Top 10 New England Bed and Breakfasts

Top 10 New England Bed and Breakfasts : Romance and Honeymoons -
Experience New England's charm at the region's top 10 bed and breakfasts. These inns are noted for their classic New England hospitality, unique history, architecture, cozy rooms and great food.
Buttonwood Inn 
North Conway, New HampshireOutdoor adventures abound at New Hampshire's Buttonwood Inn, a homey inn on 5 acres of land on Mt. Surprise, a short distance from North Conway in the White Mountains. In the warmer months, you can hike over covered bridges and past waterfalls, or strap on your skis or snowshoes for a winter adventure. Adrenaline junkies can careen down the mountains on narrow mountain-biking trails or fly through the air in a zip-line tour. Then head back to the inn where you relax with a cup of tea in front of the family room's fireplace or watch a movie on the 50-inch TV with a cocktail in the Mt. Surprise Room. The inn's 10 rooms are comfy with unique touches, like hand-painted murals or 2-person soaking tubs, and the hearty breakfast feast of savory and sweet entrees will give you plenty of energy for another day exploring New Hampshire.
Rabbit Hill Inn
Lower Waterford, VermontThe Rabbit Hill Inn in Vermont is one of New England's most luxurious bed and breakfasts with 19 lavish rooms and suites in a 1795 country house and carriage house. Guests are pampered with deluxe amenities, including extra-large soaking tubs, plush bedding and romantic 4-poster beds. And then there's the food, starting with a classy breakfast of homemade granola, yogurt and hot dishes like apple cheddar crepes served by candlelight and a host of complimentary snacks for afternoon tea. Foodies will fall for the farm-to-table cuisine for dinner at the on-site restaurant, which puts a drool-worthy spin on seasonal delicacies. Once you tear yourself away from the table, peruse the libraries, challenge your partner to a board game at the Snooty Fox Pub, take a stroll through the gardens or nearby country lanes, indulge in an in-room massage or just sit in the parlor and appreciate the gracious treatment.
Hydrangea House
Newport, Rhode IslandNewport is a New England favorite with beaches, a festive downtown waterfront and legendary grand mansions sitting atop the coastline cliffs along the city's famed Cliff Walk. You don't need to be a Rockefeller to appreciate the city's charm when staying at the Hydrangea House. Its 10 rooms and suites are elegant with themes like the sweet blue and yellow of the French Country Room or the opulent Carrie in Paris suite complete with a fireplace and the option for en-suite massages. Breakfast is a formal affair served in the fancy dining room with homemade bread and granola and sweet and savory entrees like raspberry pancakes or scrambled eggs in puff pastry.
The Pineapple Inn
Nantucket, MassachusettsEach room is named for a captain at Nantucket's Pineapple Inn, an homage to the whaling captain who built the home in the mid-19th century. Guests can choose from 12 rooms, most with 4-poster beds, handmade carpets and interesting antiques. The inn is a short walk from Main and Centre Streets with their restaurants and shops, and guests get priority seating at the town's best restaurants including Figs at 29 Fair by Todd English and the Summer House Restaurant. Like most other businesses in Nantucket, the inn is open seasonally from April to December, and rates are considerably higher during the warm summer months when everyone heads to the classic New England seashore at Siasconset.
Inn at Harbor Hill 
Niantic, ConnecticutThe Inn at Harbor Hill sits above Niantic's marina with Adirondack chairs on the wraparound porch and gardens overlooking Connecticut's shoreline. Each of the 9 rooms has a view of the water and many have private balconies or patios where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or play a board game borrowed from the hosts. In warm weather, there are passes to the local beach, which is a short walk away and kayaks to head out to sea. In cooler weather, take a stroll along the 1-mile Niantic Bay Boardwalk. After checking out the quaint small town, drive 20 minutes to nearby Mystic Seaport and visit with the Beluga whales and other sea life at the Mystic Aquarium.
Atlantean Inn
Bar Harbor, MaineBar Harbor, ME, is a favorite New England destination, beloved for its proximity to Acadia National Park, bustling seaside towns and lobster shacks. Tucked away on a quiet side street, the Atlantean Inn is the perfect home base for exploring Maine's coastal wonders. This 1903 Tudor-style cottage welcomes guests to 8 rooms, including two 2-bedroom suites. The inn's owners go out of their way to keep things green, serving vegetarian breakfast and providing each guest with a reusable water bottle on top of practicing eco-friendly cleaning methods. The inn closes from November until May when activity picks up in the town again with kayak trips, whale-watching adventures and outdoor concerts and festivals all a short walk from the front door.
Mansion House
Martha's Vineyard, MassachusettsTake the ferry to Martha's Vineyard and enjoy the Mansion House, a large bed and breakfast just a short walk from the dock. The inn maintains a cozy charm, even with 40 rooms, and boasts modern amenities like soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy the comforts of a large hotel, including a swanky gym, spa and mineral pool, and dine on a home-cooked breakfast in the Zephrus Restaurant. Rates plummet in the off-season from late-October through April when rooms are less than $100 a night.
Bear Mountain Lodge
Bethlehem, New HampshireExperience rustic New England beauty at the Bear Mountain Lodge, a log cabin near New Hampshire's White Mountains. The inn, handcrafted with logs from enormous Eastern White Pine trees, has 9 guest rooms and enviable common areas with endless mountain views. Rooms have plenty of rustic charm, many with exposed log walls, but also amenities like gas fireplaces and slate steam showers. Snuggle up in a chair on the expansive deck or just peer out the window and enjoy the view. It's not uncommon to see the area's resident wildlife, including black bears, moose, deer and wild turkey, wandering around the lodge's 26 acres of unspoiled nature.
Round Barn
Waitsfield, VermontThe Round Barn Farm, in Vermont's Mad River Valley, is ideal for a romantic escape regardless of the season. In the winter, guests snuggle into fluffy down comforters after a day on the slopes at nearby Sugarbush or Stowe, while in the fall, autumn's glory unfolds across the inn's 245 acres filled with ponds, meadows and an organic garden. The restored 19th-century farmhouse has 12 bright and airy guest rooms with unique characters, like the hand-hewn beams in the 2-room Abbott Suite and the cheery English-garden-inspired wallpaper in the English Room. An added bonus is the rare Vermont round barn, a former dairy barn from the 1900s that is now used to host weddings, concerts and even swimmers in the lap pool.
Bluffhead Cove Inn
Kennebunkport, MaineEscape to Bluffhead Cove Inn on the banks of the Kennebunk River for a quiet New England getaway. There are just 6 rooms at this quaint Victorian bed and breakfast, many with private entrances, patios or balconies and cozy sitting areas. The River Cottage is a popular spot for lovebirds looking for a little more privacy and extra-spacious digs. The rooms include small kitchens, full living rooms and bright bedrooms with 2-person soaking tubs. The inn closes for the chilly winter months, but is ideal for exploring the fishing village of Kennebunkport during the summer or fall.

