If you want to make your stay at your St. Croix vacation rentals more exciting, you should come to the island in time for the big celebrations. Below are some of the St. Croix events and festivals worth experiencing.

Every third Friday of the month, Frederiksted Harbor comes alive with jazz music and lots of merriment. As one of the most anticipated monthly events in the island, the Sunset Jazz attracts a number of well-known local and international artists. This musical event is free for all. If you want to enjoy the sunset together with some great music, just stroll down towards Frederiksted Harbor right before sundown.

If you want to enjoy the best food and wine St. Croix can offer, visit the island during the month of April in time for the Food and Wine Festival. Recognized by Forbes Travel as one of the top international food and wine festivals in the world, this event attracts a number of celebrities, world famous chefs and winemakers as well as hundreds of visitors from all over the globe.

While spending the Holidays at St. Croix, you should watch the Annual Christmas Boat Parade. Several boats decked with Christmas lights and decorations sail from Christianshed Harbor and cruise along the shores. After the parade, you can enjoy the fireworks and live entertainment at the harbor.

The island of St. Croix is a prime tourist destination, and most St. Croix vacation homes are fully booked during the holidays. To beat the crowd and get the best accommodations at affordable prices, start hunting for a vacation home as early as possible. To find affordable vacation homes near the beach, check out our listings at Vamoose.com, where you can search by location and price.

Experience some of the finest waterfront dining near your St. Croix villa rental. A paradise island, St Croix still retains the Old World charm while offering its visitors the best of everything including food. Most restaurants are located on the beach or at hardly any distance from the waterfront.

Rum Runners is a waterfront restaurant located at the Hotel Caravelle. The restaurant has a very relaxed feel to it and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. They have been acknowledged locally as having the Best Breakfast, Best Bartender and Best Restaurant for years at a stretch.

The Galleon, an island favorite, overlooks the beautiful Green Cay Marina. The menu has wide choices of appetizers, fresh salads, meats, seafood and sumptuous desserts. The Galleon boasts of an extensive wine collection. Make sure you make your reservation well ahead to avoid disappointment.

Stixx on the Waterfront is spacious with spectacular harbor views. The place is known for mouth-watering entrees using the freshest and seasonal seafood. If you want something light, try their pizzas. A combination of stuffed mushrooms and lobster is highly recommended.

Considered to be one of the most romantic restaurants, you can enjoy an intimate dinner with a panoramic oceanfront view. They have some famous wines on their list. Don't forget to taste their homemade desserts and local tropical island drinks.

Other waterfront restaurants close to your St. Croix vacation home include Duggan's Reef, Blue Water Terrace and Beachside Café. Find a wide range of rentals listed at Vacationhomes.com, which are filtered by price, location and amenities.

There is abundant duty-free shopping close to St. Croix vacation rentals, a must for every shopaholic. St. Croix has some of the most amazing shopping areas from big specialty stores to quaint little ones. St. Criox has many duty-free shops from where you can get the best rates.

BACI has a vast selection of cigars and spirits. The cigar brands available here are Ludes Arturo Fuente and Partagas. In liquor, rare ports and single-malt scotches are also available. Besides this, one can also get watches and Swarovski crystals.

Violette has been in operation since 1962. All items such as colognes, perfumes, fragrances, gift sets, bags, shoes, jewelry, watches and other accessories sold here are duty-free. They house some of the most renowned international and national brands.

Purple Papaya is a gift and souvenir shop which houses a vast selection of quality merchandise. This is a one-stop shop for buying holiday clothes such as swim and beach wear and sunglasses. Don't forget to browse through their collection of Hawaiian shirts and dresses.

Nelthropp & Low was formerly known as the Gold Shop and is located at Pan Am Pavilion. They specialize in bracelets which are designed and handcrafted exclusively in-house. Check out their collection of emeralds and diamond jewelry along with coin jewelry and watches.

Other stores close to your St. Croix vacation home where you can indulge in duty-free shopping include Sonya Ltd, the Original Caribbean Bracelet Company and many more. Find a wide range of rentals listed at Vacationhomes.com, which are sorted based on price, location and amenities.

