Dec 23 2008
Austin s City in a Park
Austin s City in a Park
Austin’s City in a Park
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department may be the ultimate park that any person interested in Austin real estate or visiting the place may ever need to go to. The park measures hundreds of thousands of acres featuring fun-filled activities and sceneries for people of all ages. There are several locations to choose from as well as well-trained personnel who maintain the safety and beauty of the area.
Park Description
The parks system began together with the founding of Austin way back in 1839. Some of the first parks in the area included Republic Square, Wooldridge Square and Brush Square. In 1875, more park developments began in the city with land donations and support from well-known personalities and generous benefactors. The mission of the department is to provide, protect and maintain a system that lets the Austin community enjoy cultural and recreational activities and sights. The department has received a number of awards and recognitions for great services.
After over a century, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department handles over 16,680 acres of land which includes 206 parks, 12 preserves, 74 miles of hike and bike trails, 172 sport fields, 117 miles of lake patrol, 90 playgrounds, 17 recreation centers, 2 beachfront facilities, 6 golf course, 108 tennis courts, 47 swimming pools, 6 amphitheaters, 4 museums, 3 senior activity centers, 1 nature and science center and 1 garden center. These are all located around making Austin truly a city within a park.
Exciting Hike and Bike Trails
There are around 74 miles of hike and bike trails throughout the park system featuring the most scenic landscapes in Austin. Several trekkers, joggers and biking teams visit from all around the country to experience the various trails with friendly weather all-year-round. Almost all parks in the system has trails that link to others. Great places to try are Blunn Creek, Barton Spring, Dove Springs, Gaines Creek, Eilers Park, Great Hills, Mount Bonnell, Mayfield Preserve, Quail Creek, Perry Park, Scofield Farms, Springdale, Red Bud Isle, Town Lake and Zilker Neighborhood.
The Trail of Lights
Zilker Metropolitan Park at Barton Springs Road features the Trail of Lights Festival every year which is considered as a holiday celebration in the city of Austin. The festival occurs usually during the first week of December just in time for Christmas. Highlights of the event include a candlelight path, nativity scenes, dance performances and the Yule log. There is also a 5K run, lighting of the Zilker Tree which is the largest man-made tree and contests for the children.
Off-Leash Bliss
Dog-lovers get to enjoy a total of 12 off-leash areas located throughout the city. Included in the list are Auditorium Shores, Bull Creek District Park, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Far West, Northeast District Park, Norwood Estate, Red Bud Isle, Onion Creek District Park, Shoal Creek Greenbelt, Walnut Creek District Park, West Austin Park and Zilker Park.
People need to follow a few simple guidelines when bringing their furry friends; like the need to pick up after pets for cleanliness and constant supervision of owned animals. Other areas still allow pets which need to be leashed no longer than 6 feet. Violations shall result in a fine no more than $500.
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Joe Cline is a professional real estate broker, investor, and REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Austin, Texas.
Find out more about Austin Texas real estate and new homes in Austin Texas.
Source: http://www.articletrader.com
Why choose Zakopane for your winter holidays?
Zakopane is often called the winter capital of Poland. And it comes as no surprise because this resort offers everything you need for a good winter rest. Those are skiers that mainly arrive here.
During the last years the city applied to host Winter Olympics (unfortunately, it was not a success). Nevertheless, Zakopane attracts skiers not only from Poland, but also from other countries. Those who arrive here for skiing surely want to know what they will find here.
The city is surrounded with mountains. Professional ski centres are located on the slopes. There are also several of them (for kids and beginners) in the city centre. There are a total of approximately 10 ski centres and more than 50 lifts found in Zakopane. One will also find a funicular road to Gubalowka Hill. Here is a list of Zakopane ski centers.
Antalowka is located in the south and north of Zakopane and offers two lifts. Its advantages are: location not far from the city centre, several cafes, ski schools and an opportunity to rent outfit.
