10 Reasons Why We Love The Smoky Mountains

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

The Arkansas Hot Springs National Park is a place where stories and histories are intertwined with natural abundance and unique geological features.  Home to 47 hot springs, this national park has been a place of healing and relaxation. These springs offer the ultimate spa treatment after you complete arduous hiking through the trails.    Are you ready to indulge in a therapeutic experience at this national park known as the American Spa? Let’s take a deep dive.  Also, I have grabbed this opportunity to talk about the rich history of the park.  Know The Hot Springs National Park History And Culture  The 5,500-acre landscape of the Hot Springs National Park tells us many tales from the trails and springs. This park has seen novaculite extraction by American Indians for thousands of years, as well as The Great Fire of 1878.  Even before the park’s designation as a Hot Springs Reservation in 1832, historic events like the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition took place here. Many historic places in the park, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, Arlington Lawn, and Stonebridge Area, have been narrating the stories of this park for centuries.  Hot Springs Mountain Tower Built in 1983, Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a great place for visitors to enjoy the panoramic view of the park and the surrounding area from a 1,256 ft height.  Don’t miss to catch a glimpse of the Ouachita Mountains from the open-air upper deck of the tower. The air-conditioned lower observation deck offers you the opportunity to explore exhibits related to the history of the locality and the park. Also, if you want to collect souvenirs, you can visit the gift shop at the base of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. This tower was first built as a wooden structure in 1877 by Enoch Woolman. Further, in 1906, a new steel tower was built, and it was known as Rix Tower after Charles N. Rix, the then-president of Arkansas National Bank. However, the Rix Tower was taken down in 1971.  Bathhouse Row The Bathhouse Row is probably the most iconic and visited place in the Hot Springs National Park. It has 8 bathhouse buildings, all of them built between 1892 and 1923, adding to the historic and architectural value of the park. These eight bathhouses are: Lamar Bathhouse Buckstaff Bathhouse Ozark Bathhouse Quapaw Bathhouse Fordyce Bathhouse Maurice Bathhouse Hale Bathhouse Superior Bathhouse In 1987, Bathhouse Row with Grand Promenade became a National Historic Landmark District. Arlington Lawn The Arlington Lawn gets its name from the presence of the first two luxurious versions of the Arlington Hotel present here.  The first version of the hotel was built in 1875, and a second or grander version replaced it in 1893. The second version had a glorious run until 1923 when a fire broke it down. In 1925, the third Arlington Hotel (which you can see now) came up an unbelievable 500-room accommodation.  Whittington Park  Whittington Park got its name from Hiram Abiff Whittington, an early resident of Hot Springs. The greenway stretches along Whittington Creek, which stands between Sugarloaf Mountain and West Mountain.  Constructed in the late 1890s, Whittington Park was initially called Whittington Lake Reserve. You can enjoy a relaxing walk through this tree-shaded greenway.  Stonebridge Area  The Stonebridge Area is the best spot in the National Park to watch turtles. You will also see a waterfall area carving through step-like structures in the rocks.  Further, Lake Lillian, now known as Ricks Pond, is here with its tranquil beauty and turtles floating in the water.  What Is Hot Springs National Park Famous For?  Known as the American Spa, Hot Springs National Park has 47 natural hot springs. Since the early 1800s, people have been visiting this park to soak in the hot and cold springs here. Further, thanks to the healing geothermal waters here, bathhouses and a full-fledged bathing industry were built here. The average temperature of the bath springs water here is 143° Fahrenheit. You can soak in the springs in the Buckstaff and Quapaw bathhouses, as there are no opportunities for soaking in the water outdoors. You can even drink the water from these springs, and the geothermal water of the springs has healing properties.  Hot Springs In The National Park  Here are some of the hot springs in the national park. You will find hot springs In front of the Libbey Memorial Physical Medicine Center and the National Park Service Administration Building on Reserve St. Visit the Bathhouse Row and find the hot springs between the Hale and Maurice Bathhouses.  You will find the Noble Fountain at the Grand Promenade south entrance on Reserve St. If you want to touch the geothermal water of the springs, you can visit the shallow pool where the Display Spring falls.  Cold Water Spring Fountains  Happy Hollow and Whittington Spring are two cold water spring fountains in the national park. The origin of the Whittington Spring is the West Mountain, and the Hollow Spring comes from the North Mountain. Hiking And Camping In Hot Springs National Park Camping and hiking are two of the most fascinating things to do in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.  