Selecting a St. Croix condominium for your vacation is easy. You can relax and refresh yourself with the water sports and exotic beaches in St. Croix, a treasure of the Virgin Islands. Apart from these, nightlife can be equally fascinating. You visit the following casinos and enjoy your night life here.

It is the only casino of the area which has Las Vegas-style games mingled with the spirit of the Caribbean. Popular games like three-card poker, blackjack, craps, video poker and more are played here. It also offers a free entertainment show in the Showbar within the casino.

It is one of the most popular Caribbean bars and restaurants in downtown Christiansted. It is amazing to see the town throwing its lights on the water. This restaurant offers both Continental and Caribbean cuisine throughout the year. The sushi offered at the deck bar is great. You can also enjoy the tarpon feeding during night times.

A Caribbean night adventure tour in the moonlight will take you to the protected waters in the Salt River National Park where you can see Columbus' landing spot. You can also enjoy the night by kayaking.

Stay in a St. Croix vacation home. Selecting one is simple as there are numerous search options available on VacationHomes.com. You can filter your search based on your budget, amenities required and location of the rental.

If you're staying at a New Orleans vacation rental, you simply cannot miss the French Quarter. Also known as Vieux Carré, the French Quarter is the most famous neighborhood in New Orleans. It is also the oldest, as it was founded in 1718 at the same time the New Orleans was established by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. The French Quarter is a National Historic Landmark and contains some of the most fascinating points of interest in the region. Here are some of those you should visit while you're at the New Orleans vacation homes.

Le Petite Theatre du Vieux Carre is a 94-year-old community theater founded in 1916. It began operations when a group of theater enthusiasts organized a play in one of the members' drawing room. This theater was refurbished in 2004. Now, various performances, musical, comedies and dramas, are held here every year. If you're a theater lover, there is no way you should miss this attraction.  

The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum sits inside the Arnaud's Restaurant. What makes this attraction unique and memorable is its fine collection of Carnival costumes, court gowns and mementos used by Mrs. Wells and her family during the historic period. Mrs. Wells reigned supreme in so many Mardi Gras courts during the time of the Carnival. The museum inside the restaurant is open to the public and is free of charge during the opening hours of the restaurant.

Nestled within Treme, the country's oldest African-American community, the New Orleans African-American Museum strives to preserve, protect and promote the art and history not only in this area but in the entire country as well. Here, you will find historical artifacts that recount the vivid history of African-Americans in the United States.

Another interesting attraction to visit would be the interactive shipwreck and treasure site of Odyssey, wherein you would see and hear the story of the Civil War-era ship called SS Republic, which sank in a hurricane in 1865 while sailing from the state of New York to New Orleans. In 2003, Odyssey company discovered the shipwreck 1,700 feet below the surface. During the discovery, there were about 51,000 gold and silver coins recovered along with more than 10,000 historical artifacts.

One of the top 5 aquariums in the United States can be found in New Orleans. It comes by the name Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Here is where you will see the country's largest collection of jellyfish and sharks. Apart from these 2 creatures, you will also encounter vast array of animal species ranging from the rare white gator to penguins and otters. The place also has a changing-exhibit gallery, which you should you also see during your visit. This attraction is open all days during the week except Mondays. 

Browse VacationHomes.com to find an extensive list of rental homes based on price, location and amenities.

If you are going to stay at any of the New Orleans vacation rentals, you will be astounded not only with the place's natural beauty but also with the amazing manmade structures that attract tourists from different parts of the world every year. Your stay at one of the New Orleans vacation homes will not be complete if you do not visit these magnificent architectural highlights that are part and parcel of any travel itinerary to this place.

This place is considered as the second oldest community in New Orleans that dates back to the 1840s. It is a quaint, peaceful, and small river town with turn-of-the-century buildings and structures. What make this town a fabulous architectural highlight are its fascinating Creole cottages, the massive Mississippi River Bridge, the ancient Algiers Courthouse, and the Louis Armstrong statue. Not only that, the place is also dotted with restaurants, schools, and churches that exemplify architectural grandeur that New Orleans is widely known for.

