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A growing trend online is podcast video. While podcasting was originally only for audio files, more people are beginning to send video, especially with broadband connections more accessible. To podcast video, content distributors enclose it in a web syndication file that users can download and view when they want. Users subscribe to the different files, checking them for updates regularly, and download the new offers when they become available. Each file is often referred to as an episode, and may be part of a video blog, or vlog.

Podcast video, and other types of podcasting are thus part of the blogging revolution. Individuals and groups around the world, with a small investment in equipment and time, can become content producers. Because it is so simple to use and cheap to set up, many people are getting involved. They can podcast video around the world, becoming producers and directors for any small niche they want to exploit.

Many of these podcasters have small audiences that download their podcast video, but larger groups are getting involved. News organizations and websites that serve massive audiences are discovering that podcasting and podcast video can distribute their content to millions of people easily. These groups have found that podcasting video is yet another way to distribute their news and information. Since podcasting is so easy to use, it's likely that even more people will start using podcast video.

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A podcast feed is a way of sharing files over the internet. It involves the use of a small, machine readable file that is regularily updated to reflect changes in the files available for downloading. The internet addresses of these files are embedded into the feed file and can be automatically downloaded when wished. At this time, podcasting tends to refer to the use of feeds to share only media files. Podcasting originally occured as a way to share audio mp3 files, and has only recently begun incorporating video into podcasts. However, the technology that allows the files to be shared is not limited to such media files and there is not reason that other files may be shared via podcast in the future.

Today, however, a podcast feed tends to refer to the use of a feed to share media files. Most podcasts are done with audio files, and the individual files that are created and shared are called episodes. These audio files may contain a variety of things; there are music, comedy, news, technology, even podcasts about wine.

Podcasting, because of the low entry cost, especially for audio podcasting allows nearly anyone who believes they have something to say to broadcast it over the internet. Even more established groups have found that audio podcasting works well. Some radio stations podcast portions of their content, sharing it over the internet to allow listeners who missed a specific show to catch up on it later. NPR now does this with its news breaks, and the NPR show "This American Life" offers a podcast of its shows to subscribers who pay a small fee.

One of the newer innovations in podcast feeds is the vlog, or videoblog. These blogs usually contain a feed that distributes a video, rather than an audio file to feed subscribers. Although that would not have been feasible a few years ago, growing numbers of broadband internet subscribers has meant that most users are able to download large files, even video files, relatively quickly. These video podcasts have been readily accepted by mainstream news organizations. They have found that podcasting portions of their content is a way to share their tape and reach a wider audience. The BBC currently does this with parts of its news content. Pieces of the news show that is played over the airwaves is taken and placed online, along with a link to the content placed inside the RSS feed. Those who subscribe to the BBC feed can download the news clip and watch in from the comfort of their home computer.

In the future, podcast feeds may be used for a number of purposes besides simply sharing media files. Some analysts predict that the feed system could also be used to share software updates, or any of a myriad of other file types. For now, however, podcasting is dominated by small audio and video files.

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While some video feeds can be found by visiting the site that hosts them, many more are easier found by visiting a directory of podcast videos. These podcast video directories maintain listings of podcasts that have been submitted to them. They may sort the list according to region, category, and popularity, helping visitors find exactly the type of feed they are looking for. Tech video podcasts can be found, with regular episodes about technology news. Some video feeds are experimental podcasts, created by designers interested in showcasing their work and trying out new forms of editing and storytelling. There are some feeds that recreate talk and comedy shows, with interviews every episode.

A directory of podcast videos can help anyone find new and interesting podcasts to subscribe to, and it can also help podcasters advertise their feeds. Rather than relying on word of mouth advertising and people stumbling onto the feed, a directory makes it easier for listeners to find the feed. Directories play the role that early search engines did, maintaining a list of a relatively small group of net addresses that otherwise would not be found.

After looking through a directory of podcast videos and finding a feed that is appealing, it can be subscribed to by using a podcast client. A podcast client is a computer program that checks the RSS file that stores the information about the feed and downloads the video files that the video podcast links to. The file can then be watched by the user on their computer whenever and as many times as they wish.

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What is now called a podcast traces its orgins to the first ipod podcasts, the creation of distributed mp3 files that could be downloaded and played on Apple's music player, the iPod. When the iPod came out, and users discovered what a wonderful thing it was for holding music, some people had the idea of loading things that weren't necessarily songs. Some of the people that got their hands on the iPod took the route of reverse engineering the iPod and loading on different firmware, or operating system, but others had the idea of sharing small sound files that could be played on the iPod. The technology for distributing the files already existed, with RSS feeds. RSS feeds were a means of generating machine readable files that could share information between a server and a user. Many blogs already used them to keep readers up to date with the latest posts, but some hopeful podcasters had the idea of enclosing links to sound files within the RSS feed and downloading the file to the computer.

With the change in RSS feeds, ipod podcast took off, and podcasting became a popular way to share files. Users saw podcasting as a way to become radio hosts, or dj's, and a variety of podcasts began popping up. Software was written to automatically check the RSS feeds, extract the links to the podcast episodes, and download the files. These programs became known as podcast clients.

By this time, podcasting had moved beyond the ipod, and they were not simply making an ipod podcast anymore. Some people had figured out how to use even the PlayStation Portable gaming console as a podcast player. It was more difficult that downloading podcasts to the ipod, since the PSP used a different format for it's files, but PSP podcasts began popping up. In addition, podcasting made inroads to the wider audience of people without iPods, who simply saw podcasting as an extremely convenient way to receive news, music, and entertainment over the internet.

Today, while the iPod podcast type still exists, fewer people subscribe to podcasts as a way of gaining portable media files they can listen to anywhere. Although that is still an attractive part of podcasting, it seems to be eclipsed by the ease with which podcasting has become a content delivery system. Now, podcasting has become tied up with the rising number of audio and video blogs, where blogging is done not by post, but through media files uploaded to the blog. These blogs, and podcasting in general, take advantage of the shrinking cost of broadband internet connections, and the rising number of people with high speed access to offer a picture of the internet rich with multimedia files.

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Because podcasting is such a new, exciting, cutting edge phenomena, many people are eager to get connected, and hence the Howard Stern podcast. Everyone wants to be part of the next big thing, but not everyone is suited or ready to do so. The Howard Stern Podcast was created and shown on iTunes, the Apple company's music store. However, the podcast was never updated, and the only clip ever provided didn't even include Howard Stern. This has brought a lot of flack down on Howard Stern, as well as Sirius Radio, which broadcasts Stern. Many of these people would have preferred to hear Stern when they wanted to, as a podcast, and were disappointed that the feed was not being used.

The Howard Stern podcast is probably an example of some of the problems that can arise with podcasting. Its new, and very hyped, so everyone wants to be a part of it. However, the podcast is designed to be free. RSS feeds are designed to easily distribute files, that can then be redistributed and shared by the users who download them. It would be close to impossible for a podcaster to charge for their content. Either the podcaster would have a small circle of people who enjoy the feed, and very few who would want to pay for it, or be very popular, as Stern is, and have the problem of paying customers possibly redistributing the content so others won't need to pay.

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Podcast Yahoo, is an example of a very full featured podcast directory. Yahoo's beta offering presents podcasts from many professional organizations including NPR, Slate Magazine, and others. They also organize their listing by categories, offer a list of the most popular series and episodes currently available, and let users search through the entire database. Yahoo's site is professionally done, and likely has people permanently assigned to work on it, and so it differs from many of the other podcasting directories available. Many directories are little more than listings of amateur podcasters, but Yahoo's site brings out a number of feeds done by mainstream organization, raising the level of quality available.

For anyone who wants to find a podcast, Yahoo is certainly a good choice. They have a slick, well done site that is easy to use. Yahoo even includes software at the site so that podcasts can be listened to from within the web browser. After logging in, Yahoo allows users to subscribe to feeds they enjoy, letting them be notified when new episodes are available. Yahoo even has a detailed walkthrough to help visitors create and begin publishing their own podcast.

Podcast Yahoo clearly demonstrates the ability of a corporate group to create a well made site. While it's very unlikely that Yahoo or a company like it would have been able to come up with podcasting, once they know what to do, they can do it well.

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The podcast for This American Life allows listeners to download the the shows and listen to them at their discretion. The This American Life team contracts with a site called audible.com to distribute the shows to listeners who want to hear them. Despite calling their offering a podcast, however, it is not, at least in the normal sense of the word.

A podcast refers to an online setup with an RSS feed that is regularily updated, can be subscribed to, and provides links to sound or video files that can be downloaded and watched by the subscriber. Audible.com and This American Life do not offer that. Instead, the show's team allows audible.com to receive money for allowing listeners to download the sound files to the computer from audible.com's web site. The only RSS file involved is one specific to the user which allows that user access to the shows they are interested in. Even odder than charging for a supposed podcast, the sound files downloaded are tied to the specific user who downloads them. Unlike the vast majority of podcasts, which allow the files to be distributed and redistributed as the end user wishes, without placing limitations on such, the This American Life podcast restricts the file to a single user.

The podcast for This American Life misses the point of what a podcast is intended to be, the free distribution of information. The This American Life team is exploiting the term podcasting, and the credibility and hipness that is associated with the term in order to boost their own popularity.

On the other hand, the podcast for This American Life may be where the rest of the industry is headed. Although the technology was first adopted by independent media groups that enjoyed it because of the low cost of distribution and the close possible ties to end users, that may change when podcasting becomes a wider phenomenon. If podcasting is adopted by more mainstream, corporate entities, the face of podcasting is likely to change to one where a profit plan is required. Audible.com's plan of forcing users to subscribe and pay for the feeds they want may be the way the corporate world decides to latch on to and use podcasting. The advantage of podcasting, directdistribution of the media files to the user's home computer quickly and easily, is not lost if the system moves to one revolving around profit.

Regretfully, the podcast for This American Life is probably an example of what podcasting will be in a few years. As much as locked media files that restrict distribution may be repugnant to many of the free information activists that curently dominate podcasting, there is little to stop those who want to use the system to make a profit from doing so.

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Podcasting, unlike other media forms, almost never has charges for services, and the vast majority of feed producers distribute free podcasts. This puts at odds with, say, online radio stations, news sites that offer media to subscribers, or the online music industry general. Even though podcasting has very direct correlations with industries like news and music that have strong business models, podcasting differs. Podcasting does not really have a business model, and hardly anyone is podcasting in order to profit from it. There are some businesses and news sites that podcast, but they do it as a way to supplement their companies and to gain technological geek credibility, not to make money. This is an odd thing, but explainable in light of what podcasting is.

The free podcast problem is not difficult, and podcasting differs in several key ways from other media areas. First, podcasting involves the physical transfer of a file from the host to the users computer. An online radio station does not do this; all that they provide to their listeners is a streaming sound file that cannot be saved without difficulty and work. If someone did manage to do so, the station would have strong grounds for suing them since they were never given the rights to keep and store the files. By podcasting the complete file to the users computer, express permission is granted the user to copy and use as they wish. Second, the podcasts are, for the most part, made by individuals who have low costs involved in creating and distributing the files, as opposed to a news broadcast or song by a music company. These individuals have little reason to charge for their work since there is little cost to them to do so. Because the files are distributed in a way allows their copying and does not control the media, and since podcasting is a very low cost media outlet, feed producers have little reason or ability to charge for their work.

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A podcast directory is a listing of syndication feeds that link to a podcast. They are often organized by category and topic, and allow the user to find a feed that podcasts about almost anything. Just as search engines help people find sites with the information they need, a podcast directory presents a searchable list of podcasts users can subscribe to. Users may even be able to play the available feed episodes from within the site.

Unlike most search engines, though, a podcast directory rarely searches out and finds content on its own, automatically. All the feeds are either contributed by users who want people to find their podcast, or added by the staff. Nearly anyone can set up a podcast, but gaining visitors can be difficult, and so podcasters can submit their feeds to the directory to gain readers.

Since its so easy to make a podcast, a podcast directory often uses ways to separate the very good feeds from the ones people do not enjoy as much. A directory may have a ranking system, feature certain special feeds on the front page, or even allow visitors to comment with their thoughts on a feed.

Visitors to a podcast directory can thus add their own podcasts, search for feeds on topics or regions that interest them, and even comment on those they like or dislike.

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There are many online music podcast rss feeds to choose from online. For many of the feed producers, a podcast feed is a way to distribute non mainstream music that otherwise would not be able to reach an audience. These musicians are able to build a following and share their work from outside of a music culture that tends to keep out more niche groups. Because the music industry is oriented towards mass distribution and marketing, musicians and groups that aren't believed to command such widespread fandom are kept out of the market.

Distributing some of their music by podcast rss feeds, however, lets them grow a small fanbase and attract listeners who enjoy their work. These musicians may support themselves by also selling portions of their work, or may decide to provide all of their work for free, as some do.

These musicians may, after growing a fanbase who enjoys their music podcast rss feed, parlay that popularity into music contracts within the industry. By proving that they can support a passionate audience even with their own meager efforts, a company can sometimes be convinced of the music's viability on a larger stage. By proving that the musicians can support a dedicated audience and can keep producing quality work, the group or individual has a better chance of successfully getting a contract while maintaining their independent style.

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Podcast Alley is a site that catalogs podcast feeds and provides links to them. Thousands of feeds are available, from comedy shows to weekly suspense stories. There is even a podcast featuring a couple that talks about different wines every episode. Podcast Alley features the best podcasts on the front page regularly, along with a short article about the authors and their work and an interview with the creators.. In addition, the site keeps a list of the most popular feeds in a sideline, allowing visitors to quickly see what the community appreciates.

A visitor to Podcast Alley can search by genre, learn how to make their own podcast, discuss things with the community in the forum, and find software related to podcasting. The sire provides a wide range of resources, as well as a large quantity (many thousands) of podcasts that listeners can browse and subscribe to.

Podcast Alley is an example of a podcast directory that is well run and offers a large selection. The site also has a strong community that can help visitors find podcasts on topics that interest them or give them the information they need to set up their own podcast, and of course, add it to the directory. Anyone that is interested in finding great podcasts should take a look at Podcast Alley and the selction they have.

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Many music podcasts are available online, distributed by podcasters who want to share their collection with the world. Some of these are distributed by independent musicians, groups or individuals who enjoy creating and sharing their music but have a small fanbase. For them, a podcast means closer contact with their listeners, and the blog that usually accompanies a podcast often allows for the comments and opinions of the listeners to be shared with the musicians. The listeners often appreciate this close contact, and some become resentful when their favorite groups gain widespread popularity. Musicians may find that the music podcast they share is a way to build a following and gain an audience that is loyal to them. Since many of the musicians who podcast do so as independent artists who lack the sound the music industry is looking for or simply haven't been noticed yet, a music podcast may build a following that attracts attention to them and gives them an entry point into the music industry.

For others, a music podcast may be the chance to become a dj, and the episodes they share will contain mixes of different songs, highlighting obscure yet accomplished artists and taking their listeners on a tour every episode. These amateurs podcast merely because they enjoy the activity, as most independent podcasters do. Yet another type of music podcast, however, involves the online radio station. While some radio stations have taken the leap to the internet by offering streaming connections to their current playlist, others have accepted the podcast as a way of sharing their music. Such a style is very similar to the amateur dj, but brings a level of professionalism that is not found with the amateur podcasters.

A music podcast may also be a way to sample works by more well known artists before purchasing. Some musicians and groups will podcast their new music, or portions of the new pieces, in order to peak interest in the songs before release. Fans get to listen to the music and find out what they might like before purchasing the whole album. A possibility, however, is that music podcasts become subscription based, and musicians begin charging for access to the feed. The online sale of music has proved its popularity, with Apple's iTunes reaching its one billionth paid download recently. A music group could conceivably offer a feed to its fans that they could pay for, and regularily update it with new songs that would be downloaded directly to the fan's computers Although this distribution model is not yet in place, it seems to fit with the over all trend. Already, some nonmusic groups have agreed to podcast their files, on the condition that a paid subscription is bought.

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A podcast is an easy way of distributing media files over the internet, and this article will tell how to make a podcast. The first thing necessary is a domain, and a host on which to store the media files for the podcast. Getting a domain is simple and easy, there are many domain registrars that can register a domain for someone for a small fee. Some of these domain registrars are GoDaddy.com, Dotster, or Network Solutions are some that provide domains.

The domain registrar will, for a small fee, enter the chosen domain, provided it is not being used, into the computers that form the backbone of the internet. These computers will be told where the domain is located on the internet; what host it is that holds the domain's information. In order to give them that information, the name servers that are held by the host need to be associated with the domain. Once the domain is in place, a good host should be found. The host that is chosen should offer a large amount of both disk space and a much larger amount bandwidth. Disk space is neccessary because the site which holds the podcast will be storing large media files; audio or video files that take up a lot of space and are difficult to compress.

The large bandwidth is necessary because transferring these large files many times to many different people will use up the quota quickly. A good amount of diskspace would be several GigaBytes, bandwidth should be in the tens or hundreds of Gigabytes. Once the host is set up, it should offer you a couple of addresses called nameservers. Inputting these server addresses into the site where the domain was registered will complete the domain setup and allow the site to be found on the internet.

The next step for people who want to know how to make a podcast is installing the software necessary to maintain the podcast. A small piece of coding called dircaster.php can be used to set up a basic level of podcast. Dircaster.php can be found easily by searching for it in any search engine. Once it is located, it should be edited to reflect the particulars of the domain and uploaded to the site.

Dircaster.php will generate an RSS file, or feed, that tells the subscriber about the new files available for downloading. To begin podcasting, create the audio files that should be podcast, fill in the information about the file such as date, author, etc, and upload them to the same directory that contains dircaster.php. You now have a podcast, and all that is needed is to publicise the address of the file dircaster.php. To update the podcast with new information, just upload the new files. Other things to make the podcast better might be a site that contains information about the podcast, but it isn't necessary.

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Podcast downloads are a wonderful new online way to share files. A podcast is a way to send files from a distributor's online site directly to the subscribers computer, where they can view them whenever they wish. A podcast works by having a small file called an RSS file placed somewhere on the podcaster's web page. This RSS file is updated regularily, usually automatically with text and links to new media files available for downloading. The RSS file is then accessed by the podcast client of the subscriber's computer. A podcast client is a small program that goes online to look for the RSS files that the feed subscribers wish to view. There are many podcast clients available for every conceivable need, and most are free to download and use.

The podcast download will be done when the podcast client downloads and views the file from the feed's website. After finding the links to the media files embedded in the RSS file, it will download those files and store them on the computer, allowing the user to view them whenever and as many times as they wish. The podcast files may be of many things. There are comedy shows done by people who enjoy creating and writing a regular show, but aren't able to do it as a business. Some podcasts are music mixes, an mp3 file that subscribers can play. Even some radio shows are getting into podcasting, allowing subscribers to download portions of their shows from the internet in podcast form and play them on their home computer.

Podcast downloads could conceiveably be applied to any type of file. The RSS files that allow the mainly audio and video files now used in podcasting to be downloaded can be customized to enclose almost any type of file. This has led some analysts to believe that podcasting could eventually be used to distribute software updates, demonstration programs, and many other types of files, moving beyond the simple use of podcasting to share media files. All that would be neccessary would be for the users to subscribe to the feed with their podcast client. They could then stay regularily updated for nearly anything.

Podcast downloads offer many different possibilities for distribution of files across the internet. Because it is a different mode of using the internet, allowing the data to come to the user rather than the user having to visit each site they enjoy, podcasting has the possibility of changing the way the internet works. Content can be given directly to the individual, easily and ever more quickly as broadband use spreads. This means that what the internet is will change drastically. The web changes from something connected to in order to be used to something that is integrated and connected with our personal life.

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There are many podcast software programs available to use. Many of them are even free. Because of the decentralized, geek adopted nature of podcasting, a wide variety of programs are available, from large programs with a big footprint that do many different jobs to tiny little software packages that do the bare minimum. A package is available for podcast subscribers of almost any type, and more are being created everyday.

While some podcast software is designed for home user computers, much of it is designed to be used online. There are many packages created so that feed subscribers can view the podcasts they enjoy from within a web browser. These software packages contain both the feed reader like the home user software does, but usually also incorporate a way to view or listen to the podcasts online from inside the browser. Much of this software is used at the podcast directories that maintain listings of podcast feeds.

Another type of online podcast software is the category of feed creators. PHP scripting is usually used to create the RSS file that tells the feed readers where to download the podcasts from. The scripting can either create a hard copy of the RSS file and write it to the server disk when the feed is updated, or it can make it virtually. When the RSS file is generated virtually, it doesn't actually exist on the host's server. Instead, the address of the PHP script is distributed as the address of the feed. When the script is accessed, it generates the file by looking at the recent posts at the site and sends the results to the feed subscriber.

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For anyone who wants to begin creating a podcast, podcast hosting is the most important part. Before anyone can begin distributing a podcast, they need a place to store the files and keep the feed file that will tell their subscribers about the new episodes available. The first thing required is a domain name where the site will be located. Many domain registrars are available who will help one register a domain name for a small fee. Once the domain is registered, hosting is required, and again there are many different companies willing to do the hosting for a small fee. One of those is bluehost.com, but many others are available. When looking for a host, the most important thing is to make sure that a lot bandwidth and storage space is available and cheap. Since podcasting deals with large media files, a lot of disk space will be taken up storing the files and bandwidth will be eaten quickly when they are downloaded by the subscribers.

After podcast hosting has been acquired, it needs to be used and the site needs to be set up. The DNS addresses of the site need to be set to the addresses that the host provides you so that the servers that underlie the internet will know where your site is. DNS addresses can be set by going to the domain registrar that was used to acquire the domain and inputting the addresses provided by the host. After that is done, it will take a few days before the master list the domain registar updates will be shared throughout the internet and all name servers know where to find your specific domain. You can then go about setting up your own podcast.

Using the podcast hosting you now have, you will need to look at the disk space allocated to the site using something called and FTP browser. The host may provide one as part of their hosting plan, but if not there are many available free to choose from. Using the FTP browser, log on to the host and upload a file called dircaster.php after editing it to fit the specifics of the site. Dircaster.php is an easy to find piece of coding that generates a feed file by looking at the contents of its directory or folder. The individual episodes to be podcasted can then be uploaded to the same folder as dircaster.php for cataloging. Make sure that all the meta data, or information about the mp3 file is correct before doing so.

The podcast hosting you now have will allow you to distribute a podcast. It would be best to upload more to the site, such as an index page that tells visitors about the podcast and provides the address of the file dircaster.php on your site. When they subscribe to that file, the podcast client thy use will access it and recieve information about the latest podcasts available.

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A Podcast RSS feed is what allows the entire system to function. To begin at the beginning, a podcast is a regular distribution of audio or visual files, called episodes, to a users podcast client. The people who use a podcast are called subscribers, and the podcast client is what allows them to subscribe to a feed. The podcast client is a program that connects to the internet, looking for a specific file the user has subscribed to, or told it to look for. That file is an RSS feed, a machine readable piece of coding that sends information back to the podcast client. RSS feeds can be used to distribute many kinds of information, and were originally used for blogging and distributing blog posts to subscribers. As time went on, however, a few people had the idea of enclosing information about media files within the RSS feed so that software could be written to find that information and download the files described.

