Oklahoma City Lakes

The Oklahoma City lakes prove Oklahoma City entertainment options aren't all brick and mortar. The three major reservoirs of the city, Lake Hefner, Lake Draper and Lake Overholser, offer opportunities for many outdoor activities and provide drinking water to the city.

Built in 1947, the 2,500 acre Lake Hefner in northwest Oklahoma City, with an average depth of 29 feet and maximum depth of approximately 94 feet, provides sailing, picnicking, recreation and fishing options. The lake is known for the sailboat races held on weekends. On the banks of the lake are the Lake Hefner Golf Course, playgrounds, jogging and biking trails, and the Stars and Stripes Park that hosts team sports, biking, recreational events and the annual Turkey Trot Classic. Kite flying is also a popular recreational activity here.

Lake Stanley Draper in southeast Oklahoma is a 2,900 acre lake with an average depth of 34 feet and maximum depth of 98 feet, and the largest of Oklahoma City's lakes. It features boat ramps, covered fishing piers, tending docks, fish attractors, handicap facilities, covered wet slips and dry storage areas. While swimming is prohibited, activities including picnicking, fishing, jet skiing, boating, sailing, and skiing (allowed only in open waters) can be enjoyed. On the west side of the lake is the Crosstimbers ORV Park.

Lake Overholser is the oldest and smallest of the reservoirs, connected to Hefner Lake through a canal. This 1,500 acre lake has an average depth of 6 feet with maximum depth of 13 feet. The lake was built in 1919 in order to support a treatment plant. The Overholser Dam at the southeast corner of the lake was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Picnicking, fishing, sailing, boating and jet skiing are the activities permitted here, while swimming is prohibited.

If an escape from the urban is what you seek, the Oklahoma City lakes are the place to head to, and OKC hotels would be glad to offer shuttle services to these locations.

Home Value Trends in Texas

Unless you've been living in a cave somewhere, you've probably heard many gloomy predictions about the state of realty and home values in the past year or so. According to the media and industry experts, the housing bubble is bursting, home value prices are dropping and the real estate market in general sucks.

Rest assured, this is NOT true. Perhaps when looked at on a national scale, the market could be better - but it's not as bad as many make it out to seem. Besides, knowing the national median home value (in 2006 it was $221,900) isn't going to help you when you move. Real estate is an investment, so you want to invest where your home value is bound to appreciate. So how do you know where to move to? By examining past home value and sales trends as well as the population, economy, job opportunities and attractions a specific area has to offer.

Texas (capital city: Austin) is the largest mainland state with a population of over 23.5 million in 2006th much space and a large population, this is a good economy s' is really growing in Texas recently, especially in recent months. Their main agricultural products are cattle, cotton, dairy products, nursery, poultry, sorghum, maize and wheat and its services include industrial chemicals production, natural gas and oil, food, appliances, machinery, mining and tourism . In recent months, many industries are now, including: trade,transportation and utilities; financial, professional and business services; education and health services and even the governmental sectors. Since new job opportunities equals more new residents, and new residents equals more demand for housing, it isn't much of a surprise that on average, Texas home value prices have continued to rise.

The various things to do in Texas also keeps attracting new residents as well, which again keeps home value averages steady and rising. Texas has something for everyone: nightlife from it's major cities (and there are many of them: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio and Houston), historical and cultural monuments (plenty of battles took place in Texas - does the Alamo ring a bell?), outdoor activities (camping, birding, water sports, etc), beautiful beaches on the Gulf coast, and of course ranches and cowboys and horses (oh my!). All year round you can find festivals, fiestas and fishing Tournaments Texas, and amusement parks and state parks state pepper. These attractions are constantly attracting more and more people on the property market stability.

Of course the fact that Texas had the task of unemployment and lower growth rate in its history in recent months, the value or property price is not bad. With an unemployment rate of just 4.1% in May, more jobs than ever before in Texas. On the otherside, according to American Community Survey, the state's median household income actually dropped nearly $1000 to $42,139 in 2005 (when inflation is calculated). Since Texas has some of the richest and poorest areas in the nation, that is not too surprising. The median assessed home value for the past month was about $131,824, while the median sales price was about $116,900.

Major cities in the state seem to be holding steady real estate markets. Affordable Austin has a median home value sales price of about $174,000 with homes spending less days on the market than in past months (an average of 63 now). Houston has cooled off somewhat overall, according to agents in the area, with slight drops in sales and home value in the past couple months. The average home value of a single family home is at about $214,540, which is still an increase over last year. San Antonio's inventory is at a historical high and the average list price is lowering somewhat as sellers get used to a slower than normal market. The average home value in May was about $184,721. The Dallas and Forth Worth area has also been growing, and home value averages reflect that at about $350,343 in the Dallas area.

All in all, Texas has areas that are doing very well and other areas that are slowing down somewhat and even dropping slightly in home value averages. However, with so much job growth and opportunity, it is likely that Texas' market will perk up again and home value prices will continue to appreciate.

Holidaying in Dubai - A Hot Proposition in 2010

All across the world, the jet setting bunch of our world's trendsetters prepare so religiously for their winter and summer holidays. From the luxurious beaches on the French Riviera to the picturesque islands of Crete, from the casinos of Monaco to the quiet luxury of the Maldives, you will readily find these classes of people languorously trying their luck at the gambling tables or stretched across their reclining beach stools or swimming in the cool or warm waters of the nearest pool. The onlooker would eye them with a certain measure of jealousy, as he or she would rightly be envious of their luxurious lifestyle. But they have earned it, and so should we....

If you have the money, the time and the inclination, why not make Dubai your stopover for the next holidays? Contrary to a Westerner's idea of a vast sandy desert, Dubai has very much transformed itself into an enviable tourist destination worthy of world standards and recognition. No more the once sleepy fishing village of yore, Dubai is today an amalgam of various structures and events that are carefully planned to be of use and attraction to the traveler, no matter what his or her interests or nationality.

Curiosity has no limits, and the very presence of world class facilities at your arm's reach is enough to pique the interest of even the most sedate tourist. If anything, the whole event will likely be more understated than overstated. At any given time there is so much going on across the length and breadth of Dubai that one may be perplexed as to how best to spend his or her time. From world class tennis courts to golf courses, from Formula 1 racing tracks to white pristine sandy beaches like Jumeirah, Dubai has it all. When it comes to miracles and wonders, Dubai even has a skating rink that is kept at the right temperature all through the year. This is one of its many marvels and speaks of the ingenuity of science. Talk about constructing an ice skating rink in the middle of a desert climate! But that is not all. Dubai also has its share of the tallest, longest, broadest- all planned to attract the tourist or weary traveler. One can visit the Burj Hotel, billed as the only seven-star hotel in the world, or take a desert safari, visit the Mall of the Emirates or take a boat ride across the strait separating Deira and Bur Dubai. Dubai has a cultural village encapsulating its history, and museums and a lot of shopping centers. There is also a Summer and a Winter Festival.

Living in Dubai short term or long term offers a multitude of opportunities. There is a wide choice between Dubai luxury apartments for the well off, to Dubai holiday apartments for a one to two month stay over. At the higher end of the line are Dubai holiday villas and Dubai luxury villas that range from ostentatious displays to quiet understated opulence. Dubai has something that will fit your pocket and lifestyle, so come and share the experience.

Local Attractions For Kids in Austin Texas Include the Zoo & More

Austin, Texas, historically known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" provides local families and tourists with a multitude of family friendly entertainment. The local attraction of Austin Texas for kids consists of a number of venues within the city where they may unleash their creativity, cater to their love of physical activity, and nourish their appreciation for nature. From younger toddlers to teenagers, Austin offers fun activities for all age groups.

Austin Zoo

The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is home to over 300 animals from various species. Reminiscent of a beloved animation film dear to many children, the large cat exhibit is a favorite of many kids. Their eyes will grow wide with excitement as they hear a lion's intimidating roar.

For the ultimate interactive experience for kids, be sure to visit the petting zoo. Close contact interaction with deer and llamas is an experience children and adults both enjoy. The Austin Zoo allows patrons to feed the animals in the petting zoo by purchasing animal feed for one dollar. Be sure to bring a camera to capture these memorable moments.

