Dating shouldn't be limited to dinner and movie. Society has become accustomed to this pattern, but you shouldn't have to.
If you want to really impress your date, come up with some unique date ideas. Of course, what you can do on a date is somewhat limited to your geographical area, but no matter where you are there is something fun and new to try.
Have you ever gone geocaching? Geocaching is a type of "treasure hunt" game. You would need to buy or borrow a GPS unit and check out the geocaching website. All you need to do is input the coordinates into your GPS and you are off to find the location. This is a great date idea for a Saturday afternoon. It is fun and will create a sense of bonding as the two of you work together to find the hidden box. There are geocaches hidden throughout the entire world. You will be surprised how many are in your neighborhood.
Does your local area offer classes such as pottery, cake decorating or cooking? Try taking one of those with your date, followed by coffee or dessert. Again, it is something special that you two will share together and even if your pottery falls apart, it will make a funny memory for the two of you in the future.
Do you live in a large city? Pretend you are a tourist and take a tour bus or walking tour around the city. You will probably be surprised at how much you find out about the things you see everyday.
Casinos can also make fun dates and aren't just for gambling anymore. Sure, you can gamble if you would like, but most casinos offer live music and dancing. Sometimes they even have areas for concerts. Best of all, most casinos are open all night so this is great if you work late or are just having a really good date and don't want it to stop!
One new idea that is spreading across the country is what is nicknamed "Adult Chuck E. Cheese." These operations are large buildings which have video games, pool tables, air hockey and lots more. They are stylishly designed and have full dinner options plus bar service. What a great way to release your inner child and have some fun with your date, without having to wait your turn to play pinball behind a group of seven year olds!
Unique dates are great ways to make memories with your special someone.
Creative & Unique Date Ideas
If you want to really impress your date, come up with some unique date ideas. Of course, what you can do on a date is somewhat limited to your geographical area, but no matter where you are there is something fun and new to try.
Have you ever gone geocaching? Geocaching is a type of "treasure hunt" game. You would need to buy or borrow a GPS unit and check out the geocaching website. All you need to do is input the coordinates into your GPS and you are off to find the location. This is a great date idea for a Saturday afternoon. It is fun and will create a sense of bonding as the two of you work together to find the hidden box. There are geocaches hidden throughout the entire world. You will be surprised how many are in your neighborhood.
Does your local area offer classes such as pottery, cake decorating or cooking? Try taking one of those with your date, followed by coffee or dessert. Again, it is something special that you two will share together and even if your pottery falls apart, it will make a funny memory for the two of you in the future.
Do you live in a large city? Pretend you are a tourist and take a tour bus or walking tour around the city. You will probably be surprised at how much you find out about the things you see everyday.
Casinos can also make fun dates and aren't just for gambling anymore. Sure, you can gamble if you would like, but most casinos offer live music and dancing. Sometimes they even have areas for concerts. Best of all, most casinos are open all night so this is great if you work late or are just having a really good date and don't want it to stop!
One new idea that is spreading across the country is what is nicknamed "Adult Chuck E. Cheese." These operations are large buildings which have video games, pool tables, air hockey and lots more. They are stylishly designed and have full dinner options plus bar service. What a great way to release your inner child and have some fun with your date, without having to wait your turn to play pinball behind a group of seven year olds!
Unique dates are great ways to make memories with your special someone.
Have you ever gone geocaching? Geocaching is a type of "treasure hunt" game. You would need to buy or borrow a GPS unit and check out the geocaching website. All you need to do is input the coordinates into your GPS and you are off to find the location. This is a great date idea for a Saturday afternoon. It is fun and will create a sense of bonding as the two of you work together to find the hidden box. There are geocaches hidden throughout the entire world. You will be surprised how many are in your neighborhood.
Does your local area offer classes such as pottery, cake decorating or cooking? Try taking one of those with your date, followed by coffee or dessert. Again, it is something special that you two will share together and even if your pottery falls apart, it will make a funny memory for the two of you in the future.
