From Urban to Rural: The Best Places to Live in Washington State for Every Lifestyle

BY  Mashum Nov 10, 2021

There is a reason as to why Frank Lloyd decided to make Arizona his winter home. There is no way that the natural beauty, perpetual sunshine, and diverse culture of this region will fail to inspire you. The legacy of this personality continues to live to date in the Phoenix region. There are so many buildings across the region that bear his influence, and design and art reign supreme. From gardens that are full of succulents to performing art, there are so many things to do in Phoenix. Here are some of the inspirations that you are going to find in this valley of the sun. Top 10 Best Things to Do in Phoenix : 1. Schnepf Farms : Schnepf farm is a family owned the property for over fifty years. The farm has developed from a very simple crop field to an extensive community hub. It is the head of the organic gardens and orchards of the farm and you can pick your desired product. Visitors are also able to enjoy lunch from its Farmstand café. You can also pick up some favorite delicacies from its on-site country store.  It is one of the things to do in Phoenix that will allow you to carry a few things back to your beloved ones back home. 2. Biltmore Dinner : You can begin by exploring the Arizona Biltmore’s lush grounds before you tuck into Wright’s property restaurant. Its name comes from the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright who was the consulting architect for this property. This hotel is characterized with logical indigenous ingredients that are presented in highly innovative utensils,  comparable tea-smoked duck breasts, and the wagyu steak served with chipotle marrow bone butter. Don’t you think this is one of the best things to do in Phoenix with kids? 3. Desert Botanical Garden : This is among the best things to do in Phoenix this weekend. As a tourist, visiting the Sonoran Desert that is located at the botanical garden will allow you to discover the tranquil beauty of the space. You will have a view of the desert plants that are nestled amidst the red rocks of the renowned Papago Buttes. You will get an exclusive opportunity to explore its five thematic trails and you will discover that it is very easy to get lost amidst the lush trees, brilliant wildflowers, swaths of succulents, and towering cacti. 4. Camelback Mountain : Mount Camelback is considered as one of the topmost hiking destinations of his country. The place attracts outdoor fans from all over the world. There are two routes that will get you to the top. These include the Cholla trail and the Echo Canyon and both of them will test even those most advanced hikers with steep changes in the elevation and rough terrains. Its payoff is worth the experience even though the 2,700-foot summit provides unparalleled displays of the underneath valley. 5. Taliesin West : This area is nestled in the foot of the McDowell Mountains of Scottsdale. The beloved winter retreat of Frank Lloyd Wright now houses the famous Frank Lloyd School of Architecture. The general public has an open access to Taliesin West and offers a wide range of tours such as night walks and behind the scene views of his favorite personal art collections. It has a deep connection to the desert that was used to forge it. In fact, it was Wright and his students who build Taliesin West. It is among the most famous personal architectural creations all over the world. 6. The Scottsdale Contemporary Art Museum : This center is situated on the sprawling park that is at the heart of the downtown. This museum houses the best contemporary architecture, design, and art all over the world.  The Scottsdale Contemporary art design stocks everything from the interactive pieces to conceptual art. The beauty of it is that there is always something new that you will view making it one of the best things too soon Phoenix today. 7. Heard Museum : The Heard Museum has remained as a destination for the Indian American art since 1929. This heard is among the leading destinations for education and art. The museum is well known for its award-winning arts and it makes use of its first-person voice and collections to tell the stories of the Indian American cultures while still celebrating the works of current artists. 8. ASU Gammage : This tourist attraction site is set in the Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  The ASU Gammage program normally brings shows such as ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘The Color Purple,’ ‘Hamilton,’ to this valley and give gives those visitors an opportunity to experience the best that the Broadway has to offer without having to leave the temple. However, its good to plan in advance if you want it to be among your things to do in Phoenix because tickets sell very fast. 9. Kayak the Salt River : Your Phoenix things to do list will not be complete without visiting this place that is renowned for float trips. There are several ways of experiencing the salt river. You can decide to beat the crowds with the early morning kayak trips. It is a two-hour trip that provides stunning views of the adjacent Tonto National Forest. You will get an exclusive opportunity of spotting the wild horses that the region is well known for. 10. The Temple Town Lake : The temple town lake was created by damming a portion of the salt river. The lake is two miles long and offers a very welcoming reprieve from the arid desert land of the valley. The lake perimeter is ideal for the afternoon leisure walk and un things to do in Phoenix. You could also get into the waters by renting a boat from the marina. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):- Q1: What are the top attractions of Phoenix? A: There are five main attractions in Phoenix Musical Instrument Museum  Desert Botanical Garden Camelback Mountain Heard Museum  South Mountain Park Q2: What is Phoneix best known for? A: Phoenix is basically known for its stunning hotel resorts, pools, and desert gardens as well as southwest-infused fine dining. And not to forget the luxurious spas and championship golf courses. Q3: What is the prettiest city in Arizona? A: Prettiest? Then it has to be Sedona. The tiny Bisbee is the main reason for Sedona to be titled as the prettiest town by The Dialy Meal, a food, and drink website. Q4: What is the best month to go to Arizona? A: The best time to visit Arizona is in winter, December to  February. Or maybe during the spring, March to May. These seasons are the best to visit Arizona because it is most temperate and the dessert is in the process of bloom and you can enjoy all the outdoor activities.  Conclusion : From this information, you will discover that there are so many things to do in Phoenix. You will always get something that you can enjoy irrespective of your passion. You can you’re the region with your whole family and friends and still get the best experience from the region. Apart from these top ten things to do in Phoenix, you can still find more as you visit the area. Read Also : 10 Best Things to Do in Prague 10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Things to Do in Dublin (Ireland)

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 11, 2020

You have finally decided to move, but you can’t decide where. If you want to invest in real estate and enjoy a sunny and relaxed way of life then San Diego is the right choice. It’s a beautiful place to live with its pros and cons, just like any other place on earth, but I think the pros outweigh the cons. Neuman & Neuman showed me why San Diego would be a great place to settle, escape the hectic city life, and embrace the sun, beaches, and a very casual way of life compared to other places in the US. The Weather If you hate cloudy weather, rain or snow then San Diego is where you need to go. It’s sunny throughout the entire year, and the temperature averages 75 degrees. It’s rainy for just a few days a year, which is insignificant, and during the winter it can get a bit chilly in the evening which would require you to wear a jacket, just in case. Public Schools Some of the best public schools in California are located in San Diego. If you are looking to start a family in San Diego you can rest assured that your kids will have a good education. Do You Like Beaches? If you do then come to San Diego. This goes hand in hand with the beautiful weather, and there are several different activities for you to try. Whether you like to just sit and soak the sun, or maybe you are more of a water sports person, San Diego beaches have covered all the fun activities one could ask for. It’s like being on a vacation on a sunny beach 365 days a year. Do You Like To Spend Time Outside? If the answer is yes then you should try out San Diego’s plethora of biking and hiking trails. Nice weather and beautiful nature have created this community that drives this way of outdoor life. Join the fun and try something different every day. It’s not only beaches, but there are also mountains and desert areas for you to explore. This date with nature is what we all need after a hard day’s work, and San Diego offers that and more. A City For Family Activities Being a city of an active and casual way of life, San Diego offers a lot of fun stuff to do for your kids. There are museums, parks, the wonderful San Diego Zoo. If you like the kraft beer culture then you won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of kraft beer bars waiting for you to discover their quality menu that offers both domestic San Diego kraft and tons of foreign beers. The Cons Of Living In San Diego There’s no perfect place for living where everything suits you perfectly, and San Diego has problems of its own, which might not be such a big deal for everyone but should still be mentioned. First, the cost of living is pretty high. Real estate prices can differ pretty significantly. It all depends on whether you want to live near the coast or you are ok with a more inland location. I’ve already mentioned the weather, but if you are a person who likes to see seasons change then San Diego might be pretty boring for you. Traffic can also be problematic since everybody is driving cars which can lead to some jams now and then, but it’s not that bad. Public transportation is not as developed as you’d expect because most of the citizens rely on their cars. If you are a fan of sports then San Diego does not have much to offer. Apart from San Diego Padres, there’s not much else if you are into supporting local sports. Read Also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India When In New York; Don’t Miss Out On These Things Top 11 Unique Things To Do In Flagstaff Things To Do Before Finalising A Weekend House Reservation

BY  Sibashree Nov 28, 2024

