Graceland is only one of the many exciting sites and attractions that you will want to see during a visit to Memphis. The ’Memphis in May Festival’ attracts people from around the world to compete in the International BBQ cooking contest. This festival draws thousands to the banks of the Mississippi for live concerts and the Sunset Symphony. It’s also the home of The Peabody Memphis – queen of Southern hotels, Mud Island – the final resting place of the Memphis Belle and the National Civil Rights Museum – which is the only one of its kind in the world.

The Peabody Memphis is a four star hotel located in central Memphis, close to Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Orpheum Theater, and Fire Museum of Memphis.  Known for their Southern hospitality; the doorman/doorwoman and the concierge are eager to help you find your way around Memphis and enjoy your stay.   

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The famous Main Street Trolley lines run up and down Main Street from Auction Street in the North to J.O Patterson in the South. These antique trolleys also make a Riverfront Loop that gives a close-up view of the Mississippi River, the Pyramid and Mud Island. It also provides access to a variety of attractions including Downtown cafes, Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum.

There are so many attractions to explore in the Memphis area.  Such as Beale Street entertainment, carriage rides, zoo, botanical gardens, night life clubs, Woodruff Fontaine House, cotton museum, Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, Memphis Music Hall of Fame, casinos, river boat rides, shopping at The Peabody, river walk, just to name a few.  And did I mention the food?  Memphis is known for their BBQ —- unforgettable —- you will be amazed!

The Crowne Plaza Memphis is located in central Memphis, close to Mud Island River Park, Fire Museum of Memphis, and Pyramid Arena. Nearby points of interest also include Orpheum Theater and Sun Studio.

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Cincinnati, Ohio

River walkways are best on the Kentucky side, via a couple bridges including John Roebling’s Suspension Bridge (a prequel to his famous Brooklyn Bridge). Narrow, twisting (and steep) brick roads of the Mt Adams district lead past 19th-century Victorian townhouses and the free Cincinnati Art Museum, while the once-dangerous, emerging Over-the-Rhine, just north of downtown, is home to the Findlay Market and a sprawling collection of historic Italianate architecture. Best, though, is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, open since 2004, on the banks of the river where many slaves escaped to freedom in the 19th century.

A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center features exhibits and programs that pay homage to men and women who formed a secret network through which slaves could escape to freedom. The Ohio River is important; it’s here that many enslaved blacks sought freedom, often referring to the Ohio as “the River Jordan.” Settlements along this part of the river served as safe houses for those seeking freedom.

Findlay Market

Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati’s most cherished institutions. The Market is located just blocks from downtown in Over-the-Rhine, a dense historic neighborhood rich in 19th century architecture. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Findlay Market is home year-around to about two dozen indoor merchants selling meat, fish, poultry, produce, flowers, cheese, deli, and ethnic foods. On Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from April to November the Market also hosts a thriving farmers market, dozens of outdoor vendors, numerous street performers, and lots of special events.

Newport Aquarium

Newport Aquarium showcases over 7,000 aquatic creatures from around the world in a million gallons of water. A state-of-the art facility, the Newport Aquarium brings to the banks of the Ohio River some of the world’s most advanced, creative technology — not to mention amazing animals — all designed to take you around the globe, visiting each continent, every ocean and hundreds of waterways in between.

And what a way to travel: Underwater tunnels, see-through floors, walk-around exhibits and a touch pool. No one before has combined, with such mesmerizing flare, the magic of entertainment and the power of education. The underwater tunnels, totaling 200 feet, are among the very few in the world that are completely seamless which allows 100 percent unobstructed view of the watery world that surrounds you. You’ll walk on the wet-side in a kelp forest; a moray eel hideaway; a flooded Amazon rainforest; a colorful coral reef; and a shark feeding ground, surrounded by Sharks.

Located in central Cincinnati, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is within walking distance of Fountain Square, Duke Energy Convention Center, and Carew Tower.  Additional points of interest include National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Paul Brown Stadium.