Do you live in a large city? Pretend you are a tourist and take a tour bus or walking tour around the city. You will probably be surprised at how much you find out about the things you see everyday.
Casinos can also make fun dates and aren't just for gambling anymore. Sure, you can gamble if you would like, but most casinos offer live music and dancing. Sometimes they even have areas for concerts. Best of all, most casinos are open all night so this is great if you work late or are just having a really good date and don't want it to stop!
One new idea that is spreading across the country is what is nicknamed "Adult Chuck E. Cheese." These operations are large buildings which have video games, pool tables, air hockey and lots more. They are stylishly designed and have full dinner options plus bar service. What a great way to release your inner child and have some fun with your date, without having to wait your turn to play pinball behind a group of seven year olds!
Unique dates are great ways to make memories with your special someone.
Creative & Unique Date Ideas
If you want to really impress your date, come up with some unique date ideas. Of course, what you can do on a date is somewhat limited to your geographical area, but no matter where you are there is something fun and new to try.
Have you ever gone geocaching? Geocaching is a type of "treasure hunt" game. You would need to buy or borrow a GPS unit and check out the geocaching website. All you need to do is input the coordinates into your GPS and you are off to find the location. This is a great date idea for a Saturday afternoon. It is fun and will create a sense of bonding as the two of you work together to find the hidden box. There are geocaches hidden throughout the entire world. You will be surprised how many are in your neighborhood.
Does your local area offer classes such as pottery, cake decorating or cooking? Try taking one of those with your date, followed by coffee or dessert. Again, it is something special that you two will share together and even if your pottery falls apart, it will make a funny memory for the two of you in the future.
Do you live in a large city? Pretend you are a tourist and take a tour bus or walking tour around the city. You will probably be surprised at how much you find out about the things you see everyday.
Casinos can also make fun dates and aren't just for gambling anymore. Sure, you can gamble if you would like, but most casinos offer live music and dancing. Sometimes they even have areas for concerts. Best of all, most casinos are open all night so this is great if you work late or are just having a really good date and don't want it to stop!
One new idea that is spreading across the country is what is nicknamed "Adult Chuck E. Cheese." These operations are large buildings which have video games, pool tables, air hockey and lots more. They are stylishly designed and have full dinner options plus bar service. What a great way to release your inner child and have some fun with your date, without having to wait your turn to play pinball behind a group of seven year olds!
Unique dates are great ways to make memories with your special someone.
Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2006. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of PlanJam - where you can find unique date ideas and then plan a date.
Have you ever gone geocaching? Geocaching is a type of "treasure hunt" game. You would need to buy or borrow a GPS unit and check out the geocaching website. All you need to do is input the coordinates into your GPS and you are off to find the location. This is a great date idea for a Saturday afternoon. It is fun and will create a sense of bonding as the two of you work together to find the hidden box. There are geocaches hidden throughout the entire world. You will be surprised how many are in your neighborhood.
Does your local area offer classes such as pottery, cake decorating or cooking? Try taking one of those with your date, followed by coffee or dessert. Again, it is something special that you two will share together and even if your pottery falls apart, it will make a funny memory for the two of you in the future.
Do you live in a large city? Pretend you are a tourist and take a tour bus or walking tour around the city. You will probably be surprised at how much you find out about the things you see everyday.
Casinos can also make fun dates and aren't just for gambling anymore. Sure, you can gamble if you would like, but most casinos offer live music and dancing. Sometimes they even have areas for concerts. Best of all, most casinos are open all night so this is great if you work late or are just having a really good date and don't want it to stop!
One new idea that is spreading across the country is what is nicknamed "Adult Chuck E. Cheese." These operations are large buildings which have video games, pool tables, air hockey and lots more. They are stylishly designed and have full dinner options plus bar service. What a great way to release your inner child and have some fun with your date, without having to wait your turn to play pinball behind a group of seven year olds!
Unique dates are great ways to make memories with your special someone.
Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2006. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of PlanJam - where you can find unique date ideas and then plan a date.
