As I write this I am looking out the window from a condo in the mountains in N.C. The views are magnificent, temperature is cooler then the city, people are friendly, and there is much to do and see. We are visiting friends for the second summer in an exclusive area that is populated with people that we know. It is certainly a change from what we are used to and inviting to others and us as a place for a summer or fall getaway. Actually Spring and winter has some appeal as well.

My friends are contemplating buying a condo and are ambivalent. This is a big decision for most, and one should move slowly in this process. Many factors go into buying a primary home and a second home adds another level of risk and enjoyment. Let’s consider the pluses and minuses of owning vs. renting a second home and look at it objectively and not through Rose Colored glasses.

First and foremost is, money. Can you afford it? Let’s assume you have a significant amount of discretionary dollars that would enable you to buy for cash. Enjoyment in life is important, especially as we get older and have discretionary funds and grandchildren. It can give us many options and decisions on where to go for our enjoyment. Flexibility for many is an important variable if you want to see more of the world and the purchase will tie you down from doing that either financially or through the guilt of feeling that you must go to your mountain retreat.

Does the purchase inhibit other travel is a consideration. It is terrible to feel guilty about not using a place you should enjoy. It is also terrible to have a longing to go somewhere else and feel you don’t want to spend the money you would have had but now is tied up in the mountain condo.

Financially, should you put all your cookies in the condo cookie jar? What about financing. Sure, now you have monthly payments, and dues for golf etc. How about owning with friends or family to lower your cost basis. Could be good, or could be a good way to lose friends or family if things don’t work out. What about renting it out when you don’t use the place. Again, talk to those that did and you will hear good and bad stories. Maintenance issues, assessments, slow markets to resell are also factors to consider.

For me, flexibility is the key. Appreciation may not be realized and I don’t want the risk, and headaches, as well as having to worry about my second home. There is too much to see and too much to do. I would rather have the money I would invest to travel.

Joe Glad has been involved in real estate as a developer and working with agents for the past 10 years, primarily in the south. He spends most his time focusing on Columbia Flat Fee MLS where he follows the market very closely.

Philadelphia is a gorgeous historic city with lots of things to do. There are plenty of restaurants to try while you are in town as well.

A full plate is a restaurant that is more like a cafe and catering service in Northern Liberties. Their most popular dishes on the menu include fried chicken and waffles, the mac and cheese made with multi grain pasta and a blend of three cheeses, as well as vegetarian alternatives.

Best Pizza Deli is a family oriented business which focuses on the finest ingredients. They strive to serve food worth being proud of by hiring the best people and providing quality service in a friendly environment.

The Bistro Romano is home to the Original Mystery Theatre, a murder mystery dinner theatre with performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Delicious Italian cuisine is served here in an intimate atmosphere.

Campo’s Deli is family owned and rests on Market Street. Campo’s Deli is the best place for authentic Philadelphia cuisine; it is located conveniently in the Old City and is only three blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Visitor Center.

Cosmi’s Deli is a Deli style restaurant in South Philadelphia that serves award winning cheese steaks and other delicious sandwiches. This is your opportunity to get a taste of the Philly cuisine.

Divan Turkish Kitchen brings a taste of traditional Turkish cuisine to Philadelphia. Come and experience why they claim Turkish food is not one of the best foods in the world, but the best food in the world.

Downey’s Restaurant is an Irish Pub and Restaurant which overlooks Penn’s Landing at Front and South Streets. It has been opened and serving great dishes in Philadelphia since the year 1976.

Estia brings authentic Greek cuisine from the Mediterranean to Philadelphia. Estia restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish served by the pound from the Greek islands, Morocco, Tunisia and Portugal.

Fork Restaurant is a nationally acclaimed New American bistro which offers delicious food that is seasonal, fresh and inventive. The menu is printed daily and reflects international influences from all around the world.

For an Asian atmosphere, check out Joseph Poon Chef’s Kitchen. This is an Asian fusion place located in Chinatown that offers hands on cooking classes with the Chef Joseph Poon himself.

For a spicier cuisine, try Mexican Post Restaurant and Bar. Here, you can enjoy any of your favorite Mexican dishes or even try a house specialty item which is always served with complimentary chips and homemade salsa.

