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Archive for September, 2010

Have you ever wanted to visit Holden Beach for your vacation? Believe it or not, most individuals living in the United States have not ever heard or visited Holden Beach. It is one of the prettiest, largest, and most visited beaches in the States. It is a vacation destination that is truly enjoyed by all who visit the area.

So what is there to do on vacation at Holden Beach? Located on the coast of North Carolina, there aren’t many attractions like in Southern California. You are pretty much limited to beach activities and some shopping. That is perfectly fine because there is a ton of stuff to do to keep everyone in your family busy for the entire trip.

Clamming

Have you ever been clamming before? I hadn’t until I visited Holden Beach for the first time. One day we decided to go clamming and got all the gear that we needed. When you find the clams, you put them in fresh water in a bucket and it forces them to open their shells slightly. As soon as they do, you can crack them open. It is quite entertaining for young children, if you are brining any along for the trip.

Kayaking

I had never been kayaking on the ocean until I visited Holden Beach. I thought it was just for small lakes and rivers. It was actually pretty fun to rent some kayaks and head out on the open ocean. The water is so blue and crystal clear that you can see all sorts of aquatic wild life as you are out on the open ocean.

Shark Fishing

This is an intense activity enjoyed by anyone over the age of 10. If you look around and find an opportunity to go out on a boat in the middle of the ocean to fish for sharks, you need to take advantage of that. This is something that I had never heard of since most of our beach vacations take place in Southern California. The second time I visited Holden Beach, I actually got to go out and fish for sharks. There are special poles and bait that you use and when you catch one, it is truly amazing!

Lighthouses

The lighthouses up and down the coast of North Carolina are truly astounding. They are landmarks that stand high above the coast and are amazing to see. If you do your research, you can book a tour of just about any of the lighthouses in the area and take your family through to see what is inside. This is a great activity for days that are a bit cooler or stormy. No matter what, you need to take the time to go see at least one.

There are lots of other things to do while on vacation at Holden Beach. There is something for everyone and it will be a vacation that neither you, nor any member of your family will forget. So, ditch the traditional Disneyland vacation and head to a new destination, Holden Beach!

Jones Beach – Wantagh, NY – Fun in the Sun

Looking for sun, sand and saltwater? It may surprise you to hear that you can find all this right here in New York. Jones Beach contains all the simple pleasures of any other beach and while it may not be the perfect place for a luxury vacation, it is a great place for people of all ages to go for the day.

General Information

The great thing about Jones Beach is its location. It is 1-1.5 hours away from the city (depending on which lot you choose) and it is very easy to get to. The beach is open year round but swimming season usually starts around Memorial Day and parking costs $8. The water is relatively calm, but it also pretty cold. A quick dip in the water is perfect to cool you off after laying in the hot sand and sun, though. Another cool feature is that the ocean beach runs for 6.5 miles and there is a .5 mile long bay beach so there are many lots to choose from. Each lot has its own entrance, parking lot, food establishments, bathrooms and leisure activities.

Activities

Attractions include swimming, mini golf, beach volleyball courts, fishing, pools, playgrounds and much more. The activities available depend on which lot you choose. The lots with more attractions are more crowded (although it is still easy to find a space to lay out) and the lots with less are the more relaxing ones.

Event

Aside from the usual beach activities, Jones Beach is the site for many exciting events. Well-known artists are known to have concerts here and there is a stage where other performances take place. During our recent visit, we found ourselves in the middle of the Jones Beach Air Show. There were all kinds of military aircrafts doing flips and making formations in the air. Jones Beach is never a boring place as there are many activities to choose from.

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Beach shoes have evolved significantly over the last few years. Gone are the days when flip-flops and Birkenstock’s (remember that not all Birkenstock’s are waterproof so choose the ones you’ll wear to the beach wisely) were your only option. Though who can really live without a nice comfy pair of Birkenstock’s or 12? Today there are all kinds of shoes made specifically to wear to the beach.

From netted athletic shoes made for running and walking just along the edge of the water to jelly shoes, flip-flops, and dozens of varieties in between it is now more than ever possible to not only have shoes that are practical to wear to the beach, but fashionable in this endeavor as well.

