South Beach is not the only hoppin' beach in town: Florida's Gulf Coast responds with its own up and coming party on Clearwater Beach.

After a beautiful Gulf Coast sunset, the lights turn on and the music turns up at Clearwater Beach bars and clubs. And as day turns to night, party-goers trade in their flip-flops for stilettos and bikinis for a short summer dress. But don't wear yourself out dancing, because you'll want to be ready to rise and shine the next day.

If you prefer a more low-key celebration, don't worry, you can keep your flip-flops and head to one of many small bars and family-run restaurants on Clearwater Beach to eat, drink, and wait for the sun to come back up.

And when the sun does come up, Clearwater Beach doesn't disappoint. Sure, Clearwater Beach doesn't have the glitz or glam of South Beach...at least not yet, but it does have sand. Miles of wide, white sandy beaches stretch into the soft warm, waves of the Gulf. Visitors to the beach can lie back and soak in the sun, take a swim in the sandy-bottom waters, or go shopping. Mandalay Avenue is filled with boutique shops, gift shops, and plenty of restaurants.

But as the day comes to an end, you really have to head to the Pier for the nightly Sunsets at the Pier 60 Festival celebration. This can't-miss family event features artisans, crafters, street performers and live musical entertainment. And after the sun goes down, it's back to party time at this beautiful beach.

The Arkansas River in Colorado is one of the best rivers for whitewater rafting in the U.S., and the most challenging stretch is the Royal Gorge, running through a narrow canyon with 1000 foot walls. The Arkansas is also the most popular river, and is crowded from May through September. The folks who aren't actually on the river are usually watching it from the suspension bridge over 1000 feet above.

With its long stretch of class III to V rapids, the Royal Gorge has unbeatable whitewaters. There are plenty of named rapids, like the Sledgehammer, Boateater, and Wall Slammer, giving you an idea of what the unnamed ones are like. Besides rapids, you'll hit narrows, big holes, high waves, and lots of steep drops into pools. The highest, coldest flows are in May, when the snow-melt from the Rockies heads down the Arkansas River from the Continental Divide. If the flow is higher than 3200 cfs, rafting is prohibited through the Royal Gorge, and you'll be rerouted to a safer run.

Dozens of rafting adventure companies are happy to provide rafts and guides if you're flying in and can't bring your own gear. They all provide helmets, wetsuits and life-jackets, but some charge extra for use of their gear, so be sure to read the fine print. Most won't accept anyone who doesn't have at least Class III experience for the Royal Gorge whitewater run, so if you have beginners or kids in your party, plan on an easier route like Bighorn Sheep Canyon.

If you want to raft on your own, be aware that recreational use of the Gorge is regulated by the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, and if you put in at any of the possible sites upstream, you'll have to pay a fee for daily use.

After May, it gets really hot in the area, so wear something cool like this Topanga tank from Columbia, that's fast-drying and has UV protection, and these comfy shorts from Cloudveil. Make your feet happy with Salomon's Techamphibian 2 shoes that convert to sandals. And don't forget the sunscreen.

Skiing and snowboarding in the summer? To some this may sound crazy or unbelievable, but it's definitely possible. The most popular spot (and pretty much the only one during certain times) for skiing and snowboarding in the summer is Mt Hood in Oregon. If that summer heat is making you nostalgic for the winter snow, this could be the perfect cure. Grab your gear and head to Mt Hood to do Ollies, Railsides, Fakies, Wildcats, Lincoln Loops, and maybe even a Mosquito or Rocket Air. Don't know what those are? Grab a book, a friend, or do an internet search to study up on snowboard and ski tricks and tips.

Before heading out, make sure you've got the essentials, like your skis or snowboard (or you can rent when you get there). Other things you'll need may include ski socks, ski boots, a hat, gloves, ski glasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a snowsuit, heat packs and a camera. That isn't a complete list, but should give you an idea.

Many Olympic hopefuls, as well as professionals train on Mt Hood even during the summer months. The U.S. National Team has even trained there. Not quite at the professional level yet? Need some lessons or have some brushing up to do on your skills? There are a variety of training camps available on Mt Hood during the summer. While Mt Hood is popular for Olympic hopefuls and professionals, you don't have to be that skilled to enjoy Mt Hood for summer skiing. All skill levels, including kids, are welcome. Group lessons, private lessons, lodging and more are offered. There also is plenty of entertainment for after skiing or snowboarding.

Mt Hood also contains what is known as America's largest night ski area, located at Mt Hood Skibowl, a ski resort that includes an adventure park. Mt Hood Adventure Park contains an alpine slide, kiddy karts and Indy karts, a summer tube hill, rock wall, bungee jumping, batting cages and so much more.

Whether you're an Olympic hopeful who can't get enough of the snow or just curious about skiing or snowboarding in the summer, Mt Hood is definitely the place to go.

Sources:
http://www.skibowl.com/
http://www.mthood.com/
http://www.skicamp.com/
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kplu/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1523675/KPLU.Local.News/In.Summer..Winter.Olympic.Hopefuls.Gravitate.to.Mt..Hood

North Carolina is famous for mountains, rivers, the Wright brothers, and beaches! The best beaches are on the Outer Banks, sandy islands with the Atlantic on one side and a river on the other. Cape Fear is renowned for the movie of the same name, and is an extremely popular destination, but if you'd rather relax it may be too popular. Drive across Snow's Cut Bridge to Pleasure Island, and down to its southern tip. There you'll find Kure (pronounced CUR-ee) Beach, this week's best beach.

Kure Beach is both a town and a beach, and if you decide you want to stay longer than a day (and you probably will) you'll have no problem finding a beach cottage or ocean-front condo to rent, or a motel for a shorter stay. There are plenty of shops and great restaurants that range from 5 star to inexpensive, but always tasty, in this town of about 1,800. If they're not enough for you, it's a short trip back to Wilmington. But if you're a beach-lover, you'll just want to spread out your towel and stay.

The sands of Kure Beach are open and unspoiled, and you can sunbathe, amble along looking for shells, or just admire the ocean without constantly tripping over people. There are hiking trails and some fascinating vegetation, including the Venus flytrap. Kure Beach is also a great place for surfing or sailboarding, and it's one of the best spots along the Outer Banks for fishing. The town has a 700+ foot pier, one of the best on the east coast, and you're guaranteed to catch something. If you'd rather look at fish than catch them, visit the North Carolina Aquarium, also on Kure.

Carry all your beach needs in this spacious and stylish tote from JanSport. Keep your feet happy on sand, trail or water in these Sun Chill Thongs from Columbia. Catch everybody's eyes while you're catching rays in the shirred tubini with matching twist front hipster in Holly Berry from Tommy Bahama's Sunkissed collection. Pack water, sunscreen, and shades and you're ready to hit Kure Beach.

Galveston Island, Texas is known for its abundance of outdoor and water sports. There are many ways to fish in the waters of Galveston. One method is pier or rock fishing directly from the Galveston Island Seawall. Another is breakwater fishing. Aside from being quite fun, another benefit of fishing from the Galveston Seawall is that it happens to be free. Just don't forget to purchase a fishing license; it's required to fish in Texas for anyone between the ages of 17 and 65. Where applicable, be sure to get the three-day license.

A variety of fish can be caught along the Seawall. Some of those include Sheepshead, Sand Trout, Bull Reds, Gafftop Sail, Flounder, and more. Some may choose fishing off the rocks or pier, while others may instead go wade fishing in the breakwaters. The breakwaters of Galveston are calm much of the time. Galveston has plenty of different beaches and areas to fish from. Some are family-oriented, while others are better suited to the adult crowd. Galveston Island Sate Park boasts great breakwaters for fishing.

When some people think of Texas, they may automatically picture a place that is dry and hot. While that may be true for some parts of Texas, Galveston does not fit that bill completely. Dry it is definitely not. How well would that work for fishing?

For wade fishing and perhaps even rock fishing and pier fishing in Galveston, you may want a good pair of waterproof fishing boots. Not only can they protect the feet from getting too wet, but they can be good for walking on wet or muddy terrain. Another important thing to remember about fishing is to check the fishing schedules to be sure winds and other weather will be favorable. Remember that Galveston is an island, so it can be prone to hurricane weather.