Pat’s King of Steaks is the first and the originator of the Philly Steak and Cheese Steak Sandwiches. Come and try the original for yourself at this landmark location that is open 24 hours; your trip to Philly would not be complete without a taste of its famous meal.

Ralph’s Italian Restaurant is a family owned and operated restaurant that has been running since 1900. To maintain the tradition of delicious Italian food for five generations, it stands behind its work as well as its tastily crafted dishes.

Simonetta’s Italian Cafe is a place where you can choose from over 40 sandwich and wrap options, fresh salads, unique homemade Mediterranean dishes and a tasty serving of Ice Cream or a Banana Split to hit the spot from Zecca Ice Cream. This place is sure to have something for everyone.

Snockey’s Oyster and Crab House is where it is all about the fish. Oysters, bluefish, crabcakes, shrimp, steaks, scallops, clams and much more cover the menu and are always fresh.

Sushi Planet is your chance to taste delicious sushi, if that is what you are in to. They have a Sushi Bar that offers a unique dining experience with a friendly atmosphere, great sushi and music; you have the option of dine in, take out or even delivery.

Table 31 is a new joint in town that serves Chef Scarduzio’s contemporary interpretations of Italian staples like hand crafted pastas, thin crust pizzas, USDA Prime steaks and chops and incomparably fresh seafood. Give this new place a shot the next time you are in town on your vacation or weekend getaway.

Warmdaddy’s Restaurant celebrates the food, culture and music that encompass the real southern rhythm and blues experience. Come by today and get more than just a great bite to eat.

Terry Daniels has been writing about things to do in cities across America. He recommends things to do in Philadelphia.

Contact Info:

Terry Daniels
TerryDaniels09@gmail.com
www.thingstodo.com

The beautiful, tropical islands of Hawaii are always a popular spot to visit. Many go to relax on the beach or to experience the culture of this lush state.

But did you know Hawaii also hosts many events throughout the year? If you are planning a trip there you may want to keep on reading.

This article will give you an idea of the best events that take place each year in Hawaii. Starting in January visitors will enjoy watching the Annual Stan Cann Classic.

This event is a surfski canoe race which takes place at Hilo Bay. It is sure to be interesting to watch.

Also in January is the Hula Kahiko Series. Watch the hula and other cultural dances that have been passed down for generations.

These presentations are free and take place at the Volcanoes National Park. In February have a great time celebrating Chinese New Year with food, crafts, lion dances and entertainment.

The big event takes place at Kalakaua Park. Waimea is a great place to visit in February because it hosts a Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival and a Town Celebration.

Both events have food, entertainment and unique attractions. March is home of the annual Tahiti Fete of Hilo which features some of the best Tahitian dancing in the area.

Also during March is the Stampede Rodeo. It is a free event and has take place each year on the Big Island for more than 35 years.

April is a fun time to visit because you can attend the Merrie Monarch Festival. This week long event features many festivities and hula dancing competitions.

The fest ends in a parade. In May something unique happens called the Annual Dolphin Convention.

Hundreds of dolphins gather and put on a show each first week of May. May also hosts the Orchid Show, which features many beautiful orchids.

In June plenty happens including the King Kamehameha Day Celebration Floral Parade, the Taste of Hawaii, the International Festival of the Pacific, and the Annual Waiki’i Music Festival. Heading into July celebrate Independence Day by attending the Concert in the Sky on the Big Island.

This festivity includes fireworks, food and entertainment. Also during the Fourth of July is the Parker Ranch Rodeo near the town of Waimea.

In August you may want to look into visiting the Puukohola Heiau Cultural Festival in Kawaihae. This event includes hulas, lei making and other traditional activities.

In August you will not want to miss the Aloha Festival. It takes place all over the state during the summer months and heads to the Big Island in August.

The event has a parade and a large block party with dancing, food, crafts and entertainment. October is a happening month with the International Jazz Festival, the Pumpkin Picking Patch at Aloun Farms, and the Hana Lei and Floral Show.

In November you can attend Hawaii’s oldest food festival, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. This event attracts many visitors and has been taking place for over 30 years.