Shoes say a lot about the wearer, there is really no exception for beach shoes. Any old flip-flops say the wearer isn’t very concerned about their foot fashion. Of course there are flip-flops with embellishments that make them a little more fashionable than the dollar store variety. A nice pair of Birkenstock’s says the wearer is wisely more concerned with quality and comfort than following trends. Impractical beach shoes or those that are likely to need repairs after coming into contract with water and/or sand say the owner has more money than sense. And shoes that are funky and fashionable and made for the beach say the wearer is fashionably chic.

When choosing the right beach shoes for you it is important that you consider what your beachside activities are going to be. If you want to run along the shoreline, you might want to purchase a pair of the beach friendly athletic shoes that are relatively new. If you want to be fashionable go for some of the trendy beach shoes, if you want the ultimate in comfort go for a nice pair of Birkenstock’s, and flip-flops are always an old fall back that have been the shoe of choice of beach goers for ages.

Bellows Beach Park is one of Oahu’s guarded beaches. It lies on the shoreline of Bellows Field Air force Base between the Inoaole and Waimalu Streams in windward Oahu. Bellows Beach is owned by the air force, and is even used for military trainings. Since 1964, however, it has been opened to civilians on weekends and national holidays. During weekdays, the beach can only be accessed by those with military ID.

Bellows Beach is a long and wide strip of powdery sand that is perfect for strolling, sunbathing or viewing the scenic Koolau Mountain Range. The white sanded shore meets a clear, aqua blue ocean- a feature Bellows Beach is most noted for. The beach’s shallow sandbar and small shore breaks provide the ideal wave condition for swimming, and for beginning body and board surfers. Surfing and boogie boarding, on the other hand, is permitted in areas outside the perimeter of the two lifeguard towers only.

Also fringing the shore are rows of ironwood trees providing a shade perfect for spending a day at the beach. Watch out for the ironwood cones that litter the ground though; they can be painful.

But if there’s anything that can really ruin your day at the beach, it’s when you get stung by a Portuguese man-of-war (stinging blue jellyfish). As the name goes, this jellyfish has a blue skin, which makes it hard to spot when present in the ocean water. The Portuguese man-of-war is often brought by strong trade winds from surrounding ocean. If there are lifeguard signs, stay out of the water-jellyfishes can be fatal. If you get bitten by a man-of-war, see a lifeguard for medical help.

If you want to spend a night at the beach, just secure a camping permit from the City of Honolulu. Bellows has a spacious campground; it has about 50 campsites. For those in the military, there are cabins for you but you have to make reservations early because they can fill up quite fast.

Services and amenities: lifeguards (available, however, during weekends and summers only), restrooms, showers picnic areas, campgrounds, paintball sports

5 Unique Things about Bellows Beach:
The beach is owned by the Bellows Field Airforce! During former President Clinton’s visit of Hawaii in 1998, he stayed at the Bellows Air Force Base. The alaakele or Pacific mole crab considers Bellows Beach as its home. They can be found on the water’s edge, waiting for their favorite food: the Portuguese man-of-war. They’re no turtles, but because of their rounded shells, locals popularly call them “sand turtles.” The most fragile of marine mollusks, the pupu pani or “cork shell”, are frequent visitors of the beach as well as they often accompany the Portuguese man-of-war brought by strong winds. The beach’s Island Paintball Sports is staffed by retired military personnel. Sometimes, the military also uses this facility for training.

Venice Beach – The People Watching Capital of Southern California

The beach experience isn’t always just about sun and sand. One of the most enjoyable parts of any time spent at the beach is checking out everything and everyone around you. At most beaches, that means skimpy bikinis and the odd kite-flying youngster. At Venice Beach in Los Angeles, it’s a different story entirely. On any given day, juggling street performers delight the crowd, caricaturists draw unflattering works of art, and straining weightlifters glisten in the heat. All of this makes Venice unlike any other beach in the world, certain to thrill every visitor.

“Venice of America” was created as a beach resort in 1905. The initial grounds came complete with an aquarium, bathhouses, and an amusement park. Developers dug several canals to drain marshes, establishing the parallel with the Italian city of the same name. Few of the original canals remain, but the houses running alongside them have been renovated and restored to their original grandeur.

From its initial development until the 1950′s, the Los Angeles municipal government maintained a hands-off policy towards Venice Beach. As infrastructure crumbled in the latter half of the 20th century, the city stepped in and ordered the demolition of over 550 buildings. This rebirth infused Venice with a new energy, and as the 1960′s opened, characters from across the board began pouring in. In many ways, Venice Beach was the Haight-Ashbury of southern California. The liberal, free environment gave rise to acts like The Doors.

