Indigo Highways: Road & Route Trip Ideas with Bluegreen Resorts

Nite Flite - Road Trippin'

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:43:00 +0000

Backcountry Road Trip- Leave the Pavement Behind

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:33:00 +0000

You're the sort of person who hears words like, foothills, National Parks, and backcountry and starts getting what feels like a bad case of restless leg syndrome.

Your heaviest ankle boots have slowly made their way to the back of the closet.

You haven't seen your backpack in a while because it's fallen behind the shelf in the garage.

Well, if you're vacationing at Bluegreen Resorts MountainLoft or Laurel Crest this year, dig those items out and get ready to hit trails in the Smoky Mountains. This road trip is one meant for two feet, for those who want to leave pavement far behind and get a taste of a natural retreat.

While the name doesn't appeal, you'll want to take your boots to Charlie's Bunion, an 8 mile (round trip) day hike on the Appalachian Trail, a route featured by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rising to a height of 5,565 feet above sea level, the mountain is popular for both day hikers and mountain climbers.

Directions from Gatlinburg take you Newfound Gap where a hike east on the Appalachian Trail leads straight to panoramic views of the North Carolina Smokies , Mount LeConte, and Myrtle Point.

A word to the wise... this hike is classified as strenuous. Before you dust off those boots and backpack, you may want to get in a few practice hikes beforehand. Stay Safe!

Resources:
Hiking The Smokys
Wikipedia
Bluegreen Resorts Colorfulplaces.com
National Park Service

Photo Credit: NestR on Deviantart

Road Trip Tales from the Hammock

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:42:00 +0000

When I'm not actually outside enjoying the view of pavement rushing under the body of a Fat Boy or whizzing past my side view mirror, I spend quite a lot of time reading. I'm not sure which of these things might be considered my first love, but combining the two is one of the best ways I can think of to spend a lazy summer Saturday. The best way to end that day is stretched between two not-too-tall coconut palms at The Hammocks Resort in Marathon Key.

How many of these road trip tales have you taken in lately?

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream by Ralph Steadman

The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America by Bill Bryson

All the Pretty Horses (The Border Trilogy, Book 1) by Cormac McCarthy

Road Fever by Tim Cahill

Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Loop Group by Larry McMurtry

What would you add to this list? Or to the Hammock?

Photo by susumi3 on Deviantart

For the Love of a Road Trip: Jennifer's Conspicuous Mountain

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:08:00 +0000

Just why do we love our road trips?

There's not a lot to wonder about why we crave the open road. Freedom, open space, the sense of expectation that comes from visiting territory new to us, and the familiarity of finding that it holds so much that's similar to where we've just come from.

Fresh faces.
New vacation experiences.

Having no where in particular to be and no appointments to keep lengthens our sense of time and seems to buy us a little more to work with.

The romance and draw of the American Road Trip is distilled down to its essence here in the words of writer/photographer Jennifer O'Keefe:

"In the spring of 2009, I bought a white cargo van to go on a two-month road trip that coming summer. The previous owners had given it a name, "Conspicuous Mountain".

For some reason, the name haunted me on the trip. On the one hand its meaning was obvious, redundant; on the other, it eluded me completely, like something so close you can feel its breath, but too large to understand the full shape of.

Perhaps that's why we go on journeys with a hope that some distance from the trappings
of our everyday lives will give us perspective, show us the greater shape of things.
Or perhaps, it's that feeling that you get on journeys, that the world is arranging itself for
you. that there's some choreography to chance.

Whatever the case, it is a grand illusion."

- Jennifer O'Keefe

Photos of Jennifer's two month trip capture the wonder of someone looking at the very ordinary through fresh eyes. Her scenes, bound by a journey, are frozen both in place and time.

Enjoy your virtual road.

Photo credit: Smilelonger on DeviantArt

Road Trip Across America- Dreaming Up a Mother of a Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:58:00 +0000

Wish I could say I've been on a trans-continental mother of a road trip across America and that's the reason for not updating lately, but it's not true. I've actually been busy here at Bluegreen Resorts dreaming up ways to communicate everything there is to do on your best vacation experiences. It's a wonderful job to have.