The Podcast RSS feeds became a hit, and podcast clients were quickly written to allow people to use the new encoding. Podcasting became a means of quickly and cheaply sharing episodes with subscribers. Rather than requiring subscribers to visit the site that hosted the files everytime they wanted to know if a new episode was released, users could rely on the podcast client to do the work for them, keeping track of numerous podcast rss feeds that interested them and downloading the files to be viewed when they wished.

Podcast RSS feeds are now used to distribute a number of different types of podcasts. Some producers use it as way to share a comedy or news program that they produce, others podcast in order to share music files they create, and some podcast to share video files they have created and to showcase their work. Podcasting allows the producers to become radio or television stars without the large investment in time and money that wuld be required to do that. Because podcasting has such a low entry cost, requiring little more than a server and a domain to host the site and a way to record the media, thousands of people who otherwise would not have a chance to work in a media environment have a chance to do so through their podcast rss feeds.

In this way, podcast RSS feeds allow media publishing over the internet at a fraction of the cost of other forms of media distribution, permitting people with much smaller budgets to compete in some way. However, podcast rss feeds are also attracting more established companies and groups as well, bringing people from NPR radio stations and news organizations like CNN who use podcasting as yet another means to distribute their product to end users.

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Many podcasts are available to subscribe to and watch in a variety of genres, and one of these is the comedy podcast. Every small scale wannabe writer has a chance to become a comedian through podcasting, since the low entry cost allows people to start podcasting with minimum effort and money. To find some of these comedy podcasters, check a podcast directory. A podcast directory is a listing of many, sometimes several thousands, of podcasts submitted and divided into categories. A podcast directory will probably have a large number of comedy podcasts available to subscribe to.

These comedy podcasts are usually created by a small team of people who do the work in their free time, as a hobby, not as a source of income. Because it is a hobby, they're more willing to give the work away for free, for nothing more than recognition, probably in the hopes they can parlay that recognition into a more mainstream job. Some more corporate groups also put together comedy podcasts, however. The satirical comedy web site TheOnion.com puts out a regular comedy podcast, featuring readings from their fake news site.

Placing a comedy podcast on the Internet has several advantages for the creators. They get to showcase their work, easily distributing their art to many people. This following is likely to be be unusually passionate, following the artist with more enthusiasm than the artist's average audience. The comedian has a chance to be more open with the audience, engaging in a sort of dialogue with them. The comedian broadcasts the files, which enter the computer of the user, already a more personal level than simply hearing the jokester on the radio or on television. Compedy podcast subscribers will often then write back to the podcaster, or leave comments on the blog which often accompanies a podcast site. This can give them a degree of input and connection with the writers of the comedy podcast that is far removed from other styles of comedy distribution.

The writers and producers of a comedy podcast thus benefit from several advantages of the podcast form. It is cheap and easy to set up, and uses a distribution mechanism that is also easy to use. The way the podcast form is designed, as well, creates greater connection between the producer and the subscribers. The comedy writer has a greater ability to interact with the subscribers and to find out what they appreciate or do not. Because podcasting is so simple to get involved in, requiring only a small investment to get started, many amateur comedy writers have begun starting their own shows and distributing the feed. It is likely, because of the unique connection podcasting offers between writer and listener, that we will see at least some of these amateur comedians make the leap to the professional stage.

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Its easy to find and download a free podcast. The best way to find free podcasts is probably to check a podcast directory. A podcast directory is a listing of many, sometimes thousands of different podcasts. The podcast directory will usually organize the podcasts by topic and genre, making it easy to find the type of podcast that is sought. In addition, podcast directories often allow the visitors to comment on the podcasts listed, and provide a list of the favorite podcasts on the site, making it easy for users to find the best podcasts available. These podcast directories can be used to browse through, introducing users to many different podcasts they otherwise would not have found.

Once a podcast has been found that interests the user, it is necessary to download the free podcast. The vast majority of podcasts will be free, but there will be a few that may cost a small amount of money. The process to subscribe to and download the podcasts is the same in either case. First, a podcast client needs to be found and installed. There are many free podast clients available, all providing a slightly different user interface and range of options. They come with many different names, such as Podscape, or Nimiq, and searching for 'free podcast client' or something like it will turn up many possibilities. When the podcast client has been installed, inputting the feed address will allow the podcast to be downloaded. The podcast client will check the address given for a small, machine readable file called an RSS file. This file will contain information about the podcasts, perhaps some text about the individual episodes, as well as the location of the episode file. Once the podcast client has been located the file referred to in the RSS feed, it will be downloaded and stored on the users computer until the want to view it.

Sometimes, of course, access to a personal computer is not available, but it is still necessary to check a certain podcast. Fortunately, many podcast directories offer built in podcast readers in the site. Not only do they often show each recent episode that is available, they may also offer a way to view or listen to those podcast episodes from within the site. By using the viewer contained within the site, it is no longer necessary to even download the podcast episodes. However, the ability to move and share the episodes after downloading is one of the wonderful things about podcasting. The files can be placed on almost and media player, ranging from iPods to the new Play Station Portable. This flexibility is one of the reasons podcasts have succeeded, despite other technologies like streaming music and video. The desire of consumers to have control over technology cannot be over estimated.

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With the rise of podcasting, many individuals and organizations are finding that podcasting is a great way to distribute information, from music and comedy shows to talk shows, even podcast news. CNET is one of the groups that is distributing a news podcast. CNET, being an online technology site, naturally found a niche distributing a tech news related podcast.

CNET's recent podcasts covered such topics as viruses that attack cell phones, problems with Google's software, China's web restrictions and the "Great Firewall of China", and the FTC's attack on spyware. These news items were distributed in a sound file called an mp3 file that is downloadable to a listener's computer for listening whenever they wish. While these files were available straight from CNET's site, the majority of them are shared through the use of an RSS file. An RSS file is a small piece of XML coding that is downloadable by programs designed to read it. These programs are called podcast clients, and the user can input the address of the RSS files that hold the information on the feed. The feed will contain links to the media files of the podcast, and will download the new updates automatically.

More sites than CNET are finding that podcast news is an expoitable technology. The British Broadcasting Corporation podcasts some of it's programs, as well as the US radio network NPR. The NPR, because its work is created by a variety of different groups, treats podcasts differently from show to show.

The NPR show "This American Life" distributes a podcast of the show through a site called audible.com, which allows feed listeners to subscribe to the feed for a small fee and download the show . The NPR Hourly News show, on the other hand, shares a short 5 minute broadcast that summarizes the news for free. Since the NPR is taking a radio show and converting it into a file that is downloadable by the user, little is lost in the translation. The sound is designed to convey the entire story, and so podcast subscribers are able to treate the podcast as nothing more than TIVO for the radio. ABC's podcast of the news show Nightline, on the other hand, is simply the sound track from the television show.

This has been one of the criticisms of the Nightline podcast, because by merely stripping the sound from what is designed as a television show, much information is not given to the users. Listeners have problems telling who is who because they miss the visual cues that were supposed to be there, and there is no truly easy way to convert the shows. For this reason, some news shows have been moving from audio podcasts to video ones. They can take the video information directly from the show that is broadcast, lower the visual resolution to shrink the file, and distribute it online as a podcast.

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Anyone can easily find free podcast videos online. There are numerous podcast directories online that can help you find feeds to subscribe to, or you may find a feed thats available from a site you enjoy. After looking through the directories and finding a feed you want to download, subscribe to it using one of the many free podcast clients available.

The podcast client will automaticall download a small file called an RSS file, which stands for Really Simple Syndication. The RSS file tells your podcast client when there is a new file, in this case a video, to download. Depending on your client, the program will notify you or maybe even download it automatically. Once the file is on your computer, you'll be free to listen to it any time it is convenient.

Soon you'll be on your way to downloading some of the free podcast videos available online. Feeds are available that publish on almost every topic, from independent news shows to experimental videos, to scientific information. Some colleges and universities even podcast their most popular lectures so that students will have a chance to watch and review from the comfort of their computer chair.

The best part is that these free podcast videos, are of course, free. All of these feeds are easy to find, and the publishers, for the most part, do it simply because they enjoy it, and are glad to give it away.

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There are many podcasts on PSP available. Some of them simply share information on the PlayStation Portable and distribute it to people interested in portable gaming. These podcasts serve as news organizations, sharing audio or visual files talking about the PlayStation Portable and speculating about updates to the PSP. The vast majority, however, take advantage of the ability of the PlayStation Portable's ability to download and play quality videos on the gaming screen. Developers of the program PSP Video 9 first created a program that could change videos from computer types like .avi and .mpeg to the format used by the Play Station Portable.

Once that was done, it was quickly possible to create podcasts for the PSP. Podcasters began creating video files, changing them to a format readable by the PlayStation Portable, and distributing them by podast feed. These podcast feeds are subscribed to by people interested in the feed, who download the episodes as they come out. After the video files are transfered to the PlayStation Portable, they can be viewed whenever the end user wishes, just like the other movies and professionally done videos available for the PSP. The PlayStation Portable has thus been changed from simply being a portable gaming platform to a piece of full featured media hardware capable of playing games, storing information, and playing videos and movies, moving toward a more complex future.

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Podcasting is easy to get involved in for anyone who wants to create a podcast. The first thing necessary is access to a web server. The user needs to be able to upload files to the server itself, so podcasting can't be done from a simple blogging or journal site. It's probably best to register a domain and find a host for the site. Once the site has been set up and the user has access to the host server, a small program called dircaster.php should be customized for your site, and can be used to automatically generate the RSS feed that the subscribers will download.

The mp3 files should be uploaded to the proper directory after all the information about the file has been attached. After they are in the directory, the address of dircaster.php, as long as it is in the same directory as the mp3 files, will generate an RSS file that will tell your subscribers where to download the latest podcasts from. To update and and a new episode, create and upload the new mp3 file to the same directory. When dircaster.php is accessed, it will recognize the new file and relay the information on to your visitors.

With these steps, it is easy for anyone to create a podcast with a small expenditure of time and effort. The site is easy to set up; domains and hosting are now cheap enough almost anyone to have a small site, and the programs necessary are all easy to find and use.

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Many music podcasts are available online for downloading; if one wanted to find, for instance, a hip hop mix podcast, there are a few sites available to help. The first possibility would be to go directly to a site which creates one and subscribe to it using a podcast client which automatically checks the feed for new episodes and downloads them for the user. If, however, one did not know of any hip hop mix podcast sites, or simply wanted to find new podcast sites, the best possibility would be to check a podcast directory, a list of podcasts that can be browsed.

Hip hop mix podcasts could easily be found at one of these podcast directories. A podcast directory stores lists of podcasts which have been submitted to the site, and categorizes them by genre, type of podcast, region, and other meta data. To find a hip hop mix podcast, visiting a podcast directory and checking under music podcasts, and then under hip hop music would find many podcasts which play that type of music.

The hip hop mix podcast could then be subscribed to by inputting the feed address listed into one of the many podcast clients. The music will come in episodes, the name for each downloadable portion of a podcast. Some of these podcasts may feature independent artists, musicians trying to break into the music industry who have chosen podcasting as a way of sharing their music and gaining a following. Others may be remixes of popular songs that have been changed in some way to give a different feel to the music. Often, the artists may already be established, though, and they still see podcasting as a way to introduce themselves to a larger audience. They may grant rights to pay certain hip hip songs to a podcaster, letting them play the music as part of their mix distribution while requesting a link to a site where more information can be learned about the artists and music can be purchased. Artists that have done this include alias, edan, outerspace, RA the rugged man, roots manuva, and outer space.

A large number of podcasts featuring hip hop mix podcasts are actually radio stations, however. These broadcasters have found that podcasting their shows and selections is an easy way to reach more listeners and gain a greater audience. These podcasters can reach more people easier and cheaper than they can by playing hip hop mix music over the airwaves in their local areas. Playing hip hop music over the internet is probably the way many future artists will do their work, and there are many ways available even now that they can do so and make a profit. For instance, some podcasts are designed to work on a payment basis. A hip hop artist who wished to share his music could charge for addition to the feed list, then issue a unique feed address to the user, allowing them to hear new pieces of hip hop music released. The hip hop music file could even be designed so it could not be copied and used by another user at a different computer, to ensure that the artist could maintain control over his work.

(Word count 541)

Located in San Diego California, the Cabrillo National Monument provides a historic lighthouse with plenty of activities. There are great views here as well, with tidepools, flora and fauna, whales to watch, and even military history.

The Monument offers hiking along designated trails, bicycling on paved roadways, and swimming within the park boundaries. Fishing is permitted here as well, with hook and line - although only one fish may be taken. When walking the trails and exploring, make sure to be on the lookout for cliff areas, as they can be very unstable.

A lot of visitors come to the National Monument to enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Because of this very reason, the park has become of the best harbor views anywhere in California - or the world for that matter!

The tidepools are great to see here as well, although you should always be careful. Even though they are great to admire, the surface may be very slippery.

Anytime you are in the San Diego area, a trip to the Cabrillo National Monument is more than worth the time. You can walk the trails, have fun, or just enjoy the breathtaking views of San Diego that only the Cabrillo National Monument can provide you with.

(word count 215)

The Seaport Village of San Diego combines the best of waterfront shopping, dining, and overall family entertainment. While the Marina Park is here as well, nearby is the small but popular San Diego public park.

In Seaport Village you'll find 14 acres of pleasure with more than 75 shops and galleries, restaurants, and eateries on the sidewalk. Even though the area is primarily targeted towards visitors, locals get the best of the best with the restaurants and their out of town company.

The San Diego Pier Cafe is also here, which is one of the best known restaurants in the area. Located on the bay, the cafe provides seafood with breathtaking views.

The Seaport village provides a great place to view Coronado and the Coronado Bridge, as it overlooks the harbor. Just a short stroll from the village, you have the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Providing plenty to do and plenty of things to see nearby, Seaport Village has it all going on. A visit here is unlike any other, as the city of San Diego will always have something unique to offer you and your entire family.

(word count 194)

The San Diego Zoo, located in San Diego California is one of the best zoo's in the United States. Serving as one of the main reasons to visit San Diego, the zoo houses nearly 4,000 animals. Also in the zoo, are the infamous pandas, one of the main reasons as to why the zoo is so popular.

Among the many animals you'll find here are the pandas, giraffes, tigers, and basically any other animal that you can think of. The animals themselves have plenty of room to run and play, giving you all the space you need to view them in their active environment and best of all - while they are at their best.

Anytime you plan to visit San Diego, you should make sure you visit the zoo. Kids simply adore the animals here, while parents find them adorable. Even if you have never been to a zoo before, the San Diego Zoo can more than change your outlook.

Once you enter the zoo, you can check out the animals, get some food, or just walk around. The park is enormous in size, having everything you can basically think of when it comes to animals. Once you visit, you may find yourself hating time when it comes time to leave!

(word count 212)

On the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego, the Convention Center provides the best of facilities for trade shows, conventions, and even corporate meetings or all sizes. For breaks and outdoor events, there are landscaped terraces available that overlook the bay.

The civic theatre in the Convention Center, offers 2,975 seats for meetings and formal assemblies. This helps to make the Convention Center the biggest and best equipped of all performing arts theaters in San Diego.

With its great views of the water and city, the Convention Center is also convenient to hotels, shopping stores, and plenty of entertainment. Within walking distance you also have the Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, Petco Park, and Seaport Village.

Held here, are events such as the International Auto Show, Boat Show, and many others. The San Diego Convention Center is located at 202 C. Street, in downtown San Diego.

Undergoing expansion in 2001, the center doubled it's space. It now offers 500,000 square foot of exhibit space, 90,000 square feet of multi-function space, 72 meeting rooms, and now 90,000 square foot of glass enclosed pavilion.

Those visiting the San Diego area or those who reside here should check with the Convention Center to see if there is anything going on. The Convention Center is a great place to visit - especially if there is something interesting going on.

(word count 223)

Located at the Northwest end of San Diego, within the city limits, Torrey Pines offers you over 2000 wild and natural acres. Along with the trees of Torrey Pines, there's a visitor center, miles and miles of trails, miles of beaches, and a lagoon that's a vital area for seabirds.

The State Preserve of Torrey Pines not only preserves the trees but the salt marshes and waterfowl refuges as well. The Torrey Pines State Beach here stretches nearly four miles, from Del Mar to the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines Mesa.

Also found here is Blacks Beach, located at the base of the 300 foot cliffs. The cliffs here offer paragliding, remote control gliding, and even hang gliding. At the north end of Blacks Beach, clothing is optional. To be on the safe side, always read the signs and follow the rules of the beach.

With plenty to offer, Torrey Pines State Preserve is a great addition to the already vast area of San Diego. You can visit here from San Diego, as it's a short drive away. Torrey Pines has great beaches and plenty of trails for you to see. As a family trip, Torrey Pines is a great place to spend the afternoon on your once in a lifetime vacation.

(word count 212)

Located in San Diego California, the Cabrillo National Monument provides a historic lighthouse with plenty of activities. There are great views here as well, with tidepools, flora and fauna, whales to watch, and even military history.

The Monument offers hiking along designated trails, bicycling on paved roadways, and swimming within the park boundaries. Fishing is permitted here as well, with hook and line - although only one fish may be taken. When walking the trails and exploring, make sure to be on the lookout for cliff areas, as they can be very unstable.

A lot of visitors come to the National Monument to enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Because of this very reason, the park has become of the best harbor views anywhere in California - or the world for that matter!

The tidepools are great to see here as well, although you should always be careful. Even though they are great to admire, the surface may be very slippery.

Anytime you are in the San Diego area, a trip to the Cabrillo National Monument is more than worth the time. You can walk the trails, have fun, or just enjoy the breathtaking views of San Diego that only the Cabrillo National Monument can provide you with.

(word count 215)

The Seaport Village of San Diego combines the best of waterfront shopping, dining, and overall family entertainment. While the Marina Park is here as well, nearby is the small but popular San Diego public park.

In Seaport Village you'll find 14 acres of pleasure with more than 75 shops and galleries, restaurants, and eateries on the sidewalk. Even though the area is primarily targeted towards visitors, locals get the best of the best with the restaurants and their out of town company.

The San Diego Pier Cafe is also here, which is one of the best known restaurants in the area. Located on the bay, the cafe provides seafood with breathtaking views.

The Seaport village provides a great place to view Coronado and the Coronado Bridge, as it overlooks the harbor. Just a short stroll from the village, you have the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Providing plenty to do and plenty of things to see nearby, Seaport Village has it all going on. A visit here is unlike any other, as the city of San Diego will always have something unique to offer you and your entire family.

(word count 194)

The San Diego Zoo, located in San Diego California is one of the best zoo's in the United States. Serving as one of the main reasons to visit San Diego, the zoo houses nearly 4,000 animals. Also in the zoo, are the infamous pandas, one of the main reasons as to why the zoo is so popular.

Among the many animals you'll find here are the pandas, giraffes, tigers, and basically any other animal that you can think of. The animals themselves have plenty of room to run and play, giving you all the space you need to view them in their active environment and best of all - while they are at their best.

Anytime you plan to visit San Diego, you should make sure you visit the zoo. Kids simply adore the animals here, while parents find them adorable. Even if you have never been to a zoo before, the San Diego Zoo can more than change your outlook.

Once you enter the zoo, you can check out the animals, get some food, or just walk around. The park is enormous in size, having everything you can basically think of when it comes to animals. Once you visit, you may find yourself hating time when it comes time to leave!

(word count 212)

On the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego, the Convention Center provides the best of facilities for trade shows, conventions, and even corporate meetings or all sizes. For breaks and outdoor events, there are landscaped terraces available that overlook the bay.

The civic theatre in the Convention Center, offers 2,975 seats for meetings and formal assemblies. This helps to make the Convention Center the biggest and best equipped of all performing arts theaters in San Diego.

With its great views of the water and city, the Convention Center is also convenient to hotels, shopping stores, and plenty of entertainment. Within walking distance you also have the Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, Petco Park, and Seaport Village.

Held here, are events such as the International Auto Show, Boat Show, and many others. The San Diego Convention Center is located at 202 C. Street, in downtown San Diego.

Undergoing expansion in 2001, the center doubled it's space. It now offers 500,000 square foot of exhibit space, 90,000 square feet of multi-function space, 72 meeting rooms, and now 90,000 square foot of glass enclosed pavilion.

Those visiting the San Diego area or those who reside here should check with the Convention Center to see if there is anything going on. The Convention Center is a great place to visit - especially if there is something interesting going on.

(word count 223)

Located at the Northwest end of San Diego, within the city limits, Torrey Pines offers you over 2000 wild and natural acres. Along with the trees of Torrey Pines, there's a visitor center, miles and miles of trails, miles of beaches, and a lagoon that's a vital area for seabirds.

The State Preserve of Torrey Pines not only preserves the trees but the salt marshes and waterfowl refuges as well. The Torrey Pines State Beach here stretches nearly four miles, from Del Mar to the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines Mesa.

Also found here is Blacks Beach, located at the base of the 300 foot cliffs. The cliffs here offer paragliding, remote control gliding, and even hang gliding. At the north end of Blacks Beach, clothing is optional. To be on the safe side, always read the signs and follow the rules of the beach.

With plenty to offer, Torrey Pines State Preserve is a great addition to the already vast area of San Diego. You can visit here from San Diego, as it's a short drive away. Torrey Pines has great beaches and plenty of trails for you to see. As a family trip, Torrey Pines is a great place to spend the afternoon on your once in a lifetime vacation.

(word count 212)

The Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego contains some of the most extensive and dramatically designed historic buildings in the area. Constructed between 1873 and 1930, these Victorian style buildings are truly a sight to behold.

The Victorian era buildings found in the Gaslamp Quarter are home to night clubs, restaurants, theaters, and shops. A simple stroll down 4th and 5th avenue will put you at the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Also found in the Gaslamp Quarter is the Horton Plaza and Horton Plaza Park. The Plaza is the first place in the United States to feature a water fountain containing electric lights; a true tribute to the designer Alonzo Horton.

The Gaslamp Quarter received its name from the gaslamps that were used in the area around the early 1900's. During those times, gaslamps were the main source of light for the area that is now the vision of Modern Day San Diego.

Now days, there are more than 130 stores and shops filling the Gaslamp Quarter. With everything from Macy's to Mervyns, Gaslamp Quarter has plenty for you to see and do. In Horton Plaza, you can find a multi screen movie theater that is sure to please movie lovers.

For a wonderful experience, the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego shouldn't be overlooked. There is a lot you can do here, from fine dining to excellent shops. For a family vacation, San Diego has a little bit of something for everyone.

(word count 242)

Along with the beaches La Jolla gives the San Diego area, it also has some very nice caves. The caves of La Jolla are great for tours, exploring, or anyone wanting to see the best of La Jolla.

Carved into the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla, there are seven caves. Most of the time, you can visit any seven of these caves by sea kayak. Although all but one are accessible by foot, you should be very carefully when minus tides sweep the area.