Speaking of churches, the oldest active cathedral in the United States, the St. Louis Cathedral is also a notable architectural highlight that also exudes rich history and culture. This parish, which was established in the 1720s, is smack right in the center of the Jackson Square. Several buildings surround this religious site but none can compare to the marvelous architectural beauty of the church. Do not think that the façade is the only thing worth seeing, as there are lots of interesting objects inside the church as well. If you go inside, there is a candle lighting area used for special occasions, an angel statue with a bowl of holy water, and a gilded altar, which serves as the grand focal point of the church interiors. Look above and you will find the vast ceiling murals that are sure to leave you in awe.

A very important plantation site situated right in the middle of Baton Rouge along Mississippi River and New Orleans is the Destrehan Plantation. This site, which dates back to 1787, exemplifies Creole plantation architecture. This historical landmark was restored back to its original condition to serve as a tourist spot for visitors.

Taking you to an historical and architectural journey, the Garden District is composed of plantations that were developed during the ancient times by affluent Americans. This place has one of the most wonderful collections of historic mansions you will find in the United States. All the mansions found in this district exude various architectural styles like Italianate, Queen Anne Victorians, and Greek Revival. Be sure to stop by the George Washington Cable House, Lafayette Cemetery, and the Anshe Sfard Synagogue. You should also try eating at the famous Commander's Palace.

Known as the gigantic steel mushroom, the Superdome occupies a total space of 52 acres. It is not only a venue for exciting sporting events, it is also an architectural highlight that draws tourists from all over. Make this one of your stops when you travel to New Orleans. 

Be sure to explore VacationHomes.com to find an extensive list of rental homes based on price, location and amenities.

Tallahassee rental houses are ideal for experienced and novice hikers and runners alike. In addition to the history and natural beauty of Tallahassee, there are also a great variety of hiking and running trails. Travelers staying in one of the Southern Dunes vacation homes can experience these three hiking and running trails located within the Tallahassee area.

1. The Florida Trail in Apalachicola National Forest

The Florida Trail in Apalachicola National Forest is a scenic trail that is the total of 68.7 miles in length. It is made up of unpaved paths that compose one of the most remote hiking trails in not only the area, but all of Florida. The trail is mostly flat and has dry pine and palmetto forests. A few swamp-like areas are present on the trail and during times of heavy rains part of the trail may be flooded. This trail is more suited for runners and, due to the length and remote quality of the trail, it is suggested that runners with trail experience should try their hand at the Florida Trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water, a map and preferably a running buddy.

2. The Garden of Eden Trail in Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve

The Garden of Eden Trail is located in the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. This hiking and running trail is located in one of the most unique areas of Florida. The preserve protects a steephead ravine, which has a wide selection of plants and animals that are special to the area. The trail is about three and a half miles in length and is composed of unpaved paths. The length and gorgeous scenery are good for both novice and experienced hikers or runners. Remember that when hiking or running near the bluff area, which is an active slide zone, to pay close attention to the trail signs. It is also important to stay on the designated trail because abandoned sections of the trail can be dangerous.

3. Tallahassee-St. Marks Historical Railroad State Trail

The Historic Railroad State Trail goes from Tallahassee to the coastal city of St. Marks. This is the same route that the railroad took in the early 1900s. The trail is made of paved pathways and is great for runners. The entire length of the trail is quite a long distance, but depending on experience, guests can go as far as they wish. The trail is a means to see the history of Tallahassee up-close and experience the beauty of the city's wilderness. Although the trail is paved it is still important to bring a map and be aware of how far you are traveling on the trail.

To experience any one of the Tallahassee hiking and running trails while enjoying your next Southern Dunes vacation home, explore VacationHomes.com. You can search for the price, location and amenities that best suit all your vacation needs.

Summer days spent at Lake Crescent rentals are filled with activities from relaxing on serene shorelines to adventurous mountain exploration. Glacially-carved lakes are nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Olympic Mountains. The hallmark of the Olympic National Park and Forest is its diverse eco-system ranging from lowland lakes to dense rain forests to saltwater beaches.

