1. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Pronounced as ‘Core da lane’, this city offers a wonderful ski environment, stunning scenery and a flourishing golf culture. The city is picking up in the tourism sector. The median home price is $311,700 and the population is 38,246.

2. Charlottesville, Virginia: The Blue Ridge Mountains, University of Virginia, and variety of entertainment and recreation, makes Charlottesville an attractive option to retire in. This is also a city with a strong historical background. All these positive features offset the slightly high median home price of $398,400. The population of Charlottesville is 41,425.

3. Logan, Utah: Home to the Utah State University, Logan is a popular city that offers various recreational activities including plenty of water sports at Bear Lake. Logan has a historic downtown and the scenic Logan Canyon Scenic Byway is a great attraction. The city has a median home price of $205,400 and population of 44,599.

4. Blacksburg, Virginia: A town that has been growing steadily over the last 4 decades, Blacksburg is home to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute also known as Virginia Tech, a very vibrant college community and lots of scenic beauty. The median home price is $233,400 and the town has a population of 39,915 residents.

5. Burlington, Vermont: A college town through and through, Burlington boasts of being home to four colleges – the University of Vermont, Burlington College, Champlain College and a Community College of Vermont campus. The median home price is $378,000 and the town has 37,884 residents.

6. Anacortes, Washington: An awesome place if you want to enjoy your retirement with a lot of fun and entertainment. The jewel of Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is favorably located near British Columbia. There is no limit to the water sports that the sea offers or to other outdoor activities such as golfing, bird watching, camping etc. The median home price is $347,600 and the town has a population of just 15,514 with a 15-year growth rate of 24.5 %.

7. Sarasota, Florida: You would love this spot for its exquisite architecture, pure white sands and wonderful beach sports. You can have a big house warming party, south florida party rentals are always on hand. The medium home price is a little expensive at $423,400 and the population is at 53,477. Being the hub of architectural marvel Sarasota in the State of Florida might not offer much for the home buyer in terms of housing bargains. Make sure to check out the local south florida event rentals.

8. Hanover, New Hampshire: Also known as the “Upper Valley”, Hanover in New Hampshire is a peaceful place to settle in, for its wonderful valley setting. Located at driving distance from Boston, Montreal and New York City, Hanover also offers great skiing activity. The median home price is at $297,400 and the population is 8,305 with a 15-year growth rate of 13.2 %.

9. Manhattan, Kansas: If one wishes to settle in a city that offers year-round entertainment, Manhattan in the State of Kansas would be the perfect choice. The city offers golf, art, shopping and some of the country’s best music festivals during the month of June. The median home price is $188,600 and the population is 44,630.

10. Ames, Iowa: This can be the perfect choice for the one who wants a laid back lifestyle and a quiet life. The city offers some of the most affordable housing options and the crime rate is also quite low here. The city also is home to the Iowa State University. The Median home price is at $176,700 and the population is 54,817.

A small list of places in Iowa to visit
http://500nations.com/Iowa_Places.asp

100 places to visit in iowa… BEFORE YOU DIE! OMG! And you’ll need to scroll down a little bit on this site to see the list.
http://robertgraef.blogspot.com/2007/01/100-places-to-visit-in-iowa-before-you.html

And if you’re bored or stuck in Iowa, here are some things to keep you busy
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Iowa/Things_To_Do-Iowa-BR-1.html

Romantic Destinations in Iowa

The Hawkeye State, Iowa, holds much more beauty than a lot of travelers give it credit for. There are ten different travel areas for tourists to explore when they come to this state, from the Northwest area (where you can follow the path of historic explorers Louis and Clark) to the Southeast area that boasts of containing the world’s “crookedest” street. Lovers will also find much to do here, such as solitary hiking and just holing up in a room and enjoying each other’s company – romantic destinations in Iowa are enjoyable for everyone!

Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is located in Wilton, Iowa, just 30 or so minutes from Davenport and Iowa City, Iowa. This bed and breakfast offers all of the hospitality of a Midwest inn, with the Mississippi River just a small ways outside your door! Located in eastern Iowa, the Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is convenient to both the Wildcat Den and Palisades Kepler State Parks, which makes it an ideal spot to stay for your outdoor themed trip. This 1910 home, decorated in the “Arts and Crafts” style, is great for seclusion – you are never forced to spend time around other guests unless you want to.