The Sunny Jim Cave is one of the most popular and well known caves of La Jolla. You can enter through the Cave Store by paying a small fee. There are 145 steep steps to get through the cave, which is great for exploring and seeing the area.

The cave store can tell you many things about the caves, including tours. If you plan to visit the La Jolla area of San Diego, the caves can be a great place to explore. Those of you who have kids coming along for the trip, should remember to be very careful - as the caves provide a lot of beauty - they can also provide a lot of danger as well.

(word count 203)

The area of Mission Beach is a stretch of the sandbar along the Pacific Ocean. Through Mission Beach, the main artery is Mission Boulevard. This Boulevard is a popular place to go in the summer or winter, as there are main shops and restaurants.

Near Mission Beach, you'll find attractions such as Sea World and Belmont Park. Both amusement parks are well known, and very popular. Within the two you'll find rides such as the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Chaos, Vertical Plunge, the Liberty Carousel, and The Trampoline.

Mission Beach also gives you plenty of opportunities to participate in volleyball, tanning, surfing, skateboarding, and many other activities. There is also a local skating club, Skate This, which performs for free on the weekends with sick tricks and dancing.

Even though nudity isn't allowed on the beach, alcohol still is. Thong bikinis aren't legal on the beach, although lifeguards and security personal normally don't make a big deal about it.

With plenty of shops and restaurants, Mission Beach in San Diego is a great place to go. The beach is very warm and offers a sandy environment. If you like the beach with other perks to offer, Mission Beach is one place you should check out.

(word count 205)

Since 1948, the Maritime Museum located in San Diego has served the city in many big ways. The museum here is dedicated to collecting and preserving the rich maritime heritage and historic values of the city - then presenting it to the public.

The biggest attraction to the museum is the historic ships. Here, you'll find five great examples of maritime vessels - Berkeley, Californian, Medea, Pilot, and the Star of India. All across the museum you can find many examples of Naval technology and ships of the past. The guides at the Maritime Museum are very friendly and helpful, willing to answer any question that you may have.

Nearby to the museum, you have several attractions and things to see. With the museum being in the downtown area of San Diego, it's very close to some of the other things that San Diego is so very well known for.

If you happen to be on vacation in San Diego, make sure you visit the Maritime Museum. Kids love to see the ships on display, as well as the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, which is a short walk from the Maritime Museum.

(word count 193)

Referred to as many as being the only area in the United States with perfect weather, San Diego remains the oldest port on the West Coast. Complete with a well known Naval Base and a high level of tourism, this breathtaking city continues to dominate the economy.

Aside from offering high mountains, deserts, and over 70 miles of the world's most renowned beaches, San Diego also offers other great attractions such as Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Wild Animal Park.

For art lovers, there are many different museums and even the Shakespearean play at the Old Globe Theater. Throw in the fact that San Diego has more championship golf courses than any other area in the world, and you have a city ready for anyone's imagination.

As a tourist city or a place to call home, San Diego is one place you should at least visit. The night life here rivals that of Las Vegas, giving you something for everyone in the family. Young or old - San Diego is the one city that you'll never find boring.

(word count 180)

Mission Bay Park in San Diego is the largest facility of its kind, offering over 4,600 acres with free recreational activities for visitors. What was once a sprawling swamp in the 1960's, was dredged and transformed into what is now a great attraction to the San Diego area.

Across the 27 miles of bayfront, water activities are all over the place here. For beach lovers, there are 17 miles of oceanfront property, including Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. There are separate areas as well, for swimming, fishing, boating, and even sailing. Mission Park also offers free events such as volleyball, jetski, and many different types of competitions and exhibitions.

For the children, Mission Bay Park offers a playground area with plenty of other things to do as well. Mission Park has always been an attraction, one that keeps people coming back for more.

For those living in the area, Mission Bay in San Diego provides plenty of things to do. The location is great, with something always going on. If you plan to visit San Diego in the near future - make sure you drop by Mission Bay and see what makes this area one of the best in the world.

(word count 201)

The Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego contains some of the most extensive and dramatically designed historic buildings in the area. Constructed between 1873 and 1930, these Victorian style buildings are truly a sight to behold.

The Victorian era buildings found in the Gaslamp Quarter are home to night clubs, restaurants, theaters, and shops. A simple stroll down 4th and 5th avenue will put you at the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Also found in the Gaslamp Quarter is the Horton Plaza and Horton Plaza Park. The Plaza is the first place in the United States to feature a water fountain containing electric lights; a true tribute to the designer Alonzo Horton.

The Gaslamp Quarter received its name from the gaslamps that were used in the area around the early 1900's. During those times, gaslamps were the main source of light for the area that is now the vision of Modern Day San Diego.

Now days, there are more than 130 stores and shops filling the Gaslamp Quarter. With everything from Macy's to Mervyns, Gaslamp Quarter has plenty for you to see and do. In Horton Plaza, you can find a multi screen movie theater that is sure to please movie lovers.

For a wonderful experience, the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego shouldn't be overlooked. There is a lot you can do here, from fine dining to excellent shops. For a family vacation, San Diego has a little bit of something for everyone.

(word count 242)

Along with the beaches La Jolla gives the San Diego area, it also has some very nice caves. The caves of La Jolla are great for tours, exploring, or anyone wanting to see the best of La Jolla.

Carved into the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla, there are seven caves. Most of the time, you can visit any seven of these caves by sea kayak. Although all but one are accessible by foot, you should be very carefully when minus tides sweep the area.

The Sunny Jim Cave is one of the most popular and well known caves of La Jolla. You can enter through the Cave Store by paying a small fee. There are 145 steep steps to get through the cave, which is great for exploring and seeing the area.

The cave store can tell you many things about the caves, including tours. If you plan to visit the La Jolla area of San Diego, the caves can be a great place to explore. Those of you who have kids coming along for the trip, should remember to be very careful - as the caves provide a lot of beauty - they can also provide a lot of danger as well.

(word count 203)

The area of Mission Beach is a stretch of the sandbar along the Pacific Ocean. Through Mission Beach, the main artery is Mission Boulevard. This Boulevard is a popular place to go in the summer or winter, as there are main shops and restaurants.

Near Mission Beach, you'll find attractions such as Sea World and Belmont Park. Both amusement parks are well known, and very popular. Within the two you'll find rides such as the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Chaos, Vertical Plunge, the Liberty Carousel, and The Trampoline.

Mission Beach also gives you plenty of opportunities to participate in volleyball, tanning, surfing, skateboarding, and many other activities. There is also a local skating club, Skate This, which performs for free on the weekends with sick tricks and dancing.

Even though nudity isn't allowed on the beach, alcohol still is. Thong bikinis aren't legal on the beach, although lifeguards and security personal normally don't make a big deal about it.

With plenty of shops and restaurants, Mission Beach in San Diego is a great place to go. The beach is very warm and offers a sandy environment. If you like the beach with other perks to offer, Mission Beach is one place you should check out.

(word count 205)

Since 1948, the Maritime Museum located in San Diego has served the city in many big ways. The museum here is dedicated to collecting and preserving the rich maritime heritage and historic values of the city - then presenting it to the public.

The biggest attraction to the museum is the historic ships. Here, you'll find five great examples of maritime vessels - Berkeley, Californian, Medea, Pilot, and the Star of India. All across the museum you can find many examples of Naval technology and ships of the past. The guides at the Maritime Museum are very friendly and helpful, willing to answer any question that you may have.

Nearby to the museum, you have several attractions and things to see. With the museum being in the downtown area of San Diego, it's very close to some of the other things that San Diego is so very well known for.

If you happen to be on vacation in San Diego, make sure you visit the Maritime Museum. Kids love to see the ships on display, as well as the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, which is a short walk from the Maritime Museum.

(word count 193)

Referred to as many as being the only area in the United States with perfect weather, San Diego remains the oldest port on the West Coast. Complete with a well known Naval Base and a high level of tourism, this breathtaking city continues to dominate the economy.

Aside from offering high mountains, deserts, and over 70 miles of the world's most renowned beaches, San Diego also offers other great attractions such as Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Wild Animal Park.

For art lovers, there are many different museums and even the Shakespearean play at the Old Globe Theater. Throw in the fact that San Diego has more championship golf courses than any other area in the world, and you have a city ready for anyone's imagination.

As a tourist city or a place to call home, San Diego is one place you should at least visit. The night life here rivals that of Las Vegas, giving you something for everyone in the family. Young or old - San Diego is the one city that you'll never find boring.

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Mission Bay Park in San Diego is the largest facility of its kind, offering over 4,600 acres with free recreational activities for visitors. What was once a sprawling swamp in the 1960's, was dredged and transformed into what is now a great attraction to the San Diego area.

Across the 27 miles of bayfront, water activities are all over the place here. For beach lovers, there are 17 miles of oceanfront property, including Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. There are separate areas as well, for swimming, fishing, boating, and even sailing. Mission Park also offers free events such as volleyball, jetski, and many different types of competitions and exhibitions.

For the children, Mission Bay Park offers a playground area with plenty of other things to do as well. Mission Park has always been an attraction, one that keeps people coming back for more.

For those living in the area, Mission Bay in San Diego provides plenty of things to do. The location is great, with something always going on. If you plan to visit San Diego in the near future - make sure you drop by Mission Bay and see what makes this area one of the best in the world.

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Located in the Ocean Beach Community, Ocean Beach is actually just south of the entrance to the Mission Bay channel. Located at 1950 Abbott Street, the beach is a very popular location in the summer. During the winter months, couples like to walk the beach and just bask in the presence.

The Ocean Beach is wide in structure, about a mile long. Along the north end of the beach, you'll find a volleyball court. During the summer, the court isalways teeming with people playing volleyball while the sand around it is teeming with people watching.

At the south end of the beach you'll find the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier. The Pier is open to the public with plenty of walking and fishing available. Located on the pier is a bait and tackle shop along with a restaurant. Although you don't need a fishing license to fish off the dock, catch regulations are enforced.

If you walk to the south end of the beach you'll find many restaurants, surfing shops, and many other commercial shops and establishments. Although you can travel to the north end of Ocean Beach, it's mostly bordered by residents of the ocean area.

The unique part of Ocean Beach is the Dog Beach, located at the north end. This sandy area is where dogs can run and play without a leash - anytime - day or night. Although dog owners are responsible for their dogs and the clean up of them, Dog Beach is actually pretty nifty for anyone who owns dogs.

For your protection along the beach, lifeguards are out each and every day, year round. They are generally on duty from 9 AM until dark although you can check with them for their specific hours of operation. They are there for your protection and very willing to answer any question that you may have.

Keep in mind while on the beach, California beaches do experience powerful rip currents. It's because of these currents that beaches in California experience over 1,000 rescues by lifeguards every year. To be on the safe side while in San Diego at Ocean Beach, it's always a good idea to swim near a lifeguard.

For those who like surfing, surfing is permitted at Ocean Beach in designated areas. Scuba isn't recommended however, because of the lack of undersea life, heavy rip currents, and the surf.

For swimming or enjoying the California lifestyle, Ocean Beach is a great place to go. It is a very popular place in the summer, drawing hundreds of thousands of people. If you long for a taste of the California lifestyle, make sure you visit Ocean Beach in San Diego.

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Alive with the sea and plenty of activities for all that visit, Pacific Beach is a great place. With plenty of activities to offer visitors, Pacific Beach in San Diego has seen well over 26 million visitors! With numbers like these, you know you really can't go wrong by visiting.

Aside from the wonders of the beach, the boutique shopping distric of Pacific Beach features hundreds and hundreds of choices to find treasure in the sand. With local names such as the L.A. Rack and Starbucks, this is truly a shoppers paradise. There are also new and retail clothing stores, salons, and many other stores to be found here in this shopping paradise.

When it comes to the nightlife and exquisite dining, Pacific Beach has it all covered. The restaurant experience here is as diverse as the undersea life. You can find everything here from fusion Thai to gourmet pasta, seafood to hamburgers and virtually everything in between.

When the sun starts to set and the tide changes, the Pacific Beach seems to come to life. There are dozens of nighttime high spots with dancing, live music, and some of the best beach bars in California. With most being found within walking distance of the hotels, Pacific Beach does it's part to simplify your experience.

Arguably the best feature to Pacific Beach is the golden sands that California is so very well known for. The beach and the Ocean Front Boardwalk are both modest in their approach to offer bike and board rental stores, beach-front dining with great views, and plenty of green parks for you to experience.

Being out on the sand, you can experience the thrill of horseshoes, the hot girls, dolphins playing in the water, and endless surf competitions in the summer. The summer is definately a little bit hotter when you are sitting in the ocean at Pacific Beach with your toes in the sand.

With Mission Bay Park and the Historic Crystal Pier nearby, you'll always find something to do here. Mission Bay is a public park, offering the world famous Sea World, with plenty of amusement park rides, undersea wildlife to see, and plenty of fine dining.

On the other hand, the Historic Crystal Pier offers a taste of Southern California reinvented. A walk along the pier can bring back a taste of days gone by, coupled with the lifestyle that only California can bring.

With a taste of the ocean and everthing in between, Pacific Beach makes for a great and unforgettable summer. Offering plenty of shops, fine dining, and California sand, this is one area of San Diego that should be visited - time and time again!

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As vast as the San Diego harbor is, a simple walk around it doesn't do it justice! To partake in the beauty that is San Diego Harbor, you need to take a tour of the bay. San Diego Harbor Excursion can help you do that, as they are the most established tour company throughout the bay.

As a guest, they will treat you with as one of them, helping to bring your cruise to life. There are a few parts to the tour, ensuring that you get the most out of your time on the cruise.

Tour of the North Bay
On your tour of the North Bay, you'll see the North Island Naval Air Station, Shelter Islands, and even the Naval Sub Base. If you look closely, you'll also be able see the Cabrillo National Monument as well.

The tour of the North Bay is around 12 miles in length and lasts about an hour. This is a fine tour for anyone interested in the Navy as well. During your tour the guides will explain everything to you as you see it. This way, you'll always know what's going on.

Tour of the South Bay
Your tour of the South Bay consists of the Star of India, the Naval surface fleet, Coronado Bay Bridge, and the shipyards. This is a very busy and hectic area, which makes a tour excellent to see everything that this area has to offer.

The tour of South Bay is roughly 12 miles in length and also lasts around an hour. The guides will explain things here to you as well, ensuring that you know exactly what you are seeing.

Tour of the Bay
Those of you who are looking to see it all should go for the deluxe tour of the entire bay. You'll see everything covered in the North and South Bay, along with everything else the bay has to offer. The tour is around 25 miles in length and lasts around 2 hours.

To get started on your tour, all you need to do is contact the Harbor Excursion. The price for the tour is very reasonable, considering everything you'll be seeing.

If you happen to live in San Diego, taking the tour is easier than ever. Those of you who are visiting or on vacation should give the tour a shot as well. This way you'll get to experience everything that San Diego Bay has to offer you without having to walk around. And best of all - tour guides will explain the sights to you - so you'll never miss a second.

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Aside from the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild Animal Park is the best place in San Diego to see animals. Over the spread of 1,800 acres, the animal park gives animals the room they need to roam and play. The animals here play just like they do in the wild, which almost makes you feel as if you are in their native of Africa and Asia.

Throughout the 30 year history of the animal park, the Noah's Ark symbol of endangered species has grown to dozens upon dozens of animals. Now, every Arabian Oryx found in the wild is the descendant stock from the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

In the park, there are many different paths you can take to visit the smaller animal exhibits. Although the smaller animals are a sight to see, the main thing to see is the hour long trip on the Bush Line Railway. Along the railway, you'll see animals that you'd never get the chance of seeing anywhere else, such as the white rhino and the rhinoceros.

If you plan to visit the park in the summer, it's always a good idea to visit early. On a normal summer day, ten - fifteen thousand people will visit the park. During the winter, the ratio is down as normally 2,000 people will visit. Although it's much colder in the winter, the park is less frequent with people looking to see the animals the park offers.

You can find the animal park 32 miles north of Escondido in San Diego. The park is in a peaceful area, which makes things a lot better for the animals that live there.

When visiting in the summer, it's a great idea to walk a while, then take the railway. After you have took the railway a bit, you can walk some more. It's also good to take plenty of sunscreen with you as well, as summer at the park can get very hot. Water is great as well, simply because the summer in California can be a bit of a scorcher.

The San Diego Wild Animal Park is ran by the San Diego Zoological Society. The society also runs the San Diego Zoo, which is one of the most popular animal parks in the entire world. With the park and the zoo, the society does more than its part to bring the best of seeing the animals to you.

The next time you are in San Diego or if you are visiting for the first time, the Wild Animal Park is a great place to visit. You can check out some truly endangered species and learn more about the types of animals that you'll see in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

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Although San Diego has many things for grown ups to enjoy, it hasa lot of activities for kids to enjoy as well. Custom made for families, San Diego has plenty of public parks, nice weather year round, several museums, and many things for children of all ages to amuse themselves with.

For kids who love animals, there's the well known San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Animal Park. The zoo is located in Balboa Park, while the park is located a bit north of the city. If you have the time, you should take a full day for your kids to enjoy the park and the zoo. If the traditional zoo makes your kids uncomfortable, the park is a great alternative.

Kids of all ages also enjoy the world famous Sea World, which is home to Shamu the killer whale and several other marine animals and exhibits. Sea World has been a great attraction for kids for many years, showing them the marine life like never before.

When it comes to the winter months, whale watching is a very popular activity. You can watch them from the coastline or take a cruise. Watching the gray whale is very amusing to kids, openening their minds to new possibilities.

Balboa Park is a great place to visit as well, as it has a lot more than the San Diego Zoo. There are places for kids to explore, with the children's museum, the Fleet Science Center, and the Natural History Museum.

Another popular park for kids is Legoland California, which is located north of San Diego. There are a lot of things to see in this park, with a majority of the park being built from the popular Lego blocks. Overall, this is one of the best and most quiet options for younger children.

Hitting the beach is great as well, as San Diego has many different beaches for kids of all ages. On the beaches, kids can build sandcastles, rent boogie boards, or just enjoy the swimming that San Diego so proudly displays.

Older kids will enjoy the true recreation mode for San Diego - roller skating and rollerblading. Along Mission Bay there are great spots, along with playgrounds and parks. You can fly kites here as well, which is a great break from the ordinary.

Amusement Parks are a great attraction in San Diego, with Belmont Park being very popular. There are many rides here, amusing kids for hours on end. The Giant Dipper and the Plunge are among the best, for younger or older kids.

If San Diego is on your family vacation list, rest assured that there will be plenty for your kids to do on your stay. They will feel right at home with the many things to do - while you your mate are occupied with plenty of things for you to do as well.

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Little Italy in San Diego is rapidly evolving as an inner city neighborhood that's perfect to live in, shop, dine, or visit. The Little Italy offers great views of the bay, art and cultural festivities, and great food.

The nearby street sign for Little Italy, created in 1999, signals that the area is the heart and soul of San Diego's inner community. The sign is truly a signal of peace, and can be found on India Street between Date and Fir.

Each and every year, there are nearly a dozen festivals held in Little Italy. There are tons of holiday celebrations, music, and art expo's. During this time, Little Italy comes alive like never before.

The heart of Little Italy is India Street. This street has plenty of outdoor cafes, restaurants, galleries, and specialty shops. Nearby Amici Park offers a playground for the Washington Elementary School and a community park that's complete with a bocce ball court.

Bigger than the Little Italy neighborhoods in New York and San Francisco, San Diego's Little Italy keeps getting bigger and better. The waterfront district of San Diego is bouncing back with Little Italy, proving to be a great place for tourist attraction.

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Located in the Ocean Beach Community, Ocean Beach is actually just south of the entrance to the Mission Bay channel. Located at 1950 Abbott Street, the beach is a very popular location in the summer. During the winter months, couples like to walk the beach and just bask in the presence.

The Ocean Beach is wide in structure, about a mile long. Along the north end of the beach, you'll find a volleyball court. During the summer, the court isalways teeming with people playing volleyball while the sand around it is teeming with people watching.

At the south end of the beach you'll find the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier. The Pier is open to the public with plenty of walking and fishing available. Located on the pier is a bait and tackle shop along with a restaurant. Although you don't need a fishing license to fish off the dock, catch regulations are enforced.

If you walk to the south end of the beach you'll find many restaurants, surfing shops, and many other commercial shops and establishments. Although you can travel to the north end of Ocean Beach, it's mostly bordered by residents of the ocean area.

The unique part of Ocean Beach is the Dog Beach, located at the north end. This sandy area is where dogs can run and play without a leash - anytime - day or night. Although dog owners are responsible for their dogs and the clean up of them, Dog Beach is actually pretty nifty for anyone who owns dogs.

For your protection along the beach, lifeguards are out each and every day, year round. They are generally on duty from 9 AM until dark although you can check with them for their specific hours of operation. They are there for your protection and very willing to answer any question that you may have.

Keep in mind while on the beach, California beaches do experience powerful rip currents. It's because of these currents that beaches in California experience over 1,000 rescues by lifeguards every year. To be on the safe side while in San Diego at Ocean Beach, it's always a good idea to swim near a lifeguard.

For those who like surfing, surfing is permitted at Ocean Beach in designated areas. Scuba isn't recommended however, because of the lack of undersea life, heavy rip currents, and the surf.

For swimming or enjoying the California lifestyle, Ocean Beach is a great place to go. It is a very popular place in the summer, drawing hundreds of thousands of people. If you long for a taste of the California lifestyle, make sure you visit Ocean Beach in San Diego.

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Alive with the sea and plenty of activities for all that visit, Pacific Beach is a great place. With plenty of activities to offer visitors, Pacific Beach in San Diego has seen well over 26 million visitors! With numbers like these, you know you really can't go wrong by visiting.

Aside from the wonders of the beach, the boutique shopping distric of Pacific Beach features hundreds and hundreds of choices to find treasure in the sand. With local names such as the L.A. Rack and Starbucks, this is truly a shoppers paradise. There are also new and retail clothing stores, salons, and many other stores to be found here in this shopping paradise.

When it comes to the nightlife and exquisite dining, Pacific Beach has it all covered. The restaurant experience here is as diverse as the undersea life. You can find everything here from fusion Thai to gourmet pasta, seafood to hamburgers and virtually everything in between.

When the sun starts to set and the tide changes, the Pacific Beach seems to come to life. There are dozens of nighttime high spots with dancing, live music, and some of the best beach bars in California. With most being found within walking distance of the hotels, Pacific Beach does it's part to simplify your experience.

Arguably the best feature to Pacific Beach is the golden sands that California is so very well known for. The beach and the Ocean Front Boardwalk are both modest in their approach to offer bike and board rental stores, beach-front dining with great views, and plenty of green parks for you to experience.

Being out on the sand, you can experience the thrill of horseshoes, the hot girls, dolphins playing in the water, and endless surf competitions in the summer. The summer is definately a little bit hotter when you are sitting in the ocean at Pacific Beach with your toes in the sand.

With Mission Bay Park and the Historic Crystal Pier nearby, you'll always find something to do here. Mission Bay is a public park, offering the world famous Sea World, with plenty of amusement park rides, undersea wildlife to see, and plenty of fine dining.