Top 10 Cities for Singles

If the dating pool in your own city seems to be getting smaller and smaller, shake up your love life with a trip out of town. Bring your best wingman and visit one of these top cities for singles. Each of these unique spots is an ideal backdrop for a great date filled with culture, tasty food and a few good cocktails. Perfect your pick-up line, and join us for a tour of the best cities for singles based on AskMen.com’s 2010 Top 29 Cities to Live In.

New York, New York
Singles in the Big Apple have endless options when looking for romance. Bring an extra-large blanket, a thermos of coffee and extra mugs to the Great Lawn at Central Park. With a bit of luck, you just might find a partner to help you complete the Sunday Times crossword puzzle. If sparks fly, plan a casual first date at the gourmet and cheap (at least by NY standards) Pulino Bar and Pizzeria or the Shake Shack. You’ll likely spend that saved cash for a night on the town at Ballroom at the Jane Hotel or the Kenmare at 98 Kenmare Street where hipsters mingle with A-listers.

Melbourne, Australia
Artsy singles can study the artwork and maybe even find a muse at Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria. If you don’t find love at the NGV Art After Dark program, don’t lose heart. Wander the bohemian St. Kilda neighborhood, or pick up the tab at Lentil as Anything, the vegetarian restaurant where you set the price for your meal. Then settle into one of the cozy couches, with plenty of room for 2, at the Melbourne Supper Club at Level 1/161 Spring Street.

Tokyo, Japan
With its frantic pace and ultra-modern vibe, tapping into Tokyo’s singles scene may seem overwhelming. Ease into the city with a visit to a favorite hideout for locals and visitors alike -- the gardens at the Imperial Palace. After a stroll through the peaceful surroundings or a bike ride on the peaceful paths, you’re ready for a night on the town. Try dinner at Ginza Kyubey where you may bump into visiting A-listers and celebrities. Still haven’t found that special someone? Show some stage presence singing with a well-chosen tune (probably not “I Will Survive” or “Just a Gigolo”) at Smash Hits, a favorite local karaoke bar.

Madrid, Spain
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet your match in Madrid because things never slow down in this energetic city. Fashionistas can search for a gentleman to help carry an armload of bags while checking out the designer goods along Grand Via. Then take a siesta because you’ll need the energy for the late-night revelry. Start with tapas at Estado Puro at the Hotel NH Paseo del Prado. The nightlife scene picks up after 11 and rocks on until the sun rises at clubs like Moma56 at c/ José Abascal, 56 and Painting the Monkey at Paseo de los Olmos 13.