This b & b has just two rooms, which means you will get a level of service that you might not find in larger inns or hotels. The Prairie Room is perfect for couples, with a comfortable queen size bed and its own shower. The Pine Loft is larger (it can accommodate up to six people), but it also includes a claw foot tub as well as other amenities that complete this spacious room. Lovely green plants and a library’s worth of books make this nook of a room one of the most perfect places for romantic destinations in Iowa.

Potter’s Mill bed and breakfast is lodged in Iowa’s oldest grist mill (from 1843). This beautiful inn and restaurant is also a great place to have your next romantic retreat. Located in Bellvue, Iowa, Potter’s Mill offers guests five rooms to choose from, with different themes and motifs in each. Gourmet breakfasts are also included. The atmosphere in this inn is like no other, with the mill theme including exposed beams and other subtle hints to the building’s original purpose. The Potter’s Mill’s restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner.

Spending some quality time with the one you love in picturesque Iowa can be just the thing for any special occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, you can be sure romantic destinations in Iowa will be just the thing.

About the Author

Richard Rspad is with Resort Spa Destinations – reviews and articles on romantic getaways. http://www.resortspadestinations.com/romantic-getaways

1 to 8. Alabama has not one, not two but eight fabulous places to retire in America – Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan and Decatur offer the best of ‘Bama.

9 to 10. California is fabulous in many ways, thanks to lots of sun, beaches and plenty of things to do; all these things and more that you can do in San Diego and Paso Robles.

11 to 13. When people think of retirement, Florida is never far from their mind. So if you want to find a fabulous place for retirement, go Gainesville, Tallahassee or Sarasota.

14 to 17. Washington has Spokane, Lexington and Walla Walla, three fabulous places to retire in. Spokane is a large city for retirees but it sure offers plenty in terms of affordability. Lexington is gaining popularity and Walla Walla was voted one of the best places for retirees in 2006, so there’s your cue. Don’t forget Bellingham, a nature lover’s dream place.

18. Portsmouth in New Hampshire has the honor of being one of the 10 places in America that’s considered safest, so consider retiring here.

19. Ashland in Oregon is not just about the annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival, it’s also a cozy, fabulous place to retire in America.

20. Coeur d’Alene in Idaho may sound French, but it’s all American. You’ll love the fabulousness of the outdoors, with all its beautiful scenery. By the way, it’s pronounced as ‘core da lane’.

21 to 24. Virginia has some of the most fabulous places that we can call close to heaven – Charlottesville, Anacortes, Williamsburg and Blacksburg.

25 to 26. Logan in Utah used to be just a town you used for a stop over when going to Yellowstone, but it is a fabulous place to retire in America thanks to its charm and opportunities for recreation. You’ll love St. George for its mild winters and desert climate.

27. Skiing is not the only thing to do in Burlington, Vermont. There’s plenty of local culture, lots of opportunities for learning and yes, this is where Ben & Jerry’s ice cream was born.

28 to 29. The Little Apple is a fabulous place to retire in and it’s called Manhattan. You’ll love the natural beauty of this town in Kansas, along with the fact you’ll have plenty of time to play golf. You’ll also find Lawrence a fantastic place to retire in.

30 to 31. Can’t get enough of Ivy living? Live your retirement in Hanover or Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

32. If you prefer to soak in the Midwest life, Ames, Indiana is the perfect, fabulous place to retire in.

33 to 34. Beaufort in South Carolina is historic and filled with charming restaurants and great shops and entertainment. Charleston offers charm and a solid economy, along with excellent health care and educational facilities.

35. Oxford in Mississippi, near Memphis offers great summer nights. This is a college town, so expect plenty of chances for continuing education.

36 to 38. Texas’ state’s Austin and Boerne, one more famous and the other still undiscovered but with plenty of things to offer. And don’t forget lovely San Antonio, a great blend of both culture and terrain.

39 to 40. Fort Collins can have cold winters, but this city in the Rocky Mountains offers affordable alternative to the joys of city living. Loveland is less than an hour’s drive from Denver and is as lovely as its name.

41 to 44. North Carolina has four fabulous places to retire in – Asheville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham.

45. Santa Fe in New Mexico introduces you to other cultures and you’ll get to be neighbors with several Hollywood celebrities.

