The Zoo operates solely as a non-profit public trust to the people of Colorado Springs, and is among the very few in the nation which does not depend on the support of local taxes; that being said, it functions entirely on donations, grants, admissions and memberships. That’s why a recent donation of $1.46 million – the largest donation the zoo has ever received from an individual in its eighty years of existence – came as huge news. The funds have been allocated to the Rocky Mountain Wild Capital Campaign, which will construct an exhibit to connect Zoo visitors with the wild heritage of Colorado. The space will feature mountain lions, lynx, bald eagles, and grizzly bears, amongst a number of other animals native to the region. What’s more, the El Pomar Foundation, which has played a significantly active role in the Zoo’s development ever since its early days, has matched the $1.46 million gift for the project’s expansion – a fitting affair with the Zoo celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

But until the new exhibit is completed in 2008, visitors can continue to stroll between the habitats of more than 140 species of animals, and even hand feed certain groups such as the famous giraffes. And no outing to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is complete without a visit to the ‘Shrine of the Sun,’ an historic monument which stands at an elevation of over 8,000 feet and provides remarkable views above the city of Colorado Springs.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a fantastic place for families to frequent together; in fact, it was voted ‘the best place for family fun’ for five consecutive years by Colorado’s Gazette. And the zoo’s many picnic areas make it easy to pack a lunch and make an entire day out of the visit. What’s more, in between stopping at animal exhibits, adults and youths alike can take part in the various education programs hosted by the Zoo – an endeavour to build appreciation and understanding of animals and the natural world.

If you’re planning to take a long car ride or perhaps even a flight to Colorado Springs, you’ll undoubtedly need to book accommodation – and your options are anything but limited. Colorado Springs has a number of terrific local hotels and familiar franchises like Embassy Suites to stay at, many of which are a just a hop, skip and a jump away from the city’s biggest attractions – one of them being the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. And if you’re arranging a group or family trip, you’ll likely be able to track some superb package deals on both sightseeing and accommodation.

So with everything Colorado has to offer – from the breathtaking scenery to amazing attractions such as the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – what are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today; you’re sure to return home some wild memories.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

Located on the fabulous Biscayne Boulevard, overlooking Biscayne Bay, the Bayside Marketplace is one of Miami’s primary retail centres in its downtown shopping district. Located over 16 acres, it includes over 150 shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes, and features a pedestrian link to the American Airlines Arena, Miami’s hottest concert destination that has played host in the past to the likes of Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton and Madonna.

The Bayside Marketplace is home to a large number of American and international retail stores, including; Gap, Claire’s accessories, the Discovery Channel Store, the Disney Store, Foot Locker and Sunglass Hut; so Bayside Marketplace clearly caters to a variety of retail styles. Its eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes include: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Los Ranchos, Chilli’s and Hard Rock Café. In addition, Bayside Marketplace also offers live music events, hiring regular bands like Gypsy Heart and Brazilian Explosion, and making the retail experience offered by Bayside Marketplace much more original and exciting.

However, the unique nature of Bayside Marketplace means that it doesn’t just offer retail outlets and a multitude of tasty restaurants; it also organises different clubs and groups for members of the Miami community to join. For example, programs include: El Loro (pirate ship), Heritage of Miami (Tall ship/Sightseeing) and Captain Jimmy’s Fiesta (Party Cruise).

Boasting "the best food, fun and shopping Miami has to offer", the Bayside Marketplace is clearly a hub of activity, a stone’s throw away from Miami Beach and other key Miami attractions, such as the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and the Miami Children’s Museum. It is also located close to many affordable and comfortable Miami hotels so visitors to Bayside Marketplace can stay in Miami for longer and visit attractions further away from Biscayne Bay, like the Art Deco district, Everglades National Park and the Metro Zoo. Bayside Marketplace is also not far from Miami International Airport, so is an interesting place to while away the time if you’re on an extended stop-over in Miami.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

One of the most impressive and popular landmarks is definitely the Buckingham Fountain. The fountain is a great draw for tourists when it is turned on in April to signal the onset of summer. Constructed of Georgia pink marble, the attraction was first opened in May 1927 and still puts on spectacular 20 minute displays every day from mid April through to early fall, on the hour every hour between 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The displays consist of all the fountain’s 134 jets shooting approximately 14,100 gallons of water per minute, with the center jet shooting 150 feet into the air accompanied by a tremendous light and music presentation.

The fountain was originally designed by Edward H. Bennett, influenced by the Latona Basin in Louis XIV’s gardens at Versailles, to represent Lake Michigan with four sea horses, created by Marcel Loyau, to symbolize the four states that touch the lake.

