Adventure Travel

Big Lake Tahoe Snow Season Deals

November 18th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

Lake-Tahoe-Heavenly-SkiingPlanning a vacation or weekend getaway these past few years has meant finding the best deals and getting the best value for your travel dollars. With a prediction for a good snow season, Lake Tahoe is offering a ton of big deals to budget-minded skiing travelers. Skiers can find great travel packages including hotel, special passes, lessons and equipment rentals. Ski season will be here before you know it – what are you waiting for? Dust off your skis and snowboards…and start planning your Lake Tahoe ski trip!

Note: Deal prices and 411 info are based on resort information and may change; contact Resort for any changes or adjustments. Lake Tahoe Resorts are listed alphabetically.

Alpine Meadows

Ski Deal: A “Stay and Ski” package at Resort at Squaw Creek costs $155/person and includes shuttle lift tickets and breakfast; kids 5-12 are $22, 12-17 are $54 (skialpine.com/squawcreek, look for the promo code on the home page). Buy a college ski pass for $299 by Dec. 1.

What’s New: All kids in the ski are now tracked by GPS, including a post see-you-can-ski web feature. Book a snowcat trip for a gourmet dinner party at mid-mountain; call (530) 581-8210 for info. Alpine offers six trail areas and Lake Tahoe’s only NASTAR-timed race course for recreational skiers.

411: www.skialpine.com (530) 583-4232. Lift tickets $69, kids 5-12, $10. Alpine Meadows has 13 lifts and 100 trails on about 2,400 acres; 1,800 vertical feet. The Resort also offers a top-notch disabled skier program. Cross your fingers for a Dec. 5 opening.

Heavenly Valley

Ski Deal: Heavenly Valley offers a non-holiday season pass for $369, and their Epic Pass for $599. Additionally, the Epic Pass includes skiing on six Colorado mountains. Food is always budget drainer on the mountains; the $9.95 “Lunch for Less” meal (entree, side dish and drink) definitely adds to this Ski Deal.

What’s New: Heavenly Valley has widened and groomed a bunch of trails to provide improved access, especially to Pinnacles trails. They’ve upgraded the tubing hill with a fully enclosed carpet lift and four lanes of 450-foot long runs. For $119, an Adventure Session gives groups of advanced skiers a guide around the mountain, ski tips and lunch.

411: www.skiheavenly.com (775) 586-7000). Call for single-day lift tickets. The website’s week-by-week pricing schedule shows a “deal” at $82/day two-day pass. Heavenly Valley has 29 lifts and 94 trails on about 4,800 acres; 3,500 vertical feet. Skiing near casinos can add some extra fun; depending on where you are, you’ll be able to see beautiful Lake Tahoe and the rust-hues of the Nevada terrain. Cross your fingers for a Nov. 20 opening.

Homewood

Ski Deal: Big bonus if you’re born during ski season: ski FREE on your birthday! Homewood honors ski passes from other resorts as well and charges $25 if you go Thursday or Sunday. Homewood randomly sells $39 lift tickets online so check the website frequently.

What’s New: High-speed quad lift – “old Homewood Express.”

411: www.skihomewood.com (530) 525-2992. Lift tickets prices: Monday-Thursday $45; Friday-Sunday $55 and holidays $59. Homewood has 7 lifts and 60 runs, on over 1,260 acres; 1,650 vertical feet. Homewood boasts skiing from “peak to shore.” Website gives skiers road condition reports. Cross your fingers for a December 18 opening.

Kirkwood

Ski Deal: $159-$199 midweek lodging special for up to 2 guests. You can also “Work Your pass Off” and earn a free pass for the 2009-2010 season.

What’s New: Check out the website for the El Nino Pass and New Year’s Eve party.