While I'm offline, trying hard to do some thinking outside of the box I call my cubicle, I'll leave you a few thoughts on traveling. Those of us who enamoured with the idea of travel have lots of reasons for planning trips. Sometimes it's to simply get away, but more often it's to reframe and reset, and a chance to connect with friends and family without the distractions and demands of the everyday.

That's what I'm dreaming up for you anyway.

Be well. And Enjoy the Ride.

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac

“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.” - Robert Louis Stevenson

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” - Martin Buber

And my favorite, the one that catches my idea of the essence of an outstanding road trip experience:

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” - Lao Tzu

Photo credit: Motionpicture Mind on DeviantArt

Walking the Edge: Grand Canyon South Rim Trail Hikes

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:27:00 +0000

We're on the final stretch of road in this Arizona road trip and have saved the best for last. It's the granddaddy of them all when it comes to America's scenic byways, the Grand Canyon South Rim.

From San Francisco peaks, follow Route 180 west to 64. This Grand Canyon road trip will take you directly to the South Rim, known as Desert View. When driving in, your first stop is Mather Point, and it's going to be the busiest place from which to take in the view. Overlooking Pipe Creek Canyon and the Inner Gorge of the Colorado River, this is a great spot to take your road trip onto two feet. The South Rim Trail starts here, and you've got some choices in the way of day hikes:

(links open to pdf files containing maps)

Rim Trail, from the Village to Hermit's Rest

Bright Angel Trail - Hikes range in distance up to 12 miles

South Kaibab Trail - Hikes up to 6 miles round trip

Hermit Trail - Tougher conditions than Bright Angel or South Kaibab, but offers springs. Steep

Grandview Trail - Very steep trail requiring caution.

There's an important point to remember when you turn your Grand Canyon road trip into one in a pair of boots, and it's this: Over 250 people are rescued from the canyon each year. Being prepared for the conditions is paramount, and if you haven't done too much hiking, you may be surprised at how easy it is to go a lot farther along a trail than you'd intended. Especially without water or proper footwear. So while this post is meant to direct you to the amazing experience that is a trip to the Canyon, it's by no means a complete guide. Please check out the resources below so that you can best prepare for one of the best vacations you can enjoy.

We want to see you back at Cibola Vista!

Photo Credit: MatthiasDO on DeviantArt

Resources:
Day Hiking in the Canyon from the National Park Service
The Canyon.com
Grand Canyon National Park Hiking Guide
Tools, Tips, and Resources for Grand Canyon Hikers

San Francisco Peaks: 31 Mile Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Road Trip

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:14:00 +0000

This week we're continuing on our Arizona road trip from Bluegreen Resorts Cibola Vista, and are heading from Sedona through to the Grand Canyon. There's plenty to do while in Flagstaff, and if you've made a stop, the road adventurer and nature photographer in you is about ready to continue and find out what's around the next bend.

Let me introduce you to the San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road. You're not going to be disappointed.

Take a peek:

Head north on route 180, to the 31 miles of roadway that comprises some of the most scenic you'll find in this corner of the Colorado Plateau. Though you've left the desert just a few hours ago, you'll now be treated to the sight of snow-capped mountain peaks as you make your way through juniper and pine forests. Three peaks come into view here, Humphrey at 11,940 feet, Agassiz topping out at 12,300, and Fremond at 11,940. These are the mountains the Navajo believe mark the tribe's rightful western boundary, and both the Hopi and Havasupai also consider the mountains sacred, to be looked upon with awe and reverence. It's a point of view not difficult to imagine.

Stops along this road to your Grand Canyon destination can include the Riordan Mansion State Park where you'll find the estate of a couple of lumber barons Michael and Timothy Riordan, or the Lowell Observatory.