46. Iowa City, Iowa is friendly, urbane with lots of culture going on. I you want a fabulous place to retire in, this is it.

47. If you fancy some fabulous island life, St. Simons in Georgia is a great place to retire in.

48. Like lots of summer fun? Try Holland in Michigan, where the Grand Rapids is less than half an hour away.

49. If you love the outdoors, live your retirement in Prescott, Arizona.

50. Ithaca in New York is a fabulous place to retire in, thanks to its combination of natural beauty and vibrant culture.

About the Author

For more complete information on retirement please go to: http://www.accessibleretirement.com/50-Fabulous-Place-To-Retire-In-America.html http://www.accessibleretirement.com www.drnathaliefiset.com

Iowa RV Facilities

A trip to Iowa can bring many unexpected pleasures. The great outdoors are found in abundance here, with activities ranging from hiking and skiing to fishing and bike trails galore. If you enjoy spending time in the woods, or just seeing nature’s beauty, you will find it all here in Iowa. Easily reachable from much of the Midwest, Iowa is a perfect place to take your recreational vehicle for a family trip. Hop on one of the historic routes and byways designated by the state, and find the area you want to visit.

There are many different Iowa RV facilities available for your stay in the state, ranging from small private parks to facilities that are attached to several of the State Park areas. Depending on the region in the state you are going to visit (Iowa is generally broken into ten regions for tourism purposes) – you can enjoy different activities year round. One area that is great year round (although the amenities are limited in winter) is the Skip-a-Way Resort, RV Park – located in Clermont, Iowa.

The Skip-a-Way Resort offers RV campers many different activities and amenities – making it a perfect choice among Iowa RV facilities in the Northeast area. The sites for your RV include both grassy and shady spots, with pull throughs available. Electric, water and sewer are included with your hookup, and cable TV, Internet and telephone services are also available. The resort has a full service restaurant on the premises, along with a store, camping and fishing supplies, a laundry room and dumping stations. Activities here include wagon rides, basketball courts, swimming pools, fishing and hiking.

Another of the Iowa RV facilities located in the Northeast region is the Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Camping Park, located in Cresco, Iowa. This site is placed among the “Chimney Rocks” of the area, along the Upper Iowa River. A perfect spot for families that enjoy water sports and canoeing or kayaking, this facility offers boat rentals as well as tube rentals and fishing supplies. Here, you have your choice of a “primitive” campsite, or one that includes electric hookups. This is a great place for families who enjoy adventure.

Iowa RV facilities have much to offer travelers looking for a different sort of family trip. With the many extremes of terrain and natural formations, a trip here is a camper’s paradise – as well as a hiking treasure.

About the Author

Adrien White is with RVRentalsforYou.com – information on where and how to rent an RV. http://www.rvrentalsforyou.com/rent_an_rv

Vacation rental in Iowa is regarded as home in the holidaying town. It provides all the amenities present in a home such as washer, dyer, refrigerator etc. It also embraces of fully furnished kitchen, in which the vacationer can cook for his family and friends.

Iowa vacation rental can be in the form of condo, cottage, villa, homes and cabins. While choosing the vacation rental in Iowa, the factors which are needed to be considered are number of people (that will stay in rental while holidaying) and budget. Vacation rental in Iowa suits to every pocket. In other words, each of the vacation rentals carries different rent, so he the person can choose as per his budget. They are regarded as an affordable means of lodging as it involves reasonable cost. It can be used for weddings, spending vacations, honeymoons, family reunions etc.

On staying in the vacation rental, vacationer has to pay for the services and amenities present in rental. Staying at vacation rental is a cheap mode as it involves low rent as compared to the rent involved in hotels. Thus, he can save an amount which he can utilize for other purposes while holidaying.

In present scenario majority of the traveling agencies arrange vacation rental at the desired destination. Through internet, locating traveling agency is easier as the person is only needed to write vacation rental on any of the search engine. Thus as a result, numerous agencies arranging vacation rental will be displayed on the screen. In addition to traveling agencies, the person can also book his vacation rental directly through owners of the vacation rental.

Nowadays, it is also seen that many traveling agencies provide a package, in which the person is obliged to making a single payment which includes all the expenses such as accommodation, air tickets etc. By this means, he can save large sum of money which can be utilized while enjoying other activities at Iowa.