Also in November is the Vanc Triple Crown of Surfing, which is the most successful surfing series in the world. Take some time out to watch these amazing competitions on Oahu’s North Shore.

Lastly in November is the World Invitational Hula Festival. Celebrate Hawaiian culture as this traditional dance is performed and judged.

An event that also takes place each year during the fall is the Ironman World Championships. Some of the best tri-athletes in the world compete in this event.

Lastly enjoy December in Hawaii by checking out the Honolulu Marathon. Also in December is the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, where a ceremony is held and a fleet band performs.

The last events of December take place on New Year’s Eve. Start out the day by checking out the Traditional Mochi Pounding for New Year, which is a sweet paste that is prepared and eaten for a sweet new year.

There are also other activities to help celebrate throughout the day. That night enjoy fireworks at the Aloha Tower Marketplace.

As you can see, so many events take place each year in Hawaii. No matter what month you go, there is always something to attend.

Enjoy your trip. You are sure to have a fabulous time!

Terry Daniels has been writing about things to do in cities across America. He recommends things to do in Hawaii.

Contact Info:

Terry Daniels
TerryDaniels09@gmail.com
www.thingstodo.com

One thing the state of Colorado is known for is its many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The region is very diverse with its range of mountains, plateaus, canyons and plains.

Whether you are visiting in the summer or the winter, there is always some type of outdoor activity to participate in. One activity Colorado is known for is its whitewater rafting.

Home to over 18 rivers, there are plenty of opportunities for this outdoor sport. If you are looking for a mild rafting trip you may want to check out parts of the Colorado River or the Gunnison River.

For bigger and more intense rapids, you may be interested in the Arkansas River, the Taylor River or the Clear Creek River. With so many options of rivers, there is definitely a rafting trip for everyone.

This state is also home to many national parks. A few worth mentioning and visiting are Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Starting with Mesa Verde National Park, this park features some of the most unique Ancestral Puebloan dwellings in the world. The dwellings are well preserved and very interesting to explore.

Visitors are able to enter the cliff dwellings to learn more about these adobe homes. Next is the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Here guests will find some of the tallest sand dunes in North America. The tallest dune in the park is 750 feet high.

Also at this park are plenty of opportunities for four wheeling and hiking. The Rocky Mountain National Park is home to tall mountains, lakes and streams.

It is a beautiful park which also features thick evergreen forests and acres of wildlife. The last park is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

This narrow gorge features sheer black walls. The gorge continues for 53 miles and offers a variety of activities including camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, wildlife viewing and more.

It is also a great place to take a scenic drive. After visiting the national parks you may be interested in visiting one of Colorado’s state parks.

With over 40 to choose from, there is something for everyone. A few of the parks are lakes or reservoirs.

Barr Lake is fun to visit because it is home to over 300 species of birds. It is also an excellent spot for boating or fishing.

Lake Pueblo is one of the more popular lakes in the area. With great fishing waters and prime camping spots, it is perfect for the whole family.

A large draw is the swimming beach which features a five story waterslide. Another great beach to visit is at Jackson Lake.

Chatfield and Cherry Creek are two reservoirs which are fun for sailing, fishing, boating and sandy beaches. You could also take a hike or go biking at these reservoirs.

A few canyons that may be of interest are Eldorado Canyon, Castlewood Canyon, and Golden Gate Canyon. Eldorado is a great place for rock climbing.

It also features amazing panoramic views and has spots for picnicking along the stream. Castlewood has interesting, dramatic canyon walls and is a site to see.

Golden Gate Canyon is a fun spot to camp and hike in its dense forests and beautiful meadows. One last state park worth mentioning is Rifle Falls.

This lush area features a majestic, triple waterfall. Having a picnic by the falls is a very popular activity.

There are also caves beneath the falls which can be interesting to explore. The fun doesn’t stop there, what about winter activities in Colorado?

With about 40 skiing and snowboarding spots, you are sure to find something to do during those cold winter months. Some of the more popular skiing areas are Aspen Mountain, Winter Park, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Copper Mountain.

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, visitors can also relax at the lodge and just enjoy the mountain views. A few other popular outdoor activities in Colorado include hot air ballooning, geocaching, and simply walking and enjoying the fresh air.