There's so much to do on an Arizona road trip, you may want to book some extra time for your Cibola Vista stay!

Next week: The one and only, Grand Canyon.

Photo Credit: Durand1035 on DeviantArt

Resources:
Wikipedia Page on San Francisco Peaks
Arizona Scenic Road Trip Planner
Riordan Mansion State Historical Park
Bluegreen Resorts Cibola Vista

Oak Creek's Amazingly Lush Stretch of Arizona Roadway

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:02:00 +0000

Arizona Road Trip Part II - Oak Creek Canyon

One of the most scenic roadways in Arizona is found along the drive North from Sedona, but you'll come up on it well before you gaze down into the dizzying miles of awe-inspiring Canyon we've named Grand. To imagine it, think of the Grand Canyon turned inside out and peppered with forest. This is a place that'll have you turning your face upwards in wonder rather than craning your neck downward into unimaginable depths.

This is the stunning leg of your Arizona road trip that is Oak Creek Canyon. A contrast to the red rock of Sedona, the roadside is painted in lush forested green. Here, you'll begin to get a sense of the kind of scenic variation that makes this state so unique. If you've love to get around on two feet, whether it's backpacking or camping and hiking, there are few better stops along your ride.

At this point in your day trip, you've left Bluegreen Resorts Cibola Vista approximately 2 hours south and made the stop in Sedona. Ready to head out and log more miles, continue North on 89A toward Flagstaff, straight into the Coconino National Forest. Even the name sounds serene. Rand McNally has named this one of the top 5 scenic drives in America, so you'll want to take your time.

The Canyon is 15 or so miles in length and about a mile wide, and its deepest point is about a mile and a half. You'll climb up and down switchbacks on this road, so pay attention and plan on frequent stops so drivers can take it all in safely. Depending upon the time of year you'll catch views of fiery foliage, and even in inclement weather you're in for a treat - cascading waterfalls.

Natural Attractions:
Slide Rock State Park - A natural water slide 7 miles North of Sedona on 89A. Don't bring swimwear. Wear shorts and a pair of tennis shoes to enjoy sliding down the smooth rock of this water chute.

West Fork Trail - This is where you can enjoy the area on foot, taking in the rock formations and striking overhangs. The trail is marked for the first three miles, and the area offers picnic tables sites and toilets.

The amount of time you stay in the area is entirely up to you, and if you've brought equipment, Coconino National Forest offers campgrounds and rental cabins. It's just 17 or so miles to North Flagstaff and a few hours back South to your poolside retreat at Cibola Vista, but there's plenty here to make you want to stay a while or at least take the road real slow.

Next week, we'll continue on 89A to Flagstaff and The Canyon.

Photo credits:
Oak Creek Canyon, OneJumpJohnny, Deviantart
Cibola Vista Bluegreen's ColorfulPlaces

Trip Planning Resources:
Arizona Leisure - Oak Creek Canyon
Dream Sedona - Oak Creek Loop
Trip Advisor Oak Creek Canyon
The American West Travelogue
Bluegreen Resorts Cibola Vista Resort and Spa
US Forest Service - Coconino National Forest West Fork

AZ Road Trip: Red Rocks Aflame in a Museum Without Walls

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:07:00 +0000

There are no shortage of road trip possibilities in Arizona and you could spend a month on the road loosening the cobwebs in your work-addled brain.

I'd have to have an entire series to cover everything you ought to see and do around Bluegreen's Cibola Vista Resort and Spa in just outside of Scottsdale, but I'd bet you'd still come up with side roads and hidden places I'd missed.

For that reason, I'm going to start with the obvious, but not to be underrated. This is the stuff road trip movies are made of, the kind of trip that makes you want to drag out your old photography books and journals just to brush up on how to record every aspect of the flaming-rock journey through what's commonly called a museum without walls.

