Other activities in USA
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New Wave Rafting
Busloads of people head up to the Taos Box for white-water river running, but there are also mellow float trips throughout New Mexico and overnight guided rafting trips. Contact New Wave River Trips and stay cool on trips through the Rio Grande Gorge (adult/child half-day $52/42, full day $90/75), the wild Taos Box (full day $115), or the Rio Chama Wilderness (three days $500).
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Skunk Train
Everybody loves the Skunk Train, the historic logging train that chugs from Fort Bragg and Willits, passing through redwood-forested mountains, along rivers, and through deep mountain tunnels en route to Northspur, the midway point, where it turns around - a plenty-long 3½ hour trip. There's also a 90-minute jaunt if you're tight on time. The depot is downtown at Laurel St, west of Main St.
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Sound Mind & Body
You’ll find this Fremont gym vast but quiet. It has close to 40,000 sq ft of weight training and cardio equipment, plus basketball and volleyball courts, a sauna and a steam room. There are also group classes in yoga, Pilates and kickboxing, as well as a ski- conditioning class. Most unusual is that there’s hardly a blaring TV or stereo to be found (viewers must wear headphones while working out).
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Florida National Scenic Trail
There are some 31 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail within Big Cypress National Preserve. From the southern terminus, which can be accessed via Loop Rd, the trail runs 8.3 miles north to US 41. The way is flat, but it's hard going: you'll almost certainly be wading through water, and you'll have to pick your way through a series of solution holes (small sinkholes) and thick hardwood hammocks. There is often no shelter from the sun, and the bugs are…plentiful. There are three primitive campsites with water wells along the trail; pick up a map at the visitor center. Most campsites are free, and you needn't register. Monument Lake has water and toilets.
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Fall Creek Vineyards
- Texas, USA
- Activities › Other
A well-known vineyard is Fall Creek Vineyards, located just over 2 miles north of the town post office in Tow, close to Llano and perched beautifully on the shores of Lake Buchanan. Now in its 28th year, Fall Creek churns out several different French- and German-style varietals, including a popular chenin blanc and a tasty Riesling. The winery offers a colorful, modern tasting room as well.
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Pocono Mt Go-Karts & Play Park
There are several different put-in and take-out points that allow a variety of itineraries, from quick half-day trips to leisurely multiday adventures. Camping is allowed at many points along the way and is a great way to experience the beauty of the area. Also in Marshalls Creek is the Pocono Mt Go-Karts & Play Park, which in addition to the aforementioned go-karts has paintball and archery.
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Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass is some 80 miles east, and slightly north, of Seattle. It is known for its surprising variety of terrain with everything on offer from glades to bowls to bumps to an elaborate terrain park. Throw in a huge lift-accessible ‘backside’ area that gives a backcountry experience without the danger or extra effort and you can’t go wrong. Stevens is also good for families and groups that vary in skill level but want something more challenging than the Summit West or Central.
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Wild Sierra Adventures
- Reno, USA
- Activities › Other
The Truckee River Whitewater Park injects action into the middle of downtown with year-round kayaking. There's a mellow beginner's area, but most of the park is Class II or III rapids. Located on the valet level of Silver Legacy, Wild Sierra Adventures, run by the affable Jim Bell, offers tons of adventure: kayaking, tubing, mountain biking, skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling.
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Coney Island Emporium
The highlight of NY-NY's gargantuan video arcade and amusement center is the roller coaster, a four-minute high-octane ride with stomach-dropping dipsy-dos and stellar Strip views.
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North American Canoe Tours
North American Canoe Tours rents out camping equipment and canoes for full/half days ($35/$25) and touring kayaks ($45 to $65). You get 20% off most of these services and rentals if you’re staying at the Ivey House Bed & Breakfast, which runs the tours. Tours shuttle you to places such as Chokoloskee Island, Collier Seminole State Park, Rabbit Key or Tiger Key for afternoon or overnight excursions ($25 to $450).
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Wilderness Aware Rafting
For rafting, stop by Wilderness Aware Rafting. You'll want to run Brown's Canyon (Class III to IV), the Narrows (III to IV) or the Numbers (IV to V), and the earlier in the season the better (try for late April or early May, when the river is bloated with snow runoff and the rapids are much more intense). The company is located at the junction of Hwys 285 and 24 at Johnson Village, 2 miles south of Buena Vista.
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Fiesta Texas
This popular theme park has plenty of rides that you must be ‘this tall’ to ride, for grown-ups to lose their lunch over. There are more than 25 kids’ rides for the vertically challenged, as well as swimming pools and water rides over in the White Water Bay area (open May to September). The setting – against a limestone quarry that looks similar to the Arizona desert – is dramatic, and there’s plenty of music and shows. Parking is $15.
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Crystal
Just off the eastern flank of Mt Rainier National Park, this majestic ski area offers unparalleled views of Mt Rainier, Washington’s highest mountain, and some of the best skiing on the West Coast. Located 80 miles from Seattle, Crystal is the largest of the ski areas with the most accessible peak skiing, a solid variety of terrain and a reputation for powder. It is consistently rated by ski magazines as a top North American ski destination.
