Australian Wine Vacations - Wineries Galore Around Adelaide

Australia is known throughout the world as a nation of beer drinkers, but in recent times it's come to prominence as a world-class wine producer.

With its fertile soils and diverse climates, Australia has the perfect conditions to create a wide range of wines. These include traditional varieties such as peppery shirazes and crisp chardonnays, and contemporary blends. All six states and both territories have thriving wine industries, although most of Australia's wineries are located in his district south-east.

South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and home to the oldest wine regions of Australia. The Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley and Yarra Valley are essential for the development of modern industry, and continue to produce some of the best wines in Australia today. These historical regions, paving the way for newer wine regions around their states. Today, wine lovers will enjoy the new and exciting wines from Mudgee and Murrambidgee Valley in New SouthWales, the Southern Vales and Riverland in South Australia, and Victoria's Rutherglen. At last count, Australia was thought to have around 60 recognized wine regions.

Taking a closer look at Australia's key wine regions allows you to truly appreciate the diversity of the nation's wine industry.

The most obvious starting place is the Barossa Valley, a contender for Australia's greatest wine destination. This region to the north east of South Australia's capital, Adelaide, is a leading producer of warm climate wines. The Valley's German heritage shines through in its production of fine rieslings. The Barossa is also renowned for its full bodied shirazes and cabernets. Penfolds, Jacob's Creek, and Wolf Blass are some of the biggest wine labels based in the Barossa Valley.

The winemakers of the Hunter Valley may dispute the Barossa Valley's accolades. This sprawling region, located an hour north of Sydney in New South Wales, has just as much history and warm weather as its South Australian rival. The Valley's award-winning wineries and small boutiques produce zesty semillons and robust shirazes. Wyndham Estate Wines, McGuigan Cellars, and Robyn Drayton Wines are some of the Hunter Valley's historic wineries.

Australia's famed for its sunshine, but the country's wine regions reveal the true diversity of its climate. Victoria's Yarra Valley is an outstanding example of a cool-climate wine region. This area north of the state's capital, Melbourne, is famed for its production of pinot noirs and pinot gris. Sample the region's trademarks at Yering Farm Wines, St Huberts Vineyards, and Bianchet Wines.

The Barossa isn't the only wine region around Adelaide. Travelers with time to spare love to explore the wineries surrounding South Australia's capital. To the south east there's the Coonawarra, a cool climate region boasting unusual terra rossa soil. This helps the region produce earthy reds. Rich cabernet sauvignons and spicy shirazes are the Coonawarra's specialties. Award-winning labels like Wynns, Yalumba, and Penfolds have all established vineyards in the region to take advantage of its unique conditions.

To the north of Adelaide wine tourists will find the Clare Valley. This expansive cool climate area is actually made up of four interconnecting valleys: the Clare, the Polish River, Watervale, and Skillogallee. Here visitors will find an elegant range of white wines, including mellow rieslings, oaky chardonnays, and smooth semillons. Taylor's Wines, Annie's Lane, and the historic Sevenhill Cellars are all proudly based in the Clare Valley.

The consumption of wine is entrenched in the Australian way of life, whether it's giving a bottle as a gift or sharing a couple of glasses with friends over a meal. And Australians enjoy sharing their wines with the world. You might expect Australia's isolation would deter many international wine tourists, but the lure of warm weather and affordable premium wines ensures many travelers make the trip "Down Under" every year.

Touring Warren County, PA - Small Town, Big Value

Warren County's history is intimately tied to native Indian tribes and the first westward push of American settlers. The Chautauqua-to-Ohio waterways were considered strategically important to the Indians, as well as the French, British and Americans. The Senecas, now in nearby Salamanca NY, were the original inhabitants along the Allegheny River and its tributaries. Chief Cornplanter fought with Britain during the Revolutionary War, and later negotiated treaties with President Washington. Conewango, means "walking slowly", and refers to the usually placid waters of the creek that connects Chautauqua Lake in nearby New York with the Allegheny River.

Warren was named for Revolutionary War hero, General Joseph Warren. He died at Bunker Hill, and had no actual ties to Warren County. Fourteen counties, one fort and five ships have been named in his honor.

General William Irvine, also a war hero, surveyed Warren in 1795. The general received a land grant along the Brokenstraw Creek. His oldest son, lived there briefly. His grandson, Dr. William Irvine, settled there. William's last surviving granddaughter died in 1963.

Imagine for a moment that it's two centuries ago. There are fortunes to be made in the stately forests and fertile valleys of the western Alleghenies. Lumbermen and traders established shipping routes. Farmers and families soon followed. Oil flowed and fortunes accumulated. By the mid-1800's, Warren was a thriving community. The buildings of the 28-block historic district reflect the varied architectural tastes of the newly wealthy Warrenites.