London, England
Ladies swoon for men with an accent. If you don’t have that going for you, you can still dress the part of the suave suitor after a shopping trip on London’s tony Oxford Street. Take your new style to one of the city’s hip galleries like Serpentine Gallery or Saatchi Gallery where you can talk contemporary art and schmooze with the local artistes. Come nightfall, it’s all happening in North East London with cool jazz at the Vortex or indie flicks at Rio Click Here!">Cinema.

Best Beach in Florida

It may have more than 47 miles of pristine beaches, but the crown jewel of Palm Beach County, FL, is, without a doubt, exclusive Palm Beach -- a 14-mile-long, half-mile-wide island of wealth and extravagance. Winter home to the Vanderbilts, the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and a slew of newly minted millionaires, Palm Beach features some of Florida's finest hotels, restaurants and shops, as well as some truly beautiful beaches. Perched next to the Gulf Stream, Palm Beach enjoys the benefit of warm blue water and gentle breezes. The John D. MacArthur State Park has a beautiful beach perfect for families as well as abundant marine life and rare plants to explore on a nature walk.

Top 10 Treasure-Hunting Hot Spots

Top 10 Treasure-Hunting Hot Spots : Great American Vacations

Thunder Eggs/Geodes
Deming, New Mexico
Scanning New Mexico’s soil is a profitable pastime. Rockhound State Park is a prime spot for hunting thunder eggs aka geodes. Thunder eggs look like muddy rocks and can be popped open to reveal valuable crystals such as amethyst, rose quartz and hematite. To distinguish a geode from a regular rock, look for a spherical external shape, often cauliflower-like in texture. You may need a hammer or chisel to break open the rock. Visitors are allowed to leave the park with 15 lbs. of rock to add to their personal collection.

Opals
Denio, Nevada and Lakeview, Oregon
Plan your hunt for fire opals at the Bonanza Opal Mine in Denio, NV. This mine has been in operation since the early 1900s. The mining season runs from May to September, and the weather can get warm and very arid. Water bottles, sun block, a hat and gloves are suggested items to bring with you. Rock hounds should also bring a small rake and buckets for collecting their finds. Many opal mines are located in remote areas, so be prepared to camp and bring all necessary food. Visitors can camp near the mine and hotels are less than 30 miles from Virgin Valley. Also be sure to check out Juniper Ridge Opal Mine in Lakeview, OR, if you’re looking hunting for opals in the Pacific Northwest.

Meteorites
Glorietta Mountain in New Mexico and Brenham Township, Kansas
Glorietta Mountain in New Mexico and Brenham, KS, are prime spots if you’re hunting for treasure falling from the sky. Deserts and dry lake beds are key places to hunt for meteorites. A metal detector or similar tool will help you discern a meteorite’s location because it is partially composed of iron-nickel. Use a rock hammer or shovel to unearth your finds. A magnet duct-taped to the bottom of a walking stick will attract the hidden space rocks so you don’t have to bend over to during your search. For more information on meteorite-hunting expeditions, visit Meteorite Adventures.

Jade
Big Sur, California
Enjoy the beauty of Big Sur while hunting for jade. Dive in the ocean or comb the beach at Jade Cove to seek one of the most precious gems in the world. Underwater, jade is fairly easy to distinguish from other rocks by its almost luminescent color. The best time to find jade is while diving in the ocean during the calm period after a winter storm. A rough undercurrent usually exposes many hidden gems. You don’t have to be a diver to be a jade hunter. You can find many small jade pebbles at low tide between the boulders and in piles of gravel along the shore. Search under large rocks and overhangs. Typical tools for serious jade hunters include scuba gear, a flashlight and a sack to hold your finds.

Emeralds
Hiddenite, North Carolina
Try your luck at Emerald Hollow Mine, located less than an hour from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Hiddenite, NC. This is the only emerald mine in the US open to the public for prospecting. Amateur rock hounds can take educational field trips to learn more about emeralds and other gems found on-site, including sapphires, garnet and tourmaline. Prepaid permits are available for creeking, sluicing and digging. Emerald Hollow is only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Hotels, restaurants and other accommodations are available in nearby towns of Statesville and Taylorsville.