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Cape Cod

Days are for the beach, for salt water swimming in the ocean or Cape Cod Bay, or freshwater swimming in the region’s many ponds. Swimming, sailing, fishing and whale watching are available the length of Cape Cod. 

Spend a night dining on fresh seafood and luxuriating in lodgings like a majestic seaside resort hotel, a quaint inn, or a B&B.  The Sea Crest Resort is located on the beach in North Falmouth, close to Old Silver Beach. This hotel offers two restaurants, beach bar, pool-side bar and a private beach area.  Other points of interest near the Sea Crest Resort are Wings Neck Lighthouse and the Falmouth Country Club.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel

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The Cape Cod National Seashore has great walking and bicycle trails in addition to miles of woods and unspoiled beaches. Come by car or hop on a ferry for an invigorating trip by sea. Explore 15 distinctive towns, arts & culture, quaint shops, exciting attractions and countless historic sites, each telling the proud role that Cape Cod has played in American history. And be sure to view the art galleries found from Falmouth to Provincetown.  You will soon find out why the ‘Cape’ is so captivating to all who visit this area every year.

Blue Water Resort on the Ocean is located on the beach in South Yarmouth’s Hyannis – Yarmouth neighborhood, close to Pirate’s Cove Mini Golf, Seagull Beach, and West Dennis Beach. Bass River Lighthouse is also a point of interest near this hotel.  This South Yarmouth property has a private beach. The Blue Water Resort on the Ocean includes 2 restaurants, a poolside bar an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna.

Blue Water Resort on the Ocean

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Chicago, Illinois

If you like to go out and do things – and who doesn’t? – Chicago’s the place for you.  Chicago offers a multitude of events celebrating food, music, art, architecture, theater, books, sports, kites, ethnic cultures and holidays and more.

See breathtaking views of Chicago from the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building. No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to Skydeck Chicago (previously known as the Sears Tower).  Make it your first stop for a 360-degree view spanning over 50 miles and 4 states that you can’t get anywhere else. The skyscrapers, sports stadiums, sculptures, green roofs, the expanse of Lake Michigan and miles of lakeshore – that is what you will see from the top of the Sears Tower. A recent addition, The Ledge, affords visitors a one-of-a-kind experience of Chicago through a glass floor, 1,353 feet above street level!

The Ledge

The Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and features more than 50 acres of parks, promenades and attractions for visitors to enjoy.  A 150-foot Ferris wheel offers unparalleled views of Chicago’s breathtaking skyline and stunning cityscape.  Within Navy Pier are two museums that will appeal to visitors of all ages.  The Chicago Children’s Museum offers three stories of fun and interactive educational exhibits and activities where kids can play and learn.  Tucked away inside the Pier is the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows – a true hidden gem of Chicago.  Other recreational activities include miniature golf and a remote-controlled boat pond; while a free weekly fireworks show lights up the night sky all summer long.

Navy Pier

W Chicago Lakeshore is located in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile – River North neighborhood, close to Ohio Street Beach, Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago Water Tower, Navy Pier and Tribune Tower.

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If you want to work out, the 18-mile lakefront path is a mecca for cyclists and runners. Along the way you’ll see some of the 33 beaches, plus tennis courts, athletic fields and one of the eight Chicago Park District golf courses. In-line skating, ice skating, miniature golf, bowling and every other type of recreational activity are readily available in Chicago.

Downtown Chicago

Lincoln Park has long been a favorite Chicago shopping neighborhood, and it continues to reinvent itself to stay with the times. Along Lincoln Park’s multiple shopping corridors, you’ll see high-end shops and bohemian boutiques mixed with restaurants and more. You’ll also see why Chicago shoppers venture beyond the Magnificent Mile into Lincoln Park’s fun and fashionable shopping atmosphere.  Overindulge in your shopping experience? Admission is free at Lincoln Park Zoo, and there’s no better way to get back to nature than a few hours in the lion house. Or make your way over to the Nature Museum and check out over 75 species in the butterfly haven. Budding Chicago historians shouldn’t leave without seeing the Chicago History Museum, where you can see artifacts from the Great Chicago Fire.