411: www.kirkwood.com (209) 258-6000. Purchase your $74 lift tickets online and save $5; it’s $111 for two consecutive days. Dog Sledding Adventure rides offers a exciting way to see the mountain. Kirkwood has 14 lifts and 65 trails on 2,300 acres; 2,100 vertical feet. Kirkwood gets a ton of show, so the skiing is awesome but roads can be closed; the website offers helpful travel info for weather, snow and road conditions.

Mount Rose

Ski Deal: “Ski and Stay” Reno packages from $69. Three consecutive-day pass for $130, Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday. Bonus Mondays, 2fer Tuesdays, Student or Over the Hill Wednesdays, Ladies Day Thursdays with $35 tickets, void during holiday periods; Runs ‘n Roses $130 family package for tickets for two adults and two kids under 12, every day. College discounts mid-week and non-holiday and Military Discounts (requires pre-purchased voucher, see website for more details).

What’s New: The new Slide Lodge is scheduled to open Christmas 2009 at the south eastern edge of the Slide Bowl base area. It features a panoramic view of the Washoe Valley and an outdoor deck ideal for take a ski break.

411: www.skirose.com (800) 754-7673. Lift tickets $65 ($50 half day), children 6-12, $19, teens 13-17, $45, seniors 65-74, $45, Super Seniors 75+, $19. Mount Rose has 8 lifts and over 60 trails on 1,200 acres; 1,800 vertical feet (the highest base elevation in Tahoe). Cross your fingers for a November 19th opening.

Northstar-at-Tahoe

Ski Deal: Double Whammy season pass gives skiers access to Northstar-at-Tahoe and sister resort Sierra-at-Tahoe for a total of 31 lifts, 136 trails, 3 superpipes and 14 parks; starting at $399, kids $119. Check Northstar’s website, they offer deals to local teachers, students, college students, civil service employees, other resort employees, airlines/travel agents and military personnel.

What’s New: The Ritz Carlton Highlands, situated mid-mountain on the resort, is scheduled to open December 9th. Featuring ski-in/ski-out access, ski concierge service, SF celebrity chef Traci des Jardins’ Manzanita restaurant, 17,000-square foot spa and fitness facility and extremely decked out deluxe guest rooms, the Ritz should be a get-away in itself. A new gondola goes directly to the Ritz from the Village. The beginner teaching area has been expanded and improved for a better learning experience.

411: www.northstarattahoe.com (800) 466-6784. Adult lift ticket $79, kids 5-12, $30. Northstar has 19 lifts and 90 trails on 3,000 acres. Cross your fingers for a November 21st opening.

Sierra-at-Tahoe

Ski Deal: Sierra-at-Tahoe partners on the Double Whammy Pass with Northstar-at-Tahoe. New Learn-to-Ski/Snowboard package for $35 (equipment rental, 2.5 hour lesson and limited lift access), Sundays to Fridays, non-holidays, 13+ years. Purchase your 3-Pak Lift Ticket for $45/day by January 1, 2010.

What’s New: The Exteremly Challenging-Experts Only Huckleberry Canyon is now part of Sierra-at-Tahoe. $49 Backcountry guided lesson on backcountry equipment, route selection and skier/rider improvement, Saturday-Sunday, 18+ expert level only, reservations required. Free hour Backcountry Tours on Fridays, 18+ expert level only, reservations required. Call 530.659.7453 x150 for reservations.

411: www.sierraattahoe.com (530) 659-7453. Buy ski lift tickets for $69 or $72 on weekends and holidays. Day care is available for children 10 months to 5 years, includes indoor/outdoor activities and snacks/lunch – reservations required. Sierra at Tahoe has 11 lifts and 46 trails on 2,000 acres; 2,200 vertical feet. Check the website for an opening day announcement.

Squaw Valley

Ski Deal: $136 weekend stay-and-ski packages per person per night. College students $49 Monday-Thursday or College Season Pass for $369, valid all week. Free night skiing with All Day Lift Tickets; free lift tickets to all active duty military personnel during this season with valid military ID (check for black out dates).