This atmosphere still prevails today, with the population of Venice a veritable melting pot of different races, cultures, and attitudes. All of these people come together to make Venice one of the funkiest spots in America.

While the three mile long beach is available for swimming, that’s not what most people envision when they think of Venice. The most famous icon of Venice Beach is the Gold’s Gym, once home to now-Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger. Today, an enormous “weight pen” supplies wannabe Terminators with the equipment they require, all while spectators gawk from bleachers.

Running along the boardwalk are a number of shops and eateries that cater to the eclectic tastes of Venice Beach residents and visitors. You can purchase anything from t-shirts to tattoos. That’s not the only art in Venice. Most buildings are adorned with grafittied murals depicting a variety of subjects. Formerly a free for all, artists must now obtain permits before starting their work.

Even though the majority of the action takes place on the boardwalk and streets, the beach itself certainly deserves some mention. Venice has one of the better surf breaks in Los Angeles. Volleyball and handball courts abound, inviting you to work up a sweat. There are also a ton of picnic benches and tables, so takeout from any of the great restaurants on the promenade can make for an inexpensive, fun meal.

Venice is a great spot to check out while you’re in LA. Don’t be intimidated by the brawny weightlifters and tattooed outcasts: everyone can enjoy the madness that makes up this incredibly unique beach.

Beach Cruisers – Not Just For Biking On The Beach

At our retail bike store, many of our customers say they want to purchase a beach cruiser, but they don’t live on the beach. The main question happens to be, “is a beach cruiser just for the beach?” The answer is a big – NO Way!

All riders can enjoy Beach cruisers, whether you live in California, New York, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, or any other state – or country for that matter, if there is a road, a beach cruiser bike is ready to ride on it. This style of bike appeared in the 1930′s and was the predominant style for bicycles through the 1950′s.

The large tires on beach cruisers were originally designed to handle sand on beaches (greater surface area than small tires), but the great side effect is that these tires provide one soft and comfortable ride.

Beach cruiser bikes are not only comfortable, they are also very stylish and can really make a statement about you and your personality. Cruisers are meant to cruiser, and if your riding style is a laid back ride where you can soak up the view, then try one out today.

If you live in a flat area without many hills, a one-speed should work just fine. If you live in a hilly area, or want more of a variety of speeds, you may want to consider a beach cruiser with multiple speeds.

Beach cruisers are taking hold across the land and are no longer just for the beach! You may want to consider a Beach Cruiser for your next bike.

Summer has spread its languid glaze over the surface of the land. As you trudge to work, as you run your errands, and as you sigh at the thought of another day just like this one, you realize that you could really use a break. A proper vacation to the beach, perhaps in a spot that’s off the radar but not lifeless, quiet but not dull. Rehoboth Beach, with its unassuming charm and year-round activities, might be the right place to shed your responsibilities and embrace a simpler way of life for a few days.

The largest of Delaware’s Atlantic resorts, Rehoboth Beach has all that you might expect to find in a historic beach town. A mile-long boardwalk, plenty of ocean-themed activities that include surf fishing, swimming, sailing, and paragliding, and a cozy Main Street filled with shops, restaurants and art galleries. Whether you’ve been here before or not, you’ll find yourself intuitively navigating the streets as you fall into step with your fellow blessed beach visitors.

Spend a day lounging near the sea, taking a dip when it gets too hot or grabbing a cool drink when thirst strikes you. Enroll in a crabbing lesson if that sounds like fun, or just people-watch as you take a stroll down the boardwalk. This same area comes alive at night as well as during the day, when a number of casual sports tempt vacationers who have energy to burn. Volleyball, basketball, soccer, and whiffleball can all be watched or engaged in along the sandy strip, so bring your competitive edge.

Other essential summer activities can be found near Rehoboth Beach, activities that will complete your carefree experience and perhaps bring you back to your younger days. Miniature golf, horseback riding, go-cart tracks and waterslides are a few of the diversions you’ll want to consider as you explore the area. There are several “real” golf courses too, many of them award-winning, but don’t be ashamed if you stick to the putt-putt zones.