On the other hand, the Historic Crystal Pier offers a taste of Southern California reinvented. A walk along the pier can bring back a taste of days gone by, coupled with the lifestyle that only California can bring.

With a taste of the ocean and everthing in between, Pacific Beach makes for a great and unforgettable summer. Offering plenty of shops, fine dining, and California sand, this is one area of San Diego that should be visited - time and time again!

(word count 446)

As vast as the San Diego harbor is, a simple walk around it doesn't do it justice! To partake in the beauty that is San Diego Harbor, you need to take a tour of the bay. San Diego Harbor Excursion can help you do that, as they are the most established tour company throughout the bay.

As a guest, they will treat you with as one of them, helping to bring your cruise to life. There are a few parts to the tour, ensuring that you get the most out of your time on the cruise.

Tour of the North Bay
On your tour of the North Bay, you'll see the North Island Naval Air Station, Shelter Islands, and even the Naval Sub Base. If you look closely, you'll also be able see the Cabrillo National Monument as well.

The tour of the North Bay is around 12 miles in length and lasts about an hour. This is a fine tour for anyone interested in the Navy as well. During your tour the guides will explain everything to you as you see it. This way, you'll always know what's going on.

Tour of the South Bay
Your tour of the South Bay consists of the Star of India, the Naval surface fleet, Coronado Bay Bridge, and the shipyards. This is a very busy and hectic area, which makes a tour excellent to see everything that this area has to offer.

The tour of South Bay is roughly 12 miles in length and also lasts around an hour. The guides will explain things here to you as well, ensuring that you know exactly what you are seeing.

Tour of the Bay
Those of you who are looking to see it all should go for the deluxe tour of the entire bay. You'll see everything covered in the North and South Bay, along with everything else the bay has to offer. The tour is around 25 miles in length and lasts around 2 hours.

To get started on your tour, all you need to do is contact the Harbor Excursion. The price for the tour is very reasonable, considering everything you'll be seeing.

If you happen to live in San Diego, taking the tour is easier than ever. Those of you who are visiting or on vacation should give the tour a shot as well. This way you'll get to experience everything that San Diego Bay has to offer you without having to walk around. And best of all - tour guides will explain the sights to you - so you'll never miss a second.

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Aside from the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild Animal Park is the best place in San Diego to see animals. Over the spread of 1,800 acres, the animal park gives animals the room they need to roam and play. The animals here play just like they do in the wild, which almost makes you feel as if you are in their native of Africa and Asia.

Throughout the 30 year history of the animal park, the Noah's Ark symbol of endangered species has grown to dozens upon dozens of animals. Now, every Arabian Oryx found in the wild is the descendant stock from the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

In the park, there are many different paths you can take to visit the smaller animal exhibits. Although the smaller animals are a sight to see, the main thing to see is the hour long trip on the Bush Line Railway. Along the railway, you'll see animals that you'd never get the chance of seeing anywhere else, such as the white rhino and the rhinoceros.

If you plan to visit the park in the summer, it's always a good idea to visit early. On a normal summer day, ten - fifteen thousand people will visit the park. During the winter, the ratio is down as normally 2,000 people will visit. Although it's much colder in the winter, the park is less frequent with people looking to see the animals the park offers.

You can find the animal park 32 miles north of Escondido in San Diego. The park is in a peaceful area, which makes things a lot better for the animals that live there.

When visiting in the summer, it's a great idea to walk a while, then take the railway. After you have took the railway a bit, you can walk some more. It's also good to take plenty of sunscreen with you as well, as summer at the park can get very hot. Water is great as well, simply because the summer in California can be a bit of a scorcher.

The San Diego Wild Animal Park is ran by the San Diego Zoological Society. The society also runs the San Diego Zoo, which is one of the most popular animal parks in the entire world. With the park and the zoo, the society does more than its part to bring the best of seeing the animals to you.

The next time you are in San Diego or if you are visiting for the first time, the Wild Animal Park is a great place to visit. You can check out some truly endangered species and learn more about the types of animals that you'll see in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

(word count 456)

Although San Diego has many things for grown ups to enjoy, it hasa lot of activities for kids to enjoy as well. Custom made for families, San Diego has plenty of public parks, nice weather year round, several museums, and many things for children of all ages to amuse themselves with.

For kids who love animals, there's the well known San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Animal Park. The zoo is located in Balboa Park, while the park is located a bit north of the city. If you have the time, you should take a full day for your kids to enjoy the park and the zoo. If the traditional zoo makes your kids uncomfortable, the park is a great alternative.

Kids of all ages also enjoy the world famous Sea World, which is home to Shamu the killer whale and several other marine animals and exhibits. Sea World has been a great attraction for kids for many years, showing them the marine life like never before.

When it comes to the winter months, whale watching is a very popular activity. You can watch them from the coastline or take a cruise. Watching the gray whale is very amusing to kids, openening their minds to new possibilities.

Balboa Park is a great place to visit as well, as it has a lot more than the San Diego Zoo. There are places for kids to explore, with the children's museum, the Fleet Science Center, and the Natural History Museum.

Another popular park for kids is Legoland California, which is located north of San Diego. There are a lot of things to see in this park, with a majority of the park being built from the popular Lego blocks. Overall, this is one of the best and most quiet options for younger children.

Hitting the beach is great as well, as San Diego has many different beaches for kids of all ages. On the beaches, kids can build sandcastles, rent boogie boards, or just enjoy the swimming that San Diego so proudly displays.

Older kids will enjoy the true recreation mode for San Diego - roller skating and rollerblading. Along Mission Bay there are great spots, along with playgrounds and parks. You can fly kites here as well, which is a great break from the ordinary.

Amusement Parks are a great attraction in San Diego, with Belmont Park being very popular. There are many rides here, amusing kids for hours on end. The Giant Dipper and the Plunge are among the best, for younger or older kids.

If San Diego is on your family vacation list, rest assured that there will be plenty for your kids to do on your stay. They will feel right at home with the many things to do - while you your mate are occupied with plenty of things for you to do as well.

(word count 479)

Little Italy in San Diego is rapidly evolving as an inner city neighborhood that's perfect to live in, shop, dine, or visit. The Little Italy offers great views of the bay, art and cultural festivities, and great food.

The nearby street sign for Little Italy, created in 1999, signals that the area is the heart and soul of San Diego's inner community. The sign is truly a signal of peace, and can be found on India Street between Date and Fir.

Each and every year, there are nearly a dozen festivals held in Little Italy. There are tons of holiday celebrations, music, and art expo's. During this time, Little Italy comes alive like never before.

The heart of Little Italy is India Street. This street has plenty of outdoor cafes, restaurants, galleries, and specialty shops. Nearby Amici Park offers a playground for the Washington Elementary School and a community park that's complete with a bocce ball court.

Bigger than the Little Italy neighborhoods in New York and San Francisco, San Diego's Little Italy keeps getting bigger and better. The waterfront district of San Diego is bouncing back with Little Italy, proving to be a great place for tourist attraction.

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One of the biggest and most attractive features to San Diego is Sea World. Sea World is one of the most popular amusement parks and also happens to be one of the main reasons behind tourists. Anyone who visits San Diego has the intentions to visit Sea World - or at least they should.

Being famous for Shamu the killer whale, Sea World has the ability to entertain kids and adults for hours. There are many different animal shows here as well, along with other amusement park thrills. While Shamu is a must see, there are other animals here as well, that you simply have to see.

Sea World also offers an exciting dolphin interaction program where you can get in the water and play with the dolphins. This is a great learning experience, especially for those who love dolphins. Dolphins are an integral part of Sea World, as there are literally hundreds of them here.

Once you visit Sea World, you'll go below the surface and see life that you may have never before thought possible. You can feed the dolphins and other mammals, even count the teeth that a shark has! When you consider what Sea World has to offer, you simply can't compare it to any other amusement park.

On the entertainment side of things, Sea World offers a haunted lighthouse and several other rides and shows for you to see. You can even get an all day pass here, which is great for anyone who is wanting to enjoy all that Sea World has to offer.

New to Sea World is Believe. This is a new show that will show you Shamu like never before. It's a journey of wonder and magic that you simply must see to believe and appreciate.

No matter what season of the year you visit, you'll be happy to know that Sea World is open year round. It does close on major holidays though, which isn't really a bad thing. As long as you don't visit on a holiday you can pretty much expect Sea World to be open.

On a vacation, Sea World in San Diego will have something to please everyone. The kids will have plenty to do here, while you experience things that interest you as well. The neighboring areas to Sea World have plenty to offer you as well, from dining to many different sights to see.

When the time comes for you to go on vacation you shouldn't pass up Sea World. It's in a great location with plenty of activities and things to see. Sea World can show you the creatures of the sea like never before - which is reason enough to go.

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The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Mexican era of 1821 - 1872. Perfectly situated in San Diego, the park helps to recreate what was once San Diego. No matter how you look at it, a trip to California isn't complete without a visit to the Old Town.

Around the five adobes of the main complex, there are shops, a museum, and several restaurants. Around the garden courtyard, the La Casa mansion helps to bring back a taste of the Old Town. Just a short hop from there, the museum is full of artifacts that help to reflect on the life that was once the Old Town.

The Old Town also has a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and several other historic buildings, including the first newspaper office in San Diego. This is truly a place to visit, especially for those who are wanting to learn more about the history of San Diego.

The city of San Diego was the first Spanish settlement in California. This occurred when a fort and mission were established in 1769. Back in 1769, California was just beginning to get established, therefore it wasn't near the state nor the size that it is today.

When visiting the Old Town Park, you should make sure to visit the Robinson-Rose House Visitor Center. This center is reconstructed now and displays a model of Old Town and the way it looked back in 1872. The model that is on display was created by Joseph Toigo.

The Old Town Park also offers exhibits of the way things used to be, programs, and even guided tours. You can get a personal tour of the park, with a guide who will show you around and even explain things to you.

During your visit to the park, you can also enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic areas or get something to eat from one of many vendors. There are supplies here as well, including restrooms.

Those living in San Diego can find the Old Town Park on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street. Being close to the main city, visiting the Park is easier than you may think. If you live in the city but have never been to the park, you should stop by and take a look.

On a vacation or a visit from town, the Old Town San Diego helps to bring back a taste of the past. There is a lot to see here and a lot of historical value. All you need to do is stop by the park and see what you think about the way things used to be.

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It's no secret to anyone that the coast of San Diego is the ideal place to watch the annual migration of the gray whale. Looked upon as one of nature's ultimate spectacles; the migration of gray whales is nothing short of breathtaking. The coastline of San Diego is one of their migratory points as they travel from the waters of the Arctic to the warmer regions of the Baja (California), where females also give birth.

Every year, roughly 26,000 gray whales will make the long journey of 10,000+ miles from the Arctic to the Baja and back. If you look at this journey and compare it to any other mammal, you'll notice that the gray whale by far has the greatest amount of traveling at hand.

If you've never experienced whale watching, you'll be happy to know that anyone will find it memorable - young or old. Spotting a gray whale along the coastline is something that is truly a memorable moment, making you stop for a second and truly appreciate these awesome mammals.

If you ask the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, you'll find that gray whales are seen most frequently from December through March. While they travel in dozens normally, it's nothing to see pods of them (2 - 3) as they travel during migration. Throughout the coast of San Diego, you can easily spot these whales as they are somewhat slow swimmers.

During their swimming, they will normally dive to a depth of 100 feet or more for a few minutes, then surface and blow. Then, they will do a few shallow dives, before making that deep dive again. When watching whales, figuring out this pattern makes the success of watching them all the more fun and exciting.

While there are many common places to watch whales, nothing seems to compare to the excitement of watching them from aboard a cruise. There are many cruises that take place in San Diego, many of which offer unbeatable deals. From H&M Landing to the Birch Aquarium, cruises are some of the best ways to see the beauty and tranquility of the traveling gray whales.

The beauty of the gray whales can also be seen from many points of the San Diego coast, including the Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma or the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach. Along these points, you can see the whales as they make their travels.

Whether it's a cruise or just watching from the coast, whale watching in San Diego is something you truly have to see to appreciate. You can take your kids, family, or even your friends. Whale watching can definately be exciting, all you have to do is plan your day and enjoy everything that the beauty of the gray whale will provide you with.

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One of the biggest and most attractive features to San Diego is Sea World. Sea World is one of the most popular amusement parks and also happens to be one of the main reasons behind tourists. Anyone who visits San Diego has the intentions to visit Sea World - or at least they should.

Being famous for Shamu the killer whale, Sea World has the ability to entertain kids and adults for hours. There are many different animal shows here as well, along with other amusement park thrills. While Shamu is a must see, there are other animals here as well, that you simply have to see.

Sea World also offers an exciting dolphin interaction program where you can get in the water and play with the dolphins. This is a great learning experience, especially for those who love dolphins. Dolphins are an integral part of Sea World, as there are literally hundreds of them here.

Once you visit Sea World, you'll go below the surface and see life that you may have never before thought possible. You can feed the dolphins and other mammals, even count the teeth that a shark has! When you consider what Sea World has to offer, you simply can't compare it to any other amusement park.

On the entertainment side of things, Sea World offers a haunted lighthouse and several other rides and shows for you to see. You can even get an all day pass here, which is great for anyone who is wanting to enjoy all that Sea World has to offer.

New to Sea World is Believe. This is a new show that will show you Shamu like never before. It's a journey of wonder and magic that you simply must see to believe and appreciate.

No matter what season of the year you visit, you'll be happy to know that Sea World is open year round. It does close on major holidays though, which isn't really a bad thing. As long as you don't visit on a holiday you can pretty much expect Sea World to be open.

On a vacation, Sea World in San Diego will have something to please everyone. The kids will have plenty to do here, while you experience things that interest you as well. The neighboring areas to Sea World have plenty to offer you as well, from dining to many different sights to see.

When the time comes for you to go on vacation you shouldn't pass up Sea World. It's in a great location with plenty of activities and things to see. Sea World can show you the creatures of the sea like never before - which is reason enough to go.

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The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Mexican era of 1821 - 1872. Perfectly situated in San Diego, the park helps to recreate what was once San Diego. No matter how you look at it, a trip to California isn't complete without a visit to the Old Town.

Around the five adobes of the main complex, there are shops, a museum, and several restaurants. Around the garden courtyard, the La Casa mansion helps to bring back a taste of the Old Town. Just a short hop from there, the museum is full of artifacts that help to reflect on the life that was once the Old Town.

The Old Town also has a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and several other historic buildings, including the first newspaper office in San Diego. This is truly a place to visit, especially for those who are wanting to learn more about the history of San Diego.

The city of San Diego was the first Spanish settlement in California. This occurred when a fort and mission were established in 1769. Back in 1769, California was just beginning to get established, therefore it wasn't near the state nor the size that it is today.

When visiting the Old Town Park, you should make sure to visit the Robinson-Rose House Visitor Center. This center is reconstructed now and displays a model of Old Town and the way it looked back in 1872. The model that is on display was created by Joseph Toigo.

The Old Town Park also offers exhibits of the way things used to be, programs, and even guided tours. You can get a personal tour of the park, with a guide who will show you around and even explain things to you.

During your visit to the park, you can also enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic areas or get something to eat from one of many vendors. There are supplies here as well, including restrooms.

Those living in San Diego can find the Old Town Park on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street. Being close to the main city, visiting the Park is easier than you may think. If you live in the city but have never been to the park, you should stop by and take a look.

On a vacation or a visit from town, the Old Town San Diego helps to bring back a taste of the past. There is a lot to see here and a lot of historical value. All you need to do is stop by the park and see what you think about the way things used to be.

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It's no secret to anyone that the coast of San Diego is the ideal place to watch the annual migration of the gray whale. Looked upon as one of nature's ultimate spectacles; the migration of gray whales is nothing short of breathtaking. The coastline of San Diego is one of their migratory points as they travel from the waters of the Arctic to the warmer regions of the Baja (California), where females also give birth.

Every year, roughly 26,000 gray whales will make the long journey of 10,000+ miles from the Arctic to the Baja and back. If you look at this journey and compare it to any other mammal, you'll notice that the gray whale by far has the greatest amount of traveling at hand.

If you've never experienced whale watching, you'll be happy to know that anyone will find it memorable - young or old. Spotting a gray whale along the coastline is something that is truly a memorable moment, making you stop for a second and truly appreciate these awesome mammals.

If you ask the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, you'll find that gray whales are seen most frequently from December through March. While they travel in dozens normally, it's nothing to see pods of them (2 - 3) as they travel during migration. Throughout the coast of San Diego, you can easily spot these whales as they are somewhat slow swimmers.

During their swimming, they will normally dive to a depth of 100 feet or more for a few minutes, then surface and blow. Then, they will do a few shallow dives, before making that deep dive again. When watching whales, figuring out this pattern makes the success of watching them all the more fun and exciting.

While there are many common places to watch whales, nothing seems to compare to the excitement of watching them from aboard a cruise. There are many cruises that take place in San Diego, many of which offer unbeatable deals. From H&M Landing to the Birch Aquarium, cruises are some of the best ways to see the beauty and tranquility of the traveling gray whales.

The beauty of the gray whales can also be seen from many points of the San Diego coast, including the Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma or the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach. Along these points, you can see the whales as they make their travels.

Whether it's a cruise or just watching from the coast, whale watching in San Diego is something you truly have to see to appreciate. You can take your kids, family, or even your friends. Whale watching can definately be exciting, all you have to do is plan your day and enjoy everything that the beauty of the gray whale will provide you with.

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Visiting San Diego for the first time can be quite overwhelming, especially when you consider that there are so many things you can do. Deciding where to go and what to do can be quite time consuming, which is where we can help. Below, you'll find the 8 best spots in San Diego - things you simply must experience.

1. Hitting the beach.
No matter what season you visit, the beach is one area that personifies the entire San Diego lifestyle. Whether your watching the tide come in or soaking in the sun, the beach is where the action is. From Mission Beach to the Belmont Park rollercoaster - make sure you hit the beaches here.

2. Trying a fish taco.
Although it may sound a bit weird, the fish taco is one of the best foods in San Diego. Deep fried, battered fish encased in a corn tortilla is one of the foods that once you try it the first time - you'll crave anytime you come back!

3. Going to Mexico.
It's no secret that San Diego borders Mexico, with Tijuana being a metropolis in its own right. Visting Tijuana or Baja Mexico is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you have heard. Keep in mind that they have their own laws, bring your passport, then enjoy everything that this foreign paradise will provide you with.

4. Take a ride on the trolley.
San Diego doesn't have the best public transit system, yet they do have the well known trolley. The highways here can be quiteintimi dating, making the trolley the ideal way to travel. If you want to learn more about the city, simply buy an all day trolley pass - you'll see more of San Diego this way than you ever thoughtpossible.

5. Visiting the Pandas.
While Sea World and Legoland has their share of animals, the San Deigo zoo is no stranger to Pandas. The zoo is a tourist attraction, with the baby Su Lin, which is quite a feast for the eyes. When you visit the San Diego Zoo, visit in the morning - when the pandas are most active.

6. Balboa Park.
After you check out the pandas, take a trip to the jewel of the city - Balboa Park. The atmosphere is breathtaking here, no matter when you visit. If you visit on Tuesdays however; you'll find that most museums have free admission. After you visit a while, dine at the Prado Restauraunt and experience great food in a great setting.

7. Gaslamp and the nightlife.
The Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is the place to be for dancing, eating, or just people watching. You can experience the best of life in San Diego here, with food to fit every taste.

8. The Old Town.
While historical San Diego isn't always apparent, a visit to the Old Town State Historic Park can bring back the past. There are snippets of Old San Diego found everywhere you look here. Although there are many fine restaurants here, make sure you visit the Old Town Mexican Cafe, as it serves the best Mexican food around San Diego.

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Visiting San Diego for the first time can be quite overwhelming, especially when you consider that there are so many things you can do. Deciding where to go and what to do can be quite time consuming, which is where we can help. Below, you'll find the 8 best spots in San Diego - things you simply must experience.

1. Hitting the beach.
No matter what season you visit, the beach is one area that personifies the entire San Diego lifestyle. Whether your watching the tide come in or soaking in the sun, the beach is where the action is. From Mission Beach to the Belmont Park rollercoaster - make sure you hit the beaches here.

2. Trying a fish taco.
Although it may sound a bit weird, the fish taco is one of the best foods in San Diego. Deep fried, battered fish encased in a corn tortilla is one of the foods that once you try it the first time - you'll crave anytime you come back!

3. Going to Mexico.
It's no secret that San Diego borders Mexico, with Tijuana being a metropolis in its own right. Visting Tijuana or Baja Mexico is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you have heard. Keep in mind that they have their own laws, bring your passport, then enjoy everything that this foreign paradise will provide you with.

4. Take a ride on the trolley.
San Diego doesn't have the best public transit system, yet they do have the well known trolley. The highways here can be quiteintimi dating, making the trolley the ideal way to travel. If you want to learn more about the city, simply buy an all day trolley pass - you'll see more of San Diego this way than you ever thoughtpossible.

5. Visiting the Pandas.
While Sea World and Legoland has their share of animals, the San Deigo zoo is no stranger to Pandas. The zoo is a tourist attraction, with the baby Su Lin, which is quite a feast for the eyes. When you visit the San Diego Zoo, visit in the morning - when the pandas are most active.

6. Balboa Park.
After you check out the pandas, take a trip to the jewel of the city - Balboa Park. The atmosphere is breathtaking here, no matter when you visit. If you visit on Tuesdays however; you'll find that most museums have free admission. After you visit a while, dine at the Prado Restauraunt and experience great food in a great setting.

7. Gaslamp and the nightlife.
The Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is the place to be for dancing, eating, or just people watching. You can experience the best of life in San Diego here, with food to fit every taste.

8. The Old Town.
While historical San Diego isn't always apparent, a visit to the Old Town State Historic Park can bring back the past. There are snippets of Old San Diego found everywhere you look here. Although there are many fine restaurants here, make sure you visit the Old Town Mexican Cafe, as it serves the best Mexican food around San Diego.

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Located in sunny San Diego, the Belmont Park is one of the best amusement parks in San Diego. With plenty for the entire family, this Park has something for everyone. With rides for the entire family and basically everything in between, Belmont Park makes for a very exciting adventure.

The most distinctive attraction in the Park is the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. The coaster was built in 1925 and has been restored over the years. This coaster is truly one of a kind, as it offers quick drops, steep hills, and insane speed!

Belmont Park in San Diego also offers the endless wave, which is perfect for wave riders. The Flowrider offers hourly rides, even lessons for beginners. If waves aren't your sort of thing, you may find the raceway bumper cars or the Chaos enticing. Chaos resembles a ferris wheel, although it creates a random three dimensional rocking and rolling. Anytime you get on it, no two rides are every the same!

For arcade enthusiasts, there is a family fun arcade and gamelords. This creates the ultimate gaming experience, keeping kids, teenagers, and even adults occupied for hours on end.

