#a beautiful eri extravaganza

[fullmetalscullyy]

do u ever read a(n ABSOLUTELY STUNNING) fic ur friend has written and ur just. like.

[reelblessedfishingcharter]

Exploring the Thrills of Lake Erie Walleye Fishing Charters with Reel Blessed Fishing Charter

When it comes to angling adventures, few experiences can compare to the excitement of Lake Erie walleye fishing charters. The vast expanse of Lake Erie, bordered by multiple states and Canada, holds a reputation for its thriving walleye population, drawing fishing enthusiasts from across the globe. Among the top contenders for an unforgettable fishing expedition on Lake Erie is Reel Blessed Fishing Charter – a name synonymous with exceptional angling experiences and breathtaking natural beauty.

Unveiling Lake Erie's Walleye Fishing Extravaganza

Lake Erie is renowned for being one of the Great Lakes of North America and is celebrated for its diverse aquatic life. Among its treasures, the walleye stands out as one of the most sought-after game fish due to its excellent taste and challenging fight. Anglers are drawn to Lake Erie for the thrilling opportunity to reel in these remarkable creatures, and what better way to do so than through a professional fishing charter.

Reel Blessed Fishing Charter, with its years of expertise and local knowledge, offers anglers the chance to immerse themselves in the world of walleye fishing on Lake Erie. The charter provides an exceptional experience that combines adventure, education, and the thrill of a great catch.

The Reel Blessed Fishing Charter Difference

1. Expert Guidance and Local Knowledge

One of the standout features of Reel Blessed Fishing Charter is the experienced crew that accompanies every expedition. Their captains are not only seasoned sailors but also fishing enthusiasts deeply familiar with the Lake Erie waters. Their insights into the behavior of walleye, understanding of prime fishing spots, and ability to read the waters make a significant difference in the success of each trip.

2. State-of-the-Art Equipment

Reel Blessed Fishing Charter prioritizes the safety and comfort of its guests. As such, they provide state-of-the-art fishing gear, navigational equipment, and modern boats designed to handle various weather conditions. Guests can focus on the thrill of the catch, knowing that they are in capable hands.

3. Customized Experiences

Whether you're an experienced angler looking for a challenge or a novice eager to learn, Reel Blessed Fishing Charter tailors its experiences to cater to different skill levels. From hands-on tutorials for beginners to advanced techniques for seasoned pros, every angler can find their place aboard these charters.

4. Breathtaking Scenery

Lake Erie is not only abundant in fish but also surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Reel Blessed Fishing Charter ensures that guests have the opportunity to soak in this beauty while waiting for the next bite. The sight of the sun setting over the lake's horizon is a memory that lingers long after the trip is over.

Preparing for an Unforgettable Adventure

Embarking on a Lake Erie walleye fishing charter with Reel Blessed Fishing Charter requires some preparation to make the most of this exhilarating experience:

1. Check Local Regulations

Before setting off, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations of the area. Different states and provinces may have varying rules regarding fishing licenses, catch limits, and specific fishing seasons.

2. Dress for Success

Lake Erie's weather can be unpredictable, so it's wise to dress in layers and bring appropriate rain gear. Wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes is also advisable for moving around the boat safely.

3. Pack Essentials

Don't forget to bring essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and any personal medications. It's also a good idea to carry motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness.

4. Capture the Memories

While the thrill of the catch is unforgettable, having a camera to capture the moments adds to the experience. From the excitement of reeling in a walleye to the serene beauty of the lake, these memories will be cherished for years to come.

Lake Erie walleye fishing charters with Reel Blessed Fishing Charter offer an unmatched opportunity to explore the world of angling in one of North America's most iconic lakes. With their expert guidance, top-notch equipment, and commitment to creating memorable experiences, Reel Blessed Fishing Charter stands as a beacon for fishing enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility. So, whether you're an avid angler or someone looking to embark on a new hobby, consider venturing into the heart of Lake Erie with Reel Blessed Fishing Charter for a truly blessed fishing expedition.

[ecle-c-tic]

if you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? i’m so happy for you <4 congrats on 30 followers rach!!! :)))

Hello, mo chridhe! Tha mo ghion ort! We’re just soft lady hours 24/7. 💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜

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Ok, I have hardcore wanderlust so there are quite a few, but hey this is an extravaganza bonanza I’ll list a few: (This is what I can remember off the top of my head):

Barcelona: I read Mercè Rodoreda’s Time of the Doves in high school and I really just want to see Barcelona. Also, THE CITY IS SO BEAUTIFUL

San Francisco: Rainbow Walk of Fame and architecture

New York City: I was there once and I only caught a glimpse of the beauty that is NYC.

Edinburgh/the Hebrides/Inverness/Ben Nevis: I’m a Gael. That’s it. Lol.

Erie/Republic of Ireland: I want to hike the Ring of Kerry!

Northern Ireland: Giant’s Causeway!

London: SO MUCH! ROH, the Gherkin, all of the museums 😢, try to steal the Stone of Scone back to Scotland 

Cannes/Paris/Le Mont Saint-Michel; J'ai étudié la langue française depuis le 7e, donc je veux le pratiquer! Mais aussi parce que la France est magnifique! 

New Zealand: HOW IS THIS COUNTRY SO BEAUTIFUL (Also, I’d love to see the All Blacks!)

Chefchaouen and Tangier, Morocco: THE ARCHITECTURE IN THESE CITIES IS INSANNNEEEE.

Russia: The Bolshoi, the people, the vodka, nature and the architecture.

South Korea, Japan, Norway, Argentina, UAE, Tanzania: Who said that the planet could be this beautiful, this diverse, this culturally rich?

The Rest of Canada: Especially, The Hoodoos of Alberta, Sourtoe Shots 😈, The Museum for Human Rights, etc!

BASICALLY, IF IT’S ON THE MAP I WANNA SEE IT!

P.S. Everyone watch Departures it’s my favourite show ever created!

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Thank you so much, Beck, for all of your support, kindness, humour, reccs and love! Bubly Babes forever! <4<4<4<4<4<4<4 🥰😭🥺🥰😭🥺🥰😭🥺

Much love and good vibes to you 💛🌻

Rach

30 Follower Extravaganza Bonanza

[omggodrejpropertyuniverse]

Godrej South Estate at Okhla, Delhi by Godrej Properties

Godrej South Estate Residential Project catapulted from resounding trajectory of eminent real estate Moghul has floated a mesmerizing Gated Residential extravaganza in ebullient locale of South Delhi okhla area in   New Delhi. These Radiant towers is the first housing project initiated by this iconic real estate brand and is poised to be simply consummated complex which will be source of bliss to the lucky owners of opulent  units meant for their jouful  residing.

