Archive for the ‘Real Estate’ Category
Family-friendly Attractions in Atlanta

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Atlanta is a city of great diversity. The many museums, theaters and historic landmarks will keep visitors and residents alike busy all year round. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, want to experience the thrill of NASCAR, or you want to take in the arts and culture first-hand, Atlanta has something for everyone in the family to enjoy!
The attractions in Atlanta are as diverse as the people that live and visit here. There are plenty of things to do, sightseeing, and attractions that will allow you to experience everything that this exciting city has to offer. If you are a civil war enthusiast, take a journey to Old South by visiting the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum. Here you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Battle of Atlanta, fought on July 22, 1864 during the American Civil War. The museum also includes artifacts such as a steam locomotive known as the Texas. The main exhibit it the Cyclorama Painting. It’s 32 feet tall and is said to be the largest painting in the world. Visitors will enjoy a presentation that includes narration.
For the NASCAR enthusiast, Atlanta Motor Speedway is sure to please. The speedway has a slogan “Where the fast go faster” and there are plenty of events throughout the year to enjoy. Some upcoming major events for March 2010 are the Georgia Power Qualifying Night, the Atlanta 200 and Kobalt Tool 500, NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series which brings all the stars of NASCAR.
The Atlanta City Pass allows you to visit six major attractions for one low price. The pass includes tickets to visit the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca Cola, Atlanta Zoo, Inside CNN Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Atlanta History Center. A booklet comes with your pass that provides transportation and attraction directions. It also includes which best times to visit, a map and some expert advice on where to find the best Atlanta has to offer.
The Georgia Aquarium is a perfect place to visit with family and friends. The aquarium is the world’s largest with over 8 million gallons of water. Both entertaining and educational, the aquariums mission is to instill in visitors a new appreciation of life in our oceans. Visitors will walk under and alongside sharks and marvel at the size of the beluga whales and giant Pacific octopus. You will also spot some African penguins, California sea lions and other marine mammals of all shapes and sizes.
Be sure to stop by The World of Coca Cola at Pemberton Place. With over 60,000 square feet to explore, learn about Coca Cola’s complete story. The exhibit includes a 4-D movie and you’ll be able to watch a full functioning bottling line. And best of all, you get to an opportunity to sample over 60 products from around the world.
With so many attractions in Atlanta, it will be hard to narrow down when you want to experience this beautiful city.
Del Mar – A Seaside Hideaway

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Del Mar is a small, seaside hideaway approximately 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego. Flanked by water lagoons on each end, this elegant town is best known for its exceptional weather, world famous Del Mar racetrack, the county fair, beautiful beaches, fine dining and unique shopping.
With a population of approximately 4,500, Del Mar offers an oasis from the fast-paced life we live today. With 2 miles of coastline, Del Mar’s famous beaches are an ideal destination for beachgoers and surfers alike.
Del Mar’s history began in 1882 when a New Yorker by name of Theodore Loop came to Southern California to build a railroad to connect Los Angeles and San Diego. The original train tracks were laid down in Del Mark. Loop’s wife, Ella, named Del Mar after a popular poem the time entitled “The Fight of Paseo Del Mar.” Loop liked the area so much that he told people he had “found the most attractive place on the entire coast”.
The historic downtown village is lined with over 60 shops offering everything from high-end apparel to unique specialty shops. In the village you will find twenty five restaurants with plenty of outside patios to enjoy the ocean views. Residents and visitors alike enjoy several parks. Seagrove Park and Powerhouse Park are ideal locations for a picnic or a wedding, or for simply taking in the sunset. The city also hosts entertainment in the summer with free concerts in the park.
Fine restaurants can be found on the main street of Del Mar. The Brigantine Restaurant is a San Diego favorite for fresh seafood, steaks and oysters. They also offer great Happy Hours and a bustling Oyster Bar. Another fine dining options is Pamplemousse Grille which specializes in Grilled Country French. And, Sbicca – An American Bistro, offers visitors a Contemporary American menu.
The story of the Del Mar Fairgrounds began in the early 1930’s. The San Diego Fair was looking for a permanent home and Col. Ed Fletcher of the South Coast Land Company suggested the 184-acre site that the fairgrounds sit on today. The Fairgrounds opened in 1936 and a year after the fair opened, the thoroughbred racetrack was completed. Del Mar earned the nickname, “where the turf meets the surf” because of the racetrack. The racetrack and the annual San Diego County Fair draw millions of visitors from all over California and the world. While the racetrack is a large draw for the rich and famous and boasts of visitors from all over the world, Del Mar is still a small town at heart.
Whether you come to Del Mar to enjoy their beautiful beaches, shop in their luxurious boutiques and specialty shops, or are in town to take in the fairgrounds and racetrack, Del Mar is sure to leave you wanting more.
Old Town Scottsdale Arizona