Phoenix to Sedona - 2 hrs

If you've never been to Sedona, you're in for an experience, one that'll either grab your imagination or leave you with the simple but lasting memory of a wonderfully scenic day trip. It's all about rock formations and bursts of plant life, about contrasting an arid and fiery landscape with the cool tones of eyepopping greenery. The combination's not unheard of elsewhere in the US, but the rich iron oxide deposits set the landscape on fire with orange and red hues unmatched outside of the area. There's a whole lot to see there, but I'll save that for the guidebooks. Here, it's about the Journey.

From the Phoenix area, take I-17 N. There's a lot of see along the trip in this two hours, but if you're looking for a little diversion, take Exit 260 West and spend an extra 20 minutes on the road to get to the unique little town of Jerome, "The Largest Ghost Town in America". Jerome is a historical town with a free-spirited feel, a place that's described a very down to earth version of the spirit of Sedona. I'm told that if you're hungry you should grab a delicious burger meal at the Haunted Hamburger before continuing on your way. Route 89A 27 miles out of Jerome will take you into Sedona.

We'll continue our Arizona Tour next week....

Photo Credit: Bluegreen's Colorfulplaces.comResources:

Cibola Vista - Bluegreen Colorful Places
Arizona Central Phoenix to Sedona
MotorcycleRoads.com Arizona Rides
Google Maps Cibola Vista to Sedona Map
Haunted Hamburger Reviews

Tasty Road Trips: Virginia's Prize Shenandoah Vineyards

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Buckle up, folks, and this time make sure you've appointed a designated driver.

Did you know that Virginia is home to 150 wineries, 250 vineyards, and "dozens upon dozens" of medal-winning wines"? Neither did I. That's partly because I'm not up on wineries and usually think of the rolling hills of California or daydream about sipping lucious reds in Tuscany. While I can't afford a trip to Italy this year, I can certainly find my way to Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.

Within an hour's drive of one of our two Virginia resorts, Bluegreen's Shenandoah Crossing, I can take in twenty-five wineries and lots of beautiful scenery right outside my Yurt.

One terrific and easy option for taking a driving wine tour starts at the town of Sutter Creek, a place I had a hard time finding on Google Maps. That was the first good sign that I'd be in for a scenic and unhurried experience.

I located a set of directions and map provided by Wine Country Getaways and found it's an easy drive to loop the roads leading to the Sierra Foothills Wineries. They boast some of the top wineries on the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, but traveling this suggested route can be just the beginning of a great wine region experience.

Some of the vineyards available on this tour:

• TERRE ROUGE and EASTON – Rhone wine specialist + 4 Zinfandels

• Karly – Best kept secret in the Shenendoah Valley

• Amador Cellars – Unique winery and tasting room facility

• Renwood Winery – Zinfandel, and more Zinfandel

• Shenandoah Winery – gift shop and best organic wines

• Deaver Winery – Best picnic spot on a lake with view of vineyards

• Amador Foothill Winery – Best view, great wine values

Like I said, though, be sure to get yourself a driver. 25 wineries is a lot of stops, and many provide full tours so you'll get the complete winemaking experience. You'll want to be sure you've had a full meal, too. J & D's Steak House tops the list of recommended Sutter Creek restaurants, but a full list can be found here.

Virginia's often written about as both an up and coming and serious wine producing region. Just ask VirginiaWine where you'll find a complete listing of wineries by region. After this road trip, and if you're not already, you'll become quite the aficionado by the time you get back from your next Shenandoah vacation.

Salud!, and stay safe in your travels.

Photo credit: Bluegreen's Colorful Places to Live and Play!

resources:
Directions from Shenandoah Crossing
Virginia's Wineries
Wine Country Getaways
Winery Road Map
Virginia Wine's Shenandoah Winery Full Listing
Bluegreen's Shenandoah Crossing
What's a Yurt?!

Tunnel of Trees: A Road to Make You Crave a Great Ride

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:03:00 +0000

Majestic. Splendid. Spectacular. Michigan.