Day 1: The Warren County Historical Society is a good place to start (M-F). The 1873 mansion houses rooms of antiques and old photos. Spend a leisurely half hour or more on your own, or call ahead for a guided tour. Before you leave, pick up a brochure of the Historic District Walking Tour. This around-the-block walk showcases twelve of Warren's finest historic buildings. From an 1830's cottage to the 1876 three-story Courthouse, you'll learn a bit of the history of the families who lived here.

One block south of the tour route on Market Street is the Warren Public Library. Enjoy the architecture, statuary and art gallery in this 1916 structure. If you like to read, check out their Book Cellar for great deals on used books. One block north of the tour route is the Horton House B&B. Stop in anytime for a "5-cent tour" of this late 19th century home, or stay the night. It's the only place in town with an outdoor hot tub, beverage bar and wood-burning fireplaces. Romantic...

The Liberty Street Café is a cozy nook in downtown Warren for a leisurely libation. This world-class café offers the finest in sushi, seafood and Beaux Arts cuisine. They sometimes have live jazz on Thursday or Friday evenings.

For funky fun and good food, try Legends Restaurant on Jackson Avenue. Dine in a caboose ... beside a 1949 pink Cadillac ... or al fresco on the deck. Antiques, oldies and shareable-sized portions 'rule' at Legends.

Another great eatery is the Draft House on Pennsylvania Ave E. This bar-cum-restaurant has mouth-watering beef-on-wick, Reuben sandwiches, crisp salads, a varied dinner menu and nightly specials. It's great for lunch (except weekends) or dinner.

For evening entertainment, check the schedule at the Struther's Library Theater. If something is happening - GO! Whatever is playing - shows, plays, movies - it's always excellent. Take time to explore the building, circa 1883. The Struthers is home to the Warren Players' Club, one of the oldest continuously operating amateur theater companies in the nation. The troupe has performed for more than seven decades.

Day 2: Head west on Route 6/62 to visit the Amish Outlet for hand-crafted items and home-made foods. The area Visitor's Center is another half-mile on the left. Stop in for brochures and information on what's happening in "Kinzua Country".

Tour the Wilder Museum, just off Route 62 in Irvine. Displays include Indian artifacts, 'women in WWII', and the DeFrees firearms collection. The museum often hosts special programs and changing exhibits.

For nature-lovers, get outdoors at Buckaloons Recreation Area. A flat one-mile interpretive trail is an easy and peaceful walk. The trail meanders along Irvine Run and the Allegheny River. It's particularly beautiful in the fall.

Stop for lunch at Richard's Restaurant on Route 6 in Youngsville for sandwiches, homemade soups and home-style entrees. While you're in Youngsville, stop in the new gallery, Allegheny Artistry, on Main Street.

Afternoon activities could include a driving tour of Underground Railroad sites, horseback riding at an area ranch, or a trip 'down river' to Tidioute. Just north of Tidioute is the Simpler Times Museum. Dedicated to the area's major industries, it features antique tractors and engines, plus farming and logging displays.

For dinner, stop at any of the local restaurants. If you're back in Warren, dine at Fernwood. Don't let the exterior fool you. The chef is excellent and servers are prompt and friendly. Specialties include steaks and seafood. It's a local favorite.

Tonight, if the Library Theater is 'dark', go to Soldiers & Sailors Park for 'Music in the Park'. Live bands play Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer.
There's limited seating, so bring your own blanket/lawn chair. Wander along the riverwalk at Breezewood Landing adjacent to the park.

Day 3: This morning, have breakfast at the Peppermill Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue E. They feature home-cooking and quick service. Head out Route 59, stopping at Kinzua Dam and Big Bend Visitor Center.

Further east on Rt 59 is Rimrock Overlook, with trails through glacier-strewn bolders and magnificent views of the reservoir and mountains. In June the area is vibrant with mountain laurel, Pennsylvania's state flower. Rimrock offers easier trails than Jake's Rocks, which is across the valley (other side of Casey Bridge).

During the summer, nosh at Docksiders Café, adjacent to Wolf Run Marina. Casual dining on the deck or inside (Tell them 'easy on the ice'.). The view of the reservoir and hills is relaxing. Sunday afternoon, live entertainment begins at 3:00.

If you still have time and energy, backtrack to Route 6 and head east toward Sheffield.
Allegheny Cellars Winery is open until 6 p.m. daily for tasting, tours and purchases. It's one of Warren County's newest attractions.

