The countertop refrigerators can act as a very excellent display unit. Because of their size items placed in these units are easily noticeable and accessible. Further, they generally have glass doors. Because of the glass doors they make the visibility of the food items and the beverages kept inside them easy. Because of such easy visibility they help to promote the products stored inside them and thereby increase sales.

It cannot be incorrect to state here that they act as a very good advertising tool for products. However, in order to make its correct use that is promote sales they need to be placed correctly. Their placement therefore is of strategic importance.

The placement of such countertop refrigerators must be where they are easily visible to the customers who enter the premise. Their placement therefore is paramount to boost sales. It is seen that snack items and chocolates are items that are a favourite among the children. Therefore, the countertop refrigerators must be placed at such a height and place, where they are easily accessible to children. Needless, to say they must be prominently placed where it can be viewed by anyone who enters the premise. Further, the refrigerator must be properly illuminated. Lack of proper illumination can prevent potential sale of products.

Another important thing with respect to countertop refrigerators is that they must always be kept clean. Since it houses food items and beverages, an unhygienic countertop refrigerator will not attract many customers. Therefore, great care must be taken to keep the unit clean at all times. Further, the items stored in countertop refrigerators must be neatly arranged at all times. If the food items are haphazardly kept, they will not attract a lot of buyers. Also, the customers will not be able to view the items placed inside it properly. In such a scenario, there will not be any sale.

It is a good idea to place any item such as a new snack, a new chocolate or other items which has recently entered into the market must be placed right in the front such that it is prominently displayed to its potential consumers. It is the customers psyche to try new products, especially eatables.

Thus we have seen how important a tool a countertop refrigerator can be to promote sales and boost revenues. Its correct usage and accurate placement can help to promote products as required.

The key signs of an old soul;

Giving and caring often putting others first

Had a difficult romantic life often with much pain and disappointment

More than likely had a soulmate relationship

Things just seem to happen to you and around you, often becoming very dramatic through the seemingly extreme reactions of others

Events repeat themselves

Have trouble connecting with your family

Somehow know you're different

Have some psychic intuition and 'just knowing' things

Find that you have deeper emotions and passions than most people

People have extreme reactions to you - some just adore you and some seem to really dislike you yet you behave the same to everyone

Have an inner creative passion

Suffer lots of jealousy

Often perceived wrongly

Feel your don't have much free will, like your life is being controlled by some outside force

Often feel 'stuck' like events just keep on happening to you time after time

All of us can relate to some of these characteristics and events at some time in our lives however the 'old souls' amongst us will shout "Yes that's me !"
and immediately understand and relate.

In contrast, we have all met the 'young souls' the ones who profess to be giving and caring and often seem to seek us out, but who never really give, just take, and who then commit the most insensitive and often cruel acts but seem to have no understanding of what they've done or any sign of remorse whatsoever. In fact they can often go to such extremes to get very aggressive when we point out their actions and the effect that they've had on us..

Soul Age

The terms 'old soul' and 'young soul' aren't just descriptions of personality types but do give us a meaningful clue to why we find ourselves in this life cycle

The journey of the soul through many lives is one of growth and learning; from the earliest manifestation of that soul in human form - where it's focused on material things, power, ego and the "now", eventually through to the higher levels of compassion, truth, destiny, caring and fairness in later lives as old souls.

The soul is required to visit human form many times in order to learn these lessons. It is through interaction with others on the three dimensional plane that the soul accrues karma, the results of its actions on others and paying the price of those actions ( first rule of karma "what goes around comes around" - or what I often refer to as the 'karmic boomerang') that develops, hones, and tunes the spirit into the higher levels, eventually becoming attuned to the highest level of as 'old soul' in later lives.

Part of that developing process is to become infinitely more empathic, attuned to the universe and destiny, and for our intuition to develop more towards psychic powers. At this stage we sense that destiny plays a greater part in our lives that we could previously have imagined as we 'peek behind the scenes' of the universal mechanisms through our developing intuition.

This itself is also a challenge as we watch those less enlightened who are still contained in the "I know best" mode, mess up their lives going wandering down the wrong path. Typical of this is the soulmate; where we are tasked to watch them wander off knowing somehow that the tests they will face will ultimately bring them back around, older, wiser and more spiritually aware.

It's important to understand that each time our soul revisits the earthly plane, that we play 'catch-up', developing through our earthly actions and learning experiences quickly to regain that level of spiritual awareness we attained when leaving the previous life. In other words, in entering this life we are initially unconscious of the fact that we are required to have a very testing life to 'fast track' us to the spiritual level we are meant to be at in this one.

So; the older the soul, the harder and more testing the early events in order to make us reach inside and spiritually open; to regain previously achieved levels of spirituality and to further develop..

'Soul age' with Soulmates

I've already mentioned that we have all had to deal with the 'young souls', the ones who seem sent to test us and can often leave us feeling dazed and confused and hurt.

At this point I have to highlight something that's particularly important and relevant to soulmates. Your soulmate is unlikely to be a young soul even though their actions to-date may fit what we've described as a young soul.

We get terribly confused when we sense they are loving and caring and deep and spiritually enlightened yet they frequently behave in the totally opposite way

The important difference between a soulmate and a young soul is that the universe does not connect young souls with old souls in soulmate connections. What your soulmate is most likely going through is the life tests on that "fast track" , i.e learning fast and developing to their real soul age through meeting all the tough tests and making all the mistakes, acting in that earthly controlled, ego based, "I know best" way.

Hence the duality of their existence and the confusion they cause within our lives. What you are sensing is that destiny. It's the butterfly sensing another butterfly but seeing a caterpillar.

This is the main reason soulmates have to part, in order that the less developed one catches up with their earthly experiences in order to fully awaken spiritually and be ready to reconnect with their real soul age from the past life and to reconnect with you to continue the journey at the same spiritual level

Energy Vampires and Attack

Old souls will also be no strangers to people who try to cling to, or take or attack our energy. Often the more we give to people the more abuse we take. It's an extreme example of the "no good deed goes unpunished" rule.

Energy vampires are those who somehow spiritually sense our power and energy to come into our lives to using us as a crutch, often draining us through their need to explain their problems and us be the solution.

Frequently they will use our caring, giving nature to assist them with their lives, often becoming too close and draining and we don't seem to be able to find a way to tell them that this is something we aren't comfortable with and so we allow it to continue to an abusive level.

Most times the person clinging to us won't be aware of why they are doing this; they just sense, feel that we have something they need that causes them to be drawn closer and closer.

This is because their spirit, their energy senses a more powerful energy. It's not on an ego awareness plane, we're not talking 'mind' stuff here we're talking spiritual energy which all of us sense even if we aren't realizing it. It's on the "there's something about him/her" level.

Some will migrate to that energy for healing and comfort, the 'karmic vampire', others will fall for the energy in a romantic way and become instantly attached, with others seeking us out as a focus for blame and negative attention ( karmic dumping ). When confronted with their actions, even in the most caring and compassionate of ways, aggression and blame are often the responses they visit upon us as they lash out...

Jealous bosses or co-workers, unwanted sexual attention, being 'picked out', blamed, the focus of attention when we don't want to be - all of these are classic symptoms.. Yes anyone will experience some of this in their daily lives but what we are talking here is something that happens to the old soul again and again at a frequency and intensity far above anything that can statistically be considered average..

Now you may think the word attack is rather strong and negativity and conflict are a common phenomenon of everyday human interaction, however any old soul will point out the frequency and veracity of their experiences- often amazing others when they hear the stories.

At this point I remember lots of incidents in my own life but the most profound moment was when I was confronted by someone who spat anger and bile at me proclaiming I'd done this and that and the other with dark motives.

The total shock was something I won't forget. Actually I hadn't done any of these things; in fact I wasn't even in the country when they happened. However that didn't mean anything to this man - he set himself up as judge, jury and executioner and that utterly stunned me. It was only one of lots of incidences but is typical of an 'attack'.

On an energy level, this guy, to my definite first hand knowledge, cheated on his wife, was unfair in business, had a huge ego and had controlled and manipulated several people to his own ends. Nevertheless I had never taken it as my task to judge any of this, I just treated him like I treated anyone else. That was what caused the utter disbelief; the astonishment that his 'reality' was 180 degrees from actual events.

Attacks from young souls who misinterpret our actions based upon their own narrow understandings are commonplace. In the example above, this guy had judged me based not upon his perception of me, my morals and motives - but from his own. He projected people's actions as having the same intent as his own and not realizing what he had done, had given me an insight into his own dark world by the veracity and ferociousness of his attack.

He could not perceive any of my actions as being honest, decent and caring and putting others first because he wasn't capable of acting from that place within himself. In addition, whatever anger, frustration and emotions this caused necessitated him exaggerating these false claims to a level so ludicrous that it lost all connection with reality.

In the end a quick chat with his lawyer resolved the problem because the lawyer simply told me the case was so ludicrous he couldn't take it seriously. However it was still very painful for me and really illustrates that in addition to giving love and light and understanding, we need to be prepared to defend ourselves against attach from a darker or afflicted soul - 'karmic dumping' as I call it.

This again is one of the spiritual karmic tests that every old soul has to face.
I always say that an old soul can walk into a room full of people and without even saying a word, three others will adore them and three hate them instantaneously.

All of the above cannot be avoided and are not as a result of our actions but of who we are on a spiritual level.

The importance of power.

As we grow and learn, parents' teachers, mentors, the media, religious teachings and other influences in our lives all teach us that being giving and kind and caring and turning the other cheek are vital to being a good human being. True of course..

So why do we; more caring, more giving, more compassionate old souls often feel walked over by life ??