  Godrej South Estate Okhla is having inbuilt leverage of adorable position in New Delhi because being hemmed between vital satellite towns of Gurgaon, Noida, and Faridabad and all approachable in less than thirty minutes. This housing complex is ery close by to Govindpuri Metro station which makes whole city of Delhi effortlessly approachable

Far wider areas beyond the periphery of New Delhi borders are within your grasp due to Okhla Railway station is minutes away from this splendid locale. You can arrive at National and International Airports in less than thirty minutes.

Copper façade will be applied to tower and the dazzling of it will make these tower stand apart in Delhi towering Sky line. Godrej South Estate Okhla With the unique professional service rendered by Reputed Architects who have profound pulse on elite home buyers inclinations towards stylish homes are giving intricate designs which will captivate the elite home buyers beyond imagination.

This Residential complex is established over 5.15 Acres of prized land in South Delhi on which only 4 soaring   towers will be made .These towers have 2, 3 & 4 BHK units and price commences from 2.75 Cr .In keeping the track record its enormous goodwill consequential land has been given to create deep green zones ensuring panoramic view of the whole complex which will elate the residents including their visitors..

Developer is hugely reputed for giving outstanding amenities within the housing complex and spreading that good work the developer is providing centralized air purifier to all tower much to the relief of the residents in this project because of worrisome pollution levels of Delhi city. Also by giving Amoeba shaped swimming pool the resident can cool themselves in the soaring hot temperatures of   Delhi .Further Amenities are enhanced by having landscaped Garden, Kids play area, Wi-Fi etc.  to make life comfortable for them. The security of the whole complex will be   managed by top security company and it will address security concerns of the residents in a big way. All units are elegant because of innovative designing with special emphasis given to provide state of Art wash room and kitchens

These absolute factors make Godrej South Delhi the most desired luxury home for Delhi’s selected homebuyers who will be thrilled in owning their piece of divine abode.

Concise eloquent factors will make this residential property a right destination to book your beautiful home right away

For More Info Visit Us: – Godrej Okhla

Call Now: – 9810047296

Project Status: – Launch

[annbrighthaus-blog]

‘Tis the season to host the ultimate holiday event. The U.S. is full of stunning, historic event venues that are sure to take your guests’ breath away. From old factories to renovated churches, these notable destinations have everything you need to host a holiday party, wedding, or family reunion. Find the best event space for your next holiday extravaganza with these historic venues.

Ebell of Santa Ana

Nothing will charm your guests like the Ebell of Santa Ana, a Spanish revival venue just outside of Anaheim. Built in 1924, this stunning architectural space was once used as a women’s education and philanthropy facility, but today, it’s known as one of the most elegant venues in Southern California. It has everything you need for your next special event including an open courtyard, a large banquet room, and a theater for performances and lectures. Take and tour and discover arched doorways, classic Spanish tile, sprawling oak trees, and high beam ceilings. And it’s linked to one of the best catering companies in Orange County.

Marigny Opera House

Originally known as the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and founded in 1847, the Marigny Opera House in New Orleans, Louisiana has evolved considerably over the years. Today, it’s become one of the most esteemed performance and event venues in the city. The church closed in 1997 and has since become a non-denominational venue for artists, weddings and other gatherings. You’ll find open-concept floor plans with massive archways, colorful tile flooring, and worn-down white stone.

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

Once a simple boarding house, the Mission Inn has become one of the most notable historic destinations in all of Southern California. Known for its Spanish Mission-style architecture, the Inn features several upscale dining rooms, conference rooms, and a large banquet room with stained-glass windows and chandelier lighting. Once the event is over, you can always book a room in the inn or treat yourself to a day at the spa.

The Turnbull

Nothing screams the holidays like this massive hardwood venue space in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It’s full of southern history, once the site of one of the largest ice cream manufacturers in the country. But today, the building shines as an all-inclusive event space with its high ceilings, exposed brick and flowing natural light. Those stunning hardwood beams seem to go on for miles, giving you plenty of space to host a festive banquet dinner or a holiday reunion.

The Manor House

Located in the heart of Colorado, the Manor House delivers astounding views of the local mountains and valleys, designer furniture and Colonial-style architecture. It was once owned by the Shaffers, one of the wealthiest families in the country, and has since blossomed into a stunning event venue donned with mirrored fireplaces, an open dining room with panoramic views, and some monumental white pillars out front. Some of the biggest movers and shakers, including some former U.S. presidents, have stayed at the Manor House, and now, so can you.

The Lake Erie Building

If you’re in the Midwest, bring your holiday get-together to this historic factory building that sits right on the lake. Today, it’s used as an office space, workout studio, arts facility and a winery, but it was once used to manufacture Templar Motor Cars. As an event space, the building is known for its classic industrial style with open ceilings, factory-style windows, and handcrafted furniture.

Add some history to your next event and rent one of these remarkable venues today!

[danalberard]

11 Buffalo Museum & Gallery Stores for Creative Gift Ideas

Don’t wait until the last minute before the gift giving extravaganza of 2018 begins.  Looking for that perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list?  Get creative and head to one of Buffalo’s cultural institutions and browse through the unique offerings inside their gift shops! Handmade jewelry, funky garden art, science-y stuff your 6 year old will love… it’s all waiting for you inside Buffalo’s best galleries and museums.  Maybe throw in a few admission passes or memberships in your loved one’s stockings while you’re at it!

Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays!

Albright-Knox Art Gallery Stocking an energetic and highly curated mashup of avant-garde pieces, books, children’s toys and puzzles, home accessories and whimsical jewelry, you could say this gift shop’s décor is worthy of its own spotlit white pedestal. The sculptural selection offers pieces you won’t want to leave without, and the jewelry is hand-made and utterly fanciful-chic. 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo 716-882-8700  /  albrightknox.org

The Alright-Knox Art Gallery gift shop – Photo by Rhea Anna

Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens Shop for garden supplies and plants, as well as floral-themed jewelry and apparel. Everyone’s garden deserves an addition from the Gardens, whether it be live plants or funky garden art. 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo 716-827-1584  /  buffalogardens.com

Buffalo History Museum This Buffalo History Museum’s shop offers items related to the history of Western New York and its people, such as postcards, posters, fine gift items, children’s books, and a wide selection of publications about Buffalo architecture, ethnic heritage, genealogy, the Arts & Crafts movement and Frank Lloyd Wright. One Museum Court, Buffalo 716-873-9644  /  buffalohistory.org

Buffalo Museum of Science Showcasing a wide-range of science-related gifts, the Curiosity Shop has everything from educational but fun games and toys to extreme gadgets. Whether it’s a mummy hat or a set of geo crystals, your mad scientist will be set into motion! 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo 716-896-5200 /  sciencebuff.org