River Oaks Italian Garden Design
A well-known resident of River Oaks contacted us and asked us if we could harmoniously blend the organic and inorganic components of her landscape into a design that would complement the classical architecture of her house and exterior masonry. We immediately noticed that the symmetry of her three-story house, and the fine linear designs of the yard and surrounding stonework, were also two very key elements used in Italian gardening. We shared this insight with the homeowner, who agreed that such a design would work very well for what she had in mind.
We began by working on the walkway that ran from the sidewalk up to the front of the house. This walkway curved in from the sidewalk between two small stone walls and converged in a series of very small, ascending steps reminiscent of those in a staircase. This gave us an opportunity to establish an immediate sense of formal entryway by framing the front of the walkway with Agapanthus and a number of other perennial and flowering plant species that bloom in seasonal cycles throughout the spring and summer. We framed the flowering plants with boxwoods to create an organic enclosure whose angular symmetry and self-containment speak to essence of an Italian garden.
At the other end of the walkway, where the steps ascended to the porch, the walkway widened symmetrically and intersected on one side with the motor court. This proportional stonework was almost like the design of a planter, and provided us with an additional opportunity for planting a number of colorful plant species. We deliberately used annuals such as snapdragons in order to create an entirely new set of floral patterns that would change colors with the coming of each new spring. As we had done in the front, we then framed the flowers with boxwoods that were planted in rows and intersecting right angles. This served to frame the flowers with an organic enclosure consistent with the balance and angular symmetry of Italian garden design.
The thee-story house itself was a classical element in its own right. It rose up from the landscape to a height nearly equivalent to its width. Its architecture featured both Renaissance and Roman elements that gave it a very old, stately European sensibility. Its windows were shaped like tall arches, and its third floor was ornamented by a balcony that geometrically complimented the entirety of the structure and the roof above it. We added pots and planters to this area to create an outdoor garden on the patio, along with an irrigation system that would minimize the need for constant maintenance. Then, to draw the eye upward to the patio garden, we planted two Italian cypress trees, one on either side of the house, whose height added a sense of continued vertical movement upward. We kept the vegetation in the very front of the house to a minimum. This was done both to maintain the aesthetic of the windows, and also to allow people within the home to better see out of the windows.
To make certain that both vegetation and architectural highlights were clearly visible at night, we installed Façade lights and lit the Italian cypress trees with Mercury vapor lights. We also lit two very tall oak trees growing on either side of the walkway near the sidewalk. This maintained the sense of a grand entryway after sunset. We deliberately took a minimalist approach to lighting the front of the home, using illumination only to accent the Italian garden elements of the landscape, and letting the remainder of the light come through the windows from the interior of the home.
After we completed the front area, we turned our attention to the side of the house. This area was quite unique in that it was a yard that was completely covered by masonry. Its linear proportions and right angles framed the luxurious pool with an exquisitely formal sense of symmetry. The geometry was ideal to create a small Italian garden on the far side of the pool, and required only a few basic elements to add this organic aesthetic. We planted a row of Holly trees on the far side of the pool, and lit them with concealed fixtures. We mounted an Italian cherub in the center of the pool wall, lighting it with special sculpture lights, and balancing its presence as a center piece with handmade Italian pottery placed on either side of the pool wall.
This effectively turned what had been empty space on the far side of the pool into a mini-garden area that functioned as a decorative, living wall of green that enclosed the entire patio and provided complete seclusion and privacy to the homeowner and her guests.
Jeff Halper is passionate for Landscaping and wants to share infomation about that passion. At Exterior Worlds you can read more about Italian Garden Design or Landscape Design
We began by working on the walkway that ran from the sidewalk up to the front of the house. This walkway curved in from the sidewalk between two small stone walls and converged in a series of very small, ascending steps reminiscent of those in a staircase. This gave us an opportunity to establish an immediate sense of formal entryway by framing the front of the walkway with Agapanthus and a number of other perennial and flowering plant species that bloom in seasonal cycles throughout the spring and summer. We framed the flowering plants with boxwoods to create an organic enclosure whose angular symmetry and self-containment speak to essence of an Italian garden.