Dinosaur Fossils
Devil Hills, South Dakota
Relic hunters frequently head to the Badlands region in South Dakota to hunt for dinosaur fossils. The Devil Hills area has been a prime spot where rock enthusiasts have uncovered huge pieces of bone dating back to the Jurassic period, 145 million years ago. Common tools to take include a digging knife, X-acto knife, brush and a small pick. After finding a fossil, you must carefully free it without damaging it, using trowels, hammers, whisks and dental tools. A quick-setting glue can be applied to it before removing a crumbling or fragile fossil. Then the fossil can be removed from the surrounding rock. Visit the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc. for more information about dino fossils.

Diamonds
Murfreesboro, Arkansas
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds. What you find is yours to keep. It’s the perfect place for a family vacation and features an on-site water park and camping facilities. A gravel walkway through secluded woodland allows visitors to view and photograph deer, turkey, squirrels, birds and other wildlife. Tools aren’t necessary for diamond hunting. It’s possible to walk around and look for diamonds lying on top of the soil. Items for rent on site include a wooden box screen, shovel, bucket and knee pads. The professional treasure hunters at the park’s visitors’ center offer a free service to help determine if your find is a diamond or a dud.

Gold
Pine Grove, California
Roaring Camp is an old gold-mining camp on the Mokulmne River. It was a camp for gold prospectors (49ers) during the California Gold Rush from 1848-1855. Visitors can visit the operating gold mine and mine their own gold by panning, sluicing, dredging and dry-washing. Roaring Camp provides fun family activities, including rafting, camping, swimming, fishing and hiking on trails used by the original 49ers. A Saturday cookout, museum tour and lessons on how to pan for gold are also offered. Gold pans, gravel bags, rocker boxes and more are available if you need tools to search for you golden nuggets.

Aquamarine
Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Travel to the gemstone-rich Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to dig for aquamarine. Spruce Pine is a prime spot for aquamarine mines and gemologists. Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine provides a covered flume line for treasure hunters to sift through sediment and find all kinds of precious stones. This mine is a one-stop shop for not just aquamarine, but garnet, moonstones, rubies and more. Stones are inspected free of charge. Experienced gem-cutters are also on-site and available to transform your stones into jewelry. Jerry Call, a Spruce Pine gemologist, can help you out if you’re looking for a more exotic location to go gem hunting; Jerry owns a home in Brazil and organizes trips to Rio Doce Mine.

Turquoise
Tonopah, Nevada
Go hunting for the blue-green gem at the Royston Mine in Tonopah, NV. The Otteson family, who owns the mine, is one of the few remaining mining families in Nevada. In addition to the mine, they also own a jewelry store that will transform your turquoise into jewelry. Treasure hunters will need to bring sunscreen, gloves, a good pair of shoes, water, food and digging tools. Visitors are not allowed to go down into the mines, but they are allowed to observe. Rock hounds can also pay to go through tailing piles, which have close to 1,000 lbs. of material. Digging is limited to 3 hours and only one bucketful is allowed per person to ensure there is enough turquoise to go around.

Top 10 Free US Museums

Top 10 Free US Museums :

Whether you're looking for ancient artifacts or colorful paintings, the best things in life certainly are free at the country's best no-fee museums.

Smithsonian Museums
Washington, DC
The Smithsonian has the distinction of being the world's largest museum complex with 13 free museums in Washington, DC, alone. Many of the museums are located around the National Mall including the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum and the Natural History Museum. The National Museum of the American Indian has a companion museum in New York City that is also free of charge. The collections in each of the Smithsonian's museums are so vast that it's impossible to narrow down the greatest hits or appreciate the full array of artistic wonders in just 1 trip. But with no charge, you can head back as many times as you would like without putting a dent in your bank account.

Getty Center 
Los Angeles, California
The Getty Center may be one of LA's best, and cheapest, date spots because just about everything is free. In addition to free admission, visitors can check out special exhibits, gallery talks and even curator-led tours for no additional fee. The museum stays open until 9 on Saturday nights and parking is free after 5 p.m. The cool modern architecture, expansive city views and labyrinthine gardens are just as impressive as the inside exhibits of Western art including paintings, sculpture, drawings, photos, illuminated manuscripts and decorative arts by European and American artists.

Walters Art Museum
Baltimore, Maryland
Uncover a treasure trove of art from around the globe including ancient Greek sculptures and Roman sarcophagi, paintings by the Old Masters and fabulous Art Deco jewelry. Located in historic Mt. Vernon in Baltimore, the Walters is just the right size for a day trip. Bring the kids along, too, as this family-friendly museum has free loaner strollers to explore the museum in comfort as well as a family activity center where young guests can read some art books, stage a medieval puppet show or create a masterpiece at weekend drop-in art sessions.