Other rides at the park include the Vertical plunge, krazy kars, and the infamous "plunge". The plunge is a great attraction, and actually happens to be the largest indoor heated pool in San Diego. Perfect for swimming, diving, and just enjoying yourself, the plunge is a blast.

To feel the sensation, the Crazy Submarine and the Trampoline can help you. To truly test your limits, the Rock Wall will offer a unique challenge. Anyone wanting to give it a try, can get to climbing the wall and see if they truly have what it takes to get to the top.

Once you've had your fill on rides, there are plenty of other entertainment and events to keep you occupied. In Belmont Park, there is always something going on. With San Diego being a tourist attraction, you can bet the entertainment in Belmont Park is nothing short of spectacular.

For the kids, Belmont Park offers some truly unbeatable deals on birthday parties or private parties. If you decide to have a party here, you can pretty much rent a chunk of the park for yourself. For kids, this can truly be an unforgettable memory.

Closed Monday - Thursday, Belmont Park is open Friday and Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM and Sunday 11 AM - 8 PM. Although the park is closed on major holidays, you can visit on the weekends and enjoy the best in entertainment.

To round out your fun, make sure you do a little shopping and take in some of the food. Belmont Park in San Diego has great food and shopping, giving you more than a few reasons to visit the park and be amazed - truly amazed.

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Everyone in California knows that the best beaches in San Diego are on Coronado Island. Being linked to downtown San Diego by the Island Bay Bridge, Coronado is home to the SEALs training center and the Naval Air Station Coronado. A military powerhouse, the island of Coronado always has something going on.

One of the best features to Coronado is the world famous Hotel Del Coronado. This Victorian style seaside hotel was established in 1888, and was easily one of the biggest and best hotels of that era. The hotel was hosted in the past by the infamous Marilyn Monroe and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

The Hotel Del Coronado has some of the best service in California, along with breathtaking views of the San Diego area. The restaurant here is one of the best around, and even if you aren't staying here, you can enjoy a great meal. Each and every year, thousands of people visit Coronado just to stay at this world class hotel - yes, it's that good.

The Ferry Landing is also a great addition to what Coronado Island has to offer. The Ferry Landing Marketplace offers you 30+ shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You can walk around and check out what the marketplace has to offer, or enjoy a visit to the Tidelands Park.

There are great places to walk and bicycle here, with awesome views of skyline San Diego. At sunset, this is one of the best places to be. On Tuesdays, you can find a farmers market here as well.

The Coronado Beach is located here as well, along the Travel Channel. North of the beach there's the Best Weekend Getaway Beach. Even in the summer, the Coronado Beach isn't crowded, giving your family plenty of room to enjoy the splendors of one of California's best beaches.

From the Glorietta Bay Inn in Coronado, you can take a walking tour. Tours leave several times a week, showing you everything the area has to offer. This is a great way to learn more about the area. Or, if you like, you can let someone else do the driving and try a pedicab tour.

For the romantic, the Gondola Cruise helps to take the pressure out of life. A romantic spin through the canals of Coronado Cays can be quite the break from the ordinary.

You can reach Coronado Island from San Diego by taking the Coronado Bay Bridge exit off I-5. By water from San Diego, you can take the Coronado Ferry that runs hourly from 9 AM - 10 PM. Walking from the Ferry Landing to Hotel Del Coronado is a little over a mile.

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A sparkling jewel of San Diego, the La Jolla area is a picture perfect post card with several beaches along more than seven miles of coast against an array of rolling hills known as Mount Soledad. Being a part of San Diego, La Jolla is only 15 minutes from the downtown district. Along with beautiful scenery, the area also offers many fine restaurants, art galleries, hotels and resorts, and many other attractions such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

The Birch Aquarium is also a part of La Jolla, giving you the chance to enter the exciting world of sharks, living coral reefs, and many other undersea exhibits. This aquarium showcases the mysteries of the ocean and what actually lives there. The shoreline of La Jolla consists of rocky headlands seperated by pristine coves and sandy beaches. All along the beach, you can find many different hotels and resorts, designed to make your stay a little bit better.

The North Pacific Beach extends to La Jolla, traveling from the Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. If you travel north of this area, you'll find yourself on the beaches of La Jolla. By going to the south end of the La Jolla shoreline, you'll find Windandsea Beach. Windandsea Beach has long had a reputation for surfers paradise, although the steep beaches and rocky cliffs can be very dangerous if you aren't aware of them.

Close to downtown La Jolla, there is an area called Casa, which used to be a children's pool. Now days, the area has been taken over by seals and sealions. Although children can't swim here anymore, it's a great pastime to lay on the beach and watch them play. Traveling along the La Jolla shoreline, you'll find the tide pools. These pools are great to look at, although you shouldn't touch them. You should visit during low tide and be sure to wear rubber soled shoes, as they can get quite slippery.

The cove in La Jolla is very beautiful, although one of the smaller beaches in San Diego. On either side of the cove, there are sandstone cliffs. This helps to add an isolated feel to the cove. Throughout La Jolla, the Shores Beach is the widest and longest beach. If you look off to the distance on the beach, you can see the Scripps Pier. Also on the beach, there are novice scuba classes held throughout the summer months.

With plenty to offer you and your family, the beaches of La Jolla are among the best in San Diego. There's plenty to do and see here, with dining and swimming. For a great visit to the beach, La Jolla seems to simplify the best of life in California.

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Located in sunny San Diego, the Belmont Park is one of the best amusement parks in San Diego. With plenty for the entire family, this Park has something for everyone. With rides for the entire family and basically everything in between, Belmont Park makes for a very exciting adventure.

The most distinctive attraction in the Park is the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. The coaster was built in 1925 and has been restored over the years. This coaster is truly one of a kind, as it offers quick drops, steep hills, and insane speed!

Belmont Park in San Diego also offers the endless wave, which is perfect for wave riders. The Flowrider offers hourly rides, even lessons for beginners. If waves aren't your sort of thing, you may find the raceway bumper cars or the Chaos enticing. Chaos resembles a ferris wheel, although it creates a random three dimensional rocking and rolling. Anytime you get on it, no two rides are every the same!

For arcade enthusiasts, there is a family fun arcade and gamelords. This creates the ultimate gaming experience, keeping kids, teenagers, and even adults occupied for hours on end.

Other rides at the park include the Vertical plunge, krazy kars, and the infamous "plunge". The plunge is a great attraction, and actually happens to be the largest indoor heated pool in San Diego. Perfect for swimming, diving, and just enjoying yourself, the plunge is a blast.

To feel the sensation, the Crazy Submarine and the Trampoline can help you. To truly test your limits, the Rock Wall will offer a unique challenge. Anyone wanting to give it a try, can get to climbing the wall and see if they truly have what it takes to get to the top.

Once you've had your fill on rides, there are plenty of other entertainment and events to keep you occupied. In Belmont Park, there is always something going on. With San Diego being a tourist attraction, you can bet the entertainment in Belmont Park is nothing short of spectacular.

For the kids, Belmont Park offers some truly unbeatable deals on birthday parties or private parties. If you decide to have a party here, you can pretty much rent a chunk of the park for yourself. For kids, this can truly be an unforgettable memory.

Closed Monday - Thursday, Belmont Park is open Friday and Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM and Sunday 11 AM - 8 PM. Although the park is closed on major holidays, you can visit on the weekends and enjoy the best in entertainment.

To round out your fun, make sure you do a little shopping and take in some of the food. Belmont Park in San Diego has great food and shopping, giving you more than a few reasons to visit the park and be amazed - truly amazed.

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Everyone in California knows that the best beaches in San Diego are on Coronado Island. Being linked to downtown San Diego by the Island Bay Bridge, Coronado is home to the SEALs training center and the Naval Air Station Coronado. A military powerhouse, the island of Coronado always has something going on.

One of the best features to Coronado is the world famous Hotel Del Coronado. This Victorian style seaside hotel was established in 1888, and was easily one of the biggest and best hotels of that era. The hotel was hosted in the past by the infamous Marilyn Monroe and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

The Hotel Del Coronado has some of the best service in California, along with breathtaking views of the San Diego area. The restaurant here is one of the best around, and even if you aren't staying here, you can enjoy a great meal. Each and every year, thousands of people visit Coronado just to stay at this world class hotel - yes, it's that good.

The Ferry Landing is also a great addition to what Coronado Island has to offer. The Ferry Landing Marketplace offers you 30+ shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You can walk around and check out what the marketplace has to offer, or enjoy a visit to the Tidelands Park.

There are great places to walk and bicycle here, with awesome views of skyline San Diego. At sunset, this is one of the best places to be. On Tuesdays, you can find a farmers market here as well.

The Coronado Beach is located here as well, along the Travel Channel. North of the beach there's the Best Weekend Getaway Beach. Even in the summer, the Coronado Beach isn't crowded, giving your family plenty of room to enjoy the splendors of one of California's best beaches.

From the Glorietta Bay Inn in Coronado, you can take a walking tour. Tours leave several times a week, showing you everything the area has to offer. This is a great way to learn more about the area. Or, if you like, you can let someone else do the driving and try a pedicab tour.

For the romantic, the Gondola Cruise helps to take the pressure out of life. A romantic spin through the canals of Coronado Cays can be quite the break from the ordinary.

You can reach Coronado Island from San Diego by taking the Coronado Bay Bridge exit off I-5. By water from San Diego, you can take the Coronado Ferry that runs hourly from 9 AM - 10 PM. Walking from the Ferry Landing to Hotel Del Coronado is a little over a mile.

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A sparkling jewel of San Diego, the La Jolla area is a picture perfect post card with several beaches along more than seven miles of coast against an array of rolling hills known as Mount Soledad. Being a part of San Diego, La Jolla is only 15 minutes from the downtown district. Along with beautiful scenery, the area also offers many fine restaurants, art galleries, hotels and resorts, and many other attractions such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

The Birch Aquarium is also a part of La Jolla, giving you the chance to enter the exciting world of sharks, living coral reefs, and many other undersea exhibits. This aquarium showcases the mysteries of the ocean and what actually lives there. The shoreline of La Jolla consists of rocky headlands seperated by pristine coves and sandy beaches. All along the beach, you can find many different hotels and resorts, designed to make your stay a little bit better.

The North Pacific Beach extends to La Jolla, traveling from the Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. If you travel north of this area, you'll find yourself on the beaches of La Jolla. By going to the south end of the La Jolla shoreline, you'll find Windandsea Beach. Windandsea Beach has long had a reputation for surfers paradise, although the steep beaches and rocky cliffs can be very dangerous if you aren't aware of them.

Close to downtown La Jolla, there is an area called Casa, which used to be a children's pool. Now days, the area has been taken over by seals and sealions. Although children can't swim here anymore, it's a great pastime to lay on the beach and watch them play. Traveling along the La Jolla shoreline, you'll find the tide pools. These pools are great to look at, although you shouldn't touch them. You should visit during low tide and be sure to wear rubber soled shoes, as they can get quite slippery.

The cove in La Jolla is very beautiful, although one of the smaller beaches in San Diego. On either side of the cove, there are sandstone cliffs. This helps to add an isolated feel to the cove. Throughout La Jolla, the Shores Beach is the widest and longest beach. If you look off to the distance on the beach, you can see the Scripps Pier. Also on the beach, there are novice scuba classes held throughout the summer months.

With plenty to offer you and your family, the beaches of La Jolla are among the best in San Diego. There's plenty to do and see here, with dining and swimming. For a great visit to the beach, La Jolla seems to simplify the best of life in California.

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Considering how San Diego is one of the best cities in the United States, its really easy to tell how popular the city is for tourists. Among the many accomplishments behind San Diego, let's take a look at several facts behind this amazing city.

Fact 1
Inside the city limits of San Diego, more than 1 million people live there. This makes the city the second largest in California and the sixth biggest in the entire United States! For the city to be this big, the residents still have that hometown experience - which is quite amazing!

Fact 2
No matter what type of year it is, it's never the wrong time to visit. The weather is near perfect year round, giving you the chance to experience everything to offer here. With an annual high of 70 degrees and a low of 55 degrees, you can pretty much go swimming year round.

Fact 3
If you visit between December - March, you can catch some glimpses of the impressive gray whale. All along the coast or on a cruise, you can catch this very amazing mammal.

Fact 4
If you travel just 23 miles south, you'll be in the beautiful city of Tijuana. What was once thought of as dangerous, happens to be an amazing place of Mexican hospitality, with great restaurants, shopping, and a pleasing nightlife.

Fact 5
San Diego offers an amazing array of flowers and roses. With the climate being dry, it's the perfect conditions for roses, wild daises, and other exotic flowers. With different flowers in the winter and summer months, avid flower lovers will fall in love with everything San Diego has to offer them.

Fact 6
It's no secret that one of the biggest attractions to San Diego are the beaches. Make sure you read the signs though, as the beauty behind the beaches vary almost as much as the rules do.

Fact 7
When it comes to nightlife, San Diego has something to please everyone. From country dancing to singing in a bar, the city has a very happening nightlife. No matter what you like to do at night, San Diego has it all - and probably a bit more.

Fact 8
The most attractive feature to San Diego is the zoo. The 100 acre zoo here houses almost 4000 animals all of which who have plenty of room to roam around. With pandas for everyone to see, the San Diego zoo is reason enough to give the city a visit.

For more reasons than one, San Diego is the perfect city to visit. You can visit here with family or friends and know that you'll always have places to go and things to see. Winter or summer, San Diego is the one place you'll never find boring.

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Considering how San Diego is one of the best cities in the United States, its really easy to tell how popular the city is for tourists. Among the many accomplishments behind San Diego, let's take a look at several facts behind this amazing city.

Fact 1
Inside the city limits of San Diego, more than 1 million people live there. This makes the city the second largest in California and the sixth biggest in the entire United States! For the city to be this big, the residents still have that hometown experience - which is quite amazing!

Fact 2
No matter what type of year it is, it's never the wrong time to visit. The weather is near perfect year round, giving you the chance to experience everything to offer here. With an annual high of 70 degrees and a low of 55 degrees, you can pretty much go swimming year round.

Fact 3
If you visit between December - March, you can catch some glimpses of the impressive gray whale. All along the coast or on a cruise, you can catch this very amazing mammal.

Fact 4
If you travel just 23 miles south, you'll be in the beautiful city of Tijuana. What was once thought of as dangerous, happens to be an amazing place of Mexican hospitality, with great restaurants, shopping, and a pleasing nightlife.

Fact 5
San Diego offers an amazing array of flowers and roses. With the climate being dry, it's the perfect conditions for roses, wild daises, and other exotic flowers. With different flowers in the winter and summer months, avid flower lovers will fall in love with everything San Diego has to offer them.

Fact 6
It's no secret that one of the biggest attractions to San Diego are the beaches. Make sure you read the signs though, as the beauty behind the beaches vary almost as much as the rules do.

Fact 7
When it comes to nightlife, San Diego has something to please everyone. From country dancing to singing in a bar, the city has a very happening nightlife. No matter what you like to do at night, San Diego has it all - and probably a bit more.

Fact 8
The most attractive feature to San Diego is the zoo. The 100 acre zoo here houses almost 4000 animals all of which who have plenty of room to roam around. With pandas for everyone to see, the San Diego zoo is reason enough to give the city a visit.

For more reasons than one, San Diego is the perfect city to visit. You can visit here with family or friends and know that you'll always have places to go and things to see. Winter or summer, San Diego is the one place you'll never find boring.

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In the year 1820 sir John Walker had a vision. To create one of the finest single malt blends the world has ever known. Enter the 2006 trend and apparently his vision turned to gold, as it is the most consumed scotch in the world. At over 120 million bottle sold annually, it is estimated that four bottles per second are enjoyed in 200 countries around the world.

So what color do you walk with? That is a matter of personal taste. You can go with the vibrant blend of the red label, which tends to be the most common for everyday celebrations. Or choose the complex and deeply mellow black label, used throughout time as experience malt.

The choice is yours as both are a wonderful scotch whiskey and will prove to be enjoyable whatever the toast. If the moment proves to be one that you will want to remember for a lifetime, try the rare and expensive blue label scotch.

No matter which Walker you walk with surely you will not be let down.

183

Scotland can be divided into six different malt making segments or regions; Islay, Campbeltown, speyside, Islands Lowlands and highlands. Each of these regions produce a different malt as the characteristics are different so too are the methods of distilling. Climate variations, raw materials, and production methods all play a roll in the differing of these malts.

Islay
This is a small island off the western coast of Scotland and is the site of many wonderful malt distilleries. They have many variations of malts however the most notable carry a tangy smoky peaty taste. The current number of running distilleries is at eight although at onetime there was said to be twenty-three, with the newest edition opened in 2005.

Lowlands
This mountainless and flat region is apparent by its name and is also in the most southern region of Scotland. This brew is contains less of the smoke, peat, and salt than most other malts coming from Scotland and it carries with it a mildly fiery yet smooth taste.

Speyside
This is undoubtedly the center of the whiskey universe in Scotland. The Spey River runs directly through the area hence the name. A good majority of top distilleries use water from the river in their processes. Although some of the characteristics vary in speyside it is still a part of the Highland geographically speaking. Someone interested in trying a traditional Scottish malt for the first time would do well with this malt, as it is rich and relatively mild in taste.

Highlands
The largest malt-producing region in Scotland is by far the Highlands. This brew is smoky and very rich. In comparison to malts from the lowlands, many of the different distilleries produce a different taste to their malts. This is caused by the varying microclimate differences. The use of many different raw materials and the inclusion of some changed production routines also contribute to these distinctions in taste

Campbeltown
At one time Campbeltown was Scotland’s prime distillery site. Twenty-one distilleries were active in and around 1886 however only three are currently in business. This region is still considered a separate malt state for the value of historians.

Islands
Arran, Orkney, Mull, Jura, and skye make up the body of islands that sometimes get confused with Islay. This is in fact an entirely separate region. Those whom have some experience drinking malts generally enjoy the malts from this region.

403

To grasp the understanding of a scotch label takes the ability to understand many things. National laws, marketing, tradition, as well as whim are placed on the label of this fine product. This simple guide can get you through the confusion of what’s inside the bottle.

If you are looking for a true scotch whisky then the label should say exactly that, if the spelling is different, than that it is not made in Scotland rather it is made elsewhere. Look for the words single malt they can be broken up yet they will say single malt if that is what it is. The only way to identify a true single malt whisky is to do research, never take the name as it’s word on quality; many names have been forged to hide the identity of the true distiller.

If the alcohol content per volume reads more than fifty percent then it would be best to water down this malt as it is rated by cask strength and will be stronger please do not mistake percentage with proof.

And finally check the date of bottling it does not age once bottled.

195

A true single malt whiskey is a brew that is distilled in one place. There is no inclusion of any other blends of grain whiskey in this product. A single cask whiskey has been in one cask and not transferred to accommodate other blends. This whiskey, when full strength, can exceed sixty percent alcohol by volume.

Most single malts are bottled at between forty and forty-six percent as the legal limit is set at a minimum of forty percent. Ask strength is a term used when the alcohol level is still relatively high and the brew has not been watered down or if it has been the addition of water was low. Cask strength is not always merely one cask it can be from several casks inclusively.

Given that there is approximately six to nine different regions in Scotland that actually have proven distilleries, the characteristics of the malt can vary considerably. They all have their own unique techniques and style to producing their malts and each produce a flavor all their own.

177

In the year 1820 sir John Walker had a vision. To create one of the finest single malt blends the world has ever known. Enter the 2006 trend and apparently his vision turned to gold, as it is the most consumed scotch in the world. At over 120 million bottle sold annually, it is estimated that four bottles per second are enjoyed in 200 countries around the world.

So what color do you walk with? That is a matter of personal taste. You can go with the vibrant blend of the red label, which tends to be the most common for everyday celebrations. Or choose the complex and deeply mellow black label, used throughout time as experience malt.

The choice is yours as both are a wonderful scotch whiskey and will prove to be enjoyable whatever the toast. If the moment proves to be one that you will want to remember for a lifetime, try the rare and expensive blue label scotch.

No matter which Walker you walk with surely you will not be let down.

183

Scotland can be divided into six different malt making segments or regions; Islay, Campbeltown, speyside, Islands Lowlands and highlands. Each of these regions produce a different malt as the characteristics are different so too are the methods of distilling. Climate variations, raw materials, and production methods all play a roll in the differing of these malts.

Islay
This is a small island off the western coast of Scotland and is the site of many wonderful malt distilleries. They have many variations of malts however the most notable carry a tangy smoky peaty taste. The current number of running distilleries is at eight although at onetime there was said to be twenty-three, with the newest edition opened in 2005.

Lowlands
This mountainless and flat region is apparent by its name and is also in the most southern region of Scotland. This brew is contains less of the smoke, peat, and salt than most other malts coming from Scotland and it carries with it a mildly fiery yet smooth taste.

Speyside
This is undoubtedly the center of the whiskey universe in Scotland. The Spey River runs directly through the area hence the name. A good majority of top distilleries use water from the river in their processes. Although some of the characteristics vary in speyside it is still a part of the Highland geographically speaking. Someone interested in trying a traditional Scottish malt for the first time would do well with this malt, as it is rich and relatively mild in taste.

Highlands
The largest malt-producing region in Scotland is by far the Highlands. This brew is smoky and very rich. In comparison to malts from the lowlands, many of the different distilleries produce a different taste to their malts. This is caused by the varying microclimate differences. The use of many different raw materials and the inclusion of some changed production routines also contribute to these distinctions in taste

Campbeltown
At one time Campbeltown was Scotland’s prime distillery site. Twenty-one distilleries were active in and around 1886 however only three are currently in business. This region is still considered a separate malt state for the value of historians.

Islands
Arran, Orkney, Mull, Jura, and skye make up the body of islands that sometimes get confused with Islay. This is in fact an entirely separate region. Those whom have some experience drinking malts generally enjoy the malts from this region.

403

To grasp the understanding of a scotch label takes the ability to understand many things. National laws, marketing, tradition, as well as whim are placed on the label of this fine product. This simple guide can get you through the confusion of what’s inside the bottle.

If you are looking for a true scotch whisky then the label should say exactly that, if the spelling is different, than that it is not made in Scotland rather it is made elsewhere. Look for the words single malt they can be broken up yet they will say single malt if that is what it is. The only way to identify a true single malt whisky is to do research, never take the name as it’s word on quality; many names have been forged to hide the identity of the true distiller.

If the alcohol content per volume reads more than fifty percent then it would be best to water down this malt as it is rated by cask strength and will be stronger please do not mistake percentage with proof.

And finally check the date of bottling it does not age once bottled.

195

A true single malt whiskey is a brew that is distilled in one place. There is no inclusion of any other blends of grain whiskey in this product. A single cask whiskey has been in one cask and not transferred to accommodate other blends. This whiskey, when full strength, can exceed sixty percent alcohol by volume.

Most single malts are bottled at between forty and forty-six percent as the legal limit is set at a minimum of forty percent. Ask strength is a term used when the alcohol level is still relatively high and the brew has not been watered down or if it has been the addition of water was low. Cask strength is not always merely one cask it can be from several casks inclusively.

