I had other plans for today's blog, until I started reading the blogs in the Things to Do/Places to Visit Group, on Active Rain. I have to admit, I'm not always on top of things in the group, so thank you, everyone who continues to post great information about things to do in your areas, or places you recommend we visit (or move to). We now have over 1,000 posts in the group and I think in all this time (actually only 8 months), I've only had to remove one post that didn't follow the guidelines of the group.
As I perused the posts today, I was impressed by the variety and quality of the blog posts I found. So I thought I'd put together a compilation, and share them with other readers who may not know about the group, or just don't know about all these fabulous bloggers. So in totally random order, here are some great recommendations on things you can find to do, in places you might like to visit or even move to, all about the country.
- Bryant Payden, a Photographer in Hampton, VA posted a photo of a beautiful blue and purple skyline, with the sun dropping behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the silhouette of a tree in the foreground.
- Barbara Carter, a Real Estate Agent with Associate Broker Exit Realty Services in New Paltz, NY blogged about Kaplan College being voted by Newsweek Magazine, one of the 25 Hottest Universities.
- Teresa Harris, a Real Estate Agent with Holbrooks Real Estate Inc., in Denver, NC told the greatness of the Center City Green Market, offering fresh fish, local produce, fresh-cut flowers, and the handmade creations of local artists like jewelry, stained glass, live demonstrations, and even interactive events.
- Valerie Osterhoudt, a real estate agent with Johnson Real Estate, Inc., announced a ladybug-shaped Corn Maze and apple-picking at Lyman Orchards, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
- Jimmy McCall, a mortgage consultant with Legacy Mortgage Services, Inc., blogged about Clarksville Riverfest 2008. The list of food at this event is unbelievable, but pales in comparison to the 45+ entertainers that will be performing on 2 stages; not to mention the boat parade!
- Mike Jones, a Mortgage Lender with Tucson Mortgage Company, LLC, in Tucson, AZ mused about his findings at a... Free Motivational Seminar? I recommend that you read this unique post.
- Carl and Ceil Winters, Home Inspectors with Complete Inspection Service in New Braunfels, TX, told us about the Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music at Canyon Lake, TX. The old town feel of the marketing material is appealing in itself. The only thing else I can say is "Carl and Ceil found Yogi Bear!" LOL. Read their post to find out more.
- Jim Sanders, Real Estate Broker with Jim Sanders Realty, Inc. provided us with an extensive list of all kinds of places to visit in Haiku, HI. Check his list for many options.
- Casey Brischle, a Mortgage Professional with Bank of Whitman in Spokane, WA gave us an amusing list of the many nicknames of Spokane, which is way more than you can imagine. Casey wants to know if your city has more nicknames than Spokanes. Better check out his post and weigh in for your town.
There are plenty more fantastic posts in the Things to Do/Places to Visit Group. If you frequently blog for Localism about the merits of your home town, we'd love to have you join our group. And if you're interested in being a moderator for the group, I wouldn't mind having some help =). Also, if you're already a member of the group, be sure to comment on each other's posts, so everyone can be sure to have comments on their posts.
If you do not post these types of posts, please read my own post about my difficulty in finding things for my daughter to do in a new town, as she enters her first year of college.
I'm very impressed with all the blogs that you read. Not only that, but also to put this great summary together. Good job, Lisa!
Lisa... thanks for putting this together. There just isn't enough time in the day for me to even check out groups any more, let alone comment on 10 or 15 posts and try to right a few... I should do something about Philly. I did do a series about 1.75 years ago... and I noticed a lot of mortgage people in this.... nice job.
Wow....that's a lot of reading you do...I thought I did a lot :)
I missed this group and it is one of my regular features. I'll have to chedk it out.
Nice compilation - we sure have some good writers at AR.
Lisa-you do such a great job with localism..and I like the group. I like reading all of your localism posts..I try girl but I admit the Lisa and Lysa's are the localism girls. I did tell my husband the next time we go out of town and on a vaca we got to check the group's posts. Well deserved feature..
Thank you for putting this wonderful summary together! I need to make sure the group is one I belong to.
fantastic summary, thanks for posting
I love seeing what everyone else is doing around the world. Its just great we can see so much so quick with this place!
HI LISA!
What a great idea and way to hilight other people's posts!
Keep up the Great Work!
Hi Lisa, I'm guilty of not visiting the group! I post to it but haven't been there to see what is happening. I will improve on that effort. Thank you for all of your work!
This is a great list - thank you for sharing! I will check some of these out!
Thanks Lisa for highlighting this group. My posts about fun things to do have been very popular. Have a great holiday!
Hi Lisa-
Thank you for the mention. I am new to this group- there are many great posts. I agree it is a great resource for when we travel....... or have clients traveling. Very useful!
Thank you for posting these blogs---there is so much that I miss here. I'm always appreciative when someone organizes and puts it all in 1 blog.
GREAT IDEA LISA,
This is a great group for people who love to travel and/or are looking for a place to retire, etc. I highly recommend this group even if just looking for vacation travel plans. Great post once again, worthy of feature.
nice list of fun things to do... hope you are doing well - you are the expert good for you - congrats on the star
This is a new group to me. Looks like a whole lot of great content! I'm going to have to check it out :)
Well, what a surprise. I just logged in and found my gold star =D. I haven't had one in a while, and wasn't expecting one either. But it's nice to know when something's appreciated. Thanks everyone. I wish I could have mentioned more of the posts there. As Susie Blackmon commented, she is a VERY frequent poster to the group! And she writes great stuff, as well as takes gorgeous photos.
And umm... I kinda still need another moderator... hint, hint ;)
Lisa, thank you for your compilation, you really took a lot of time and did a nice job. I will have to check out more of the posts when I have time.
Hi Lisa,
I really enjoy this type of post--makes it very easy to navigate.
This is really neat to see what is going on out there. We get so caught up in our own world and have tunnel vision. Very cool post. Thank you.
Lisa-
Thank you so much for including me in your wonderful blog, I am glad others enjoy viewing my art as much as I enjoy creating it. I will keep posting as long as people are interested in seeing my work from my travels.
Mygosh Lisa, What a wonderful job on this post. I can't even imagine how long it took you to pull it together.
Very innovative. Thanks
Beautiful pictures and a great article. I don't get to this site often enough goes to show there are some wonderful places to visit.
Hi Lisa I just joined this group and I love this post especially when you encourage comments and I would add for the creator of the blog to respond to that comment. I see more and more of that going on now , then I did 3 months ago.
It creates a bond and re pore.Your post is wonderful, the group is a terrific idea and I am excited to become a part of it. the photos are incredible.
June- I used to respond to every comment, but most people don't check back anyway. However, if Active Rain would make the comments work like they do on You Tube.... meaning the person who commented is notified when someone responds to one of their comments.... I would respond to every comment. I have a large channel on You Tube (1700 subscribers) and I respond to every comment because of the exact example you gave. =)