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Developer Project Gives Assist to Outdoor Enthusiasts in Sarasota and Tampa Bay

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Randy Benderson is the driving force of Benderson Development’s current streak of success, following in the footsteps of founder/father, Nathan Benderson, who helped propel the business to success despite a volatile economic landscape.

Part of what Randy Benderson does is serve on the board for a local park that bears his father’s name, helping raise the funds that maintain Nathan Benderson Park into perpetuity.

As his family’s company’s leader, Randy develops the talent of his team of employees while continuing to develop communities with passion. He has both an eye for opportunity and a heart for the great outdoors. He’s also an avid philanthropist doing his part to end national hunger.

He’s responsible for day-to-day operations of a multi-divisional real estate development company, growing the family business into 40 million sq. ft. of commercial space and guiding a team of over 300 employees, serving on the board of the Nathan Benderson Park Foundation on the side.

Benderson Park is a popular destination spot in Sarasota, FL, which is part of Greater Tampa Bay metro area (along with Tampa).

Sarasota Community Park and World-Renowned Rowing Spot to Boot

Nathan Benderson Park hosts a wide range of sporting events and multicultural activities – including international sporting championships. People who come to Benderson Park enjoy recreational activities like canoeing, dragon boating, kayak racing, triathlons, 5k and 10k runs, paddle boarding, and the park also serves as a setting for weddings and even corporate training and team-building events.

The community park is set in a prime location — adjacent to University Town Center. UTC is Southwest Florida’s newest dining, shopping, and entertainment destination.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for the latest scoop about where to get your heart rate up while avoiding the treadmill at the stuffy gym in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, Nathan Benderson Park is a fantastic spot to spread your wings or get your daily burn.

5 of the Best States for an Outdoors Vacation

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If you and your family enjoy the great outdoors, then you’re probably considering where to take your next trip. While many may have their favorite go-to destinations, the country is full of hidden gems that we don’t always consider. Here are five of the best states for an outdoors vacation that you should think about for your next family adventure.

1. Colorado

If you ask anyone which state is the most beautiful, Colorado often comes to their minds. This state has a wealth of natural beauty from rugged mountains to amazing landscapes. You’ll find a huge variety of camping and outdoor activities to enjoy while you’re here. However, one of the most enjoyable activities is hiking up one of the 54 mountain peaks, so you may want to plan a trip to at least one of the mountain ranges while you’re there.

2. Missouri

This state has hundreds of natural and conservation areas. And if you want to test that brand new scar 17 scope, the state has tons of great hunting and fishing areas to offer. You’ll also find that there’s no shortage of water in Missouri. There’s more shore in this state than you’ll find on the coast of California, so make some time to go boating or fishing.

3. Montana

Montana is known for its large sky and untamed land. The natural parks make it a popular destination and you can find secluded spots to enjoy the wilderness that makes up this state. Consider taking a trip to Glacier National Park in the summer months to enjoy hiking or take a road trip through the state to see everything it has to offer.

4. New Mexico

Some of the United State’s most famous artists made New Mexico their muse – and with good reason. However, this state isn’t just for artists. There is a huge range of camping and sightseeing opportunities available. Camping is especially popular here and the local people love their solitude. New Mexico is most well-known for their grasslands, mountains, and desserts. There’s an outdoor activity here for everyone from hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking, as well as many others.

5. New York

New York isn’t just for people who like the big city. In fact, you’ll find some of the most passionate people about outdoors activities located here. From the Finger Lakes to Hudson Valley, New York is home to many natural wonders that you can enjoy. Camping is a favorite activity for both locals and tourists to the state, so you may want to bring a tent when you plan a trip. Great family fun is easy to find in the area, so consider this spot.

Conclusion

These five states offer a range of fun and exciting outdoor activities for families today. Although not everyone enjoys every outdoor activity, you can find something for almost everyone in the family. Make your next trip to one of these locations and you’ll have some great new experiences.

Big State With Plenty to Do: Go Large on Fun in Texas

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In Texas, everything is bigger. Second in size only to Alaska, the Lone Star State welcomes visitors with big landscapes, big attractions, and some of the most stunning scenery in the nation. If you’re planning to visit anytime soon, you’ll be glad to know about the following things to do and see in the great state of Texas.

Delightful Dallas

Few places rival Dallas for historical mystery and intrigue. The total truth may never be told, but there’s plenty to explore at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Here you can see the high rise window through which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the bullet that killed President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The museum chronicles what is known about the assassination and provides an inside look at the 35th President of the United States and is well worth adding to your Texas travel itinerary, notes USA Today.

Be a space cadet in Houston

NASA Space Center Houston is a must-see for anyone interested in astronautics and space exploration. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the Space Center hosts nine research facilities, an extensive education complex, and an out-of-this-world museum to thrill and inspire visitors of all ages. Be sure to reserve your spot for a behind the scenes tour of the Johnson Space Center and Mission Control.