In digging around for out-of-the-way rides to enjoy during a stay at Bluegreen's Mountain Run at Boyne, I found what sounded like the kind of road I've always imagined was out there somewhere just waiting for a driver to discover. From the way the route is described, this isn't an experience you'll want to miss while on your Boyne vacation and it's one you'll return to through several seasons, just to watch the landscape unfold.

Heading north, sixteen or so miles outside your door will get you to the quaint little must-see town of Petoskey, Michigan. Sitting on the Traverse Bay shore, this is a popular tourist spot as the guidebooks go with plenty to see, eat, and enjoy.

But if you're looking to venture off that trodden path (which, I suppose, is your entire reason for reading this blog), continue past Petroskey and take 119 just past Harbor Springs. This road will take you to the place all those adjectives up there were made for, Michigan's Tunnel of Trees.

The Tunnel is approximately 20 miles long, and depending on your mood can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to navigate. If you've got some time to get away, throttle down for a slow cruise under the winding canopy of trees hugging the shore of Lake Michigan. You'll alternate between views of restful shore and deep woods described as "travel magazine picture-perfect".

Naturally, Summer, Spring are great times to drive, and Autumn is a favorite with leaves falling at high color to blanket your path. If you're an impatient driver, the only weekend you may want to skip is Labor Day when the road fills with groups of bicyclists enjoying the view.

I'm told that besides pausing at landmarks like the Middle Village, Devil’s Elbow and the Old Council Tree, you should be sure to stop at the Good Hart General Store, one of the oldest in the state, and Legs Inn at Cross Village, a beautiful rustic-style restaurant of wood and stone.

Don't just take my word for it. Ami Woods at Examiner.com says,

"Traveling the Lake Michigan coastline is one of the most majestic and awe-inspiring tours permissible by car. "

I'd say it's an experience to be added to your list while on a Boyne Mountain vacation. If you've been there already, leave us some tips!

Photo credit: Buckster

Resources
Touring Michigan's Tunnel of Trees
Trip Advisor Tunnel of Trees Search
Petoskey Area Visitor's Info
All Getaways Harbor Springs to Cross Village
Motorcycleroads.com Tunnel of Trees Page
Bluegreen Resorts Mountain Run at Boyne

Shuttle Launch Vacations: Your Final Countdown has Begun

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:06:00 +0000

Time's fast running out if you want to see a live Shuttle Launch from Kennedy Space Center. It's a sight you will not forget, and one you'll never be able to fully describe to the friends you left back home. To give you an idea of the visual impact, it's been called "one of the most stunning and dramatic events on earth."

My first launch experience was a night one. Call it luck.

We'd taken my husband's company Harley for a ride south from Daytona Beach towards Cape Canaveral, then realized a launch had been scheduled for that night. As it turned out, we rode up in time to catch one of the most spectacular sites I've ever seen, and all without a camera in hand.

Early in the evening as the sun set, heat lightning crackled over the Atlantic Ocean beyond the tips of the launch pad and there was a good chance the liftoff was going to be cancelled. Knowing NASA would try to make their window if it was at all possible, we stuck it out and were rewarded when the biggest roman candle ever made lit up the entire night sky. Night suddenly became dusk. And as the shuttle rose higher and higher, we began to hear the roar of massive engines as the sound rolled right over us, setting off car alarms for miles around. Amazing is not a cliche in this instance. Our mouths literally hung open as we craned our necks to catch the view.

To tell you there's a lot of traffic to negotiate is not an understatement by any stretch of the imagination, but it's easy to make an experience out of the entire trip. To make the trip part of your beach vacation, start off with a stay at Casa Del Mar, a Oceanside Bluegreen Resort in Ormond Beach. It's your best bet for catching a launch right from your room, or directly on the beach outside your door.

If you decide to get up close, Bluegreen's Casa Del Mar is on A1A, and will give you easy access to one of the most scenic routes for your drive south to Kennedy Space Center. Take in the ocean towns of Daytona, Port Orange, and New Smyrna, and enjoy the view. You'll find your Google Maps route options here.