At the other end of the walkway, where the steps ascended to the porch, the walkway widened symmetrically and intersected on one side with the motor court. This proportional stonework was almost like the design of a planter, and provided us with an additional opportunity for planting a number of colorful plant species. We deliberately used annuals such as snapdragons in order to create an entirely new set of floral patterns that would change colors with the coming of each new spring. As we had done in the front, we then framed the flowers with boxwoods that were planted in rows and intersecting right angles. This served to frame the flowers with an organic enclosure consistent with the balance and angular symmetry of Italian garden design.
The thee-story house itself was a classical element in its own right. It rose up from the landscape to a height nearly equivalent to its width. Its architecture featured both Renaissance and Roman elements that gave it a very old, stately European sensibility. Its windows were shaped like tall arches, and its third floor was ornamented by a balcony that geometrically complimented the entirety of the structure and the roof above it. We added pots and planters to this area to create an outdoor garden on the patio, along with an irrigation system that would minimize the need for constant maintenance. Then, to draw the eye upward to the patio garden, we planted two Italian cypress trees, one on either side of the house, whose height added a sense of continued vertical movement upward. We kept the vegetation in the very front of the house to a minimum. This was done both to maintain the aesthetic of the windows, and also to allow people within the home to better see out of the windows.
To make certain that both vegetation and architectural highlights were clearly visible at night, we installed Façade lights and lit the Italian cypress trees with Mercury vapor lights. We also lit two very tall oak trees growing on either side of the walkway near the sidewalk. This maintained the sense of a grand entryway after sunset. We deliberately took a minimalist approach to lighting the front of the home, using illumination only to accent the Italian garden elements of the landscape, and letting the remainder of the light come through the windows from the interior of the home.
After we completed the front area, we turned our attention to the side of the house. This area was quite unique in that it was a yard that was completely covered by masonry. Its linear proportions and right angles framed the luxurious pool with an exquisitely formal sense of symmetry. The geometry was ideal to create a small Italian garden on the far side of the pool, and required only a few basic elements to add this organic aesthetic. We planted a row of Holly trees on the far side of the pool, and lit them with concealed fixtures. We mounted an Italian cherub in the center of the pool wall, lighting it with special sculpture lights, and balancing its presence as a center piece with handmade Italian pottery placed on either side of the pool wall.
This effectively turned what had been empty space on the far side of the pool into a mini-garden area that functioned as a decorative, living wall of green that enclosed the entire patio and provided complete seclusion and privacy to the homeowner and her guests.
Jeff Halper is passionate for Landscaping and wants to share infomation about that passion. At Exterior Worlds you can read more about Italian Garden Design or Landscape Design
Top 5 Tourist Attractions - Coromandel NZ - A Must See and to Do Guide to Coromandel Peninsula
Bruce Bricknell's Driving Creek Railway and Potteries
Coromandel township is home to Bruce Bricknell's Driving Creek Railway, a one hour narrow gauge train ride that winds its way up a 3km mountain track through replanted kauri trees and native forests. You'll cross bridges and viaducts, go through tunnels and zigzag round some seriously sharp bends before reaching the Eyefull Tower at the summit, a viewing platform with panoramic views over the forest, valley and Hauraki Gulf.
Bruce originally built the railway to extract clay from the hills for his pottery but was so inundated with requests for train rides; he decided to open it up to the public. Driving Creek Railway is now one of Coromandel's most popular tourist attractions with 30,000 visitors a year but don't think this is a get rich scheme. Once the costs are covered to keep to pottery business and railway going, the rest of the proceeds go to conserving and replacing the native bush and kauri trees that once covered this area.
Waiau Waterworks
Just a short distance from Coromandel Township on Road 309 is Waiau Waterworks. A fabulous place to spend the day, Waiau Waterworks is an innovative theme park with whimsical contractions and machines all powered by water. From water pipe men to giant water clocks, there's every conceivable gadget (and a few that defy imagination) to delight the child in all of us. With a flying fox, kids playground, picnic area and safe swimming hole, Waiau Waterworks offers lots of fun for all the family.