Seneca Hotel & Suites is located in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile – River North neighborhood, within walking distance of Water Tower Place, Hancock Tower, and Chicago Water Tower.

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Original Corn Palace

The original Mitchell Corn Palace (known as “The Corn Belt Exposition”) was built in 1892 to showcase the rich soil of South Dakota and encourage people to settle in the area. It was a wooden castle structure on Mitchell’s Main Street. The Palace was rebuilt in 1905 and again in 1927.  Refurbished in 1937 when Moorish domes and minarets were added, giving the Palace the distinctive appearance that it has today.  

Corn Palace (Murals change every year)

Mural

Completely stripped down and redesigned each year with a new theme, the large murals are created from several colorful native South Dakota varieties of corn, grains and grasses.  The designs are created by local artists.  Over 275,000 ears of corn are used in designing the murals at the Corn Palace.  All the colors of corn are naturally grown with special seed raised just for the Corn Palace.  Each color (yellow, red, black, green, orange, etc.) must be planted in separate fields to maintain its pure color.  You will want to spend some time inside this beautiful structure to see all the murals, shopping, history and best of all it’s free admission. 

Comfort Inn And Suites is located in central Mitchell, close to Corn Palace. Additional area points of interest include Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village.  This hotel provides an indoor pool, a spa tub, complimentary continental breakfast and a fitness facility. 

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial - the ‘President’s Mountain’, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  It took 14 years to complete Mount Rushmore and the sculpture cost $989,992.32 to build.  The colossal sculptures of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt are the main attraction here but there are plenty of things to do.  Above dense forests and pristine streams, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial represents a national treasure. 

Mount Rushmore

There is a ‘Ranger Walk’ – A 30-minute tour along the first half of the Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain carving with a park ranger. Your guide will highlight the natural and cultural history of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. The ‘Sculptor’s Studio Talk’ — Learn about the tools and techniques used in carving the mountain sculpture.  In the evenings: A park ranger will lead a presentation on the presidents and the nation’s history in the park’s outdoor Amphitheater for a program. A film – ‘Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy’ – shown just before the memorial is lit. 

Free sculpture workshops are offered on the Borglum View Terrace by Mount Rushmore’s artists.  There is a ‘Kids’ Exploration Area’ where kids explore the natural, cultural and historic aspects of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.  Another great adventure is the ‘Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Heritage Village’; located along the first section of the Presidential Trail, this area highlights the traditions of local American Indian communities. 

Mount Rushmore National Memorial represents not only the past, but also a promise for the future.  Whether a lifelong destination or a stop on your vacation itinerary, your visit to Mount Rushmore will be one you will tuck in your memory book forever.  

Located in Keystone, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt. Rushmore  is in a rural location and close to Mount Rushmore.  Relax in the indoor pool and spa tub and enjoy the complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast. 

More last minute hotels in Mount Rushmore area in South Dakota.  Check out more Bed & Breakfast and hotels in this area.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Water taxi” is probably the last thing that comes to mind when you think of Oklahoma, but don’t scoff at this one. The Water Taxi is the best way to see Oklahoma City’s historic Bricktown neighborhood, which is bisected by a series of canals. Each Water Taxi ambassador (or driver) offers a guided tour with a wealth of fun historical trivia about the historic neighborhood and its recent renovation. A round trip on the Water Taxi lasts about 40 minutes, with taxis departing from the canal landing approximately every 15 minutes, and the taxis run year-round. Tickets come in the form of a wrist band that can be used all day—so you can ride the Water Taxi as many times as you like during your day in Bricktown.