Parts of Galveston are still recovering from a hurricane that occurred in 2008. Despite the devastating effects of Hurricane Ike, fishing in Galveston remains strong. Many travel to Galveston just for the fishing, and the 2008 storm that caused so much destruction has not seemed to destroy the love of fishing in Galveston.

Sources:
http://www.galveston.com/islandfishing/
http://outdoor.zappos.com/n/p/dp/45176513/c/128.html

Some of the best whitewater runs are in the Carolinas. Two great runs can go together for an overnight trip on the Little Tennessee River in North Carolina.

The Little Tennessee, or Little T, starts as a creek in Georgia, then flows north into North Carolina, becoming a full-grown river. It flows between the Cowee Range on the east and the Nantahala Mountains on the west, and north until it reaches the Fontana reservoir. You'll see farmland and forest the first day, and mostly forest the second. Part of the river flows through private land, so make sure to get permission before camping.

Put-in the first day at the NC 28 bridge by Iotla, and take-out at the Lost Bridge, also on NC 28. You'll have smooth paddling; this 10-mile stretch is rated Class l-ll. You can run it in about 4 ½ hours, or longer if you linger. Towards the Lost Bridge you'll encounter shallow ledges that most beginners can handle.

Start the second day at Lost Bridge. This 13-mile stretch is way more fun than the first; its 13 miles are rated class ll-lll. When the river is high, there are several ledges that you should scout and run carefully; all can be spotted from the boat. When the Fontana is low, there are about 250 yards of ledges. Before the dam, this stretch was called the Narrows, and you'll want to stop and scout out before proceeding; at the bottom of the Narrows, the standing wave can hit 5 feet. If the water is low, scout left; if high, scout right. Take-out just before the US 19 bridge.

For the trip, take a craft that can store your pack and a sleeping bag. This shirt from Columbia provides sun protection and is quick-drying; you can choose to roll up the sleeves or keep them down. These Mission Playground shorts will keep you cool and comfortable. Wear a good pair of kayaking shoes and don't forget your shades; that Carolina sun is bright. A good water-proof watch can come in handy, too. Enjoy yourself, and thank your driver.

(Sources: Benner, Bob and David Benner: Carolina Whitewater: A Paddler's Guide to the Western Carolinas. 2005 edition, Menasha Press, Birmingham, AL; http://www.riverfacts.com/rivers/12402.html )

Women, despite allegedly having less upper body strength than men, are just as capable of learning to kayak and run rapids. Once you've learned, you'll be looking for runs that fit your level of experience and ability, and you'll want to have the right gear.

Two things you must know before you go are, first, the most current conditions and safety warnings for the run you've chosen. You can't rely on a guidebook to say what that river is like now, and whitewater paddling can be deadly. Second, no matter how experienced you are, you must wear a flotation device and a helmet. Nobody's head is rock-proof.

This week's river is the upper Baptism River in Minnesota, a Lake Country river that flows into Lake Superior. The upper part of the river is easier than the lower, although still rated moderately difficult, and if you put in at Finland and take out at Eckbeck, about 5.5 miles total, you'll have a pleasant day trip, with great scenery and lots of wildlife to watch. Since this is not quite Northern Minnesota, and has daytime highs normally in the 70s, you can probably wear shorts, but given the unreliable nature of Minnesota weather, you may want to bring long pants and a jacket too. A good pair of Tevas like these in a variety of colors will complete your clothing for a one-day trip. Consider taking a dry bag to keep your items dry.

The upper part of the Baptism consists mainly of class II to III rapids, with a few incidental holes big enough to hold your kayak, so go around them, generally river left. The only real exception to this is a large class IV-V falls in the middle of the run. Keep your eye out, as it's boat-scoutable, and if you're not class V material, take the kayak(s) out and go around it, and go back in below the falls. You'll have a pretty easy run the rest of the way, with a few class IIIs to keep you alert.

Next time, the lower Baptism!

If your vision of a perfect day relaxing at a pristine, beautiful beach listening to the sounds of the waves and seagulls has been marred by the reality of towering condos and the sounds of cars honking, don't give up hope yet. You need to check out Caladesi Island, recently voted America's Number 1 beach by Dr. Beach. The island is just off Florida's Gulf Coast near Dunedin, Florida. Fill a small, bag with a cooler with some water and grab a beach bag filled with a good read, plenty of sun block, and a beach towel. If you do forget something, there's a small café/gift shop, and yes, restrooms/shower facilities.

