Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri is one of the top vacation destinations in the country with close to seven million visitors annually. Branson offers attractions and world-class entertainment for all ages, all in the gorgeous setting of the Ozark mountains. The flavor of Branson is wholesome. Shows are available for all ages and families will appreciate live performances in any of the city’s 49 state-of-the-art theaters.
Families can enjoy a patriotic revue, listen to a cowboy poet reading, or take in one of the family-friendly variety shows. Magic and comedy share the stage with animals, acrobats, and special effects. Kids will love the dinner show at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede restaurant where they’ll see horses and stunt riders perform amazing tricks.
By the first week of November most of the shows in Branson gets into the Christmas spirit. Christmas in Branson includes plenty of holiday-themed music, sets, costumes and production numbers.
Silver Dollar City has been named the number one theme park in the world by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions. This 50-acre, 1880s-themed park is set naturally into its surroundings and features more than 100 craftsmen demonstrating their skills. There are festivals going on from April through December including a Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, National Kids’ Fest, and a Salute to the Great American Cowboy. The holiday music festival and light parade at Silver Dollar City was named one of the top 10 in the country by USA Today.
But wait, there’s more. You can rent a boat and water ski on beautiful Table Rock lake, or spend some quality time in nature at Big Cedar Lodge. Save money for shopping because Branson boasts many outlet centers and the famous Bass Pro sporting goods super store.
10 Best - You could make a whole vacation out of sampling the pizza in Chicago. Start with this review site that lets you know what people think of the pie at various restaurants. You also get price, location, and dress code information.
Top Chicago Attractions - Away.com provides more detail on all the top Chicago attractions. Find phone numbers and website links to everything mentioned in this article and more.
Chicago
A Chicago vacation offers the finest in the arts and amusements. From the top of the Sears tower to the miles of paths along the shores of Lake Michigan, the family is sure to love the windy city.
The kids’ favorite among Chicago’s world-class museums is sure to be the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier. Kids can experiment with inventions, reconstruct dinosaur bones, play on a make-believe schooner. The Field Museum comes in a close second with it’s full size T-Rex and King Tut exhibits. At the Museum of Science and Industry the whole family can walk through a huge, working model of the human heart. Plan a trip to the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum on a Friday for special programs.
The John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium is the world’s largest indoor aquarium. You can even walk through a simulated Amazon and observe the sea life there. The Brookfield Zoo is has been named one of the top ten family-friendly zoos by Child magazine.
Take in the city’s amazing architecture, from the 110-story Sears Tower, which is the tallest in North America. Then get down on street level around the Loop to get up close and personal with sculptures by Picasso, Miro, and Chagall among other. If you’re lucky you’ll also catch a street performance of a group of bucket drummers.
Do not leave the city without sampling the deep-dish pizza. Chicago style pizza is like no other. You may even get kids to eat their spinach when it’s piled on one of these culinary works of art!
Jellystone Camp Resorts - Search for parks in your area with a handy interactive tool that lets you find parks based on the amenities you want. There are also wonderful tips to help less experienced campers get into the spirit. Learn about making the most of traveling with grandkids and planning a family reunions too.
Kaboose Camping Guide - Kaboose has put together an exhaustive guide for family camping. It includes games and crafts, recipes, and safety tips along with enough checklists to keep the planner in you happy for days. Not your average camping article!
Jellystone Campground Parks
Anyone who grew up with Yogi and Boo Boo will get a huge kick out of introducing these lovable characters to their kids at a Jellystone campground park. These parks are located throughout the Midwest and have become the favorite destination for many families. In addition to the joys of camping, Jellystone parks offer waterslides, pools, and bike trails. There’s also the chance to get involved in sports like volleyball and mini-golf. In the evening, families enjoy quality time around the campfire, or at the movies!
The Warrens, Wisconsin Jellystone Park is one of the finest Resort Camps in the United States with a 50,000 sq. ft. Indoor Water Resort, and different styles of lodging to suit many tastes and budgets. Generally, the parks offer tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals.
Parks are franchises, independently owned and operated throughout the Midwest, so you’ll want to check out the Jellystone main website and do a little homework on which park is best for you because the amenities will vary. Midwest park locations include Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Missouri.