Gubalowka and Kaletnicza centers are in the heart of Zakopane, the southern slope of Gubalowka Hill and the northern and the southern slopes of Kaletnicza. Gubalowka is one of the most famous and most visited resorts notable for its funicular (located almost in the city centre), and a breathtaking view over the Tatra mountains. If needed, tracks and two lifts are covered with artificial snow. One good thing about the resort is that there are lots of restaurants, bars, service centers and car parks found at the lower stations. Plus, the resort’s convenient location.
There are several nice lifts located right on the city territory, on its flat slopes. But only Skocznia slope is covered with artificial snow, when needed, which gives you an opportunity to enjoy skiing even when the weather is unfavourable. The lifts are situated in the downtown, that’s why Skocznia is always crowded with people.
North-eastern slopes of Kalatowki are mostly visited by the professionals. Even though there are no snow cannons, you can ski all year round. Kalatowki is one of the most beautiful Tatra glades which has long been popular with those fond of winter holidays.
Budzowski Wierch is 2 km from Zakopane. Its gentle slopes are excellent for the beginners.
Another services are: outfit rent, cafes, ski schools and car parks.
Kościelisko, thanks to rapid growth of Zakopane, is now a part of the city. Larger part of the Western Tatra is found on its territory, so the place is excellent for skiing. Its infrastructure spreads over several slopes only. However, the district is well-equipped and, which is also very important, not crowded. There are 6 lifts offered.
Butorowy Wierch lies 2 km west from the city centre, close to Orbis Kasprowy hotel. During several years the place was poorly visited because of some administrative problems. However, in 2001/2002 its tracks gained popularity again. Restaurants, bars, outfit rental and ski service are waiting for you.
Nosal is one of the best Polish ski centers. Despite its small size, there are 9 lifts, a ropeway, car parks, hotel and service centers located on its territory. Most of its tracks are covered with artificial snow, illuminated and ratrack-serviced. Tracks range from professional to easy ones. And of course you will find restaurants, cafes, service centers etc.
Our next stop is at Kasprowy Wierch – the best and the most popular ski resort, however, also very crowded. It is located 7 km from the centre of Zakopane and equipped with 3 ropeways, including chair lifts. A lift to the Kasprowy Wierch is the first Polish ropeway. Ski season starts in mid-December and, if the weather is nice, lasts till the beginning of May.
Good choice of tracks and beautiful nature are the reasons why one should come to Zakopae for winter rest. A bus trip to Zakopane from Krakow takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
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Visit Zakopane hotels to reserve a room in Zakopane hotel.
Poland - hotels in Poland.
Source: http://www.articletrader.com
Presenting: Only in San Francisco - Part 1 Posted By : SQ
Well, in February of 2008 I finally had to opportunity to revisit San Francisco, one of my favourite cities in all of North America.
Study Portuguese in Portugal and visit Azores and Madeira Islands
Study Portuguese in Portugal and visit two incredible places that offer unique features: the Islands of Madeira and Azores from where you can travel to numerous smaller islands in the region.
If you come to study Portuguese in Portugal you might want to find a peaceful and quiet region away from the frenetic rhythm of modern cities. Azores Island is the perfect pick to immerse in a natural paradise and relax as you study Portuguese in Portugal. Azores is made up by nine small islands of flourishing and abundant vegetation. You will find that the soil in this region has been formed thanks to previous volcanic activity. Study Portuguese in Portugal and visit the city of Angra do Heroismo in Azores, an area declared as World Heritage by the UNESCO. Here you can enjoy lovely architecture from the Renaissance period as you study Portuguese in Portugal. Visit its Angra Museum, the Captains’ Palace and the Wine Museum. Study Portuguese in Portugal and practice fishing in the many lakes Azores has.
The island was built in ancient times by fisherman and whalers, so as you study Portuguese in Portugal you will learn about the whaling industry, hear some fisherman tales and taste incredible maritime dishes. You can take part in canoeing tours along deep blue lakes of astonishing natural beauty as a different activity while you study Portuguese in Portugal. The largest city in Azores is Ponta Delgada, definitely a place no to miss. Enjoy exclusive hotels and resorts of high comfort in this port region. Study Portuguese in Portugal and go around gorgeous gardens in Ponta Delgada, the most renowned are those found in Gonzalo Velo Square.