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Las Vegas Motor Speedway
For adrenaline-pumped Nascar, Indy, and dirt-track and drag races, drive out to this $200-million facility featuring a 1.5-mile superspeedway, a state-of-the-art dragway, a paved oval short track called ‘The Bullring’ and a racing school (for ride-alongs). Show up early for autograph sessions at the track before start time. In March, Nascar Weekend draws more than 300,000 spectators. Buy tickets, which quickly sell out, as far in advance as possible.
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Balmorhea State Park
- Texas, USA
- Activities › Other
Swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling are the attractions at the 46-acre Balmorhea State Park, a true oasis in the west Texas desert. The swimming pool covers 1.75 acres, making it the largest spring-fed swimming facility in the US, 25ft deep and about 75°F year-round. The park is at Toyahvale, 5 miles south of the town of Balmorhea (pronounced bal-mo-ray), which itself is just off I-10 and midway between Pecos and Fort Davis on Hwy 17.
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Debonne Vineyards
Hey, if the guys across the border in Canada can do it, so can Ohio. Ten state wineries, most along Lake Erie, began making ice wine a few years ago, and they're reaping big praise. The local weather - long autumns, followed by winters cold enough to freeze the grapes but not so cold that the vines die - results in a sweet dessert wine with hints of melon and apricot. Tour and try samples at Debonne Vineyards in Madison, east of Cleveland.
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West Seattle Runners
Runners looking to hook up with running mates can contact a number of Seattle’s running clubs, most of which offer organized runs that usually turn into social events. Active clubs include the Puget Sound Hash Harriers, Seattle Frontrunners and the West Seattle Runners. Also, check sports stores for Northwest Runners, a monthly publication and a good resource for running-related information.
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Seattle Frontrunners
Runners looking to hook up with running mates can contact a number of Seattle’s running clubs, most of which offer organized runs that usually turn into social events. Active clubs include the Puget Sound Hash Harriers, Seattle Frontrunners and the West Seattle Runners. Also, check sports stores for Northwest Runners, a monthly publication and a good resource for running-related information.
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware River meanders in a tight S-curve through the ridge of NJ's Kittatinny Mountains, and its beauteous image turned this region into a resort area beginning in the 19th century. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which comprises land in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, was established as a protected area in 1965, and today it's still an unspoiled place to swim, boat, fish, camp, hike and see wildlife − just 70 miles east of New York City.
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High Desert Angler
New Mexico’s truly outstanding fishing holes are better accessed from Taos and the Enchanted Circle, but there are plenty of opportunities around Santa Fe, including Abiquiú, Nambé Lakes and Rio Chama. You’ll need a license – available at tack shops like the High Desert Angler, which also sells a large selection of gear and offers guided excursions to private streams (one/two people from $275/350). A one-day, state-required license is $22.
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Bodega Bay Sportfishing
Bodega Bay is the first pearl in a string of sleepy fishing towns, and the setting of Hitchcock's terrifying 1963 avian horror flick The Birds. The skies are free from bloodthirsty gulls today (though you'd best keep an eye on the picnic); it's Bay Area weekenders who descend en masse on B&Bs and extraordinary state beaches between here and Jenner, 10 miles north. Bodega Bay Sportfishing runs whale-watching trips ($35 per person, 3½-to-four-hours).
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Northeast Cyclery
Cycling is a major sport in Albuquerque, both for beginners and national-level competitors. Get outfitted at Northeast Cyclery and head out. Download a useful city map at www.cabq.gov/bike to find dedicated off-road tracks along arroyos. To ride along the Rio Grande, park at the Albuquerque BioPark and follow the riverside trail north or south (the smell of green chiles roasting at local factories is best appreciated if you head south in October; the path is less urban if you head north).
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Canyon Rims Recreation Area
The BLM Canyon Rims Recreation Area to the east of Canyonlands National Park has two interesting overlooks, undeveloped hiking and backcountry driving. Turn west off Hwy 191 (32 miles south of Moab, 27 miles north of Monticello); a paved road leads 22 miles to Needles Overlook and a panorama of the park. Two-thirds of the way to the overlook, the gravel Anticline Overlook Rd stretches 16 miles north to a promontory with awesome views of the Colorado River.
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Ritz Carlton Spa, Grande Lakes Orlando
Located in its own serene and beautifully appointed building, this spa features a private outdoor pool, a lovely café and a luxurious assortment of treatments. After a few days at the amusement parks, you may truly need that ‘Volcanic Force Revitalizer’ body treatment! For aspiring spa junkies, they offer teen massages and the ‘Princess Fizzing Pedicure, ’ designed for ages two to 10. The child-care center at the Ritz is particularly nice – you can relax knowing your kids are having as good a time as you are!
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Rock Springs Riding Ranch
North of Orlando, Rock Springs Riding Ranch features one-, two- and three-hour and all-day rides through meadows, pine-scrub swampland and dense forests in the 14,000-acre Rock Springs Run State Reserve. Prices range from $37 for one hour to $157 for six hours, and children must be at least nine years old. A 45-minute wagon ride (adult/child 6-12yr $10/8) departs several times a day, and children must be at least six years old. Take the I-4 exit 101C. Head west, and it’s about 8 miles on the left.
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