http://www.flyingcompass.com/ Thu, 8 Jan 2009 07:12:48 GMT Thu, Jan 8th 2009, 02:12 GMT http://www.flyingcompass.com/Texas/New-Braunfels/a-359.html There are several ways to discover New Braunfels – wet, dry or little of both. Guadalupe River rafting or tubing offers a slower pace, while the Schlitterbahn Waterpark is jam-packed with 40 wild adventures. For those who prefer a drier visit, the Gruene Historic District takes visitors back to its earlier days. Here find a general store, an antique store in the former mercantile, a restaurant housed in a former gristmill and live music at Gruene Hall, the oldest continuously operating dance hall in Texas. http://www.flyingcompass.com/Texas/New-Braunfels/a-359.html http://www.flyingcompass.com/Texas/Boerne/a-358.html While Boerne has an identity all of its own, it is often compared to Fredericksburg. It has a similar look and feel, but can be more easily explored in a day. For more than 145 years traditional German concerts have been held on the main plaza. Artists always seem to have something planned – gallery tours, plein arts events and self-guided art tours. Music festivals are especially popular during summertime. Recreational opportunities are plentiful too - hiking, golfing, horseback riding, fishing and more. http://www.flyingcompass.com/Texas/Boerne/a-358.html http://www.flyingcompass.com/Texas/Fredericksburg/a-356.html Fredericksburg is synonymous with the Hill Country. Its German heritage is evident throughout and there are more than enough shops and restaurants to feel the need to go back again and again. Schnitzel anyone? Beyond the stores, find the Vereins Kirche Museum and the National Museum of the Pacific War. Enchanted Rock is a few more miles up the road. To truly appreciate the granite dome come prepared to hike to the top and enjoy view. http://www.flyingcompass.com/Texas/Fredericksburg/a-356.html http://www.flyingcompass.com/South-Carolina/Bluffton/a-352.html Bluffton, South Carolina, a few miles down the road from Hilton Head Island, epitomizes life after the Civil War. Old Town Bluffton’s Historic District with gift and antique shops sits below large moss-draped trees along Calhoun St. Bluffton is a perfect morning or afternoon excursion; plan on lunch while you’re here. The community is located between Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. http://www.flyingcompass.com/South-Carolina/Bluffton/a-352.html http://www.flyingcompass.com/South-Carolina/Hilton-Head-Island/a-351.html Discover Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, a place that has preserved its natural attractions - its beach - and enhanced the way visitors experience it - tours, bike rides, golf, kayaking and watersports. This planned resort features condo rentals and a few hotels, and excellent shopping. If the most hectic thing you want to do is golf, ride your bike or go to the beach, this is the place! http://www.flyingcompass.com/South-Carolina/Hilton-Head-Island/a-351.html http://www.flyingcompass.com/Colorado/Golden/a-350.html Just outside of Denver discover Golden, Colorado, a popular kayaking, mountain biking, cycling and climbing destination. Many of its attractions salute the mountains and mountain life. Visit downtown, Clear Creek, Coors Brewery and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, plus Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum, Golden Pioneer Museum, Clear Creek History Park, the Astor House Hotel Museum, Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum and the Colorado Railroad Museum. http://www.flyingcompass.com/Colorado/Golden/a-350.html http://www.flyingcompass.com/Georgia/Athens/a-343.html First came the University of Georgia (UGA) and then Athens. Located northeast of Atlanta, the city still retains its southern charm. Learn about history and architecture at the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, Thomas R.R. Cobb House, Taylor-Grady House, Ware-Lyndon House and the U.S. Navy Supply Corps Museum. UGA attractions include the Georgia Museum of Art, university sports’ history at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, the State Botanical Garden and Founders Memorial Garden, honoring the first garden club in America. Downtown Athens features a mix of restaurants and entertainment venues. Rolling Stone magazine named this the #1 College Music Scene, while the New York Times labeled it Live Music Central. http://www.flyingcompass.com/Georgia/Athens/a-343.html http://www.flyingcompass.com/Texas/Kerrville/a-355.html Located in the Texas Hill Country just off Interstate 10 (I-10) Kerrville is filled with pleasant surprises. Downtown, just steps from the Guadalupe River, is where H-E-B Fresh Foods got its start. Today it’s home to antique stores, restaurants and the Hill Country Museum. There’s plenty of art to go around. The Museum of Western Art houses an outstanding collection and for those who prefer to wear their pieces, James Avery Jewelry is just up the road. Aviation enthusiasts will want to schedule a “touch and go” at Mooney Airplane Co. http://www.flyingcompass.com/Texas/Kerrville/a-355.html http://www.flyingcompass.com/United-States/a-353.html Seems that flying nowadays can be a lot of hassle. When you purchase a ticket on a no-frills airline, you expect that everything will be ala carte. Not any more. American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways are all charging for each checked bag. Maybe it's time I ship it in advance in a box. So far Continental, Delta Air Lines, Jet Blue Airways and Southwest have not started to nickel and dime their customers. http://www.flyingcompass.com/United-States/a-353.html http://www.flyingcompass.com/Michigan/Mackinaw-City/a-348.html Mackinaw City, Michigan, across the straits from Mackinac Island has a rich French heritage that is showcased at Colonial Michilimackinac. Also under the guidance of the Mackinac State Historical Parks are Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Historic Mill Creek with its zip-line attraction. There are plenty of shopping opportunities downtown including the open-air mall, plus three ferry businesses on the east side of town offer easy access to the island for day outings. http://www.flyingcompass.com/Michigan/Mackinaw-City/a-348.html