Last but not least, while you study Portuguese in Portugal you can’t miss in Azores a tour around the vineyards of Pico Island. They will take your breath away since they are displayed along different peaks and mountains that reach down to the sea.
On its behalf, study Portuguese in Portugal and visit Madeira Island. Widely recognized as the “Floating Gardenâ€, Madeira is an exclusive destination with amenities for tourism, night entertainment and sport facilities. Its contrasting landscape is made up of mountains that emerge abruptly form the earth, numerous fresh streams and cascades and the golden coast for sun lovers to have fun as you study Portuguese in Portugal.
If you like to stroll, Madeira is perfect for you, since it is full of places only accessible by foot. Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on the island that challenges every visitor that comes to study Portuguese in Portugal. Levada is another region for those who like walking across dense forests and jungle lush vegetation. The historical sight of Madeira is found at Fuchal city, with museums, restaurants, pubs, shops and renowned spas.
Take a break from the urban life and relax in one of the many spas Madeira offers as you study Portuguese in Portugal. Enjoy body treatments, massages, yoga, hydro-gymnastic classes and many more in an incredible natural setting. Porto Santo is another destination that offers stunning beaches, waters with healing properties and with warm temperature all year long as you study Portuguese in Portugal. En Santo da Serra in Madeira practice mountain golf surrounded by fantastic panoramic views of the ocean as you study Portuguese in Portugal.
As far as we have seen, Portugal is an incredible destination with countless offers in its different islands and relaxing distant regions. So come and learn Portuguese in Portugal and enjoy in deep the Islands of Madeira and Azores.
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Learn more about travel abroad destinations at http://www.easygolanguages.com, making it easy to learn a language. A complete guide; learn a language and study abroad programs. Enrique Helmbrecht is the president of EasyGO Languages and an experienced traveler and language learner.
Source: http://www.articletrader.com
Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, Mexico
Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa on Mexico’s western coast may be located only 4 miles apart, but they are centuries away from each other in development and style. Zihuatanejo is a charming fishing village which has been inhabited since the beginning of Mexican civilization. It is thought that Zihuatanejo was a matriarchial society associated with Mexico’s Olmec civilization many centuries ago. On the other hand, Ixtapa was developed by the Mexican government in the 1970s as a resort destination, much like Cancun on the Yucatan peninsula. Half of the land in Ixtapa was designated as an ecological preserve, thus preserving the natural beauty of the area among the modern resort amenities.
Zihuatanejo is a charming glimpse of the Mexico of the past. The town encircles a lovely bay, with narrow brick streets fanning out from the centro, where fishermen display their catch of the day. For a bit of history, check out the Museo de Arquelogia de la Costa Grande with its exhibits on the cultures that occupied the western coast of Mexico before the arrival of the Spanish. It is located at the end of Paseo del Pescador. There are over 250 market stalls filled with Mexican arts and crafts in Zihuatanejo’s tourist crafts market or Mercado de Artesenia Turistico, as well as a municipal market where you can find anything from hammocks to huaraches (Mexican sandals), so there is plenty to keep the serious shopper busy.
There is plenty to do in Ixtapa, from golf and water sports to horseback riding on the beach. There are malls located across from the hotels in Ixtapa called Centro Commercial a Puerta and Centro Commercial Los Patios, where you can find everything from sportswear to folk art. There is also a market with over 150 stalls near the hotel zone, and locals will be more than happy to help you to find the perfect treasures to bring home with you. Many of the best beaches are not open to the public, but if you go just a bit south of the hotel zone, Playa Vista Hermosa is a lovely beach bordered by cliffs, and non-guests of the Westin (which it fronts) are welcome to enjoy the sun and sand.
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Stephanie Larkin is the editor of http://www.Cruise-to-Mexico.net, as well as http://www.WaltDisneyCruise.net and other cruise websites. She and her family are avid cruisers - her 3 children especially love the towel animals and chocolates left on their pillows at night!
Source: http://www.articletrader.com