What’s New: This season marks Squaw Valley’s 60th Anniversary and the 50th Anniversary of the 1960 Olympics, so the Resort should be festive. New ski and snowboard programs for women, parents and children; new High Camp Triple Chair Lift; unveiling new mid-mountain restaurants, The Arc at Gold Coast and 39 (degree) North Latitude both eco-friendly construction. Twenty-two Bistro & Bar and Cornice Cantina in the Village/Base Area.

411: www.squaw.com (800) 545-4350. Lift tickets are $83 ($88 holidays), kids under 12, $10. Squaw Valley has 33 lifts on 4,000 acres; 2,850 vertical feet. November 27th legendary Peggy Fleming and local children sake at the Report Ice Rink. Cross your fingers for a November 21st opening.

Sugar Bowl

Ski Deals: General Admission Days – check the website for specific dates – everyone with a season pass or a qualifying lift ticket gets free rentals and a group lesson. Book your stay at the Lodge online for midweek or non-holidays and save 50 percent, rooms start at $79/day and include a Daily CORE Pass.

What’s New: Sugar Bowl celebrates their 70th anniversary all season. New chairlift that accesses the Judah Bowl area – the new lift takes skiers/riders to the ridge top of Mt. Judah and drops them off just be low the summit. Skiers and riders who want more adventure will be able to sign up for guided backcountry tours and education programs in snow safety skills required to enjoy the side country powder skiing. Additionally, skiers and boarders will be able to experience the boarder-cross Olympic-caliber course when the U.S. Olympic team is not training.

411: www.sugarbowl.com (530) 426-9000. Lift tickets $66, $20 for kids 6-12. Get The Core Pass and save even more. Sugar Bowl has 13 lifts and 95 trails on 1500 acres; 1500 vertical feet. Cross your fingers for a November 25th opening.

Image via

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Caribbean, Off-the-beaten-path

November 18th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

Caribbean-Dominica-WaterfallFor many travelers, the Caribbean Islands are destinations for sun and swimming. But more and more travelers are finding out that there is more to these islands than seaside resorts and suntan lotion.

Most of the Caribbean’s isles have lush, mountainous interiors and unique features like waterfalls, hot springs, and rare wildlife. Though most islands only have a fledgling adventure travel industry, some have been able to take full advantage of their unique geography to offer adventure seekers and nature lovers a place to explore.

Dominica is the least developed of the Lesser Antilles. It is known in tourist circles for its eco-tourism industry. Travelers who have discovered this green gem rave about the hot springs, the lush mountain scenery, and the many beautiful and remote waterfalls. In addition, there are eco-friendly resorts and seaside accommodations. Though it lacks a resort island’s beach scene, Dominica has other seaside attractions. There are plenty of diving sites just off the coast and the beaches of the city of Rosalie are a favorite nesting place for gigantic sea turtles.

Though Dominica has the most attractive nature in the Caribbean, other more popular mainstream islands also have attractive natural features.

The cool and hazy Blue Mountains of Jamaica are famous for the coffee plantations that dominate the landscape. But this rural place on the famous island’s interior is also home to amazing scenery and off-the-beaten-path trekking opportunities.

Cuba has a noticeably rural vibe, even in its cities. Amazing interior features like La Sierra de los Organos and the lush Viñales Valley (famous for its tobacco fields) are beautiful places to trek. With signs pointing toward an easing of tensions between the island nation and the U.S., Cuba is set to draw more adventurers than ever to its mountains and interior plains.

This list continues with the volcanic island of Martinique and the mountainous interior of Puerto Rico. There are plenty of natural spots in the Caribbean. One just has to know where to look.

Image via

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Best Skiing on the East Coast Goes to…

November 10th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

sunday-river-ski-resort-maineWhen most people think of the ideal ski destinations in the US, they think of California and the Rocky Mountain states. True, these high-altitude spots are great for skiing. But snow enthusiasts on the East Coast needn’t travel so far west in search of ideal conditions on the slopes. Though they are not 14,000 feet above sea-level, the mountains of New England’s offer as much excitement as Colorado’s peaks.