Hiking In Hot Springs National Park  Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails and West Mountain Trails are the two most popular destinations in the park for trekking. However, there is also a Sunset Trail, which is longer and passes through the remote areas of the park. Hot Springs And North Mountain Trails Along with the most amazing scenic view, these trails have highlight points such as Stephen’s Balustrade or the Grand Staircase, Gulpha Gorge Campground, Hot Springs Mountain Drive, and Fordyce Bathhouse.  West Mountain Trails If you want to explore the vivid wildlife of the Hot Springs, you will have to take the West Mountain Trails. Find the trails through the Canyon Trailhead and Whittington Park.  Sunset Trail The longest in the Hot Springs, the Sunset Trail, is a straight 10-mile hike. Also, if you want to complete the loop, you will have to cover 15-17 miles.  The best thing about this trail is that it takes you to places less trodden by in the park. Further, hiking in the long trail will be broken into three sections: West Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Stonebridge Road.  Camping In The Gulpha Gorge Campground This campground is most suitable for tents and RVs or recreational vehicles. Basic amenities like water, electricity, and sewage are available at the campground.  Further, there are facilities like pedestal grills and picnic tables.  You can stay for a maximum of 14 days at a stretch in the camp. In addition, the park authority does not allow camping for more than 30 days in a calendar year.  Final Words  The Hot Springs National Park has been consistently getting more than 2 million visitors for the last few years. In 2023, 2,502,967 people paid a visit to this park to indulge in the therapeutic experience of the hot springs, explore wildlife, and enjoy hiking. (Source) Further, you can never forget how significant this park is from the perspective of history and culture. Exploring the Stonebridge Area and spending some time in Whittington Park or other historic places in the park will help you learn how American Indians extracted novaculite from this park and made their tools and accessories.  In addition, prominent names in American history, such as Dr. Timothy L. Bottoms, Samuel Wesley Fordyce, and Robert Radcliff Stevens, are associated with this popular national park. So, you must visit this national park to enjoy nature at its best and see some pages of history unfurling before your eyes. What do you think of the other national parks in America, like the Biscayne National Park or the Everglades National Park? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!  Hot Springs National Park FAQs  How Is Hot Springs National Park Wildlife? The Hot Springs is a crucial sanctuary for vivid animals. The “novaculite outcrops” and “lush creek valleys” make this national park a safe harbor for animals and birds.  Overall, this park has more than 50 species of mammals, over 100 bird species, 50+ fish species, and more than 70 species of reptiles and amphibians. The Copperhead snake is the most venomous reptile here, along with other venomous snakes. The park is also replete with lizards, frogs, salamanders, and turtles.  Bluegill and banded darter are some common fish in this national park. Further, this park is home to mammals like groundhogs, white-tailed deer, and squirrels. Moreover, pigeons, doves, falcons, herons, vultures, owls, and many other birds make this park delightful.  Also, watch out for the colorful butterflies and fireflies in the park. By the way, did you know that Arkansas has more than 5,000 species of moths and butterflies? What Are The Best Hot Springs National Park Activities? The most amazing thing to do at Hot Springs National Park is to soak in the hot springs and indulge in a therapeutic experience. The Buckstaff Bathhouse and The Quapaw Bathhouse offer you the most relaxing time.  Further, you can explore 26 miles of hiking trails in the park and enjoy biking to the North and West Mountains. You can take these rides on bicycles or e-scooters.  Also, if you are a birder, you will get to see great blue herons, vultures, falcons, and many other birds in the national park.  Shopping and exploring the Mid America Science Museum are some other activities to do when you are at the Hot Springs.  What Is The Hot Springs National Park Size? The Hot Springs National Park stretches across 5550 acres. As one of the oldest national parks in the USA, this national park was designated in 1921.  You will find many hiking trails and as many as 47 natural hot springs in the national park. The campground, visitor center, and gift shop further make it a place of versatile encounters with nature and history. Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails, and the West Mountain Trails are the most concentrated trekking zones in the park. However, if you want to explore more remote parts of the park, you can surely take the longer Sunset trail. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 30, 2023