Austin Children's Museum

The Austin Children's Museum is the local attraction of Austin Texas where children of all ages may be introduced to science and reinforce their scientific knowledge by practical application. On Saturday mornings, the Austin Children's Museum, together with select students from the University of Texas's Cockrell School of Engineering, introduce children and families to the exciting world of Engineering. Families work together on special projects such as aircraft design and building circuits.

Of particular interest to families with younger children, ages three and under, is the Austin Children's Museum Baby Bloomers program. Offered on Monday mornings, between the hours of 9am and 12pm, the program solely provides entrance to the museum for participants in the Baby Bloomers program. Experience the museum, participate in a music class, and enjoy the exhibits at a relaxing pace with your small child. If you're looking for a hotel close by the museum for easy morning access, there are Austin Children's Museum hotels nearby.

Volente Beach

The local attraction of Austin Texas for kids sure to provide a full day's worth of splish-splashing fun and excitement during the summer is Volente Beach. The water park consists of a variety of water attractions for every swimming level. More advanced swimmers may elect to slide down the coiled, aptly named "Rattlesnake" water slide, while those who desire a more relaxing pace would enjoy the "Lazy Lagoon" or "Sandy Beach".

Austin Area Hotels and Suites

Austin TX suites and hotels are the final piece of the puzzle for vacationing families. These offer a great place to relax and rest after a long day of activities.

Austin Fall Festivities

The air isn't exactly crisp in Austin these days, but fall has found its way to central Texas all the same. Whether it's the University of Texas football fever or the Halloween decorations on every corner, autumn has a hold on Austin and fun festivities abound:

Oktoberfest Austin holds its first annual festival on October 24 in Waterloo Park. Bring two canned goods benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank and enjoy local bands, kids' entertainment and an arts and crafts market.

This is the 49th year for the annual "Salute to Sausage" celebrating German heritage with food and music. Wurstfest runs from October 30 to November 8 in Landa Park in New Braunfels. There are all kinds of fair-like attractions at this festival, including rides and live music.

Pumpkin Patches, or at least the kind that pick the pumpkins and bring them to the public for sale, abound in Austin. Some of them even offer far more than pumpkins. The Elgin Christmas Tree Farm offers a pumpkin patch and hay bale maze. Sweet Berry Farms in Marble Falls has a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and hayfield mazes for all ages, along with homemade ice cream and other treats.

Halloween can be celebrated all month long in Austin. Boo at the Zoo is a unique opportunity to see the zoo by flashlight on weekends in October. Wear a costume, bring a picnic and take a haunted train ride.

Spend an evening at the Austin Nature and Science Center for a Halloween Howl. See the spooky side of nature with all kinds of hands-on family fun. Check out the other Parks and Recreation events like a free haunted house and Halloween carnival.

There is the famous, or perhaps infamous, Halloween on Sixth Street with all sorts of rowdy revelers having scary fun. Shop for a costume at the famed Lucy in Disguise on South Congress before heading downtown to enjoy drink specials and live music.

The Mexican American Cultural Center celebrates Dia del los Muertes with food, music and family fun November 1. Come see the array of traditional altars honoring the dead and even create your own.

Most of the outdoor pool venues have closed for the season, but the cooler weather makes it a great time to take advantage of all the other outdoor fun Austin has to offer. Hike or bike the Barton Creek greenbelt. Walk the 100s of steps up to Mt. Bonnel and check out the view. Watch some college soccer or take in a high school football game. Stroll down South Congress Avenue or the Second Street district and see the one-of-kind shops and eateries. The fun fall festivities in the Austin area are practically endless.

Outdoor Fun in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, is known for a lot of things. It's the Live Music Capital of the World, the home of the UT Longhorns, and the capitol seat of the Lone Star State. To those who live and play here full time, it's also widely regarded as one of the most active cities in the country. From hiking and biking to swimming, boating or just soaking up the hot Texas sunshine, Austin offers residents and visitors alike a seemingly endless array of options for fun in the sun. Here are just a few to get you started:

Lady Bird Lake
Formerly called Town Lake, this man-made lake in the heart of downtown Austin is a Mecca for the city's outdoor enthusiasts. The rowing dock rents canoes, paddle boats and kayaks out by the hour, and the temperate lake waters provide a welcome respite from the mid-day heat. If boating isn't your thing, check out the Hike and Bike Trail, which circles the lake in a three-to-four mile loop (depending on the route you choose). Day and night, all year long, you'll see Austinites of all ages and fitness levels working their way around the trail--pushing baby strollers, walking their dogs, or just catching up with friends.

