Let's go Citysurfing 9/17/20 Let's go Citysurfing 9/17/20

Vegas Day Trip, Destination: Chocolate, Cacti, Engineering, and Art.

Las Vegas is a hub of activity, a hub where interstates and highways wind through a neon oasis, leading south to Arizona's picturesque scenery, west toward the tans and sand of Los Angeles and southern California, and east to the landscapes of Utah. Heading north, you can drive for miles through changing landscapes, arriving at both national forests and national parks.

The strip of Las Vegas is a larger than life adult playground, where fortunes are made and lost in a single night, and so are many marriages. If you have been living here for a while, you may tire of the glitz and games of the strip, and be looking for a different sort of entertainment. Even if you love the atmosphere of the city, traveling the areas around Vegas is a grand adventure. Sometimes, the best way to plan a trip outside of Vegas is pick a direction, a road, and start driving. There are unique attractions in every direction around Vegas.

A day trip favorite for chocolate, cactus and history lovers lies to the southeast. Start out on I-15 S and take I-215E to Henderson, Nevada. Take the Airport Exit to Sunset and you will find the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory at the corner of the Green Valley Business Park. The factory is open 7 days a week and has self-guided tours. The chocolate making machinery does not run every day, but every day chocolate is available to sample and buy. It is yummy, gourmet chocolate, and makes a good dessert after lunch. When you leave the factory, don't get into your car just yet! Adjacent is the Ethel M. Botanical Cactus Garden, the largest cactus garden in the States, and a mecca for photographers. During the holidays, the cacti are strung with lights, a touch of kitschy desert charm you really won't find anywhere but near Vegas. This garden is a testament to beauty that can exist in the harshest of climates, and may inspire you to cultivate some prickly plants of your own. If you haven't filled up on chocolate and want something more substantial, there are restaurants nearby, offering a solid array of choices for any taste.

When you get back in your car, take Sunset Way to the right, and turn left on W. Sunset Road, and merge onto US-93S. Follow the signs to Hoover Dam, which is an easy 25 mile drive. Hoover Dam is an American history buffs dream, as well as a breathtaking marvel of engineering. It may seem silly to someone who has never been there to say that this dam is aweinspiring, but it truly is. It is one of the world's largest dams, and the sheer amount of concrete, generators and steel it contains can make you proud to be human. We created this dam, and created a lake right in the middle of a barren desert. It is terraforming at its finest. The dam is also a destination for art-lovers, with its unique designs on the towers, spillways and power plants. Some people say they have seen these designs in their dreams for years after visiting the dam. The designs are based on traditional art of the Native American tribes in the area, mainly the Navajo and Pueblo tribes, and the warm colors reflect the landscape of the southern American deserts. Over 100 people involved with the Hoover Dam project died during it's completion, and the some of the art that decorates the dam honors the dead.

The Hoover dam has an excellent 30 minute tour, that is only $9.00 if you are over 62. It is worth taking, as there are parts of the dam that you can only visit on the tour. This is a self-guided tour, and 30 minutes is low estimate of the amount of time it could take. If you really stop to read and absorb everything, you can easily spend a few hours in the Hoover dam. There is also an hourlong guided tour that is $30.00, which allows visitors to see even more of the dam. Be aware this guided tour requires about a mile and half of walking, so wear sturdy shoes and take this into consideration.

Now that you are at the dam, I am sure you have noticed the large reservoir created by its construction. This is Lake Mead, the real oasis in this desert. It is 112 miles long and supplies much of the water for this area of the southeast. Lake Mead is a hotspot for boat lovers, and you can usually watch boaters, or even rent a boat year round with a boating license. The waters are calm and even inexperienced boaters can navigate the waters of Lake Mead with ease. There are a few different companies here that offer boat rental. They have very similar prices, and most of the employees are happy to answer questions and give advice about boating on Lake Mead. The people that run these small boat rental companies have been in the area for years, and if they like you, they will give you hints on the best direction to head this time of year, hidden treasures and alcoves to look for along the way, and the best fishing spots.

Even if you don't plan to boat or fish, and you may not if you have stopped and eaten a ton of free chocolate, viewed the largest cactus garden in the southwest, toured the most famous dam in the world and learned about a vital part of our nation's history, it is still worth walking along the shores of Lake Mead and seeing the sunset. This is the perfect nightcap to end a wonderful day, romantic and peaceful. Drop into the Boat House Restaurant at the Lake Mead Marina for fresh seafood before your short drive back to Vegas, and discuss your fun day in a relaxed atmosphere. The drive back is easy and takes approximately 30 minutes. You are sure to sleep well after such a full and fun day!

Let's go Citysurfing 9/13/20 Let's go Citysurfing 9/13/20

10 Romantic Cities in the United States

Filled with vibrant energy and endless attractions, cities make great destinations for romantic getaways. If you're considering an urban adventure with that special someone, plan a trip to one of the following ten cities. Each of them offers a uniquely romantic atmosphere and plenty of date-worthy activities.