Vermont
Smuggler’s Notch, in Vermont’s Green Mountains, is known as one of New England’s best family-friendly resorts. With over 1,000 acres of ski-able terrain, every level of skier will be able to find a slope to their liking. Smuggler’s has Rocky-like statistics with 3-mile-long runs and a vertical drop of more than 2,500 feet. The resort also boasts a snowboard park and over 700 acres of forest terrain for back-country-style skiing.

Maine
Maine’s Sugarloaf Mountain is arguably the most well-known of the Northeast’s ski resorts. With 1,500 acres of trails and a nearly-3,000 vertical drop, it is also one of the region’s largest. It offers some of the cheapest ski packages, with early season prices for sleep-and-ski combos falling under $100 per day.

Nearby Sunday River is another resort on Maine’s ski menu. It’s famous White Cap Mountain features some of the region’s most challenging terrain, including steep drops and tree-lined trails. Avid skiers can purchase a season pass that allows access to both Sunday River and Sugarloaf.

Upstate New York
Upstate New York has an impressive collection of mountains known as the Adirondacks. Lake Placid, past host of the Winter Olympics and current home of Whiteface Ski Area, is a popular destination. Whiteface offers a vertical drop of more than 3,000 feet and 75 unique trails. In addition, there is a terrain park for snowboarders and several areas for tree-skiing.

Image via

Tags: , , , , ,

Surprisingly Exciting Iowa Attracts Outdoor Enthusiasts

November 7th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

Iowa is not known for…much of anything, aside from being the first place where the Republicans and Democrats nominate their respective parties’ presidential candidates. But this state, with a mainly agricultural past, has some exciting surprises.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the magic of Iowa takes places on the trails that crisscross the state and in the many well-kept state parks. Mountain bikers, road cyclists, and hikers will find plenty of adventure on these paths and in these parks. They will also witness a surprisingly diverse landscape that goes well beyond the stereotype of cornfields and flat prairies.

ragbrai-held-in-iowaOne of the state’s major events is centered around bicycles. The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, usually referred to by the acronym RAGBRAI, is a yearly event that draws two-wheel enthusiasts from across the nation. The seven-day ride is sponsored by the Des Moines Register newspaper. It occurs in July and pre-registration is required (http://ragbrai.com).

For those who prefer to do their pedaling alone or in a smaller group, Iowa has plenty of trails from the Eastern bluff country to the Western prairie-lands. Some of these routes allow cyclists a chance to cross the entire state.

Hikers also have plenty of options. Ledges State Park, near Des Moines, has trails that loop through the area’s scenic bluff country. Some of the walks are quite strenuous, but the views are incredible. Maquoketa Caves State Park only has 6 miles of trails, but its network of caves draws spelunkers of all skill levels.

On the Western side of the state, Hitchcock Natural Area (located in the Iowa portion of the Omaha metro), offers access to some of Iowa’s most diverse landscapes. Features range from densely wooded hollows to rolling prairies to steep bluffs. All this is located within a six mile radius. Hitchcock is also known as being the home of many birds of prey.

Trails.com keeps an updated list of Iowa’s best hikes on its web site here.

Image via

Tags: , , , , , ,

Get Away From it All at Montana’s Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch

October 20th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

montana-vacation-ideasThe Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch in Montana is a dude ranch nestled in the middle of a million-acre wilderness wonder right next to Yellowstone Park. Kids and adults alike can head to the lush forests, hills and valleys surrounding the park to enjoy exhilarating views of the mountains, travel along the gravel roads on horseback, and explore the Boulder River. The ranch can only accommodate 20 guests each week, and has become one of the most popular guest ranches in North America. Some of the fun activities and experiences to enjoy at Hawley Mountain Ranch include:

4×4 rides to a ghost town: Head out for the day with a group of travelers to learn more about the ghost town and gold mines around the ranch. Hawley Mountain Ranch caters to 4×4 vehicles to take guests on a haunted tour.