National Museum of Mexican Art
Chicago, Illinois
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is the country's largest Latino cultural organization with a range of exhibits depicting rich Mexican culture, both in the States and south of the border. Visitors can enjoy over 6,000 pieces in the permanent exhibits depicting life on both sides of the border with folk art including Day of the Dead masks, woven and embroidered indigenous clothing, photographs, prints, drawings and paintings. Traveling exhibits on subjects including Mexican muralists, female artists and silkscreen monoprints often make a first stop here before hitting the road to spread an understanding of Mexican culture across more borders.

Museum of Contemporary Photography
Chicago, Illinois
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is a free museum located on the campus of Columbia College Chicago. Since 1984, this museum has been the leading photography museum in the Midwest with a strong focus on offering students, educators and researchers a space to explore contemporary photography. Thought-provoking exhibits expose visitors to cutting-edge photos and explore how technology is changing the field.

Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
You may only remember the Alamo from elementary school social studies lessons, but it's easy to refresh your memory on a free visit to this San Antonio icon. Join the 2.5 million other visitors who head to this complex each year to celebrate this slice of history. There are 3 buildings on the premises with a Shrine, Long Barrack Museum and Gift Museum that feature exhibits on the history of Texas and this spot's role in the Texas Revolution.

Frye Art Museum
Seattle, Washington
The Frye Art Museum has been carrying on the legacy of its founders and bringing free art to the larger Seattle community since 1952. In addition to the free exhibits at the museum, visitors can participate in Art Talks with curators and educators, 1-hour interactive Guided Tours and the Magic Lantern series with screenings and talks on the art of film. For a real splurge, pay $5 for Tuesday's Tea and Tour event which includes a guided stroll through the galleries followed by some discussion over tea and snacks.

Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, Ohio
The founders of the Cleveland Museum of Art set the standard high when they established the mission in 1913 to make the museum 'for the benefit of all people forever.' You'll find rooms devoted to contemporary art, American and European painters, African art, ancient works and medieval treasures. Free daily tours help focus your attention on specific galleries and offer in-depth insight into the museum's artistic riches. The annual Parade the Circle event held each June is another of the museum's free community art ventures. It's a kaleidoscope of color and energy including spectacular costumes, skilled stilt walkers, giant puppets and artistic floats that promenade around University Circle.

Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, New York
Fashionistas can study the culture of fashion and maybe even pick up some tips from our fashionable predecessors at the free museum at FIT, Manhattan's Fashion Institute of Technology. There are 3 exhibition galleries, which feature visiting exhibitions and a rotating selection of the museum's permanent collection. The Fashion and Textile History Gallery changes every 6 months to offer a retrospective on the history of fashion. In addition to the exhibits, there are often free lectures, panel discussions and tours focusing on fashion and style.

Baltimore Museum of Art
Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore Museum of Art has come a long way since it was founded in 1914 with just 1 painting. Today there are more than 90,000 works of art in the collection, and the museum invites visitors to check them out for free. Art fanatics are thrilled by the museum's collection of Matisse works, the largest in the world, as well as masterpieces from beloved artists including Picasso, Cézanne, van Gogh and Warhol. After exploring the galleries, take a stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden tucked into a park in the city's Charles Village neighborhood adjacent to Johns Hopkins University.

Top 10 Most Haunted Places

Top 10 Most Haunted Places : Haunted Travels -

Whether you're a believer or not, America's towns are filled with true ghost stories passed down through time. From haunted fortresses and historic military spots to grisly tales of suffering and death, we've collected the country's most chilling real ghost stories.

Moundsville Penitentiary
Moundsville, West Virginia
During its more than 100 years in operation, the Moundsville Penitentiary in West Virginia was one of America's most violent correctional facilities and the final stop for almost 1,000 criminals. The prisoners lived in cramped quarters, which led to riots. Many men were hung or killed in the electric chair, while others were murdered by other prisoners. The prison closed in 1995, but according to some, the tortured spirits are still behind bars and in the bowels of the prison and may be seen or heard on a tour.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Weston, West Virginia
Once known as the Weston State Hospital, this asylum was home to thousands of people with mental illness, starting in 1864. Hundreds of people died here before the facility closed in 1994. Spirits are said to haunt the building and grounds today, dating back to the Civil War era when the asylum's grounds served as a military post. Paranormal tours of the facility feature 2-hour visits to the asylum's 4 main hot spots. The more intense Ghost Hunt is an 8-hour overnight paranormal adventure with experienced ghost-hunting guides.