There's no chance of traffic noise on Caladesi Island. It's accessible only by water. But don't worry, you don't have to have your own boat to get there. You can hop on the ferry ($10 per person, call 727-734-1501 for the latest schedule) that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park (located at the extreme west end of SR 586, north of Dunedin) every hour. Watch for dolphins, manatee, and a variety of wading birds during the short trip to the island.

Pack wisely because there are few man-made amenities at this state park.

As your cross the boardwalk, the wide, unspoiled beach will truly take your breath away. After settling in, beach lovers can take a dip in the warm Gulf waters, stroll along the quiet sand, or just soak up the Florida sun. Nature lovers can venture further into the island on the three-mile hiking trail to watch for an osprey, a gopher tortoise or other native Florida wildlife.

As your toes settle into the cool sand, don't forget to check the clock every now and again. You don't want to miss the boat back home.

If you're determined to win the annual bike race or you're heading out on a hiking adventure, staying hydrated is a top priority. As the weather warms up and you find yourself spending more time in the hot sun, making sure you have enough water on hand ensures you'll survive the adventure like a pro. The Camelbak Chaos pack is an excellent choice for any avid rider or hiking enthusiast. The low-profile bag holds enough water for almost two hours of riding, so you won't have to make any pit stops on your trek.

The main compartment is large enough to hold all your gear for the trip, and the side compression straps make it easy to add on a few extra items if needed. You'll find plenty of pockets and straps to keep everything organized, and the adjustable waist belt makes it easy to just gear up and go at the last minute.

So what exactly do you need to pack when you're heading out on a biking marathon or trek in the great outdoors? The key to packing success is to keep it simple; you want your pack to weigh as little as possible so you're not carrying around extra weight for the ride. First, you'll need a fresh set of clothing. You never know when the weather will turn on you and a fresh set of clothing can help you finish your route in comfort. A simple pair of cycling shorts, lightweight t-shirt and insulated underwear (if the weather warrants it) are sufficient for a 1-3 hour trip. You'll already be wearing some cycling shoes, riding gloves and socks, but you may also need to pack an extra pair of socks if you get stuck in rainy conditions for a long period of time.

If you're not sure about the weather conditions for the day, it's a good idea to pack some goggles, a fleece vest or jacket and some waterproof over gloves. You may need some extra gloves to take care of any bike repairs or other unforeseen problems along the trail. Finally, don't forget to pack some emergency basics including a mini-first aid kit, a pocket knife, compass and a map. You can tuck all of these essentials into the waterproof compartments of your pack for safekeeping.

Most people know about Grand Cayman Island, both for its sandy beaches and its notorious offshore bank accounts. What most people don't realize, however, is that you can enjoy a more pleasant and secluded vacation on neighboring islands, such as Cayman Brac.

"The Brac", as locals call it, is a premier vacation destination for those who enjoy diving, snorkeling, walking the beach, collecting shells and generally having a good time. The relaxing and peaceful atmosphere on Cayman Brac draws thousands of people every year, but it is never as populated as the more visible Grand Cayman.

Many diving enthusiasts visit Cayman Brac every year so they can explore a frigate wreck. Since the wrecks stern is located in more shallow waters, even amateur divers can take a look, and this is a great opportunity to observe all of the marine life that make its home within the wreck. You can also dive all around the island, exploring the walls, swim-thrus and reefs that characterize this magical destination.

Most people who visit the Brac do not rent cars, instead traveling the island on scooters or bicycles. They are available to rent from several vendors throughout the island and are more convenient for exploring the territory without designated roads. However, you can also rent a car or SUV if you feel more comfortable.

Mountain climbers will also enjoy the Cayman Brac, as the bluffs on the west end of the island present varying degrees of difficulty. If you prefer, however, you can hike around the bluffs in hopes of seeing some of the unique wildlife that find their homes on the island.

Temperatures on Cayman Brac are mild, with summers hovering in the eighties and winters in the mid-seventies. You'll need your passport to travel to the Brac as well as any other identification you can bring, and you can learn about the current exchange rates at the Cayman airport.

