Located just a 1/2 hour east of Syracuse NY right off I90 is the Turning Stone Resort and Casino.  The facility is large and and contains a medium sized casino along with numerous boutiques.  There is a wide range of sporting activities available including an indoor driving range, fitness center and two pools.  There is a $10 charge to use the fitness center and one of the pools, while the other is complimentary and is adjacent to the spa and salon.

For those interested in organizing a larger function there is a very extensive range of modern facilities including a very capable team managing them.

For those interested in entertainment there is a regular stream of relatively well known acts stopping in.  The Turning Stone is owned by the Oneida nation.

1. The Sweetshop: For locals and visitors alike, this is one of the top locations to visit.  The Sweetshop has numerous advertisements along Hwy 6 as you make your way up the Bruce Peninsula which will make it clear its raison d’etre.  Lots of ice cream, flavoured coffees, toffee, and other candy round out their line up.
2. The Harbour: Thanks to visitors from Michigan and Southern Ontario there are frequently lots of yachts and sailboats for the nautically inclined to peruse.
3. Scuba Diving: Tobermory hails itself as  “Canada’s Scuba Diving Capital”.  The Fathom Five National Marine Park is where it all takes place with lots to see for the underwater adventurer.
4. The “Chi-Cheemaun” Ferry: While many use the ferry as a means of transport over to Manitoulin Island there are also dinner cruises and opportunities for short trips over to the Island.
5. Flower Pot Island: One of the best ways to visit is to take the Glass Bottom bottom boat tours over to see the unique geological formations.
6. Parks to visit near Tobermory: Bruce Peninsula National Park, Cyprus Lake and the Singing Sands beach at Dorcas Bay.
7. The Crowsnest:  This restaurant/pub is located in the center of town overlooking Little Tub Harbour.  In addition to the restaurant upstairs they also serve some great pizza downstairs.
8. Cedar Grove Cottages: Not only is this a great place to stay but there are also canoes and pedal boats to rent.  Cameron Lake is an inland lake providing much warmer water than Lake Huron or Georgian Bay.

Las Vegas is the city of lights and non stop excitement.  For those who don’t have the budget for gambling or shows, there are other low cost entertainment options that are worthwhile investigating:

1. Hotel Displays

Wynn Hotel Las Vegas

This hotel has a fantastic water show.  While it can be seen for free likely the best place to view is inside one of the restaurants/bars.  No need to buy a meal as just a desert or drink will get you a table.  While you’re in the hotel go downstairs to see the high end shops - definitely some exciting window shopping opportunities.

Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas

This hotel has a very impressive outdoor water show numerous times every evening.  Have a look around at the impressive architecture while there.

Venetian Hotel

A look around inside this impressive hotel will give those with a good imagination that thought that they might just have been transported off to Italy.  Lots of great restaurants.

Pirate’s Cove Hotel

Listen for the sounds of the guns and a re-enacted battle every night outside the Pirate’s Cove Hotel.  Although one of the middle aged hotels this one is still quite acceptable.

2. Hoover Dam

A relatively short drive away from Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam.  Tours are available daily of the Hydroelectric facility which is definitely worth a day trip as it is quite impressive (everything is large scale) and educational.  While there is a charge to tour the facility, if you have access to a car it’s a relatively low cost day trip.

3. Grand Canyon, Arizona

A little further away is the Grand Canyon.  This marvel of nature is without question worth seeing.  There are numerous ways to experience the canyon such as rafting, and helicopter tours however even just a simple visit is awe inspiring.

Minneapolis / St. Paul or the twin cities as they’re called locally can be a great spot to visit for a weekend excursion. If your job calls for a business trip to either of the cities (which is not unheard of given there are quite a number of head offices located here) it is worthwhile adding a few days onto either end and enjoying everything MSP has to offer.

The two cities make up the largest metropolitan area in the state and both have small but interesting downtown areas with a number of great dining options and activities.

Some of the highlights of the area include:

Mall of America

This is likely the most famous spot to visit and is a shopper’s MECA. With numerous of the large chains and an amusement park in the center along with a movie theatre there is lots of occupy everyone in the family.

Minnesota Wild / Excel Energy Center

Minnesota is home to the NHL team Minnesota Wild. Unlike some states where hockey is observed with passing interest, Minnesota is a hard core hockey state. Hockey is played regionally from the youngest ages up, and this is reflected in the fan base that the team enjoys.

Snowmobiling

Minnesota is home to 2 of the 4 snowmobile manufacturers. You don’t have to venture too far from the twin cities before you can locate some trails and rentals if needed. For those who want to see where the state’s snowmobiles are manufactured a side trip to Thief River Falls, MN (Arctic Cat) or Roseau, MN (Polaris) is very rewarding. Both companies off tours of their facilities but it is worth calling ahead to obtain schedules.

On any visit to Toronto, the little “town” of Port Credit is definitely worth adding to your site seeing list.  Port Credit is a tightly knit community in southern Mississauga.  As the name implies it is a “port” complete with a number of Marinas and lots of waterfront access.  Port Credit is located just off the QEW, at the Hurontario Hwy 10 exit, just about 20 minutes outside downtown Toronto.  Just head south on Hurontario for a few blocks and you’ll find a quaint district which is worth including on any visit to the Toronto area.  During summer months there is much to see for the avid window shopping enthusiast.  For the more adventurous there is the opportunity to take a fishing trip out on Lake Ontario.

Port Credit even has it’s own lighthouse which at this time likely draws in more land travelers than water travelers.  It is located at the mouth of the Credit River.  Along both the river and Lake Ontario are numerous parks and paths which provide nice areas for walking and enjoying a warm summer day.  For those wanting to take in the Lake and a little food, a popular restaurant is Snug Harbour located just east of the lighthouse.  For coffee addicts, there’s a Starbucks located on the water with plenty of seating as well.

Some other local fare worth recommending include the “10″ restaurant along with the Crooked Cue a favorite bar/restaurant in the area.  For something a little less formal Burrito Boys located just north of the Lakeshore is a very popular spot for a tasty meal.

Port Credit can be easily accessed by road, bus (Mississauga Transit) and the Go Train.