About the Author

Sylvestor Johnson is offering loan and rental advice for quite some time. He is working as financial consultant for ThinkRentals. To find Iowa vacation rental, Apartment rentals, Cabin rentals, Condo rentals, Rental homes, Vacation rentals, Beach house vacation rentals at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.thinkrentals.com

Des Moines also serves as the seat of Polk County, and is the center of a growing metropolitan area. With an estimated 196,857 residents in 2006, Des Moines has experienced marginal growth since 1990. The core population peaked at 208,982 in 1960. Since then, outlying suburbs have boosted the overall metro population to over 534,230. While Des Moines has successfully annexed bordering areas, a plan to merge governments with Polk County was soundly rejected by voters. The median age of city residents was 35.6 years in 2006 with 76% of the population being White non-Hispanic. Another 8% were African American, 10% Hispanic and 4% Asian. The African American and Hispanic populations are significantly higher than the Iowa average. About 10% of residents were foreign born, significantly higher than the state average. Over 25% of residents claimed German ancestry. Families made up 62% of Des Moines households. The 2006 median income for households in Des Moines was $41,651, slightly under the state average. It was somewhat below the national average of $46,242. Unemployment in 2006, at 6.8% among the civilian workforce, was greater than the national trend. About 15% of the population lived in poverty, equal in percentage to the number of dropouts in Des Moines.

In 2007, Forbes magazine ranked the Des Moines metropolitan area 4th on its list of “Best Places For Business And Careers.” They based it on factors such as the cost of doing business, cost of living, educational attainment and crime rate. The city has been nicknamed “The Hartford of the West”, as the economy relies heavily on financial service and insurance industries. Des Moines’ largest employer with 7,900 jobs is Principal Financial Group, the only Fortune 500 Company to have its headquarters in Iowa. The insurance industry brings over 150 company headquarters and regional offices to the metro area. Anchored by a strong health care sector, about one fourth of all jobs in Des Moines are attributed to the service industry. Some of the area’s best-known manufacturers are Pella Windows, Maytag, Amana, and Rockwell Collins Avionics. Fiber optics is also an emerging industry. If you are moving to Des Moines, it boasts a well-educated workforce. However, wages are somewhat lower than average. The most popular jobs for men was in construction at 12% of the workforce, followed by finance and insurance at 7%. For women, finance and insurance accounted for 16% of their jobs, followed by health care at 14%.

Des Moines and surrounding areas are attractive for housing values and a favorable cost of living. The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners in 2006 was $1,114, while renters were paying $631 monthly. About 54% of renters reported spending 30% of their income on housing, only 32% for mortgaged homeowners. Estimated median home value in 2005 was $106,300, on par with the state average. The housing market in Des Moines is incredibly affordable when compared with a national figure of $167,500. Even state and local taxes are lower than the U.S. average. In the third quarter of 2004, the ACCRA Cost of Living Index was just 94.9, about five points under average. While experiencing suburban growth, Des Moines has eye-catching upscale buildings and a rising skyline. Some of the tallest buildings are 30-45 stories high. Skyscrapers took over downtown during the 1970s and 1980s. Life in Des Moines was brought to a halt in 1993 when the city was declared a national disaster area. Flooding of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers caused over $250 million in damages. The resulting construction projects helped renovate and update the city, bringing it into the 21st century by changing the downtown appearance. Several existing downtown buildings are being converted to loft apartments and condominiums. By retaining its small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities that lend to its quality of life, Des Moines was renamed an All-America City in 2003. Hoping to increase tourism and conventions, the area has undergone $1.5 billion in development projects. Among these is a shopping complex, IMAX theater, state science center, riverfront amphitheater, and central library.