Flyfishing on Boulder River: Hop aboard a fishing boat to explore the mile of private river frontage nestled in the wilderness. The destination has become a popular place for trout fishers and catch-and-release excursions that the whole family can enjoy.

Hike the wilderness trails: If you don’t want to go horseback riding to explore the scenic area, consider going hiking instead. The wilderness trails around the ranch are an idyllic location for bird watching, hiking, and for seeing the flora and fauna up close.

Set up a cookout: The ranch atmosphere is a perfect destination for setting up a campfire for a cookout. Set up a fire pit and enjoy a freshly prepared meal in true Western style! You’ll find several fire pits scattered throughout the guest ranch, so you and your traveling party can enjoy an authentic campfire experience.

Take horseback riding lessons: If you’ve never gone horseback riding before, the Hawley Mountain Ranch offers horseback riding lessons throughout the day for all ages. You can choose from  several horses and can enjoy a guided tour across the wilderness to learn more about the area. Lessons are available year round, and can teach you basic riding skills.

Other activities at Hawley Mountain Ranch in Montana include an exploration of the prehistoric Indian archeological site that dates back 11,500 years, and the boat float down the Yellowstone River.

Image via

Tags: , , , ,

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go Adventure Alaska Tours

October 16th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

denali-national-park-alaskaAdventure Alaska is one of several adventure tour operators that offer a variety of unique itineraries for small groups visiting Alaska, Denali National Park, Canada’s Yukon Territory and the Iditarod Trail. This company can take you on a glacier exploration, across the Alaska and Yukon territory, and on a national park adventure. Whether you’re traveling to Alaska on your own or with a group of friends, you can partner up with the Adventure Alaska team for an unforgettable experience.

The Alaska and Yukon Explorer Tour
The Alaska and Yukon Explorer Tour is an eight-day trip that begins in the Gold Rush town of Dawson City and includes a flight over the mountains to Fairbanks, a trip to the University of Alaska Museum, and an exploration of the Denali National Park Wildlife center. Other towns to visit on this tour include Healy, Talkeetna, Tok, Chicken, Glennallen and Anchorage. If you’re interested in flight seeing and enjoying a few night’s stay in gold rush cabins, this is the tour for you.

The Kenai Explorer tour
The Kenai Explorer tour is a five-day tour of the Kenai Fjords National Park. This trip includes an overnight stay on Fox Island, a charter boat trip from Homer, and an overnight stay at the waterfront bed and breakfast in Seldovia. A rainforest hike and aerial tram ride are some optional additions to the itinerary.

Arctic Explorer tour
Take the Arctic Explorer tour for an eight-day excursion around the “Golden Heart” city of Fairbanks, explore the Brooks Range Eskimo village, and learn about the historic gold rush towns of Alaska, Dawson City and Eagle. This tour includes flight seeing opportunities across Deadhorse, Bettles and the Anaktuvuk Pass, and you’ll also find several pre and post-trip adventures and excursions to add to your itinerary.

Alaska Glaciers tour
If you want to learn about the history of the Alaska glaciers and see the native wildlife, the Alaska Glaciers tour will give you a chance to explore the historic Kennicot and McCarthy ghost towns, see the Root Glacier at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, or head out on an icefield flight seeing trip to land on a glacier. This trip is ideal for anyone that wants to learn about the whale and marine life around Alaska.

Image via

Tags: , , , ,

Full Moon Kayak Tours & Canoe Trekking in Miami, Florida

October 13th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

kayaking-floridaEco-tours and paddling excursions are a popular activity for adventure seekers in South Florida, and Miami is home to tour companies such as Blue Moon that offer multi-hour tours through Oleta Park, an intra-coastal tour around Bal Harbour, and even full moon kayak tours on the night of a full moon. These tours give you a chance to explore miles of natural territory around the buzzing city, and see the exotic birds, manatees, and mangroves scattered throughout the lake and the parks.