We hope you'll try a mini-vacation in Warren County. There's a wealth of things to do and see - more than could be included here. Pick your favorites and come soon!

Best North American Budget Ski Resorts

The resorts below are great for the everyday person who just wants to enjoy the snow and ski or snowboard to have fun and not spend thousands of dollars in the process.

Mt. Bachelor, OR

Bachelor now has scaled ticket pricing, which means you pay for what you want, rather than a flat fee for the whole mountain resort. Lift tickets come in at less than $100, which means you can enjoy the conditions you want at the price you want. With almost 4000 acres of terrain and 3500 feet of downhill, Bachelor is the getaway of a lifetime.

Schweitzer, ID

With 1200 acres of glades, this resort has the best tree skiing in North America. Endless views of the lake and mountains, tickets at just over $50/day and transport on holidays and weekends so everyone can join in the fun.

Wolf Creek, CO

Definitely not a mega resort, but still a fantastic getaway, Wolf Creek offers a unique experience. Wolf Creek doesn't beat around the bush, it offers the single most important and relevant thing: The Most Snow. Annual 450 inches and just over $50/day. What else do you need?

Loveland, CO

400 inches for $60, the place to go when Wolf Creek is booked up. This resort's season is also one of the longest in Colorado and has an annual battle with other getaways in the area over their opening day (usually early October). At only 53 miles from Denver, 1500 acres of snow and 13,000 ft high elevations await you.

Saddleback, ME

This getaway isn't Sugarloaf or Sunday River, but it gets the job done. 200 feet of vertical, glade skiing and the only hike-to, above-treeline snowfields in the East. Advanced and expert skiers frequent this resort. Even with ticket price hikes this year, Saddleback comes in at just under $50. A winner.

Alyeska, AK

Forget the helicopters and Cessna planes, Alyeska has ski lifts and easy access unlike other resorts in Alaska. With over 600 inches of snow at the mid slopes and almost 800 at the top - where else would you even want to go? And it's not a "get away" getaway either, because all you pay is $60/day, with rebates and discounts for multi-day passes.

Castle Mountain, Alberta

A snow "sandbox" of anything you like, with day tickets for just over $60, Castle Mountain gives you almost 3,000 feet of snow and the Rocky Mountains wow. This getaway is one you'll remember forever - mostly because of the unique pride the locals have in their history.

Snowbasin, UT

400 inches a year doesn't sound much compared to the rest of Utah, but not all snow is created equal! Untouched snow, untracked lines, steep terrain, featherlight powder all for $65/day - what a getaway! If you plan ahead and do a bit of research you can even get nice discounts.

Mt. Baker, WA

Snowiest resort in the world and only $47.50 a day. Steep slopes, expert terrain and beautiful backcountry - the most thrilling riding in the country!

The Best Colorado Ski Towns For Family Trips With Non Skiers

Are you a non-skier in a skiing family? It is possible to live in Colorado and not ski. And some ski towns offer many winter activities for both skiers and non-skiers.

Your Colorado ski trip might be as short as a weekend getaway, particularly if you live on the Front Range of Colorado or eastern Utah. Perhaps your family takes ski vacations, or month-long escapes. If you don't ski, you need choices that don't involve skiing.

Top choice for weekends or long visits: Basalt.

Basalt is one of Colorado's hidden gems, and one of the best towns for a ski trip. There are many reasons why Basalt is the best choice for skiers and non-skiers on a short or longer getaway.

Visitors fall in love with Basalt's small-town, super-laid-back character. Basalt lies amidst two rivers and red-rock mountains. In the summer, folks visit to golf and fish. Basalt's rivers provide world-famous gold-medal fly-fishing. Basalt has a reputation as a nice place to hide away in the summer, but its slower pace, and less people, makes it a treasure to visit in the winter!

Basalt hosts unique boutiques, a large bookstore, and charming cafes. Everything is a two-block walk in the historic downtown area. And you can stroll by the river on a path, or just look enjoy your views of red-rock peaks that encircle town.

The local day spa is a typical place to find a non-skier. Discover your favorite day spa at Higher Spa & Studio in Basalt! Higher is small and locally-owned, like most of the town's businesses, so you get royal treatment (better than you get at some big resorts spas). Of course you can get an ooey-gooey hot stone massage (using basalt stones), or a killer work-out with a personal trainer in their fitness studio. But your visit must include their exclusive treatment, the "Endorphin High", in which they combine oils, salts and sports massage for a unique treatment that your weary muscles will remember forever.

