York Co. Factory Tours

Trip Date: June 20, 2013

I usually share my trips in details about the places I and/or my husband visit mostly when we sign up for tours. But since this trip is a series of tours, I thought of just sharing the entire trip in a brief but concise manner.

We had 6 tour itinerary for this trip which means 6 places of visits.

This tour was also offered by the Rill's Bus Company in celebration of the "2013 Made in America Tours Event" in York County, PA, - which is considered the "Factory Tour Capital" of the world.

First stop:

• The Harley Davidson Motor Company in York, PA. - for those who are certified Harley Davidson motorcycle lovers (and even members), I'm sure you would love this. The only thing I am not sure at this time is; - if Rill's Bus Tour will still offer this tour again in the near future. And if they do, you shouldn't miss it :). As you enter the facility, you will be fronting the customer service desk on a lobby, and on your right side would be the Vaughn L. Beals Tour Center where motorbike exhibits of various models and styles are being displayed. You can have your chance to sit on those bikes as well for photo ops ;); In there, you can explore more exhibits that detail the plant's history on through the manufacturing and assembly processes. This is also a good time to spend your time while waiting for the factory tour, as the tours are done by batch.

Tours inside the factory are free and are scheduled at regular intervals from 9AM-2PM Mondays to Fridays. It is a first-come-fist-served basis so going in early is highly recommended.

By the way, before our tour, we were given a free commemorative pin too. Cool! ;)

Before the tour, our group was taken in to sit inside a mini theater and watched a short movie clip, - an introductory video about the humble beginnings of the company, the history and the most recent updates of the company nowadays.

Then, we walked to the next room where we were given safety glasses and an audio before we were allowed to proceed inside the factory floor. A closed-toe, low-heeled shoes are also recommended.

Note: We were requested to leave our cameras since they are not permitted in the factory floor.

It was noisy inside, the reason why they gave us an audio. Its purpose was to hear the tour guide while touring inside. We had a noise-cancelling headphones attached to our audio, so that when the guide talks, we could hear him loud and clear. It was an interesting tour!

Second stop:

• Bube's Brewery - (pronounced as Boo-bees) is a 19th century brewery complex located in Mt. Joy, PA. It is still in its original condition with a modern brewery onsite. Tours include information about beer-making done 100 years ago and to this modern day. Visitors will also get the chance to visit way down the underground lagering cellars called - the catacombs! Bube's Brewery is the only intact Pre-Prohibition brewery complex left in the United States.

Third Stop:

• George's Woodcrafts (Marietta, PA) - is a furniture factory ad a store that has been known for their high quality solid wood furniture for 4 decades now. Visitors can tour the wood shop and witness how furniture are being made from scratch, manually. Here, you can as well experience seeing the strength and beauty of artisan furniture made from the finest hardwoods.

Fourth Stop:

• Sunrise Soap Company (York, PA) - this soap company is worth visiting. It has been becoming famous as a tourist spot for many visitors as they make everything on-site on their visitor-friendly kitchen, such as soaps, lotions, body scrubs, lip balms, bath fizzies, etc..which are made of harsh-free chemicals. You can smell various fragrances inside too! It's a fun tour to experience as you watch a demonstration on how soap is being made, learn more about the high quality oils being used, making it a skin-healthy alternative for sensitive skin. There are a lot of various products already displayed in the store which are available for purchase.

Fifth Stop:

• New Grounds Coffee Roasting Company (York, PA) - fun tour for coffee lovers!! Visitors can watch a demo on how amazing fresh coffee beans are being roasted, then get the chance to enjoy sampling fresh coffee blends in various flavors.

Last/Final Stop:

• Brown's Farm Market (Loganville, PA) - this is a nice place to visit for fresh produce, as well as a great place to grab a bite/snacks in the cafe. They have various choices of baked goods, deli, pantry items, gift baskets and more.

Big Zombie Tour Part-1 (by Atlanta Movie Tours)

No wonder many call Atlanta the "home to Zombieland" in Georgia. But if you are a "Walking Dead" fan or just one of those who are so fascinated with any kind of zombie movie, - then definitely you'll agree, talking about zombie tours.

This tour is a 3-hour experience as you board a luxury coach courtesy of Atlanta Movie Tours, ad you can then get the experience on what it is like to be on the scenes where the zombies walked themselves! You'll be taken to locations in Atlanta where movies and TV series such as "The Walking Dead", "Zombieland", "The Vampire Diaries", etc. were filmed.