Blue Moon’s Oleta Park Inside Tour
The Oleta Park Inside Tour from Blue Moon is a two-hour tour designed for adults or children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. This is a relaxing, beginner-friendly tour that takes you across the waters of Biscayne Bay and around the mangrove trails in Oleta Park. Paddlers have the option of snorkeling and swimming during the trip to see and touch the native marine life and other creatures. The guided tour is offered every day, and covers about two to three miles. You can call Blue Moon tours at (305) 957-3040 for reservations.

Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department Kayaking Tours
The Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department also offers kayaking tours through its eco-adventures program. You can choose from a sea kayak and snorkel adventure, a sunset and moonlight kayak trip, or take the Historic Oleta River Canoe and Kayak Trek. The Sea Kayak and Snorkel Adventure covers areas around Key Biscayne and gives you a chance to see the tropical fish, sea stars and coastal birds in their native environment. You can meet your tour guide at the Crandon Park Visitors and Nature Center in Key Biscyane, Florida. Call (305) 365-3018 for more information.

Sailboards Miami
Sailboards Miami is another tour operator that offers kayaking and windsurfing tours throughout Key Biscayne. You can rent a kayak for a self-guided tour of The Sister Islands, Bill Baggs Park, Vizcaya Grove Isles or Shrimp Lagoon. Kayak rentals are available by the hour, or as a half-day package (about 3 hours). You can also pick up kayaking gear and accessories at the Pro Shop on site. Call (305) 361-7245 for more information.

Whether you want to explore Oleta Park or the Vizcaya Grove Isles, you can book a fun kayaking adventure around Miami. Turn to any of these tour operators to reserve your spot on the sparkling waters around Key Biscayne.

Image via

Tags: , , , , , ,

Florida Bike Touring

October 9th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

key-biscayne-bay-floridaKey Biscayne is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, and attracts thousands of eco-adventure travelers with its lush forests, abundant wildlife and rich history. You can book a biking adventure through several miles of the parks and forests around the Village of Key Biscayne and the famous Crandon Gardens, and choose from self-guided packages or a guided tour.

Scenic, Nature Tour
The Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department offers a Key Biscayne Bike Adventure, an 8-mile naturalist-guided bike tour through Crandon Park with stops at Crandon Marina and Bear Cut Preserve. This tour will give you a chance to see the beautiful scenery and lush, tropical vegetation throughout the park, and also catch a view of the wildlife native to the area. The tour departs from the Crandon Park Visitors and Nature Center in Key Biscayne. Call (305) 365-3018 for more information.

Self-guided Tours
If you prefer to take a self-guided tour of the city, rent a bike through a company such as Bike And Roll that offers bike rentals year round. You can explore Key Biscayne Island to see the amazing beaches and forests, or explore Vizcaya and Coconut Grove to take in the historic sites and old villas scattered throughout the area. Other destinations to consider for your biking adventure around Miami are the South Beach Circle and Art Deco district, the North Bay Loop with is tropical gardens, and the Venetian Islands, home to the Venetian Causeway. The Bike and Roll pickup point is located in downtown Miami Beach, and the shop opens every day at 8 a.m. Call (305) 905-2055 for more information.

Quick Bike Tripping
Another option for guided bike tours around Key Biscayne is the bike trips offered by the Miami Parks and Recreation department at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center. This center offers hands-on nature tours, as well as bike trips throughout the park. The biking adventure can be combined with other outdoor activities such as canoeing, snorkeling or nature walking. Visit http://www.biscaynenaturecenter.org/marjory/marjory.html for more information.

Whether you’re heading to Key Biscayne on your own or with a group of adventure enthusiasts, biking your way through the forests and trails is a great way to explore the scenic area. Rent a bike or sign up for a guided tour to make the most of your experience.