I'd recommend you make a day of it if you're actually planning to catch the launch, but there is plenty of fascination to be had just by visiting the Space Center on any given day. Attractions include interactive flight simulators, an IMAX theatre, full guided tours of the entire space center grounds, and visiting astronauts. You will not be disappointed.

Photo credits: Bluegreen Colorfulplaces

Resources:

Google Maps Route from Casa Del Mar to KSC

NASA Launch Schedule
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Bluegreen Resorts Casa Del Mar Reviews

Colorfulplaces.com
NASA on Twitter
KSC Visitor Center on Twitter

What Your Orlando Vacation Deserves: A Surprising Little Escape Route

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:24:00 +0000

Orlando is the last place I'd think of for a vacation road trip, but after days of trekking through theme parks, I'm usually ready for a side trip to clear my mind.

When I hear a call to the open road that involves pedaling under my own power, an October stay at Bluegreen Resorts The Fountains is the getaway I order up.

I usually reserve a couple of days from my theme park agenda to head 25 miles northwest to Mt. Dora for Florida's oldest and largest bicycle festival, and this year will mark the 36th held so far. Dates for the 2010 event are October 7 - 10, and so now's a great time for me to start planning.

The bicycle festival features two days of supported rides, 11 in total, ranging from 25 to 100 miles. A third day of riding lets me do my own thing and take to the road in my own good time. There's a lot to see in this historic town, the Antique Capital of Florida. I like visiting the thriving arts community, browsing rows of quaint shops and unique restaurants, historic homes, cultural events, as well as taking in some of Florida's best views. At 184 feet above sea level, Mt. Dora is about as close to a mountaintop view as you'll get in Florida.

A walking or even a Segway Tour can easily be added to a Orlando vacation side trip, and if you decide this is the kind of getaway for you, you can thank me for the break from the hustle of Disney and Universal later.

After a nice ride through the town and a relaxing dip in the pool at The Fountains, I'm recharged and ready to wrestle the Orlando attractions.

Photo credit: Bluegreen ColorfulPlaces

Resources:
Bluegreen Colorful Places Page on Mt. Dora
What To Do In Mt. Dora
Mt. Dora Chamber of Commerce
Guided Segway Tours
Mt. Dora Bicycle Ride - Astatula Hills
Bicycle Rentals - Mount Dora Cycles

Half Way to The End of the Road: Mile Marker 50

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:04:00 +0000

If you’ve been eyeing the Florida Keys for your next road trip vacation and can’t decide where to stay, you might as well sit yourself smack dab in the middle of all the fun at mile marker 50, Marathon Key.

After heading South from Miami, half way between Key Largo (around Mile Marker 100) and Key West (Mile Marker 0), you’ll find yourself not only at the midway point, but at the northern entrance to one of the most beautiful roadways you’ll cross, the Seven Mile Bridge. Take a look.

It’s a road that appears to stretch on to infinity.

Sitting very conveniently and cozily at the base of this famous Seven Mile Bridge is Bluegreen Resorts Hammocks at Marathon, a vacation destination offering everything from relaxation at the poolside tiki lounge to day trip adventures by land or by sea, including boat, jetski, and even bicycle rentals. Not only does this spot offer many ways to enjoy a day trip, but no island or attraction in the Keys is more than 60 minutes away.

By bicycle:

If you decide to take advantage of the on-site rentals, you’ll be ready to pedal the two miles south alongside the Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key, a 5-acre island sometimes described as a “ghost town” There you’ll see historical buildings and grounds preserved from the heyday of the Flagler railroad. The trip takes you over a portion of the old bridge, preserved for bicyclists and those who enjoy a walk by the ocean. It’s a great evening trip if you’d like a bicycle ride with a view of the sunset.

By car, motorcycle or RV:

If your ride is powered, enjoy the full Seven Miles south and head down as far as the road will take you, to Key West. In 60 minutes, you’ll be ready for Duvall Street’s shopping, dining, and entertainment. Give the day a great sendoff at Mallory Dock, where street performers, and musicians perform nightly as the sun sinks low on the horizon over the Gulf of Mexico.