The Lost Spring
The Lost Spring is a testimony to determination, perseverance and never giving up on your dream.
Inspired by old stories of a lost thermal water spring on the Coromandel, Alan Hopping spent 20 years searching for the spring. His eventual success led to the creation of the Lost Spring Thermal Resort in Whitianga, a spectacular set of luxurious hot pools fed by pristine geothermal water set in beautiful native forests. Dine poolside at the resort's 18sixtyfive restaurant or sit in the lagoon style dining area looking out over tranquil soothing water and lush foliage.
Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach is one of those unique experiences every visitor to the Coromandel must do. While Hot Water Beach is one of the top surfing spots on the peninsula, the real reason for its fame is what gives this beach its name. An underground river of hot water surfaces at the beach and one hour either side of low tide, people flock there to dig their own natural spa pool in the sand. Winter or summer, this is a natural phenomenon that once experienced, you'll never forget!
The World Famous Cathedral Cove
Te Whanganui A Hei Marine Reserve in Coromandel's Mercury Bay, is home to the famous Cathedral Cove, one of the most visited and photographed locations on the Coromandel Peninsula. Accessible only by foot (via an access track at the northern end of Hahei Beach) or water, this magnificent cathedral shaped cavern, white sand beach and its spectacular environs are a "must visit" site.
A wonderful way to explore Cathedral Cove is by kayak and the folks from Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking, located at Hahei Beach will give you a sensational experience. Great for experienced and first time kayakers, you'll reach beaches, caves, blowholes and islands that others can't get to by boat or foot.
Coromandel township is home to Bruce Bricknell's Driving Creek Railway, a one hour narrow gauge train ride that winds its way up a 3km mountain track through replanted kauri trees and native forests. You'll cross bridges and viaducts, go through tunnels and zigzag round some seriously sharp bends before reaching the Eyefull Tower at the summit, a viewing platform with panoramic views over the forest, valley and Hauraki Gulf.
Bruce originally built the railway to extract clay from the hills for his pottery but was so inundated with requests for train rides; he decided to open it up to the public. Driving Creek Railway is now one of Coromandel's most popular tourist attractions with 30,000 visitors a year but don't think this is a get rich scheme. Once the costs are covered to keep to pottery business and railway going, the rest of the proceeds go to conserving and replacing the native bush and kauri trees that once covered this area.
Waiau Waterworks
Just a short distance from Coromandel Township on Road 309 is Waiau Waterworks. A fabulous place to spend the day, Waiau Waterworks is an innovative theme park with whimsical contractions and machines all powered by water. From water pipe men to giant water clocks, there's every conceivable gadget (and a few that defy imagination) to delight the child in all of us. With a flying fox, kids playground, picnic area and safe swimming hole, Waiau Waterworks offers lots of fun for all the family.
The Lost Spring
The Lost Spring is a testimony to determination, perseverance and never giving up on your dream.
Inspired by old stories of a lost thermal water spring on the Coromandel, Alan Hopping spent 20 years searching for the spring. His eventual success led to the creation of the Lost Spring Thermal Resort in Whitianga, a spectacular set of luxurious hot pools fed by pristine geothermal water set in beautiful native forests. Dine poolside at the resort's 18sixtyfive restaurant or sit in the lagoon style dining area looking out over tranquil soothing water and lush foliage.
Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach is one of those unique experiences every visitor to the Coromandel must do. While Hot Water Beach is one of the top surfing spots on the peninsula, the real reason for its fame is what gives this beach its name. An underground river of hot water surfaces at the beach and one hour either side of low tide, people flock there to dig their own natural spa pool in the sand. Winter or summer, this is a natural phenomenon that once experienced, you'll never forget!
The World Famous Cathedral Cove
Te Whanganui A Hei Marine Reserve in Coromandel's Mercury Bay, is home to the famous Cathedral Cove, one of the most visited and photographed locations on the Coromandel Peninsula. Accessible only by foot (via an access track at the northern end of Hahei Beach) or water, this magnificent cathedral shaped cavern, white sand beach and its spectacular environs are a "must visit" site.