1. Lake Crescent

The crystalline, frigid water of this 5,127-acre glacial lake offer some of the finest rainbow trout fishing in Washington. One-of-a-kind trout species native to the area are Beardsley and Cresenti, which can be fished using catch-and-release regulations. With depths plummeting to 624 feet in spots, visibility of up to 60 feet is not uncommon. Hike through old growth forest to the spectacular 90-foot cascade of Marymere Falls or bike along the Spruce Railroad trail, hugging the lake's northern shore.

2. Sol Duc Recreation Area

During late summer, a stroll around the six-mile, round-trip Lover's Lane loop trail offers glimpses of salmon as they swim upstream to spawning grounds on Sol Duc River. Discover flora and fauna of lush rain forest as you ascend switchback trails to reach Mink Lake or enjoy a casual walk on the self-guided Ancient Groves trail. A must-see is the Sol Duc Falls that, depending on the river's volume, splits into two to four sections. Cascades hurtle 25 feet off the cliff to a narrow canyon before plunging another 10 feet to a deep, azure pool. After your hike, rejuvenate your spirit and the souls of your feet by soaking in the soothing warmth of mineral hot springs. Three pools, ranging between three- to six-feet deep, provide temperatures of 99 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you a comfortable choice.

3. Hoh Rain Forest

Hoh River Forest is the crowning jewel of the Olympic National Forest. The well-marked trail system, accessed from the Storm King Ranger station at Lake Crescent, courses through moss-draped, ancient Sitka spruce. A hike during early summer frequently provides glimpses of Roosevelt elk and black bear.

4. Kalaloch Beach

Wild coastline extends for 73 miles along the Pacific Ocean at the Olympic National Park. Kalaloch Beach offers seasonal clam digging and crabbing for family fun or cast a line for surf fishing. At the low tide line the park ends and becomes the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, where you can explore tide pools that collect in rocky crags and sandy, intertidal areas. Harbor seals and sea otters are commonly sighted playing in the open waters just off shore. Seven trails lead to the beach from Highway 101 with scenic viewpoints located at Ruby Beach and trails at beach 1, 4 and 6.

A Lake Crescent vacation home offers access to a cornucopia of summer activities and finding one to suit your needs is made simple by visiting VacationHomes.com, where you can search by size, amenities and locations.

Kailua vacation rentals are in high demand throughout the year because of both Oahu's great weather and the fact these properties put you within walking distance from the famous Lanikai Beach. Given the popularity of not only Kailua vacation rentals but also of all vacation rentals in Oahu, it is a good idea to secure your accommodations at least 1 to 2 months in advance so that you can guarantee the best property possible for you and your party. Here are the 3 must-visit beaches nearby Kailua vacation home: Lanikai Beach, Kapiolani Beach Park and White Plains Beach Park.

Lanikai Beach

This beach is well known not only for providing an amazing view (sandy beaches, calm surf, and 3 islets in front of the shore) but also for the wide variety of water sports that you can practice at its waters. Lanikai Beach is a great option for the people who would like to get away from the crowded beaches of Waikiki Beach for a bit and want to experience a more secluded and rustic beach experience. While there are nearby rental agencies for equipment for all kinds of water sports, there are neither convenience stores nor eateries at the beach, so it is a good idea to pack a cooler with drinks and snacks for the day. This beach is within walking distance from most vacation rentals in Kailua.

Kapiolani Beach Park

Located nearby Waikiki Beach, the Kapiolani Beach Park is a great mix between an outdoors park with large grassy areas and a beach park with direct access to the ocean. At this park you will be able to play or take part in almost any sport that you can imagine both on land and at sea. The park facilities are great and include tennis courts, soccer fields, picnic tables, grilling areas, restrooms and much more. If you have a large party and would like to host a picnic at the park, you will need to make a reservation, which just takes one simple phone call. Kapiolani Beach Park is about a 30 to 50 minute drive.

White Plains Beach Park

Just a 20 minute drive away from Kailua, the White Plains Beach Park is a great option for large families that want both an on-duty lifeguard and a beach that has a supervised swimming-only section. Having a swimming-only section that is separate from a surfing-only section makes it much easier to supervise your small children playing at the ocean. This beach has an on-site surfboard rental store that offers hourly and all-day rates. The surf break of this beach is reliable but it does not get bigger than 3 feet. Make sure not to leave any valuables inside your car and not to leave your items unattended while at the beach.