The Memorial Day weekend in 2024 saw an influx of tourists in Wilmington, NC. This even led to temporary employment in the community, with local businesses recruiting more staff to serve more tourists.  Connie Nelson, the director of Public Relations at Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, has acknowledged this seasonal staffing along with the daily efforts of the lifeguards.  However, the surge in tourists during the Memorial Day Weekend is one of many high points for tourism in this port city. It has always been consistent with its tourism scenario and, is even on the rise recently.  Further, as the location for films like Dawson’s Creek and Iron Man 3, it has earned the nickname “Hollywood East.” So, it’s a favorite among movie buffs. Moreover, Wilmington, the historic port city on the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, offers a wonderful fusion of city tours, culinary explorations, historic tours, and endless outdoor activities.  Therefore, being named the “South’s Best City On The Rise in 2024”  did not surprise those interested in Wilmington tourism.  At Tour and Travel, we have curated some of the best things to do in Wilmington, NC. We want to keep it helpful for all types of travelers. So, we have covered nature and beach experiences, exploring  Wilmington’s historic places and culinary scenes.  Best Things To Do In Wilmington, NC For History Buffs Wilmington, or North Carolina’s Port City, has a long association with history. It takes us back to the Colonial times and since 1739, it has been serving as an important trade and commerce center.  Moreover, the city was associated with the Civil War, the American Revolution, and World War II. Today, you can visit the following historic sites here. 1. Bellamy Mansion Museum Operating Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM Entry Fee: $7 to $15 (Based on Age Groups and Special Groups, Free for Members and Children Below 5) Contact Number: +1 910-251-3700 Founded in 1994, the Bellamy Mansion Museum will complete its 30th year in 2024. Today, it stands tall as an example of the finest antebellum architecture in North Carolina.  The museum is housed in a 19th-century mansion owned by Dr. John Bellamy. He lived here with his wife and 10 children. Further, around 115 enslaved people worked for Dr. John Bellamy, and nine resided here. So, along with the main property of 22 rooms, you must also take a tour of the slave quarters. Another attraction of the museum is the Bellamy Gift Shop. You can buy plates, spoons, fridge magnets, ornaments, caps, books, bow ties, and other souvenirs from here.  Tour And Travel Note A Premium Tour of the museum is available. If you are an adult, you will have to buy a ticket for $20 for the Premium Tour. Students can collect their Premium Tour tickets at $10. However, Premium Tour tickets are not sold online. You have to check the availability and buy yours by calling +1 910-251-3700 (Extension: 308).  2. Battleship North Carolina Operating Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: $6 to $14 (Based on Age Groups and Special IDs, Free for Children Below 5) Contact No: +1 910-399-9100 Battleship North Carolina is the most tragic reminder of World War II. It had 15 stars, and today, it remembers 10000 men and women of North Carolina sacrificing their lives to protect America’s freedom in World War II.  Today, the battleship in downtown Wilmington is a common attraction for history enthusiasts. A tour of Battleship North Carolina will take you at least 2 hours. However, you can spend longer. Furthermore, you can attend interactive programs at Battleship North Carolina throughout the year. These courses are free; you just need to pay the regular admission fee. Tour And Travel Note As a history enthusiast, you can support the preservation of Battleship North Carolina. It does not have the regular backing of the USA government. You can be of great help as a donor.  3. Wilmington Railroad Museum  https://www.instagram.com/p/DABdZTGvZBB/ Operating Time: 10 AM to 4 PM Entry Fee: $8 to $12 (Based on Age and Special Groups, Free for Children Below 2 Years) Contact Number: +1 910-763-2634 Wilmington Railroad Museum is a place to explore history and indulge in nostalgic activities. Here, you can climb on an old steam locomotive of 110 years. Further, in this museum, you will learn about the railroad development in Wilmington and the people working on the railway.  Moreover, the Children’s Hall in this museum has interactive models. Your little ones will love those fun models and customized train tables.  Tour And Travel Note You can get the Polar Express Tickets on Sale on the official website of the Wilmington Railroad Museum. The Polar Express fun takes place every weekend from Thanksgiving Day to New Year.  You will need to pay $5 and a Processing Fee for taking part in this event. The activities include “a reading of the Polar Express,” a surprise visit of Santa Claus and indulging in hot chocolate and cookies.  Did You Know?Built on 1st May 1979, the Wilmington Railroad Museum completed its 45th year in 2024.  4. Cape Fear Museum of History & Science https://www.instagram.com/p/Csv1rAtISqI/ Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday To Saturday), Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM Admission Fee: $5-$8 (Based on Age Groups), Free for Members and Children Below 5 Years, Reduced Fee for NARM and ASTC Participants Contact Number: 910-798-4370 If you want to know about the culture, history, and science of Lower Cape Fear, the Cape Fear Museum of History & Science will be your go-to destination. You will find over 57000 objects here. It has photographs, a collection of oral history, and digital yearbooks for shedding light on history, science, and culture.  