I am a huge fan of cruising. Once you've been on a cruise, it's easy to get hooked. In fact, cruising has one of the highest retention rates in the travel industry. This means once people cruise, they come back time and time again. I am one of those people. So here are my top eight reasons to stretch your sea legs!

Unpack Once
I love an excellent adventure. But I love to get settled into once place. On a cruise, I like settling into my stateroom and not seeing my suitcase again until the departure day. The housekeepers on cruise ships are fantastic. They clean, tidy and in some cases leave little surprises (like chocolate or creatively folded towels) in your stateroom!

Way To Begin to Explore
Travel can be expensive, and cruising is an affordable way to start your world exploration of Europe, the Caribbean, you name it. I have found over the years that cruising is an excellent way to determine whether or not you want to return to a particular destination. I found this to be true with Ephesus, Turkey. I love that place and I discovered it from a cruise! If water is close to the destination, then chances are high you can get there on a ship.

All Inclusive and Buy As You Go
On a cruise, culinary delights are included in your vacation. In some cases, everything is included, but most mass market cruise lines and itineraries include the basic fare and plenty of it. This means you don’t have to eat at a premium restaurant if you prefer not to. A premium restaurant in “cruise speak” is a high-quality restaurant on board the ship where, by paying a nominal fee per person, you can select steaks, seafood, French cuisine or sushi (just to name a few delicacies). But again, you choose how much you want to spend on these extras...and some choose none at all.

River or Ocean
Ocean cruising became popular in in America in the 1980’s. Ocean cruises in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe and Alaska remain the most popular cruises, and for good reason. However, river cruising has exploded in popularity in the last two decades. River cruises are an excellent way to get closer to exotic ports all over the world. Just imagine yourself dancing to the Danube Waltz on the Danube River or learning about Portugal's port wine production on the Douro River...

Kids Are Happy
Cruise lines understand the importance of keeping the kids happy! And most of them do an excellent job. Sure, you would expect Disney to do well with the kiddos, but you may be surprised to learn that Royal Caribbean and Carnival (among others) have extensive programs for kids of all ages. They also offer in-cabin babysitting! Do your homework and then select a cruise line and itinerary that the kids will love!

Active As You Want
Some experienced cruisers I’ve talked to never leave the ship! Hard to believe, but for them, they’ve already been to the ports the ship is visiting. Cruise ships are a means to get somewhere but over the years, they’ve developed into destinations unto themselves. This is where the flexibility really comes into play. While on board you can go to the pool, the casino, the adults' area, the spa or shop in the on board boutiques. Or, you can opt to do absolutely nothing. I mean it. If you want to rest, take in a little sun and be pampered, then a cruise is an excellent idea.

The Spa
Ah, yes, the spa. Each mass market cruise line has developed an expansive and invigorating spa. We’re talking massages, wraps and cucumbers in the eyes! And that’s jut the beginning. I suggest booking early for the optimal spa appointment times on your at sea days.

Departure City Options
I live in the Northeast and in Knoxville, which means, I have lots of options when it comes to departure cities. Miami and the Atlantic coast have the most choices when it comes to cruise lines and itineraries. But Charleston, Baltimore, NYC, Galveston and San Diego are just of the few of the departure cities from where you can be whisked away to paradise!

Learn how to get the best deal by watching this video! 

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I love fireworks for any holiday, and I am incredibly excited how Colonial Williamsburg has packed an entire day with music, tradition, and fireworks in the unique way only this iconic American city can do. Join me in Colonial Williamsburg to enjoy the holiday festivities of Grand Illumination on Sunday, Dec. 3. After a morning of the town’s special activities and an afternoon of music, the events will conclude with “A Festival of Light and Thunder,” a free fireworks demonstration. Trust me, it’s going to be epic.
 
First, what is an illumination? In the 18th century, illuminations involved the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks. These guns and fireworks announced major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor.
 
Grand Illumination festivities begin at 4 p.m. when a town crier (of course Colonial Williamsburg begins the festivities with a town crier) officially opens the holiday season from the Courthouse steps. I’ve listed the highlights of the city's December 3rd events below. Visit colonialwilliamsburg.com for tickets and even more details.
 
Music
Until 6:30 p.m., themed musical performances will be showcased on four Historic Area stages:

• On the Palace Green, enjoy holiday big-band sounds to salute the Colonial Williamsburg restoration era of the 1930s.
• On Market Square, hear cherished songs of the holiday season performed by a cappella groups from the College of William & Mary.
• On Duke of Gloucester Street between Colonial and Botetourt streets, an ox wagon serves as the stage for the Jubilee Performers, capturing the spirit of traditional African-American song.
• A stage on the Capitol’s north lawn along Nicholson Street showcases the rich heritage Southern Appalachian music by the William & Mary Appalachian Music Ensemble.

The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums will perform seasonal regimental music of the 18th century at Capitol Circle from 4:30-6 p.m.
 
At the same time, the William & Mary a Capella group the Gentlemen of the College will sing on the new porch of the Raleigh Tavern.
 
Fireworks and Parade
The celebration culminates in “A Festival of Light and Thunder” at 7 p.m. with simultaneous free fireworks demonstrations above the Capitol, the Magazine and the Governor’s Palace, followed by a torch-lit procession of the Fifes & Drums down Duke of Gloucester Street. Visit colonialwilliamsburg.com for complete programming details.
 