Tour guides will be with you all throughout the tour. Best thing is that the tour guides are the actors/actresses themselves that are/were part of the TV series "The Walking Dead". They can even entertain the group by giving interesting scoops and exclusive behind-the-scene stories about the series and movies where the best zombie hang-outs were filmed.

By the way, it is highly recommended to book your tour and get your tickets online at the Atlanta Movie Tours website (atlantamovietours.com), because tickets sell so fast! Also take note that only small children that can be seated on an adult's lap are free of charge.

Instructions will be given regarding the meeting place, time, etc... which will be reflected on your e-tickets.

First part of the tour is a quarter mile walk at a slow pace but fairly ADA accessible. The rest of the tour will be on the bus with some various stops on some areas for photo ops and breaks.

Some expected highlights of the tour will be your visit to the hospital where your favorite sheriff, Rick Grimes woke up from coma, a visit to the goat farm where they filmed the episode "Vatos" of Season 1 of the "Walking Dead", and the CDC building (Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center) where it was blown up in the final episode of Season 1, - the truth is, it wasn't really blown up, - camera trick, yeah! Sorry for the spoiler alert guys, but it still won't hinder anyone to visit these locations yourself, right? 

Then, a photo op from the Jackson St. Bridge with the tour group and the tour guide at the end of the tour.

Entrance to the Goat Farm. This scene on the photo was filmed on the "Hunger Games-Catching Fire" from the scene of District 12. If you're lucky enough, you can still find some fake coals that was used as props reflecting the effect of the coal district in the movie.

The King County Sheriff Station. On the further end on this building (not shown) was the location where Rick shot a police officer who became a zombie.

The hospital where Rick had woke up from a coma. This was also the scene where lot of dead zombies were lined up on the ground (those "zombies were actually man-made dummies).

This was the spot where Rick crossed the railway entering Atlanta on a horse.

The department store still with the chains on the doors to keep the zombies out. It was in this store where the group was trapped in.

Our tour group photo at the Jackson St. Bridge

It will be quite of a unique experience to try this tour. Very entertaining!

A Visit To The US Naval Academy

Annapolis, Maryland's capital for more than 300 years now - is the home of the United States Naval Academy. One of the many reasons why I am always proud to be a Marylander :)

The academy is not only an educational institution but also well known for history, culture, recreation and fine arts.

The US Naval Academy has an outstanding location, surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay, Severn and Magothy Rivers.

The scenic grounds of the Naval Academy, known as the Yard has an amazing contrasts in architecture reflecting its distinguished history. It offers tree-shaded monuments commemorating courageous graduates and non-graduates and their contributions to naval history. The first Naval School was established by George Bencroft, Secretary of the Navy at Fort Severn, Annapolis in 1845. There were 50 students taught by 4 officers and 3 civilian professors. The school became the United States naval Academy in 1850, the undergraduate college of the US Navy.

During the Civil War, the Academy moved to Newport, R.I. and was re established in Annapolis in 1865.

In 1933, an act of Congress authorized the Academy to confer the bachelor of science degree. As it grew over the years, the Academy expanded from 10 acres to a 328-acre complex, from 50 midshipmen to a brigade of more than 4,400 midshipmen.

That's me fronting the Bancroft Hall

Bancroft Hall is named after George Bancroft, the founder of the school in 1845. It is now the current home for more than 4,400 midshipmen, containing approximately 1,700 midshipmen rooms, has actually 5 miles of corridors and about 33 acres of floor space. All facilities for recreation and all basic facilities of midshipmen's daily living needs are found in this hall.

pretty architectural design!

At the Memorial Hall

Some areas of Bancroft Hall are off-limits to visitors but other areas such as the vast Rotunda and Memorial Hall dedicated to alumni who gave their lives in the war are open for the public.

It was such a miss not being able to visit the Naval Academy Chapel which was unfortunately closed that day due to holiday :(.

Discover Atlantis Tour

This narrated guided tour is one of the highlights of our Nassau experience in the Bahamas. It is one great opportunity to explore the famous Atlantis Resort.

This tour only includes visits to The Dig, Predator Lagoon, the Atlantis Casino and the Royal Towers architecture.

Take note that there are a lot to visit at the Atlantic and one of those is the huge Aquaventure Water Park. Depending on what tour you prefer doing, you are free to choose excursions that include your site of preferences.

Since most visitors are cruisers, the only downside at times is the time, particularly if the ship docks for only a few hours. So you sometimes have to choose shore or land excursions that are within your time limits.

The "Discover Atlantis Tour" is 2 hours and 30 minutes the most, but can be finished earlier.

