Little Rock is a buzz in mid-October as the Arkansas State Fair fills barns and midway with livestock and lively folk. This fair offers an entertainment schedule that has an even sampling from pop, country, rock and jazz acts. The real shows are the 4-H competitions in which farm kids from middle school through high school aged display their animals.

Scholarships and first place prize ribbons are on the line while nervous farm families wait in the stands as judging reveals the best of this year’s farm animals. Out in the midway fairgoers eat the array of foods not found at the mall food court. Elephant ears, turkey legs, and fresh lemonade are often to be purchased from the concession trailers. Grandstand shows include monster trucks and rodeos in the on going display.

Travelers to the Little Rock area will find a modern airport recently spruced up to the tune of $180 million. Flights from major cities on major airlines are mostly on time. The traveler will find several rental car companies and two limousine services. Little Rock also has a city bus line.

Hotels in Little Rock are numerous and new ranging from one to four stars. Most major chains are available in the area and rooms tend to be reasonably priced. Book early for the State Fair or other events though as good rooms and suites go quickly. Privately owned camp grounds offer lodging all year round in Little Rock unlike some areas which only offer summer camping.

Once in Little Rock visitors will find a beautiful skyline along the Arkansas River. The founders named the city for a small rock formation on this river in the 1700′s. Today this modern city offers museums, shopping, and fine dining and is the location of the Clinton Presidential Library along with the fun of the state fair.

Gail Leino is known throughout the internet world as Mrs. Party. She has become the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies with clever themes. Her simple party planning approach demostrates how to use proper manners while teaching etiquette with organizational skills. She shares lots of interesting fun facts. See travel vacations for more tips and holiday spot destinations.

There’s one thing you can say about the Alaskan State Fair and it’s that they have some pretty big Cabbages. This isn’t meant in any way to be an insult, but a compliment. See up in Alaska they like to grow the Giant Cabbage and enter it into the annual Giant Cabbage Competition at the fair every year. People from all over Alaska weigh in their giant veggies and the hobbyist or farmer with the biggest Cabbage wins the blue ribbon and envy of the other contestants.

It’s held every year around the same time in late August to early September in Palmer, Alaska. For visitors coming in from out of state it can be quite a trek to get to Alaska, let alone the fair, but there are a variety of ways to arrive in style. You can get around the immediate area of the fair via the Great Alaskan Trolley Company that offers a daily shuttle during the run of the fair. If you happen to be in Anchorage at the time of the fair you can take a train ride down to the South Palmer Station. The ride will give ample opportunity for reflection as it takes about two hours to get to the fair.

Don’t worry about food at the fair as you will encounter a wide range and variety of offerings. Besides the traditional funnel cake the different concession stands have Mexican foods, like tacos, and burritos and Alaskan influenced foods like Reindeer Polish Sausage and Beer Battered Halibut. Or you can buy some gold in the form of Alaskan gold nuggets, which are really tasty batter fried cheese.

That’s not all that goes on this fair. Other than the Giant Cabbages you can get to the fair to check out the Backhoe Rodeo, or the Diaper Derby or the Great Alaskan Husband Holler. Wives can certainly pick up a few tips from watching that contest!

Gail Leino is known throughout the internet world as Mrs. Party. She has become the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies with clever themes. Her simple party planning approach demostrates how to use proper manners while teaching etiquette with organizational skills. She shares lots of interesting fun facts. See travel vacations for more tips and holiday spot destinations.

Are you going to be visiting or relocating to the Tampa Area? Or do you live here and are exploring new activities within your city? Tampa is an incredible city to live, work, or play. There are so many exciting activities to do around this large city.

The Florida Aquarium is a fun place to spend a day. View sharks, fish or sea life in this extraordinary setting. And for children, there is a fantastic water area with spraying fountains, a pirate ship and more. If you enjoy amusement parks, don’t miss Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. Busch Gardens has fast roller coasters, a children’s play area, marine and land animals, games and so much more. With their affordable year round pass, you can play all year long! Adventure Island is a water park like no other. Relax in the rambling bayou, enjoy steep water slides or ride the waves in the large pool. It will bring out the kid in everyone.

For those who enjoy a day of shopping, Tampa is the perfect place to be. International Plaza has high end stores such as Tiffany’s, Brighton, Neiman Marcus and more. With a variety of great restaurants, people come here to shop or just enjoy dinner or drinks. Westshore Plaza is another great mall, with stores such as Saks, JCPenney, Ann Taylor and even an AMC Movie Theatre. Don’t miss the great food at Maggiano’s, The Palm, or PF Changs Bistro. And for those who prefer a stroll outside while shopping, you won’t want to pass up Hyde Park. This shopping destination has great stores such as Pottery Barn, Tommy Bahama, Talbots and Williams Sonoma. With it’s charm and sophistication, it attracts people time and time again.

Are you a night owl? Enjoy an evening on the town at Channelside, Ybor City or International Plaza. Each has great restaurants, cocktail lounges, dance clubs and martini bars that attract people of all ages. Whether you’re out for happy hour or the entire evening, you are sure to have a good time at one of these great destinations!

Tampa has become an attractive city for sports enthusiasts as well. With our Super Bowl Champions, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and our 2004 Stanley Cup Champions, The Tampa Bay Lightning, it’s easy to see why! And don’t forget the arts. The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is a great place to take in a show. From children’s shows, plays and Broadway, this facility hosts a vast assortment of performances.

Don’t miss everything Tampa has to offer. This growing city is a great place to explore!

Bob Lipply is a top Real Estate Broker Associate in the Tampa Bay Real Estate area. He and his team have been helping families relocate to Florida and on the selling end get top dollar for their homes with great success. Lipply Real Estate also specializes in Clearwater Real Estate visit his website where you can search the MLS for up to date available homes for sale.