The Coolest Bed and Breakfast Around

Check out the link below to see the worlds coolest bed and breakfast

**** COOLEST BED & BREAKFAST LINK ****

50 State Challenge - IDAHO

Idaho may not come to mind as an ideal spot to spend a vacation there. However, Idaho has some amazing natural oddities that you can't find anywhere else. For example, who knew that Idaho had an ancient lava field?

The Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho is truly one of a kind. Craters of the Moon is in south-central Idaho, half way between Boise and Yellowstone National Park. Craters of the Moon is one of the largest lava fields in the United States. There are 60 visible lava flows here and the oldest was formed 15,000 years ago.

One of the many lava fields at the park

The park is open all year round, but the winter snow may prevent cars from accessing some of the park. The visitor center is also open year round from 8 am to 4:30 pm.  The entrance fee is only $8 per vehicle and those entering the park by bike, motorcycle or foot only have to pay $4 per person. People under the age of 15 are free to enter and during the winter when the park roads are close there is no fee.

Day trips are very common here, but a lot of people love to stay the night as well. There is a campground that is open from May through November and has 51 sites available. There are no reservations at this campground as it is a first come first served basis. During the summer months its only $10 per site and $6 for non summer months. Water, restrooms, charcoal grills and picnic tables are also available at the campsite.

Besides enjoying the scenery, Craters of the Moon National Park has several outdoor activities to enjoy. Hiking is probably the most popular activity to do. For a list of hiking trail, you can check them out here.  Another popular activity here is exploring the vast cave system and lava tubes. For more information on cave exploration click here 

Craters of the Moon 

P.O. Box 29

Arco, ID 83213

Visitor Info - 208-527-1335

Secret European Vacation Spots

Check out the top ten list of some of the most secret spots in Europe

****EUROPE'S SECRET SPOTS****

Amazing Underwater Photos

Check out the link below to see photographer Sara Lee's amazing underwater photos.

**** UNDERWATER PHOTOS LINK****

10 National Parks You Didn't Know Existed

Check out the link below to see 10 national parks that you had know idea they even existed

**** 10 National Parks Link ****

50 State Challenge - HAWAII

If you couldn't tell by now; I love Hawaii. I feel lucky to have visited this exotic state several times even though I live almost a half world away. Judging by most of these post, you could say that Maui is my favorite island. Most people would ask why because they believe Maui is too expensive and too touristy. I was hesitant at first to reveal my Maui secret, but then I figured why hide my paradise.

Located down Front Street in Lahaina is a gated community called Puamana. Puamana is filled with several small streets that are lined with condos. Some condos have a view of the mountains, some have a view of the ocean and some are located just feet away from the crashing waves of the Pacific.

My Condo 2012. Unit 254-4 Oceanfront

Every condo I have stayed in was oceanfront property and if you can afford it; do it. There is nothing better than waking up and walking 25 ft from your Lanai and stepping into the Pacific Ocean. Puamana offers you a private beach with decent waves to learn how to surf. If you don't want to experience the ocean for whatever reason, there are several pools located within this gated community.

View from my kitchen

Sitting on the Lanai is a million dollar view. The sunsets are almost too perfect to be true and you sometimes might see the infamous green flash. During the winter months you can see humpback whales jumping and playing from the Lanai and sea turtles are always visible no matter what time of year you decided to come.

Sunset over Puamana. August 2012

Every unit is completely different. Obviously those that live here year long have nicer looking units than those that are rentals. Some units look extremely outdated but I have to stress that all rentals are impeccably clean. My unit (254-4) was a nice 3 bedroom 2 bathroom condo. The master bedroom had a view so amazing that I guarantee no hotel on the island could rival it. 

View from the master bedroom.

If you want to enjoy Maui without all the crowds and tourists, I recommend you stay in Puamana. It has 3 swimming pools, private/uncrowded beach, 15 min walk from the hustle and bustle of Lahaina. What more could you want? Check out a this website for more info: PUAMANA RENTALS

Top Ten Things To Do & See In Maui

Planning a trip to Maui soon? Check out the top ten things to do on the island. 