It starts with a short transfer (a mini bus) from the ship to the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. We started at the Atlantis casino showcasing dazzling decors of the glass masterworks of Dale Chihuly. Other amazing architectures were shown as well such as those magnificent murals encircling the colossal lobby dome.

The Ruins Lagoon came next. This is a place where the lagoon was recreated, - the sunken streets of mythical Atlantis. Then, came our exploration on the ruins of ancient Atlantis at "The Dig", - a replica of an archaeological excavation site.

The Dig reflects the lost city of Atlantis wherein you will be led to view some mythical artifacts into ancient passageways, hieroglyphics, Atlantean inventions and view the stunning main life in the ocean's depths at the Predator Lagoon. You will view barracudas, sharks and many marine creatures on giant-sized aquariums.

As you go explore The Dig, - it will be your witnessing experience to see an 11,000 year-old lost continent. Here as well will be a home of the world's most exotic creatures such as the Zebra shark, bow mouth guitarfish, grunts, jacks and manta rays, which will be in the Ruins Lagoon.

Take note that these ruins are only replicas!

The Predator Lagoon is an acrylic tunnel that offers unique views of goliath grouper, smalltooth sawfish, blacknose shark, tarpon and Caribbean reef sharks.

After the tour and you still wish to hang and go around to explore more, you have to take note that going back to your ship on your own via taxi will be at your own expense.

If you wish to go back to the ship within the allowable time, there are buses available to take you back at certain given times. Your tour guide will give you time information for this.

Finding Your Homes and a Mortgage Broker in New Zealand

One of my dreams would be to find a home that is worth it for a memorable vacation and a complete R & R. I think we all deserve to enjoy this to get out of the daily stress at work.

I saw this link http://www.highviewapartments.co.nz/,  for highview apartments in Queenstown New Zealand. Wow! Amazing views, really! It's a great place to be at peace just by looking at the view and breathing some fresh air. It would surely help for those who are battling anxiety and stress like me.

But if you are tight with budget, you might want to check Home Loans Christchurch to see what are your best options. It's just comforting to know that with the price of so many houses nowadays, going up, there are still mortgage brokers out there who are willing to help and offer free home loan advices for people who need it most. They are the perfect help for those people who wants to buy property for the first time as well as for those who want to protect their assets. Whether be an investment, a refinance or buying a second or third home, a professional advice is essential.

It would be just worth it to seek advice with qualified brokers such as this company. So check them out as to what they can be of help for you.

If you are searching for vacation homes in New Zealand, visit Holiday Homes Auckland online. You can conveniently find your dream home right on theri friendly search website :). You can get in touch with them if you prefer to call them by phone or by emailing them. Checkout those amazing views as well! They are breathtaking!

I wanna visit New Zealand someday. I know it's been a dream for me, but in the right time, I should be visiting this place someday. I travel a lot and I love doing it so far ;).

By the way, for the dog lovers, I also saw a link where you can probably check; - Cavoodle Puppies for Sale! They are cute! I love puppies too! This is the perfect site whether you are looking to adopt one or selling some.

The S.S. John W. Brown Living History Cruise Experience

John W. Brown ship at the background and me :)

John W. Brown is a World War II Liberty Ship and making its 25 years of living history, from 1988 to 2013. It was built as a general cargo ship in 1942.

Way back since its voyages during and after the war, it was restored to operating condition back in 1991 and was made as a memorial museum ship and as a living history cruise ship, dedicated to the men and women who built, sailed and defended the WWII Liberty fleet.

They call these hanging beds as tween decks.

The John W. Brown was launched on Sept. 7, 1942 at Bethlehem-Fairfield I Baltimore. The ship is now celebrating her 70 years of service (1942-2012) and celebrating 25 years of "Living History" (1988-2013). Although the public is encouraged to experience the Living History Cruise aboard the ship, this ship is NOT a cruise ship! It is not designed as a comfort luxury ship, but still preserved the way it was, where some construction can be of hazards and some areas can be steep or slippery.

As you go aboard for the cruise experience, you will learn more about John W. Brown, - you can choose to do the self-guided "Blue Line Tour" onboard (guides are provided), or you can just walk at your own pace and visit any area you want to see.

There is also a magazine publication that are given onboard, which tells about the ship's history, voyages, etc...

Be sure to read the safety information as well because not all areas are equipped with safety devices.

The cruise will proceed down the Patapsco River, towards the Chesapeake Bay, and back.

While on the way, guests can tour the ship, watch and enjoy the entertainment with classical music by Manhattan Dolls, Calliope, "Abbot & Costello", etc...