Did You Know?Wilmington became the first designated “American World War II Heritage City” in the USA. It was designated on 2nd September 2020 to commemorate the 75th year of World War II coming to an end.The city got this designation after meeting all the criteria laid out by Congress to preserve the WWII heritage. The city also recognized the veterans and preserved many wartime facilities.  Things To Do In Wilmington, NC: Enjoy Nature, Beaches And Outdoor Activities In Wilmington, NC Indulging in the beach experience is one of the best things to do in Wilmington, NC. You can visit the following beaches here. Wrightsville Beach Kure Beach Carolina Beach Wilmington’s fun water activities include Surfing, fishing, chartering, and cruising. You can also just relax at the beaches and enjoy fun moments with your family.  March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Wilmington beaches, as the temperature is moderate during these months.  Things to Do in Wilmington, NC, For Foodies And Drink Enthusiasts Culinary tourism is one of the best things to do in Wilmington. The Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours are already famous. In these tours, you will visit and explore eclectic restaurants and try their assortments of food. The city is also great for drink enthusiasts with local breweries. Here, we have curated the names of some places to eat and drink in Wilmington, NC.  1. Michael’s On The Waterfront https://www.instagram.com/p/CzcKC4vPtrT/?img_index=1 Phone Number: (910) 769-4252 Opens at: 11:30 AM Michael’s On The Waterfront is a family-owned restaurant. you will find the best American cuisines with a coastal Carolina twist Here. The BBQs and pub fries here are the stars. And don’t forget to try the crab and lobster delicacies here. Furthermore, Michael’s Bar has wines and beers. You can even try the curated cocktails with seasonal flavors.  2. Copper Penny https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgXoumvg8r/ Phone Number: (910) 762-1373 Operating Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM It is one of the best American restaurants and bars in Wilmington. You can try here classics like fish and chips and French onion soup. Further, they make amazing steaks and chicken tenders.  3. The Rooftop Bar Phone Number: (910) 833-5886 Operating Hours: 5 PM to 2 AM The corn fritters at The Rooftop Bar are amazing, and their chunks of shrimp are delicious. Drunken shrimp is another favorite of mine here.  Also, you will get the best pina colada here.  4. Rumcow https://www.instagram.com/p/C-vQgHAvXzc/?hl=en Phone Number: +1 910-769-4659 Operating Hours: 5 PM to 9 PM Fall cocktails are great at Rumcow. Further, you must try avocado fries and chicken and waffles here.  Exploring The Art And Culture Of Wilmington: One Of The Best Things To Do In Wilmington, NC  As the designated historic district of the state, Wilmington also has an evolving landscape of art and culture. I have already mentioned places like Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington Railroad Museum, and Cape Fear Museum of History & Science.  However, the city also has many happening centers for performing arts. Here is a quick overview for you. 1. Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts Contact No: +1 910-632-2285 John Montague Trimble, one of the pioneering theater architects of the 19th century, designed this performing art center. In fact, today, it is the only surviving theatre designed by him.  This center for performing arts is a converted city hall and it has around 500 performances each year. You can visit this Center for Performing Arts on a guided tour.  2. The Wilson Center At Cape Fear Community College Contact No: +1 910-362-7999 The Wilson Center has been the host of The Wilmington Symphony, Kinky Boots, and many other Tony Award winning symphonies.  So, spending an evening here watching a comedy or Broadway show is an experience in itself.  3. Kenan Auditorium Contact No: +1 910-962-3500 The Kenan Auditorium is at UNCW or the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Throughout the year, it houses more than 150 dance performances, musicals, and theatricals.  Also, you can attend the brilliant University productions and award-winning events at Kenan Auditorium.  4. Brooklyn Arts Center Contact No: +1 910-859-4615 Visiting the  Brooklyn Arts Center is like indulging in sheer nostalgia and stories of history. It is a 19th-century church converted into a center for performing arts.  It also has a beautiful private courtyard where you can click beautiful photographs.  Upcoming Events At Wilmington, NC Here are some important events in Wilmington, NC, in 2024. So, mark the venues and dates.  EventVenueDatesHadestownThe Wilson CenterOngoing, till November 27, 2024Comedian Cipha SoundsDead Crow Comedy Room | Lush LoungeOngoing, till November 23, 2024BUZZWORTHY! Art in the GardenAirlie GardensOngoing, till December 31, 202430th Anniversary Cucalorus FestivalVarious Venues (Historic Downtown Wilmington)Ongoing, till November 24, 2024 Also read Beginner Tips For Your First Camino de Santiago. Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience.