#it has that old 80s movie vibes that are pristine | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

atamascolily · 5 years ago

Text

lily liveblogs “terminator 2: judgement day” for the first time

Nothing says "Christmas season" like watching bloody action movies! Well, there is "Die Hard," but I'm watching Terminator 2: Judgement Day, aka "James Cameron Was Mad He Didn't Put Those Ten Minutes of Subplot He Filmed Into the Theatrical Cut of the First Terminator, So He Made An Entire Movie About It Instead Because He Could”.

Ok, so I have the "Extreme Edition", whatever that means. The menu options for the DVD include "Sensory Control" (for subtitle options) and "Jump Into Timeline". Every now and then a super-creepy T-2 metallic head drops into frame to remind you to press play. I'm loving this.

Cars in L.A. traffic. Children laughing on a playground in the '90s. Cut to the Apocalyptic Nightmare Future with the busted cars and skeletons for drivers. Everything's STILL IN PLACE the way it was when Judgement Day happened. Oooh, yeah, just cut to the wrecked playground with a pile of human skulls, in case we didn't get the memo.

(for the record, I'm pretty sure nuclear winter would actually NOT WORK LIKE THIS, but it looks cool, and James Cameron seems to be really good at this kind of parallels between present and future, so I'm rolling with it.)

Sarah Connor narrates the introductory spiel, and we're treated to basically the same opening as T1, except much higher budget everything. Lots of laser beams and explosions and fireballs, plus scary metal Terminators roaming around that the last movie did NOT have the budget for. (plus the audiences have already seen that in T1, so it's okay to show them in the intro, since I assume an EVEN SCARIER TERMINATOR FINAL FORM is coming).

We're only 3 minutes into the movie and the filmmakers have already spent like a tenth of their total budget on SFX and twice the total costs of the first movie.

It occurs to me as Sarah is narrating, who is she narrating to? Just us, or some other characters? I strongly suspect we'll see some other characters when this film finally cuts to her.

How does Sarah know about a second strike? Didn't we establish in the last movie that there was only one Terminator that went through the portal before the humans got to it?? Are they retconning that now?

Instead of '80s synth and logo during the credits, we get a more symphonic treatment of the main theme, plus THE PLAYGROUND ON FIRE because SYMBOLISM for the destruction of CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE, amirite?? And then we cut to the SCARY METALLIC RED-EYED TERMINATOR SKELETON IN FLAMES because THAT is the defining image of this francise, the one that James Cameron had NIGHTMARES about that he decided to give to EVERYBODY ELSE by making these films.

I just realized how much the Terminator head in that shot looks like a human skull, THAT'S SO INTENTIONAL AAAAAH.

Cut to a truck driving off without its cargo, trash on the ground. Sparks fly, a wind picks up, it's night, we've been here before... This time the budget is higher, so we actually get to SEE the sphere instead of people just kind of appearing... and it carves a hole in one of the trucks. This ALSO didn't happen in T1. Nudity is still mandatory, though. It's still Arnold. You can tell it's an upgraded model Terminator based on his computer system menus. He still beats up tattooed punks to steal their clothes, only instead of stoned punks, these are long-haired motorcycle dudes in some sort of pool bar.

Oh, wow, there are a lot of people in this bar. A woman with a cigarette and a nose ring is checking the Terminator out. This is going to go well. Country music blares on the soundtrack.

He's looking for the dude with the best motorcycle. Tells him to give him his stuff. This is just like the first movie, but different. The dude is unimpressed, though why I'm not sure, because the Terminator is super-intense, and super-buff.

But the motorcycle dude blows smoke in his face--the T2 model scan says "carcinogen vapors", which is a) hilarious, and b) SO DIFFERENT FROM THE "EVERYBODY IS ALWAYS SMOKING EVERYWHERE" vibe of 1984--a sign of the evolving social norms. Then the motorcycle dude grinds his cigar into the Terminator's bare skin... and of course there's no reaction.

One dude goes through a window onto the front window of what may well be his car(?). The original dude goes flying into the kitchen and lands on a stove, which is horrific, but also karmic payback. Another gets stabbed with his own knife. I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE, CAMERON. Burned guy tries to pull a gun on the Terminator, but surrenders his keys and his clothes without a fight. Terminator goes outside in record time, because the dude he tossed on the car window is still there.

The bartender comes out with a gun, fires a shot into the air, and tells the Terminator to get off the bike. This is going to end poorly for him, especially since "Bad to the Bone" is playing in the background. Terminator takes both the gun and the guy's shades while the dude just watches, incredulously. YOU GOT LUCKY YOU'RE NOT HIS TARGET/MISSION, pal.

(also: this movie is such an obvious social commentary about how being armed really doesn't help you against a real threat, American fantasies to the contrary)

Cut to more blowing trash, more buildings, more trucks, a police car, electricity. The future is calling! (Oh good, this person's either going to be chased by the police OR Take their stuff.)

Dramatic hole in the fence from the future sphere thing. Yeah, this definitely wasn't a thing in the first movie, but it does look cool in this shot! Yep, there goes the policeman!

New dude's first order of business is to look up John Connor's name in the computer in the police car. Apparently, John Connor has a criminal record - trespassing, shoplifting, disturbing the peace, vandalism. He doesn't live with Sarah... he's got a guardian, and the address is in the computer.

Cut to the suburbs. It's wholesome, white-bread America. His foster mother yells at him. John is a teenage motorcycle punk, but in a clean, wholesome way. His friend has very '90s hair, though.

John's friend thinks that his foster mom is a "dick," but frankly, I see no evidence why we should hate her thus far. Her husband comes out to tell John to clean his room, but he and his little friend are already zipping away on their motorcycle, and the little friend is holding a miniature boombox, and it's so '90s, I have to pause so I can laugh for a while. Also, this rebelliousness is what's going to save his life when the Terminator comes for him. I guess the foster parents are framed as nagging assholes so we don't care so much when they die??

(also, what do you want to bet Sarah taught John to ride a motorcycle??)

John Connor is a little dick who thinks he's so clever, and he doesn't have to do anything because these aren't his real parents. His foster dad smokes, and doesn't say anything, probably because he's already made it clear to his wife that room cleaning is not high on his priority list. Fuck him.

Sarah's doing pull-ups in her cell. THOSE ARM MUSCLES, OH MY GOD. She's 29 years old. SUCH A CHANGE from the waitress with the '80s hair from the first film. Everything's so white, it's a state psychiatric ward for women. Men in suits discussing Sarah's case.

THIS IS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO KYLE IF THE TERMINATOR HADN'T BUSTED THE POLICE STATION. *sob*

Is Silbermann - the psychiatrist who examined Kyle in T1 still around? He left the police station right before the Terminator's attack, so I assume he lived... what does he make of Sarah's case? Does he ever follow up? I wonder what's going through his head.

I like how we don't see Sarah's face until she turns to face the doctors. I like how wild and unhinged she looks, how feral. She's changed so much in what, ten years? Thirteen? I think it's 1997, just before Judgement Day, but idk if that's been confirmed yet. Thirteen looks about right for John Connor, so I'm going with that.

Oh, god IT IS DR. SILBERMANN, THAT ASSHOLE!!! How does he explain how both Sarah AND Kyle have schizophrenia, when Sarah was perfectly normal before? And he *know* someone was murdering other Sarah Connors and seemed to be gunning for her, so why...? Was he really that much of an asshole not to suspect that *something* was going on, and Sarah wasn't crazy??

Also, I love "How's the knee?" because she totally hurt him, and I love her. I love how calm she sounds, like she's the one in control not them, because she can hurt them more than they can hurt her.

Sarah stares at the female doctors, and I realize now that Silbermann is doing a tour of the facility LIKE IT'S A ZOO, and... yeah, wow, he really is an asshole. He's the one with delusions, who can't see outside his own sheltered bubble...

I wonder what would happen if Sarah could talk to one of the female doctors? If they could make a connection? Maybe they would believe her. God knows Silbermann isn't going to listen to anyone who doesn't already agree with him.

God, the orderlies are sadist assholes. I fucking hate them. That shot of Sarah lying crumpled on the floor is so beautiful because everything is angelic pristine white and sunny, and so horrifying.

The police dude shows up at John's foster parents' house. We're supposed to think he's good because he's not Arnold, but this person has no facial expressions and he's too calm - compare with Kyle's frantic fumblings. This is not somebody from the human resistance of T1, at least not without some serious retconning. He's too poised and professional, too adept at the 1990s, whereas Kyle Reese had the social skills of a feral racoon and wore pants he stole from a homeless man. Totally different vibe going here.

The knock on the door sequence is so parallel to the original Terminator going to the first Sarah Connor's house in T1... same suburban paradise... and you can get anything when you're a clean-shaven, short-haired white cop, can't you??

Cut to: '90s tech. John and his little friend hacking an ATM. God. Their clothes, their hair, the ATM... everything is peak early '90s, and I can't handle it. We learn that Sarah Connor taught her son how to hack, because of course she does.

John keeps the photo of Sarah in his backpack, awwww. John is so not impressed by his mother, calls her crazy because she took the war to Cyberdyne and WENT BACK AND TRIED TO BLOW UP THE COMPUTER FACTORY AGAIN AFTER KYLE DIED!! (and her son was born)

Q: what did she do with John while she did that? Was he outside waiting for her somewhere? How did the police find him??

It doesn't matter who your parents are, EVERY teenager thinks their parents are "total losers". John has a chip on his shoulder a mile wide. His little punk friend thinks Sarah is so cool, and he doesn't know any of this, so I guess they're not THAT good friends??? Since it's John's motorcycle, John's driving, and John's stolen money, I guess the little unnamed punk friend is only hanging out with John because John is so much cooler than him, and needs someone to exposit to??

That shot of a drugged Sarah slumped over her knees on her bed in the shaft of sunlight, with her hair combed is SO BEAUTIFUL, too bad she's a drugged shadow of her usual self...

OH MY GOD, MICHAEL BIEHN IS IN THIS MOVIE, AND HE COMES TO HER, AND HE'S WEARING HIS TRENCH COAT AND TELLING HER SHE HAS TO WAKE UP OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG MY SHIPPER HEART asfhgfkgkfdgjkfdlgf *incoherent screaming* I need a thousand GIF sets of this scene PRONTO.

Kyle: "Where's our son???"

god, Sarah's EYES when she says they took him from her

Kyle is so earnest, so desperate, so much less bedraggled than he ever was in T1... god, he's even wearing that stupid gown under his trench coat that he got in the police station in T1, that detail wrecks me, oh my god, oh my god, this scene is so beautiful, I just want an entire movie of THIS, oh my god...

Sarah is begging Kyle for help, and he grabs her shoulders and tells her she's strong, stronger than she ever thought she could be, LIKE HE'S ALWAYS DONE, OH MY GOD, beautiful cinnamon roll, too good for this world, I love him.

AHHHHHHHHHHH, and then he says "On your feet, soldier!" which is what she said to HIM right before he DIED, and he forces her UP and they EMBRACE and she's sobbing into his shoulder and he hells her he loves her and he always will, and HKGKSFJALFNDBJNJN

I am a melting pile of shipper goo right now, this shot of them in the sunlight is so fucking beautiful, James Cameron HOW DARE YOU THIS IS EVERYTHING I WANTED IN A MOVIE EXCEPT THAT KYLE IS STILL DEAD, DAMN IT, YOU DIDN'T RETCON THAT.

He says he'll always be with her... and he is, because he's a voice in her head, a memory.... ahhhhhhhh my heart...

And he tells her "The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves," which is what SHE SAID TO HIM, oh my GODDDDDDDD.

And they hug and kiss and I could watch a whole movie about this, and then she slumps back and she's alone in her cell in a shaft of sunlight and I just want to cry. whhhhhyyyyy do you have to hurt me this way, why, why why why why whyyyyyy?

Oh wait, he's at the door to the cell, and it's open, telling her there's not much time... and walking away, and she goes out to follow him as he's walking down the hall and everything's so eerily perfect white and shiny and beautiful and SURREAL, fuck, I am so HERE FOR THIS!

God, this is all beautifully shot as she chases after him - and we get a good view of her amazing forearm muscles without objectifying her. The nightgown she's wearing is NOT standard institutional outfit - it looks more like lingerie than State Mental Hospital Standard Issue - but it's not especially revealing, either.

She opens the doors and she's outside and there's that playground again with all the children playing... SYMBOLISM AGAIN.... Sarah is locked out, away from the children, yelling to save them... and then fire.

And she wakes up in her cell and her hair is a mess again, so this time we know it's real -- and her outfit's changed, too, back to the tank top she was originally wearing, so I guess her outfit was part of the dream, too.

(ngl, I wasn't expecting even THIS MUCH of Michael Biehn in this movie, so I will happily take it, but stilllllllll... I WANT MORE, GODDAMN IT!!!)

(this got long, so I’m breaking it up into parts)

#Movie Reviews #terminator 2 #terminator #MY SHIPPER HEART

7 notes · View notes

thebandcampdiaries · 2 years ago

Photo

introducing: Frank Zozky and his wonderfully diverse productions

A one-of-a-kind take on electronic music

December 2022 - Frank Zozky is a music producer who straddles the line between a wide range of styles. His music combines the edge of modern electronica with the melody of the old-school scene, finding the perfect balance between these different styles and making for a truly unique formula. Originally from The Bronx, NY, Frank has been making music since he started out several years ago. He continues to inspire people by exploring a wide range of genres. From synth-wave, to hip-hop, electro, and EDM, anything goes! Frank’s creativity knows no limits and he is always eager to take his music to the next level. While his main focus is on creating instrumentals, there is also room for some tracks with vocals in his discography, especially as he loves to keep an open mind and try new things. So, where do we begin when diving into the artist’s amazing work? The track “Just Like The Movie,” is yet another example of how Frank can seamlessly tackle so many different styles. This is a very catchy song that diverse into modern electro-pop territory, and offers some beautiful female vocals to add to the depth of the mix. Fans of artists like The Chainsmokers or ILLENIUM should definitely love this one!

Perfecto, The Money, Just Like The Movie, Dreamin, the artist’s most recent set of singles, is immersive and endearing from the moment you hit the play button. The songs do offer a very engaging listening experience, which immediately makes for a unique mood setter. “The Money,” for instance, is a fantastic exploration of Afro-Beat, DanceHall, and other influences that take groove to the next level. On the other hand, a song like “The Beat” takes the artist’s concept to a completely different world. This track has a more traditional techno vibe, with an old-school flavor and a massive punch. The flavor of the beat has got that compressed, analog twist that makes it stand out!

The audience will be transported right away, showcasing the artist’s ability to create ambiance, a true world in sound. While the music has a very organic, cinematic power to it, it also feels like a stunning opportunity for the audience to really get to discover more about what drives Frank’s creativity. These songs are indeed a perfect way in. Each of these tracks serves an entry point into the imaginative and vibrant vision of an artist that’s far from the average player in the electronic music scene today. In addition to the performance and sound design, Frank’s work is also excellent in terms of technical production chops. The sound of his productions is always pristine and world-class, exactly what people might expect from a world-class act that wants to find an audience on a truly global stage. The sheer variety of sounds available on Frank’s official Soundcloud page is absolutely remarkable. You can expect anything from Afro-Beat, to 80s inspired synth music, chill, and so much more. Not only is the artist able to tackle all of these genre, but he does so with integrity and excellence, achieving great sounds every step of the way.

Some of Frank Zozky are Slick Rick, Omega El Fuerte, Ozuna, Skrillex, Yume, and even classic artists like The Beatles, only to mention but a few. Although Frank sounds different from those artists, his music is also all about making music that feels incredibly personal and direct. He is all about increasing his vision and sharing his personality with the audience. Some artists are natural-born entertainer, but Frank is so much more than that: he wants to create a true community with his music, reaching out to people of all walks of life with a sound that is always engaging, inspiring, and easy to relate to. His work is actually a really perfect example of what he is all about.

Find out more about Frank, and do not miss out on his songs.

https://soundcloud.com/frank-zozky

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdIObauyLE0602CD3W_bg6A

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UvkNHPeNzT5pWMZr11n3f?si=rB1sXSlvS5Wn-NHRJtoCzg

0 notes

realtor10036 · 8 years ago

Text

Ready, Set, Splash: The Top 10 Lake Towns in America

iStock; realtor.com

Are you an ocean person or a lake person? During most of the year, this would qualify as little more than idle chit-chat, but not in the most ferocious dog days of summer. No, when the air is thick, the clothes are sweat-soaked, and the days seem endless, everyone, it seems, craves a home on the water.

But where?

The sound of ocean waves from the bedroom of a beach house may be a life-affirming wonder, but for roughly 80% of the country, a seaside escape is simply not in the picture. That’s where lake towns come into play. And as it turns out, the differences between these two types of waterfront locations go way beyond saltwater vs. freshwater. If popular ocean beaches sometimes evoke jam-packed frat houses or singles scenes drenched in SPF, the lake milieu seems more like summer camp—for grown-ups as well as kids. Think of floating tranquilly on an inner tube, or skimming along in a kayak, then heading ashore to enjoy local wineries or craft breweries.

Now that’s summer.

So where do you find the best lake towns, for your enjoyment as well as a smart home-buying investment? The data team at realtor.com® ran the numbers to come up with the spots where there are both plenty of things to do (besides getting a sunburn) and rapidly rising prices that are a good indication that your purchase will appreciate.

Lake towns are generally “a calmer, less tourist-driven culture than the beach,” says Brian Cauble, director of market engagement for Lake Homes Realty, based in Pelham, AL. “It’s not uncommon for people who own them to be there every weekend in summer.” And much of the rest of the year, too.

About 70% of lake homes purchased are used as second homes, approximately half of which are located within a three-hour drive of the owner’s primary residence, according to the company’s statistics, pulled from the 13 states it covers.

To trim down our selection from the country’s thousands of lake towns, we looked at more than 3,000 locations with listings, using the keywords “lake,” “lakefront,” or “lake view,” and analyzed the following:

Price appreciation from the first quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2017, according to realtor.com data

The number of restaurants and bars per capita, according to Yelp data

The number of outdoor activities per capita, according to TripAdvisor data

(To avoid a monopoly by, say, towns on the Great Lakes, we limited our list to two destinations per state, for some geographic diversity.)

Got it? Let’s jump in.

1. Chelan, WA

Median price in 2017: $585,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 13.6%

Chillin’ on Lake Chelan

tness74/iStock

Just a three-hour drive east from Seattle, with 300 days of sunshine per year, this high-desert town is a bright escape from the notoriously overcast Emerald City.

Set in a picturesque glacial valley, the town straddles Lake Chelan, a 55-mile-long body of water that is so clear you can see 40 feet below the surface. In the summer months, boaters cruise around checking out historic cabins and palatial estates. Many traverse the lake to Stehekin, an old miners’ and trappers’ town that is only accessible by boat, ferry, or plane.

In the winter, water sports like wakeboarding give way to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

“Basically, it’s Seattle’s playground,” says Justin Skaar, luxury property specialist for Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties.

But Chelan is not just for outdoor obsessives. The town is filled with blocks of mom-and-pop restaurants, gastropubs, and boutiques. What’s more, the pastoral countryside is dotted with more than 38 vineyards, some of which look as if they’ve been plucked straight out from under the Tuscan sun.

Many of the wineries now feature acclaimed on site restaurants, such as Tsillan Cellars’ Sorrento’s Ristorante. “It’s not just burgers and shakes on the lake anymore,” Skaar says.

Buyers can find condos starting around the mid-$200,000s. However, homes with private waterfront access start at $1.2 million.

2. Frankfort, MI

Median price in 2017: $375,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 11.6%

Point Betsie lighthouse

Matt Hansen Photography. Dynamic Wildlife Photography via Getty Images

This port town on the Great Lake of Lake Michigan, just south of Point Betsie Lighthouse, is a beacon for Chicago’s boating crowd.

The area offers everything one would expect of Michigan’s west coast: miles of pristine beach right near a cute downtown, and plenty of water sports. Lake Michigan gets lots of wind, attracting sailors, windsurfers, kite boarders, and even surfers. But, for those who prefer a calmer spot to hang out, there are other smaller, inland lakes nearby. Frankfort is also just a short trip away from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The town was hit hard by the recession, and for years, bargains abounded. However, Frankfort’s home values have been rebounding.

“Just about everything under $200,000 got sold” when prices were low during the recession, says Faye Finch, a local realtor with Century 21 Sleeping Bear Realty. Now, she adds, “our higher-priced properties are selling.”

3. Bigfork, MT

Median price in 2017: $592,500 Price appreciation since 2014: 9.6%

Flathead Lake in Bigfork, MT

Tamra Hamilton / EyeEm via Getty Images

The sister towns of Lakeside and Bigfork, MT, showcase different types of quintessential lake towns. Quiet Lakeside attracts those looking to channel their inner Henry David Thoreau, reveling in rustic solitude. But just across Flathead Lake, Bigfork is ideal for those who vibe better with Ernest Hemingway: It’s wild, beautiful, and there’s plenty to drink at the local microdistillery.

In fact, the entire Flathead Lake area has among the highest density of microbreweries per capita in the world, says local broker David Fetveit of Purewest Christie’s International Real Estate. Bigfork’s historic downtown also offers an array of cultural offerings, with restaurants and bars, some nightlife, a performing arts center, and a couple of resorts.

Bigfork properties start in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, but “you can’t be on the water for less than a million,” Fetveit says.

4. Grand Haven, MI

Median price in 2017: $312,400 Price appreciation since 2014: 14.5%

Lake Michigan in Grand Haven

stevegeer/iStock

Tree-lined dunes? Check. Iconic lighthouse? Yep. Romantic pier? Of course.

Grand Haven, MI, has all the requisites of a lakeside resort town, and it’s completely walkable—the beach and downtown are just a mile apart. That’s one reason prices have steadily climbed over the last few years.

“A lot of people who rent seasonally end up retiring here,” says Julie Tardani of Unsalted Vacations, a local getaway rental business.

Visitors sail, paddleboard, water ski, and surf during the day, then head out for sushi or New American restaurants and hopping bars by evening. There’s approximately one watering hole for every 138 people in town. Sweet!

Grand Haven has a variety of waterfront homes overlooking either the lake or river, starting in the high $200,000s and stretching well beyond the $1 million mark. (Even empty lots can run north of $3 million.) But prices come down dramatically just a few blocks away from the water.

5. Lake Lure, NC

Median price in 2017: $310,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 5.5%

Chimney Rock State Park

ehrlif/iStock

Surrounded by lush mountains and the sheer granite cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure is one of the most alluring man-made lakes in the United States.

The scenery is so beguiling, it looks as if it could be straight from a movie. It is, actually! Classics like “Dirty Dancing,” “Forrest Gump,” and “The Last of the Mohicans” all had scenes filmed here.

Chimney Rock, the famous 500-million-year-old monolith, is known for its easy to strenuous hikes and impressive views. There are multiple greenways throughout the area, including Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, which combines a historic 1925 bridge with thousands of vivid blooms. There’s a golf course, a zip line, beachside water slide, and a wide range of international restaurants.

And it’s just 27 miles from the acclaimed eateries, craft breweries, and airport in the hippie mecca of Asheville, NC.

Houses start right around $200,000, but there are plenty of multistory mountain retreats selling for upwards of $1 million.

6. Lake Placid, NY

Median price in 2017: $419,900 Price appreciation since 2014: 3.8%

Adirondack chairs in their natural environment.

AlbertPego/iStock

This serene Adirondack mountain town is best known as the home of the 1980 Winter Olympics—and it embraces its athletic history wholeheartedly. The town has an informative museum on the Games as well as international ski jump, bobsled, and luge training facilities.

But you don’t have to be an honest-to-God athlete to enjoy Lake Placid. The area offers hundreds of hiking trails for all levels of ability, motor boating, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and, for those seeking some summer adrenaline, whitewater rafting.

Just as diverse as the activities, real estate is available at most price points. That means buyers can scoop up time-shares starting at $40,000 in luxury resorts with a pool, hot tub, and tennis courts, to $10 million mansions—and just about everything in between.

7. Mount Dora, FL

Median price in 2017: $325,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 17.1%

Mount Dora, FL

Education Images/UIG via Getty Images

Affectionately known as the Festival City, this lakeside town hosts more than 30 outdoor events a year, ranging from art fairs and music festivals to the annual Scottish Highland Festival and the Lighted Boat Christmas Parade.

Mount Dora sits beside a large freshwater lake, surrounded by pristine, 72-degree springs. When locals aren’t getting their festival on, they’re most likely on the water—kayaking, waterskiing, and dragon boat racing.

The historic downtown features shops, art galleries, museums, and about 30 locally owned restaurants located just 40 minutes from downtown Orlando. So it’s not surprising to find multimillion-dollar mansions on the water, as well as plenty of single-family houses in the community in the $200,000 to $300,000 range.

Mount Dora’s real estate market is heating up like the rest of the Sunshine State, says Brian Young, events and promotions director of Visit Mount Dora. And it’s only expected to get hotter.

“The new highway, when complete this fall, will further increase the values, as Orlando will be only minutes away,” Young says of the Wekiva Parkway, which will connect Interstate 4 with State Road 429 in 2021.

8. Sandpoint, ID

Median price in 2017: $374,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 10.8%

Sunrise in Sandpoint

Silvrshootr/iStock

Those in search of a home with a view need look no further than this charming Idaho town and the three mountain ranges surrounding Lake Pend Oreille.

White sand beaches are framed by snowcapped peaks, which offer miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as fly-fishing, zip-lining, and more. Plus, the area features a slew of festivals, wineries, breweries, tasting rooms, coffeehouses, and dozens of restaurants.

All that activity, however, doesn’t come cheap. Homes start around $300,000, with multimillion-dollar mansions and townhomes on the water offering stunning views running into six-figure prices.

But there are still deals to be found, including this two-bedroom condo with waterfront access, going for less than $200,000.

9. South Lake Tahoe, CA

Median price in 2017: $539,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 7.9%

South Lake Tahoe

Tom_Skrivan/iStock

Lake Tahoe is known as one of the country’s premier ski destinations. But the local adage goes, “You come for the winter, stay for the summer.”

Summer hiking is stunning, with vivid evergreens, rocky peaks, cerulean skies, and the glassy lake just outside the door of many of the area’s stunning, single-family getaways.

The city is in the midst of a revitalization spree, having spent more than $750 million on capital investments in the past three years, with an influx of high-end lodgings, local craft breweries—including a South Shore Beer Trail—and awesome new dining options.

That growth is helping the real estate market. Prices may be rising, but that doesn’t mean buyers still can’t find a deal. Condos near the lake can still be found in the $200,000 to $300,000 range. For now.

10. Lakeside, MT 

Median price in 2017: $699,000

Growth since 2014: 21%

Volunteer Park in Lakeside

Martina Nolte/Wikipedia CC

Located on the largest natural, freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, the appropriately named Lakeside is like stepping back in time to the days of the frontier. The town is squished between National Forest Service land and Flathead Lake, which comes straight down from Glacier National Park. Towering mountains loom over the landscape.

There are no lakeside resorts, no waterfront restaurants, and not a single hotel in town. If you want to visit here, you need to rent out a whole house.

“It’s so huge, it feels like you have it all to yourself,” broker Fetveit, of Purewest Christie’s International Real Estate, says of the landscape.

The town offers 10 restaurants and 7 bars, but outdoor activities are the real draw—not just the requisite water sports, but also four-wheeling, hunting, and berry-picking.

In the winter, locals ski nearby Blacktail Mountain or Whitefish Mountain resort, about an hour away. A top local attraction is the annual skijoring competition, when skiers or snowboarders are pulled through obstacles by a person riding a horse. Yes, you read that correctly.

The perks don’t come cheap, though. Properties a few blocks in from the lake start at around $450,000, according to Fetveit. But even a vacant waterfront lot is going to cost at least $750,000.

Those on a budget may want to consider renting instead. Short-term summer rental homes can fetch between $3,000 to $5,000 a week.

The post Ready, Set, Splash: The Top 10 Lake Towns in America appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from DIYS http://ift.tt/2tz7L63

#DIYS

0 notes

realestate63141 · 8 years ago

Text

Ready, Set, Splash: The Top 10 Lake Towns in America

iStock; realtor.com

But where?

Now that’s summer.

Price appreciation from the first quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2017, according to realtor.com data

The number of restaurants and bars per capita, according to Yelp data

The number of outdoor activities per capita, according to TripAdvisor data

(To avoid a monopoly by, say, towns on the Great Lakes, we limited our list to two destinations per state, for some geographic diversity.)

Got it? Let’s jump in.

1. Chelan, WA

Median price in 2017: $585,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 13.6%

Chillin’ on Lake Chelan

tness74/iStock

Just a three-hour drive east from Seattle, with 300 days of sunshine per year, this high-desert town is a bright escape from the notoriously overcast Emerald City.

In the winter, water sports like wakeboarding give way to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

“Basically, it’s Seattle’s playground,” says Justin Skaar, luxury property specialist for Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties.

Many of the wineries now feature acclaimed on site restaurants, such as Tsillan Cellars’ Sorrento’s Ristorante. “It’s not just burgers and shakes on the lake anymore,” Skaar says.

Buyers can find condos starting around the mid-$200,000s. However, homes with private waterfront access start at $1.2 million.

2. Frankfort, MI

Median price in 2017: $375,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 11.6%

Point Betsie lighthouse

Matt Hansen Photography. Dynamic Wildlife Photography via Getty Images

This port town on the Great Lake of Lake Michigan, just south of Point Betsie Lighthouse, is a beacon for Chicago’s boating crowd.

The town was hit hard by the recession, and for years, bargains abounded. However, Frankfort’s home values have been rebounding.

3. Bigfork, MT

Median price in 2017: $592,500 Price appreciation since 2014: 9.6%

Flathead Lake in Bigfork, MT

Tamra Hamilton / EyeEm via Getty Images

Bigfork properties start in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, but “you can’t be on the water for less than a million,” Fetveit says.

4. Grand Haven, MI

Median price in 2017: $312,400 Price appreciation since 2014: 14.5%

Lake Michigan in Grand Haven

stevegeer/iStock

Tree-lined dunes? Check. Iconic lighthouse? Yep. Romantic pier? Of course.

“A lot of people who rent seasonally end up retiring here,” says Julie Tardani of Unsalted Vacations, a local getaway rental business.

5. Lake Lure, NC

Median price in 2017: $310,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 5.5%

Chimney Rock State Park

ehrlif/iStock

Surrounded by lush mountains and the sheer granite cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure is one of the most alluring man-made lakes in the United States.

And it’s just 27 miles from the acclaimed eateries, craft breweries, and airport in the hippie mecca of Asheville, NC.

Houses start right around $200,000, but there are plenty of multistory mountain retreats selling for upwards of $1 million.

6. Lake Placid, NY

Median price in 2017: $419,900 Price appreciation since 2014: 3.8%

Adirondack chairs in their natural environment.

AlbertPego/iStock

7. Mount Dora, FL

Median price in 2017: $325,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 17.1%

Mount Dora, FL

Education Images/UIG via Getty Images

Mount Dora’s real estate market is heating up like the rest of the Sunshine State, says Brian Young, events and promotions director of Visit Mount Dora. And it’s only expected to get hotter.

8. Sandpoint, ID

Median price in 2017: $374,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 10.8%

Sunrise in Sandpoint

Silvrshootr/iStock

Those in search of a home with a view need look no further than this charming Idaho town and the three mountain ranges surrounding Lake Pend Oreille.

All that activity, however, doesn’t come cheap. Homes start around $300,000, with multimillion-dollar mansions and townhomes on the water offering stunning views running into six-figure prices.

But there are still deals to be found, including this two-bedroom condo with waterfront access, going for less than $200,000.

9. South Lake Tahoe, CA

Median price in 2017: $539,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 7.9%

South Lake Tahoe

Tom_Skrivan/iStock

Lake Tahoe is known as one of the country’s premier ski destinations. But the local adage goes, “You come for the winter, stay for the summer.”

Summer hiking is stunning, with vivid evergreens, rocky peaks, cerulean skies, and the glassy lake just outside the door of many of the area’s stunning, single-family getaways.

10. Lakeside, MT 

Median price in 2017: $699,000

Growth since 2014: 21%

Volunteer Park in Lakeside

Martina Nolte/Wikipedia CC

There are no lakeside resorts, no waterfront restaurants, and not a single hotel in town. If you want to visit here, you need to rent out a whole house.

“It’s so huge, it feels like you have it all to yourself,” broker Fetveit, of Purewest Christie’s International Real Estate, says of the landscape.

The town offers 10 restaurants and 7 bars, but outdoor activities are the real draw—not just the requisite water sports, but also four-wheeling, hunting, and berry-picking.

The perks don’t come cheap, though. Properties a few blocks in from the lake start at around $450,000, according to Fetveit. But even a vacant waterfront lot is going to cost at least $750,000.

Those on a budget may want to consider renting instead. Short-term summer rental homes can fetch between $3,000 to $5,000 a week.

The post Ready, Set, Splash: The Top 10 Lake Towns in America appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from DIYS http://ift.tt/2tz7L63

#DIYS

0 notes

the2travel · 8 years ago

Text

* World Travel Tips : The Best Vacation Spots in Every U.S. State

Travel Tips -

Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or a serious vacation five months out, you don’t have to jet-set across the globe to get away from it all. As a matter of fact, you don’t even have to look much further than your own backyard. Here, the best vacation spots in every single U.S. state.

Related: Here’s Where to Travel Every Month in 2017

ALABAMA: THE GULF SHORES

Sandy dunes, white beaches, clear water and world-class golf courses are just a few of the attractions that lure vacationers to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, just south of Mobile.

ALASKA: ANCHORAGE

Anchorage gives visitors access to Alaska’s gorgeous wildlife ― striking mountains, salmon fishing, hiking and biking ― plus the sophisticated, urban comforts of fine dining and shopping.

ARIZONA: SEDONA

Think: Gorgeous red-rock vortexes and sharp canyons surrounded by idyllic desert scenery. Add to that world-class spas and art galleries and you’ve got the best spot in the whole entire state. Plus, it’s the perfect starting point for a trip to the Grand Canyon.

Related: These Are the 50 Most Instagrammed Spots in Every State

ARKANSAS: PONCA

If you need a rest from city life, nowhere is quite like this small mountain town nestled right up against the Buffalo River. Come in the summer to white-water raft in the rapids and zip-line through the lush Ozarks.

CALIFORNIA: SANTA BARBARA

About an hour and a half north of Los Angeles, this coastal city stretches before the Santa Ynez Mountains. The “American Riviera,” as it’s sometimes called, Santa Barbara is saturated with celebs, and is known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, great restaurants and gorgeous beaches.

Related: The Ultimate “Big Little Lies” Travel Guide

COLORADO: ASPEN

Glitz and glamour aside, this Colorado village is a stunning place to visit any time of year. (The bustling ski town turns into a green Rocky Mountain retreat come summer.)

CONNECTICUT: MADISON

This slow-paced seaside town on Connecticut’s Gold Coast has a totally different vibe from the fancy Greenwich lifestyle you might associate with the state. In Madison, you’ll find simple summer pleasures like lobster shacks, ice-cream stands and quiet beaches like Hammonasset Beach State Park.

DELAWARE: REHOBOTH BEACH

Set on the Atlantic coast, Rehoboth’s pristine beaches are a popular getaway for folks fleeing hot D.C., Maryland and Delaware summers. Rent a bike and stroll down the charming boardwalk lined with bars, funky shops, live music and restaurants.

FLORIDA: SANIBEL ISLAND

In a state full of oceanside vacation towns, Sanibel (off Florida’s peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico) is a paradise above the rest. Its white beaches are swept with some of the most beautiful patterned seashells you can find in the country, and the crystal waters are perfect for boating, fishing and snorkeling.

Related: 8 Island Vacations You Can Take Without Leaving the Country

GEORGIA: TYBEE ISLAND

Set 18 miles east of Savannah, this barrier island is a popular southern vacation destination. Here, you’ll find quaint bed-and-breakfasts, a historic lighthouse, three miles of sandy beaches and a long stretch of pier popular among fishermen and and musicians.

HAWAII: MAUI

OK, Hawaii kinda isn’t fair, since the whole state is a vacation haven. But since we had to pick one spot, we went with Maui, known for sprawling golden shores and secret snorkeling coves. The road to Hana--a winding and narrow 65-mile stretch along the Pacific--might be the most scenic route we’ve ever come across.

Related: The Guide to Kauai

IDAHO: COEUR D’ALENE

Surrounded by dozens of scenic lakes and located just 30 miles east of Washington state, Coeur d’Alene is an outdoorsy haven. During the summer, there’s great golfing, watersports and hiking, and during the winter it’s all about that #skilife.

ILLINOIS: GALENA

Midwesterners head to this small town on the Illinois-Wisconsin border to escape the summer heat. Galena contains one of America’s cutest main streets, as well as family-owned, local wineries and rolling hills. Don’t miss your chance to take a sunset hot-air-balloon tour.

Related: The 6 Cutest Main Streets in America

INDIANA: CHESTERTON

Make a trip to Chesterton to visit the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, 15 miles of large sand dunes that border Lake Michigan’s Southern shore. With beaches, hiking trails, camping sites and cabin rentals, it’s basically everything you want from a relaxing getaway.

IOWA: OKOBOJI

Who knew Iowa is home to five terrific lakes? At the center of them is West Lake Okoboji, known for waterskiing, tubing, golfing and sailing. Oh, and did we mention the outdoor movie screenings?

KANSAS: MONUMENT ROCKS

At the Monument Rocks National Monument 25 miles south of Oakley, you can examine giant chalk formations covered with fossils that are 80 million years old. (Who knows, you might even see evidence of a dinosaur.) While you're sightseeing in the area, check out Castle Rock, an ancient pillar of limestone.

KENTUCKY: LOUISVILLE

There’s more to Louisville than the Kentucky Derby. Here, you’ll find live bluegrass music, art galleries, bourbon distilleries and wine trails.

LOUISIANA: NEW ORLEANS

Come for the jazz clubs, French-Creole-style architecture and swamp tours. Stay for the po’ boys, jambalaya and beignets.

Related: 21 Things You Absolutely Must Eat When You’re in New Orleans

MAINE: KENNEBUNKPORT

Blueberry farms, rocky coastline, sandy beaches, clam shacks and picturesque cottages are just some of the things that make this coastal town the quintessential New England vacation spot.

MARYLAND: ST. MICHAELS

You might recognize this adorable Chesapeake town from the movie Wedding Crashers. The red-brick streets are lined with Victorian homes and boutiques, and the pier is scattered with blue crab restaurants and docked boats.

MASSACHUSETTS: CAPE COD

Drive over the Bourne Bridge and you’ll find yourself in the jewel of Massachusetts, where birch and beech forests give way to sandy dunes, lighthouses and quaint clam shacks as far as the eye can see.

Related: America’s Best Beach Towns

MICHIGAN: TRAVERSE CITY

There’s a reason why top chefs like Mario Batali love Traverse City. Surrounded by cherry blossoms, farmland, vineyards and dunes, this hip, small town in northern Michigan is a short driving distance away from the state’s best wineries. Plan a visit to 2 Lads Winery to taste local Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.

Related: The Best Wine Made in Every Single U.S. State

MINNESOTA: GRAND MARAIS

Grand Marais is one of the most charming small towns on Minnesota’s North Shore. Book a cabin at Gunflint Lodge, a family summer camp with outdoor activities for all ages.

Related: The Best Lake Towns in America

MISSISSIPPI: BILOXI

Biloxi, on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, draws tourists year-round for its warm climate, casinos and resorts. Take a ferry ride to nearby Ship Island and keep a lookout for dolphins along the way.

MISSOURI: LAKE OF THE OZARKS

Ever wonder what total relaxation looks like? We’re pretty sure it’s this lake, where you can fish for walleye, catfish and largemouth bass.

MONTANA: BIG SKY

This mountain town just southwest of Bozeman is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Visit during the winter for some of the best (and least crowded) skiing in the States.

NEBRASKA: OMAHA

Located on the Missouri River, this city on the Lewis and Clark Trail is worth a visit. One highlight is the Old Market, where brick warehouses dating back to the 1880s have since been converted into a row of galleries and farm-to-table restaurants.

NEVADA: LAKE TAHOE

So, you’ve already taken the obligatory trip to Sin City. Now, head to South Lake Tahoe, a stunning, year-round setting for outdoor activity. (Don’t worry, you can still gamble.)

NEW HAMPSHIRE: PORTSMOUTH

You might not realize that Portsmouth ― with its brick streets, colonial-style houses and bustling Market Square ― is the third-oldest city in the country. The highlight of this lively port city is the waterfront, which is lined with upscale restaurants, pubs, seafood shacks and ice cream parlors.

NEW JERSEY: CAPE MAY

This darling seaside town at the southernmost tip of New Jersey is pretty far from the world of Snooki and The Situation. Think: colorful Victorian homes, old lighthouses, tranquil beaches and horse-drawn carriages ambling up the streets.

Related: 30 Things You’ll Get Only If You’re from New Jersey

NEW MEXICO: SANTA FE

At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains sits Santa Fe, an enchanting city with a small-town vibe. Art lovers go gaga for the many craft shops selling New Mexican turquoise and pottery, and the charming restaurants with sculpture gardens in the back.

NEW YORK: MONTAUK

Nicknamed “The End,” Montauk is a small seaside town full of natural beauty and pristine shores. While not entirely free from the throngs of New Yorkers escaping the city, Montauk remains a down-to-earth haven for artists and fishermen.

Related: 7 Gorgeous Hamptons rentals to Lock Down Now

NORTH CAROLINA: COROLLA

You don’t need to pack much more than a swimsuit, T-shirt and flip-flops for a trip to this carefree beach town in the Outer Banks. You might even spot a wild horse as you stroll along the shoreline.

NORTH DAKOTA: FARGO

News flash: Fargo, the largest city in North Dakota, is actually pretty hip. In recent years, it’s attracted a techy and entrepreneurial crowd, and as a result, the downtown streets are filled with hip bars and restaurants (like the new hot spot Würst Beer Hall).

OHIO: PUT-IN-BAY

This summer village is found on a small Lake Erie island not far from the Canadian border--and it’s known for an adorable Victorian-era downtown and vibrant nightly party scene.

OKLAHOMA: OKLAHOMA CITY

This friendly capital city is on the rise. Just look at 21c Museum Hotel, a trendy boutique that sprung up in a derelict Ford Motor Company assembly plant. Of course, that’s the norm in Bricktown, where restored, red-brick warehouse buildings line the riverwalk.

OREGON: BEND

Twenty years ago, Bend was virtually unheard of. But today, this up-and-coming city attracts crowds for its gorgeous landscapes and blossoming cultural scene. Above all, Bend is known for craft breweries (you’ll find over two dozen) and easy access to the great outdoors.

PENNSYLVANIA: JIM THORPE

This yearlong tourist destination in the Pocono Mountains is the perfect spot for white-water rafting during summer or a romantic cottage getaway during the snowy winter. (Just be sure to book a room with a fireplace.)

RHODE ISLAND: LITTLE COMPTON

Little Compton is one of the Ocean State’s best kept secrets. Driving toward the beach, you’ll pass rolling farms, Sakonnet vineyards, clam shacks and bait and tackle shops.

SOUTH CAROLINA: BEAUFORT

Antebellum mansions, Spanish moss and lowcountry cooking are just a few of the selling points for this historic, coastal Carolina town. Book a stay at the Cuthbert House Inn (it’s the epitome of Southern hospitality) and soak in the charm.

SOUTH DAKOTA: DEADWOOD

In the heart of the Black Hills mountain range, Deadwood is a real rough-and-tumble Western town, where legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock once walked. Now saloons, rodeos and parades transport visitors back in time to the Gold Rush years.

TENNESSEE: NASHVILLE

It’s called the country capital of the world for a reason. For a vacation full of live music, honkey-tonk and lots of bourbon drinking, head immediately to this bustling town.

Related: Guide to Nashville: The Music City

TEXAS: HILL COUNTRY

Stretching just north of Austin to San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country is known for fields of wild bluebonnets, stellar country music and barbecue that’ll blow your mind. The towns of Bandera and Fredericksburg are two highlights along the 200-mile stretch of country.

UTAH: MOAB

You might be surprised how much this tiny southwestern town has to offer, but there’s much more than blue skies and red-rock canyons. Take a short drive from Moab’s adorable brewery- and bakery-clad main street to find Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, where you can hike and climb around the rock formations.

VERMONT: BURLINGTON

This progressive, Birkenstock-wearing, tofu-eating college town is home to a thriving art scene and an outdoorsy community. Nature-seekers will enjoy Burlington’s hiking and biking trails on the Lake Champlain shoreline with views of the Adirondacks.

VIRGINIA: RICHMOND

Teeming with galleries, craft breweries and public art, there’s no doubt that Virginia’s capital city is experiencing a serious revival. Richmond is also one of the most exciting culinary destinations right now, thanks to hip, new restaurants serving everything from local oysters to small-batch ciders.

WASHINGTON: SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan are the four largest of the San Juan Islands, located between Seattle and Vancouver Island. Each is a nature-lover’s paradise, home to lush forests, rocky coastlines and orcas that swim around the channels.

WEST VIRGINIA: FAYETTEVILLE

Many travelers visit Fayetteville to go rock climbing or white-water rafting in the New River Gorge. But don’t underestimate the charming downtown, lined with interesting restaurants, coffee shops and craft stores filled with pottery and artwork.

WISCONSIN: BAYFIELD

In Bayfield, on the shores of Lake Superior, charming fishing village meets cosmopolitan hot spot. Don’t miss a kayaking day trip or guided boat tour to the carved rock formations found on the nearby 21 Apostle Islands.

WYOMING: JACKSON HOLE

In the heart of the American West, majestic Jackson Hole is surrounded by the snow-capped Teton Mountains and wild Snake River. But don’t worry, indoor gals: There are also luxurious five-star hotels, top spas and trendy restaurants.

The Most Beautiful Spot in Every U.S. State

15 Fabulous Things Every Woman Should Do While Traveling Solo

8 Travel Apps That Don’t Require Internet Access

The 15 Most Beautiful Cities in the Entire World

The Best Vacation to Take at Every Stage of Your Relationship

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

World Travel Tips : Find cheap flights, hotels and car rentals. Plan your trip with travel guides, personalized recommendations, articles, deals and more. When you travel, you want your bags to travel with you. Follow these tips from travel professionals on how not to lose your luggage.

#best travel guides #Travel Tips #Travel Information #Travel Guide #Travel Agent News for The travel

0 notes