Basalt is centrally located to two winter-destination cities, which provide good day trips for both skiers and non-skiers. By bus or car, Aspen is only minutes away. Skiers can stay in quiet Basalt and ski Aspen or Snowmass resorts during the day. For the non-skier or the skier taking a day off, you can visit Aspen for upscale shopping and restaurants, art galleries, and national music acts.

Glenwood Springs is the other city close to Basalt. Glenwood has several hot springs attractions. You can swim in the world's largest (commercial) hot springs pool, or relax in their natural steam caves. Your buddies can ski at Glenwood's Sunlight Mountain while you soak in the hot springs, and then meet you at the local microbrewery for a pint.

Basalt is also centrally located for the active non-skier. If you snowshoe or cross-country ski, trails are abundant around Basalt. In addition to the many forest trails, the paved Rio Grande trail extends throughout the whole Roaring Fork valley, running through Basalt.

Other choices for weekenders.

Steamboat Springs is a town well-suited for skiers and non-skiers. It boasts the Strawberry Hot Springs. If you go, get a watsu session, or water-based massage. There are several options for the active non-skier, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoe hikes.

Some visitors prefer Steamboat's affordability, compared to pricier visits to Aspen or Telluride. But recent development may change that in coming years.

Steamboat Springs is a bit off-the-beaten-path. This town feels more tucked away than its ski-town neighbor, Vail, and more Interstate-accessible resorts. But travel to and from Steamboat can be precarious in the winter. Mountain roads and passes may get dangerous, or completely closed. This makes Steamboat a better choice for folks with flexible schedules.

For the active non-skiing weekend, Winter Park is a good choice for folks coming from Denver. You can visit nearby Devils' Thumb for cross-country skiing and a nice spa. But if you leave the Denver-metro area on Friday afternoon and return Sunday evening, you will endure massive traffic. You will enjoy Winter Park more, plus get better hotel room rates, if you plan your "weekend" mid-week.

Other choices for longer stays.

If you don't mind a bit of extra driving, Durango is worth a trip. For the best week-long experience for a non-skier, you will want to have a car.

Durango is the southwestern Colorado college town with a ski area. It is in the middle of the Four Corners area, and as such, there are no major airports nearby.

From Durango, the non-skier can drive to the hot springs town of Pagosa Springs. Pagosa is scenic, hosts great hot springs pools, and is close to the Wolf Creek Ski Area, which gets the most snow of any Colorado ski area.

Elsewhere in the Durango area, a non-skiing traveler can find Native American ruins and national parks within a few hours' drive. Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, offer southwest flavors and culture if you feel like taking an overnight mini-road trip.

In conclusion, your choice in ski towns may be dictated by several factors, such as accessibility, activity levels of the non-skier, length of stay, and the size of the town you wish to visit. With a little investigation, the non-skier can have a great time on the next so-called ski trip.

Custer SD - Gateway to Outdoor Exploration

Are you yearning to trek trails through countryside untouched by civilization? The extensive State parkland adjoining Custer South Dakota provides a rare glimpse of pristine nature. The Black Hills are an out-of-doors wonderland, as millions of adventurers have discovered, and here are just a few of the ways they've learned to love the vicinity.

Hiking Custer State Park's Trails

The town of Custer SD is close to Custer State Park. With over 70,000 acres, this natural parkland gives hikers almost endless opportunities. Whether you enjoy a casual stroll through mountain meadows or a demanding climb through remarkable granite spires, Custer State Park has a trail for you.

Lovers Leap Trail is a particular favorite among hiking enthusiasts. This steep three-mile hike offers views of pine forests, Mt. Coolidge and the Cathedral Spires. Not for the faint of heart, it rewards those up to the challenge with tales to tell back home.

For a truly exclusive experience when visiting Custer South Dakota, consider hiking part of the 111 mile South Dakota Centennial Trail. This interesting journey allows you to benefit from the full spectrum of scenery in the Black Hills.

Other trails near Custer South Dakota explore French Creek Gorge, the Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishing Area and several pristine mountain lakes. A special note: the wildlife in Custer State Park is plentiful. A large buffalo herd, as well as elk, mountain lion, wolf and hundreds of other species roam without restraint throughout the Park.

The Waterways Neighboring Custer SD

The town of Custer SD is also the doorway to water sports adventures. Mountain lakes and streams run throughout the area, presenting extraordinary boating and fishing possibilities.

Sylvan Lake, for instance, is the ideal place to put a boat in the water. You'll also find paddle boats for rent, a family-friendly way to experience the lake. Another great way to spend a vacation is by attending a fly-fishing school and then trying your luck with mountain trout in serene mountain streams.