Given that there is approximately six to nine different regions in Scotland that actually have proven distilleries, the characteristics of the malt can vary considerably. They all have their own unique techniques and style to producing their malts and each produce a flavor all their own.

177

There is no true rule of thumb when drinking whisky but there are a few things to keep in mind to make the experience a lot more enjoyable. It should be pointed out that if the general rule of thumb is not observed there is still no reason not to enjoy this wonderful spirit.

You should never put ice in a great dram as it kills the taste and aroma, however, some do prefer it this way. The glass that is originally designed to accept a fine malt whisky is very wide at the top and gently slopes in for the very reason of not comfortably accepting a bed of ice, as the intention is to steer away from this practice. This glass is by most called a tumbler.

When purchasing great malt the price, like many things, will indeed reflect the quality you get since with scotch, you tend to get what you pay for. There are a variety of alcohols available for a cheap price in which you can get a buzz, however, fine scotch should be sipped and enjoyed.

Good malt is not an appropriate mate for a mixing party and does not really take kindly to a soda. It tastes much better with simple bottled water. The best pairing with great malt would be of the mineral water variety bottled water is tolerated by malt without hesitation.

At 40-60% alcohol, whisky is indeed a strong spirit and will definitely get the attention of the less than experienced in drinking it. Throwing in a dash of mineral water will soften the blow so to speak and calm its aggressive nature. The term “the whisky will open itself” is in reference to the aroma being released when water is added so a few drops will surely bring even the most experienced of malt drinkers to bliss.

The wonderful thing about cask strength is that at approximately 60% alcohol per volume rate, this is one strong drink in turn allowing the drinker to tone it down to an appropriate alcohol level to suit personal taste making this an ideal drink to customize.

The makers of these fine spirits advise that you take a small mouthful and hold it in your mouth swish it around your tongue giving it time to settle. Only then will you get the true nature of this fine malt. Finally on a closing note, after a swallow, it is said that you can get a good read on the maturity of the malt by how long it stays with you in you mouth.

433

Many people get confused and the difference between single malt and blended scotch. The blended variety consists of approximately fifty different grains, and single malts, sent from many different producers. The term single malt refers to one single distiller, and therefore what is produced, is indeed not the product of blending.

They say that every 50 years is the leveling out point on scotch, as it will no longer get better with age. Prior to that point it is like wine and will continue to produce a better taste. The differences in many of the distillers of fine scotch in Scotland can be very noticeable, as the geography lends to different techniques.

Each region of the Scottish territory yields a different product due to varying methods of development. Many methods can be employed, right down to the grains and water used. Some distilling companies even use certain peat mosses on the grains for added flavor.

One would assume you must try them all, to consider yourself a true aficionado.

176

An establishment that is spending the time and using funds to maintain after qualifications for a Doc certified scotch malt single bar that carries a distinction is definitely a wonderful place. Just how wonderful is it?

It seems that the options are endless for novice malt drinker’s right up to the aficionados to have the truest sample of what the Spirit Gods intended. A place to conjure for this treat is surely something to be revered and in all accounts worthy of an award of this stature.

Every couple of weeks a new nectar seems to be hitting the market and this will definitely confuse the new malt sipper yet will send the old time connoisseurs into fits of glee all the while preserving single malt’s status as the true nobleman among spirits. Of course not all follow this robed king of beverage but it does have a strong standing.

Oddly enough they say that the taste of fine single malt an be influenced by the environment you sip in that is subjective at best as the finest single malt will always taste like the finest single malt.

It is extremely important that the tender at the bar know what he is talking about when it comes to giving you what you want or in many cases what he can suggest. Most aficionados are not unintelligent and have been around the malt block a few times. An award worthy bar would surely have someone at the helm whom knows the ins and outs of fine single malt and is ready, willing and able to give sound advice and help the newcomers feel at home.

To these engaging individuals that enjoy this spirit, hearing of a malt pounding fest at the local frat house or biker bar is an arrow to the heart. This is not a drink to become inebriated on instead it is a testament to absolute fine distilling craftsmanship.

To appreciate the subtle character differences in regional malts of Scotland is not for the impatient as there are many blends and malts to be had. If you have the time and are seeking the sheer enjoyment of this spirit you should find your own bar that is Doc certified to sell the select brands of fine scotch single malts; as an establishment such as this is worth its weight in gold.

401

Scotch is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages of all time, after all it has been around for hundred of years however, little thought is usually given to the actual origin of this popular drink. As the name suggests, Scotch was originally produced in Scotland by Friar John Cor. After distillation was introduced by Scottish monks in 1494, fine scotch became a popular drink.

To the dismay of Scotch and other whiskey drinkers, whiskey was first taxed in 1644. This caused a rise in the number of what we would today call “bootleggers” who made and sold Scotch whiskey illegally. Later in 1823, the Scottish Parliament made it easier for one to own a licensed distillery and harder for illegal whiskey stills to stay in business. This began the modern production of Scotch whiskey.

Today, fine scotch whiskey production is much more technologically advanced: It has to be in order to keep up with the demand for this popular drink. However, you won’t find fine Scotch made here in the U.S, in order to adorn the name “Scotch” the whiskey must be distilled and matured in Scotland.

Word count 195

Scotch has undoubtedly been elevated to the top spot of most popular spirit however it is said that if that spirit was not made in Scotland then it has no right baring the name. The land itself lends to this spirit and what is taken s naturally replenished.

Scotch whisky is said to be a nobleman among spirits brought about primarily by what mother earth has to offer. This makes it a popular drink for the naturalist among us. Scotland is so abundant in natural recourses from the moors of peat to the endless flowing fields of barley and wheat which is why it is the perfect place for brewing this tasty drink.

The fine art of distilling has traveled generations; each step of the way gaining knowledge and refinement as distilling and maturing the fine malt gives way to what it is now. There are two kinds of whiskies in production in Scotland today thanks in part to the creation of the still in 1831. One of those is the single grain variety and the other is the blended malt variety.

In the past there was only single malt whisky. Now there is malt whisky made from several grains which are blended to create the final product. This malt is bottled in select quantities which are referred to as single malt. Some of the more famous blends are now blended with what’s known as a grain whisky.

Distilleries are in the heart of the country side and use the ingredients of the land. Some grow their own wheat and barley to control what they use in production. Some use reputable farmers to which give great service for a good cause creating some of the finest spirit in the world.

The use of natural springs and rivers is very common practice as well. As a matter of fact the Skye River runs right through the region that holds the title of malt capital of Scotland. Once the mashing process is complete, the drying starts.

There have been bottles of fine scotch coming from Islay in the very south of Scotland’s shoreline going for as much as $7,000.00. A very select liquor store in Rhode Island placed this product on the shelves and within 24 hours 20 bottles where snatched up. This is a definite indication of the sheer quality that the company stands buy and promotes with pride.

400

There is no true rule of thumb when drinking whisky but there are a few things to keep in mind to make the experience a lot more enjoyable. It should be pointed out that if the general rule of thumb is not observed there is still no reason not to enjoy this wonderful spirit.

You should never put ice in a great dram as it kills the taste and aroma, however, some do prefer it this way. The glass that is originally designed to accept a fine malt whisky is very wide at the top and gently slopes in for the very reason of not comfortably accepting a bed of ice, as the intention is to steer away from this practice. This glass is by most called a tumbler.

When purchasing great malt the price, like many things, will indeed reflect the quality you get since with scotch, you tend to get what you pay for. There are a variety of alcohols available for a cheap price in which you can get a buzz, however, fine scotch should be sipped and enjoyed.

Good malt is not an appropriate mate for a mixing party and does not really take kindly to a soda. It tastes much better with simple bottled water. The best pairing with great malt would be of the mineral water variety bottled water is tolerated by malt without hesitation.

At 40-60% alcohol, whisky is indeed a strong spirit and will definitely get the attention of the less than experienced in drinking it. Throwing in a dash of mineral water will soften the blow so to speak and calm its aggressive nature. The term “the whisky will open itself” is in reference to the aroma being released when water is added so a few drops will surely bring even the most experienced of malt drinkers to bliss.

The wonderful thing about cask strength is that at approximately 60% alcohol per volume rate, this is one strong drink in turn allowing the drinker to tone it down to an appropriate alcohol level to suit personal taste making this an ideal drink to customize.

The makers of these fine spirits advise that you take a small mouthful and hold it in your mouth swish it around your tongue giving it time to settle. Only then will you get the true nature of this fine malt. Finally on a closing note, after a swallow, it is said that you can get a good read on the maturity of the malt by how long it stays with you in you mouth.

433

Many people get confused and the difference between single malt and blended scotch. The blended variety consists of approximately fifty different grains, and single malts, sent from many different producers. The term single malt refers to one single distiller, and therefore what is produced, is indeed not the product of blending.

They say that every 50 years is the leveling out point on scotch, as it will no longer get better with age. Prior to that point it is like wine and will continue to produce a better taste. The differences in many of the distillers of fine scotch in Scotland can be very noticeable, as the geography lends to different techniques.

Each region of the Scottish territory yields a different product due to varying methods of development. Many methods can be employed, right down to the grains and water used. Some distilling companies even use certain peat mosses on the grains for added flavor.

One would assume you must try them all, to consider yourself a true aficionado.

176

An establishment that is spending the time and using funds to maintain after qualifications for a Doc certified scotch malt single bar that carries a distinction is definitely a wonderful place. Just how wonderful is it?

It seems that the options are endless for novice malt drinker’s right up to the aficionados to have the truest sample of what the Spirit Gods intended. A place to conjure for this treat is surely something to be revered and in all accounts worthy of an award of this stature.

Every couple of weeks a new nectar seems to be hitting the market and this will definitely confuse the new malt sipper yet will send the old time connoisseurs into fits of glee all the while preserving single malt’s status as the true nobleman among spirits. Of course not all follow this robed king of beverage but it does have a strong standing.

Oddly enough they say that the taste of fine single malt an be influenced by the environment you sip in that is subjective at best as the finest single malt will always taste like the finest single malt.

It is extremely important that the tender at the bar know what he is talking about when it comes to giving you what you want or in many cases what he can suggest. Most aficionados are not unintelligent and have been around the malt block a few times. An award worthy bar would surely have someone at the helm whom knows the ins and outs of fine single malt and is ready, willing and able to give sound advice and help the newcomers feel at home.

To these engaging individuals that enjoy this spirit, hearing of a malt pounding fest at the local frat house or biker bar is an arrow to the heart. This is not a drink to become inebriated on instead it is a testament to absolute fine distilling craftsmanship.

To appreciate the subtle character differences in regional malts of Scotland is not for the impatient as there are many blends and malts to be had. If you have the time and are seeking the sheer enjoyment of this spirit you should find your own bar that is Doc certified to sell the select brands of fine scotch single malts; as an establishment such as this is worth its weight in gold.

401

Scotch is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages of all time, after all it has been around for hundred of years however, little thought is usually given to the actual origin of this popular drink. As the name suggests, Scotch was originally produced in Scotland by Friar John Cor. After distillation was introduced by Scottish monks in 1494, fine scotch became a popular drink.

To the dismay of Scotch and other whiskey drinkers, whiskey was first taxed in 1644. This caused a rise in the number of what we would today call “bootleggers” who made and sold Scotch whiskey illegally. Later in 1823, the Scottish Parliament made it easier for one to own a licensed distillery and harder for illegal whiskey stills to stay in business. This began the modern production of Scotch whiskey.

Today, fine scotch whiskey production is much more technologically advanced: It has to be in order to keep up with the demand for this popular drink. However, you won’t find fine Scotch made here in the U.S, in order to adorn the name “Scotch” the whiskey must be distilled and matured in Scotland.

Word count 195

Scotch has undoubtedly been elevated to the top spot of most popular spirit however it is said that if that spirit was not made in Scotland then it has no right baring the name. The land itself lends to this spirit and what is taken s naturally replenished.

Scotch whisky is said to be a nobleman among spirits brought about primarily by what mother earth has to offer. This makes it a popular drink for the naturalist among us. Scotland is so abundant in natural recourses from the moors of peat to the endless flowing fields of barley and wheat which is why it is the perfect place for brewing this tasty drink.

The fine art of distilling has traveled generations; each step of the way gaining knowledge and refinement as distilling and maturing the fine malt gives way to what it is now. There are two kinds of whiskies in production in Scotland today thanks in part to the creation of the still in 1831. One of those is the single grain variety and the other is the blended malt variety.

In the past there was only single malt whisky. Now there is malt whisky made from several grains which are blended to create the final product. This malt is bottled in select quantities which are referred to as single malt. Some of the more famous blends are now blended with what’s known as a grain whisky.

Distilleries are in the heart of the country side and use the ingredients of the land. Some grow their own wheat and barley to control what they use in production. Some use reputable farmers to which give great service for a good cause creating some of the finest spirit in the world.

The use of natural springs and rivers is very common practice as well. As a matter of fact the Skye River runs right through the region that holds the title of malt capital of Scotland. Once the mashing process is complete, the drying starts.

There have been bottles of fine scotch coming from Islay in the very south of Scotland’s shoreline going for as much as $7,000.00. A very select liquor store in Rhode Island placed this product on the shelves and within 24 hours 20 bottles where snatched up. This is a definite indication of the sheer quality that the company stands buy and promotes with pride.

400

The production of Scotch whisky takes time, a lot of time. It is a tedious process that can take years. However when it is done correctly, the product is one worth waiting for. Barley is placed in deep tanks of water for approximately three days. As the moisture increases it promotes the germination process. After the germination process, the barley is then moved to the malting segment of the distillery where it will go into drums sometimes known as the malting floor.

The entire purpose of the germination process is to convert the starch in the grains into fermentable sugars. This will feed the yeast in the fermentation stage. Turning the barley frequently ensures the temperature will remain consistent. Sheils, another name for a wooden shovel, are used to turn the grains, on a traditional malting floor. The grains will die if the temperature reaches above 22 degrees, and will the stop the entire process as the starch will not be converted to sugar.

The grain is then kilned as to halt the continuation of sugar consumption the kiln will dry up any moister. Generally a kiln is a building standing two stories in height with the top perforated to allow all heat to leave. The lower floor contains peat bricks that are heated. During this process the grain is dried and takes on that peat like reek. The pagoda style roof on a distillery is the most noticeable characteristic. The malt must not be heated above 70 degrees or it will surely be damaged and unusable.

Most of the distilleries in this day and age buy all their malt from a centralized malting company. However there are still a select few that remain traditional and do it all themselves.

The grain is milled into grist and combined with water in mash tubs to be heated to sixty degrees. During the mashing period the water is changed at least four times to remove sediment. The bi-product of this mashing is called wort. The wort must be cooled prior to mixing with yeast in what is called a wash back. This large container is never filled to the top as the wort froths a lot due to carbon dioxide. After two or three days all the yeast is killed by the alcohol. The end product of this cycle is called wash. It contains an alcohol percent of five to 8 percent.

The stills in which the wash is placed are made of copper and are regulated to a certain shape allowing for proper distillation to occur. The still method is usually ran twice yet some companies do three or more. After all this is complete the brew is then placed in casks made of usually oak, for a period of eight to twelve years minimum.

467

It is said that you can tell the quality of scotch by its age, this is in every count of the word maturity. Law states that all blends must indeed “mature” for a minimum of three years, however for a great many years, these blends have been idling for approximately eight years.

The distillers have found the longer it sits and matures, the better the product. As this scotch sits in its casks, it is constantly changing. The alcohol level drops for every year that it sits in its cask, and what is know as Angel’s share is developed, where the alcohol is absorbed into the oak casks pours.

The casks that we speak of are of the used variety, due to the fact that new casks would change the taste of the scotch dramatically, hence altering its character. A law in the US states that for the production of Bourbon, or Tennessee whiskey, only new casks are to be used. The use of these new casks introduces a vanilla taste into the blend. There are some blends as old as 30 years or more, happy hunting for that elusive and pricey item.

199

It is said that the acquisition of knowledge on any subject that you are interested in only increases your appreciation for it. This can easily be said about the finest of scotches as well.

There seems to be a trend building with aficionados flocking the rolling country sides in Scotland just to sneak a sample of the gold they seek. As one must experience to appreciate, it appears that this is a task for the strong willed in this subject.

One could imagine many trips booked from abroad flocking Scotland’s coastlines in search of the malt that has only been heard of and not been tasted. This is not merely just a trend, to Scotch enthusiast, it is rather a mission. To be experienced in the fine subtleties of these malts and blended scotch whiskies is to many a dream. Some could not even imagine the soft roll that many of these great spirits have to offer to the tongue.

Spending time with true connoisseurs of scotch and single malts gives you valuable insight as to what to look for in a full bodied fine scotch. They have made it a life ambition to seek out and test what the worlds finest has to offer. Many of these great spirits of course are not easily obtainable some run very steep in price and are on the wish list of some of the great testers of fine scotch everywhere. Generally they have first dibs, as the company will wait in anticipation for a vote of confidence and endorsement.

So too are the batches that are still maturing that so many people are waiting for with absolute excitement. Given the time it takes for some of these blends to reach an acceptable maturity where it will be appreciated it is only natural that many testers keep close tabs on the process and look for hints of up and coming blends that can be comparable.

As many professional testers will state, the best of the best still and most likely will always come from Scotland as they have mastered this art with a precision and dedication second to none. Testers will admit when they have stumbled on a gem from another country but honestly have not found that diamond in the rough all that many times.

So instead they give honest and professional opinions to the public, the benders, and distillers themselves, taking into account how harsh possible poor media coverage can be.

415

The production of Scotch whisky takes time, a lot of time. It is a tedious process that can take years. However when it is done correctly, the product is one worth waiting for. Barley is placed in deep tanks of water for approximately three days. As the moisture increases it promotes the germination process. After the germination process, the barley is then moved to the malting segment of the distillery where it will go into drums sometimes known as the malting floor.

The entire purpose of the germination process is to convert the starch in the grains into fermentable sugars. This will feed the yeast in the fermentation stage. Turning the barley frequently ensures the temperature will remain consistent. Sheils, another name for a wooden shovel, are used to turn the grains, on a traditional malting floor. The grains will die if the temperature reaches above 22 degrees, and will the stop the entire process as the starch will not be converted to sugar.

The grain is then kilned as to halt the continuation of sugar consumption the kiln will dry up any moister. Generally a kiln is a building standing two stories in height with the top perforated to allow all heat to leave. The lower floor contains peat bricks that are heated. During this process the grain is dried and takes on that peat like reek. The pagoda style roof on a distillery is the most noticeable characteristic. The malt must not be heated above 70 degrees or it will surely be damaged and unusable.

Most of the distilleries in this day and age buy all their malt from a centralized malting company. However there are still a select few that remain traditional and do it all themselves.

The grain is milled into grist and combined with water in mash tubs to be heated to sixty degrees. During the mashing period the water is changed at least four times to remove sediment. The bi-product of this mashing is called wort. The wort must be cooled prior to mixing with yeast in what is called a wash back. This large container is never filled to the top as the wort froths a lot due to carbon dioxide. After two or three days all the yeast is killed by the alcohol. The end product of this cycle is called wash. It contains an alcohol percent of five to 8 percent.

The stills in which the wash is placed are made of copper and are regulated to a certain shape allowing for proper distillation to occur. The still method is usually ran twice yet some companies do three or more. After all this is complete the brew is then placed in casks made of usually oak, for a period of eight to twelve years minimum.

467

It is said that you can tell the quality of scotch by its age, this is in every count of the word maturity. Law states that all blends must indeed “mature” for a minimum of three years, however for a great many years, these blends have been idling for approximately eight years.

The distillers have found the longer it sits and matures, the better the product. As this scotch sits in its casks, it is constantly changing. The alcohol level drops for every year that it sits in its cask, and what is know as Angel’s share is developed, where the alcohol is absorbed into the oak casks pours.

The casks that we speak of are of the used variety, due to the fact that new casks would change the taste of the scotch dramatically, hence altering its character. A law in the US states that for the production of Bourbon, or Tennessee whiskey, only new casks are to be used. The use of these new casks introduces a vanilla taste into the blend. There are some blends as old as 30 years or more, happy hunting for that elusive and pricey item.

199

It is said that the acquisition of knowledge on any subject that you are interested in only increases your appreciation for it. This can easily be said about the finest of scotches as well.

There seems to be a trend building with aficionados flocking the rolling country sides in Scotland just to sneak a sample of the gold they seek. As one must experience to appreciate, it appears that this is a task for the strong willed in this subject.

One could imagine many trips booked from abroad flocking Scotland’s coastlines in search of the malt that has only been heard of and not been tasted. This is not merely just a trend, to Scotch enthusiast, it is rather a mission. To be experienced in the fine subtleties of these malts and blended scotch whiskies is to many a dream. Some could not even imagine the soft roll that many of these great spirits have to offer to the tongue.

Spending time with true connoisseurs of scotch and single malts gives you valuable insight as to what to look for in a full bodied fine scotch. They have made it a life ambition to seek out and test what the worlds finest has to offer. Many of these great spirits of course are not easily obtainable some run very steep in price and are on the wish list of some of the great testers of fine scotch everywhere. Generally they have first dibs, as the company will wait in anticipation for a vote of confidence and endorsement.

So too are the batches that are still maturing that so many people are waiting for with absolute excitement. Given the time it takes for some of these blends to reach an acceptable maturity where it will be appreciated it is only natural that many testers keep close tabs on the process and look for hints of up and coming blends that can be comparable.

As many professional testers will state, the best of the best still and most likely will always come from Scotland as they have mastered this art with a precision and dedication second to none. Testers will admit when they have stumbled on a gem from another country but honestly have not found that diamond in the rough all that many times.

So instead they give honest and professional opinions to the public, the benders, and distillers themselves, taking into account how harsh possible poor media coverage can be.

415

Elijah Craig a Baptist minister in the late 18th century in Georgetown Kentucky unveiled to farmers and townsfolk alike the first Bourbon whiskey where the trend just took off. It is said that even the father of the great Abraham Lincoln got into the action.

European settlers brought this trade secret with them to North America and in turn shared it with their new neighbors. Giving way to a boom in production. 1791 was the timeframe for the whiskey rebellion that took place in Pennsylvania where the government elected to impose tax on whiskey and whiskey sales.

This did not sit well with distillers so they made their way to the Kentucky Mountains to avoid the collectors of said tax. Eighty percent of all Bourbon today is distilled in the state of Kentucky. A royal family of French decent carried the name that now brandishes the bottles of this Kentucky gold. The name was introduced in 1758.

The attempt of American independence from British rule saw the French giving support so as the independence grew new land developments in America were named in French as tribute. In the year 1785, Kentucky was known as the Kentucky district of Virginia and not a separate state.

Through some of the river ports in Kentucky the whiskies were shipped down the Ohio River to New Orleans. Northeastern Bourbon county and Limestone county combined in 1789 to forge Mason county Virginia.

Although Bourbon is less restricted than Scotch, there are some regulations in place today. State regulation on Bourbon distilling requires the brew to be made from 51% corn; however barley wheat and rye may be used for blending purposes. It must be between 80-160% proof.

