vacation

Jul 22
0

Colorado Springs, CO – More than you can imagine!

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DSCF8625Located near the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is one amazing city.  It is a big city with a uniquely small town feel and is the perfect destination for your next charter bus outing.  It is often overshadowed by Denver, the ski resorts and Rocky Mountain National Park; however Colorado Springs is an ideal place to relax and unwind this summer.

Your bus driver can get you safely to one of the most beautiful places in all of Colorado; the Garden of the Gods.  DSCF8688The Garden is a public park and a National Natural Landmark.  The red rock formations that make up the park were created millions of years ago and to this day they astound and amaze every visitor.  The park is used extensively for hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding.  Most people though enjoy taking a day to wander through the natural formations.  Start with a visit to the Visitor’s and Nature Center and then explore at your leisure.  Kissing camels, Gateway Rock and Balanced Rock are some of the more famous geological formations within the park.  Spectacular views of Pike’s Peak are available throughout The Springs (as the locals call it) but are particularly beautiful from the Gardens.

Since Pike’s Peak is right there near The Springs then why not go straight to the top?  Well, your charter bus probably does not want to make that trip, but your bus can easily get you to the Manitou and Pike’s Peak Railway, better known as the Cog Train.  The Cog Railway has been in operation since 1889 and is the highest railroad in the United States.  Your charter coach can drop you off at the Cog Depot and you can take the leisurely climb to over 14000 feet above sea level.  While you ride you will be able to see the splendor and beauty of the mountains.

Depending on when you go you are likely to see various forms of wildlife from the comfort and safety of the train.  Be sure to bring some warm clothes because it will be cold when you reach the top.  And while at the top be sure to enjoy one of the world famous Pike’s Peak donuts at the Summit House.

Now that you have explored two of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the area it is time to take in something uniquely American; the United States Air Force Academy.  The campus is located just north of The Springs and is highlighted by the Cadet Chapel.  When it first opened the design was considered controversial, but now the familiar spires and modernist architecture have become a symbol of the academy.  Let the bus do all the work of getting you there and then enjoy a self-guided tour of the chapel and the nearby visitor’s center.

Well that is a lot to take in and by now if you have not had a good meal you definitely are in need of one.  A great place for groups is the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company.  Not only is this the oldest brewery in The Springs, but Phantom Canyon is known for fantastic meals and big portions.  You can rustle up some really good grub here by starting with the house made pretzel bites served with beer cheese and whole grain beer mustard.  For the main course you cannot go wrong no matter what you choose, but be daring and try the Lemon Tabasco Fried Chicken or the Lamb Belly Tacos.  OF course, Colorado Bison Burgers are available and also delicious.  If you have saved room for dessert the Goat Cheese Cheesecake is to die for.  There is a full billiard room on the second floor and savvy guests know that pool is free on Monday nights with any food purchase.

DSCF8739Of course when a lot of people visit Colorado they want a good steak and there is no place better in The Springs than The Famous Steak House.  The USDA Prime New York Strip with onion rings may well be the greatest steak you have ever tried.  Tender and juicy, it is the steak that put famous in the restaurant’s name.  Filet mignon is also available and also amazing.  Surf and turf options a4re on the menu as well as the rack of lamb.  Reservations are accepted and
necessary.

So when it comes time to charter a bus and head to the great state of Colorado be sure and make a stop for a few days in The Springs.  The beauty of the land, the friendliness of the   people and the dining options are among the best in the nation.  Enjoy!

Apr 10
0

The Benefits of Charter Bus Travel

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For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move. – Robert Louis Stevenson

Sometimes the best part of traveling is not the destination, but the journey itself.  I have often traveled with my family and found myself missing out on things.  I cannot recall how many times I heard someone say “wow, look at that” or “that is absolutely beautiful” and there I am with my eyes glued to the road and missing all the beauty.  However, it does not have to be that way.  Traveling by charter bus is an excellent way to see America and all she has to offer.  No matter where you are headed, there is beauty to be found.  Let’s take a few minutes and look at some of the benefits of charter bus travel.

As I mentioned the most obvious reason to go by bus is so that you can enjoy the journey. Whether it is the mountains, the plains, the wildlife or the stunning architecture of the big cities, you won’t have to miss a thing.  Leaving the driving to someone else leaves you all the time to take in everything if you so choose.  Just relax, sit back and enjoy the views. Don’t be in a hurry to get somewhere, but take the time to appreciate the odyssey.

Naturally weather can be a factor as well.  Leaving the driving to someone else who happens to be a professional bus driver can give one incredible peace of mind.  You see that driving rainstorm coming up ahead?  No need to worry because your driver has everything under control.  He/she has been trained to handle all sorts of situations and you can leave your worries to him/her. Plus there is very little chance of getting lost as your driver has likely taken this same trip many times.

It’s economical as well.  Just add up what you would spend to rent a car and purchase fuel and you will see that going via charter bus will save you money.  Once you stop somewhere for the night your lodging is often already included with what you paid for the tour so no worries in that department either.  You’re not going to have to think about those no vacancy signs because your room is ready and waiting.  In addition it is substantially more economical than airline travel.