1. New Orleans

From the quaint, old-world ambiance of the French Quarter to the joyful festivities of Mardi Gras, New Orleans overflows with romantic joie de vivre. To begin your romantic getaway in the Big Easy, take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River, or go on a carriage tour through the city's historic neighborhoods. When you're ready to refuel, dine on traditional New Orleans treats such as pralines and jambalaya. Finish the evening by unwinding at an intimate jazz club.

2. Las Vegas

If you favor the kitschy over the quaint, Las Vegas is the perfect romantic vacation destination. Vegas is justly famous for spur-of-the-moment weddings and budget honeymoons, but you don't have to be tying the knot there to partake of its romantic offerings. Not only are there hotels to fit every taste and budget, but there are also limitless entertainment options, from Elvis impersonators to world-famous performers, so you'll never have a boring date night. Some Las Vegas hotels are even casino-free, so you can still enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas without listening to clanging slot machines.

3. San Antonio

The Riverwalk, a verdant, 15-mile collection of pedestrian pathways winding along the San Antonio River through the heart of the city, seems tailor-made for romantic strolls. When you get hungry, stop for a meal at a sidewalk cafe, perhaps sampling the city's renowned Tex-Mex cuisine, or enjoy a mellow dinner on the water, on a riverboat tour.

Time your visit to San Antonio to take in one of the city's annual festivals, many of which celebrate the region's colorful Latino heritage. Soak up San Antonio's historic atmosphere at the Alamo or at the Missions National Historic Park, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

4. Charleston

With cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions and a good helping of Southern charm, South Carolina's oldest city makes a romantic and genteel getaway. To best experience the romance of Charleston, stay at an inn located in one of the city's refurbished mansions and then dig into some rich and delectable Southern cuisine at an elegant restaurant or casual soul food cafe. Dive into the area's fascinating and often complicated history with a visit to an old plantation or Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began.

5. Boulder

If you and your partner can't decide on an outdoor adventure or an urban getaway, consider coming to Boulder, where you won't have to compromise. Laid-back Boulder is a gateway to outdoor activities, with easy access to hiking trails and ski slopes, but it also features urban delights such as restaurants to satisfy every palette, live-music venues, and a range of shopping options from funky to upscale. Strolling along the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder's pedestrian-only street is a pleasant way to pass a summer afternoon. As the home of the University of Colorado, Boulder enjoys a lively student population and many cultural events.

6. San Francisco

Spread out among steep hills between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the city of San Francisco blends a quirky counter-cultural sensibility with world-class attractions in a stunning setting. As an introduction to the city, catch a cable car ride past brightly painted Victorian townhouses. Take in the vibrant hustle of Chinatown, which makes a good stop for lunch, or eat a bowl of the city's famous clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf. Climb up to Coit Tower to enjoy sunset views of the city.

7. San Diego

Year-round pleasant weather and great beaches make San Diego the perfect destination for a romantic beach vacation. Plus, with 70 miles of coastline, San Diego offers a variety of beaches to suit your interests, from the lively party atmosphere of Pacific Beach to windswept San Onofre, which is popular with surfers. Stay in picturesque La Jolla, with its plethora of restaurants and boutique hotels, many of which are right on the ocean. Or, to experience a vintage piece of California history, check in at the stately Victorian-era Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark.

8. Providence

Rhode Island's capital is a small city, with a population of around 180,000, but it packs in a lot of culture, as the home of the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University. Providence is an excellent place to explore on foot, with historic architecture and distinct neighborhoods, each with their own unique atmosphere.

For a peaceful escape, visit Roger Williams Park, which contains picturesque bridges, lakes and a rose garden. Providence enjoys a rich mix of festivals, nightlife and performing arts events throughout the year, and it's also regularly ranked as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States.

9. Santa Fe

The adobe buildings in this high-desert city in New Mexico blend with the colors of the earth, giving the "City Different" a dreamy and organic feeling. The oldest capital city in the United States, Santa Fe offers plenty of attractions for history lovers, but its status as an art mecca is what draws many visitors.

Peruse the outdoor sculpture galleries of Canyon Road, or check out one of Santa Fe's top-notch museums. In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains outside of the city, nature lovers will find hiking and skiing opportunities. On chilly nights, curl up with your partner next to a traditional "kiva" fireplace, found in many of Santa Fe's lodgings.

10. New York City

The bustling energy of America's largest city can be exhilarating, as can the thrill of seeing many of the country's most iconic sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, up close. To experience a slice of New York life, immerse yourself in the chaos by joining the jostling masses on the sidewalk. Chill out with a walk through Central Park, where in the winter, the ice skating rink offers an affordable and scenic location for a date, surrounded by the soaring city skyline.

Enjoy the view from a penthouse restaurant, or hit the clubs to party until dawn in the so-called "city that never sleeps." From the nightlife of New York City to the laid-back beaches of San Diego, these cities offer many opportunities for fun and adventure. Book a weekend getaway to one of these cities, or visit a few of them on your next road trip.