A lunch buffet is served on board as well.

The highlight of the cruise is the Air Show, so watch the skies!;) Some restored WWII vintage aircrafts will be flying over the ship during the cruise. There will also be what they call historical re-enactors that respond by manning the guns and defend the ship, just like a simulation of what the war was like before.

Hotel Supplies By Peach Suite

Two weeks ago, I and my husband was in Atlanta. Of course, it was a work trip. (still not losing hope to get that pleasure trip I have been dreaming of).

But anyway, we spent 9 days there and with that we had 3 different hotel check-ins! Downtown hotels in Atlanta are really good. I think we got one of the best rooms in all of the hotels we stayed in, plus the air of southern hospitality by people around us...priceless!

With most of the hotels there being wide and big, I am pretty much sure they have a Hotel Supply Online where they can get their complete supplies. And of course, purchasing by bulk can be done in a few single clicks online and orders would be coming right in just fast too! ;)

Atlanta Hotel Supply should be made sure everything is made of high quality supplies and yet getting the most out of them is at the best price.

Hotel Bar Supplies should be maintained as complete as possible as well. It would always be one of the busiest place in the hotel especially after office hours. 

Visiting Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is just one of the most famous as well as one of the often congested ports in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Nassau is the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

It is situated on a 21-mile long island of new Providence and is connected with a bridge to Paradise island, - which is also another popular attraction in the Bahamas.

It's just off the coast of Southern Florida and due to its central location, it makes it a very convenient mini-cruise port of call for all ships going towards Caribbean islands.

Typical sights you see in the city of Nassau are lavish casinos such as those you see in Vegas, streets lined with tropical trees, horse-drawn surreys with policemen wearing white starched jackets and colorful pith helmets, and ranges od duty-free shops. It's also an ideal  for catching ocean breezes or simply relaxing on soft-sanded beaches.

Those who love water adventures mostly head out to Atlantis in Paradise Island for boating, mini-cruises or dolphin encounters.

But just an important note to tourists in this area; - there is an increase in petty crimes, wallet lifting, etc...as there was a case in 2009 when cruise excursion groups were held at gunpoint and robbed of cell phones, cash, passports and personal items.

Ever since then, security officials are now focused on tourist safety.

But it's always good to be always aware and be alert. Know what to carry with you. Don't carry too much cash.

English is well spoken in the Bahamas. Currency accepted interchangeably is US dollar or Bahamian dollar.

If you're in a cruise, your ship docks at Prince George Wharf close to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Rawson Square. Here, you can get copies of maps, brochures, etc.

If you want to hang around further, you have to pass through Festival Place to exit the port facility. In here, you can see tourism staff who will help you if you need to go somewhere else or interested to do land tours, etc...

Past beyond the internet café is a small shopping mall where most are artisan boutiques, as well as a food court and some stalls selling local conch. If you prefer getting around by car, there are available car rental companies right at Prince George Wharf, as well as in Paradise Island, but take note...they are expensive. And by the way, they have this left-side-of-the-road driving which can be a hassle if you're not used to it.

The CocoCay Nature Walk Excursion Experience

If you love nature and you want to know more about what kind of plants and trees are surrounding the island, as well as what animals exist in the island, this excursion is ideal for you. This approximately 3 quarter-mile walk into the remote island of Cococay will take you to learn interesting facts about Bahamian plants and trees as well as the medicinal properties they give.

Before taking this excursion be sure you are wearing your most comfortable shoes as there are uneven paths in some areas. You will be walking up and down on a hilly area with uneven rocks and flat dirt areas are common. Don't forget to bring with you a bottle of water, your hat, an insect repellant and sunscreen for skin protection, your sunglasses, and just wear light comfortable clothing. 

You'll also get the chance to visit a historical ruin on the island such as that of Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard). As you further explore your walk, you will see iguanas, some variety of birds and pelicans, then you will be introduced to sea stars, conch and the occasional stingray.

I saw an iguana!

The tour lasts for an hour 45 minutes, but it can be earlier, and ends at Barefoot Beach which is a 5-minute walk from the central area.

CocoCay Island, Bahamas

It was such an amazing experience visiting CocoCay in Bahamas during our cruise.

Me and my husband at Cococay Island, Bahamas

CocoCay is a private island exclusive for Royal Caribbean as well as for Celebrity Cruises guests. Both these cruise ships bring their passengers to the island by tenders.

CocoCay is surrounded with bright blue waters in the middle of the Bahamas, and situated about 45 miles north, northwest of Nassau.