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Most people don’t know this, but Scottsdale Arizona has a slogan: The West’s Most Western Town. This active and wealthy community borders Phoenix and with over 200,000 residents and is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. With over 7 million visitors a year, Old Town Scottsdale is one of the many reasons to visit.
Old Town Scottsdale preserves the origins of this community, and is near plenty of shopping and dining venues, featuring the Southwest cuisine the area is known for.
When you first step into Old Town, you get the feeling that you are walking onto a Western movie set. The street lights resemble wooden lanterns that lend to the Wild West atmosphere and motif.
Old Town provides visitors with a self-guided walking tour map that helps point out Scottsdale’s earliest establishments. Your first stop on the self-guided tour is the Little Red Schoolhouse that was built in 1909 and had two classrooms. In 1994, the historic structure was placed on the National Register for Historic Places. The school is now the home of the Scottsdale Historical Museum and displays items such as furniture from the early time period and a replica of one of the classrooms. Museum hours (September through June) are Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Other stops along the way are Porter’s Scottsdale’s first Post Office built in 1928 and Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop built in 1910 that is still family-owned and operated today. A must-see on this tour is the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum was designed by the award-winning architect, Will Bruder, who combined modern architecture with an old movie theatre in town. The museum now houses five galleries of changing exhibitions and is completely devoted to modern art and design. The museum hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. The Scottsdale Art Walk is one of the most popular draws in town and boasts of more than 100 art galleries.
If you need a memento to pick up, Old Town has you covered. Authentic western gear such as cowboy boots and Stetson hats can found at the 80 year old Saba’s Western Wear. You’ll find that unique gift for the person who has everything at Esther Lynn Johnson Antiques. And, if you’re looking for authentic Hopi dolls and turquoise and silver jewelry, stop by the Gilbert Ortega Indian Jewelry and Gallery.
Your stop would not be complete without taking in some of the incredible dining opportunities in Old Town. Cowboy Ciao offers American while at Atlas Bistro located at 2515 N. Scottsdale Road allows you to sample international favorites. Café Carumba has an eclectic tequila bar and innovative menu and is located at 7303 E. Indian School Road. And, for some authentic Mexican cuisine, stop by Carlsbad Tavern located at 3313 N. Hayden Road.
When planning your next trip to Scottsdale, be sure to make time to visit Old Town and Scottsdale’s celebrated beginnings.
Wine Country Weddings in Temecula Valley