There's no denying that Florida's beaches have a certain magic. They can transport you to Madagascar or the Caribbean. They replicate the stunning blue water, white sand beaches, and swaying palm trees quite well. This article is for you if you're thinking about taking an RV vacation to Florida. The top RV camping on the beach in Florida are listed here. They are well-known for their friendliness and offer a plethora of amenities. Not to mention all the thrilling water sports they provide, like jet skiing, surfing, and paddle boarding. If you want to learn more about RV camping on the beach in Florida, keep reading.  RV Camping On The Beach In Florida: Are They Safe?  Indeed, camping in Florida's RV parks is quite safe. The majority of them have security personnel stationed at the gates. All campers are asked to abide by park regulations, and trespassing is strictly prohibited. Since these properties are kept up properly, there is very little chance of anything going wrong. However, when visiting an RV park, it's advisable to exercise caution and take the required safety measures. Where Can You Camp  There are both public and private campsites on several Florida beaches. You can park your RV, pitch a tent, or reserve a spot. In addition, you can camp overnight on a few beaches on Anclote Key, Shell Key, and Keewaydin Island without a permit. Some beaches, however, do need a permit. Many locals reside near the beach, so an unwelcome camp or van close by will not be appreciated. Examine the local laws before making the final decision.  RV Camping On The Beach In Florida  Your search for RV camping on the beach in Florida ends here. These are the top beachfront RV parks in Florida: Key Largo Kampground  Key Largo Kampground is the ideal camping location in the Florida Keys for your whole family, featuring a large beachfront campground and an expansive marina. 171 of the campsites are designed to accommodate both tents and RVs. Every RV site has full hookups and is large enough to fit rigs up to forty feet. In addition, there are heated swimming pools, shuffleboard courts, basketball courts, horseshoe courts, and laundry facilities. Park your personal boats at a boat slip if you are bringing them. If you plan to rent a motorized boat, you can also use the boat ramp. Key Largo Kampground is not just an RV park along the beach. It is 40 acres long, with mangroves and tropical vegetation next to the Atlantic Ocean. You can see the foliage come to life every spring when the flowers bloom. Key Largo is well-known for being the world's diving capital, home to more than 25 dive shops and charters. It's among the greatest locations in Florida for ocean fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling because of the coral reef and the warm water. Some other popular water sports among RVers are kite boarding and windsurfing. Pensacola Beach RV Resort  Located on Pensacola Beach's barrier island, Pensacola Beach RV Resort is a relaxed beach-side campground that doubles as a resort. It provides quick access to the remainder of the barrier island and has a view of Santa Rosa Sound. A home away from home is what the RV resort offers. Each campsite has connections for power, water, and sewer. There is a heated pool with a patio, chairs, and loungers in the middle of the resort. There's a clubhouse with showers and laundry facilities next to the pool. On the western edge of the beach, there's a Tiki bar offering refreshing cocktails and tequila. Take in the views of the coast as you relax and sip your preferred beverage. The ideal combination is sugar-white sand and crystal-clear light green water, which Pensacola provides. As soon as you get to the resort, you can head to the beaches and swim in the stunning Gulf of Mexico waters. Among the adventurous things you should put on your "to-do" list are snorkeling and surfing. Although the resort is not inexpensive, its excellent location and amenities make it worth the cost. The Standard RV sites cost $100 per day, and the Premium sites cost $130. Camp Gulf  Another RV camping on the beach in Florida is Gulf. Camping on the Gulf, sometimes referred to as Camp Gulf, is another opulent RV park situated on the Gulf of Mexico. It's close to Destin in northwest Florida at Miramar Beach, not Miramar City. There are 215 full hook-up RV sites in the park, many of which are close to Miramar Beach. Others are located by the swimming area or in a row between palm trees and palmetto bushes along the verdant pasture areas. In addition, there are cabins, beach houses, and rustic clamping tents available at Camp Gulf. Access to the beach is immediate if you camp at this RV park. It's far more private than public beaches because it's built on private property. Come to the Miramar beach with your sun loungers and take in the refreshing breeze. When you get back, enjoy a revitalizing shower in the RV park's spotless restrooms. You can take advantage of everything that Destin has to offer because it's close by. In fact, the quick availability of RV sites at lower prices is one of the main reasons why many campers choose to camp at Miramar Beach rather than Destin. However, Gulf Camp, a posh RV park in Florida, has somewhat pricey RV sites. Overnight rates range from $79 to $120. The tiny but well-equipped Turtle Beach Campground has plenty to offer. Sea turtles use this location, which is on Sarasota Barrier Island, as a base from May to October to lay their eggs. You will have the opportunity to view, albeit carefully, the nests of loggerhead and green sea turtles as well as the young. One of the few campgrounds in Florida with direct