Dazzling nightlife. Rich historical sites. And striking sunsets. A treasure trove of spellbinding landscapes and bustling tourist attractions (it was even once a pirates’ haunt), its no surprise Mazatlan is called “The Pearl of the Pacific.”The Mayan Sea Garden Mazatlan Resort is a treasure in its own right, nestled on a glorious stretch of beach along the Pacific. Canary-colored umbrellas provide the shade you need to keep comfortable as you relax by a turquoise pool with cascading waterfalls. Golden palapas dot the shimmering beachfront, beckoning you for a siesta by the sea. And vibrant emerald landscapes frame both sky and sea. There are plenty of other colorful pursuits to enjoy during your stay at the Mayan Sea Garden, a premier vacation resort. Go for an afternoon of deep-sea fishing or enjoy the catch of the day served up fresh and with flair at La Ola Seafood and other resort restaurants.Drop off your children at the full-day Kids Club for some “parent-free” fun, with games, activities, sports and arts and crafts for kids of all ages.
For a vacation that’s as charming as its surroundings, The Mayan Sea Garden Mazatlan Resort is truly a gem. Suites feature air conditioning, satellite/cable television, international direct dial telephone, electronic safe, king size bed, sofa beds, balconies with ocean or mountain view, dining room, living room, kitchenette, microwave, iron and ironing board (available upon request), electric stove, mini-fridge, toaster, coffeemaker, blender, kitchen utensils, china, glassware and silver
If you plan to go fishing in the Florida Keys area, the best option is to book a fishing charter. Forget about the complications and leave the job to an experienced captain and his crew. They will take care of anglers, licenses, live bait, tackle and cleaning of fish. They will also filet, package, and freeze your fresh fish. You will only have to worry about food, drinks, sunscreen, and having fun.
Rates for booking a Florida hishing trip go from $550 to $950. There are options for all budgets and schedules: half a day (4 hours either in the morning or in the afternoon) for $550; three quarters of a day (6 hours) for $650; or a full day for $750. You can also book deep bay or deep offshore trips for $800 or tarpon trips (either in the morning or afternoon) for $400. If you want to catch some big tarpon and multiple species of fish but have limited time, your captain can also organize a trip tailored to you. For example: tarpon fishing in the morning, then a half day offshore, reef or backcountry, followed by tarpon fishing again in the evening.
You can catch a wide variety of sport fish species in the Florida Keys, among them: amberjack, barracuda, black fin tuna, blue marlin, bonefish, cobia, grouper, king mackerel, dolphin, permit, sailfish, shark, snapper, tarpon, Wahoo, white marlin, and yellow fin tuna. Before booking your Florida fishing charter, it is advisable you check a Florida Keys fishing calendar in order to know about the best recommended fishing dates for your favorite sport fish species. For example, tarpons are available all year long, scarce from October to March, but fairly abundant from April to June, while white marlins are available from May to August only.
Boats and Equipment - The best fishing experience can be provided only by an experienced captain and his crew, an excellent vessel, top quality fishing tackle rods, reels, onboard GPS and Depth Technology. Fishing in the Florida Keys demands an extremely versatile vessel, one that provides an excellent performance, be it offshore, backcountry, or tarpon fishing. Look for a vessel that’s able to fish both the bay and the ocean, able to fish all game fish species in the entire Florida Keys region. When it comes to rods and reels, trust Shimano, and when it comes to fishing lines, trust Suffix. Expert fishermen usually choose Northstart GPS equipment for their geolocation electronics needs, and Furuno Electronics for depth finders technology.
NEW ORLEANS - It’s that time of year when New Orleans slathers up and chills out.
Never mind how spring temperatures tend to sizzle. Get a big hat, plenty of suntan lotion and everything will be cool in the Big Easy for the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May.
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest — that smorgasbord of music, food and fun — allows music enthusiasts to plan an itinerary around everything from musical lectures and demonstrations to impromptu parties. And, oh yes, big-name acts and niche music abounds.
Fans stake out spots in front of stages or under shade trees at the Fair Grounds Race Track, chowing down on boiled crawfish, po-boys, fried chicken and even sushi.
“There is nothing else like it,” said singer Aaron Neville, whose performance at the festival this year is his first gig in his hometown since Katrina hit. “It’s one of those things that makes the city what it is.”
Before the hurricane, Neville traditionally closed out the second weekend of the festival with his brothers, an addition to doing a turn in the gospel tent. For Neville, New Orleans hasn’t been the same since Hurricane Katrina roared through in August 2005, flooding 80 percent of the city — including his house.
“I had 10 feet of water at my house,” he said.
In addition, Neville’s wife of 49 years, Joel Roux-Neville, died in January 2007. Neville has also had problems with asthma.
“The New Orleans I know is definitely a memory now,” Neville said. But reviving good memories associated with the city’s huge music festival is something he’s looking forward to. He’s even planning to move back to the area in the near future.
“This is like our 30th anniversary at the Fest,” he said. “So I’m not going to worry about anything. I’m going to leave it in the hands of the Lord and just enjoy it.”
While Neville has been around Jazz Fest for three decades, the fest itself will be 39 years old when it opens for the weekend of April 25-27.
Opening day headliners will include Sheryl Crow and Allison Krauss as well as reggae master Burning Spear. Music the first weekend also includes the Count Basie Band featuring Patti Austin, Archie Bell and Billy Joel. April 27 headliners include Al Green, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint and Cassandra Wilson. Louisiana native Tim McGraw closes out the opening weekend.
The festival’s second weekend kicks off on a Thursday for the first time since Katrina. Performers May 1-4 include Santana, the Derek Trucks Band, Keb Mo and a Tribute to Mahalia Jackson featuring Irma Thomas.
Stevie Wonder makes his Jazz Fest debut May 2.
With the huge selection of music, food and other attractions — including hundreds of booths with food, art, clothing and native crafts — pacing is important for those attending the event.
Many festival regulars set up a headquarters — folding chairs, umbrellas, blankets — near one of the stages or in shaded areas where they listen to music near a favored tent or stage.
There is also plenty of music and food available for visitors after Jazz Fest closes each day — for those with the energy remaining to do more.
Rooms in New Orleans during the festival are at a premium, with many people settling for lodging on the Mississippi Gulf Coast or in other areas of Louisiana. The airlines do now announce the availability of flights, said spokeswoman Michelle Wilcut — “just say it will be crazy, busy and packed.”
Mejestic Beach Towers - Panama City Beach, Florida.
8 days 7 nights, 3-bedroom condo only $399.
Majestic Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida has captured the spirit of life on the beach in a new Florida resort condominium with over 650 feet of beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico. Singles, couples and families of all ages will find Panama City Beach the perfect destination.