When you leave the driving to someone else you have more time for yourself.  Maybe you finally want to start reading that novel you’ve had to put off for so long.  Well, by taking the bus you have plenty of time.  Maybe you have a movie on your tablet you have been dying to see or a series you just want to binge watch.  You certainly can’t do that if you’re sitting in the driver’s seat.

These days there are a lot of people that travel alone, not because they particularly want to do so, but rather by necessity.   Once you’ve chosen your destination you can hop on that bus and suddenly you are not feeling like you are by yourself.  What a great time to meet new people and make new friends.  You’re obviously not going to be the only person on that bus and that is a good thing.  Everyone has a story and just about everyone loves showing off photos of their family. You will have the opportunity to meet people you never would have met otherwise.  I can say for myself that I have made lifelong friends from strangers sitting across the aisle.  Maybe you’ll even want to travel together again one day.

Since chartering a bus is less expensive than you probably realize, it is also a fantastic way to get your family together for a special occasion.  Whether you are looking to have a family reunion or to celebrate mom & dad’s 50th wedding anniversary, you can all pitch in together and make chartering a bus your own private party.  Pick a destination, pick a starting point and off you go.  From a personal standpoint, I have to say that doing this was one of the best ideas we ever had.  There is a very good possibility that your driver will become an honorary member of your family as well.

So don’t fear the charter bus.  Yes, like everything in this life, it has its pros and cons.  But just think of the memories you will bring home after a long journey on the road with someone else doing all the work.  I can’t think of a more relaxing way to travel.

Mar 24
0

Charleston, SC – Something For Everyone In The Group!

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The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page – Saint Augustine

So your group is ready to get together for charter bus tour this spring, but where should you go?  You don’t want anything too hot and you certainly don’t want anything too cold which leaves Charleston, SC as the perfect destination.

Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina and is certainly the most historic.  The city’s residents pride themselves on their hospitality and welcome visitors with open arms.  It is the kind of place where you will never meet a stranger.

Quite simply, the best place to start any visit to Charleston is with a carriage ride in the historic district.  There are several good companies to go with, but I have found the Old South Carriage Company to be the best.  The drivers are courteous and incredibly knowledgeable and will tell you more about the city than you ever expected.  All tour companies get busy, so an early start is recommended.  All carriage tours begin and end in downtown Charleston and due to the unique system the city uses to direct carriage traffic; no two tours are exactly the same.  Just sit back, relax and let the horse do all the work as you see beautiful homes, gardens and places of worship in The Holy City.  After your tour be sure to take a moment to pose for a photo with your horse.

IMG_2236While on your carriage tour you would have passed by several restaurants, most of which are beautiful homes that have been converted to dining establishments.  One such place is Poogan’s Porch.  Located on Queen Street in a Victorian home built in 1888, Poogan’s Porch has been serving delicious meals since 1976.  The restaurant is named after a dog that used to visit all the porches in the neighborhood looking for table scraps and served as the official greeter until his death in 1979.  As far as the food goes you may never want to leave.  The buttermilk fried chicken is a big favorite and so is the Ribs & Mac, but to me there is nothing better than the Chicken & Waffles.  Crispy chicken breasts served over waffles with blueberry Texas Pete maple syrup?  Yes please!  Best of all, Poogan’s offers group dining so you can keep your group together for a special brunch.

Take a stroll to the Charleston City Market for some unique shopping.  There you will find just about anything you can imagine including antiques, toys, artwork and plenty of souvenirs.  The market is quite large and has many vendors, but be sure and take a few moments to watch the ladies weave the Sweetgrass Baskets.  Originally used on plantations to free dirt from rice, the baskets are now works of art and make a fantastic collectible from your trip.  You will be amazed at the artistry of these baskets and as many times as I’ve seen them made, I still can’t figure out how they do it.

You could literally spend days exploring the beauty of the homes and gardens of Charleston’s historic district, but what if you want to get away and see some other things?   Not far from downtown is Fort Sumter, the site where the Civil War began.  Just take the ferry to the island and start your tour.  You can stand right there on the site where the first shot was fired.  If that is not enough history for you, take your group to Patriot’s Point where groups of all sizes are welcome.  Tour the USS Yorktown, visit the Medal of Honors Museum or see vintage aircraft all in one place.

More history can be seen in the many plantations that surround Charleston. The Boone Hall Plantation, the McLeod Plantation and the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are three of the best.  All of them are great for tour groups and present a living history of the past.  The Boone Hall Farms Market offers a variety of items including their famous jams and jellies plus they have a delightful café where you can enjoy what may be the best Chicken & Sausage Gumbo ever served.  The signature sandwich at the café is Crab & Pimento Cheese Melt served with a fried green tomato on whole wheat bread.

