BULS

Cypress Gardens first opened in 1936. The park started out as botanical gardens planted by the Pope family. Water ski shows were added and became a popular attraction. The park is known for the Southern Belles dressed in their finest, strolling along the garden paths. This park was very popular, until Disney World and other parks began to open in the Orlando area. After this, attendance at the gardens began to decline.

The park closed in 2003, due to financial difficulties. The park was purchased by a new owner and redesigned in 2004. It reopened in November of that year. Many new attractions were added, but the original charm was retained. The Southern Belles can still be found strolling the paths around the gardens.

There are thirty rides and five roller coasters in the park. This includes the Triple Hurricane wooden roller coaster. This is a short ride that is not too scary. It is the calmest coaster in the park and is perfect for your childs first experience on a real roller coaster. The Fiesta Express is another roller coaster that is good for kids.

The other three coasters are faster, longer and more exciting. The Swamp Thing is a suspended coaster. The Galaxy Spin is a spinning wild mouse type roller coaster. The Okeechobee Rampage is a roller skater coaster. Another coaster is under construction at the park. The Starliner is a classic wooden roller coaster. This coaster was originally located in Panama City, Florida at the Miracle Strip Amusement Park, which closed. It is currently being constructed and is planned to open in 2007.

Cypress Gardens is famous for its gardens. The park is home to amazing gardens and horticultural displays. A holiday display can be seen from Thanksgiving through January 6 of each year. A Poinsettia Festival is held at the park during the Christmas season. There are also a variety of great water skiing shows held daily in the park.

There are a variety of specialty shops for shopping in the park. Many of these contain beautiful hand made crafts made by local craftsmen. Spend some time browsing in the shops and enjoying the crafts. This is a great place to pick up a stunning and unique souvenir of your trip or gift for family or friends.

Splash Island Water Park is part of Cypress Gardens. You get admission to both parks with one ticket. This water park has a wave pool, lazy river ride and slides. The park has a Polynesian theme. There are water rides for younger children, older kids and adults. This is a great place to cool off in the hot Florida summer.

Admission to the park includes access to the gardens, rides, shows, concerts and admission to the water park. The concerts vary throughout the year. Call to find out who is playing when you plan to visit. There are specials allowing you to enjoy two days for the price of one. Ask about this when you purchase your tickets.

Howard Farmer
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/enjoy-the-old-and-the-new-at-cypress-gardens-60063.html

Technorati Tags: Cypress gardens, Urban Leisure

Despite enormous success and change, York is a center that has lost none of its memorable charm. It is hard to believe that, following an English rebellion against the Normans after the exalted fight of Hastings, a survey in 1086 recorded the north as a wasteland. It took generations for the area to recover and present, no componental of Yorkshire could possibly be referred to as wasteland. Numerous castles and abbeys may lay in ruin, but even these ruins are objects of unsurpassable beauty and attract just as legions globetrotters as do the immense number of quaint shops and award-winning restaurants found in the urban place.

The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, York is based on the former WWII Bomber Command Station of RAF Elvington and retains the authentic atmosphere of the period, with multitudinous fascinating exhibits housed in restored wartime architecture. The museum is a unique memorial to all the Allied aircrews of Bomber Command, including French, Canadian, Australian, etc. Don’t miss the battle of Britain Service on the 14th September, Remembrance Sunday on the 9th November or Santa’s Plane in December! The Museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm (3.30 pm in winter) and admission starts from just ?3 for children under 15.

A trip to Yorkshire wouldn’t be complete without a go to see to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden. Explore the amazing ruins of the greater complete Cistercian abbeys in Britain and determine for yourself the life of a antiquated monk. Wander from the dramatic Abbey into the Georgian diversion grounds of Studley Royal’s ornamental gardens, woodland and deer park. Stroll at the side of reflections of temples in elegant formal canals and lakes and uncover the follies high on the valley side. Look out for Anne Boleyn’s seat, the Octagon Tower and the Temples of Fame and Piety. A impregnated programme of family activities and events is available through the year, including storytelling, guided tours, open air theatre and want dress parades. There is also a play area, workshops, tea-room and gift shop.

There is no shortage of High Street stores and shopping centres in York, but if you are after something a little divergent, a trip to the popular Mouseman middle in Kilburn might be just what you are searching for. The magnificently restored village joiner’s shop is crammed burdened of unusual furniture and smaller items these as breadboards, judge’s gavels and serviette holders, larger of which carry an adorable hand-carved mouse in some shape or form. The Pickering Antique middle is another treasure trove for collectors. Over 45 dealers sell a wide range of goods including paintings, furniture, china and porcelain, brass and copperware, postcards, books, clocks and bygone toys. Admission is free and opening times are Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.

If you are concerned about parking problems or traffic jams in the city centre, why not consider using one of the legions Park & Ride scenes that York has to offer - Rawcliffe bar (Clifton Moor), Monks Cross (Huntington), Grimston pub (Hull Road), Askham bar (Tadcaster Road) or McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. The seaside place of Scarborough also has multitudinous Park & Ride opportunities and promotes high fine buses operating every 12 minutes to the seafront and town centre in less than 15 minutes.

York is the perfect conurbation for young and old alike and there are more than enough inclination to gratify the whole family. In the places and villages, independent retailers sit alongside galleries displaying arts and crafts of those inspired by the attractive countryside, while welcoming pubs with roaring fires and local ale are found on every corner.

Caron Bednorze
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/see-the-great-and-charismatic-parks-in-york-706889.html

Technorati Tags: Fountains Abbey, York