A wonderful way to explore Cathedral Cove is by kayak and the folks from Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking, located at Hahei Beach will give you a sensational experience. Great for experienced and first time kayakers, you'll reach beaches, caves, blowholes and islands that others can't get to by boat or foot.
Leslie Preston is founder of Bachcare a provider of Coromandel holiday homes and holiday accommodation for rent. Bachcare provides holiday homes, baches and rental accommodation throughout New Zealand's favorite holiday and vacation destinations.
Affordable Maryland Hotels & Attractions For the Ultimate Budget-Friendly Getaway
Known for crab cakes, historic attractions and, when it comes to industry, its life sciences institutions and agencies, Maryland is a place to be savored and explored. But, in the beginnings of an economic recovery, while many families are still traveling on a budget, can you really experience some of the most-sought after attractions in the "Old Line State" without breaking the bank?
Absolutely!
With affordable Maryland hotels in virtually every corner of the state - from Aberdeen to Walforf - Marriott offers spacious, comfortable accommodations near some of the state's top attractions and hidden treasures. Some of the top places to stretch your dollar include:
• Adkins Arboretum. Located 25 minutes from Easton and 30 minutes from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, this 400-acre native garden and preserve on the state's Eastern Shore features four miles of paths along streams, through meadows and native plant gardens, where you can see more than 600 species of native shrubs, trees, wildflowers, and grasses, plus an array of birds and wildlife. (Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students ages 6-18.)
• B&O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Station. Although you might only know it from Monopoly, B&O Railroad is very real - and located in Central Maryland's Ellicott City. Not only will you get the chance to explore the oldest surviving railroad station in America, but the $5 adult ($3 for children) also includes a history of the railroad, as told by living historians dressed in period costumes.
• Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum. For just $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12, you can discover the story behind the life of George Herman "Babe" Ruth - America's first sports icon and an unlikely hero to millions. In addition, this admission price will also give you access to the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards, where you can spend the day basking in sports memorabilia from the Baltimore Orioles, Colts, Ravens and Blast; the Negro League teams; the Preakness; the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame; regional college athletics and more.
• Frontier Town. In Worcester County, near many family-friendly Maryland hotels and restaurants, Frontier Town features thrilling theme park rides for kids of all ages, plus a waterpark with a lazy river, family activity pool, water slides and more. Best of all, after you've hit the rides and the pool, you can dry off at Frontier Town's 18-hole mini-golf course, where you can play everyone's favorite game beneath a canopy of lush shade trees. (Admission prices vary depending upon the options you choose.)
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Take a trip back in time at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Located at the confluence of the Potomac & Shenandoah Rivers, this living history museum is the perfect place to meander quaint streets and take a glimpse back in time. In addition, you'll find a variety of visit exhibits and museums to browse, trails to hike and battlefields to explore. You can even take a ranger-guided tour, which features fascinating tales of days gone by. (Admission is $6 per vehicle.)
• Bethesda's Arts & Entertainment District. If you're staying at a Maryland hotel in or near Bethesda, don't miss a trip to the city's downtown area. From public art to galleries featuring paintings, sculptures and pottery by local and internationally recognized artists, as well as an array of theaters, music venues, cafes and more, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon and evening with friends and family. (Admission varies.)
• Historic Annapolis Foundation Walking Tour. Whether you choose a guided tour of Annapolis (prices range from $10 to $42 depending upon the tour selected) or a self-guided audio walking tour ($10 to rent the audio equipment), you can explore the history and grandeur of this revolutionary city. From a tavern where Thomas Jefferson stayed to a trip to United States Naval Academy and the streets of town, there are a host of stops to make, sights to see and tours to choose from that can make your stay more interesting and entertaining.
Whatever your passion, whatever age group you're traveling with, throughout Maryland you'll find a host of fascinating, family-friendly places to explore - that are also easy on your wallet. But if you didn't see what you were looking for on this list, don't despair - your Maryland hotel's concierge staff can help you find the perfect way to spend your day.
Absolutely!