beach access is this 14-acre facility. At any time, you are free to exit your RV and stroll up to Siesta Beach. The sand is hard and white, and the beach is clean. Take a nap by the sunloungers or jump straight into the azure sea. There are 39 RV and tent-friendly campsites at this family-friendly campground. Every campsite has picnic tables and complete hookups. Within the campground is a coin-operated laundry and shower area. A game of horseshoes can be played on the playground. You are able to play your preferred sport in a number of pits that have an abundance of open grassy spaces. Siesta Key is five miles away and Sarasota is only nine miles away from the Turtle Beach Campground. The entire Sarasota barrier island, Serenoa Golf Club, and Oscar Scherer State Park are also close by tourist attractions. Matlacha  Matlacha is a small island in southwest Florida, home to the family-run beachfront RV resort Sugar Sand. Also, Matlacha a comparatively quiet area, is a hidden fishing treasure. State Road 78 crosses the island and leads to the resort from the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area. The RV sites are located next to a sugar-sand beach with sea walls as soon as you enter the Sugar Sand resort. Complete hookups with picnic tables and Wi-Fi internet access are available for these. The resort is the starting point of the fishing expedition. Approach the spacious dock designed for boating. Take a ride through Matlacha Pass's busy waters by boarding one of the available boats. Catching the first fish by the hook would not take long. Alternatively, you may choose a more daring path and navigate Matlacha's backwaters by kayak. Kayak fishing is a popular activity for both locals and visitors. Think about going fishing at the Matlacha Pass Bridge if you don't want to enter the water. Because of the amazing catches that have been reported at the bridge over the years, it has acquired the title of "The Fishingest Bridge in the World." You will undoubtedly catch a tarpon, trout, or cobia. There are just ten sites at Sugar Sand Beach RV Resort. As a result, booking a site far in advance is advised. Starting at $100 per day, rates drop to $65 per day for monthly reservations. When looking for RV camping on the beach in Florida, Sugar Sand Beach ranks well above most. RV Park Rates In Winter  Because of its pleasant, tropical climate and abundant sunshine, Florida is referred to as the Sunshine State. The off-peak season runs from November through January, with February through May being the peak months. The temperature is in the neighborhood of 10 to 11°C. In the winter, it can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per day at an RV park in Florida. RV sites are empty at that time of year due to a decrease in the number of RVers. These can be reserved at discounts of 20–30% or even 50%. Wrapping Up  It's time to start planning now that you have some amazing choices for the best RV camping on the beach in Florida! There is an RV park in Florida for everyone, whether your goal is to have an amazing adventure or just a peaceful place to disconnect and unwind. Make sure you learn everything there is to know about RV camping so that you can make the most out of this unusual way of traveling, whether you already own an RV, are looking to buy one, or are just planning a trip in one! Read Also: A Detailed Guide On Malaysia Bay – From Traveling To Outing Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!

BY  Sibashree Sep 27, 2024

Imagine gliding through emerald waters, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and lush greenery, as the gentle breeze whispers tales of adventure. Welcome to Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem in Vietnam that promises an unforgettable trip. Not just that, but if you want to visit the place for business purpose and open a branch there you need some expert assistance. However, for now, let’s just focus on the focusing on Lan Ha Bay and what is has to offer. But what truly sets this destination apart are the unique cruises that offer a blend of luxury, culture, and thrill. In this article, we’ll dive into the four most interesting cruises you must try during your exciting trip to Lan Ha Bay. Most Interesting Cruises At Lan Ha Bay With its pristine and peaceful landscapes, including islands, caves, and forests, Lan Ha is not only an ideal destination for relaxation but also a great choice for exciting trips. To fully explore this bay, let’s look through the five most interesting cruises below! Capella Cruise (from US $213/pax) Capella Cruise is the only 5-star Lan Ha Bay cruise featuring interesting facilities like a Water Slide and Cigar/ Poker Club with many entertaining board games. Tourists will experience privileged services only on this ship, particularly personalized service. This includes everything from private dinners to speed boats and an exclusive deck for meetings with various opulent facilities.  Capella Halong Bay Cruise has excellent customer satisfaction rates (9.6/10) and good reviews. The cruise ship has a variety of amenities that meet the demand of passengers onboard; the most prominent ones are a fitness center, mini golf, and bar & karaoke.  