Yogi Bear, Cindy Bear, and Boo Boo make daily visits to campers. If you’re lucky, you may even get tapped to play Yogi or Cindy!
Wisconsin Dells Official Website - This is a nice website that has a lot of factual information about the Dells area, but doesn’t overwhelm you with ads. You can also plan your trip from the site and they’ve got nice bonus features including a waterpark essentials checklist.
Noah’s Ark - The largest waterpark in the country with 45 waterslides, 2 wave pools, kiddie water playgrounds and more. Plus you get rides, mini-golf, shopping, and a dive-in theater. It’s a multi-day park, and good news: 2nd day tickets are half price when purchased at the same time as the first.
Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells on the Wisconsin River is known as the waterpark capital of the world. There are several outdoor and indoor waterparks to choose from, as well as more than twenty waterpark resorts!
The indoor waterparks help contribute to the year round family fun at this Midwest vacation destination, but there’s more to the Dells. The fall color in the Dells is spectacular and the area has plenty of campgrounds where you can experience the colorful change of season up close.
Cruise boats and the amphibious vehicles called Ducks take you on scenic tours to see the Wisconsin River rock formations. Afterwards, go to the International Crane Foundation, a wildlife preserve where you can see all 15 living species of cranes. There’s no other spot on earth where you can see all these birds in one place.
Nearby Baraboo is home to the Circus World Museum, which boasts the world’s largest collection of one-of-a-kind antique circus wagons. There are 50 wagons, some in the process of restoration. You can even watch as craftsmen toil away at reviving these treasures of American history.
There are arts-a-plenty in the Dells as well. Landscape photographer, H.H. Bennett is considered among the top 10 of the 19th century. He introduced the world to stop-action photography and you can see some of it at his studio on the Dells’ boardwalk. Architecture aficionados can visit the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Seth Peterson Cottage, the only home Wright designed that is available for rent to the public.
For pure entertainment, check out the Tommy Bartlett Show, a water ski extravaganza that is one of the longest running live outdoor entertainment shows in the country.
Travel South Dakota - With so many options in South Dakota, this website is helpful in putting it all together. Plan your route and accommodations on this hand all-in-one site. It’s well put-together and has “hot deals” advertised as well.
South Dakota History - A family vacation to South Dakota can be so much more than recreation. Wikipedia is a great jumping off point if you and your family want to delve into the rich history of this region and the people who have lived there. Get kids engaged in learning while having fun!
South Dakota: Black Hills, Badlands, and Mount Rushmore
South Dakota is home to amazing natural beauty as well as attractions to please any family. Perhaps the best-known landmark is Mount Rushmore, but there is so much more to see. Families can learn about the history of the Great Plains at various memorials and state parks. Kids and adults alike can explore caves, canyons, and hiking trails.
The Black Hills region of South Dakota is home to five national parks and memorials. The Mount Rushmore National Monument boasts 60-foot faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, carved into the granite of Mount Rushmore. The monument is best viewed in the light from sunrise to ten o’clock in the morning. You’ll want to consult the calendar of events to find out if there are any special programs going on during your visit.
Make time to learn investigate history at the Journey Museum where you’ll hear the scientific explanation of fossils and geology as well as the Lakota Sioux mythology of the origins of the Plains. One of the most popular exhibits is a hologram of a Native American woman telling her story in a tepee. Talk about bringing history to life!
Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is expected to be the world’s largest mountain carving when it is complete. They even project a laser show onto the five-story stone. Next, head to Custer State Park to see over 1,500 head of buffalo. The first Monday in October they have a buffalo roundup, but you’ll need to make your plans many months in advance.
