Rhode Island USA
August 28, 2009 by Stacy42 · 5 Comments
Everyone is aware that Rhode Island, actually the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is the smallest state in the USA. But not everyone knows that the state and island that gives it a colloquially abbreviated name are not one and the same.
Indeed, the Rhode Island part of the longest state name in America is unofficially called Aquidneck Island to distinguish from the state as a whole.
Now that’s cleared up, what of Rhode Island? It is the largest of several in Narragansett Bay, with its southern shore facing the Atlantic Ocean. The area of this well developed island is 117 sq km (45 sq ml) and it is connected to the mainland by three bridges.
The Newport Bridge goes to Jamestown on nearby Conanicut Island, and thence to the mainland on the western side of the bay. The Mount Hope Bridge in Portsmouth connects the northern side of the island with Bristol. The same area is served by the Sakonnet River Bridge over a narrow saltwater channel to Tiverton. The nearby Stone Bridge was destroyed by Hurricane Carol in 1954. The island is divided into three municipalities: Newport, Middleton and Portsmouth.
The island’s population shrank by 20 percent in the 10 years after the US Navy reorganized its major base at Newport in 1973, but is growing again, with over half its area now built over as housing demand increases. But wetland and woodland still occupy a third of the island and there is an active preservation society trying to keep it that way.
After the naval base, the island’s principal revenue generator is tourism. Narragansett Bay is a honeypot for visitors and they come to Aquidneck Island principally for the beaches and coastline, enjoying related aquatic activities like sailing, kayaking, sailboarding, diving and angling.
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Don’t let hurrican season stop you–Reserve a flight to Fort Lauderdale
February 21, 2009 by Stacy42 · 2 Comments
There are always plenty of good reasons that many people book flights to Fort Lauderdale every year. Whether you are dreaming of relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches, partaking in wild water sports, or enjoy fine dining, Ft. Lauderdale has something to please everyone. Approximately 30 miles north of Miami, tourists catching Fort Lauderdale flights will have the same rejuvenation and relaxation of a seaside town without the too-bright lights and perhaps flashy lifestyle of the cities nearby.
The beautiful ocean is what attracts most tourists here. Fort Lauderdale’s bright, pristine beaches run more than 20 miles, perfectly positioned alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Fort Lauderdale also houses the most beautiful boat docks to be seen. If you love the water, you will find ample opportunities to sail your favorite vessel off into the sea.
There is a reason that Florida is called the Sunshine State. So there is no bad time of year to go. You could choose to go in late spring or early fall, either one is a good time to visit. The weather is very agreeable both times and a real nice perk is that you there will be smaller crowds! Of course, September unfortunately is the middle of hurricane season but don’t let that stop you.
Flights to Fort Lauderdale will land vacationers in a revered paradise town with a variey of options for sand, surf, and sun, not to mention a nice break from the crazy real world. Enjoy this very affordable alternative choice to the more costly Miami. Reserve your flight today via costlessflights.