The fountain was dedicated to the people of Chicago in 1927 in memory of Clarence Buckingham, the late brother of Kate Buckingham who commissioned the creation of the structure. Kate Buckingham had a vision to construct a fountain which created the effect of soft moonlight, and she worked tirelessly with the fountain’s many technicians to test out a variety of colors for the glass filters and different water currents in order to produce a mystical, ethereal feel to the whole piece.

The pond life around the area is often teeming with frogs, herons, and dragonflies, and the shrubs are frequently filled with resting migratory birds; the lush prairie region is also embedded with native grasses and wildflowers, making the Park District of Chicago a beautiful and serene place to go to while staying in the city. It is within easy distance of the Sears tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, with its new Skydeck, the up market Merchandise Mart Mall, which will make even the most enthusiastic of power shoppers happy, and luxury hotels like the fabulous Conrad Hotel – so you can get a taste of nature but enjoy all the luxury and amenities that a big city can provide.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

The plan follows on from a report last year for the Association of London Government, which represents 32 boroughs, which described the tax as, an ideal minor tax in that it relates to a group that imposes clear costs on authorities but which presently contributes nothing directly towards those costs.

The current proposals, as they stand, could raise the cost of a short UK break by up to ?100 for the average family. While the UK is already, throughout Europe, second only to Denmark in the severity of its taxation levels for tourism, the newly proposed tax would put Britain firmly above the Danes making it the highest taxed holiday destination in the EU, nearly three times the European average.

The idea which is presently under consideration by Sir Michael Lyons, who is tasked to review the plans for future local government financing, however the Liberal Democrats warned that implementing such a move could be disastrous for the entire ?12bn UK tourism sector.

Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Don Foster told the BBC, When you think that VAT on tourist-related activities in this country is 17.5 per cent, whereas in the rest of Europe it is 8.5 per cent and in countries like France 5.5 per cent, these tourists use services, but they are certainly already paying for them.

Industry news publisher Caterer and Hotelkeeper has been joined by the UK hotel big hitter, Travelodge, along with the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and the Tourism Alliance (an umbrella group of 45 trade associations), to formally lobby against the plans. Another hotel industry heavyweight, Hilton, spokeswoman said the company strongly supported the BHA’s efforts.

While Travelodge has set up its own online petition, the deputy chief executive of the BHA, Martin Couchman, said the organisation encouraged its members to lobby independently, a message which online UK hotel directory Superbreak has taken to heart, with its own petition, in an ongoing campaign to bring prices down.

A recent Travelodge survey of 2,000 UK consumers, revealed that 85% already believe UK hotels are too expensive, a perception that will only be exacerbated by a 10% price hike. Current predictions by the tourist industry indicate the impact of the tax could lead to the possible loss of up to ?1.3bn and 32,000 jobs if the tax were to be introduced.

Don Foster commented, We have got a problem and anything like a bed tax that would put people off from coming to this country would be a real disaster.

Submitted by: Michael Hanna

About Michael Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:

Contact details: E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com Phone: 0131 561 2251 Michael’s Website: Taxi Belfast Airport Belfast Taxis

Spend your well deserved time soaking up the brilliant rays and letting go of all your stress, and if your idea of the perfect holiday is to take in all the splendours of the deep blue sea there are countless activities to take part in – including snorkelling, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, and more – all taking place in the sun’s rays of course!

Soon enough you’ll find that the essence of time just seems to roll away with the shells on the shore. And don’t be surprised if you forget what day it is. Sound too good to be true? It’s truly anything but. Whether your idea of the perfect beach holiday is to plunge into the crystal waters of the Bahamas, sink your toes into the idyllic white and black sand beaches of Hawaii, or absorb the warm and tropical paradise that Mexico has to offer, it’s all within reach – and you simply can’t go wrong.

As long as you have set yourself up with nice accommodation in advance, say a hotel on the beach, or something less refined, you can eliminate the final factor which could possibly cause anxiety and ensure that you are completely free to simply relax. There are a range of outstanding locales available to the inquisitive tourist, from tropical terrain to dazzling city coastlines. Visit your agent to catch a glimpse of all the luxurious hotels, fantastic locations, and amazing deals available to you.

When it comes to the wealth of the options you have for beach holidays, go with ‘whatever floats your boat’, but just remember not to let time keep track of you. Lose yourself in a place where the sun and the moon sparkle off warm waters, and where the sound of the waves will lull you to sleep at night. With all that beaches have to offer – surf, sand, sun and relaxation – it’s clear why beach holidays will never become a thing of the past.