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If you’re planning a wine country wedding, the Temecula Valley is quickly becoming Southern California’s wedding destination venue. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a gala event, Temecula offers everything you need to create the ultimate celebration.
Temecula Valley offers several locations to have the wine country wedding of your dreams. Many places offer vineyard settings, and there are also amazing country-side locations, resorts, and gardens. Weather is great year-round for outdoor settings, with the exception of a short rainy season.
Callaway Vineyard and Winery is one of the first wineries that greet you as you enter wine country. Located at 32720 Rancho California Road their motto is that they will not only meet, but surpass your wedding daydreams. Offering intimate lawn weddings to rustic barrel room events, Callaway is sure to exceed your expectations.
At the award-winning Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyard, fine dining and exceptional views await you. It offers a Tuscan themed event and is located at 35960 Rancho California Road. This is a splendid getaway for any couple who are passionate about wine, fine dining and luxurious accommodations.
Faulkner Winery is another excellent option when considering a wine country wedding. Located at 40620 Calle Contento, the winery is perched above the beautiful Temecula Valley Wine Country. With the park-like grounds and incredible views you will experience the relaxed elegance of Temecula Wine Country hospitality and is the perfect setting for any special occasion.
Making your way through wine country, Thornton Winery offers a romantic setting for a wine country wedding. The winery is a French-style chateau and combines old world style with a new world taste and is located at 32575 Rancho California Road. Known for their Champagne, the winery is a perfect setting for small or large event. Breathtaking sunsets are an ideal backdrop for an evening wedding al fresco.
South Coast Winery Resort and Spa sits on 38 acres of carefully tended vines. Located at 34843 Rancho California Road, the resort is one of the only wineries that include 76 spacious private villas and spa. Villas are complete with a fireplace, spa tub and your very own terrace overlooking the vineyard. You will definitely feel as if you stepped into the page of a Tuscan travel guide.
One of the last vineyard estates as you make your way out of wine country is Ponte Winery. Located at 35053 Rancho California Road, in the heart of the Temecula Valley, the winery sits on 310 acres of vineyards. The bride and groom will enjoy their very own cottages to spend the day getting ready for their big day. Their lush gardens and grounds are sure to attract couples looking to share their day with friends and family.
If a Tuscan-inspired wedding is your dream the Temecula Valley is the perfect place to commemorate your special day. The pale blue sky contrasts the multi-colored hills and the dark green vineyards that make for a dramatic backdrop for your ceremony. Family and friends will leave with a memorable experience in the Southern California Wine Country.
Finding a Buyer who Appreciates your Home’s Worth

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When assigning value to a home, real estate agents look at comparable homes. They count off the number of bedrooms and baths, the number of square feet of living space, acreage, how many cars fr in the garage, and a number of other statistical measures. Then they look for homes with similar numbers that have recently sold or are currently on the market. The recommended selling price of your home will generally be based somewhere within the range of similar properties. Some homes, however, have additional value that doesn’t show up in the comparable property study.
For example, if your home is adjacent to a golf course, that can add value, but only to certain buyers. If the property is being marketing to people who are interested in the community at large, but have little interest in golfing, then the unique benefits that your home’s location offered will not receive the appreciation or the valuation that it deserves.
To get the best value for your golf course home, the value that it deserves, your realtor must market it specifically to people to are willing to pay for the convenience and status of living next to a golf course. That means your realtor needs to be able to find area golfers, and be willing to pitch the home to them whether or not they have come looking for a golf course home. Orange County Golf Course Homes, for example, maintains a large data base of golf enthusiasts. Whenever a golf course home comes onto the market, they contact this list and let them know about the opportunity to buy a home that is right next door to a golf course.
These are people for whom the golf course location, not only adds significant value, but may actually be the most important characteristic of the property. In other words, these are the potential customers who are going to give you the fair value for your golf course home. If your realtor seems to be undervaluing your golf course home, or is comparing it to other homes that may be in the general area, but don’t enjoy the direct golf course access that your home enjoys without an added location premium, then they are likely not considering the extra appeal your home has to golfers, and they are probably not planning to market your home to golfers.
If you find your golf course home not being viewed and valued as a property with special value, it may be time for a change of realtors. Don’t settle for an underpriced quick sale; you could be giving up a substantial amount of money by selling your premium golf course home to the wrong people. Orange County Golf Course Homes specializes in matching golf course homes with buyer who understand and appreciate everything your home has to offer. If that’s the type of buyer you’re looking for, then you’ve just found the right realtor.
Save Company Dollars with Temporary Corporate Housing