Dining 
The day’s dining highlights include:

• Williamsburg Lodge Grand Illumination Feast from 4-6:30 p.m.,
• Mr. Shields’ Garden Refreshments in the Shields Tavern Garden from 4-8 p.m.,
• Grand Illumination Dinner at Chowning’s, Christiana Campbell’s, King’s Arms and Shields taverns from 4:15-10 p.m. 

Food trucks are scheduled to operate in the Historic Area on Nicholson Street near Queen Street, and on Blair Street. Visit colonialwilliamsburg.com/events for additional information on dining options available during Grand Illumination.
 
Parking
Guest parking is available at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center.
 
Daytime Events
Daytime programs included with Colonial Williamsburg admission

• Midwinter Stories at 10:30 a.m. 
• Spirit of the Season at the Raleigh Tavern at 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3, and 3:30 p.m.

Extra tickets Needed

• Christmas Decorations Walking Tour at 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 
• Talk of the Town: Christmastide at 10 a.m. 
• A Victorian Christmas at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. 

 
Good Neighbor Passes to the Governor’s Palace
Also on Dec. 3, Colonial Williamsburg is offering a single-site ticket to the iconic Governor’s Palace, available in limited quantities exclusively via the Colonial Williamsburg Explorer mobile app for $15. The ticket will only be available on Dec. 3. For just $10, residents of Williamsburg, James City County and the Bruton District of York County can visit the Governor’s Palace and other sites daily and enjoy other benefits with a Good Neighbor Annual Pass. For additional information and to purchase a Good Neighbor Annual Pass visit colonialwilliamsburg.com/good-neighbor.
 
Ticket Information
Tickets and program information are available by visiting colonialwilliamsburg.com. Tickets, reservations and information are available by calling 855-296-6627, toll-free. Information, dining reservations and same-day program tickets are available via the free Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Information is also available by following Colonial Williamsburg on Facebook and @colonialwmsburg on Twitter and Instagram.

Knoxville Market Square is just about the perfect sliver of American civic and community life I’ve ever experienced. Located in the center of downtown, the square covers over one acre, with storefronts lining the east and west. The site became popular in the early 1800s, when farmers gathered to sell their produce. Now, you can still visit the local farmers’ market as well as people watch, see street performers, shop in unique boutiques, and eat at some of the best food trucks and restaurants in the area. For ideas for your next visit, check out my top-ten list below!

1. The Sunsphere – At 266-feet high and topped with a 75-foot gold-colored glass sphere, the Sunsphere is a must-see Knoxville landmark. Take the free elevator to the Observation Deck for a stunning 360-degree view of the city. Built for the 1982 World's Fair, the Observation Deck features a gallery of the city’s historic images and information about the World Fair. If you’re hungry, stop on the fifth floor to visit Primo Ristorante Italiano, a jazzy 1950s-era supper club.
2. Market Square Farmers’ Market – From May to November, find delicious produce, honey, eggs, bread, salsas, coffee, and artisan crafts. Find out more: https://www.nourishknoxville.org/ Tip: Free parking is available on Saturdays at the four parking garages located on Market Square, Locust St., Walnut St., and State St. On Wednesdays, parking is $1 per hour in all four garages.
3. Charles Krutch Park – After you visit the farmers’ market, stroll a block south to this small but beautiful park. The park offers a winding walking trail, a serene stream, and public art installations.  
4. Ice Skating in Market Square – From November to early January, you can skate in the heart of the city. The city offers multiple theme nights, such as Christmas sweater night or skating with the Knoxville Ice Bears.
5. Tennessee Theatre – Step back in time at this historic theatre. Located just off Market Square, The Tennessee Theatre has been entertaining and impressing guests with its grandeur since 1928. After a renovation at the turn of the century, the theater’s grandeur has been enhanced with top-notch lighting and sound. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy concerts and Broadway plays. Tip: Visit the first Monday of the month to watch the Wurlitzer organ rise from the stage and hear a free concert performed.
6. Calhoun’s restaurant – Knoxville boasts nine locations of this famous restaurant, each with a unique experience, but my personal favorite has to be the Calhoun’s located on the Tennessee River. The outside deck has a panoramic view of the waterfront, and you’re absolutely nuts if you leave without trying the ribs. You’ll thank me later.  
7. The Tennessean Hotel – This modern hotel is a minute’s walk from the Sunsphere observation deck and a 7-minute walk from restaurants and shops in Market Square.
8. Stock and Barrel – located on Market Square, Stock and Barrel is a classic American bar with out-of-this-world hamburgers. Good selection of whiskey and beer.
9. Great Smoky Mountains – After you’re finished sight-seeing the famous landmarks downtown Knoxville, you need to get out of the city to really gain some perspective on this charming town. I recommend House Mountain State Park for incredible hiking and a beautiful drive.
10. Ijams Nature Center – Traveling with a family and pets? Ijams Nature Center is a free 300-acre urban green space. It’s a great place to hike trails, walk near the river, bike, explore, or simply enjoy nature. They offer a great ropes course for children.

What are your favorite places to visit in Knoxville? Let me know in the comments below!