Finding the Top Kailua Vacation Homes

VacationHomes.com is a great online resource to look for the top Kailua vacation homes, according to your specific set of criteria such as number of bathrooms and maximum price. Another useful feature from VacationHomes.com is that it will include in suggestions the properties that meet your criteria in nearby areas of Kailua.

Delray Beach condo rentals are just a short distance away from one of Florida's best art districts. Art of all media and forms are located in the creative and picturesque area of Delray Beach. Numerous galleries, interesting art shops and a few fabulous restaurants and bars all make the area a must-see attraction. Travelers staying in one of the many Delray Beach vacation homes can explore this area and discover the unique items that can be found here.

Art Galleries

Delray Beach Art District has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and, of course, art galleries. There are close to 20 art galleries just in the art district alone. They serve not only as a way to showcase the art of Delray Beach, but also as a major backbone in the economic structure of the city. Art is such a powerhouse pillar in the world of Delray Beach that there is no wonder that it is displayed in so many different places just within one area of the city. There are even Gallery Walks every Friday night, in which visitors and residents alike are welcomed to come and explore the galleries in an open-house style gathering. The Blue Gallery is particularly a standout gallery in the district. It mixes both contemporary art with a refined atmosphere. Landscapes, abstracts and figurative paintings are displayed in the loft gallery. The Ora Sorensen Gallery is another great gallery that displays the colorful oil paintings of Ore Sorensen.

Art Shops

In addition to art galleries, the Delray Beach Art District also has a wide variety of art-related shops. There are several art supply stores and places like the Delray Art and Framing Center where guests can get their new piece of art framed and ready to display in their home. This is a nice place for visitors who want to take home a fully completed piece of artwork. There are additionally several antiques shops located within the district. They have a large selection of unique pieces of furniture, glassware, jewelry and even a few interesting antique pieces of art.

Restaurants

The Delray Beach Art Gallery truly comes together with the restaurants and lounges that are present in the area. Different cuisine and atmospheres make up the selection of restaurants in the area. Guests strolling the street of the district have an opportunity to stop and enjoy lunch, dinner or even a delightful pastry snack. The artist-owned liquor lounge, Kevro's Bar, is an interesting place to have a drink and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the bar. It is a great place to stop after the Gallery Walks on Friday nights. People from all different walks of life frequent the bar. Kevro's Bar is really a place to go to meet new people and enjoy a creative night in Delray Beach.

To experience the wonder and excitement of the Delray Beach Art District during your stay in your next Delray Beach vacation home, explore VacationHomes.com. You can search for the price, amenities and location that work best for your vacation needs.

Solitude condos are located in a place that will keep you delighted all throughout your stay. Solitude, Utah is one marvelous place filled with exciting winter recreation, layers of scenic snowed vistas, wildflower species, rugged mountain peaks, and so many more. Below, you will find a practical guide for your vacation as well as a number of must-see natural attractions to include in your travel itinerary while staying at a Solitude vacation home.

Solitude is nestled in the mountain range where you can also find the amazing Big Cottonwood Canyon. Only 25 miles east of Salt Lake City, this canyon starts at the eastern border of the Salt Lake Valley just in between the Great Basin floor and the Rocky Mountains. Impressive canyon vistas sliced and sculpted by powerful river erosions are one of the first things that will greet you upon your visit to this place. Apart from that, you will also love the exhilarating winter activities that you can do along the 15-mile long canyon such as biking, hiking, trekking, rock climbing, camping, ice fishing, picnicking, and so many more. Big Cottonwood Canyon is not difficult to reach. If you are coming from the Salt Lake City, you should take the I-215 heading to the 6200 South Canyons Exit. Go on east to the U-152 and follow the signs that will lead you to Solitude or Brighton. This canyon would probably take you about an hour to go on a roundtrip.