I’ve named just two of the destinations you can ride to from Marathon, both South of the resort, but be sure to make time to visit Big Pine Key's Bahia Honda State Park where you'll find some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys. Conde Naste has even named it best beach in the Continental U.S.! Activities within this park are nearly endless, with bicycling, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming boating, and camping topping the list. I can't think of too many things better for your mental health than a campfire view of a beachside sunset. There's a lot more. Heading about 14 miles North is John Pennekamp State Park where you'll want to get in some snorkeling or reef peeping in glass bottom boats. Reservations are recommended.

The Florida Keys are some of the best locations to plan your vacation whether it’s by two or four wheels, but adds endless opportunity with the freedom of seemingly endless waterways. Any of the destinations I’ve named here are available to you by water from the resort’s well-equipped docks. This trip is by far one of my favorites, but that's because I'm a water lover.

Peak vacation times in the Keys are between January and June, so plan, and plan early!

Been to the Keys? What’s your favorite spot and what would you most like to experience?

Photo Credit: Bluegreen Resorts Colorful Places

Resources:
PigeonKey.net
Florida Parks page on Bahia Honda
Bahia Honda F.A.Q page
Bluegreen Resorts Colorful Places Hammocks at Marathon
Discovering Florida Keys
Jerry's Charter Services - Boat Rentals at The Hammocks
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

In and Around Daytona: 36 Miles of Beach Ride Nirvana

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:49:00 +0000

If you've ever had a wild itch to take on two wheels and cruise in the area best-known for Bike Week, you've got a few decisions to make. One of your first should be whether to trailer your bike or rent one by the day or week. Be aware- if you're planning to vacation during the Biker events, rental prices are at a premium, running in the neighborhood of $200 - $250 or more per day. For those who like action and being in the Thick of Things, book well ahead. Two years ahead.

But if quieter rides are more your style, the Daytona area offers great bike weather just about all year round, and motorcycles aren't the only option for enjoying some of the area's amazing scenic byways.

For a vacation experience you'll be hard-pressed not to want to return to, Bluegreen Resorts stylish Daytona Seabreeze, located in Ormond Beach, is a great option. You can relax on the sands and watch the sunrise from the beach outside your door, or enjoy the daybreak view with a breakfast on your oceanfront balcony. After a morning of sun and swim, you'll be ready for a nice little tour.

From the resort, The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is highly recommended, covering more than 30 miles of some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Florida. This ride is one of my personal favorites for the variety of possibilities it offers. This is a terrific day trip by bicycle, scooter, or the family SUV. The Loop's official website describes the ride best:

"The roadway view includes unobstructed vistas of two rivers, creeks and marshes, barrier island dunes and beach, and historic dwellings. Visitors seeking a cultural and/or historic experience will find museums and historic public buildings and private homes along the corridor, in Tomoka State Park and in locations a few blocks off the designated roadways."

It's just plain gorgeous. And because there's quite a lot to do along the road, you can plan more than one visit
or approach it from different points on the map. There are plenty of spots for fishing, boating, and picnicing, and you can use the walking trails or beaches to stretch your legs before the next segment of the trip.

Variety is the key to this relaxing road trip experience. Just writing this has made me miss the two years I spent riding A1A along the Palm Coast with short afternoon jaunts into Tomoka Park.

Safe Riding.

Have you traveled this loop? What's your take on the ride?

Resources:
The Ormond Loop Official Website
Daytonabeach.com
Ormond Loop Insider Tips
Bluegreen Resorts Daytona Seabreeze
Daytona Rentals (Bikes, bicycles, and scooters)

Photo credits: Bluegreen Resorts, Ormond Loop Official Website

Outside Vegas, A Road Leads to Extremes...

