Southwest Germany is a region of outstanding beauty with numerous forests, lakes and waterfalls. Tourism is the chief industry in the Black Forest in Baden-Wurttemberg on the edge of the Rhine river. The wooded, mountainous area has several tall peaks, the tallest of which is the Feldberg, standing at 1,493m. The trees are mainly pines and firs, some of which are grown on a commercial scale. Unfortunately, the forest has been depleted due to mass logging and the effects of acid rain. The Lothar Cyclone in 1999 also did its share of damage, destroying acres of trees on the tops of mountains.

Five rivers, including the River Danube and its source, run through the Black Forest. There are paths to cater for hikers, mountain bikers and cross country skiers. The area is a haven for wildlife, including owls and eagles. Other more unusual animals are to be found due to commercial enterprise. Visitors can ride a camel at Rotfelden and ostriches are reared on a farm at St. Peter.

There is a tradition of regional cuisine in the area and some food items have become internationally famous. Black Forest Gateaux is still on the menus around the world. The original chocolate cake recipe is still adhered to in the land of its birth with ingredients including whipped cream, cherries and liqueur. Black Forest Ham is also popular at home and abroad. The smoked ham is seasoned with pepper, juniper berries, coriander, garlic and other spices.

Culture and history are celebrated in the region. This can be seen at the open air museum named Vogtsbauernhofe. It re-creates the life of 16th and 17th century farmers with replica farms. There is a long history of making timepieces in Germany and the German Clock Museum at Furtwangen traces the history of clock making and watch making. The collection includes cuckoo clocks, musical clockworks and mechanical musical instruments.

One of the most popular towns in the Black Forest is Baden-Baden. The 83m telecommunications tower, known as the Fremersberg Tower dominates the skyline. The view can be taken from the observation deck and there is an adjacent restaurant. The town contains the Festspielhaus, which is the largest opera house and concert hall in Germany. Major opera and ballet productions are staged there. The town has a fascinating history, as can be seen at the ruins of the Roman Baths and the Hohenbaden castle ruins dating back to 1102.

To take advantage of deep discount resorts in the Black Forest and around the world, you may want to join Global Resorts Network. The membership offers deep discount luxury ski, wilderness, golf, beach, and year round resorts without the troublesome maintenance fees, exchange fees and blackout weeks associated with timeshare ownership. We will even pay you a referral for telling a few friends about our luxury resort membership. Click on F.A.Q. to find out what our membership offers, and take your time to review the audios and videos on the rest of our website as well.

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Amelia Island, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Amelia Island.

You can escape the every day stresses and strains by experiencing luxury hotels, resorts and bed and breakfasts. Amelia Island is also a popular place for weddings and honeymoons.

Activities range from fishing trips to scenic tours of the island from one of the 18 charter boats.  While fishing you will be able to experience many different kinds of wildlife like, dolphins, whales, sea turtles and manatees.

Outdoor activities include golf, tennis, bicycling, horseback riding, volleyball and nature tours.  Nightlife here on Amelia Island is quite unique.  You will be able to enjoy and nice quiet time on the beach with jazz or acoustical music.  There are even sunset cruises for a nice night on the town.

A surprise many people miss is Amelia’s historic district which encompasses a fifty block area in Fernandina Beach.  Here you will find many restored homes and buildings from the turn of the century.

Amelia is a small island of about 18.2 square miles and has three distinct sections.  First is the north end which is called Fernandina Beach.  Then you have the middle section which is called Amelia Island and then the third section which is mostly Amelia Island Plantation.

The island itself was developed in a southerly direction which you can see.  The more you go south the newer things are.  In the heart of Fernandina Beach is Centre Street where you’ll find the Palace Saloon which is the oldest saloon in Florida.  You’ll also find a collection of art galleries, T-Shirt stores, ice cream shops and real estate offices.

Although Amelia Island is off the beaten path, you can have a surprisingly fun time.  All you have to do is spend some time going through the brochures and checking out everything that looks interesting to you.

Next you might well decide to try your hand at fly fishing.  Well known fly fishing expert of Amelia Island, Captain Russell Tharin, began fly fishing when he was just a boy.  Today he runs his own charter service,  Fly Fishing Amelia Island.  Look him up and try it out.  You’ll have tons of fun and memorable experiences.

As you drive around Amelia Island you will not be able to help but notice the huge ancient trees that line the way.  It looks as though the road in this area of the country was moved to accommodate the gorgeous trees. 

Amelia Island Williams House is a huge Bed and Breakfast now a days that sits on a five thousand square foot lot on Ash and 9th street with it’s 19th century fence guarding it’s entry way.  A wealthy Boston Banker built this Victorian mansion in 1856.  A sight worth seeing and staying at.

As your knowledge about Amelia Island continues to grow, you will begin to see how Amelia Island fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

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