As in all things there is a duality. Look at nature - there's no cold without hot, no up without down, no dark without light. The yin and the yang, the interplay of opposing forces seeking balance.

Although conventional teaching is to keep pouring love and light and openness and giving into situations there is a point where we become depleted. There is a point where our love and compassion can cause us to give more than is healthy, to accept more than is our lot, and when we run out of cheeks to turn.

Herein lies one of the most important karmic lessons; in that, we must seek balance. We must maintain our own personal power and not allow love, compassion and "thinking the best of people" to become voluntary abuse when that person or persons repays us with negativity.

Allowing this to happen encourages lowering self-esteem, feelings of abandonment, and a sense that destiny has left us behind when people are responding to us in a very negative way. For many of us this is a lesson that takes many years to learn.

Most of use will have experienced abuse of our energy in different situations from work, family and relatives, within friendships and especially in personal relationships.

We often give too much because we are giving people, and through that action diminish our personal power. Give love and light YES, pray for people YES, BUT I believe that it is essential for all of us to sometimes have to fight to protect the incredible value of our energy; to realize it is a rare thing and to value it even when others don't.

In achieving balance we understand that giving love and light and having compassion and caring and understanding of people, especially those that are afflicted and confused by negativity is essential but is only one half of that balance. Love and light won't get your elephant off the tracks so sometimes we need to use our power in an assertive way.

The old soul experience comes with many such tests. This is not about giving less or giving to receive, it is to balance our giving and loving and caring with a total respect for the gold that is our own energyIn all things balance

"To thine own self be true", William Shakespeare

Steve Gunn - 6/17/2006

A Professional Bodybuilder versus a Natural Bodybuilder

A bodybuilder can only be tagged as a professional once he has earned a professional card from the IFBB and has also won qualifying contests as an amateur. As a professional, a bodybuilder will have the right to compete in contests such as the Arnold Classic and the Night of Champions.

When the contestant gets an award on the said competitions, he will be able to compete at the Mister Olympia competitions. This is revered to be the highest competition that any bodybuilder can ever join.

Natural contests for bodybuilders include the NPA or Natural Physique Association and the NANBF or North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation. Contests under this category always require tests for use of illegal substances such as anabolic steroids, diuretics, and pro-hormone. Tests can be done with the use of urine samples yet, most of the time, only polygraph tests (or lie detector tests) are carried out.

Famous Bodybuilders

• Arnold Schwarzenegger—bodybuilder turned politician, Arnold had his first barbell in the year 1960. At 14, he decided to choose bodybuilding over his football career and his decision paid off. He was only 17 when he officially started his competitive bodybuilding career. And the rest, as they say, is history as he was also able to conquer the world of show business.

• Jay Cutler—won the much-coveted Mr. Olympia title in 2006. During the competition, he announced that he only weight 286 pounds with only 3% of body fat. This is not a surprise as he started working at his family’s construction business as early as the age of 11. But it wasn’t until he was 18 years old that he began to do some serious training. The very first contest he won was in 1992 for the Gold’s Gym Worcester Bodybuilding Championships (second place). He was able to bag 3 consecutive years of the Arnold Classic (2002-2004) before he went on to compete in Mr. Olympia.

• Lee Labrada—is now better known as a fitness guru as he promises to deliver lean muscles with his Labrada Nutrition, Inc. Labrada has won 22 major titles before he competed in Mr. Olympia. Currently, he is a book author and the CEO of his own company.

• Rich Gaspari—was famous bodybuilder from the 80’s even up until the 90’s. Gaspari also started his own supplement company back in 1991. He also bagged many major awards before going away with the second place for Mr. Olympia in 1987.

These famous men have conquered other fields after they have proven themselves as worthy bodybuilders. Looking at their track records, it would be safe to say that healthy people not only live healthy but also wealthy lifestyles!

Today, RCA is owned by EMI, which is also the parent company of JVC, and the HMV logo is known throughout the world. Its copyright expired in 1989, after several RCA ownership changes, so the famous dog painting of Nipper is now the property of the general public. Its latest appearance in a film was in the 2006 movie Superman Returns, when an HMV radio is shown in the home of the young Clark Kent in the opening scenes. Ironically, the HMV radio was never sold in the United States, so the prop is a dead giveaway that the film wasn't made in the US. It was in fact filmed in Australia.

Dogs Playing Cards

If you live in the United States, you have seen and most likely own at least one depiction of the famous Dogs Playing Cards paintings that were painted in the early years of the Twentieth Century. Did you know that there are actually sixteen of these paintings altogether? They were commissioned in 1903 by a company called Brown and Bigelow to be used as advertising for their cigars. The artist, C.M. Coolidge, had no idea that his works would become famous American icons. Though considered relatively cheap home décor today, the original oil paintings are worth quite a bit. On February 15, 2005, the originals of two in the set, A Bold Bluff and Waterloo, were auctioned together for 0,400. Before that time, the most ever paid for a Coolidge was ,000.

The Dog

There is one dog painting that stands apart from the rest because of its significance to the art world and artists everywhere. The Dog, a painting done in the home of Spanish artist Francisco Goya some time between 1819 and 1823, is one of the famous "Black Paintings" he left behind at Quinta del Sordo. The dog itself in the picture is only a small head peaking out over a dark mass that slopes upward and framed against a dirty ochre sky that highlights its features. The image was originally painted with oils onto the wall of the villa, but was transferred to canvas after Goya's death. In the art world, it is said to be one of the first Symbolist paintings of the Western world, depicting a powerful image of man's struggle against seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Saved and The Distinguished Member of the Humane Society

Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, best known for his lion sculptures in Trafalgar Square, London, created a dog painting called Saved in 1856 which depicts a Newfoundland dog saving a small child from drowning. Eighteen years previous to that he had used the same dog breed for his now famous The Distinguished Member of the Humane Society. Each of the dogs portrayed, which may actually be two images of the same animal, are of the black and white variety of Newfoundland not particularly common at the time. His obvious love for this particular breed made Landseer famous with dog kennels and shows around the world. The Landseer Newfoundland is named after him.

Blue Dogs and the Legend of Loup Garou

In 1992, George Rodrigue, a Cajun artist from New Iberia, Louisiana, painted a series of paintings called The Blue Dog Pictures which were made popular by an advertising campaign done by Absolute Vodka. The blue dog has popped up in numerous other venues since then, but it wasn't created for commercial purposes. Rodrigue based his paintings on the Cajun legend of Loup Garou, the werewolf that is said to haunt the swamplands surrounding Acadiana and New Orleans. Parents teach their children morality lessons using the character and the commercial use of the blue dog has softened its image, but both Cajun and ancient American Indians still declare there's a factual basis for the story. Is there a werewolf in the bayou?

Sun Dogs in the Skies Above Stockholm

Vädersolstavlan, translated as The Sun Dog Painting, was produced in 1535 at the behest of King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. Though not what you'd call a traditional dog painting, this timeless masterpiece is regarded as the first depiction of the atmospheric phenomenon known as sun dogs, a condition that was considered by the people of the time to be a sign from above. King Gustav conscripted the painting to prove that an occurrence of sun dogs on April 20 of that year was not a cherubic response to his switch from Catholicism to the Protestant faith, but the painting was so powerful it actually seemed to the superstitious people of the time that the event was a divine manifestation. The controversy and subsequent persecution of the artists, Chancellor Olaus Petri and clergyman Laurentius Andreae, made the painting a highly sought after piece of artwork. It is also the oldest depiction of Stockholm itself. The original has been lost, but a copy from the 1630s can still be seen at Storkyrkan Church in Stockholm.

A Dog Painting of Your Favorite Breed

The classics may not be the right choice for your home and that's okay. You can find paintings of your favorite dog breeds in many different forms at a number of easy to get to locations. Pet stores have them, as do gift shops and department stores. Adorn your walls with images of your favorites or classics produced centuries ago. Your final choice is entirely up to you and will be different from anyone else's. The only real common bond between dog owners is their love of the animal itself. Others will know looking at your walls and mantles that you share that love.

Copyright (c) 2010 Trey Markel

You can choose a spacious coach seat or reserve a roomette or bedroom in one of the Superliner sleeping cars, depending on your budget. The Dining Car serves full meals in a comfortable setting, and sandwiches, snacks, and beverages are available for purchase at the Cafe Bar. The Sightseer Lounge Car has large picture windows and movies are screened here, including features for children during the summer months.

The journey
The journey follows the historic trail of gold prospectors and carpetbaggers in the frenetic Gold Rush days. Day 1 passes through charming Illinois farming country, interspersed with quaint rural townships, across the mighty Mississippi River into Iowa. The river winds off in its imposing passage as the Zephyr chugs serenely along. Time seems to stand still along this mid-west stretch.

On Day 2 the Zephyr arrives in booming Denver. The skyscrapers of this modern metropolis are dramatically etched against a backdrop of the massive Rockies in the distance. For a big city, the air is remarkably clear and refreshing. You get a chance to stretch your legs at the station here, while the train is refueled and cleaned. After Denver, the Zephyr begins a long upward pull into the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies where the rocky foothills jut from sweeping plains. Pine trees dot the ochre-coloured hillsides, which often plunge down into deep river valleys, with bubbling, fast-running streams.

The views from the train windows, especially those of the Sightseer Lounge Car, are stunning and generally uninterrupted by man-made obstacles. The only intrusion appears to be the train itself, glimpsed from its own window, becoming part of the immaculate scenery as it wends its way along the river courses and valleys. The Zephyr passes through Moffett tunnel, a nine-mile long tube of darkness which takes around 10 minutes to pass through. On the other side, the rivers, mountains and pines continue to dominate the view. The yellow and red rock become the canvas upon which rushing waters and thick pine forests are drawn.

By Day 3, the Zephyr is in the Nevada flatlands, well into California. In the High Sierras you are treated to a never-ending procession of dramatically beautiful views, broken only by the occasional bridge, or by the mountain sides themselves. Alpine Donner Lake passes, serene in the valley of sweeping ranges.

Finally, at the Emeryville terminus, shuttle buses to San Francisco wait for you trainside. You’ll feel relaxed by the no-rush feel of the journey, and inspired by the unparalleled scenery and the breath-taking vastness and variety of the North American continent.

One of the famous destinations for your all terrain vehicle in the state is the Killpecker Sand Dunes. You must be well aware of the policies before you will try to take on the trail. If you wish to camp in the area which is permitted, you can bring one of your zap stun guns to protect yourself all throughout the night.

The Bear Lodge Mountains in the state is also another place where you can drive your ATV. You can explore this peak and find out about the trail by visiting their office first. You would not want to get lost on your trip. This can also help you prepare for the type of trail that is ahead of you.

The Bear Creek Trail is identified as an ATV track that is best for those who are at the intermediate level. It is best tried during the summer season or at the months of June to September where the weather is great. You need to find out about registration policies first before you can follow the trail.

The Poison Spider ORV Area which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming has trails that are rocky and steep. You must be completely geared so that the trip will be fun and safe. Bring a map if it is your first time in the location and you are unfamiliar with where to go.

The Morrison Trail is quite a tough ATV route to follow. You need to be an expert or experienced driver of an all terrain vehicle so that you will be able to finish the course. If you wish to try on the trail by yourself, you can prepare all the things needed and maybe buy a tazer to keep you safe while on track.

The Laramie Peak is about 10.5 total miles. You can drive your ATV at this destination. It is the highest peak in the state and it would be a great experience to try it with your friends and some of the members in the family. You can even try camping at designated areas.

The Pete Lake Trail is an easy ATV trail. It is one of the places that many families visit during the outing. You will be able to have a great view of the Cooper River and by the time you return back from the great ride, many campgrounds are available where you can do other recreational activities.

Lastly, you can try the Whitney/Gold Hill Area. It is at the Wasatch Cache National Forest. You must be geared with all the protective equipment so that you can safely take on the tracks that are suited for those who are already at the intermediate level.

This is a quick guide that you can read when it comes to the ATV riding trails in Wyoming.

1. Alabama- Civil War history abounds in this state. There are numerous different sights, including the Confederacy White House.

2. Alaska- Denali National Park is the perfect spot for viewing the tallest mountain in the United States, Mt. McKinley, and for looking at Alaskas wildlife.

3. Arizona- Nothing better to do in Arizona but visit the breathtaking Grand Canyon.

4. Arkansas- The Whole family can take advantage of trying their luck at the Arkansas Diamond Mine and if that doesn't work out there is always the onsite water park.

5. California- Redwood forests are ancient, large, and spectacular, surely worth a trip.

6. Colorado- Colorados six canyon rivers (Poudre Canyon, Browns Canyon, Ponderosa Gorge, Yampa, Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Glenwood Canyon) are the perfect sites to indulge in white water rafting trips with or without a guide.

7. Connecticut- The whole family can enjoy a trip to The New England Air Museum located in Windsor Locks.

8. Delaware- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is the best location for you and your family to become familiar with all behavior of wetland creatures.

9. Florida- In Florida there is no better location to check out than Disney World and all its sub-parks.

10. Georgia- People of any age will all appreciate the worlds biggest aquarium...the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

11. Hawaii- Beaches, beaches and more beaches. When you tire of the beaches or you are too sunburnt, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a amazing way to see nature in action.

12. Idaho- Crater of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a excellent location for families to discover large fields of lava flows. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located near Sun Valley, Idaho.

13. Illinois- The Lincoln Heritage Museum in Lincoln, Illinois, is home to the biggest collection of artifacts from the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln.

14. Indiana- Go to the personal home of our 23rd president, Benjamin Harris, in Indianapolis.

15. Iowa- Spend a few days relaxing, shopping and exploring the National Historic District located in Downtown Fort Madison. This small town shows off high-quality examples of architecture dating as far back as 1870.

16. Kansas- Explore the Empire House at the historic Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita for a night of food, music and comedy and perhaps a history lesson or two.

17. Kentucky- Explore the Kentucky Derby and take your chances on the fastest looking horse.

18. Louisiana- Bourbon Street is the spot to go for excellent shops, food, and all around fun.

19. Maine- Take a trip having fun on an old fashion boat trip on a Windjammer Cruise. These cruises are conducted on old fashioned sailing boats that can take you on a weekend getaway or a day visit to a nearby island.

20. Maryland- An afternoon with the Urban Pirates, located in Baltimore is the best outing for the whole family. Pirates take you on a boat ride that includes things like pirate songs, games and treasure hunts.

21. Massachusetts- Find out about the unique history of whaling that use to prosper in this region during a vacation to the Whaling Museum in Nantucket.

22. Michigan- Dive into the day of a miner at the Adventure Mining Company in Greenland. This old mining camp offers top side tours and tours deep into the mine caves.

23. Minnesota- Spend a couple days looking at the Mall of America in Bloomington. You can shop while the kids play at the LEGO Imagination Center.

24. Mississippi- The Redding House, located in Biloxi, is a wonderful location for the whole family to understand a little bit about the history of Mississippi and enjoy some great Greek Revival architecture.

25. Missouri- Silver Dollar City a terrific spot for the entire family to have some fun enjoying food, rides and many different shows.

26. Montana- Home to Glacier National Park...a excellent family place.

27. Nebraska- See the old home of Buffalo Bill and view other Wild West Show artifacts at the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.

28. Nevada- Lake Tahoe is by far the nicest and best destination for a family visit.

29. New Hampshire- The Lakes District is one of the most gorgeous locations in New Hampshire, perfect for swimming, boating, fishing or anything else you might enjoy on a lake.

30. New Jersey- Atlantic City is a remarkable spot for the whole family featuring guests everything from carnivals to casinos. The 117 caves hide treasures of beauty and mystery.

31. New Mexico- The Carlsbad Caverns is among the best spots to stop by on a visit to New Mexico.

32. New York- check out nature-made stone bridges and marble caves in Potterville at the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves.

33. North Carolina- Ghost Town in the Sky is a family friendly old west town and amusement park that will supply a lot of excitement for the whole family.

34. North Dakota- Fort Abraham Lincoln, at one time home to General Custers troops, is now a state park and a great area for history fans.

35. Ohio- African Safari Wildlife Park, based near Port Clinton, is a wonderful chance for all the family to enjoy looking at African animals in a natural setting.

36. Oklahoma- The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum is a zoo for the true animal fan that includes exotic animals such as leopards and flamingoes.

37. Oregon- Portland, Oregon, is home to Saturday Market, a nearly year-round open air market that sells all sorts of things from bongs, to handmade wallets, to butter dishes.

38. Pennsylvania- Gettysburg National Military Park was the location of one of the most fatal battles during the Civil War. Among the museum and the park site visitors will leave with a better comprehension of what took place at Gettysburg.

39. Rhode Island- Fort Adams, the largest coastal fort in the United States, is worthy of a visit when you are in or near Newport.

40. South Carolina- Myrtle Beach is the perfect location for snorkeling, sun tanning, golfing, sailing and relaxing.

41. South Dakota- The home of Mt. Rushmore, is a must see national monument.

42. Tennessee- Music lovers will enjoy a visit to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

43. Texas- The town of San Antonio is a excellent spot to go to because it is the position of the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk.

44. Utah- Arches National Park gives spectacular sights of sandstone sculptures made over time by the wind.

45. Vermont- The Norman Rockwell Museum, based in Rutland, displays one of the most significant collections of Norman Rockwell art.

46. Virginia- Clinch Haven Farms, in Big Stone Gap, is a classic, operating dairy farm that provides visitors a upfront look at dairy production. Tourists can also appreciate a petting zoo and the ability to pick your own fresh vegetables.

47. Washington- Home to the only undisturbed rainforest in the United States, located in the Olympic National Forest.

48. West Virginia- Experience the life of the Swiss culture, without crossing the ocean, in the tiny town of Helvetia. This small town has kept its historic roots and is now a fantastic place for everyone to check out.

49. Wisconsin- Relax for a couple of days on the farm...that is the Glen Valley Farm in Oshkosh where you can play with farm animals, gather eggs, delight in a sleigh ride, and get lost in a corn maze.

50. Wyoming- Home to of the massive rock formation generally known as Devils Tower. This 1,267 foot tall national monument is a must see when traveling in Wyoming.

Yellowstone National Park is the first national park of United States. Located in the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 8,987 square kilometers consisting of lakes, canyons and mountain ranges. It is home to the Old Faithful Geyser, a very popular tourist attraction. With its massive size, Yellowstone National Park also houses a wide variety of wildlife including hundreds of species of birds, fish and reptiles. Since the mid-1960s, at least 2 million tourists visit the Yellowstone National Park every year.

Tourists going to Yellowstone can choose from the great lodging options available in the park. One of the popular hotels here is the Brandin Iron Inn Hotel, a family owned inn that boasts of three generations of Yellowstone hospitality. Located on Canyon Street in West Yellowstone, Montana, two blocks from park entrance, the inn has 79 upscale and spacious rooms that all have modern amenities. Each room has in-room coffee, refrigerators and data ports for guests with laptops and PDAs. Guests staying in the hotel can also enjoy its deluxe oversized Jacuzzi. Aside from lodging, Brandin Iron Inn Hotel also offers luxury snowcoach tours, snowmobile rentals, park tours, car rentals, and RV Park. It is the best place to stay for people who love to bike, hike, fly fish or snowmobile.