With affordable Maryland hotels in virtually every corner of the state - from Aberdeen to Walforf - Marriott offers spacious, comfortable accommodations near some of the state's top attractions and hidden treasures. Some of the top places to stretch your dollar include:
• Adkins Arboretum. Located 25 minutes from Easton and 30 minutes from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, this 400-acre native garden and preserve on the state's Eastern Shore features four miles of paths along streams, through meadows and native plant gardens, where you can see more than 600 species of native shrubs, trees, wildflowers, and grasses, plus an array of birds and wildlife. (Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students ages 6-18.)
• B&O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Station. Although you might only know it from Monopoly, B&O Railroad is very real - and located in Central Maryland's Ellicott City. Not only will you get the chance to explore the oldest surviving railroad station in America, but the $5 adult ($3 for children) also includes a history of the railroad, as told by living historians dressed in period costumes.
• Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum. For just $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12, you can discover the story behind the life of George Herman "Babe" Ruth - America's first sports icon and an unlikely hero to millions. In addition, this admission price will also give you access to the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards, where you can spend the day basking in sports memorabilia from the Baltimore Orioles, Colts, Ravens and Blast; the Negro League teams; the Preakness; the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame; regional college athletics and more.
• Frontier Town. In Worcester County, near many family-friendly Maryland hotels and restaurants, Frontier Town features thrilling theme park rides for kids of all ages, plus a waterpark with a lazy river, family activity pool, water slides and more. Best of all, after you've hit the rides and the pool, you can dry off at Frontier Town's 18-hole mini-golf course, where you can play everyone's favorite game beneath a canopy of lush shade trees. (Admission prices vary depending upon the options you choose.)
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Take a trip back in time at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Located at the confluence of the Potomac & Shenandoah Rivers, this living history museum is the perfect place to meander quaint streets and take a glimpse back in time. In addition, you'll find a variety of visit exhibits and museums to browse, trails to hike and battlefields to explore. You can even take a ranger-guided tour, which features fascinating tales of days gone by. (Admission is $6 per vehicle.)
• Bethesda's Arts & Entertainment District. If you're staying at a Maryland hotel in or near Bethesda, don't miss a trip to the city's downtown area. From public art to galleries featuring paintings, sculptures and pottery by local and internationally recognized artists, as well as an array of theaters, music venues, cafes and more, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon and evening with friends and family. (Admission varies.)
• Historic Annapolis Foundation Walking Tour. Whether you choose a guided tour of Annapolis (prices range from $10 to $42 depending upon the tour selected) or a self-guided audio walking tour ($10 to rent the audio equipment), you can explore the history and grandeur of this revolutionary city. From a tavern where Thomas Jefferson stayed to a trip to United States Naval Academy and the streets of town, there are a host of stops to make, sights to see and tours to choose from that can make your stay more interesting and entertaining.
Whatever your passion, whatever age group you're traveling with, throughout Maryland you'll find a host of fascinating, family-friendly places to explore - that are also easy on your wallet. But if you didn't see what you were looking for on this list, don't despair - your Maryland hotel's concierge staff can help you find the perfect way to spend your day.
A great resource for Maryland hotels
Floating Candles - Great For Entertaining, Inside and Out
Having candles always creates great ambiance, the mood is set especially if you are looking for a romantic mood. Candles and water always attracts the eye, it produces a pleasing effect that is calming and uplifting.What are floating candles? They are candles that literally float on water, as they are not fixed they have a movement that provides interest. These kinds of candles are available in lots of different colors, shapes and sizes. A water candle display makes a great centerpiece. These displays attract attention for some the different floating shapes are more interesting than the bowl used to hold them.
Floating Candle Bowls
To create a stunning centerpiece with floating candles find a container that satisfies your theme or decor. Any container with a wide open top that holds water will be fine. The best type of bowl is usually glass, this is so the candles are apparent and the reflections clear to see. To get some lovely reflections consider using a crystal bowl or perhaps a polished metal one. If the floating candle holders are to be placed lower than eye level say on the ground then a solid bowl such as pottery or wood can work well also.