Besides kayaking and swimming in beautiful attractions in Lan Ha Bay, there are many exceptional activities, such as enjoying the thrill of sliding into the water of the Ao Ech Area. In addition, you will get plenty of opportunities to enjoy the picturesque scenery and rocky Karst mountains and learn to make traditional Vietnamese food in the cooking class.  Capella Cruise offers top-notch service and full itineraries (2-day to 4-day) in Lan Ha Bay. Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise (from US $186/pax) If you seek a tour that harmoniously combines the beauty of Vietnamese history, cuisine, and culture while exploring Lan Ha Bay, Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan is a perfect choice. It provides most lavish cruise experience while sailing from Lan Ha Bay to Cat Ba Island. The cruise exclusively offers artisanal boutique products along with an impressive art gallery and a culinary adventure with a royal-themed dinner. Alongside exploring famous destinations such as Dark & Bright Cave and Viet Hai Village, you can use many services and activities to entertain while staying on the ship, such as reading in the library, practicing Vietnamese martial arts in the Vovinam Class, squid fishing, seeing the art gallery, etc. Boasting Vietnamese traditional aesthetics, Heritage Cruise is a top choice for culture vultures. Le Theatre Cruise (from US $162/pax) Le Theatre Cruise Halong Bay can be an ideal option for discerning travelers who are looking for a new adventure but with an elegant experience. Only on this cruise can tourists exclusively explore a unique itinerary while sailing from Lan Ha Bay towards Cat Ba Island. Each cabin on the ship is furnished with modern facilities and a contemporary style. During the journey, you will participate in fantastic activities such as kayaking or swimming in Ao Ech Area, the most beautiful area in Halong Bay, and cycle around Viet Hai Village village, an ancient fishing village.  Additionally, the cruise also offers a wide range of services that make your vacation more exhilarating.  Some of the most interesting ones include squid fishing with guidance from the coach, a Tai Chi class, and a cooking demonstration class where you can prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Le Theatre Cruise provides a vibe of modern simplicity on Lan Ha Bay. Emperor Cruise (from US $264/pax) This is a small cruise ship that provides a truly all-inclusive cruising experience. Inspired by Emperor Bao Dai and his lavish lifestyle, Emperor Cruise offers you a royal-like experience with exquisite cuisine, and available butler service during your overnight cruise in Halong Bay.  Moreover, The ship only has 10 high-class cabins with aristocratic decor inspired by royal style.  Spending your trip on the Emperor Cruise will definitely give you a memorable experience with thrilling activities.  This includes exploring Me Cung Cave, which is a magnificent complex cave with stalactites and stalagmites in Halong Bay, and kayaking/ swimming in Ba Trai Dao, the most stunning beach in Lan Ha Bay. Moreover, you can also try Vietnamese martial arts in the Vovinam class, which starts in the morning on the sundeck. Emperor offers distinctive itineraries to explore Halong and Lan Ha Bay on a 3d2n cruise. How To Pack For a Cruise Vacation: Tips and Advice Packing for a cruise vacation can be both exciting and a bit challenging, but with the right tips, you'll be ready for smooth sailing! Here are some handy tips and advice to help you pack efficiently: Know Your Itinerary  You need to research the destinations of your cruise very well. Also, check the weather and activities at each port of call to pack appropriate clothing and gear. In addition, you should go through the list of excursions and Activities being offered onboard. Accordingly, plan outfits for excursions, formal dinners, and onboard activities. Pack Smartly  When packing for a cruise vacation, layering is Key. Bring light layers to adapt to varying temperatures on the ship and at different destinations. Most cruises have formal nights, so pack a couple of dressy outfits along with casual wear. Most importantly, don’t forget swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip-flops for poolside lounging. Pack Essential Items First  When packing for your cruise vacation, keep your essential items like your passport, cruise tickets, and any necessary visas handy. While most cruise ships have medical centers, it is better to bring enough prescription medications and pack a small first-aid kit. What’s more, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for sunny days on deck. Here are some more tips on how to pack for a cruise vacation. Laundry Options: Check if the cruise offers laundry services or pack some detergent for hand-washing.  Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding can save space and reduce wrinkles.  Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items.  Multi-use Items: Choose items that can serve multiple purposes, like a sarong that can be used as a scarf, beach cover-up, or blanket. Lan Ha Bay possesses many stunning and offbeat tourist attractions that are waiting for travel lovers to explore. If you are looking for the most interesting cruise options in Lan Ha Bay, please contact BestPrice Travel - a local expert and a reputable service provider with the most choices available. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.