Zilker Park
A stone's throw from Lady Bird Lake lies one of the nation's largest inner-city parks--at 351 acres, Zilker Park is Austin's grassy playground, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, and even a miniature train, the Zilker Zephyr. The park offers several cultural attractions as well, including the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, the Zilker Botanical Gardens, and the Austin Nature and Science Center not to mention the famous Austin City Limits music festival each September. What started as a 35-acre deed in 1918 has evolved into one of the true treasures of Austin. Regardless of the time of year, visitors to Zilker Park will likely see lively soccer, kickball and ultimate frisbee games, colorful kites flying, and drowsy folks napping under shade trees.

The Veloway
If cycling or skating is your activity of choice, The Veloway is one Austin attraction you won't want to miss. Off-limits to runners or cars, this 3.1 mile loop of paved, winding road through South Austin's hill country provides a safe haven for cyclists and skaters alike.

Barton Springs Pool
Austin boasts a wealth of lakes, rivers and swimming holes, but none is quite as beloved and well known as Barton Springs Pool. Surrounded by Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a spring-fed, 900-foot oasis in the hot summer sun. The chilly, 68 degree water is a cherished refuge from the 100-plus degree heat June through September, but the pool is open year-round. In addition to man-made aspects like diving boards, Barton Springs Pool is perhaps most famous for its natural rock bottom. While entrance to the pool costs about $3 per person during the day, you can swim for free after 9:00 p.m. highlight of many Austinites' summer evenings.

Everyone knows Austin is a great place to let loose after hours and dance the night away, but locals know the city offers residents and visitors alike just as many options for daytime diversions. No matter what kind of outdoor activity strikes your fancy, Austin truly offers something for everyone.

Beyond the Beach - Five Fun Things to Do in Ocean City Maryland

Ocean City is Maryland's number one summer resort. With more than ten miles of beautiful, clean, free beaches it's a great spot to soak up the sun. And if hanging out at the beach with a good book isn't fun enough there are so many other things to enjoy.

The Boardwalk - In Ocean City Maryland the place to stroll is the three mile long boardwalk. The first wooden walkway went up in 1902 and it could be rolled up in the event of a storm. Today's boardwalk has been newly renovated and it's been named one of the Best Boardwalks in America by the Travel Channel. Check out the carousel, circa 1912, the arcades and some of the best fries around. Oh, and while you're out walking visit the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum at the inlet.

Fishing - Ocean City is the "White Marlin Capital of the World." It boasts some of the best game fish on the East Coast, White Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and sharks including Mako, Tiger and Thresher. The inshore waters abound with bluefish and sea bass or fish for flounder in the bay. The O.C. Fishing center offers everything for novice to experienced anglers and it's located near the inlet.

Golfing - Ocean City, MD is becoming one of the hottest destinations on the East Coast for golfers. There are numerous championship golf courses for every skill level. Many first rate hotels have great golf packages.

Boat Rides - Take a ride on a speedboat, the OC Rocket, and watch the dolphins. Explore the Natural Beauty of Sinepuxent Bay on The Explorer Nature Cruise. Or take a ride aboard the Assateague Adventure. Land on the island and explore, look for the ponies and see the birds in their natural habitat. For more information on these and more go to: http://www.talbotstreetpier.com/boatrides/

Shopping - The Ocean City Outlets are located one mile from the beach and boardwalk at Rt. 50 & Golf Course Rd. Take the free shuttle and save up to 70% off everyday. For a list of stores, shuttle locations and more go to: http://ocfactoryoutlets.com/

And don't forget the spectacular sunsets over the bay or wake up early and watch the sunrise - it's fabulous. Above all, relax and enjoy!