Another great lodging option is Travelodge Yellowstone West. It is located three blocks from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, and offers convenient lodging for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience the joys of Yellowstone. The two-story hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and spa tub and has 83 rooms. Each guestroom is provided with cable television, coffeemakers and complimentary local telephone calls. Other amenities include laundry facilities, fitness equipments, and RV and truck parking.

For Yellowstone explorers who want to enjoy lodging with a Western touch, the Anglers Inn is the best choice. It is located less than three blocks northwest of Jackson Hole's town square. The two-storey hotel with its modern Western architecture has 28 rooms that are tastefully decorated with hand-made lodgepole furniture, knotty pine accents, wrought-iron lamps, and Western art. The rooms include standard amenities such as refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers, hair dryers, and complimentary local calls and wireless Internet. Although the hotel lacks its own restaurant, there are several nearby restaurants that guests can enjoy. Other amenities include parking, ski shuttle and tour assistance. The hotel, however, does not allow pets.

Sitting majestically on the Shore of Yellowstone Lake, the Lake Yellowstone Hotel is Yellowstone's oldest hotel. This classic hotel, with its 1920s ambiance, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is popular for its 'Sun Room’, which offers guests an elegant view of the Yellowstone Lake. Lodgings range from deluxe, presidential suites to comfortable frontier cabins. The hotel also offers a casually elegant restaurant. Other hotel features include a deli, a lobby bar, gift shop, and ATM.

Other hotels in Yellowstone are the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Days Inn West Yellowstone and Stage Coach Inn.

Abilene has several festivals each year which highlight the frontier history of Abilene, including the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup, which is held the second weekend of March; the Western Heritage Classic Rodeo held on the second weekend in June; the West Texas Rodeo, which begins the Friday after Labor Day, and the Spirit of the Frontier Festival, which occurs on the first Saturday in October each year. Some of the interesting sites to visit include the Buffalo Gap Historic Village, which features numerous historical buildings, a reenactment of frontier life in the late 1800s, as well as exhibits featuring numerous Indian artifacts and frontier rifles. For those visitors who have an interest in military history, the nearby Fort Phantom Hill offers the ruins of an 1851 Army post for tourists to explore. Frontier Texas is a museum dedicated to the early history of Abilene and features interactive exhibits which give visitors the opportunity to experience simulated buffalo stampedes, Wild West shootouts and prairie thunderstorms.

Other interesting attractions include the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, the Abilene Zoo, the Abilene Children's Museum, the Paramount Theatre, and the 12th Armored Division Military Museum. Abilene is also home to the Dyess Air Force Base, which is the area's largest employer, and it also has an aviation museum that is open for tours. For those visitors interested in the performing arts, Abilene also has a well respected orchestra and ballet company.

A variety of lodging is available for visitors to Abilene. Most major hotel chains provide lodging in the area at a wide range of prices. There are also several quaint bed and breakfasts that offer accomodations with a Western theme. Excellent restaurants abound in the area, offering genuine Texas barbeque, top rated steakhouses, and authentic Mexican cuisine.

Education is a very important factor in Abilene's economy and culture. In addition to having the highest rated public school system in Texas, and the 17th highest rated school system in the United States, Abilene is also home to several institutions of higher learning including, Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurray University, and the Texas Tech University School of Pharmacy.

For those who are interested in turning a visit into a long term stay, real estate is offered at a wide range of prices in Abilene. The average home price as of October 2008, was 8,000, which will buy a comfortable 3 bedroom family home and is an excellent value for the money compared to other similar sized cities across the Southwest and South. In addition, there are many luxury homes available in the Abilene real estate market priced from 0,000 to ,500,000.

Overall, Abilene is a community that is rich in heritage, but progressing into a 21st century city that is large enough to offer a wide range of interesting attractions and educational opportunities, but small enough to retain its unique identity.

1. Atlanta
Georgia on your mind? Well it should be because it tops this year's Travel Value Index. Atlanta takes the number one spot because of its amazing discounts (Discount Rating: 95) on a wide variety of quality hotels and affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 71). Atlanta is also home to some of the country's largest cultural institutions. Enjoy these great bargains:
The World of Coca-Cola Tour (Free to )
CNN Studio Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the 24-hour news service ( to )
Centennial Olympic Park, an open-air park where the 1996 Olympic Games were held (Free)

2. Orlando
Orlando offers almost everything a vacationer could want. It consistently ranks highly (this year is no exception), attracting tourists who want low prices (Low Price Rating: 99) and affordable entertainment (better known as beaches close by). Orlando is the theme-park capital of the world, home to Disney World and more. Take a look:
Saturday nights in Old Town, featuring rock concerts and classic-car cruising (Free)
Guided tours of the Daytona Speedway, home of the Daytona 500 (.56)
Take a day trip to Daytona Beach, known as the World's Most Famous Beach (Free)