In today’s fragile economic climate that many experts are calling a recession, all companies are taking extra care with their finances and many companies are struggling to make it through to the other side in one piece. Smart companies are examining their budgets and forecasts to see where they can cut back on expenses without damaging their revenues streams down the road.
One often expensive line item in corporate budgets is travel, especially for companies that have national or even international operations. Sending staff all over the country can get expensive when airline tickets, parking, meals, and accommodations are all factored in. This is especially true for employees that have to stay in their travel location for an extended period of time. Most hotels do not rent hotel rooms any less expensively by the week than by the day and travelers often find that they have to pack up and move into a different hotel room in order to stay for longer periods at the same hotel.
One alternative to the standard hotel room that is becoming popular is temporary corporate housing. This extended stay option combines the amenities of renting a condo with the ease of booking a hotel room. Corporate housing is almost always fully furnished with furniture, kitchen equipment, laundry facilities and linens. It is more home than hotel and is often the first choice of the employee-traveler.
Some of the benefits to the traveler include being able to make one’s own meals with a fully equipped kitchen rather than grabbing fast food to be scarfed down sitting on the bed in a hotel room. The traveler also can take care of his or her own laundry with a washer and dryer.
Temporary corporate housing makes sense to the employer as well. It is often less expensive than booking a hotel room. One of the companies on the forefront of the corporate housing trend is Wynne Residential Corporate Housing (www.wynneresidential.com). Wynne maintains properties in every state in the union for both hard core business travelers and vacationers alike. Wynne makes the corporate stay easy. If the traveler has to continue the journey to other cities or states, Wynne will co-ordinate the transfer on their end to make billing and booking seamless. All utilities are included in their billing so there is no need for the employer to have to hunt down utility services in several states to turn on and off utilities and to receive final billings.
When you have to send your employees out into the field to do business or if you have new employees relocating to your area, temporary housing makes sense for both of you. It is easy on the travel budget and its large space and ample amenities will leave your staff relaxed, rested, and ready for a new business day.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

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The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is one of the largest producers of electricity in the country but it started life much differently than most of its rivals. The TVA was founded in 1933 with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Tennessee Valley Authority Act to bring the Tennessee Valley back to life. Residents of the valley were living a mainly subsistence lifestyle during the Depression and the surrounding agricultural land had been farmed literally to death. Crop yields had tumbled, malaria was decimating the region, and living standards were deplorable. The TVA was to not only provide the region with power but to act as a de facto economic aid agency for the area.
The first goals of the TVA were to develop fertilizers and teach farmers how to rotate crops, provide employment for much of the region and to supply electricity at a time when electric household devices were becoming more popular. Electricity led to higher living standards, less household and farm chores and a lure for businesses to come and settle in the region. The TVA was successful in reviving the Tennessee Valley and the area prospered and farms once again produced well.
The TVA began building dams in the Tennessee Valley shortly after its inception and today hydroelectricity is still an important source of TVA’s power. During the Second World War, TVA expanded its hydro production in order to power aluminum factories. Aluminum was an important component of airplanes at the time.
In the 1960’s, TVA expanded again, this time with nuclear power. It ultimately built three nuclear power plants with five reactors.
The TVA began as a government agency and is now still connected to the government but run and funded independently. The company provides electricity to 8.5 million residents of Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina. The mix of sources for the electricity is approximately 62% fossil fuels, 28% nuclear power and 10% hydroelectric power. TVA also harvests wind power from its three turbines in Oliver Springs, Tennessee and methane gas from a wastewater treatment facility in Allen Fossil Plant.
In the 1990’s, the electricity industry began moving towards deregulation and TVA prepared for it ahead of time. It became a leaner organization, trimming off more than half of its employees and slashing operating costs. It halted its nuclear expansion plans and focused on increasing energy output with existing assets. More recently, TVA has begun to work on its nuclear plan once again and has completed two more reactors.
Although TVA’s main focus today is electricity generation, the company still provides funding, resources and expertise to help charitable groups, especially in the area of education. TVA supports learning activities for children related to energy and environmental education. It also helps to develop training and skills needed in its own workforce. TVA donates its old equipment and other supplies and materials to public schools in the Tennessee Valley to further its education focus.


