow at least 100-feet of unobstructed water on either side of the boat and a minimum of 3000 feet in front. Aside from the driver, the boat should have a ’spotter’ to check for riders who fall off. The spotter can then alert other boats in the area by waving a flag.

It’s essential too that the boat handler be familiar with any regulations affecting that stretch of water you’re on. Speed limits are influenced by water conditions. Wakes for example can be dangerous for towing so boat speeds should be reduced. And he must keep in mind the capabilities of the riders on the t