This island was used to be called "Little Stirrup Cay" before the Royal Caribbean Cruises assumed the lease of the island for exclusive use. It used to be a deserted island that has white sand beaches.

After Royal Caribbean Cruises acquired the lease, and was renamed CocoCay, the company started renovating the island and became a tropical paradise.

Nowadays, it is now equipped with new and modern aquatic facilities like scuba-diving and snorkeling facilities, renovated nature trails which are one of the island's attractions, new dining shelters such as bars, restaurants and shops like the Straw Market that are in cottages and artisan huts.

Other famous activities are kayaking, swimming, parasailing and more. If you prefer to relax, the island is also equipped with benches and special seating areas along the beach and trellises for shady sanctuaries.

Before catching up your tender going to the island, be sure you are ready for the choices of any excursions or tours that you wanna do. 

There is an excursion desk in the ship and they can help you with some lists of activities you want to do in the island. You need to sign up first before going to the island, as they don't accept walk-in tours once you're there.

Otherwise, you should have already included your excursion itineraries before you board the ship for the cruise.

Boracay Adventures (2nd Time Around)

I guess there's no need to be describing in details about Boracay island, when it comes to activities you can do when you're in the island. Of course, Boracay has been starting to become famous due to its white sand and torquoise waters. Being recognized as one of the top beaches in the world, it will be easy knowing about the island when you search it online.

One thing is for sure...that you'll never run out of activities while enjoying the island has to offer. Whether you love to surf with the waves, snorkel, parasail, boating, island hopping, or just want to enjoy food and entertainment, this is the place you should be. You can be an adventurous visitor or just somebody who would prefer quiet moments with the island's nature whispers.

I didn't even expect myself to become adventurous, but I did one activity unexpectedly...parasail! Was scared to death, but got the hang of it later on.

Me and sis-in-law! Brave gurls!

I tried sports activity as well...go karting! Oh yeah! I am not used to this, but enjoyed it even when it poured heavily. The boys had more fun, I think. 

Then, there was a newly opened museum adjacent to the go karting place, which was perfect to see after that. We were soaking wet from the rain, but we didn't mind. The museum ( Trick Arts Museum) was great and fun. It was amazing taking photos, then from your photos, you can see where and what the trick is!

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Go karting

There's the trick!

Real or unreal @ the Trick Arts museum

tried the hair braiding

Bearland Paradise Resort

This resort is one of the newest destination in Iloilo, 20 minute drive from the city of Iloilo. It is exactly located at barangay Tanpael, Tigbauan, Iloilo.

One of the attractive featured amenities of the resort is the cerulean infinity pool that has a good overlooking view of the sea. They also have a jacuzzi pool if you want to relax, and a kiddie pool for smaller kids.

Kiddie pool

Jacuzzi pool

The sunken bar is also an attraction which is fronting the infinity pool. It is placed between the kiddie and infinity pool. The sunken bar is equipped with bar lounge chairs in the inside fronting the pool, and permanent  bar stools in the pool. The stools are under the water and swimmers can sit there and order their drinks without needing to get out of the pool. Customers can order alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks whichever they prefer.

By the way, in our case, we ordered our mango shake drinks and two plates of french fries...the wait was like forever! I asked what is taking them so long, and one worker told me they are short of staff workers that day.

For those that don't want to stay overnight, sun loungers with umbrellas are provided (with a minimal fee), some of them just fronting the kiddie pool, and some along and around the infinity pool. 

There are bathrooms provided for changing but they don't have showers inside if you prefer to rinse in a more private location. I noticed there are faucets on the sinks, but they were not working. There are 2 public showers located near the bathrooms but since they are public, you can't take a good rinse well, not unless you want to go nude in public...lol!

On the sides are sun loungers(white tents) fronting the kiddie pool.

Along the seaside (you have to go down shorter steps from the pool area), are cottages made of bamboo and woods. These are ideal for larger groups such as group picnics, excursions or any other big activities.

As of the last time that we were in the area, the Pavilion was still under construction. It will be a 2-storey building that would include a function room, a restaurant and a gym.

Rates of rooms, if you want to reserve for overnight purposes are just a bit pricey, so check your budget upfront before getting rooms. I haven't tried their rooms, nor saw what are the amenities inside, so I can't share about them.

One side of the jacuzzi pool are also couches, chairs and tables made of rattan/bamboos that serve as lounge area for those who want to relax or hang out with their friends. The area seems to be like an eating place, but didn't see one eating there. The resort has a free wi-fi as well but you can't get through it unless you know the password, and you won't get the password until you ask them.