If you’re looking for a great burger and a cold beer after that long day of sightseeing then stop in to one of the three locations of Sesame Burgers & Beer.  Sesame serves up the best onion rings and hush puppies in all of Charleston, but the burgers are not to be missed.  They have about a dozen burgers on the menu, but feel free to design your own delicious concoction.  And for the vegetarian out there they serve up a black bean burger just for you.

The spring weather in Charleston cannot be beat.  Take your group, hop on that charter bus and make your memories.

Jun 26
0

Ahhhh, Summer!

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There is no better way to celebrate summer and our nations birthday than a road trip to some unusual All American places, with friend/family, on a motorcoach.

This great nation of ours is home to thousands of great travel destinations that would make a memorable vacation for any group.  Below you will find our Top 5 Places You May Not Have Thought Of As A Summer Destination list.  Enjoy! #GoMotorcoach

5.  Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska.  Many have heard of England’s Stonehenge, but have you heard of Carhenge?  Thirty-eight, gray spray painted cars placed as a life size replica of the ancient formation.  Created by artist Jim Reinders in 1987, Carhenge now boasts 80,000 visitors per year.  It’s free to the public and open year round.

carhenge

4. The World’s Largest Twine Ball in Darwin, Minnesota.  In 1950, Francis Johnson began winding twine for 4 hours per day until the he passed away in 1989.  What resulted was a 17,400 pound ball of twine that was nearly 40 feet in diameter.  Darwin, MN celebrates each August with its Twine Ball Festival in which visitors can create their very own twine balls.  The attraction is open year round and free to the public.

3.  The Desert of Maine in Freeport, Maine.  Enjoy camping, hiking and a tram tour of Maine’s very own Sahara-like desert.  Scientist believe that a glacier left this 300-acre stretch of sand, that was buried for centuries, until poor farming techniques exposed it in the 1800’s.  The park is open May through October with admission cost of less than $10 per guest.

coral-castle-22.  Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida.  For over thirty years, Ed Leedskalnin carved his castle out of solid coral, using only basic hand tools.  Leedskalnin who was only 5 feet tall and weighed 100 lbs. worked mostly  during the night, to prevent prying eyes from seeing his creations.  The castle consists of over 1000 tons of coral and has a 9 ton revolving gate.

1.  Marfa Lights in Marfa, Texas.  On clear nights, onlookers can oooh and ahhh over the mysterious lights that appear over the Mitchell Flats.  Scientists have yet to explain why the light phenomenon happens.  Some say the lights are car lights and others say they are alien spaceships or ghosts.  Whatever they are, each Labor Day, Marfa celebrates the lights with the three-day Marfa Lights Festival.  Enjoy music, food, craft and art vendors and a night parade during the festival.

May 13
0

Top Movies to Watch on your next Charter Bus Trip.

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2013-04-25 16.17.25Nothing says road trip, like an awesome iPod playlist (stay tuned) and great movies to watch while on the motorcoach.  Young and old alike can enjoy these great feature films.

1.  The Muppet Movie: Nobody does a road trip like Jim Henson’s Muppets.  Music, mayhem and all kinds of silliness,  this classic movie is fun for the entire family.

2. Dumb and Dumber: Clearly not the smartest film on the list, but if you can keep a straight face as Lloyd and Harry bumble through America in their dog-shaped “shaggin’ wagon”, you need to pull over and have your funny sensor checked.

3. RV:  Who says you can’t road trip and work at the same time?  This hilarious movie starring Robin Williams will leave you laughing all the way to your destination – let’s just hope you leave your bus in better shape than they leave their RV.

4. Disney’s Frozen:  The newest hit movie from the Disney company, the film tells the story of a fearless princess who sets off on an epic journey alongside a rugged, thrill-seeking mountain man, his loyal pet reindeer, and a hapless snowman to find her estranged sister, whose icy powers have inadvertently trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.

5. National Lampoon’s Vacation:  Need we say more?  Wanting to spend more time with his wife Ellen and their children, Clark Griswold decides to lead the family on a cross-country expedition from Chicago to the Los Angeles amusement park Walley World, billed as “America’s Favorite Family Fun Park”.

6. Rudy:  What’s better than a feel good, sports movie where the underdog wins?  Not. Much.  That’s why Rudy earned a spot on our list.  It is an account of the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who harbored dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite significant obstacles.

7. Princess Bride:  This classic movie has everything.  True love, sword fighting, giants, comedy, torture, screaming eels and a beautiful princess.

8.  Finding Nemo:  It tells the story of the over-protective clown fish named Marlin who, along with his friend, Dory search for his abducted son Nemo all the way to Sydney Harbor.  Along the way, Marlin learns to take risks and let Nemo take care of himself.

9.  Mary Poppins:  Disney at its best.  The film, which combines live-action and animation, stars Julie Andrews as a magical nanny who visits a dysfunctional family in London and employs her unique brand of lifestyle to improve the family’s dynamic.

10.  Tommy Boy:  Knock, Knock…”Housekeeping, you need towel?” This movie is not only fun to watch, but you will be quoting it the rest of your trip.  Chris Farley and David Spade make a great team when they join up to save the Tommy’s family’s factory.