The Curiosity Shop at the Buffalo Museum of Science – photo by Erin Habes

Buffalo Zoo The Zootique is full of animal-themed items from around the world, as well as Buffalo Zoo branded T-shirts, sweatshirts, stuffed toys, postcards, calendars, mugs and educational toys. A Zootique gift can be the perfect way to remember your day at this charming zoo, which is set within the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Delaware Park. 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo 716-837-3900  /  buffalozoo.org

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House An artfully curated collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home décor as well as fine jewelry, accessories and books. From replicas of the famous “Midway Garden Sprite” statues to beautiful Japanese Tea Sets, there is something for you and everyone on your list. 125 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo 716-856-3858  /  darwinmartinhouse.org

Burchfield Penney Art Center While most museum gift shops are filled with knick-knacks and memorabilia, the Burchfield’s shop is filled with work by local artists. There are some seriously cool, collectible items to be found. The museum itself is known for showcasing cutting-edge artists and exhibitions, and the creativity obviously doesn’t stop at the art. 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo 716-878-6011  /  burchfieldpenney.org

The Burchfield Penney Art Center gift shop – photo by Erin Habes

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff Estate Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff estate, situated on the Lake Erie shore, was the former summer home to one of Buffalo’s prominent families. At its gift shop, browse through hundreds of Frank Lloyd Wright arts and crafts style items, including necklaces, apparel, household décor and many Graycliff exclusives. 6472 Old Lake Shore Rd, Derby 716-947-9217  /  graycliffestate.org

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site The gift shop at the TR Site features everything from TR finger puppets, mustaches and spectacle shot glasses to historical books and Teddy bobble heads. 641 Delaware Ave, Buffalo 716-884-0095  /  trsite.org

The TR Site gift shop – photo by Erin Habes

Roycroft Copper Shop Gallery You can experience the American Arts and Crafts Movement’s legacy today by shopping at the Roycroft Copper Shop, featuring hundreds of works by over 100 local, national, and international artisans including handmade jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, glass, prints and paintings. 31  South Grove St, East Aurora 716-655-0261  / roycroftcampuscorporation.com

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center From books to apparel and everything in between, this brand new gift shop helps to spread the museum’s message of powerful stories of struggle, hope and triumph, activism and community. 825 Depot Ave West, Niagara Falls 716-300-8477 / niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org

The post 11 Buffalo Museum & Gallery Stores for Creative Gift Ideas appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara.

from Blog – Visit Buffalo Niagara https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/last-minute-gift-ideas-inside-the-gift-shops/

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Top 10 Lake Towns of 2018: Fantasy Waterfront Retreats at Bargain-Basement Prices 

csfotoimages/iStock

What makes a great lake town? A lovely, inspiring, and beckoning body of water? Check. A cool, relaxing vibe with plenty of splashy and nonsplashy extracurriculars? Check. Affordable and irresistible housing a short hop from the water? Yes, please!

When the mercury starts soaring across the U.S., more folks get the urge to turn fantasies of shore living into reality. And why not? Lakefront housing tends to be less expensive and more accessible to a wider swath of the country than popular ocean beach towns. And—without delving into some kind of tortured Stones vs. Beatles, GOP vs. Dems, or ferret vs. capybara lifestyle debate—lake town living offers quite a few perks of its own.

That’s why the data team at realtor.com® set out on its annual quest to find the best lake towns in America. These are the places where there are plenty of well-priced and available homes, property values are rising (so snagging a home will be a good investment), and there are plenty of fun things to do on or around the water. And then we slathered on our sunscreen.

Do you want to live near a picturesque pond, or within striking distance of one of the majestic Great Lakes? The ambiance is dramatically different, and so are the housing prices.

“If you want to be on a larger body of water, you’re typically going to pay more. … You’ll have more fishing opportunities, boating opportunities, and recreational [and dining] opportunities,” says Jim Billig, president of Sportman’s Connection, which produces fishing lake guidebooks in 12 states. “The smaller lakes … are going to be more affordable.”

To figure out the top spots, we looked at home price appreciation from June 2015 to May 2018*, the percentage of vacation homes, the number of food and recreational establishments per capita, the number of outdoor activities per capita, and the number of realtor.com home listings that mention the word “lake” in more than 900 U.S. metropolitan and micropolitan areas. And we limited our selections to one place per state to ensure geographic diversity, and excluded areas where the median home list prices were above $600,000.

Now get ready to make a splash!

Top lake towns

Claire Widman

1. Branson, MO

Median home list price**: $217,500 2-year price appreciation: 17.6%

Riverboat on Lake Taneycomo in Branson, MO

Panoramic Images/Getty Images

For decades this southern Missouri town has steadily built its rep as a Midwestern country music mecca—it touts itself as “the live music show capital of the world.” But, more stealthily, it has also become one of the nation’s leading lake towns.

There are beaches, a full marina, and scuba diving in the 43,000 sparkling acres of Table Rock Lake, one of the area’s main attractions. Lake Taneycomo, a reservoir less than 10 miles from downtown, is considered one of the best trout fishing lakes in the country due to its unusually cool waters. And the oft-overlooked Bull Shoals Lake, about a two-hour drive east of Branson straddling the Missouri-Arkansas border in the Ozark Mountains, offers plenty of cabins, resorts, and RV parks for those who want to stay on the water.

For those who fall in love with the region, there are plenty of affordably priced homes for those who want to stay year-round or just for the season. Many are condos, although there are some waterfront houses ranging from four-bedrooms in the high $200,000s to the occasional mansion selling for a few million dollars.

Most of local real estate agent J.R. Boushehri‘s clients are baby boomers within a 300-mile radius seeking condos with a view they can stay in a few times a month and then rent out the rest of the time. The condos range anywhere from the mid-$50,000s up to $300,000, says Boushehri of Keller Williams Tri-Lake Realty.

“Whatever price range they’re looking for, there’s something out there,” he says.

2. Baraboo, WI

Median home list price: $234,950 2-year price appreciation: 31.5%

Devil’s Doorway in Baraboo, WI

baluzek/iStock

Once known as home to the Ringling Brothers Circus, this south-central Wisconsin town has a high percentage of homes boasting lake views. It’s no small wonder that John Muir, who grew up just north of the city, turned into one of the 20th century’s most famed naturalists.

While the city’s namesake, the Baraboo River, is the most obvious water attraction, there are plenty of lakes here (locals seldom tire of letting you know that Wisconsin has more of ’em than neighboring Minnesota). Devil’s Lake State Park attracts more than 1 million visitors annually who enjoy activities that range from lounging on glacial sand beaches, to rock climbing for all levels.

It’s also home to the International Crane Foundation, which claims to be the only place on the planet where visitors can see all 15 crane species.

“It’s just a beautiful area,” says Al Doering, owner of Baraboo Canoe & Kayak in nearby North Freedom, WI.

Folks who don’t mind not being directly on the water can find all sorts of bargains. There are standalone cottages, cabins, and even four-bedroom houses for under $225,000 that are just a walk or short drive away from Devil’s Lake.

3. Brainerd, MN

Median home list price: $289,950 2-year price appreciation: 18.3%

Fireworks over Gull Lake in Brainerd, MN

jferrer/iStock

Why settle for one lake when you can have more than 500? That’s right, there are that many lakes located within 25 miles of Brainerd, making it one of the most attractive destinations in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. There are all kinds of waterfront real estate options, and recreational opportunities ranging from canoeing to water skiing, to world-class tubing (BYOB).

If a private lake isn’t Minnesota nice enough for ya, this central Minnesota town has more on its plate than lutefisk. Brainerd is ranked highly for its number of dining establishments, including a few overlooking the water. And there’s a trio of nearby breweries—Gull Dam, Jack Pine, and Big Axe—within a short drive of town.

Real estate ranges from spacious four-bedroom houses with private docks on the larger, 500-plus-acre lakes that go for about $450,000 to smaller, two-bedroom cabins with shared beach access for about $200,000, says Chad Schwendeman, a local real estate broker at Exit Lakes Realty Premier. Luxury condos on the larger lakes can go for about $500,000.

Most of his clients are second-home buyers coming from the Twin Cities.

“On a Friday, they can head north two hours and they’re at their cabins,” Schwendeman says.

4. Traverse City, MI

Median home list price: $327,050 2-year price appreciation: 17.8%

Traverse City, MI

CT757fan/iStock

Even without accounting for its proximity to Lake Michigan, the second largest of the Great Lakes, Traverse City—known simply in many parts as “T.C.”—is one of the premier lake recreation destinations. It was ranked one of the best in the state, according to MidwestLiving, and the country, according to personal finance site WalletHub. It’s about four hours east, and worlds away, from Detroit.

Lake lovers here have plenty of home options, including one- or two-bedroom condos near the beach starting around $100,000, or four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes down the street from a lake for about $200,000.

Buyers with money to burn may prefer one of the Traverse City mansions, such as this 8,468-square-foot beauty with views of the water, a movie theater, wine cellar, and heated pool for just under $3 million.

The attractions don’t just revolve around Lake Michigan. The Boardman Lake is an official Blue Ribbon trout fishery (the designation is only for lakes with outstanding water quality, accessibility, and sustainable fish management).

Bonus: In late June and early July, Traverse City hosts the National Cherry Festival, an annual extravaganza that attracts more than a half-million visitors. The area is also home to roughly 30 wineries that have taken advantage of its grape-friendly latitude.

5. Gardnerville Ranchos, NV

Median home list price: $575,000 2-year price appreciation: 23.4%

Mansion on Lake Tahoe

realtor.com

The Gardnerville Ranchos metro area is the most expensive lake town on our list—for good reason. The county lines a good portion of Lake Tahoe, a popular destination for the rich, the famous, and just about everyone else. The area is also located on the El Dorado National Forest and boasts sweeping mountain and waterfront views. Bliss.

Recreationally speaking, Tahoe, which straddles the California-Nevada border, is the 800-pound gorilla that drives the region’s economy. It’s said that people come for the skiing but stay for the lake.

The area is particularly appealing to nearby California residents. They can escape high state taxes if they cross Lake Tahoe into Nevada and live in the cheaper state for six months and a day. There are few modest homes to be found (operative word: few). But there are plenty of breathtaking mansions going up, including this $47 million beauty with a guesthouse, stables, and a private pier.

6. Port Clinton, OH

Median home list price: $254,900 2-year price appreciation: 11.4%

Lake Erie from Port Clinton, OH

Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

When most of us think of a dreamy summer destination with quiet bays, beaches, and nearby islands that require a passport to visit (Canada, eh?), northern Ohio isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Yet Port Clinton, a small town with a population of just under 6,000 , is the epicenter of one of the better kept secrets among fans of lake recreation due to its prime location on one of the Great Lakes.

Located on a peninsula that juts into the western end of Lake Erie, Port Clinton sees its population swell in the high season as visitors descend on the mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, and antique stores in nearby towns. The area offers a half-dozen lakefront parks, as well as the three Bass islands and Kelley’s Island. The latter is a major tourism center served by ferries and a small public airport.

Real estate in the area is a real mix, with quite a few reasonably priced condos on the market. Buyers can snag one-bedroom condos right on Lake Erie for under $135,000, while modest beach houses can be found in the mid-$300,000 range. Buyers seeking to splurge can pick up this luxurious, five-bedroom, five-bathroom house on a bluff for $850,000.

7. Coeur d’Alene, ID

Median home list price: $393,750 2-year price appreciation: 24.7%

Coeur d’Alene, ID

csfotoimages/iStock

Located at the far end of the Bitterroot Mountains in Idaho’s northern panhandle, Coeur d’Alene is more than a lake town. It’s an outdoor paradise surrounded by mountains, rivers, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. It’s also a convenient 38-minute drive from Spokane, WA, a major travel hub. That may be why this small town where everyone knows your name and boasts little to no traffic is attracting so many ex-Californians, according to the website Livability.

Residents and visitors have their choice of three major lakes—Lake Pend Oreille, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and Priest Lake—each with abundant opportunities for boating, swimming, and first-rate frolicking.

The cost of living here is slightly higher than the national average (just look at this $3.25 million three-bed, four-bath, waterfront condo with every amenity imaginable), but it’s still considerably cheaper than big Western cities such as Denver, Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco.

Buyers who are amenable to living near but not on the water can find plenty of deals, including this charming, two-bedroom, one-bath home for $165,000.

8. Sonora, CA

Median home list price: $349,200 2-year price appreciation: 16.8%

Washington Street in Sonora, CA

Google Maps

The gold rush that defined the early days of this Central California town played out long ago. It’s been replaced by geographical gold: Sonora is the closest city to Yosemite, the crown jewel of the national parks system. Although the park is best known for massive granite cliffs like El Capitan, there’s no shortage of lakes inside and outside the park.

“It’s a small community,” says Heidi Bettis, a local real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Segerstrom. “But if you’re an outdoors person, it’s the best place to be.”

Many of Bettis’ clients are from the San Francisco Bay Area, who buy second homes throughout Tuolumne County, where Sonora is located. The environment and climate, which features about 260 days of sunshine a year, have been key in attracting retirees and economic refugees fleeing the high costs of San Francisco, about three hours away.

“You can buy a million-dollar cabin or you can get a little, tiny, 700-square-foot cabin for $200,000,” Bettis says.

9. Sevierville, TN

Median home list price: $252,500 2-year price appreciation: 24.2% 

Douglas Lake, near Sevierville, TN

BullpenAl/iStock

Neighboring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge can have their swarms of tourists. Friendly Sevierville, a more under-the-radar vacation spot and hometown of country legend Dolly Parton, will take the anglers and lake fans. (It’s about 30 minutes east of Knoxville.)