At Legion Lake, paddleboats, as well as rowboats and hydrobikes, can be rented, or you can bring in your own small watercraft. This lake is also a favorite with swimmers and fishermen because of its unspoiled waters and rugged woodland setting.

There are dozens of ways to stay out-of-doors and active while visiting Custer South Dakota. They draw mountain bikers, hikers, sport fisherman and those simply wishing to paddle a mountain lake in a canoe. If your outdoor adventures are limited to wildlife viewing or taking photographs, you'll find enough to enjoy here for quite a few vacations.

Custer South Dakota-Home to Natural Beauty

When you visit the city of Custer SD itself, you'll find that numerous Custer homes reflect their natural environment. Large, tree-lined lots climb up hillsides and along calm lanes. Log homes Custer inhabitants have built resound to a time when trappers, Cavalry soldiers and Native Americans were the only residents. Why not visit Custer SD?

The people who call Custer SD home are committed to protecting the wilderness which surrounds them. Plan to spend some time soon in Custer SD. It's truly the doorway to your next outdoor journey.

Owen County, Indiana Cabin Rentals

Owen County, Indiana is located in central Indiana. There are many ways to take a family vacation in Owen County. There are private cabins, and cabins available in McCormick's Creek State Park. This part of Indiana offers beautiful scenery and plenty to do for outdoor loving couples and families. Hiking, fishing, boating, or just relaxing away from the city.

Back To Nature Cabins
Get Back To Nature at Back To Nature Cabins. This is a perfect choice for families or couples to get away from the city noise and work and experience the great outdoors. But not too far from Brown County, and Nashville, Indiana. There are four cabins to choose from. The Back to Nature, Snuggled Inn, Woodland Retreat, and The Lake House. All are luxuriously furnished, with at least one jacuzzi, gas fireplaces, full kitchens, washer/dryer, grills, outdoor hot tubs wrap around porches, and so much more. The cabins are suited for 6 to 12 guests. Perfect for any type of getaway from a honeymoon to a girls retreat.

Back to Nature Cabins
1275 N. Sewell Rd.
Bloomington, IN 47408
812-335-1091

McCormick's Creek State Park
McCormick's Creek State Park in Owen County, Indiana is perfect for a weekend or extended stay. There are 10 acres of hiking trails, guided horse trails, Wolf Cave, Twin Bridges, and the Falls on McCormick's Creek. The cabins are fully furnished and are open from April to October. There are 13 to choose from all with screened in porches and all will sleep up to 6 guests. The park cabins do not have dishes, pots, pans, towels or bed linen. Please bring your own. There is a camp store and a restaurant in the park. The Birdhouse Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

McCormick's Creek State Park
250 McCormicks Creek Park Road
Spencer, Indiana 47460
812-829-2235

Hickory Hills Campground
Hickory Hills Campground is a privately owned campground, conveniently located near I-70. There are RV sites, tent sites and cabins to rent. The cabins feature air conditioning, a sleeper sofa, private bedroom, full bath, and kitchenette. Outside each cabin there is a picnic area complete with grill and a view of the wooded lake. They offer fishing, hiking along the river bank, or just hanging out by the cabin enjoying the great outdoors. Nightly and weekly rates are available. Contact for reservations.

Hickory Hills Campground
499 Dixie Hill Road
Spencer, IN 47460
765-795-6079

Are You Planning a Visit to South Fork, Colorado?

South Fork, CO Has A Great Deal to Offer for the Adventurous Spirit

South Fork, Colorado is one of the best vacation destinations for those looking for a little outdoor adventure and fun.

When visiting South Fork, CO, you can choose from a variety of activities that will get your adrenaline pumping and excitement peaked. Whether visiting in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, you will find plenty to do.

If you've never been to South Fork, CO let us share with you just some of the exciting things you can do while visiting:

o Hitting the slopes at Wolf Creek Ski Area - Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier you'll love the Wolf Creek slopes.

o Fishing the gold medal waters of the Rio Grande River - Whether you are looking for some quiet time fishing alone or some good old fashioned bonding over fishing, you'll love the waters of the Rio Grande River.

o Conquering the dunes at the Great Sand Dunes National Monument - More fun that you can imagine!

o Hiking and hunting in the Rio Grande National Forest - It's beautiful and invigoration.

o Shooting for par at the Rio Grande Golf Club - For new golfers and old pros.

With so much to offer its visitors, it should come as no surprise that the South Fork, CO area has become a favorite destination area for those looking for an exciting vacation.

From golf to water sports, from perfect powder at the Wolf Creek Ski Area to towering sand dunes, South Fork, Colorado truly has it all!

Come check it out and don't forget to let us know what you liked best while you were here.