Water Taxi

Shopping Oklahoma City is an easy experience.  There are six major malls within city limits.  50 Penn Place brims over with unique shops and restaurants, and the Penn Square Mall, set in the city’s tourist district, specializes in more conventional retail.   Probably the best mall would be Quail Springs, which contains over 160 stores, a fifties themed food court, and an enormous cinema. Better than the malls, however, are the picturesque places of the Bricktown District, stores specializing in native designs, cuisine, and outdoor life.

The Residence Inn by Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktownis located in central Oklahoma City, close to the AT& T Bricktown Ballpark, Cox Convention Center, and the Oklahoma State Capitol. The Ford Center and Myriad Botanical Gardens are also in this same area. 

Residence Inn by Marriott Oklahoma City

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Oklahoma City offers so many options for a weekend or a week.  Known for the ‘world championship’ rodeo event each year, Frontier City (amusement park), baseball, museums, arts, opra, State Capitol, Bricktown Brewery, botanical gardens, Remington Park (horse race track and casino), White Water Bay (Oklahoma’s largest water park), National Softball Hall of Fame, several golf courses and many other adventures.

Head offers some of the best shopping in South Carolina with a variety of unique boutiques and some of the nation’s most recognized retail chains.  A wide selection of distinct Hilton Head art galleries, antique stores, specialty gift shops, gourmet stores, sporting goods shops and jewelers complete the Island shopping experience and make for some of the finest shopping in South Carolina.

From chic boutiques to exclusive outlet shops, Hilton Head Island offers fashionable, fine-quality products in a pleasant shopping atmosphere. Island shops are located in intimate plazas, quaint marinas, elegant harbors and full-service shopping centers, which complement the Hilton Head Island history, environment and architecture. Whether you’re hunting for a deal on your favorite brand of clothing or trying to find that unique souvenir of your Island vacation, you’re sure to find a superb selection of shopping opportunities at more than 200 Hilton Head outlets and stores. 

Para Sailing

Jet skiing

Active visitors can enjoy recreational activities both above and below the water’s surface. Those with an adventurous spirit can check out spectacular views of the Hilton Head Island beach from high above the water while Para-Sailing.  Water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing and surfing also are available for wind and water enthusiasts.  Explore the shoreline by sailing, heading out on one of the Hilton Head dolphin tours or embarking on a sunset cruise for a tour around the island.

Last minute hotels at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. 

If you’re a cyclist looking for the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors in a remarkable natural setting, you’ll find it here on Hilton Head Island. With more than 80 miles of multi-use trails that connect riders to everywhere you want to go, in addition to 12 miles of pristine Hilton Head Island beach for those who want to ride on hard-packed sand, this is the place to go for biking in South Carolina, especially for recreational cyclists and families.

Hilton Head Island Golf Courses

When it comes to memorable golf vacation experiences on the East Coast, Hilton Head Island truly delivers. Though quality typically trumps quantity, “The Golf Island” proves you can have both with over 20 world-class quality golf courses sprinkled throughout the Lowcountry area including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Daufuskie Island. Begin planning your golf vacation on Hilton Head Island and make the best of your golf experience by pairing with exceptional dining and incredible lodging.

Hilton Oceanfront Resort

Hilton Oceanfront Resort

Many of the Island resorts have integrated the Hilton Head spa experience into their amenity packages for the ultimate in relaxing vacation destinations. Add relaxing spa treatments to your daily agenda without leaving your resort –moving from the treatment room to the white sandy Hilton Head Island beach without getting in a car.  An excellent example of this is the Hilton Oceanfront Resort Hilton Head Island.

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Downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas

The first federally protected area in the nation’s history, Hot Springs National Park features amazing 143° thermal waters, rich history and beautiful architecture. Enjoy gorgeous Arkansas hiking trails. Tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse, or enjoy a one of their relaxing Hot Springs spa.  Picture perfect Arkansas historic sites in downtown Hot Springs include classic hotels, Victorian architecture, art studios and famed Bathhouse Row. Hot Springs restaurants and nightclubs, Arkansas antique shops, crystal and rock shops, boutiques and specialty malls – just a few of the many reasons why Hot Springs attract visitors from all around the world.