“Lakefront real estate in our area is pretty variable,” says Ron Laughlin, a local real estate agent at Century 21 MVP. They range from 2,000-square-foot cabins on the water built in the 1970s on several acres that go for between $300,000 and $350,000 to 5,000-square-foot, more modern homes than can fetch $2 million. “There’s a few real high-baller homes, but not that many.”

Douglas Lake, barely a 20-minute drive from downtown, attracts 1.7 million visitors annually. They are drawn to the lake’s boating and reputation as one of the best lakes in the nation for largemouth bass and crappie fishing.

10. Spirit Lake, IA

Median home list price: $296,900 2-year price appreciation: 3.2%

Orleans Beach on Spirit Lake, IA

Michael S. Lewis/Getty Images

Those who love to fish may want to hightail it to Spirit Lake. The Northern Iowa region has a well-earned rep as a great place to catch pike and muskellunge. Spirit Lake, which shares a tiny part of its namesake with neighboring Minnesota, is surrounded by a quartet of lakes, including the east and west sides of Lake Okoboji. It’s also home to the Berkley fishing tackle company, launched in 1937 by a 16-year-old paper delivery boy who used backyard chicken feathers and the family dog’s hair to craft hand-tied flies for vacationing anglers.

“We’re a resort town. Memorial Day to Labor Day, that’s when everybody makes hay. The lakes get a tremendous amount of use,” says Aaron Jones, a real estate broker at Re/Max Lakes Realty. “Outside of that time frame, we’re just a small town.”

Most of the buyers are looking for second homes, ranging from $300,000 to well above $5 million, that sit vacant in the off-season. They typically hail from the Midwest within a 300-mile radius of Spirit Lake, Jones says.

“We still have a lot of fishing cabins that were built in the early 1900s. They’re little two-bedroom, one-bath cabins that now can sell for half a million bucks,” Jones says. You just can’t deny the allure of lakefront land.

* To come up with home price appreciation, we looked at home list prices over the 12-month period of June 2015 through May 2016, and compared them with the June 2017 through May 2018 period.

** Median home prices as of June 1, 2018

The post Top 10 Lake Towns of 2018: Fantasy Waterfront Retreats at Bargain-Basement Prices  appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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[recentanimenews]

The Manga Revue, 4/16/18

Today’s super-sized Manga Revue comes to you courtesy of Patriot’s Day, my second favorite Massachusetts-only holiday. (The first is Evacuation Day, a thinly-disguised attempt to give Boston’s civil servants permission to skip work on St. Pattie’s.) In addition to a bumper crop of links, I have two reviews for you: volume four of D&D cooking extravaganza Delicious in Dungeon, and volumes three and four of everyone’s favorite backwoods culinary adventure Golden Kamuy. Looking back on food manga’s early history in the US, who could have predicted that readers would be feasting on such a wide array of titles in 2018, from Sweetness and Lightning and What Did You Eat Yesterday? to Giant Spider & Me: A Post-Apocalyptic Tale, Food Wars!! Shokugeki no Soma, and Toriko. Maybe the North American market is finally ready for an Iron Wok Jan renaissance��

Delicious in Dungeon, Vol. 4 Story and Art by Ryoko Kui Translated by Taylor Engel Yen Press, 192 pp. Rated T, for Teens (13+)

If the first volume of Delicious in Dungeon was about assembling a posse, and the second and third about turning monsters into meals, then the fourth is about friendship — specifically, the strong emotional bond between Laois, Marcille, and Falin — and revenge, as the gang finally comes face-to-face with the Red Dragon. The showdown takes place inside a walled city whose narrow, maze-like streets give them a strategic advantage over their Godzilla-sized foe. And as exciting as the fight is, the real payoff is what follows, as Laois and Marcille discover that bringing Falin back from the dead isn’t a simple proposition. It’s in these moments that Ryoko Kui proves a more deft storyteller than we initially realized, effortlessly shifting gears from comedy to drama without mawkishness or cheap jokes. Instead, we’re allowed to contemplate the real horror of being eaten alive — as Falin was — and the real possibility of a character dying for good.

If I’ve made volume four sound like a bummer, rest assured it isn’t. Seshi gets his turn in the spotlight with a lethal display of culinary bravado, while the rest of the gang endures its share of fumbles and miscommunications on the way to catching their dragon adversary. Though I suspect the next volume of Delicious in Dungeon may revert to its monster-of-the-week formula, that’s OK, since Kui has left the door open for more moments of earnest reflection. Recommended.

Golden Kamuy, Vols. 3-4 Story and Art by Satoru Noda Translated by Eiji Yasuda VIZ Media Rated M, for Mature (18+)

The strengths and weaknesses of Golden Kamuy are neatly encapsulated in a conversation that happens midway through volume four. Asirpa coaxes Sugimoto to try fox meat, to which he responds, “You know, I’m not out here to try all the delicacies in Hokkaido.” In this exchange, author Satoru Noda tacitly admits that Golden Kamuy is more compelling as a study of Ainu culture than a bloody frontier adventure, a supposition borne out by the series’ frequent and fascinating detours into the food, medicine, and mythology of the Ainu; I’ve learned more about bear-hunting techniques from the last two volumes than I did in forty-five years of walking the Earth.

Golden Kamuy is on weaker footing when introducing new characters and subplots. None of the other gold-seekers are fleshed out as carefully as Asirpa and Sugimoto, reducing them to mere obstacles despite Noda’s efforts to give each villain a unique motivation for wanting the treasure. The newest baddie — Kazuo Hemni — exemplifies this problem to a tee: though he’s been given a particularly grisly backstory to explain his murderous proclivities, he’s such a textbook sociopath that he barely rises above the preternaturally-calm-and-savage type. His main function seems to be ramping up the body count, rather than complicating Asirpa and Sugimoto’s quest in a meaningful way.

The art, too, sometimes has a perfunctory quality; in several scenes, Noda’s use of a Photoshopped background doesn’t mesh well with the hand-drawn elements, resulting in an image that inadvertently calls attention to its artificiality. Noda’s use of perspective, too, is sometimes a distraction. He has difficult drawing bodies to scale, especially when he’s depicting Asirpa and her family, some of whom look more like Smurfs than people in their head-to-body ratio.

Still, the camaraderie between Asirpa and Sugimoto, and the well-staged action scenes more than compensate for the occasional roughness of the execution or flatness of the characterization. Golden Kamuy continues to entertain, horrify, and educate in equal measure — something I can’t say for any other manly-man manga that’s currently being published in English. Recommended.

Must-Read Reviews

Sean Gaffney offers a thoughtful appraisal of My Boy, pronouncing it “a good, meaningful work, told with a deft hand,” while Chris Galaver declares Seiichi Hayashi’s Red-Colored Elegy a classic. Over at NerdSpan, Keith Hendricks checks in with Delicious in Dungeon and One-Punch Man.

New and Noteworthy

Again!!, Vol. 1 (Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network)

Again!!, Vol. 1 (Michelle Smith, Soliloquy in Blue)

Again!!, Vol. 1 (Ross Liversidge, UK Anime Network)

The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Vols. 1-8 (Michelle Smith, Soliloquy in Blue)

Children of the Whales, Vol. 1 (Faith Orcino, Anime Ushi)

CITY, Vol. 1 (Ian Wolf, Anime UK News)

CITY, Vol. 1 (Martha Cornog, Library Journal)

CITY, Vol. 1 (Ross Liversidge, UK Anime Network)

Cutie Honey a Go Go! (Evan Bourgault, Boston Bastard Brigade)

Cutie Honey a Go Go! (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

Devilman Grimoire, Vol. 1 (Robert McCarthy, Otaku USA)

Fire Punch, Vol. 1 (Theron Martin, Anime News Network)

Goblin Slayer, Vol. 1 (Bill Curtis, Yatta Tachi)

Goldfisch, Vol. 1 (Kathleen Townsend, Looking Glass Reads)

Kenka Bancho Otome: Love’s Battle Royale, Vol. 1 (Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network)

Kenka Bancho Otome: Love’s Battle Royale, Vol. 1 (Katherine Dacey, The Manga Critic)

Laid-Back Camp, Vol. 1 (Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network)

Laid-Back Camp, Vol. 1 (J. Caleb Mozzocco, Good Comics for Kids)

Mermaid Boys, Vol. 1 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

Monster Tamer Girls, Vol. 1 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

Monster Tamer Girls, Vol. 1 (Justin, The OASG)

Moteki: Love Strikes!, Vol. 1 (Mehsi, Twirling Book Princess)

Moteki: Love Strikes!, Vol. 1 (Sally, Sally After Words)

Moteki: Love Strikes!, Vol. 1 (Michelle Smith, Soliloquy in Blue)

My Boy, Vol. 1 (Eric Cline, AiPT!)

Nameless Asterism, Vol. 1 (Erica Friedman, Okazu)

Real Life, Vol. 1 (Carlos Frigo, The Fandom Post)

RWBY (Jason Bradley Thompson, Otaku USA)

Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 1 (Sakura Eries, The Fandom Post)

Slumbering Beauty, Vol. 1 (Faith Orcino, Anime Ushi)

A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School, Vol. 1 (Melina Dargis, The Fandom Post)

Though You May Burn to Ash, Vol. 1 (Justin, The OASG)

Tokyo Ghoul:re, Vols. 1-4 (Dustin Cabeal, Comic Bastards)

Waiting for Spring, Vols. 1-4 (Krystallina, Daiyamanga)

The Young Master’s Revenge, Vol. 1 (Leroy Douresseaux, Comic Book Bin)

The Young Master’s Revenge, Vol. 1 (Anna N., The Manga Report)

your name, Vol. 1 (Brittany Vincent, Otaku USA)

Ongoing Series

Anonymous Noise, Vol. 6 (Gabe Peralta, The Fandom Post)

Assassination Classroom, Vol. 21 (Eric Cline, AiPT!)

Battle Angel Alita: Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3 (David Brooke, AiPT!)

Case Closed, Vol. 66 (Sally, Sally After Words)

Dimension W, Vol. 8 (Melina Dargis, The Fandom Post)

Dragon Ball Super #33 (Siddharth Gupta, All-Comic)*

Dragon Ball Super #34 (Siddharth Gupta, All-Comic)*

Dreamin’ Sun, Vol. 6 (Aaron, Manga Energy)

Elegant Yokai Apartment Life, Vol. 4 (Eric Cline, AiPT!)*

Golden Kamuy, Vols. 3-4 (Dustin Cabeal, Comic Bastards)

Good Night Punpun, Vol. 7 (Dustin Cabeal, Comic Bastards)

I Hear the Sunspot: Theory of Happiness (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

The Isolator, Vol. 3 (Alisha Taran, Reality’s A Bore)

Kiss Him, Not Me!, Vol. 13 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)

The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service Omnibus, Vol. 2 (Kathleen Townsend, Looking Glass Reads)

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Vol. 13 (Dennis Amith, J-Ent! Online)

Mobile Suit Gundam: Thunderbolt, Vols. 5-6 (Dustin Cabeal, Comic Bastards)

My Hero Academia, Vol. 12 (Trevor Richardson, AiPT!)

My Monster Secret, Vol. 10 (Aaron, Manga Energy)

The Promised Neverland, Vol. 2 (Helen, The OASG)

The Promised Neverland, Vol. 3 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

Sweet Blue Flowers, Vol. 2 (Melina Dargis, The Fandom Post)

Sweet Blue Flowers, Vol. 3 (Erica Friedman, Okazu)

Sweetness & Lightning, Vol. 8 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)

Takane & Hana, Vol. 2 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)

Takane & Hana, Vol. 2 (Anna N., The Manga Report)

A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School, Vol. 2 (Alisha Taran, Reality’s A Bore)

Tokyo Ghoul:re, Vol. 3 (Leroy Douresseaux, Comic Book Bin)

The Water Dragon’s Bride, Vol. 5 (Aaron, Manga Energy)

W.I.T.C.H., Vol. 4 (Kate O’Neil, The Fandom Post)

Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 11 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

your name, Vol. 3 (Helen, The OASG)

your name, Vol. 3 (Alisha Taran, Reality’s A Bore)

From the Vault

Butterflies, Flowers (Megan R., The Manga Test Drive)

Kabuki: Flower (Megan R., The Manga Test Drive)

Master Keaton, Vol. 12 (Dustin Cabeal, Comic Bastards)

Pink (Trevor Richardson, AiPT!)

Swan, Vol. 1 (SKJAM, SKJAM! Reviews)

Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 1 (Trevor Richardson, AiPT!)

Voice Over! Seiyuu Academy, Vol. 2 (SKJAM, SKJAM! Reviews)

* Denotes a digital-first or digital-only release

By: Katherine Dacey

[wickedyetbeautiful]

Be prepared to be amazed with a two-in-one adventure extravaganza first to Mt. Erie and then Deception Pass. If you can just made a day out of it, hitting these two locations can be a true #pnwmicroadventure. Mt. Erie towers in the west, and can almost always be seen from I-5. It’s a great pit stop along the way before crossing the bridge at Deception Pass, one of Washington’s more iconic engineering feats. You can just drive to the top if you’d like and gaze across seemingly endless ocean views or take it to the next level and go rock climbing! This place has it all. After getting your fill of the views, head back down the mountain to head toward a different kind of height: Deception Pass. It’s one of those places that can literally take your breath away with it’s beauty. Let it.

Getting There

Both of these locations are easily driven to, and I have provided directions from Bellingham to both separately. From Bellingham, drive south on Interstate 5. Take Exit 230 toward WA-20. Continue on this road until you get to Anacortes. You’ll then turn on to Campbell Road. Now depending on your destination, whether it be Mt. Erie or Deception Pass, refer to the directions below.

Mt. Erie

I actually haven’t done the hike from the lower parking lot of Mt. Erie up to the top, but I know that I’ve heard my dad tell stories about doing it when he was a kid. I guess I’ve always taken the lazy way and just driven to the top (why hike when you can already drive!). The parking lot fits 20-30 cars and is easy navigated. Literally pick whatever direction and you’ll find a trail with a view. Just explore. Personally, I really like the far right side from the parking lot. You can look down into Alexander Beach and there are some really cool Madrone Trees that are great for a hammock or a climb (;

Deception Pass

Once you can tear yourself away from the views, its time to go find some more, and from a closer perspective. Head back down the mountain and take a left. In about 15 minutes you are going to see the most visited state park in all of Washington: Deception Pass.

Park along the right side of the road before the first bridge (if there is parking, and if there isn’t, travel across the bridges and park on the other side in the parking lot), and prepare to be amazed. Walk across the bridges and admire the water flowing beneath you. Many times, if you look hard enough and long enough, you’ll spot the occasional seal! You can spend hours exploring this place, so do! From the heights of the bridges to the sand on the beaches, you’ll definitely get to #maketrails here.  So, go and enjoy the view; Washington style.

  Weekly Microadventure: Deception Pass & Mt. Erie Be prepared to be amazed with a two-in-one adventure extravaganza first to Mt. Erie and then…

[medicalmarijuana-news]

The East Coast Stoner’s Ultimate Guide to Winter

As winter has settled upon us, the overwhelming urge to “Netflix and chill” has firmly taken hold. In the interest of breaking the winter doldrums, HIGH TIMES has compiled some of the most festive, fun, winter vacation ideas located on the East Coast. (Editor’s Note: Our West Coast edition is coming soon, but all you Cali stoners know you’re warmer than us over here!)

Canada

Canada is a winter wonderland that offers visitors a plethora of activities to experience, and 2017 marks Canada’s 150th anniversary. To celebrate, Parks Canada is offering free entry, all year-long. If you’re a life-long city dweller who has never truly experienced the great outdoors, now is your chance to see how the other half lives. Frolic in the great outdoors and have some fun, while you stay active and healthy.

Learn to camp and paddle, or ride over nine miles of fat bike trails, groomed in the most beautiful winter setting of Kouchibouguac National Park, in New Brunswick. Fat bike rentals are available on the premises, while Fundy National Park in New Brunswick offers tobogganing.

Experience a night in the great outdoors—build a quinzhee almost anywhere in the park or rent one of five oTENTiks—a hybrid of a cabin and a tent—for winter camping in Riding Mountain National Park, in Manitoba.

Skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers, head towards Southwest Gulch and then unwind by the wood stove in a ski hut in Gros Morne National Park, in western Newfoundland, or cross-country ski with friends on the groomed trails of La Mauricie National Park in Quebec. The Chambly Canal National Historic Site, also in Quebec, offers ice skating on three skating rinks.

If you are up for a challenge, try ice climbing in Waterton Lakes National Park, located in southern Alberta. Don’t forget to bring your camera or binoculars because you will get the opportunity to see unique wildlife, such as herds of elk or bighorn sheep.

If you’re curious and patient, you can ice fish (or simply chill by the fire) and take in the spectacular scenery in an ice-fishing hut at Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area in northern Ontario.

And finally, relax and unwind from all your newfound winter athleticism with a dip in the Canadian Rockies’ Radium Hot Springs. Try the soothing mineral waters in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. The juxtaposition of the crisp mountain air on your face and hot springs on your body feels amazing and refreshing.

Maine

Maine is situated just below the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.

Maine’s first green certified, Earth-friendly retreat center, Nurture Through Nature (NTN), thrives on 33 mountainside, forested acres in the heart of western Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region. NTN is a solar-powered, off-the-grid lodging and recreational retreat facility. You can stay in a cabin or a yurt; however, if you can’t disconnect completely, the “Harmony” cabin is dog-friendly and has WiFi, while The “Robin’s Nest” is inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s one room cabin. It’s time to write that novel. A week-long package is $620, and other options are available, such as $128 for two for the weekend.

Take advantage of private hiking trails along a spring-fed mountain brook, leading to long views of Mount Washington and the White Mountains.

You can design your own enriching retreat by adding specialized enhancements, such as holistic life coaching services, private or community yoga classes, guided meditation, a private sauna, massage therapy and healing arts classes.

If you don’t have time for the full-immersion, hippie experience, just drop by for their Super Sauna Saturday instead. Every Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., from October through March, their wood-fired sauna is open to the public as “a shared space for deep relaxation and community connection.” No appointment is necessary. The cost is $15 (or $10 for students). Bathing suits are required. No skinny dipping in the public sauna; however, private springs are accessible from the yurts.

New Hampshire

If you don’t want to travel as far up North, visit New Hampshire.

New Hampshire’s license plates still read, “Live free or die,” which gives a clear indication of the mentality of this plucky New England state. Its ideals are reminiscent of the fiercely independent spirit of the settlers of the original 13 colonies. There is plenty to see for American history buffs (or people who are anxious over President Trump’s new anti-immigration policies), who need some reassurance that authentic America still exists.

New Hampshire has some of the largest ski mountains on the East Coast. Aside from skiing, its major recreational attractions include snowmobiling, hiking and mountaineering.

Some additional activities include Cannon Mountain’s 80-passenger aerial tramway, in Franconia Notch State Park. The tramway quickly ascends over 2,000 feet, above a horizontal distance of more than a mile, whisking you above the timberline to the 4,200-foot summit for spectacular views of the White Mountains, into Maine, Vermont and even Canada.

Walking trails leave from the summit station to an observation tower with panoramic views of the valleys and mountains.

Alpine Adventures offers the uniquely combined winter activities of off-roading and snowshoeing. Winter showcases the extreme off-road capabilities of the Pinzgauers—six-wheel drive, Swiss army transport vehicles that have been modified to accommodate 11 passengers (one rides shotgun). The overhead cages are padded for safety, and a stereo system ensures that you can hear the tour guides describe the terrain.

Snowshoe tours are an interesting way to enjoy a trek through the 300-acre Barron Mountain. Excursions can last up to two hours, including a 30 minute off-road tour, in the aforementioned Pinzgauers and about an hour of snowshoeing. You will explore the surrounding White Mountains National Forest from a unique and up close perspective, while learning about the local wildlife and logging history of northern New Hampshire.

Trip routes and activities are based on each group’s ability and individual goals. The guides will help you select the right level of adventure and exploration. Don’t worry, a cup of hot cocoa is waiting for you along the trail.

Rhode Island

Touted as “New England’s Largest Winter Extravaganza,” the 29th annual Winter Festival will freeze your winter blues with many fun festivities. The festival takes place  from February 17 – 26, 2017, throughout Newport and Newport County. Featuring over 150 events, the festival offers a unique winter experience, combining food, tours and music.

Highlighted events include the helicopter tour and vineyard packages. Fly over the vineyards and all of Newport in a “heated” helicopter.

There are vineyard tours and wine tastings galore. Almost any activity can be combined with a wine tasting, even a yoga class!

You can make your own perfume or snowflake soap. Learn to create aromatherapy perfume blends with healer and chemist, Cynthia LaBonte, at Newport Aromatherapy or create and design your own soap, while learning the art of soap making at Newport Sea Foam Trading Company.

Cruise through Newport Harbor into Narragansett Bay for 360° views of Rhode Island’s state marine mammal in their natural habitat. Harbor Seals migrate from the north into Narragansett Bay every winter to feed, delighting locals and tourists alike. See them from the perfect vantage point of an educational marine vessel.

New York 

Obviously, we love New York, even outside of the boroughs. There are so many great vacation destinations. Many are merely a train ride away.

Most potheads are foodies, and foodies love Hudson, New York, for its artisanal farm-to-table food scene.  WM Farmer and Sons Boarding & Barroom is a charming, family-owned and operated, 14-room boutique hotel, featuring a scrumptious restaurant, whose chef is one of the Farmers. The menu boasts a winter citrus salad with chicories, Parmigiano-Reggiano and truffle vinaigrette and an entrée of Fazio Farms saddle of rabbit with
 stewed beluga lentils, porcini and rabbit jus. Every Tuesday through Saturda,y the barroom features Oyster Happy Hour. An average night costs $199 for double occupancy. Visit before February 20, since the hotel will be closed for renovations for the following two months.

After a cozy evening at WM Farmer’s, head to Cafe Le Perche for fresh bread and pastries made in an authentic wood-fired French oven. Pastries and pot go together like two peas in a pod.

Buffalo is a city on the shores of Lake Erie, in upstate New York. Its fine neoclassical, beaux arts and art deco architecture displays its history as an industrial capital in the early 20th century. Its landmarks include the 398-ft art deco City Hall and the esteemed architect Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Darwin D. Martin House. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is a Greek Revival museum, featuring artwork by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

Lake Placid, located approximately nine unbelievably scenic miles from the foot of Whiteface Mountain, is an athlete’s town. Lake Placid has hosted two Winter Olympics. Athletes, both retired Olympians and Olympic hopefuls, are the backbone of the LP community.

While we don’t recommend skiing while stoned, there are many unique, off-mountain attractions, such as bobsledding down an international competition track at the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. It costs $95 for adults, which includes a professional driver and brakeman. This will probably be the most expensive minute of your life, but it should definitely be on the bucket list.

Speed and ice skating sessions are available on the Olympic Oval in the center of the picturesque Olympic village. It costs $6 for admission and $6 to rent skates. You can also skate on Mirror Lake.

The Lake Placid Olympic Museum features memorabilia and artifacts from every Winter Games, dating back to its origins in 1924, when local athlete Charles Jewtraw won the 1500 meter speed skate competition.

There is a free shuttle service during the winter season that runs between Lake Placid and Whiteface, with several stops in Lake Placid and Wilmington.

Accommodations range from five star resorts, to B&Bs, to vacation home rentals. Local couple Todd and Kim Ottenstein own 10 such properties, so give them a call at (518) 524-7335 or visit adirondackvacations.com, to inquire about booking your stay.

Pennsylvania

When most people think of Pennsylvania, the Amish Village springs to mind. While visiting Dutch Country is a fun experience for some, it can be a snoozefest for others. They have no electricity. We get it.  How quaint.

For those uninterested in Lancaster’s Amish scene, we’re inclined to reccommend the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Nemacolin’s sprawling 2000-acre (!) estate in Farmington, Pennsylvania, features 320 luxurious guest rooms, suites, townhouses, private homes and even tree houses for accommodation.

If you are an “animal person,” you will especially love Nemacolin. The grounds are home to over 100 animal species. The resort is open to the public. Going to see the animals on your own, either on foot or by car, is free. Their 1.5 hour guided safari tour is $90. The guided tour allows you to get up close and personal, and feed the animals. It requires a reservation; however, you do not need to be a guest of the resort. Zookeepers are on hand to provide an educational and entertaining experience as you learn about the featured animals’ habitat, diet and native home.

The Wildlife Habitats feature a petting zoo with enclosures for billy goats, red sheep, bears, bison, zebras, a Bengal tiger, lions, wolves and more.

Down the road, Nemacolin’s Wildlife Adventure offers a guided nursery tour of over 40 species of smaller exotic and domestic animals. Featured animals that may appear on any given day include the capuchin monkeys, Moluccan cockatoos, alligators, snakes, tegus and tortoises.

While traditional zoos have fallen from grace, due to overcrowding and unnatural, stressful habitats, Nemacolin prides itself on its commitment to the care and welfare of its Wildlife Academy. In fact, many of the animals on the property were rescued from failing zoos by the owner’s father. He believed that “making them part of the resort, would leave a lasting impression on our guests, provide an educational experience and foster the belief in conservation.”

After you’ve taken an animal safari, a dogsledding excursion will amp up your adrenaline, as you glide across the snow at speeds of up to 20 mph. Twenty-four adorable and athletic Alaskan Huskies power snowy treks across Pennsylvania’s gorgeous snow-carpeted landscapes, such as the Laurel Highlands countryside.

The unforgettable outing is enhanced with a kennel tour, where you will meet your sled dogs and visit with their musher. You will even learn the basics of dog sledding and how the musher maneuvers the sled while controlling the dogs with specific voice signals.

After you have had your fill of cute, fuzzy creatures, visit the chateau and adjacent lodge for dinner, play pool at the tavern or head to the full-service spa to fully relax and unwind. There are a handful of accommodations at Nemacolin. The Falling Rock Hotel has 24-hour butler-service, as does the Chateau Lafayette, which is inspired by The Ritz in Paris. The Garshak treehouse is a private house on stilts, where you can vape and commune with nature.

After you have had a luxurious night’s sleep, use the next day to try zip-lining, snowmobiling, horseback riding or snow-tubing. Backwoods trail riding on horseback for two miles is $75 per person. Snow-tubing is $20 for 2 hours. A rope pulley clips onto your tube and carries you right back up to the top of the hill, so you can slide right down again.

There is truly no shortage of seasonal entertainment. So what are you waiting for? Your East Coast winter playgrounds await!

Keep up with all of HIGH TIMES’ culture coverage, here. 

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