Wind Cave National Park has the fourth-longest cave in America. Explore a bit of its 120 miles of mapped passages. Mammoth skeletons are the main attraction at the indoor Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. From June 1st - August 15th the Junior Paleontologist Excavation lets kids ages 4 to 13 dig for fossil replicas, but space is limited so make reservations for this activity. A drive through the 244,000-acre Badlands National Park gets you a glimpse at bison, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. And don’t forget the wonders of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Source: hubpages.com
Lisa Parrett, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
317-246-9966
lisaparrett@lisaparrett.com
http://www.lisaparrett.com/
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Delaware & Fall Creek Township Real Estate Update
These numbers reflect the last seven days, from Monday, May 12-Monday, May 19 and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Number of New Listings: 65
Min. List Price: $75,000 (price per sq. foot=$26)
Max List Price: $1,2000,000 (price per sq. foot=$295)
Average List Price: $280,188 (price per sq. foot=$110)
Number of Sold Listings: 17
Min. Sales Price: $105,245 (price per sq. foot=$53)
Max Sales Price: $812,500 (price per sq. foot=$161)
Average Sales Price: $270,641 (price per sq. foot=$96)
Number of Listings Pended: 31
Min.List Price: $99,000 (price per sq. foot=$52)
Max List Price: $487,900 (price per sq. foot=$145)
Average List Price: $207,634 (price per sq. foot=$96)
Number of Expired Listings (rejected by the market): 26
Min. List Price: $149,900 (price per sq. foot=$53
Max List Price: $1,500,000 (price per sq. foot=$313)
Average List Price: $364,684 (price per sq. foot=$125)
Source: mibor.com
What this means, essentially, is that while 65 new homes on the market seems like a lot, 48 homes either sold and closed or pended (meaning they will hopefully close soon). Yes, buyers will get some great deals in the market at this time but, as you can see by the numbers, it's not that far off balance...not like the media leads us to believe.
It is a great time for buyers!
What this means for sellers is that they need to be creative. Offering special incentives for buyers, such as down payment assistance, home warranties, etc could help a seller win in the competition they entered when they put their home on the market.
Another thing sellers need to keep in mind is while they may not net the expected amount on their home for sale, their are deals to be had on the next home they purchase.
Hiring a REALTOR who is very market savvy with great negotiating skills will help with the process. Since sellers are forced to give incentives such as down payment assistance, it's possible for a buyer to come to the table with absolutely no money. This is where the seller who didn't net what they anticipated will win.
For more information, or for a free property analysis, please visit my website at http://www.lisaparrett.com/ or contact me at the information below.
Sincerely,
Lisa Parrett
REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
317-246-9966
lisaparrett@lisaparrett.com
http://www.lisaparrett.com/
Number of New Listings: 65
Min. List Price: $75,000 (price per sq. foot=$26)
Max List Price: $1,2000,000 (price per sq. foot=$295)
Average List Price: $280,188 (price per sq. foot=$110)
Number of Sold Listings: 17
Min. Sales Price: $105,245 (price per sq. foot=$53)
Max Sales Price: $812,500 (price per sq. foot=$161)
Average Sales Price: $270,641 (price per sq. foot=$96)
Number of Listings Pended: 31
Min.List Price: $99,000 (price per sq. foot=$52)
Max List Price: $487,900 (price per sq. foot=$145)
Average List Price: $207,634 (price per sq. foot=$96)
Number of Expired Listings (rejected by the market): 26
Min. List Price: $149,900 (price per sq. foot=$53
Max List Price: $1,500,000 (price per sq. foot=$313)
Average List Price: $364,684 (price per sq. foot=$125)
Source: mibor.com
What this means, essentially, is that while 65 new homes on the market seems like a lot, 48 homes either sold and closed or pended (meaning they will hopefully close soon). Yes, buyers will get some great deals in the market at this time but, as you can see by the numbers, it's not that far off balance...not like the media leads us to believe.
It is a great time for buyers!
What this means for sellers is that they need to be creative. Offering special incentives for buyers, such as down payment assistance, home warranties, etc could help a seller win in the competition they entered when they put their home on the market.
Another thing sellers need to keep in mind is while they may not net the expected amount on their home for sale, their are deals to be had on the next home they purchase.
Hiring a REALTOR who is very market savvy with great negotiating skills will help with the process. Since sellers are forced to give incentives such as down payment assistance, it's possible for a buyer to come to the table with absolutely no money. This is where the seller who didn't net what they anticipated will win.
For more information, or for a free property analysis, please visit my website at http://www.lisaparrett.com/ or contact me at the information below.
Sincerely,
Lisa Parrett
REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
317-246-9966
lisaparrett@lisaparrett.com
http://www.lisaparrett.com/
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Caulking Your Home for Preventative Maintenance
Caulking:
Show us a water stain on a ceiling and, more often than not, it isn't a leaking roof ... it's a leaking bathroom fixture.