• Plan a Trip to Lahaina

Sunset on Front Street

Spend a day or two walking down Front Street in Lahaina. Several Restaurants, bars and stores line Front Street. Check out MALA OCEAN TAVERN, KIMOS, FLEETWOOD ON FRONT ST for a nice dinner. COOL CATS had a pretty fun bar with live music, try the PIONEER INN for breakfast. 

• Hana Highway

Birds eye view of Hana Highway

The Hana Highway is a 68 mile long stretch of roads which connects Kahului with the town of Hana. The trip down the highway is full of twist and turns. If you dare, you can do the drive yourself or take guided tours. Several waterfalls are just off the beaten path and one of the main attractions is the Seven Sacred Pools.

• Visit Paia

Paia is the "world capital of wind surfing". The town is very colorful and laid back and so are it's locals. Several locally owned surf shops line the main street through town. 14 different and unique restaurants can be found here too. If you are looking for a less crowed beach than the ones near Lahaina, than Baldwin Beach is for you!

1. Go to Charleys

A fun and popular restaurant in Paia where the food is great, as well as the service. You can go for breakfast lunch or dinner but make sure you have a reservation. Lots of people go here simply in hopes of seeing one the restaurants favorite customer; Willie Nelson. 

• Iao Valley

The needle at Iao Valley

This is truly a magical place. It is located in Wailuku in the West Maui Mountains. It cost only $5 to park and then you are free to explore the park. There are several paved pathways but there are also several unpaved pathways that lead you into the lush tropical forest. The main attraction is the Needle. It is a steep climb to the lookout spot but it is totally worth it. 

1. Mamas Fish House

Located in Paia, this famous restaurant definitely lives up to the hype. The food is amazing and the seafood is as fresh as it gets. The menu is a little pricey but it is definitely worth it. Not only is the food good but the location of this restaurant is superb. This restaurant sits by a white sand beach where you can watch people wind surf or watch one of Maui's famous sunsets. 

• Visit Jaws

Now when I say I don't mean the movie, I mean one of the most bad ass surfing spots on the planet. Jaws is located on the Hana Highway and is one of the best spots for big wave surfing. Best time to visit is in the winter because the swells are the biggest. 

• Big Beach, Little Beach

Big Beach is a very popular beach located south of Wailea. It is also known as Makena Beach and is one of the largest beaches on the island. Beach goers can sunbath, swim and snorkel in the bright blue waters. Little beach is just a small hike over a hill. It is mostly a nude beach and on sundays there is a drum circle that is not to be missed.

• Take A Bike Ride Up A Volcano

Several different companies offer sunrise Haleakala tour. You have to get up super early for these tours but they are totally worth it. The views are spectacular and breath taking. If you are not athletic don't worry because you will bike mostly downhill and the guides keep you at a safe pace.  

• Spend As Much Time In The Water

It's Maui, and you should be spending about 90% of your time in the water. There is so much to do from learning how to surf and paddle board to snorkeling and scuba diving. If you are brave enough you can do a shark cage dive and see some of the worlds most menacing sharks. Take a trip to Molokini and enjoy the underwater sea life. 

50 State Challenge - GEORGIA

Finding something for Georgia was tough. I was looking for a zombie themed attraction because The Walking Dead is filmed there. I was going to write about the aquarium but everyone knows about it. I was going to talk about the many haunted locations in Savannah but I decided to wait until October comes around to scare the shit out of people. Finally I decided to write about an unforgettable bar located in Savannah.

The Hang Fire is located on 37 Whitaker Street. This bar guarantees that you will have a hell of time! The staff is outgoing, the music is loud and the drinks are strong. 

Why is this bar amazing? Well, let me drop some daily specials/events on you.......

Mondays: Happy Hour all night long. It is buy one get the next one for only a dollar.

Tuesday: Ummm....it's tuesday just come in and have a drink....no excuses!!

Wednesday: Team Trivia @9pm. Cash prizes.

Thursday: PBR Karaoke. According to their facebook page you could "win cool PBR shit for being talented at untalentness". 

Friday & Saturday: DJs and amazing live music from the areas hottest bands.

If these specials/events don't get you through the door than maybe some of their drink deals will.

Hang Fire is known for a wonderful concoction called Scorpion Tea which is only $5. The drink is a made with Bourbon and little bits of heaven, It's pretty strong but pretty amazing at the same time. 