Image via

Tags: , , , , , ,

Maine’s Acadia National Park

October 6th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

acadia-national-park-maineAcadia National Park is the first national park east of the Mississippi River and has been attracting thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year because of its tall mountain peaks, scenic hiking trails and ranger-led programs. If you’re interested in learning about nature along the U.S. Atlantic coast or just want to plan a camping trip out East, here are some fun and interesting activities to add to your itinerary when visiting Acadia National Park:

Drive Up Cadillac Mountain
If you’re looking for an activity that will only take you a few hours, head up to Cadillac Mountain for a 3.5 mile road trip through scenic trails. This drive will give you a chance to take in the local scenery and see a few wayside exhibits along the way. When you get to Cadillac Mountain, you can also take the 1/3 mile loop walking trail.

Take a Carriage Tour from Wildwood Stables
If you’re visiting Acadia between mid-June to early October, don’t miss the chance to take the carriage tours available from Wildwood Stables. These tours will take you from Park Loop Road around the stables for a scenic, guided tour of the area. You can call the Carriages of Acadia company at (877) 276-3622 for more information.

Sign Up for a Ranger-Led Tour
Depending on the time of year you visit, you can take a ranger-led tour to several areas around the park and learn about the flora and fauna, Acadia’s landscape, and the area’s geologic history. Themed tours include the Carriage Road Ramble, the Warbler Walk and the Peregrine Falcons.

Visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Make your way to Mount Desert Island at Acadia National Park to see the private residence of the commander of the local Coast Guard Unit, and enjoy breathtaking view s of the area on the west side of the island.

Explore the Islesford Historical Museum
The Islesford Historical Museum is located on Cranberry Island and is home to dozens of artifacts, photographs and collectibles including dolls, toys and ship models. Head here to learn about the Town of Cranberry Isles and how the community developed.

Image via

Tags: , , , ,

Kayak, Snorkel and Biking Adventures Around Key Biscayne

October 2nd, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

key-biscayneKey Biscayne is home to the Bear Cut Marine Preserve and beautiful coral reefs that cater to snorkelers, kayakers and canoeing enthusiasts year round. The City of Miami’s Parks and Recreation Department offers its own set of eco-adventures for outdoor enthusiasts who are at least 7 years of age. These affordably-priced tour packages include all safety equipment and gear, and customized tours are available if you want to explore a certain area.

Some of the kayaking and snorkeling adventures available for beginners include the: Oleta River Kayak, the Key Biscyane Kayak Adventure, the Key Biscyane Canoe Trek and the Chicken Key Canoe Trip. All of these trips last about three hours, and are subject to weather conditions.

Advanced snorkelers and kayakers may prefer to take the Historic Oleta River Canoe Trek, the Historic Coral Gables Waterway Canoe Adventure, the Sunset and Moonlight Kayak, or the Half Moon Wreck and Snorkeling Adventure. All of these trips range from 3 hours to half a day, and can be a great match for anyone interested in exploring the historic areas of the region.

Adventure travelers that prefer to stay dry can take a scenic guided tour of the countryside roads in Miami with a biking or hiking eco-adventure. The City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department has also teamed up with EcoAdventures to offer four different ‘bike and hike’ adventures for travelers who are at least 12 years of age. Travelers can choose from the Everglades Pineland Bike & Hike, the Key Biscayne Bike Adventure, the Redland Historic Bike Tour, or the Shark Valley Sunset Bike Trip. Most of these trips s last about 4 hours and are designed for beginning to moderate bikers and hikers. All safety equipment and adventure gear is provided by EcoAdventures, so travelers are only paying for the actual tour.

All of the tours offered through the Parks and Recreation Department and EcoAdventures are priced at $35 for residents and $50 for non-residents, and include instruction and support from an eco-adventure professional. Most of these adventure depart from Crandon Park and Pelican Harbor in Miami, and reservations can be made in advance by calling (305) 365-3018.

Image via

Tags: , , , , ,

« Older Entries