As you can see, there is so much to do in Colorado. It is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or typical tourists.

You are sure to have a great time. Enjoy the outdoors in this beautiful, diverse state!

Terry Daniels has been writing about things to do in cities across America. He recommends things to do in Colorado.

Contact Info:

Terry Daniels
TerryDaniels09@gmail.com
www.thingstodo.com

Kauai, also known as Taua’I in the ancient dialect, is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. With an area of 562.3 square miles, it is the fourth largest of the main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago and the 21st largest island in the United States.

It is also sometimes called the “Garden Isle” because it lies 105 miles across the Kauai Channel and northwest of Oahu. It is the site of Waimea Canyon State Park.

In the 2000 census, the population of the island was 58,303. There is no known meaning behind the name Kauai, but native Hawaiian tradition indicates the name’s origin in the legend of Hawaiiloa - the Polynesian navigator attributed with discovering the Hawaiian Islands.

The story tells the tale of how he named the island of Kauai after a favorite son. Therefore, a possible translation of the word is to “place around the neck” as in how a father would carry a favorite child; another possible translation is “food season.”

Kauai was known for its distinct dialect of the Hawaiian language before it went extinct there. The standard language today is based on the dialect of Hawaii Island, the Kauai dialect was known for pronouncing a “k” as a “t”.

Consequently, the island’s dialect retained the old pan-Polynesian “t” while standard Hawaiian dialect has innovated and changed it to the glottal stop. Therefore, the native name for the island was Tauai, and the major settlement of Kapaa would have been called Tapaa.

Kauai’s origins are volcanic, and the highest peak on this mountainous island is Kawaikini at 5,243 feet. The second highest peak is Mount Wai’ale’ale near the center of the island, 5,148 feet above sea level.

This is one of the wettest spots on earth with an annual average rainfall of 460 inches; it is located on the east side of Mount Wai’ale’ale. The high annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys in the central mountains, carving out canyons with many scenic waterfalls.

On the west side of the island, Waimea town is located at the mouth of the Waimea River, whose flow formed Waimea Canyon, one of the world’s most scenic canyons which is part of Waimea Canyon State Park. At 3,000feet deep, the canyon is often referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

The Na Pali Coast is a center for recreation in a wild setting, including kayaking past the beaches or hiking on the trail along the coastal cliffs. During the reign of King Kamehameha, the islands of Kauai and Niihau were the last Hawaiian Islands to join his Kingdom of Hawaii.

Their ruler, Kaumaulii, resisted Kamehameha for years. King Kamehameha twice prepared a huge armada of ships and canoes to take the islands by force, but twice failed. Once it was due to a storm and the second time, it was due to an epidemic.

In the face of the threat of a further invasion, however, Kaumaulii decided to join the kingdom without bloodshed and became Kamehameha’s vassal in the year 1810, ceding the island to the Kingdom of Hawaii upon his death in 1824. In 1815 until 1817, Kaumaulii led secret negotiations with representatives of the Russian-American Company in an attempt to gain Russia’s military help against Kamehameha.

However, the negotiations folded and the Russians were forced to abandon all of their presence in Kauai, including Fort Elizabeth, after it was revealed that they did not have the support of Tsar Alexander I.

Currently, Tourism is the island’s largest industry. In 2007, 1,271,000 visitors came to the island; the two largest groups were from the United States and Japan.

As of 2003, there were a total of approximately 27,000 jobs there of which the largest sector was accommodation- food services followed by government and retail. Next are agriculture and educational services.

As far as income is concerned, the various sectors that constitute the visitors industry accounted for one third of their income. On the other hand, employment is dominated by small businesses, with 87% of all nonfarm businesses having fewer than 20 employees.

As of 2003, Kauai’s unemployment rate was 3.9% compared to 3% for the entire state and 5.7% for the United States as a whole. Furthermore, the area’s poverty rate was 10.5% compared to the state’s which is 10.7%.

Terry Daniels has been writing about things to do in cities across America. He recommends things to do in Hawaii.

Contact Info:

Terry Daniels
TerryDaniels09@gmail.com
www.thingstodo.com