Utah is fortunate to be dotted with an abundance of natural beauty that exists in the forms of developed national parks. The Arches National Park is one of those. This remarkable park houses over two thousand natural sandstone arches. In fact, this is the place where you will find the world-renowned Delicate Arch. In addition to this, the park is also overflowing with a myriad of geological formations that would have you clicking your camera constantly all throughout the trip. Do not miss the awe-inspiring features of the park that include fins and pinnacles, terrains and landforms of varying depths and textures, and balanced rocks that will never cease to amaze anyone who sees them.

Another famous park in Utah is the Canyonlands National Park, which is definitely one of those places that you should head off to while on a vacation at one of the Solitude condos. This place, which is nestled in the southeastern part of the state, is colored with sedimentary sandstones, varying canyons, impressive mesas and buttes, and so many more. It is an easy find as it sits in the middle of the basin bordering the Wingate Sandstone.

When traveling to Solitude Utah, you need to remember several things. For one, you should ensure that all your necessities are carefully packed in your luggage. To ensure that you do not forget anything essential, create a packing checklist. When planning the trip, you should make a booking in advance. Be sure to visit VacationHomes.com to find an extensive list of rental homes based on price, location and amenities.

Put some miles on your boots hiking the vast network of trails surrounding Yosemite vacation homes. Be enveloped by clouds of mist wafting from thunderous waterfalls in spring, photograph mountain vistas reflecting from mirror-surfaced lakes and stand in the shadows of giant redwoods the size of missiles. Yosemite National Park is more than a destination, it's an awe-inspiring, soul-searching adventure where you'll be embraced by the power of Mother Nature.

1. Mist Trail

The snowmelt from May through June brings tons of water crashing over cliffs creating dozens of spectacular cascades, providing peak viewing opportunities of the falls. One of Yosemite's signature hikes is Mist Trail, offering a moderate to strenuous trek. The initial 1.5-mile leg of the trail leads to Vernal Fall, where you can climb more than 600 steep granite stairs to the top. Serious hikers can continue 3.5 miles for a strenuous trek to Nevada Falls, culminating with incredible views of Liberty Cap and the back side of Half Dome. Access the trail head from shuttle stop 16.

2. Mirror Lake Trail

Test the waters with an easy, two-mile round-trip hike via a paved path or take the 5-mile loop trail to Mirror Lake. Waters are shallow most of the year, resembling more of a pond than a lake. This family-friendly, interpretive trail offers exhibits explaining how the succession occurs as well as opportunities to view wildlife. Trail access is from shuttle stop 17.

3. Gaylor Lake Trail

The trail to Gaylor Lake provides a moderately difficult, two-mile round-trip hike with breathtaking views of the area's high country. From the trail head at Tioga Pass Entrance Station, ascend to a ridge overlooking Mount Dana. At the ridge crest descend 200 feet to the frigid, calm waters of Middle Gaylor Lake. Shuttle service to the trail head is available from the entrance station twice daily.

4. John Muir Trail

From it's beginning in Yosemite Valley, several trails branch-off the 211-mile long John Muir Trail allowing you to discover the diversity and complexity of the area's eco-system.

Take time to explore the serene, two-mile expanse of Tuolumne Meadow, carpeted with multi-colored wildflowers and frequented by wildlife during spring. For an easy, kid-friendly walk take the gravel road from shuttle stop 7 to Soda Springs, where carbonated water bubbles from the ground and a winding path leads to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. Just a half-mile from the visitor center is the seven-mile round-trip Cathedral Lakes trail head, offering a steady ascent to Upper Cathedral Lake. Near the crest of the climb a short spur trail takes you to Lower Cathedral Lake.

5. Mariposa Grove Trails

Located near Yosemite's south entrance, the grove is home to approximately 500 old-growth giant sequoias, possibly the largest living organisms on earth. From the parking lot it's a short walk to the popular Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree in the lower grove. Follow a looping system of zigzagging trails through towering sequoias with names such as Faithful Couple and Telescope Tree, and stop by the museum in the upper grove to learn the area's history. Limited parking is available at the end of Mariposa Grove Road and free shuttles are offered during peak times. Check on-line for complete details.

Start planning your trip now by visiting VacationHomes.com, where you can sort by size, amenities, location and price to find a Yosemite vacation home to suit your needs and budget.