The soft texture and sweet taste come from the corn itself. After it is distilled in a continual still, it is then filled to casks made of oak for maturing for a much regulated minimum of no less than two years. These regulations make Bourbon what it is today, a very popular whiskey among all who drink.

400

Although some Scots are softening up in regards to their traditional dram, we cannot say all of them are. Some are indeed abusively screaming and kicking, with regard to how their fine brew is handled.

The idea of mixing a fine scotch in a fancy drink at the bar seems preposterous. This notion is dubbed an act of kindness, yet not too kind to the distillers that have toiled to bring us such a wonderful product.

Scotch is a wonderful brew that hit the mainstream of the U.S. in the early 1990’s. Several have considered this type of drink as a personality definer, causing it to grow quickly in popularity. Through Scotch as a drink was also a growing interest in it as a single malt treat. However, there are many different variations that have hit the market in order to please every palette.

It has been said that scotch is a nasty old bugger who is drank alone or with one or two close friends and not in the spirit of socializing. However the distillers, and aficionados alike tend to disagree. They feel that the time spent with friends and family, should indeed include the sipping of a fine scotch, for pleasure and conversation alike.

211

Scotland is not the only country that can put out a quality scotch product. Many countries have ventured into the spirits domain. Canada is one of them. The Canadian whiskeys are starting to shine with products that are crisp and bold to the taste buds.

Following strict compliance with Canadian regulations these spirits are distilled and bottled no less than two years before consumption. Usually the bottling is done no sooner than six years and many are much longer than that now.

They are not noted as straight whiskies as they are blended. They are bold and lightly flavored yet manage to keep a very distinctive body and character. The Canadian government carries out rigid control of the Excise Tax and labeling.

There have been no stipulations in place for the grain formulas or distilling processes. Nor have the maturing factors or time frames been ruled or governed. They have left it up to the producers of this product to determine what markets abroad and at home desire from their product. It has been shown that this was a wise decision as the Canadian makers seem to be holding strong in all markets and fields.

Not unlike the brands found in the United States the distillery function is pretty much a standard deal with the exception of the use of cereal grains and some trade secrets. Since Canadian distillers are not faced with artificial proof restriction in their distillation procedures, they are able to operate continuous distillation systems under conditions that are optimum for the separation and selection of desirable congeners.

The relationship between beverage spirits and the congeners is in no way marred while in the fermentation mash solution. The casks are made of white oak and are rated in US gallons matured cooperage insures compatibility of the fine whiskies. The delicate flavor and per portions that the maturing batches cooperage is a fine trade secret.

It was spelled out with Sir Joseph Seagram. He decided in 1911 that an appropriate whiskey should be made for the wedding of his son. This blend became known as Seagram’s V.O or very own whiskey as it is known in those parts. Only pedigree grains and the finest of spring water were and still are used today to create this wonderful and bold whiskey.

The master blender has at his disposal over 2,000 choice and premium flavored bases that he can choose from for his secret and delightful blends.

409

It has been rumored that the Johnny Walker Blue Label blended whiskey was about to be halted for reasons unknown. This rumor is indeed just that nothing more than a rumor. Here you will find some background on this fine product in the event you wish to try it someday.

Although lately the market place is seemingly chomping at the bit to get a hold of some of this Blue label Johnny Walker ultra premium fine blended whiskey, it has managed to remain elusive to most sippers of fine spirits.

This blend was to be made to celebrate Sir John Walker’s existence of 200 years. A blending of young grains and malts make this drink a little mellower. Like some of the older whiskies, this blend was to be reminiscent of the blends back in the earlier 19th century.

The blue label product does not show an aging date on the label; however this is by no means an indication of poor quality. In fact, it is quite the contrary. It has actually been said that there are approximately 16-18 different aged whiskies and single malt blends in one bottle of Johnny Walker blue label. No one really knows the youngest of these.

The answer to the question of whether Blue Label is going to be discontinued, is simply, no. They have no intention on discontinuing the blue label Johnny Walker. It may have not have had the publicity that the other two colors have enjoyed but do not mistake this color for a slouch.

This blend is by all means the Rolls Royce of the current Walker line up at a pretty $200 a bottle. Single malts can indeed sell out and replenishment of stock is not a short order since the time it takes to mature is lengthy. However wonderful blends such as the blue label can always be adjusted according to available stock.

The over abundance of malt stock will keep the blenders busy for quite some time. Stock will not just deplete overnight. It is a continual cycle where as young and budding malts become old and wise to be replaced with new fillings.

There is no doubt that rare fine scotch will be a continual operation in Scotland and where this comes into play is the continual stock received by the Johnny Walker name. This wonderfully blended product is not under any circumstances going anywhere..

404

As new Irish and Scottish immigrants tried to settle on the American continent they brought with them the distilling methods of scotch whiskey. Finding the new raw materials different that what they were accustomed to, they lead the way for an evolution of new scotch now known merely as whiskey. Today if you can find a similarity between Irish and Scottish whiskey, and its now American cousin you would be further ahead than the experts and connoisseurs.

The stronger, fuller and sweeter taste found in the American whiskey if a result of the lack of smoke in the drying process of grains and/or corns. The six different categories that American whiskey is divided into is a direct result of the different aging times and adjusted amounts of grains used in each batch of whiskey.

The six different American brews are as follows:
* Bourbon
* Tennessee
* Rye
* Wheat
* Corn
* Blended whiskey

Bourbon
Bourbon Is believed to be produced solely in Kentucky, which is a myth it has been produced in many states. Stipulations for bourbon are very simple. It must be made in the United States, should only be made from fifty-one percent corn, and can only be stored in charred oak barrels for a term no shorter than two years. The spirit in its raw form may not exceed eighty percent alcohol by volume.

Tennessee
There are a few differences between Tennessee and Bourbon. They are very closely related. Tennessee must always be filtered through sugar maple charcoal, and can only be produced in the state of Tennessee, hence its name. Currently there are only two brands of Tennessee whiskey available; George Dickel and Jack Daniels.

Rye and Wheat whiskey
Generally rye whiskey is blended with other products to create other types of whiskeys. Only a very small portion of this whiskey is actually bottled. It must be made of at least fifty-one percent rye in order to be deemed rye whiskey. The distilling and storing conditions meet the same requirements as in Bourbon. Mostly made in the states of Indiana and Kentucky it is quite uncommon it has a slightly bitter and more powerful taste.

Corn
Due to the overwhelming surplus of corn, this was an obvious choice and is the predecessor of Bourbon. As assumed corn is the main ingredient with about eighty percent. The difference between corn and Bourbon is that corn does not have to be stored in wood. If it is to be aged it must be done in previous Bourbon barrels or barrels that have been uncharred

Blended American Whiskey
You should not be confused by the differences in Scottish whiskey and American blended whiskey. American whiskey only contains approximately twenty percent of rye and bourbon whiskey, a mass product industrial spirit, makes up the other eighty percent. This makes the product very cheap and much lighter than it’s American cousins.

486

In today’s world of clubs and young drinkers, fine Scotch often falls by the wayside. A much more sophisticated drink, Scotch is popular with older, more mature drinkers. Will this classic favorite eventually die out to all the pretty drinks served up in coconut shells with pretty pink umbrellas? The answer is probably not. Although Scotch on the rocks, is getting to be more and more unpopular among the bar drinkers, there are mixed drinks that feature fine Scotch with fun names that appeal to the younger crowd.

Drinks like the rusty nail which features Scotch and Drambuie or the Scotch happy sour which features Scotch and cherry flavored brandy are fun drinks that the twenty-something’s love to order. It is the unique taste of fine Scotch that sets it apart from the fad drinks that are all the rage today. There are a multitude of these kinds of mixed drinks, but to the true connoisseurs of fine whiskey, a cold scotch on the rocks is the only way to enjoy a fine scotch.

Word count 177

In terms of export, Scotch whisky amasses approximately 90% of all export sales combined in England and is a principle export commodity. This income is in great part foreign currency. This trend has been followed since the turn of the 19-century as the value of overseas marketing was discovered.

Between 15-20% of all scotch whisky consumed in Scotland is first purchased in Britain. Although the reason for this is unknown, they do not dwell on it since their Scotch seems to be more popular in other countries. This is proven by the fact that scotch whisky is within the top five export earners and makes a considerable profit while making very large contributions to Britain’s foreign exchange.

Approximately 200 markets are in the exchange for Scotch whisky with the European Union being in the forefront vying for top spot with the United States, Japan and other Asian markets following suit. The European Union is accountable for at least 50% of all Scotch whisky sales with the other countries rounding up another 40% or so.

A nine-year sales projection is in reserve of scotch stock maturing or already matured. In 1996 the stock of matured scotch was sitting at 2,741 million liters up a tenfold from 1945 at 247 million liters. The stock was higher in 1939 at 374 million liters. Obviously the Scotch whiskey market is predicted to grow based on the amount of maturing stock.

It is a difficult trade dealing in stocks with a scotch manufacturer as they sit and wait on maturing product, they cannot accurately gather information on what the market years down the road will be for their product. This is a commercial problem. The most significant undertaking is the capital investment of maturing stock.

There is a very small portion of fine scotch that actually makes it out of Scotland and into other countries. Matured whiskies as well as fresh fillings are an enticing profit grabber; however the time it takes for this product to turn over and give way to said profit makes this a risky endeavor. It is very hard to determine whether or not the products value will hold in the future.

In closing the value of these company’s finely distilled products is not likely to lose appeal any time soon, although one never knows what the future will bring. For Scotch lovers, another drink is always in their futures.

406

Elijah Craig a Baptist minister in the late 18th century in Georgetown Kentucky unveiled to farmers and townsfolk alike the first Bourbon whiskey where the trend just took off. It is said that even the father of the great Abraham Lincoln got into the action.

European settlers brought this trade secret with them to North America and in turn shared it with their new neighbors. Giving way to a boom in production. 1791 was the timeframe for the whiskey rebellion that took place in Pennsylvania where the government elected to impose tax on whiskey and whiskey sales.

This did not sit well with distillers so they made their way to the Kentucky Mountains to avoid the collectors of said tax. Eighty percent of all Bourbon today is distilled in the state of Kentucky. A royal family of French decent carried the name that now brandishes the bottles of this Kentucky gold. The name was introduced in 1758.

The attempt of American independence from British rule saw the French giving support so as the independence grew new land developments in America were named in French as tribute. In the year 1785, Kentucky was known as the Kentucky district of Virginia and not a separate state.

Through some of the river ports in Kentucky the whiskies were shipped down the Ohio River to New Orleans. Northeastern Bourbon county and Limestone county combined in 1789 to forge Mason county Virginia.

Although Bourbon is less restricted than Scotch, there are some regulations in place today. State regulation on Bourbon distilling requires the brew to be made from 51% corn; however barley wheat and rye may be used for blending purposes. It must be between 80-160% proof.

The soft texture and sweet taste come from the corn itself. After it is distilled in a continual still, it is then filled to casks made of oak for maturing for a much regulated minimum of no less than two years. These regulations make Bourbon what it is today, a very popular whiskey among all who drink.

400

Although some Scots are softening up in regards to their traditional dram, we cannot say all of them are. Some are indeed abusively screaming and kicking, with regard to how their fine brew is handled.

The idea of mixing a fine scotch in a fancy drink at the bar seems preposterous. This notion is dubbed an act of kindness, yet not too kind to the distillers that have toiled to bring us such a wonderful product.

Scotch is a wonderful brew that hit the mainstream of the U.S. in the early 1990’s. Several have considered this type of drink as a personality definer, causing it to grow quickly in popularity. Through Scotch as a drink was also a growing interest in it as a single malt treat. However, there are many different variations that have hit the market in order to please every palette.

It has been said that scotch is a nasty old bugger who is drank alone or with one or two close friends and not in the spirit of socializing. However the distillers, and aficionados alike tend to disagree. They feel that the time spent with friends and family, should indeed include the sipping of a fine scotch, for pleasure and conversation alike.

211

Scotland is not the only country that can put out a quality scotch product. Many countries have ventured into the spirits domain. Canada is one of them. The Canadian whiskeys are starting to shine with products that are crisp and bold to the taste buds.

Following strict compliance with Canadian regulations these spirits are distilled and bottled no less than two years before consumption. Usually the bottling is done no sooner than six years and many are much longer than that now.

They are not noted as straight whiskies as they are blended. They are bold and lightly flavored yet manage to keep a very distinctive body and character. The Canadian government carries out rigid control of the Excise Tax and labeling.

There have been no stipulations in place for the grain formulas or distilling processes. Nor have the maturing factors or time frames been ruled or governed. They have left it up to the producers of this product to determine what markets abroad and at home desire from their product. It has been shown that this was a wise decision as the Canadian makers seem to be holding strong in all markets and fields.

Not unlike the brands found in the United States the distillery function is pretty much a standard deal with the exception of the use of cereal grains and some trade secrets. Since Canadian distillers are not faced with artificial proof restriction in their distillation procedures, they are able to operate continuous distillation systems under conditions that are optimum for the separation and selection of desirable congeners.

The relationship between beverage spirits and the congeners is in no way marred while in the fermentation mash solution. The casks are made of white oak and are rated in US gallons matured cooperage insures compatibility of the fine whiskies. The delicate flavor and per portions that the maturing batches cooperage is a fine trade secret.

It was spelled out with Sir Joseph Seagram. He decided in 1911 that an appropriate whiskey should be made for the wedding of his son. This blend became known as Seagram’s V.O or very own whiskey as it is known in those parts. Only pedigree grains and the finest of spring water were and still are used today to create this wonderful and bold whiskey.

The master blender has at his disposal over 2,000 choice and premium flavored bases that he can choose from for his secret and delightful blends.

409

It has been rumored that the Johnny Walker Blue Label blended whiskey was about to be halted for reasons unknown. This rumor is indeed just that nothing more than a rumor. Here you will find some background on this fine product in the event you wish to try it someday.

Although lately the market place is seemingly chomping at the bit to get a hold of some of this Blue label Johnny Walker ultra premium fine blended whiskey, it has managed to remain elusive to most sippers of fine spirits.

This blend was to be made to celebrate Sir John Walker’s existence of 200 years. A blending of young grains and malts make this drink a little mellower. Like some of the older whiskies, this blend was to be reminiscent of the blends back in the earlier 19th century.

The blue label product does not show an aging date on the label; however this is by no means an indication of poor quality. In fact, it is quite the contrary. It has actually been said that there are approximately 16-18 different aged whiskies and single malt blends in one bottle of Johnny Walker blue label. No one really knows the youngest of these.

The answer to the question of whether Blue Label is going to be discontinued, is simply, no. They have no intention on discontinuing the blue label Johnny Walker. It may have not have had the publicity that the other two colors have enjoyed but do not mistake this color for a slouch.

This blend is by all means the Rolls Royce of the current Walker line up at a pretty $200 a bottle. Single malts can indeed sell out and replenishment of stock is not a short order since the time it takes to mature is lengthy. However wonderful blends such as the blue label can always be adjusted according to available stock.

The over abundance of malt stock will keep the blenders busy for quite some time. Stock will not just deplete overnight. It is a continual cycle where as young and budding malts become old and wise to be replaced with new fillings.

There is no doubt that rare fine scotch will be a continual operation in Scotland and where this comes into play is the continual stock received by the Johnny Walker name. This wonderfully blended product is not under any circumstances going anywhere..

404

As new Irish and Scottish immigrants tried to settle on the American continent they brought with them the distilling methods of scotch whiskey. Finding the new raw materials different that what they were accustomed to, they lead the way for an evolution of new scotch now known merely as whiskey. Today if you can find a similarity between Irish and Scottish whiskey, and its now American cousin you would be further ahead than the experts and connoisseurs.

The stronger, fuller and sweeter taste found in the American whiskey if a result of the lack of smoke in the drying process of grains and/or corns. The six different categories that American whiskey is divided into is a direct result of the different aging times and adjusted amounts of grains used in each batch of whiskey.

The six different American brews are as follows:
* Bourbon
* Tennessee
* Rye
* Wheat
* Corn
* Blended whiskey

Bourbon
Bourbon Is believed to be produced solely in Kentucky, which is a myth it has been produced in many states. Stipulations for bourbon are very simple. It must be made in the United States, should only be made from fifty-one percent corn, and can only be stored in charred oak barrels for a term no shorter than two years. The spirit in its raw form may not exceed eighty percent alcohol by volume.

Tennessee
There are a few differences between Tennessee and Bourbon. They are very closely related. Tennessee must always be filtered through sugar maple charcoal, and can only be produced in the state of Tennessee, hence its name. Currently there are only two brands of Tennessee whiskey available; George Dickel and Jack Daniels.

Rye and Wheat whiskey
Generally rye whiskey is blended with other products to create other types of whiskeys. Only a very small portion of this whiskey is actually bottled. It must be made of at least fifty-one percent rye in order to be deemed rye whiskey. The distilling and storing conditions meet the same requirements as in Bourbon. Mostly made in the states of Indiana and Kentucky it is quite uncommon it has a slightly bitter and more powerful taste.

Corn
Due to the overwhelming surplus of corn, this was an obvious choice and is the predecessor of Bourbon. As assumed corn is the main ingredient with about eighty percent. The difference between corn and Bourbon is that corn does not have to be stored in wood. If it is to be aged it must be done in previous Bourbon barrels or barrels that have been uncharred

Blended American Whiskey
You should not be confused by the differences in Scottish whiskey and American blended whiskey. American whiskey only contains approximately twenty percent of rye and bourbon whiskey, a mass product industrial spirit, makes up the other eighty percent. This makes the product very cheap and much lighter than it’s American cousins.

486

In today’s world of clubs and young drinkers, fine Scotch often falls by the wayside. A much more sophisticated drink, Scotch is popular with older, more mature drinkers. Will this classic favorite eventually die out to all the pretty drinks served up in coconut shells with pretty pink umbrellas? The answer is probably not. Although Scotch on the rocks, is getting to be more and more unpopular among the bar drinkers, there are mixed drinks that feature fine Scotch with fun names that appeal to the younger crowd.

Drinks like the rusty nail which features Scotch and Drambuie or the Scotch happy sour which features Scotch and cherry flavored brandy are fun drinks that the twenty-something’s love to order. It is the unique taste of fine Scotch that sets it apart from the fad drinks that are all the rage today. There are a multitude of these kinds of mixed drinks, but to the true connoisseurs of fine whiskey, a cold scotch on the rocks is the only way to enjoy a fine scotch.

Word count 177

In terms of export, Scotch whisky amasses approximately 90% of all export sales combined in England and is a principle export commodity. This income is in great part foreign currency. This trend has been followed since the turn of the 19-century as the value of overseas marketing was discovered.

Between 15-20% of all scotch whisky consumed in Scotland is first purchased in Britain. Although the reason for this is unknown, they do not dwell on it since their Scotch seems to be more popular in other countries. This is proven by the fact that scotch whisky is within the top five export earners and makes a considerable profit while making very large contributions to Britain’s foreign exchange.

Approximately 200 markets are in the exchange for Scotch whisky with the European Union being in the forefront vying for top spot with the United States, Japan and other Asian markets following suit. The European Union is accountable for at least 50% of all Scotch whisky sales with the other countries rounding up another 40% or so.

A nine-year sales projection is in reserve of scotch stock maturing or already matured. In 1996 the stock of matured scotch was sitting at 2,741 million liters up a tenfold from 1945 at 247 million liters. The stock was higher in 1939 at 374 million liters. Obviously the Scotch whiskey market is predicted to grow based on the amount of maturing stock.

It is a difficult trade dealing in stocks with a scotch manufacturer as they sit and wait on maturing product, they cannot accurately gather information on what the market years down the road will be for their product. This is a commercial problem. The most significant undertaking is the capital investment of maturing stock.

There is a very small portion of fine scotch that actually makes it out of Scotland and into other countries. Matured whiskies as well as fresh fillings are an enticing profit grabber; however the time it takes for this product to turn over and give way to said profit makes this a risky endeavor. It is very hard to determine whether or not the products value will hold in the future.

In closing the value of these company’s finely distilled products is not likely to lose appeal any time soon, although one never knows what the future will bring. For Scotch lovers, another drink is always in their futures.

406

Why is it that scotch always seem to be left alone in the bar scene? It is understandable that most people find scotch to harsh to drink while dancing the night away but could it not be introduced in some mild cocktails? Generally it is assumed that the sweeter drinks tend to give you the staying power on the dance floor as it is usually loaded with sugar.

Sugar is not an ingredient that one would associate with scotch and many of the clubbers will shy away from the so called old mans drink. Yet they really do not understand the potential that scotch in small doses in sweet drinks can have. It can liven up the party in a relatively short amount of time.

Of course there are the few drinks out there that may inspire a look into by the up and coming yuppies that are trying to mature. One of these mild scotch drinks is the Rusty Nail. This wonderful drink contains 1 ½ oz of scotch ½ oz of Drambuie
And a twist of peel from a lemon

This drink forgoes the common rule of no ice with your scotch, as the glass should be filled almost to the brim with cubes. Then the Drambuie and scotch are poured in together stirred vigorously and garnished with the peel. This makes a delightful small mixed drink that is much easier on the throat as well as the stomach that straight scotch.

Another popular drink is the whiskey sour. This drink is open to enjoyment by all classes and generations. This drink contains 2 oz of blended whiskey, the juice of half a lemon, ½ tsp of powdered sugar, one cherry and half slice of lemon.

Again this drink is easy to make. Shake the blended whiskey, the powdered sugar and the lemon juice with ice then strain into a whiskey sour glass. Lastly, top with the cherry and garnish the drink with the lemon slice.

Another great drink that the younger crowd may enjoy is the Rob Roy. This is a very simple drink that is relished by many and is very short on the prep time so you can be back on the dance floor in no time flat.

This drink contains 1 ½ oz of scotch whiskey and ¾ oz sweet vermouth. You merely stir contents with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

403

Why is it that scotch always seem to be left alone in the bar scene? It is understandable that most people find scotch to harsh to drink while dancing the night away but could it not be introduced in some mild cocktails? Generally it is assumed that the sweeter drinks tend to give you the staying power on the dance floor as it is usually loaded with sugar.

Sugar is not an ingredient that one would associate with scotch and many of the clubbers will shy away from the so called old mans drink. Yet they really do not understand the potential that scotch in small doses in sweet drinks can have. It can liven up the party in a relatively short amount of time.

Of course there are the few drinks out there that may inspire a look into by the up and coming yuppies that are trying to mature. One of these mild scotch drinks is the Rusty Nail. This wonderful drink contains 1 ½ oz of scotch ½ oz of Drambuie
And a twist of peel from a lemon

This drink forgoes the common rule of no ice with your scotch, as the glass should be filled almost to the brim with cubes. Then the Drambuie and scotch are poured in together stirred vigorously and garnished with the peel. This makes a delightful small mixed drink that is much easier on the throat as well as the stomach that straight scotch.

Another popular drink is the whiskey sour. This drink is open to enjoyment by all classes and generations. This drink contains 2 oz of blended whiskey, the juice of half a lemon, ½ tsp of powdered sugar, one cherry and half slice of lemon.