Make sure, though, when visiting the Brac, that you bring a pair of hiking boots with high ankles. Hiking around the island will result in encounters with scrub and snakes, and foot protection is essential.

From pretty much any vantage point in Seattle, Washington, you can see Mount Rainier. So it makes sense when people think about hiking trails around Seattle, Mount Rainier is one of the first places to come to mind. You could of course hike (and climb) up to the summit, but - at over 14,000 feet - it would take you a fair while. Plus, unless you've done it before, it's also recommended to take a guide and that can be quite expensive. For a challenging, yet not too dangerous hike in the real outdoors, Mount Rainier National Park is still the place, and the Wonderland Trail is the hike.

The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile trail that hits just about every major zone of the park. You can start the Wonderland Trail at many different places along its way, but it will take you at least 10 to 12 days to complete it if you decide to hike the whole thing, so be prepared.

The Wonderland Trail actually circles Mount Rainier, meaning if you do the whole thing, you'll see the mountain from pretty much every conceivable angle (except from the top, of course). There are also ranger cabins all over the park. Because there aren't any places to purchase food, if you do decide to walk the entire trail, you're going to have to arrange to have food packages mailed to several ranger locations for pick up as you hike.

The weather in this area can be a bit iffy, even in the summer. Park rangers will also warn you to watch out for sudden, extreme changes of weather. If you're walking the whole Wonderland Trail, there's a good chance you'll experience some severe weather during the almost two weeks that you'll be hiking. So make sure you're prepared with all the right equipment.

The Wonderland Trail sounds like it could be too much like hard work, but, in reality, it's one of the best ways to see the park. All kinds of flora, fauna and wildlife exist, not to mention the panoramic views. And let's face it, if you've seen anything of Mount Rainier from Seattle, it'd be kinda cool to see it from so close up.

When you think of a vacation to southern California, you normally imagine sandy beaches and bright sunlight glinting off windows as you stroll through Los Angeles or San Diego or Riverside. However, one of the most beautiful destinations in this area of the country is Big Bear Lake, which is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and offers far more snow than sand.

Big Bear Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in the world and is secluded enough that you'll feel as though you've landed in paradise without having to deal with crowds or traffic. Many Southern Californians own cabins in the woods surrounding Big Bear Lake and visit in both the summer and the winter. If you travel to Big Bear Lake between November and March, you're likely to encounter plenty of snow drifts and snow-capped mountains. Skiing is popular here during the winter months, as are snowboarding and sledding.

This is also the place to go if you are fed up with the impersonal and sterile nature of hotels. There are dozens of cozy bed and breakfasts on Big Bear Lake, whether you prefer a sophisticated Swiss chalet or a romantic Victorian cottage. Many of these B&Bs offer your very own private cabin complete with kitchens, restrooms, satellite television and even hot tubs.

Summer trips are also fun at Big Bear Lake, particularly if you are a fan of fishing and boating. You can literally spend hours on the water every day and never see every nook and cranny of the lake, and there are numerous festivals held here every year so you can meet people and pick up goodies to bring back home to friends and family.

Since hiking is popular in Big Bear Lake, you'll want to bring a pair of comfortable athletic shoes. If you're visiting in winter, a warm jacket is necessary, and you might need to equip your car or SUV with snow tires and chains, particularly if your cabin or cottage is located in the mountains.

One place that's wonderful to visit is Big Sky, Montana. I mean, really, how can you not want to go to a place that has such a cool name? Hiking in a place like Big Sky is also amazing, with all that clear blue sky, mountains and massive amounts of land. The Big Sky area has two great places where you can hike: Gallatin National Forest and possibly the world's most famous national park, Yellowstone National Park.

Get in your head a picture of the movie, A River Runs Through It. Dramatic scenery, fresh air, pretty big mountains, rivers, streams and an incredible blue sky. This is what you'll see if you hike in Gallatin National Forest. Just a few miles away from Big Sky, Gallatin has almost 2,300 miles of hiking trails - it's truly enormous. One of the best hiking areas in the country, bar none, and some of the mountain peaks are over 11,000 feet.