What?
Check the caulking in your kitchen and bathrooms. Don't just look for moldy or missing caulking; pull at it to see if the seal is good or if it's just sitting there.
When?
Once a year.
Why?
As inexpensive as it is, caulking is essential to maintain the normal life expectancy of tile bathtub and shower enclosures. It's equally important for the long life of laminated countertops and backsplashes.The backing material behind the tile may be water-resistant, but it is not waterproof. The particleboard backing material for plastic-laminated countertops is even more prone to water damage.The caulking may last for 10 or more years but because of poor surface preparation, poor tolerances and building movement, the seal rarely lasts that long.
How?
The key to good caulking is good preparation. The surface must be clean and dry. This often requires lots of scraping and vacuuming. If it's damp behind the old caulking, wait until it dries.Use a caulking gun and caulking that can be cleaned up with water (acrylic latex silicone) for best results. Cut the tip of the caulking tube at about a 30-degree angle and make the hole in the tip the same size as the gap you are about to fill. Push the gun away from you. This fills the gap and the trailing edge of the nozzle leaves a professional finish. Go for one continuous bead. Stopping and starting makes a mess.
Tips
When caulking a tub, fill it with water and stand in the tub. The weight of you and the water makes the tub settle a bit and opens up the joint to be caulked.
After caulking, you can smooth the surface with a wet soapy finger, but don't push too hard.
Some people use masking tape to make the job easier. If you do, be sure to pull the tape off immediately after caulking, and use the soapy-finger trick to smooth the edge.
information provided by http://www.managemyhome.com/
Show us a water stain on a ceiling and, more often than not, it isn't a leaking roof ... it's a leaking bathroom fixture.
What?
Check the caulking in your kitchen and bathrooms. Don't just look for moldy or missing caulking; pull at it to see if the seal is good or if it's just sitting there.
When?
Once a year.
Why?
As inexpensive as it is, caulking is essential to maintain the normal life expectancy of tile bathtub and shower enclosures. It's equally important for the long life of laminated countertops and backsplashes.The backing material behind the tile may be water-resistant, but it is not waterproof. The particleboard backing material for plastic-laminated countertops is even more prone to water damage.The caulking may last for 10 or more years but because of poor surface preparation, poor tolerances and building movement, the seal rarely lasts that long.
How?
The key to good caulking is good preparation. The surface must be clean and dry. This often requires lots of scraping and vacuuming. If it's damp behind the old caulking, wait until it dries.Use a caulking gun and caulking that can be cleaned up with water (acrylic latex silicone) for best results. Cut the tip of the caulking tube at about a 30-degree angle and make the hole in the tip the same size as the gap you are about to fill. Push the gun away from you. This fills the gap and the trailing edge of the nozzle leaves a professional finish. Go for one continuous bead. Stopping and starting makes a mess.
Tips
When caulking a tub, fill it with water and stand in the tub. The weight of you and the water makes the tub settle a bit and opens up the joint to be caulked.
After caulking, you can smooth the surface with a wet soapy finger, but don't push too hard.
Some people use masking tape to make the job easier. If you do, be sure to pull the tape off immediately after caulking, and use the soapy-finger trick to smooth the edge.
information provided by http://www.managemyhome.com/
Monday, February 25, 2008
Indianapolis and Kokomo Have the Most Affordable Houses!
Here is a pretty interesting article from the IBJ Daily...
Indy, Kokomo have most affordable housesIBJ staff
"For the 10th quarter in a row, the National Association of Home Builders has designated the Indianapolis area as having the most affordable housing prices among large markets.In the fourth quarter of 2007, an index compiled by the group and Wells Fargo shows 46.6 percent of new and existing houses sold were affordable to buyers earning the national median income of $59,000.Kokomo was so affordable that it ranked as the most affordable city of any size. It was the fourth quarter in a row that Kokomo placed first among small cities.Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif., was the least affordable, and Napa, Calif., was the least-affordable small market."
Call me today if you or someone you know wants to buy or sell a house!