3. Phoenix
Scoring high marks on our list again is the desert oasis of Phoenix. With low prices on world-class hotels and resorts (Low Price Rating: 67), Phoenix also offers outdoor adventures, golf courses, a wide selection of shopping, and nearly perfect year-round weather. Take a look:
Mosey around Old Town Scottsdale, "The West's Most Western Town" (Free)
Tour the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden ()
Tour Taliesin West, the winter residence of architect Frank Lloyd Wright (Tours range start at )

4. Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth is not only known for big barbecuing and shopping, but also big discounts on travel (Discount Rating: 88). Shop for bargains at Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall or enjoy these great destinations:
Hiking and biking trails connecting White Rock Lake and White Rock Creek Park (Free)
Texas Wild exhibit at the Fort Worth Zoo ( to )
Visit Fair Park's Hall of State and African American museums (Free)

5. Denver
Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Denver year after year, giving this city a well-deserved spot on this year's list. The Mile High City offers great discounts (Low Price Rating: 74) on accommodations and a wide variety of outdoor and free activities (Entertainment Rating: 75). Enjoy these activities:
The U.S. Mint, where 40 million coins are produced a day (Free)
Coors Brewery Tour (Free)
More than 450 miles of bike paths, including beautiful trails along the Cherry Creek River (Free)

6. Houston
The nation's fourth-largest city offers something for everyone. With its impressive array of skyscrapers, parks, museums and shops, downtown Houston exudes both cosmopolitan vivacity and old-school Southern charm. This town ranks high on our list for offering big discounts on travel (Discount Rating 100) and sunny year-round weather. Enjoy these activities:
The Museum District, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and Hermann Park - home of Houston's zoo (Tickets range from free to )
Take a stroll near downtown Houston, where the main drag of Montrose runs along Westheimer Boulevard; it's full of antique stores and coffee shops and ethnic restaurants (Free)
Don't forget the Space Center Houston. Young space cadets will especially love Kids Space Place (Buy online and save )

7. Los Angeles
You don't need celebrity status to enjoy your visit to Los Angeles. The City of Angels received high marks for affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 100). With its numerous beaches, free museums, and parks, Los Angeles offers plenty of activities and sights to enjoy. Check out:
The J. Paul Getty Museum, featuring an impressive collection of art, tranquil gardens, and unbeatable views (Free)
Griffith Park and Observatory, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of Los Angeles (Free)
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, star-studded sidewalks featuring celebrity names (Free)

8. Raleigh
Raleigh (Low Price Rating: 100) is situated in the center of the Research Triangle, with a warm subtropical climate, and is home to some of the best and the brightest academics in the country. Not surprisingly, you'll find a wealth of cultural and educational activities to enjoy during your stay. What is surprising is that most of these bastions of higher learning can be accessed for much less than a student loan. Check them out:
North Carolina's Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest in the Southeast, and the only place you can see a dinosaur with a fossilized heart. And best of all, admission is free
Get a taste of the past at the Historic Oak View County Park, a fully restored, pre-Civil War farmstead that will give you a glimpse of what life was like 200 years ago (Free)
At night, head to Raleigh's up-and-coming Warehouse district, where you'll find beer pubs, clubs, and fantastic nightlife (Free)

9. Chicago
With wonderful attractions and activities year-round, Chicago has something to offer all visitors. With quality discounts (79) you could, in a single day, admire Impressionist art, enjoy the view from atop North America's tallest building, and root for the home team at a classic ballpark. Chicago is also great for families with Navy Pier, Lake Michigan and the Lincoln Zoo nearby. Take a look:
Window shop along the Magnificent Mile. This tree-shaded boulevard features gorgeous shop windows, big department stores, and specialty boutiques (Free)
Enjoy works by Matisse, Monet, and Picasso at the renowned Art Institute of Chicago (Adults , kids 14 & under free)
Take a tour of the city's impressive historical architecture inside The Loop. See the Chicago Public Library, the Cultural Center, the Sears Tower, the theater district and more (Free)

10. Miami
Beachgoers head to Miami by the thousands, but there's more than just sun and surf to attract the crowds. You might not think of Miami as a bargain-hunter's paradise, but this warm and fun (Entertainment Rating: 89) destination makes it on our value list because of what you can do for next to nothing. Here are just a few choices:
The Everglades comprise 1.5 million acres of spectacular wilderness and wildlife. Just gets you a 7-day vehicle pass to explore the area
Speaking of wildlife, the Miami Metro Zoo is one of the best in the nation. Admission ranges from .95-.95, and for a mere two bucks more you can hand-feed a giraffe
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is about as scenic and relaxing as it gets. A historic lighthouse, great fishing, and of course the beach (Free)

For more ideas on places to stay visit http://www.greatvacationspots.net/