Again this drink is easy to make. Shake the blended whiskey, the powdered sugar and the lemon juice with ice then strain into a whiskey sour glass. Lastly, top with the cherry and garnish the drink with the lemon slice.

Another great drink that the younger crowd may enjoy is the Rob Roy. This is a very simple drink that is relished by many and is very short on the prep time so you can be back on the dance floor in no time flat.

This drink contains 1 ½ oz of scotch whiskey and ¾ oz sweet vermouth. You merely stir contents with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

403

Twelve: Is this indeed the magic number when it comes to fine scotch? In a matter of terms the answer is yes.

When trying to decide on a scotch it would be best to look for that magical number, as it will indicate to you that at least it has grown into full body. There are quite a few bottles out there that have aged longer, yet obtaining these gems can prove to be tricky. An old bottle of scotch is a real treasure.

Scotch, at least fine scotch, is meant to roll off the back of your tongue, and give you a warm and subtle punch in the tummy. Younger scotch, has not been given a chance to build a personality, hence it is not as smooth. It seems to be agreed that twelve years or longer is the magic number when it comes to the age of perfection for fine scotch. It may come in many different fashions and labels yet the song remains the same; good scotch has been brewing for awhile.

180

The notion that all scotch must be at least 12 years to be enjoyed is a common understanding among scotch drinkers everywhere. However, one company is out to prove them wrong. This scotch is just two years shy of the twelve year mark, but is growing in popularity.

Enter Glenkinchie; this ten year old malt is 86 proof and a very pale gold in color. It has a reminiscent fragrance of peat and a grassy meadow that ends rather sweet. Its body is light to medium, it is considered to be well-rounded lowland malt. In the end it stays dry, and carries a hint if ginger.

Originally formed in 1837 by a farmer, this malt clearly has some history. The original owner of the distillery sold it to another farmer who used the distillery as a cattle shed and sawmill. This property was again sold in 1880 and returned back to its natural intention to make fine malt just in time for the whiskey boom in the 1890’s.

This single malt will be enjoyed by the new and revered by the old single malt enthusiasts.

190

Twelve: Is this indeed the magic number when it comes to fine scotch? In a matter of terms the answer is yes.

When trying to decide on a scotch it would be best to look for that magical number, as it will indicate to you that at least it has grown into full body. There are quite a few bottles out there that have aged longer, yet obtaining these gems can prove to be tricky. An old bottle of scotch is a real treasure.

Scotch, at least fine scotch, is meant to roll off the back of your tongue, and give you a warm and subtle punch in the tummy. Younger scotch, has not been given a chance to build a personality, hence it is not as smooth. It seems to be agreed that twelve years or longer is the magic number when it comes to the age of perfection for fine scotch. It may come in many different fashions and labels yet the song remains the same; good scotch has been brewing for awhile.

180

The notion that all scotch must be at least 12 years to be enjoyed is a common understanding among scotch drinkers everywhere. However, one company is out to prove them wrong. This scotch is just two years shy of the twelve year mark, but is growing in popularity.

Enter Glenkinchie; this ten year old malt is 86 proof and a very pale gold in color. It has a reminiscent fragrance of peat and a grassy meadow that ends rather sweet. Its body is light to medium, it is considered to be well-rounded lowland malt. In the end it stays dry, and carries a hint if ginger.

Originally formed in 1837 by a farmer, this malt clearly has some history. The original owner of the distillery sold it to another farmer who used the distillery as a cattle shed and sawmill. This property was again sold in 1880 and returned back to its natural intention to make fine malt just in time for the whiskey boom in the 1890’s.

This single malt will be enjoyed by the new and revered by the old single malt enthusiasts.

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When you think of all the ski resorts in the world one of them stands out inyour mind. Aspen offers a variety of ski areas for all levels and it covers 4,500 acres or more spread over four mountains. This resort is known for itsnightlife because of the downtown area and the quieter Snowmass resort areahas something to offer everyone.

Aspen provides all the restaurants and bars you could ever want or need You can take a stroll through this luxurious city and find many boutiques and much more. There is a lot of history in many of the buildings that are in the downtown area. One of these buildings is the Ute bank; this building can be dated back to the silver area around the 1800’s.

With everything that there is to do in Aspen you shouldn’t find yourself getting bored. Aspen is located in Colorado, and with the various mountain ranges, you are sure to find slopes that are suitable for your level. Snowmass is one of the most popular resorts in the world, so be sure to make reservations well in advance.

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There are many different types of clubs throughout the world. In fact, there is a club or organization for just about everything that you can imagine! Skiing is no exception. Ski clubs are a great way to learn new things, and to go on ski vacations with other members. In fact, ski club members often get discounted rates on ski vacation packages.

No matter where you live, there is a ski club near you. This is true even if you live in a place that does not ever get snowfall! These clubs regularly get together for trips to various mountains, ski areas, and ski resorts. Some are local clubs, meaning that the slopes that they ski on are within driving distance, while others are more national or global, which means that they not only ski locally, if possible, but they also plan ski trips.

Again, members of ski clubs often receive deep discounts on ski vacation packages. Arrangements are usually made through the club, so that everyone is eligible for the discounts. The money that is required from each member for the trip is usually paid to the club, and the club passes the funds on to pay for lodging, airfare, meals, lift tickets, and other perks that are included in the trip. Because arrangements are being made for a group of people– which is usually fairly large – discounts are given. This benefits all members of the club.

The discounts aren’t the only thing to be excited about. These clubs get together regularly – even if they aren’t getting together to ski. They join together for other activities as well, such as cookouts and fundraisers. Many ski clubs do annual fundraisers to help less fortunate families and children at Christmas time. Others do annual fundraisers to help preserve the environment – which is usually a topic of great importance to skiers who love being out in the wide open spaces and fresh air.

While skiing is what brings these groups together in the first place, it is not necessarily what keeps them together. Their love of a common sport, and their common interests and feeling of community is what keeps them together – and it keeps them skiing together for years and years. If you are a skier, you should definitely consider joining a club. It doesn’t matter – in most cases – what level you are at. Beginners are usually welcomed, and this is a great way for beginners to quickly improve their skills and techniques out on the slopes.

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If you are planning a ski vacation and there are beginners in your group, or you are a beginner yourself, you should definitely consider Tahoe Donner in Truckee, California for your ski vacation. Since 1971, when construction first began at Tahoe Donner, the area has come to be known as a world class cross country ski center, but beginners are still welcome, and this is one of the better places to learn how to ski.

Located near Tahoe and Truckee, Tahoe Donner provides a family atmosphere, and is very affordable. It features a 601 foot vertical drop, and the highest elevation is 7353 feet. There are approximately 120 acres for skiers to enjoy, with over 13 trails for beginners, intermediate skiers, and expert skiers. The resort features four lifts, with two of the list being surface lifts, and two being chair lifts.

Snowboarders are also welcome at Tahoe Donner. The resort has reasonable lift ticket rates, and there are rentals available. Here, you will also find a variety of ski programs and a ski school. After a full day of skiing, be sure to visit the Lodge Restaurant for a wonderful and relaxing dining experience.

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Known as the single best ski resort in the South, Wintergreen Resort in Virginia has quite a bit to offer skiers. Featuring 11,000 acres with 19 trails, Wintergreen has a top elevation of 3516 feet, with a 1003 foot vertical drop. Beginners, intermediates, and experts will all find suitable trails at Wintergreen Resort.

To accommodate skiers, there are six lifts, including five chair lifts and one surface lift. There is also a dedicated terrain park for snowboarding. The resort is located near Charlottesville, Virginia, and you will experience breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, and be surrounded by luxury that most people only dream of. There is also a world class golf course located near the resort.

Other activities include tubing, snowmobiling, tennis, hiking, and horseback riding. The Out of Bounds Adventure Center is a very popular attraction at the resort with rock climbing and bungee trampolines. The Outdoor Wilderness Leadership school offers corporate retreats, real rock climbing, rappelling, and mountain biking.

This is an ideal spot for a family vacation. You and your children can participate in a variety of craft workshops, enjoy campfires and storytelling, go on hay rides, and enjoy many more community events that are scheduled throughout the year. There are many planned activities for families, including winter hiking, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and swimming in a cozy indoor pool.

While vacationing at Wintergreen Resort, make time to see the civil war history attractions, and visit the local wineries as well. Also take time to enjoy the Wintergreen Spa. At the spa, you can be pampered with massages, body wraps, skin treatments, and nail care. You can also visit the Mountaintop Aquatic and Fitness Center which features the latest in cardiovascular equipment, strength equipment, heated pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas.

The Wintergreen Performing Arts has many musical performances throughout the year that are sure to delight you and your family. If you are less interested in culture, and more interested in nature, the Wintergreen Nature Foundation is for you. This foundation promotes the understanding and conservation of natural resources that the Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for.

No matter what your interests are, if getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life is what you want, this is the number one spot in the South for fun, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The Wintergreen Resort is open all year long, with activities that are suitable for every season.

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Red River, New Mexico is home to one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States, and has been for many decades. The resort offers six chair lifts and one surface lift, and the trails are equally divided for beginners, intermediates, and experts.

Top elevation at Red River is 10354 feet, and the vertical drop down the face of the mountain is 1601 feet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t snow much, and about 85% of the powder is man made. There are 58 trails scattered over 247 acres. Red River is called the ‘ski town of the Southwest.’

The resort has three restaurants, all of which offer fabulous fare. Lodging can be obtained in cabins, chalets, inns, or private condominiums in the area, and many lodging packages, as well as ski packages are available through Red River Central Reservations. Red River also offers snow pass rates which allow children to ski for free, and teens to ski at reduced rates. This is a great way to save money on your family ski vacation.

Red River also has a ski school, and group lessons and private lessons are available. Even if you’ve never skied before, you will quickly be on the slopes after your lessons. There are even lessons for snowboarders, who are welcome on the Red River slopes. You can also rent all of your ski and snowboarding equipment for very reasonable rates.

The nightlife in Red River is also great. After a day on the slopes, you can kick back and relax at the lodge, or visit one of the taverns in the area. For the younger crowd, there is a great game room located right in the center of the town. One of the great things about Red River is that everything is within walking distance of the lodging areas, and shuttles are provided for transportation to and from the slopes.

You can also enjoy taking scenic chairlift rides, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, snow-mobiling, and hunting. You can even take one of the jeep tours to go see the abandoned gold mines in the area. So, even if you don’t ski, there is still plenty of fun to be had at Red River Ski Resort.

Childcare is available while you spend your day on the slopes. Your child will be well tended at the Li’l Buckaroos Child Care Facility, and the center provides lunch for your child as well. At Red River, everything has been thought of and taken care of to ensure that your ski vacation is as enjoyable as possible.

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When you start thinking about ski vacations, you will find a lot of information about various resorts and packages. Finding terrific vacation spots isn't difficult, however, finding ski vacations that fit into your budget can be a challenge.

To save money, look for lesser known resorts. This doesn’t mean that these resorts won’t provide you with a fun vacation – it simply means that they aren’t quite as well known as other resorts, and therefore, the prices may be a great cheaper. Also look for ski vacation packages that will include your lodging, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and possibly even some meals.

Be willing to make some sacrifices if money is a real issue. For instance, instead of eating in an expensive restaurant each night, eat cheaper fast food, or make sandwiches in your room. Borrow equipment from friends instead of renting it. Join a group for lessons instead of taking private lessons. Don’t stay at a lodge, stay at a motel farther away from the slopes if necessary. There are numerous ways that you can cut down on the expense of your ski trip. It is all about the powder after all!

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If you are looking for the ultimate Utah ski vacation, Solitude Mountain Resort has everything that you could want or need. During the early 1900’s, the area was full of silver miners, who gave the area its famous name. Today, the area is covered with skiers – but the crowds are rather light.

The area became a skier’s paradise in 1957. It was developed by Robert Barrett, who made his fortune as a uranium miner. He basically started developing the resort because he was denied restroom privileges at the ski area in Alta – because he was not a guest.

Now owned by a different family, the resort features 1200 acres of 63 runs for beginners, intermediate skiers, and experts. There are eight lifts, including seven chair lifts and one surface lift. The top elevation at Solitude Mountain is 10036 feet, with a vertical drop of 2048 feet.

There are five lodging options for guests, and activities and events take place all throughout the
year. The resort looks like a Tom Kincaide painting, and one can’t help but wonder if this is where some of his inspiration came from!

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If you will be traveling for a ski vacation, it is often difficult to know what to pack. You may not even have a problem knowing what to pack, but instead have a problem figuring how to get everything that you need from your home to your destination. Skis do not easily fit into suitcases, and if you are flying, this presents a huge problem.

Start by knowing what is available at your destination. Is there a rental shop? How much are the rental fees for skis, boots, and poles. If it is reasonable, and you don’t mind skiing with rented equipment, this is a viable option – and it makes packing and traveling much easier.

If you don’t care for rented equipment, there is another option. Find out if there are any ski shops in the area. There usually are. Get prices on skis, poles, and boots, and then ask if they buy used equipment. If they don’t, ask if there is anyone near by that does purchase used equipment. Call that place to get an estimate on how much you could get for barely used ski equipment. Figure the difference in the money you will spend on the ski equipment, and the money you will get for the used equipment when you are finished with it. If it isn’t much more than what it would cost you to rent the equipment, go for it!

Ski suits, ski jackets, and sweaters can be very bulky, and hard to pack. These items will take up a lot of room in your suitcase, and leave less room for other clothing and essentials. If you are trying to pack for a two week ski vacation, it will be impossible to fit everything you need into one suitcase.

There is a way to solve this. Call the lodge or resort where you will be staying. Tell them that you need to ship a package, for yourself, to them, and that you need that package to be there when you arrive. Ask them if they will hold it for you at the desk. In most cases, they will. Next, get a box, put all of your ski suits, your ski jacket, and any other bulky items in the box, and ship it to yourself, in care of the lodge or resort. Shipping can be overnight, two day, or three day depending on how far it must travel. Depending on how much the box weighs, you will usually pay less than fifty dollars to ship a package in the continental United States….which is a lot less than you would pay an airline for extra baggage!

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If your family wants to go skiing on your next vacation, but you don’t know how to ski, go ahead
and plan that ski vacation anyway! You can learn how to ski, and you will have a great time doing it. You don’t even need to know the first thing about skiing before you arrive at the resort – all of the knowledge you will need is there waiting for you, and you can literally be skiing down a mountain after an hour of instruction.

Learning to ski is really quite easy. Most resorts have a ski school on the premises, and lessons are reasonably priced. Group and private lessons are usually available. It is a good idea, however, to schedule an appointment before you arrive at the resort. This will ensure that you can start learning to ski the very first hour of your vacation.

Most ski instructors start by showing you how to maneuver around with your equipment. When you are wearing ski boots, you will be inclined slightly forward – there is a reason for this…when you are skiing down a mountain, you will be inclined forward! Walking in ski boots the first time is a bit difficult – but it works just fine if you learn to walk with your knees slightly bent.

The first maneuver you will learn is called the plow, or snow plow. This is a technique that is done by literally using your skis as a snow plow. You make the back of the skis slowing move outwards, away from your body by applying pressure – and this stops you. You guide yourself on skies by bending your knees and leaning in one direction or another, depending on which way you want to go. All of these techniques can be learned in one hour, even if you have never been on a pair of skis in your life.

The beauty of skiing is that after you have learned how to snow plow, and how to guide yourself on the skis, you are ready to ski! Get on the lift, head up the mountain, and give it a try. Control your speed by snow plowing – go slow at first. When you want to pick up some speed, draw your skis back in to pick up a little speed, then push them back out into the plow position to control that speed.

As a beginner, you should stick to the trails that are designed for beginners. At most resorts, these trails are marked with a green emblem. Blue trails are for intermediate skiers, and after one day of skiing the beginner trails, you may be ready for those trails. The black trails are for experts. These trails can be dangerous for people who don’t have the skill level to handle them! Avoid black trails until you have had a great deal of ski instruction and experience. You will know when you are ready!

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Located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski resort in the state. It is more than just a ski resort, however. It is a complete family vacation spot with an amusement park, indoor ice skating, a bungee tower, an alpine slide, and many other activities and attractions – there is something to please everyone.

With an elevation of 3301 feet, and a vertical drop of 600 feet, Ober Gatlinburg features eight trails: two beginner trails, four intermediate trails, and two advanced trails. There are three lifts, including two quad lifts, one double lift, and one surface lift. The season runs from the middle of December through early March, and night skiing is allowed on all trails except the Grizzly trail.

Rentals are available for both ski equipment and snowboarding equipment. Private and group lessons for skiing and snowboarding are also available through the Smokey Mountain Snow Sport School. You can also easily find food at the many snack bars, food carts, the café, the restaurant, or in the lounge.

You must not miss the longest chair lift ride in the south! You will see awesome views of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will also get a bird’s eye view of some of the slopes, and you can have your picture taken on top of the mountain. If you don’t ski, don’t worry! You can ride back down the mountain on the chair lift as well. Don’t forget the Tramway. The tramway departs from downtown Gatlinburg and takes you to the ski resort and the amusement park.

Even if you don’t ski, you can still explore the thrill of flying down a mountain at a high speed – or a slow speed if you choose. This is possible with the Alpine Slide. The slide is approximately 1800 feet long, and takes you down a winding wooded slope. You have total control over your speed with the use of a braking device on each sled. Other attractions at the amusement park include the Black Bear Habitat, a bungee jump, a water race, go karts, indoor ice skating, kiddie land, an arcade, miniature golf, a Spider Web Velcro Wall Jump, water rides, and a shooting range.

No matter what type of fun or adventure you are seeking, there is something to satisfy everyone in the family at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. This is definitely a trip worth taking– especially if you have younger kids or senior citizens traveling with you.

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If you are looking for a great place to go for your family ski vacation, Fun Valley, Iowa is the place to go. This resort caters to families and beginner level skiers, but it is also great for intermediate and expert skiers as well. There is something to suit all levels at Fun Valley.

The top elevation at Fun Valley is 1201 feet, with a vertical drop of 200 feet. There are six lifts, including three chair lifts and three surface lifts. The new learning center is something to see – and experience if you are a beginner. Tubers and snowboarders are welcome, and there is an excellent terrain park available. Rental equipment, including tubes and boards, is available.

Fun Valley offers outstanding group rates for groups of ten or more. Birthday packages are also outstanding for kids twelve and under. Every Wednesday and Thursday night, the resort offers a student night, with greatly reduced rates. Buddy Pass Friday’s are also popular – bring your friends and you will all save on lift tickets. Coca-Cola sponsors Sprite Saturday’s at Fun Valley, where you can participate in three activities for one flat affordable fee. Sundays are Family Four Pack Day.

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Mount Snow, located in Vermont, is the one of the largest ski resorts in the Eastern United States. Featuring 26 lifts and more than 135 trails, the top elevation at Mount Snow is 3600 feet, with a vertical drop of 1700 feet. There are 20 chair lifts and six surface lifts available.

Snowboarders are welcome at Mount Snow, and there is a ‘kids only’ terrain park as well as a special tubing park. The Grand Summit Hotel and Crown Club sits right off the slopes, and guests enjoy a heated outdoor pool and ski in/ski out accommodations. There is something to suit everyone at Mount Snow.

Many different winter ski vacation packages are available. Many of these packages are really great deals designed to save families money. Child care is available at Mount Snow, and the youngsters will be well cared for, and learn to ski as well. The adults aren’t left out of the learning process either! Both group and private lessons are available.

Mount Snow is very family oriented. At Mount Snow a unique ‘back-to-base’ trail system is used that keeps everyone in your family from getting lost. Kids under six ski and ride for free. When an adult buys a 3 - 5 day ticket during mid-week, their kid receives a free ticket for that same time period as well. During January, the Kids Ski & Learn Free weeks seem to be the most popular family deals.

Mount Snow features a full service health spa that you should take full advantage of. A variety of
massages are offered, as well as various skin treatments. Spa packages are also available, and the spa caters to couples as well, and wedding parties are also welcome. There is also a fully equipped health club and fitness classes are offered. There is always something to do at Mount Snow – even if doing nothing but relaxing is on your agenda!

Winter activities at Mount Snow also include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, cross country skiing, and sleigh rides. There is a ski shop on the premises and rental equipment is available. There are several restaurants and bars on the mountain to choose from as well. Again, Mount Snow is family oriented. You will find that this is a very safe environment for your entire family, where you can relax and have fun – without any worry. Be sure to ask about the family deals when you call for reservations or information.

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If you will be traveling to the North East, you must not miss Lost Valley Ski Resort. Located on 300 acres in the middle of Maine, the resort offers many different types of terrain, hills, streams, bridges, and fifteen well maintained trail systems.

The Lost Valley Resort is best suited to beginners and intermediate skiers, but there are more thrilling trails available for expert skiers as well. There are three lifts to accommodate skiers, including two chair lifts and one surface lift.

Equipment can be rented for all sports that are catered to at Lost Valley Resort, including ski equipment, snowboarding equipment, mountain bikes, and paintball equipment. Ski and snowboarding lessons are also available for private parties and groups.

At the lodge, you will experience a warm family environment with outstanding food and beverages. This is an absolutely wonderful place to bring a family. There are training programs, adaptive ski programs, racing events, a snowboard terrain park, mountain biking, and a huge twenty acre paintball park. Lost Valley Resort is also a great place to hold meetings, family reunions, weddings, and other special events. Catering is available.

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If you will be in Michigan, you should definitely visit Nub’s Nob Ski Resort. Nub’s Nob has what is considered to be the Midwest’s best snow, and the resort has a reputation for being a family friendly mountain. Generations of families have brought their children here for their very first ski run.

The mountain layout is fairly simple with an elevation of 1338 feet and a vertical drop of 427 feet. There are 43 trails serviced by eight chair lifts. Boasting one of the best skiing and snowboarding schools in the country, both private and group lessons are available. If you are brand new to the sport, you can even learn to ski free, and take advantage of Nub’s Cubs Childcare Center while you learn.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that intermediate or expert skiers won’t find any challenges waiting for them at Nub’s Nob! The terrain is varied, and you will find challenges. Night Skiing is also available. The Ski School offers training programs for advanced skiers who are interested in racing, and many racing events are held at the resort. You can signup for race leagues at the resort, and many league events are planned each season.

Equipment rental is available, and there is a General Store right inside the lodge, where you can purchase gloves, hats, and neck warmers among a variety of other items. You should also visit the technology center to have your ski’s tuned or repaired.

You won’t go hungry either! Nub’s Nob Cafeteria is open for breakfast and lunch, and if you brought your own lunch, you can eat in the ‘brown bag’ room. Nub’s Winter Garden serves grilled burgers when the weather allows. Pintail Peak Warming Hut is located at the top of the Black Lift. Here, you can enjoy amazing views while enjoying home made soups and sandwiches.

Nub’s Nob is the place to go if you want to have a great family ski vacation – or if you are already an expert skier interested in racing and skill events. There is plenty to do and see. In fact, you may find that you have a problem deciding which activity to participate in first! Don’t worry about missing anything, though – if you want to ski now and board later, you can do that. Most events are planned for the weekends, so arrange your schedule so that you are able to attend or participate in the planned events.

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