If you are not sold on this bar than you are no fun. Seriously though if you are ever in Savannah and looking for a local hangout, you need to check out Hang Fire Bar. 

Crazy Video of a Close Call with a Killer Whale

You have to check out this video of an Angler meeting an unexpected visitor 

**** Crazy Video of Killer Whale Link ****

10 Most Amazing Waterfalls Part Deux

A little while back I made a top 10 list for most amazing waterfalls and since then I've found some more amazing ones. Here is part deux of the list, enjoy!

10. Emerald Pool Falls - Dominica

A quick 30 min hike takes you through overhanging trees and lush vegetation to the shimmering pool, which appears greenish-blue from the tree filtered sunlight. 

9. Seljalandsfoss - Iceland

This waterfall of the Seljalandsa River drops 200 ft over cliffs. Several trails take you right behind the waterfall.

8. Galovacki Buk - Croatia

It's 16 m high and is strikingly beautiful as the falls plunges in to the turquoise water.

7. Yosemite Falls - California

The highest measure waterfall in N. America. It is 2,425 ft from the top of the upper falls to the base of the lower falls. It is the 6th highest waterfall in the world.

6. Laja Falls - Chile

The falls are adjacent to an old Pan-American highway. Laja Falls consist of four horseshoe shaped falls.

5. Diamond Falls - St. Lucia

The most colorful waterfall in the Caribbean because the water is laced with minerals from rainwater mixed with volcanism. The color of the water has the ability to change every day. 

4. Seven Sisters Waterfalls - Norway

The waterfall consists of seven separate streams. Legend has it that the seven sisters dance playfully down the mountain, while a single waterfall opposite of the seven sisters flirts from across the fjord.

3. Jog Falls - India

Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River and it falls from a height of 830 ft, making it the 2nd highest waterfall in India. 

2. Burney Falls - California

Strikingly clear water flows from openings in the volcanic rock above the waterfall. The 129 ft high waterfall cascades into an iridescent pool below. 

1. Baatara Gorge Waterfall - Lebanon

The Baatara Gorge Waterfall is located in Tannourine, Lebanon. The waterfall drops 837 ft into the Baatara Pothole, a cave of Jurassic Limestone.

The Best Place to Retire

Check out the article about the hot new retirement spot.

New Retirement Destination Link

50 State Challenge - FLORIDA

In an older post I talked about a bar I went to in Tampa that had the greatest Happy Hour ever. Today I am going to talk about the best holiday ever in Tampa. In late January or early February, the city of Tampa gathers on Bayshore Blvd and watches as Pirates invade their city. To the people of Tampa, Gasparilla is just one big party where people are dressed as pirates and throw beads from floats. More info about the history of Gasparilla can be found here

Gasparilla 2013 already happened but that doesn't mean you shouldn't start planning Gasparilla 2014 now. According to the Gasparilla website next years is January 25th.  I suggest that my readers attend a Gasparilla at least once before you guys kick the bucket. So, from a seasoned pro of all things Gasparilla I'll give you rookies some pointers.

TIPS ON A SUCCESSFUL GASPARILLA

• Gasparilla is on a Saturday so don't go out drinking the night before
• Hit up a liquor store a week early. 
• The early bird catches the worm or whatever that stupid saying is. Basically wake you ass up at 730-8ish in the morning and start drinking.

My roommate and I at 7am doing jello shots! 

• Have fun with this and dress up! Also wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot. 

• Make sure you have some form of ID on you so that someone can help your drunk ass get home. 
• Buy yourself a camelback and fill it with booze! You will need you hands free to catch beads 

• Leave early for the parade. I guarantee you will stop randomly at peoples houses and drink with them. 
• You don't have to show your boobies to get beads, but the men on the floats highly encourage it. 
• Cops are cool on Gasparilla. They let you drink on the street but if you are passed out, throwing up or peeing in public you may get thrown in the drunk tank.

• Do not drive! To many drunks on the road 
• HAVE A GREAT FUCKING TIME!!

Amazing Vacation Deals for June

Check out the link to find great deals for the month of June

http://dealnews.com/c206/Travel-Entertainment/f1069/Caribbean/