Next you need to choose the color and style of the candles to go in the bowl. Floating candles come in all kinds of shapes and colors, so choose something that looks good with your bowl, or that you really like. Then to set up the display, add some water to the bowl, add some flowers in a contrasting color and place the candles in amongst the flowers- the flowers should just be enough to break the candles up and stop them clumping together. To make the floating candle centerpieces really impressive, surround the bowl with more flowers or leaves.
Candle Shapes
Water candles are generally small like flattened balls with a short wick; their bottoms are often rounded to help them float.The small size (2 or 3 inches around) means that use a number of them at any one time and to create the best effect. Candles come in all sorts of shapes from many kinds of flowers including poppies, lilies, roses and pansies to ornamental shapes like butterflies, turtles and fruit. Star floating candles are very popular around Independence Day.It is also possible to get large floating candles for use on pools; sometimes they have more than one wick. The most popular color for these candles is white; the lighter shades show up much clearer against the water.
Scented Floating Candles
You can choose scented candles to add more ambiances to your mood or party, great for a wedding. There are a number of scents available usually in normal floral room fragrances like cinnamon, pine, ginger and of course rose floating candles. There are also some fruit scents.
Pool Floating Candles
Using candles outside on larger bodies of water can create ambiance for special occasions. Candles on pools or ponds add a magical effect and are very mood setting. Pool candles tend to be larger than tabletop candles, usually 5inches across, and can come in round or novelty shaped such as butterflies or small animals. Some lighting effects for the pool look like candles but are flameless candles, these can still be effective. To use real candles as well as floating ones, it is possible to get floating candle holders for example in the shape or water lilies. These holders will take a tea light candle and can be used repeatedly. Some of these holders come in novelty shapes for themed parties such as the rubber ducky to go on a spa.
Floating Candle Bowls
To create a stunning centerpiece with floating candles find a container that satisfies your theme or decor. Any container with a wide open top that holds water will be fine. The best type of bowl is usually glass, this is so the candles are apparent and the reflections clear to see. To get some lovely reflections consider using a crystal bowl or perhaps a polished metal one. If the floating candle holders are to be placed lower than eye level say on the ground then a solid bowl such as pottery or wood can work well also.
Next you need to choose the color and style of the candles to go in the bowl. Floating candles come in all kinds of shapes and colors, so choose something that looks good with your bowl, or that you really like. Then to set up the display, add some water to the bowl, add some flowers in a contrasting color and place the candles in amongst the flowers- the flowers should just be enough to break the candles up and stop them clumping together. To make the floating candle centerpieces really impressive, surround the bowl with more flowers or leaves.
Candle Shapes
Water candles are generally small like flattened balls with a short wick; their bottoms are often rounded to help them float.The small size (2 or 3 inches around) means that use a number of them at any one time and to create the best effect. Candles come in all sorts of shapes from many kinds of flowers including poppies, lilies, roses and pansies to ornamental shapes like butterflies, turtles and fruit. Star floating candles are very popular around Independence Day.It is also possible to get large floating candles for use on pools; sometimes they have more than one wick. The most popular color for these candles is white; the lighter shades show up much clearer against the water.
Scented Floating Candles
You can choose scented candles to add more ambiances to your mood or party, great for a wedding. There are a number of scents available usually in normal floral room fragrances like cinnamon, pine, ginger and of course rose floating candles. There are also some fruit scents.
Pool Floating Candles
Using candles outside on larger bodies of water can create ambiance for special occasions. Candles on pools or ponds add a magical effect and are very mood setting. Pool candles tend to be larger than tabletop candles, usually 5inches across, and can come in round or novelty shaped such as butterflies or small animals. Some lighting effects for the pool look like candles but are flameless candles, these can still be effective. To use real candles as well as floating ones, it is possible to get floating candle holders for example in the shape or water lilies. These holders will take a tea light candle and can be used repeatedly. Some of these holders come in novelty shapes for themed parties such as the rubber ducky to go on a spa.
All types of candles and candle holders add ambiance to your house. This was a brief introduction to floating candles I hope you find a great use for some around your house.
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