Villisca Axe Murder House
Villisca, Iowa
On June 10, 1912, the old white frame house at 508 E. 2nd Street became a grisly crime scene. The heinous murder of Josiah B. Moore, his wife, their 4 children and 2 young girls who were overnight guests rocked the small town of Villisca, IA, and the murderer was never identified. Over the years, residents of the home reported visions of a man with an ax, children crying and unexplained paranormal activity. In 1994, the home was restored to its original condition with no indoor plumbing or electricity. These touches add to the chilling ambience during a lamplight tour from April through November or an overnight experience available by reservation for groups.

Sammie Dean
Jerome, Arizona
Jerome, AZ, is a former copper-mining town with a paranormal reputation that dates back to the Wild West. The town is now home to just 400 residents (down from 15,000 in its heyday), but legend has it there are plenty more ghostly residents from the days of mining accidents and shoot-out gunfights. One well-known spirit is the working girl Sammie Dean, a prostitute who was strangled by a customer in the old Crib District. Her beautiful spirit roams the alleys looking for her killer who was never found.

Cuban Club
Tampa, Florida
Cuban Club, also known as Circulo Cubano de Tampa, can be found in Tampa's Ybor City neighborhood. In 1917 this spot was a popular hangout for Cuban immigrants who enjoyed the ballroom, outdoor band shell and cantina with a stage and dance floor. Today the compound, protected by the National Historic Register, hosts concerts and special events and is the setting for many ghost stories about spirits playing the Click Here!">piano and riding the elevators.

Fort Mifflin
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Built in 1771, Fort Mifflin is the country's only Revolutionary War battlefield that is still intact. There are 14 restored buildings on the grounds on the Delaware River and reportedly plenty of spirits from the past. Amongst the ghosts said to haunt the fort are a screaming woman whose cries are so loud that the Philadelphia police have been called to investigate, only to find no one there. Other characters in the local ghost stories include a faceless man wandering around the fort, a tour guide dressed in revolutionary garb and numerous children and dogs.

Manhattan Bistro
New York, New York
SoHo is one of Manhattan's hipster havens with trendy shops and gourmet restaurants. But you may get more than you planned for at dinner at the Manhattan Bistro (129 Spring Street), a French restaurant with a notable ghost. Juliana Elmore Sands was killed in this building in 1799 when she was thrown into a well in the basement. According to some ghost stories, her spirit, often called the Ghost of Spring Street, manifests itself as vapor rising from the kitchen floor and causes front-of-house mischief with flying ashtrays and shattered dishes.

Moon River Brewery
Savannah, Georgia
The Moon River Brewery brought its beloved beers to Savannah in 1999, but the building is one of the oldest in town, dating back to 1821. In its original incarnation, it was the City Hotel, a high-end hotel with a history of violence during the Civil War. Men were killed in the hotel during heated skirmishes, including a Yankee who was beaten to death by locals in 1860. Some bar patrons today say they've seen bottles mysteriously fly through the air and have witnessed guests being pushed, touched and even slapped by unseen forces. One resident apparition, Toby, is said to skulk around the billiard room looking for the next great bar brawl.

The Sultan's Palace
New Orleans, Louisiana
The house at 716 Dauphine Street is a classic French Quarter beauty with classic wrought-iron balconies and a large courtyard. But in the 1800s, this residence was a house of horrors for the Sultan, a wealthy man with a depraved lifestyle, multiple wives and children and a harem of women and young boys held against their will. Neighbors complained about the mysterious habits of this man who had a predilection for partying, opium and torture. But the greatest mystery in the house was the Sultan's demise when he was buried alive in the courtyard after his family and harem were hacked to pieces in a bloodbath by an unknown perpetrator. Today, his angry spirit is thought to be responsible for the unusual noises, loud music and strong incense smells that waft from the home, as well as unwelcomed advances on past female residents who swear the Sultan is still up to his old tricks of groping female visitors.

Calcasieu Courthouse
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Toni Jo Henry has been the talk of the small town of Lake Charles since the 1940s when she killed a man in cold blood. Just as notorious were her stunning good looks. The former prostitute charmed a gentleman in a pickup truck to give her a ride while she was walking the highway with a friend en route to spring her true love from a Texas prison. It took 3 trials for a jury to convict the wily Toni Jo, who had charmed the courtroom and jail staff and divided the town over her presumed guilt. In 1942, this murderous beauty known as Tiger Girl was the first female to die in the electric chair in the state. Her spirit lingers in the courthouse today, and workers there swear they feel her presence, hear her screams and even smell her burning hair. Many believe that she tinkers with office equipment, locks doors and meddles with everyday office life at the courthouse.