To start off hiking in Gallatin National Forest, it's best to go in the summer when the weather isn't too severe. There are five different mountain ranges you can hike. On all of them you'll see incredibly diverse plants and wildlife, including the area's famous bald eagles and grizzly bears. Be very aware of your surroundings though and watch what you're doing. A fall or a grizzly bear attack on many of these trails could leave you badly injured and miles away from help. To get started, you're better visiting one of the park's offices - the main one being in Bozeman - to collect maps, information on good starting points for hikes, estimated times to complete trails and more. Also carry bear spray and wear clunky boots. Bears don't like a lot of noise, so the noisier you are, the less chance you have of accidentally stumbling upon one.

Yellowstone National Park is only a short drive from Big Sky and has 1,200 miles of hiking trails. One of the trails easily accessible from Big Sky is called Tee pee. It's about 13 miles south of Big Sky, right before you get to Yellowstone National Park. The great thing about Tee pee is it's perfect for all levels of hiker, especially kids, and it eventually enters Yellowstone National Park, where you'll find many more hiking trails to enjoy. Get more information about hiking trails from one of the many Yellowstone visitor centers.

When you think about visiting a place called Hot Springs, images of sunbathing with a never-ending stream of Mai Tais probably enter your head. But in Hot Springs, South Dakota, you're more likely to find the fossilized bones of a woolly mammoth than a tiny cocktail umbrella.

The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota, is one of the most popular destinations for outdoor vacationers who are interested in paleontology. You don't have to hold a master's degree in archaeology to appreciate the magnitude of history, however, just make sure you bring your camera and plenty of enthusiasm for the lost ages.

There are several ways to vacation at The Mammoth Site. Those who live in South Dakota often plan one-day excursions to the museum and dig site, but you can also come from anywhere in the United States and stay a whole week. There is plenty to do, and there are even educational programs for kids.

Black Hills Vacations is the local travel agency that books tours and trips for people from all over the U.S. Packages include meals, accommodations, tours of The Mammoth Site and a host of other activities. If you'd rather plan your vacation as you go, you can simply show up to The Mammoth Site to explore the dig, and then go site-seeing around the rest of Hot Springs and Black Hills.

It is important to remember that The Mammoth Site is a working paleontology dig, with real researchers and real discoveries. They are open seven days a week to the public, however, and this is one of the only archaeological digs in the world where visitors get hands-on experience with paleontology.

When you visit The Mammoth Site, make sure to bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes, such as the New Balance WW977s for women or the MW966s for men. You'll be walking quite a bit through the dig and the museum, so prepare in advance!

You'll also want to bring several bottles of water to The Mammoth Site as well as your favorite camera.

Sometimes it isn't enough to drive across a few states for your annual vacation. Sometimes the pressures of daily life build to such a crescendo that the need to escape goes far beyond the U.S. border. Sometimes, a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, sounds like your definition of heaven.

As the winter begins its yearly assault on our senses and flushes us indoors with bitter temperatures, Puerto Vallarta is a welcome cocoon of warmth and freedom. In fact, winter is the best time to visit Mexico because the temperatures hover in the mid-80s, which means that you have to deal with neither oppressive heat nor frigid wind.

You'll also find that Puerto Vallarta is less crowded during the winter months, leaving you and yours to explore the city and its adventures without the cumbersome obstacles of a crowd. From sun-lit beaches to parasailing over the water, you won't have to wait in line like you would in July or August.

But what's to do in Puerto Vallarta? Yeah, you know about the beaches and the snorkeling, but will there actually be enough activities to fill your vacation?

Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Center
If you love the water and the sea life but aren't keen about swimming in open water, the Dolphin Center is the perfect compromise. They offer several programs, which include both education and swimming with the dolphins.

Golf
There are six golf courses in the Puerto Vallarta area, each of which is designed with luxury and comfort in mind. Most are situated on high-class resorts where pro shops, restaurants and tournaments are also available.

Jeep Safaris
You don't have to get in the water to have fun in Puerto Vallarta. There are jeep safari rides that allow visitors to explore the land portion of this beautiful city, taking you deep into the wilds where both flora and fauna flourish.

If you'll be visiting Puerto Vallarta this year, make sure you bring along a light jacket for your trip. The evenings can be chilly, and all of the indoor establishments use air-conditioning liberally. The Volcom Skywalker jacket is a great choice for men, while ladies should check out the sporty Puma Agile.