Situated on the eastern edge of San Antonio, the Alamo is one of Texas’ most visited historical attractions. The Alamo was originally constructed in 1744 by Franciscans to serve as a mission but was converted into a military fort around 1836. Famed for its part in the Texas War of Independence, the Alamo was also the last place frontier explorer Davy Crockett drew his last breath. More than two million people visit the famed old fort annually. Be one of them, and you’ll remember the Alamo long after you return home from your stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, advises PlanetWare magazine.

For an outdoor adventure filled with wonderful wildlife, spend a day discovering Padre Island. Located a short drive from Corpus Christi, Padre Island offers more than 70 miles of serene grassland, sandy beaches, billowing dunes, and more migratory birds than you’re likely to see in any other single place. Begin your tour at the Malaquite Visitor Center where you may rent a beach wheelchair if you so desire.

All this and art, too

In Dallas, drop by the Dallas Museum of Art where you can wander among tens of thousands of artistic artifacts from ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome as well as modern work by artists such as Jackson Pollock.

Whooping it up in Texas is easy. Plan to visit as many places as you can, but don’t expect to see all of the Lone Star State in one visit.

How These US States Are Dealing with the Legalization of Marijuana

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In the past few years, as we’ve seen attitudes to cannabis soften and grow a great deal kinder, many US states have become a great deal more tolerant of the drug. In fact, there are multiple states existing now where purchasing and growing your own marijuana plants is completely legal – and you won’t even need a doctor’s note. In this article we’ll be going through a short list of just a few of the new greener states, and seeing how the introduction of this new industry has affected them.

Colorado

Colorado, along with Washington, was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana back in 2012, and since then it’s been a love affair to stand the test of time. Many hoped that the fact that so many various new jobs were being created as a result of the legalization of cannabis would mean that Trump and the White House would steer clear of them and give them a good amount of leeway. This, so far, seems to be the case, as last year it was reported that the state sold a staggering $1.3 billion worth of marijuana both medical and recreational last year. But what the government is really interested in is how that directly affects them – a full $200 million in taxes for 2016 alone that can be used by the state.

Maine

The state of Maine actually allows its citizens the ability to hold 2.5 ounces of marijuana, which is more than double what any other state permits. While the first dedicated marijuana dispensaries are still yet to open, and are planned to do so in early 2018, we can get an idea of how the legalization of the drug might affect the state from the 2016 election through which it came to be passed. It was a nerve-wracking event for many, and served in the end to be a very close call. But now, you can buy more weed in Maine than anywhere else in the United States, and while the stores are yet to properly open their doors to customers, there are some delivery services which are slowly getting up and running, similar to the Canadian services like Dope Mail Buy weed online.

California

California has had a long and varied history with the use and sale of marijuana; it was the first state to legalize the drug for medicinal purposes way back in 1996, but only in 2016 did it become perfectly legal for anyone within the state to carry anything up to an ounce without having a prescription handy. However, the state has the framework set up so that, by the first month of 2018, marijuana dispensaries across California should be able to start the sale of weed to anyone who wants it, medical condition or not. As Cali produces so much of the drug, some are wondering whether or not much of it is being shipped to other states, some where it hasn’t yet been legalized. This leads to concerns that there may be government backlash as a result, though only time will tell.

A Guide to Travelling to the Grand Canyon

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The Grand Canyon extends a whopping 445 kilometers with a width of 29 forming a giant scar-like structure in the heart of Arizona. Tourists from the United States and around the globe head to marvel at this natural wonder of layered rocks that recent studies believe to be almost 70 million years old.

How to Get to the Grand Canyon:

Both the North Rim and South Rim are the major tourist spots inside the Grand Canyon. Because of its colossal size, driving is the only way tourists can visit. The South Rim is about two hours away from Arizona and is more accessible of the two regions and gets more tourists. People who want to get away from the crowds can drive to the North Rim, which could involve several hours of driving. Grand Canyon West, or the West Rim, is another section outside of the National Park itself and is closer to reach from Las Vegas.

What are the Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon?

Typical activities include hiking, horseback riding, camping, visiting some of the Native Indian Settlements or even testing your nerve on the Grand Canyon Skywalk on the West Rim. A number of underground caves make for an adventurous day. Some tourists like to see the Grand Canyon from a helicopter or by taking a railway tour through the region. Many of the 5 million annual tourists only hang around the day and head back to Arizona in the afternoon. The more daring ones hike through the canyon itself and camp overnight. Visiting the nearby Arizonan towns of Flagstaff, Williams, and Tusayan to get a glimpse back into the old world of the Wild West is also a fun activity.

Hike to Havasu Falls:

One of the prettiest attractions within the Grand Canyon is Havasu Falls, a 30 meter, single shoot waterfall pouring blue-green water over the rugged rocks into the pools below.

But, it’s no easy task to get to it. Anticipate a grueling 16-kilometer trek across unforgiving terrain without access to water and go deep into the Havusa Canyon. Trails are tough, dusty, and very hot. Hikers need to take their own supplies including an ample supply of water as nothing is available until you reach an American Indian village called Supai. Expect the journey to take anywhere between five and eight hours to reach Havasu Falls. Many hikers camp overnight at Supai and return the following morning.