If you are moving to Des Moines, there many colleges in its midst. The most significant is Iowa State University, about 33 miles away, with its full-time enrollment of over 24,000 students. Crime in Des Moines took a sharp turn upward in 2005, rising 200 points above the national crime index of 325.2. However, serious offenses like murder have steadily declined in recent years to 2.6 murders per 100,000 residents in 2005, making it one of the safest big cities. On the banks of the Des Moines River, farmers in the Des Moines area enjoy fertile farmland. During the heart of the growing season (early May to early October), about 60% of the 33 inches of annual rainfall is recorded. Harvest time is met with conditions favorable for drying and harvesting crops. However, the weather can become harsh and drastically change. Summer heat peaks at highs averaging 86 degrees in July and plummet to about 12 for the low in January. During winter, subzero temperatures and drifting snow can impede transportation with over 30 inches of snowfall annually. The area is a tornado zone with a 118% higher risk of a twister than the rest of the country. The city has notable natives like actress Cloris Leachman, members of the rock group Slipknot, famed fashion designer Halston, a female NASCAR driver, an NFL quarterback, a PGA Masters Champion and a former U.S. President, who was a local radio personality, Ronald Reagan.

About the Author

Lou Ross writes articles about moving issues and moving companies for http://www.movingcompaniesforyou.com/

Alaska – Denali National Park offers several camping areas for those adventurers willing to brave the elements and the animals.

Alabama – Blue Springs State Park (located near Ozark, Alabama) is a 103 acre park that’s center of attention is the swimming pool and spring pool which are both fed by an underground spring.

Arkansas – Caddo River in Glenwood, Arkansas is a great place for roughing it in complete luxury. It offers beautiful cabins and bunkhouses at reasonable prices (or you can just stay in your tent if you prefer).

Colorado – The camping sites at Black Canyon of the Gunnison fill up quickly during the summer months. It offers some of the most sheer walls, narrow openings and startling depths in North America.

Delaware – Trap Pond State Park offers a unique experience of Delaware’s Cypress Swamp. It offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities and camping experiences.

Georgia – Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge is off the 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona in Georgia. It offers a lot of great activities for the whole family.

Iowa - Muscatine County, Iowa has a hidden Gem in the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area. Camping is free on Wednesdays (from May – October) and it offers some of the best environmental education programs around.

Indiana – Wolfe’s Leisure Time Campground is a great place for the family to stay. It offers a well stocked recreation room, pool area, and even has WiFi available so mom or dad can catch up on work.

Kansas – Kanopolis State Park has it all – from a full-service marina and beaches to over primitive camp sites. It is rich with native plants and wildlife and has plenty of Native American history as well.

Missouri – Kings Canyon offers several great camping sites (all located in Black bear territory, so be prepared). Cedar Grove has some breathtaking trails for you to hike while you stay.

The great thing about camping is that you could spend the rest of your life staying at a new site and still not have time to see them all. There are camping sites with historical significance, great amenities, or amazing nature experiences. What ever your tastes, today’s campgrounds can find a way to meet them.

About the Author

The article is provided by Low Fares. Find cheap flights to top destinations. http://www.lowfares.com/

Be cautious of those amazing airfare deals that have lots of restrictions in fine print. Read all of those tiny words and make sure you aren’t purchasing something that you don’t really want. Sometimes you can get airfare deals that require many layovers or late night flights. I am personally fine with taking a night flight but can’t stand layovers.

If you’re looking to escape winter and do some traveling you should check out this travel blog. You’ll get some good ideas on where to go such as how to enjoy a vacation for two, what to do to plan last minute vacations, and some itinerary ideas for your next trip to Hawaii.

From international adventure travel to weekend getaways, you’re sure to find some useful information to help you plan your next vacation.

While the miners were digging they found quite a few different types of gems and minerals that are on display in the gift shop. There is no other show cavern like Crystal Lake Cave and this is the longest a cave has been “alive” in Iowa. The cave is underground and continues to be one of the most amazing places to visit in Iowa. The tour of the cave takes about half an hour to 45 minutes and it is an adventure like none other you have ever taken. A tour guide will lead you so that you get the most out of the adventure. Keep in mind that no matter what the temperature is outside it will be quite cool in Crystal Lake Cave and the year round temperature is usually around 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cave is open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekends in May and daily in June, July and August from 9 am until 6 pm. In September the cave is open from 11 am until 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am until 5 pm on weekends. The cave is open through mid October from 11 am until 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am until 5 pm on weekends. The rest of the year the cave is closed for winter. Prices for adults are $10 and $5 for kids four to 11. Kids under four are free and senior citizens receive a 10% discount. Group pricing is available. The cave is located three miles south of Dubuque, Iowa and 20 minutes from Galena, Illinois.

There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

About The Author
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 6 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. http://www.rb59.com