So why not make your next holiday a beach holiday? It might be seen as unadventurous, but for relaxing in awe-inspiring sunrises and glorious sunsets it’s tough to beat.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

Conrad Hilton was determined to maximize every square foot of hotel space and serve the hotel guest. Mr. Hilton bought his first hotel in Cisco, Texas in 1919. And, of course there’s always Paris. Paris is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotels and source of an estimated $300 million family fortune. Paris Hilton is the daughter of one of the sons of Mr. Hilton, a hotel magnate. Conrad Hilton (1887-1979) was born in San Antonio. He was determined that his hotel to be the best in every city and coined the phrase, take me to the Hilton.

And, of course there’s always Paris. Paris is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotels and source of an estimated $300 million family fortune. Paris Hilton is the daughter of one of the sons of Mr. Hilton, a hotel magnate. Conrad Hilton (1887-1979).

Hilton hotels are known for featuring world class accommodations in the countries hottest destinations. The hotels are adding MP3-friendly alarm clocks, allowing guests to awaken to their own music. They are internationally known for their Hilton Meetings Business Centres. Hilton Hotels are known for a high level of comfort and prestige. The Port of San Diego and Hilton are planning to develop a 1200-room hotel on the waterfront adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center.

Mr. Hilton bought his first hotel in Cisco, Texas in 1919. And, of course there’s always Paris. Paris is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotels and source of an estimated $300 million family fortune. Paris Hilton is the daughter of one of the sons of Mr. Hilton, a hotel magnate. Conrad Hilton (1887-1979) was born in San Antonio. He was determined that his hotel to be the best in every city and coined the phrase, take me to the Hilton.

HHonors program effectiveness has grown from 34% in 2002 to 40% now. The program is designed to thank meeting planners who schedule events at Hilton Hotels worldwide. The program Members can earn both HHonors points and airline miles for the same business rate stay – what we call Double Dipping. MilePoint sponsors, in addition to the Hilton HHonors program, are America West, Continental, Delta, Northwest, TWA, US Airways and Hilton Hotels. The American Express Hilton Hhonors Program Credit card earns points for free stays at Hilton hotels.

Hilton Hotels are internationally known for their Hilton Meetings Business Centers. Business travel has always been a top priority of the chain. Since 1919, Hilton Hotels has led the way with innovations for executives on the road. Maureen Mackey is Managing Director of Sales, Business Travel Sales for Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Hilton hotels are upscale, full service properties catering to business and leisure guests. Hilton hotels are known for featuring world class accommodations in the countries hottest destinations. The prestigious Hilton Malta promises the best in accommodation and a high standard of service for which Hilton hotels are renowned. For business or pleasure the Homewood suites by Hilton hotels are designed with all the comforts of home in mind. The Hotels are the Official Hotel Group of UK Athletics and the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Athletics Team. Hilton Hotels are now building computer files on customer preferences using a system called OnQ, pronounced on cue. The Hotels are known across the globe and offer a choice of 2700 quality hotels in the UK, Europe, Asia, America, Africa and Australia. Room 902 in the Amsterdam Hilton became famous when in 1969 Yoko Ono and John Lennon staged their first Bed-In for Peace.

The Corporation is based in Beverly Hills. Hilton hotels are the most recognized name in the global lodging industry and have been in service for more than 80 years. The chain is focused on the needs of business and leisure travelers who desire a full array of quality services.

Copyright ? Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruiseGold.com You can read more of her articles at http://www.ArticleBazaar.net.

Spend your well deserved time soaking up the brilliant rays and letting go of all your stress, and if your idea of the perfect holiday is to take in all the splendours of the deep blue sea there are countless activities to take part in – including snorkelling, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, and more – all taking place in the sun’s rays of course!

Soon enough you’ll find that the essence of time just seems to roll away with the shells on the shore. And don’t be surprised if you forget what day it is. Sound too good to be true? It’s truly anything but. Whether your idea of the perfect beach holiday is to plunge into the crystal waters of the Bahamas, sink your toes into the idyllic white and black sand beaches of Hawaii, or absorb the warm and tropical paradise that Mexico has to offer, it’s all within reach – and you simply can’t go wrong.

As long as you have set yourself up with nice accommodation in advance, say a hotel on the beach, or something less refined, you can eliminate the final factor which could possibly cause anxiety and ensure that you are completely free to simply relax. There are a range of outstanding locales available to the inquisitive tourist, from tropical terrain to dazzling city coastlines. Visit your agent to catch a glimpse of all the luxurious hotels, fantastic locations, and amazing deals available to you.