To get your arts fix, Rehoboth Beach has an array of options that will get your creative juices flowing. The Pop Rocks Art Gallery features the work of several local and nationally recognized pop artists, so be sure to visit if you have a taste for funky and fun-loving visual expression.

If you’re more of a movie buff, then check into the events of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. Every November they host an Independent Film Festival that features workshops, seminars, and film debuts. If you’re interested in their summertime features, however, then keep your eyes open for the goings on at the Art House Theatre and the Cinema by the Surf series, which shows films at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.

The Bandstand is a cornerstone of the Rehoboth Beach entertainment scene, as it is the site of music performances, comedic acts, and various other crowd-pleasing events. The spirit of the Bandstand has been around for decades, but the fact that the venue has been recently remodeled ensures that the tradition will continue.

If this seems like a place that will adequately, if not expertly, chase away the drone and duty of the dog days of summer, then start packing your bags for the rest and respite that you need. Be aware that Rehoboth Beach has a number of unique vacation rentals that could boost your trip from good to great, so before you go the standard route of booking a hotel room make sure to check out every option available.

Many cottages and condos are right on the beach, and even the ones that aren’t are just a few blocks away. The amenities that you’ll find in most properties will make you feel at home, and the prices are often quite reasonable. If you’ve ever been disappointed in your lodging situation while on vacation, it would be smart to go online to peruse the Rehoboth Beach Vacation Rentals that are available. Make this trip as rewarding as possible by being open to all possibilities, and don’t be surprised if you soon find yourself enjoying a highly refreshing week in the midst of an otherwise draining summer.

Turtle Beach x11 – from what I have seen a lot of people say its an excellent pair of headphones some say that they deliver brilliant sound and they wouldn’t change them for anything else. And you will also have a few people who tell you not to buy them well I think you shouldn’t listen to these people because they are just trying to spoil it for the people who know the truth and the truth is the x11 headphones are great.

I have tried the x11′s and let me tell you the sound quality is great, I’ve used them for various different games and they haven’t disappointed me yet. Games like Modern Warfare 2 which is a good game but perhaps you should try playing it with the Turtle Beach head phones then see what you think of the game. They improve the sound quality so much you’ll be able to hear someone sneaking up behind you even if they’re walking slowly attempting not to make a sound.

Without any wires to get in your way you can focus on the game they may not help boost your kills on games like Call Of Duty but they will help in other ways like if you’re able to hear someone sneaking up behind you you’ll be able to move before they get you or you can kill them. If your a true gamer then you should try these online the x11 headphones could really make a difference to your gaming if they don’t they will certainly improve the sound quality.

I just came back from a Boy Scout Camping trip and I can tell you that beach cruisers aren’t just for the beach any longer. We left Friday and I was unsure whether to load our Beach Cruisers onto the car because we were running late. My son Bryce loves his Beach Cruiser called “The Sammy Beach Cruiser” and my wife has her favorite Pink 24 inch Beach Cruiser (frame and wheel base is a little smaller to accommodate her 5 foot height) but for me it’s the Chrome Beach Cruiser. I like the extra spokes, bugle horn and the Springer Fork that my bike touts. So we loaded them up.

Camping isn’t what it use to be nowadays. People bring their pets, beach cruisers, electrical string lights and plan picnics within the campout. My wife loves camping so she packs a lunch and we put it in her beach cruisers basket and ride our beach cruisers out along the lake. The kids like to skip rocks along the surface of the water and our dog Max likes to chase the ducks and play with the other dogs.

I have never had a flat on my Beach Cruiser, while camping, but I use thorn resistant Beach Cruiser tires and I carry an extra inner tube just to be on the safe side. I use to ride a Stretch or Limo Beach Cruiser but I found that the “look” wasn’t worth the pain I got in my back after a couple of hours of riding and that the maneuverability of these Stretch Beach Cruisers wasn’t very good. This weekend my son raced another kid on a Stingray Bicycle and trounced him handily. For me, it just showed that nothing is better for basic bicycle riding than the standard Beach Cruiser whether you’re a kid or an adult.