Bathhouse Row

The Diamond Lakes Region of the scenic Ouachita Mountains. Year–round outdoor fun and sports activities include crystal hunting, fishing, water sports, hiking, golf, camping, site seeing and horseback riding.

Hot springs in Hot Springs National Park

The Springs Hotel and Spa is a family-friendly hotel located in Hot Springs, close to Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row, and Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Additional points of interest include Magic Springs and Crystal Falls.  This hotel is an excellent choice for their location, restaurant, spa, balconies (with either street view or mountain view) and known for their hospitality.

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Denali National Park & Preserve is open year-round to visitors. The park is famous for spectacular landscapes, rugged peaks, and abundant Denali wildlife. The Alaska Range, where Mount McKinley is located, splits the park into north and south sides.  The majority of visitors access the north side of the park by way of a single 92-mile road which offers the only access through this six million acre national park. Beyond Mile 15 of the park road, visitors cannot drive personal vehicles and must enter the park by bus, bike, or on foot.   Denali National Park & Preserve’s south side is accessed mostly by mountaineers climbing Mount McKinley and other peaks in the Alaska Range, or by scenic flight tours. Climbers are required to check in with rangers at the Talkeetna Ranger Station before climbing Denali.

Weather in Denali is extremely variable, and changes occur without warning.  Many rangers tell visitors to expect sun, wind, rain, and clouds, and expect them all on the same day.  Average summer temperatures range from 33 to 75°F.  It has been known to snow in July, so prepare by wearing layers of clothing that can be removed or added as needed, and carry a waterproof raincoat or jacket.

Home to Mount McKinley, North America’s highest mountain, Denali Park protects an incredible wilderness area with a whole host of wild animals, and all kinds of birds.  It is common to see grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and foxes throughout the park.  Less common but still regularly seen are the park’s many wolves. Black bears are also occasionally seen, and the very lucky visitor might glimpse a wolverine.

The glaciated heart of the Park is best accessed by one of the air taxi services located in Talkeetna, south of the Park. Landing by ski plane on a glacier is a truly memorable experience. Most air taxis offer glacier landing flights which allow visitors to walk around for a short while on the snow alongside the safe zones of the established airstrips.

McKinley Village Lodge

McKinley Chalet Resort

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Minnesota’s Mall of America is the largest, fully enclosed retail and family entertainment complex in the U.S.  The Mall of America is located on the former Metropolitan Sports Stadium which was home to the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. Home plate can be found in Nickelodeon Universe®.

If shopping is not your main intention at Mall of America, visit the many attractions inside the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States. Nickelodeon Universe® theme park brings Nick characters to life with 24 rides geared for the young and young at heart. Additional family-friendly attractions include:  Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, LEGO®, Flight Simulation, Theatres at Mall of America with VIP seating, American Girl, Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, Amazing Mirror Maze, The Flying Dutchman Ghostly Gangplank Ropes and Adventure Course, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Sky Deck Sports Grille and Lanes, and a new exhibit – Penguins of the African Coast feature black-footed penguins in a brand-new habitat. Experience these amazing aquatic birds.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Mall of America is located in Bloomington’s Bloomington – Mall of America neighborhood and close to Nickelodeon Universe, Mall of America, and Water Park of America.  They offer free shuttle to the Mall of America as well as an indoor pool, restaurant and several room types for you to choose from. 

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Near the airport, Courtyard by Marriott Minneapolis Bloomington is located in Bloomington’s Bloomington – Mall of America neighborhood and close to Water Park of America, Mall of America, and Nickelodeon Universe.  This hotel offers an indoor pool, restaurant and free airport shuttle services.

There are so many hotels in Bloomington, Minnesota to suit any budget and vacation needs.  Check out last minute hotels in Bloomington, Minnesota – Mall of America.