Family Vacations Are Coming! Plan Yours w/FREE State Travel Guides for All 50 States!

Today is March 15 and that means that we are just a few days away from the First Day of Spring!

The Fruited Plain

While our attention may be focused on warmer weather and all the grand activities that accompany it (gardening, camping, fishing), we should also remember that vacation time for tens of millions of Americans is also rapidly approaching.

The United States is a glorious land with so much to see that it can be a daunting task to figure out just where the heck we want to spend our vacation.

I am here to help you in making that very difficult decision.

Each state of the Union, except Washington State, offers for free an Official State Travel Guide that showcases that state's natural beauty, history, events and points of interest. Most, if not all, of the guides also come with brochures that have information on food and lodging as well. Each site also offers one (or several) free email notifications about upcoming events and travel specials.

The price is right (FREE!) and the information invaluable, so click here and order the state travel guide of your choice.

From sea to shining sea, the Lower 48 (Plus 2) await you!

Escape the Heat Wave! Visit Michigan or North Dakota!

With record setting heat engulfing much of the country, I thought today we'd take a look at places in the USA that would be a welcomed vacation from the oppressive heat.

Sit back, grab a cold glass of lemonade and grab a pen and paper so you can take some notes on some outstanding vacation spot that are sure to make you forget about the oven you just escaped from.

Michigan

• How about a canoe raft or kayak down down the cool waters of a Michigan river? Michigan.org tells us "Of the 120 major rivers in Michigan, The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has designated 16 as “Natural Rivers ” to help preserve, protect and enhance the finest systems for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations. Among them are the Two Hearted River and the Fox River, both located in the Upper Peninsula. In the Lower Peninsula the Au Sable River provides excellent canoeing and kayaking, as well as wildlife viewing, not far from Interstate 75." 

To learn more about cool summer fun in the Upper or Lower Peninsulas , click on the official travel guide of Michigan - Michigan.org.

North Dakota  

• From adventures to zoos, North Dakota has much to offer for vacation fun. North Dakota has also been named the "Friendliest State in the US" bu Cambridge University as well as the most affordable state in which to vacation by the AAA.
• Here's a short list of some fun things to consider when visiting North Dakota from ndtourism.com
  
  
  
  
   Does your family like to golf? We've got 124 courses and you can play all weekend for less than a single-round in other states.  Check out the Jack Hoeven Wee Links course where kids can play for just $1.
  Does your family like history? We've got dinosaurs, forts, earthlodges, museums and legends like Theodore Roosevelt, Lewis and Clark, Sakakawea, Sitting Bull and Gen. Custer.
  Is your family adventurous? North Dakota has mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fossil digs, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, waterparks, skiing and snowmobile trails.
  Does your family like nightlife? You'll enjoy concerts, shopping, dining, semi-pro sports and festivals. And nothing beats camping under millions of stars.
  Does your family love animals? There are more wildlife refuges here than any other state, four zoos, a National Buffalo Museum with live herd, including three albino buffalo ... and much, much more. 

Michigan and North Dakota are great vacation destinations for anybody, with tons of family and outdoors recreation as well. When you get there be sure to mention The Lower 48 (Plus 2)!

And remember, to get a FREE Michigan or North Dakota travel guide, look in the right side barn and click on the "Free Travel Guides" link.

Virginia, Tennessee & Funny Town Names!

Howdy, Y'all!

I found some material that I had tucked away in the archives of one of my other blogs. I think it will fit nicely on The Lower 48 (Plus 2).

I hope this will give you a certain appreciation for the history of the two featured states, VIrginia and Tennessee, as well as a good chuckle at some of the odd names of some towns around the the Lower 48 (Plus 2)

• Virginia - This post was originally published way back on June 18, 2010. It's a really good piece on a state that has given this country some of its greatest heroes and leaders. I, personally learned a helluva lot just doing the research for the post. I consider it a must read. It's that good.
• Tennessee - As a Texan, I am eternally grateful to the people of Tennessee for the men from their great state that played such a defining role in the Texas Revolution. These men will forever be remembered as heroes as long as there is a Texas. The post goes into more detail on the contribution of these immortal Tennesseans/Texans. God. Bless. Tennessee. 

• Funny Town Names Around the Country - Posts with funny town names have been some of the most popular ones every time I publish one. From back in September, 2010, here are some flat funny monikers from small towns all over the United States. Coffee Spewing Alert! Do not have a swallow of any liquid in your mouth when you read this! It may end up coming out of your nose when you bust a gut reading this stuff. 

Remember that you can order FREE travel guides from Virginia and Tennessee! These publications are nice to have on hand for vacation planning or for just learning stuff about The Lower 48 (Plus 2). If you'd like to receive a travel guide from any stat in the Union, simply click the link in the right sidebar. They are all FREE except for the guide from the Communist State of Washington. They want a shipping and handling fee.


Have a great weekend and we'll do some more exploring next week on The Lower 48 (Plus 2)!