Beach Cruisers were first introduced in the 1930 -1940′s. Beach Cruisers are Bicycles which were/are characterized by a over sized seat, extended handlebars, fenders and typically a basket which attached to the front wheel. Rear Fenders were built with supporting steel rods and sufficient strength to support a picnic basket or a small child. Overtiime as lighter weight material was introduced few fenders were made that could support any weight and their only purpose was to deflect mud or serve as a cosmetic decoration on your Beach Cruiser. However, there are many types of fenders ranging from duck or flip fenders to fenders that wrap ¾ of the tire so as to give the Beach Cruiser a sinister look.

Beach Cruisers are know available in almost every color you can imagine. This beach cruiser season many manufactures are introducing models in orange beach cruisers, brown beach cruisers, silver beach cruisers and of course traditional colors of red, blue, green and pink beach cruisers.

Many people like decals on their beach cruisers but don’t realize you can purchase these separately and really jazz up a otherwise plain beach cruiser. It is also realatively simple to create your own decals and instructions can be found on several good bicycle sites. Girls seem to like flowers, monkeys and sunshine on their beah cruisers while men go for the skull heads and cruiser crosses.

If I can help you with your own Beach Cruiser drop me a line or just send me a pic of you and your own Beach Cruiser and I’ll post it or you can upload it yourself. There is also Beach Cruiser assembly instructions at http://justbicycles.info

Thanks for listening see you at the beach (or camping).

One of the best holiday destination areas are the Saint Tropez beach clubs. It is no wonder why these places earned such popularity. With the breathtaking views, fine dining experience, and the vibrant night life, the Saint Tropez beach clubs are truly worth anticipating for.

If you are heading to Saint Tropez and you wish to find the most exclusive beach clubs around, read on this article and find valuable information on the finest places in town.

The Tahiti Beach Club

The Tahiti Beach Club is one of the biggest and top destination areas in Pampelonne Beach. Because of the large pontoon, many yachts park up in the place. One of the highlights of Tahiti Beach is the fashionable bistros which offer delectable treats. The guests enjoy the wide selection of meals offered by the Tahiti Beach restaurants. They are also amused by the natural wonder the place has to offer. Once you visit the Tahiti Beach Club, you would be surprised by the magnificent views and the vibrant atmosphere of the locality.

*The Tahiti Restaurant in Saint Tropez

The lengthy selection of food choices in the Tahiti restaurants is the reason why the place is frequented by tourists all year round. Traditional salads, seafood meals, and grilled foods are among the delicacies offered by the Tahiti Restaurants in Saint Tropez.

*The Tahiti Beach Scene

Tahiti Beach Club attracts a loyal patronage of local residents and yacht-hoppers. The crowd is mostly made up of rich travelers who wish to experience the beautiful and sunny beaches of Saint Tropez. The spectacular view of canvas loungers is among the many reasons why Tahiti is frequented by tourists from all over the globe.

The Nikki Beach of St. Tropez

The Nikki Beach at St. Tropez boasts both elegance and style. It is the true epitome of beauty in Saint Tropez. With the hot Mediterranean breeze and the delicious meals served in the locality, it is easy to see why the Nikki Beach of St. Tropez draws tourists from every part of the globe.

*Nikki Beach St. Tropez Restaurants

The restaurants in the area serve the best sushi and sashimi around. They also offer the finest crab and lobster dishes which are surely worth trying.

*The Scenery

The Nikki Beach at St. Tropez is a home to the best live bands in town. It is also one of the sexiest St. Tropez beach clubs around. The crowd mostly consists of jolly youngsters who are ready to party till sunrise. There is poolside entertainment and cocktail lounging which are enjoyed by teens and adults alike.

Kon Tiki Beach

Kon Tiki is one of the greatest beach clubs in the city. It is the home to the most eminent clubs in town. The surrounding places in Kon Tiki Beach offer the best entertainment around. There are also cafes and restaurants which range from cheap to chic. The long line of restaurants and the pristine beaches make this St. Tropez beach club one of the best in the city.

*Activities You Can Enjoy

The wide range of activities offered at Kon Tiki Beach keeps the guests busy during the entire stay at the beach club. Travelers get to experience wind and water sports that are extremely exciting and adventurous. You will definitely not get bored with all the activities offered at this beach club.

This St. Tropez beach club offers various activities like scuba diving, wind surfing, tennis, diving, and many other related sports. Guests also enjoy the outdoor theatre shows which are one of the most spectacular entertainments in the area. There are also plenty of things to discover in this beach club. There are historical places and modern establishments which will surely make your vacation a worthwhile experience.