Top 10 Family Vacation Spots

Top 10 Family Vacation Spots : Theme Parks, Resorts and Beyond

It used to be difficult to find a vacation destination that would please the entire family. These days, family-friendly resorts provide a multitude of options, so that folks can entertain their tots, relax with their spouses, and enjoy the fabulous North American outdoors -- all from the creative comforts of man-made African safaris, lost continents and even a Wild West dude ranch. Competing for your attention, modern family resorts have upped the ante in entertainment: swimming with dolphins, circus clown training and even sleeping in trees are real-life resort activities.

We've left no stone unturned as we unearthed these amazing resorts filled with off-the-chart family fun. Let the games begin!

Atlantis Resort and Casino
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Discover a lost civilization this vacation, and let your family act as the explorers! The $850-million Atlantis Resort recreates the infamous lost continent, filled with adventure and intrigue. This mecca of family fun features over 20,000 guest rooms, 38 restaurants and countless activities, including 11 exhibit lagoons and over 50,000 animals such as sharks, lionfish and stingrays.

Water enthusiasts can visit miles of beaches, take a dip in one of 11 pool areas, or play on 7 different water slides. Leave your fears at home, though & the Mayan Temple's Leap of Faith slide features a 60-foot drop into an acrylic tunnel submerged in a shark-infested lagoon.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Snowbird, Utah
If the sight of snow gets your family excited, grab a pair of skis and head to Snowbird for a wonderful, wintry vacation. The resort rests in Little Cottonwood Canyon, which offers 3,240 feet and 5,000 acres of mountain to explore, and whose proximity to the Great Salt Lake ensures over 500 inches of snow falls annually.

Thirty years after being founded, the resort now features 10 lifts, 85 runs and an uphill capacity of 16,000 people. Beginner skiers, from ages 3 to adult, can learn skiing and snowboarding at the Snowbird Mountain School. Love the outdoors but not a fan of the slopes? The resort offers ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoe tours and luge sleds. Parents can unwind with a stone massage or herbal wrap at the luxurious Cliff Spa, or hit Snowbird's shops, selling everything from ski clothes and boots to Chinese silk rugs.

Tanque Verde Ranch
Tuscon, Arizona
City slickers and country folk alike will enjoy their stay at the Tanque Verde Ranch, a family resort aiming to lasso the cowboy outta everyone. Literally meaning "Green Pool," the 640-acre Tanque Verde Ranch is a serene oasis nestled into the Sonoran Desert and adjacent to Saguaro National Park. With over 120 horses, it's no surprise that this dude ranch offers ample riding opportunities. Specialty rides such as the Breakfast Ride (to a meal at the Old Homestead), 6-hour-long Day Rides and Picnic Rides with lunch in Cottonwood Grove are all available. Newcomers can take riding lessons at a variety of levels.

Naturalist guides offer hikes through the desert wilds, exploring canyons, cacti and even secret waterfalls. The popular Kids Program offers little cowpokes (ages 4 - 11) the chance to "ride 'em cowboy!" Children are divided into 2 age groups -- the Buckaroos and Wrangler Kids -- and treated to riding lessons, tennis, swimming and arts and crafts.

Hilton Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa, Hawaii
If your family is looking for an island excursion to get away from it all, the Hilton Waikoloa Village promises endless activity and unprecedented luxury. Parents hoping to find a child-friendly haven can sign their tykes up for Camp Menehune. This day and night camp allows kids to feed koi and swans, hunt for treasure, and explore tidepools Tropical gardens, saltwater lagoons and 2 golf courses are tempting, but the resort's most popular retreat is Dolphin Quest, providing guests with a variety of interactive dolphin programs.

The many activities include Dolphin Training Adventures, a Dolphin Family Program and a Dolphin Twilight Camp for kids. At Waikoloa's 4-acre lagoon, water lovers can schedule kayak trips, snorkel sails and seasonal whale-watch sails. After dark, attend the Legends of the Pacific Luau to experience traditional island dancing and music, as well as a buffet dinner.

Kingsmill Resort
Williamsburg, Virginia
Stretching over 3,000 acres of Virginia wilderness, Kingsmill Resort boasts its own long list of recreational activities as well as close proximity to the fun found in nearby Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Active families can enjoy the resort's 3 18-hole golf courses, 15 tennis courts and Sports Club featuring indoor and outdoor pools, exercise classes, personal trainers and a billiards and game room.

Stop by the concierge desk for special Junior Guest Registration: children receive a Kids Fun Pack introducing them to the resort. Kids Camp is the perfect opportunity for 5-12 year olds to play tennis and golf, swim, fish, have theme days and make arts and crafts. Don't forget to sign little ones up for Kids Night Out, a pizza and game party that allows for a parents' romantic date night at 1 of the resort's 6 signature restaurants.