Lisa Parrett
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
317-246-9966
lisaparrett@lisaparrett.com
www.lisaparrett.com
Indy, Kokomo have most affordable housesIBJ staff
"For the 10th quarter in a row, the National Association of Home Builders has designated the Indianapolis area as having the most affordable housing prices among large markets.In the fourth quarter of 2007, an index compiled by the group and Wells Fargo shows 46.6 percent of new and existing houses sold were affordable to buyers earning the national median income of $59,000.Kokomo was so affordable that it ranked as the most affordable city of any size. It was the fourth quarter in a row that Kokomo placed first among small cities.Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif., was the least affordable, and Napa, Calif., was the least-affordable small market."
Call me today if you or someone you know wants to buy or sell a house!
Lisa Parrett
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
317-246-9966
lisaparrett@lisaparrett.com
www.lisaparrett.com
Monday, January 7, 2008
IAR and MIBOR Support Tax Reform
The Indiana Association of REALTORS® (IAR) launched a radio campaign last week calling for the elimination of the state’s township assessment system as a component of its overall property tax reform agenda.
The radio spot began last week in every major media market statewide and will run until the end of the month. IAR also developed a short video discussing how multiple experts have been recommending this step since 1901. Both spots are hard-hitting based on extensive research and background data to support the position.
Over the last several years, MIBOR has advocated the same position regarding the role of assessors in property tax reform. The video was e-mailed to legislators on New Year’s Day. Click here to view both pieces. Once on the site, click on the arrow underneath the television to play the video and the arrow underneath the radio to listen to the radio spot.
The radio spot began last week in every major media market statewide and will run until the end of the month. IAR also developed a short video discussing how multiple experts have been recommending this step since 1901. Both spots are hard-hitting based on extensive research and background data to support the position.
Over the last several years, MIBOR has advocated the same position regarding the role of assessors in property tax reform. The video was e-mailed to legislators on New Year’s Day. Click here to view both pieces. Once on the site, click on the arrow underneath the television to play the video and the arrow underneath the radio to listen to the radio spot.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The Top 10 Most Romantic Valentine's Day Gifts
Valentine's Day is the one day a year where you get to show your loved one exactly how much you love him/her. Show your love with a special gift; one that comes from the heart and will last a lifetime.
Here are 10 of the best both inexpensive and expensive gift ideas. But remember, Valentine's Day is not about money it is about sharing your love with one another.
Here are 10 of the best both inexpensive and expensive gift ideas. But remember, Valentine's Day is not about money it is about sharing your love with one another.
- A handmade Valentine's Day card - a handmade card says much more than a store bought one and will let your partner know exactly how much they mean to you.
- Fresh flowers - the key to this is how they are delivered. You could have them delivered to his/her place of work, don her apartment with them, or a single red rose with a ring attached to it. What can be more romantic?
- Personalized Chocolates - Personalized chocolates are a way of putting your expressions of love into a unique delivery.
- Plane tickets to Paris - Ah the city of love. Which girl would not like this one?
- A romantic candlelit dinner - for two. Cook his/her favorite meal, light some candles, stand the wine in ice and light background music will set the scene perfectly.
- Jewelry - a heart locket for her with a photo of the 2 of you in side, or a piece of jewelry with a message on it. Maybe an engagement ring (hint, hint).
- Love songs - put together a compilation of both your favorite love songs.
- Say it with words - write him/her a poem about how much he/she means to you. If you can't write poetry, then give a book of poetry instead.
- Lingerie - this one is for both of you to enjoy.
- Picture perfect - have a favorite photo of the 2 of you blown up and mounted onto a nice frame.
Friday, January 4, 2008
The Next "Holiday?"
You guessed right...Valentine's Day! With my fairly new "single" status, I was sort of "bah humbug" about the big Heart Day. But there will be no negative this year.....so, I will embrace St. Valentine in 2008. My first step is to tell you the history of Valentine's Day...so here you go!
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.
Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
And there you have it, ladies and gents! The meaning of Valentine's Day...is UNKNOWN! That should not stop us all from expressing our feelings to loved ones this year.
Stay tuned for the Top 10 Best Valentine's Day Gifts...
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.
Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
And there you have it, ladies and gents! The meaning of Valentine's Day...is UNKNOWN! That should not stop us all from expressing our feelings to loved ones this year.
Stay tuned for the Top 10 Best Valentine's Day Gifts...
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