Where to Stay in the Grand Canyon:

More overnight accommodation inside the Grand Canyon is around the South Rim and includes camping grounds, hotels, and lodgings. Others are available on both the North Rim and West Rim but may need a booking well in advance to secure a spot. Visitors looking for a place with more restaurants and a bit of a nightlife may choose to stay in one of the nearby towns such as Flagstaff or Sedona.

Plan Your Perfect Trip to the Grand Canyon:

Now that you know the essentials of planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, why not go ahead and fulfil a dream of seeing this amazing natural wonder?

Fun Things to Do in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

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As you probably already know, Mont-Tremblant in Quebec offers some of the best skiing in the world!  But this beautiful area of Canada has so much more to offer.  If you are planning a trip here or you would just like to learn more about the area, pay close attention to the information below.

Stay in Luxurious Accommodations

When you stay in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec overnight, there are many wonderful accommodation options available to you.  The area has some of the finest condos and townhouses in all of the country, so finding a place to rest your tired bones after a day on the slopes won’t be hard.  In fact, this site can help you find the perfect place to call home while you are in this winter wonderland.  Even if you decide to visit the area when it is warm, you will still find great places to stay at affordable rates.  So, if you are thinking of spending some time here with your family, why not book your condo or townhouse early?  These units get booked quickly during the peak season.

Go Fishing

If you simply love to fish, then Mont-Tremblant is the perfect place for you!  Here you will find a large selection of fish to catch and many different ways to catch fish all year long.  During the spring and summer, you can try your hand at fly fishing.  When winter comes, the area’s lakes will freeze over and you can get in some ice fishing with the locals.  But no matter what style of fishing you like, you will have a wonderful time.  There are two major lakes in the area so finding a place to drop your line won’t be difficult.  But remember to always follow the rules and tread lightly in the wilderness.

Take Up Hiking

Another wonderful outdoor activity that is on offer here is hiking.  There are many different trails in the area for you to enjoy no matter what your level of fitness is.  If you would like to go on an easy day hike, you can find a trail to fit your needs.  Maybe you want to challenge yourself?  If so, you will be happy to find many demanding trails up and down the mountain.  But remember, no matter what type of hiking you enjoy, always be safe and take along someone with you.  Before you leave for the trail, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.  This will help protect you in case there is an emergency.  Most of all, make sure that you enjoy the scenery and bring a camera along to take some amazing photos of your journey.

These are just a few reasons why so many people flock to this area of Canada.  Not only is this place naturally beautiful, there are also amazing places to stay while you are here.  Remember, there are many different things you can do here and skiing is just one of them.  So, if you want to have an adventure this year, why not head on up to Mont-Tremblant in Quebec?

Quebec – five must-sees

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Canada is a massive country and Quebec stands proud as its largest province. If you’re heading there for a trip, you’ve got so much to choose from. Whether it’s urban life, nature or history you want to check out, there’s something for everyone.  Here’s some recommendations for must-see sights, to get the most out of your vacation – be it just a few days or longer.

Mount Tremblant

If you love nature and the outdoors, you will love Quebec. Head for Mont Tremblant in the stunning Laurentian Mountains. You can get up to all sorts of activities here, all year round. It’s one of the top ski spots in the province – so pack your skis or snowboard if you fancy it, and it’s the right time of year of course! If it’s warmer weather, there’s still lots to do of course. You can also always take to two wheels or two wheels to enjoy the scenery. There are even some golf courses if you want to swing a club!

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, there’s a choice to suit all tastes and budgets. Worth checking out is www.chateaubeauvallon.com.

Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is an old timer, its roots traced back to the mid-1800s. It’s located in Gatineau and proudly boasts being the most visited attraction of its kind in Canada – more than a million people drop by every year.

There’s no shortage of things to feast your eyes on here. There are over four million different items on show at the museum, charting Canada’s history and the rest of the world.

You can find out all about Canada’s Pacific First Nations, as well the country’s Aboriginal roots.

Old Montreal

If all that museum action isn’t enough, then head for Old Montreal. As its name suggests, it’s the oldest part of the city, but there’s now some new thrown in for good measure too.

You can really lose yourself here in a myriad of cobblestone streets, which you can explore by foot or by bike. You’ll get a European buzz about the place.

It’s all very relaxed during the days, with people browsing around the shops or stopping off in one of the cafes. And by night, it’s lively – it’s got some great places to eat and drink.

Mount Royal

Yes, there’s actually a mountain in downtown Montreal. If you’re out and about in the area, you can’t fail to spot Mount Royal! It’s in a massive park of the same name, and this park’s design came from the same man who created New York’s Central Park!

It’s a place where locals and visitors come to enjoy some time out, and get some good views. In fact, if you climb to the top, you can get an awesome vista of the whole of Montreal. Great for those holiday snaps.

On Sundays, you can check out some local music here – there are events called ‘tam-tams.’ It’s basically a party, where everyone comes together to have fun.