When it comes to the wealth of the options you have for beach holidays, go with ‘whatever floats your boat’, but just remember not to let time keep track of you. Lose yourself in a place where the sun and the moon sparkle off warm waters, and where the sound of the waves will lull you to sleep at night. With all that beaches have to offer – surf, sand, sun and relaxation – it’s clear why beach holidays will never become a thing of the past.

So why not make your next holiday a beach holiday? It might be seen as unadventurous, but for relaxing in awe-inspiring sunrises and glorious sunsets it’s tough to beat.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

Located on the fabulous Biscayne Boulevard, overlooking Biscayne Bay, the Bayside Marketplace is one of Miami’s primary retail centres in its downtown shopping district. Located over 16 acres, it includes over 150 shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes, and features a pedestrian link to the American Airlines Arena, Miami’s hottest concert destination that has played host in the past to the likes of Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton and Madonna.

The Bayside Marketplace is home to a large number of American and international retail stores, including; Gap, Claire’s accessories, the Discovery Channel Store, the Disney Store, Foot Locker and Sunglass Hut; so Bayside Marketplace clearly caters to a variety of retail styles. Its eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes include: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Los Ranchos, Chilli’s and Hard Rock Café. In addition, Bayside Marketplace also offers live music events, hiring regular bands like Gypsy Heart and Brazilian Explosion, and making the retail experience offered by Bayside Marketplace much more original and exciting.

However, the unique nature of Bayside Marketplace means that it doesn’t just offer retail outlets and a multitude of tasty restaurants; it also organises different clubs and groups for members of the Miami community to join. For example, programs include: El Loro (pirate ship), Heritage of Miami (Tall ship/Sightseeing) and Captain Jimmy’s Fiesta (Party Cruise).

Boasting "the best food, fun and shopping Miami has to offer", the Bayside Marketplace is clearly a hub of activity, a stone’s throw away from Miami Beach and other key Miami attractions, such as the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and the Miami Children’s Museum. It is also located close to many affordable and comfortable Miami hotels so visitors to Bayside Marketplace can stay in Miami for longer and visit attractions further away from Biscayne Bay, like the Art Deco district, Everglades National Park and the Metro Zoo. Bayside Marketplace is also not far from Miami International Airport, so is an interesting place to while away the time if you’re on an extended stop-over in Miami.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

As Indiana?s 19th winery, Gaia has needed to fit in to its surroundings, whilst creating its own niche in the marketplace. Nestled centrally in the up market historic gallery and theater district on Massachusetts Avenue, just 2 minutes walk from the exclusive luxury Conrad Hotel, the company has needed to quickly gain a high class reputation in order to suitably fit into the area. In the short time since it set up, Indiana’s newest winery has succeeded spectacularly by managing to create 14 new award winning wines, introducing tours, wine tasting, as well as providing meeting rooms and hosting private functions.

Gaia Wines is owned and run by Angee Walberry and Margaret Broderick, making it the only solely woman-owned winery in the United States, and upholds an ideal to provide an enjoyable and educational winery experience within a contemporary, urban environment.

Margaret Broderick believes, ?If we, as a winery, are going to succeed it is vital that we educate and make more Americans aware of the benefits and pleasures of wine.?

With gifts and accessories, wine appreciation classes, and additional entertainment such as Sunday Jazz and comedy shows, as well as monthly specials, this small winery fits nicely into the growing wine tasting scene which has begun to emerge over the past few years.

Other highly recommended wineries worth visiting in Indiana include the Chateau Thomas Winery and the Easley Winery, with both offering free tasting sessions and regular guided tours, as well as meeting rooms, events and activities.

Although often not widely recognised outside the state, the Indiana soil and climate provide great growing wine conditions, especially for the ever popular and dependable Cabernet Sauvignon grape varietal. The strength of these wines has however now gradually started to be noted by the wider vintner community, with the Easley Winery recently receiving a well deserved Gold Medal for their lively Cabernet packed with fruity overtones and black currant aromas, although some of their sweet blush wines are also definitely worth a taste to see what the region can truly provide in the way of rich vibrant tastes.

Though it may not currently be as widely regarded as California?s Napa Valley for the consistent quantity, quality and depth of the wines produced, Indiana is certainly an up and coming region with some forward looking producers, who are managing to create some interesting wines which deserve to be taken seriously, and are well worth visiting if you get the chance.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.