Circus Circus
Las Vegas, Nevada
The biggest permanent big top in the world can be found rising in all its colorful glory here in Las Vegas. At Circus Circus, over 3.5 million people per year stop by to experience the live entertainment and whimsy the Circus has to offer. The resort lies on 70 acres of land, and with 3,800 rooms, it's the fifth largest resort-casino in Vegas.

"Ooh's" and "ahh's" fill the air every half hour at Circus Circus, as performers engage in airborne stunts on the resort's center stage. Surrounding the stage is Midway, an enormous carnival filled with over 200 arcade games, carnival games and wandering clowns. Possibly the world's biggest funhouse, the excitement continues at the indoor theme park Adventuredome, home to over 20 rides, miniature golf and laser tag.

Out 'n' About Treesort
Takilma, Oregon
Something extraordinary is afoot in the woods of Oregon. Strung high above the earth, nestled into treetops and branches, is 1 of the world's most unique resorts: Treesort. This high-in-the-sky treehouse-resort proves that trees aren't just for the birds. Fourteen treehouses comprise Treesort, and sleep 2 - 8 people.
Getting to your room is half the adventure -- guests climb stairs, ladders, even a 90-foot-long suspension bridge. Once there, the wonder begins. At the Swiss Family Complex, a swinging bridge separates child and adult units, and a fire pole and rope swings provide kids with ground access. Luxury lovers will enjoy the Tree Room Schoolhouse Suite, which sleeps 4 and has a bathroom, kitchenette, master bedroom, sitting area and loft.

Guests allow fantasy to become reality at the Treehouse Institute, which teaches techniques in treehouse building. A self-described summer camp for families, Treesort also features horseback riding, rafting, ropes courses, pools and arts and crafts classes. Tree climbers face the challenge of scaling Treesort's 51-foot rope-climbing tree and discovering a treetop pool made of river rocks.

Club Med Ixtapa
Ixtapa, Mexico
Take your family South of the Border for some Club Med-style family fun. The charming Club Med Ixtapa Village quickly woos kids and parents with its seemingly endless roster of activities for all ages. Situated on 37 acres along Mexico's western coast, Ixtapa plays host to over 20,000 visitors a year, 60% of whom are under age 11!

A variety of clubs are designed to entertain children throughout the day. Divided by age groups, Baby Club, Petit Club and Mini Club keep kids ages 4 months - 13 years busy with outdoor activities, shows and crafts. Even mealtime is a child's fantasy - Ixtapa features a kids-only dining area. While the kids are away, the parents will play! Ixtapa offers adult activities including tennis, scuba, archery, kayaking, water polo, volleyball and picnics. Families venturing off the resort property can visit Ixtapa Island or take sunset cruises, fishing trips and even excursions into the Mexican fishing village of Zihuatenejo.

La Costa Resort and Spa
Carlsbad, California
Most commonly associated with its 2 PGA Championship golf courses and a world-class spa, La Costa Resort now earns itself a new reputation: Family Resort.

Tucked among the resort's rolling greens, Jim McLean Golf School, and 21 tennis courts is a world of activities designed for little ones on retreat. At Camp La Costa, children experience the resort's magnificent facilities in a kid-friendly environment while parents pursue their own activities without worry. Kids ages 5 - 12 spend the day at the camp, where they engage in tennis, croquet, hiking, swimming, nature walks, crafts and ping-pong. While the kids are making friends and having fun, parents indulge in the body- and soul-soothing luxury that defines La Costa. Whether taking yoga at health guru Deepak Chopra's Chopra Center or soaking away worries in Spa La Costa's Roman pools, adults relish the relaxing treatments. As darkness falls, parents can opt to spend a romantic evening together while sending their children off to Night Camp, which includes dinner, story hour and a scavenger hunt.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Orlando, Florida
At Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, families experience the thrills of an African safari without ever leaving their lodging. If a trip to the Serengeti is out of your price range, a visit to this wild lodge will more than suffice.

Guests initially greet the 33-acre property through the lobby's awe-inspiring 65-foot window. Strolling throughout the property's savannahs are over 200 animals representing more than 100 different species, including antelopes and gazelles. Many suites and rooms overlook the resort's savannahs, and balconies afford families an opportunity to come face to face with a giraffe. Rooms are decorated with a traditional African ambience: earth-tone walls, handcrafted furniture, tapestries and mosquito nets abound, but true historical value can be found in the 4,000 native handcrafts placed throughout the lodge. Featured within the lodge are 380 museum-quality works of art including authentic Kinta cloths, woodcarvings and a 16-foot, 240-lb. Nigerian ceremonial mask. When it's time to dine, experience the tastes of Africa at one of the resort's 2 inspired restaurants, Jiko or Boma, which feature wood-burning ovens and thatched roofs.