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:02:00 +0000

Latitude 36 North is where you'll find Bluegreen Resorts Club 36, a brand new resort just far enough from the strip to give you a retreat from the constant activity and let you enjoy a nice respite from the City That Never Sleeps. But if you've wondered what goes on outside of Vegas and you're feeling the need for a little side trip to recharge before for your next jaunt to LAX, you can rest your eyes and mind on the zen experience that is Death Valley.

Meditate on this:

In just a three-hour drive away from the strip, you reach Furnace Creek. Now, that's a name you've got to respect.

If you're into keeping track of Extremes, this is the lowest, hottest, and driest location in North America. It's been described as having a brutal beauty.

3 million acres of wilderness include sand dunes, mountains topped with snow, and canyons. Oh, and a castle.

The park's Badwater Basin is 282 feet below sea level. Bet you guessed that's the lowest spot next to The Dead Sea. (Seeing a naming pattern here?)

You may want to consider the time of year when visiting. Death Valley is considered a Winter park. Summer is too hot for most, and Spring is the most popular. Any time of year will work depending upon your interest, but remember that it's The Desert. Can't emphasize enough that you need to bring water and follow the rules laid out by those who've gone and done it already. You'll find all the precautionary information you need in the link to the visitor's guide (below).

And if you want to know the best route, Trip Advisor has an excellent post here, but The National Park Service has directions from Vegas broken down by Shortest, Easiest, Ghost Town, and Most Scenic.

The best part about the park is that you can drive through a lot of it, making it one of the top places on the Indigo Highways' vacation road trip Bucket List.

Have you been to Death Valley and survived? If you have, leave us some tips on the experience.

Resources:

Death Valley Visitor Guide (.pdf)

PBS Link to NATURE: Life in Death Valley

Trip Advisor Post on Best Route to Death Valley

National Park Service Directions From Vegas (.pdf)

Bluegreen Resorts Las Vegas Travel Guide

Club 36 - Bluegreen's Las Vegas Resort

Photo credit: Eric Moore

Closer to the Road

noreply@blogger.com (D McConnell) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:32:00 +0000

It wasn't until we got to Daytona, Florida that I discovered a real appreciation for a good stretch of asphalt. Of course I did that the hard way.

On a wild-haired impulse we'd packed up and moved South with some friends who asked for help in starting a new business concept, renting motorcycles. I'd never even been on a bike but didn't want to pass up the chance to become part of something new and untested. As it turned out, we did more than simply testing the biker waters, and for the next 8 years we lived leather and breathed Harley fumes helping lots of vacationers fulfill their riding dreams. Along with bikes, we'd provide riders with routes, little-known local facts, hidden restaurant gems, and suggestions for great places to stay. Later, we'd get involved with car rentals and eventually RVs. As new ventures go, the experience was a lot richer than I bargained for.

One of the things I didn't bargain for was dropping a company Harley, a very hard way to get some fast respect for pavement, and a great way to freak out company management, in this case, my horrified husband. Since I wanted to continue riding, I quickly gained a sharper eye for hazards, and right then and there started paying more attention to stories from other riders. Experience, that funny little hard-nosed teacher, gives you a lesson in what makes all the difference.

Helmet-deep in the world of biker culture, I also got a very good introduction to what I call Roaders- the people who go on a good drive for the sake of the journey alone, and for the remarkable or unusual things they find along the way. They're a little more inclined to slow down and have a conversation with you about the little places they've happened to roll up on, or take a little extra time to point you in an interesting direction. That's the spirit of what I hope to accomplish here.

While I haven't personally been to all of the places I'll write about (yet!), I'm going to rely on resources from The National Scenic Byways or State Wildlife Trails to start. The majority of the best tips will eventually come from you. By adding your experience and knowledge to the comments, you'll help make this a real resource for Bluegreen Resort travelers and anyone else who enjoys a good ride.

As the saying goes,

It's not about the destination, but about the Journey.

What's your best idea for a day trip? If you've got experiences to share, just drop a comment.

Let's go.

Photo credit: StrawberryMarmalade, DeviantArt