Puerto Marina is the heart of Benalmadena Costa. It can accomodate more than 1000 moorings, and it is used on a daily by numerous boats, with all the services offered by a modern world class Yachting Marina. The port consists of leisure, commercial and residential facilities and is situated just 10km from Malaga´s international airport, which in turn is within 3 hours flying time from most european capital cities. Its been named the best Marina in the World, several times over the years and since 1987 has continually been awarded the European Blue Flag for its excellent services and clean waters.

Puerto Marina in Benalmadena has a special design which incorporates artificial islands giving this modern yachting harbour an avant-garde international flavour. Also with the blessed climate with an average annual temperature of 22º and around 320 days of sunshine and you have many people’s idea of utopia.

During the daytime you can visit the Sea Life Centre, hire a boat and endulge in a plethora of water sports activities, including; sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, and water skiing.

You can also wander through the streets of the busy port, with its many shops and boutiques, and choose from the huge array of restaurants and bars for lunch. For people who wish to try out Spanish ‘tapas’ there are many terrace bars to choose from, where you can sample many types of fish and other delicacies.

For people wishing to relax and take things at a more leisurly pace, Puerto Marina also has a fantastic beach with sunbeds and parasols for you to relax under and soak up the sun and the atmosphere of this special part of the mediterranean.

For the livelier and more energetic types, nightime is a must in Puerto Marina, you really are spoilt for choice in terms of evening entertainment. Start with drinks in anyone of the many classy and trendy bars. As the sunsets and the restaurants and bistro’s start to fill up, Puerto Marina caters for virtually any taste in dining. You will not be disappointed if you are fish lover, there are plenty of fish restaurants cooking the freshest catches of the day scattered all over the marina. You will also find fine Spanish, Italian, French, and Chinese dining experiences throughout the busy maze of streets.

Later into the night there are disco bars and nightclubs, for the young or young at heart to enjoy and dance the night away, that contribute to the electric atmosphere of this mediterranean port.

The harbour itself provides excellent services such as: Shipyard, Sailing school, Diving school and Nautical school. There exists a wide program of activities such as regattas, fishing and nautical competitions amongst others.

The Marina’s Centro Náutico was established to provide a place where sailing enthusiasts could meet up and arrange and enter sporting events. The centre also has social and formal meeting places, a restaurant and shops selling sailing and yachting equipment.

When you are visiting the Costa Del Sol region, Puerto Marina in Benalmadena is a must see and needs to be somewhere at the top of your “things to do” list.

Talk to the modest traveler as to where in the United States they would most likely want to visit and you are likely to hear Orlando, New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco.   Big cities with big attractions have always been the staple of good, exciting vacations.    For the lesser known vacation spots such as Arkansas, Texas and Illinois; is it possible to find as exciting a vacation?  I ventured to find out the answer to this question; and what I found was a pleasant surprise to me.

Indian Harbour Beach, Florida is probably not the first, (or a last stop for most) when you venture to the sunshine state.  Places like Daytona, Miami, even Key West take the bill here.  Known as the ‘Greatest Little City in Florida”, Indian Harbour Beach is in Brevard County, Florida along the coastline, offering everything that a relaxing vacation epitomizes.   Close to Orlando and to Kennedy Space Center it is a liaison between a quiet escape and excitement.   Just minutes from the Melbourne International Airport, this spot is perfect for getting away from the everyday.  I also have found the best hotel deal anywhere around Indian Harbour.  The Lexington Hotel is offering a 3 day/2 night package for $97/nt.  Including deluxe accommodations for 4 and a $20 credit to Doubles, their on-site restaurant, this is the classic definition of a “diamond in the rough”.

Another not so well known vacation spot is located in Illinois and has some of the most beautiful settings on the bluffs, high above the Rock River.   “The Forest City” as it is beloved known; Rockford is an integral park of the Rockford metro area.  Experience any of the 50 excellent national golf courses or stay in touch with nature with a tour of the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which has been ranked the top Japanese garden in North America.   I was lucky enough to stay at the Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort which was located inside of 12 miles from loads of attractions, right on the Bluff overlooking the river.  With prices starting at $129/nt, this is an affordable way to catch the wonderful sites of Illinois.

Of course, Illinois and Florida could be two places that vacationers might rank high on their list, but Arkansas?  At first glance, I couldn’t believe that this was going to make my list of out of the ordinary places to visit, but then I found Hot Springs I started to change the way that I viewed this state.  Hot Springs is the 10th most populated city in Arkansas and as the name inclines is known for national spring water.   The city hosts a number of art shows such as the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and the Hot Springs Music Festival.   Other events include the Hot Springs Jazz Festival held in September and the downtown Bathtub Races in the Spring.   It holds the number 4 position of the “America’s Top 100 Small Arts Town.”   They also have a Racetrack and Casino which, lucky for me, was located just one block from my hotel.  Americas Best Value Inn has all the necessities that is needed in this town. 

They say that everything is bigger and better in Texas; and I’m not one to argue with that line of thinking.  My next stop brought me to the Lone Star State and into San Antonio.  This live and vibrant city was like no other that I have visited and with its serene valleys and rolling, cedar-studded hills, it was no wonder why I fell in love with it as quickly as I did.  I stayed right on the Salado Creek and enjoyed the feeling of history that this place took me too.  With 300 days without rain, there is never a short list of outdoor activities.   The Alamo is nearly impossible to forget as it is Texas’ top tourist attraction.   The San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas are just a few of the other activities that this wonderful city has to offer.   Shell Vacations Hospitality has all the information that you need to make a real life cowboy out of anyone!

My only stop in the great Northeast was in Newport, RI.  You may be thinking if this should really go on this list of ‘unique destinations’ but I thought that it doesn’t get as much attention as some of its other counterparts; mainly because of the price associated with the mere mention of its name.  With presidents being married there and others making Newport their “Summer White Houses” not only does it seem unattainable, there almost seems like nothing more to do then to tour the streets and look at some insanely expensive houses.  But Newport has something for even the frugalist of travelers.   Along with being filled with culture, the city of Newport has Cliff Walk, which is considered one of the most popular attractions.  A 3 mile walkway that borders the shoreline and has been designated a National Recreation Trail; and for lovers of folk, country, blues music, the Newport Folk Festival is also hosted in Newport.  If all this sounds like a big budget breaker, don’t fret.  I found a great deal on a place to stay right in Newport just in time for summer.  The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina is everything that name implies.   Close to all the activities and some of the best restaurants anywhere, this resort is one not to be missed.  Use the Exclusive Corporate Number: DUN, and stay at this breathtaking resort for only $235.

Heading out west, another little known escape is Gunnison/Crested Butte, Colorado.   With so much to do in this quaint Colorado town, Gunnison will keep you wanting more.  Enjoy mountain biking and hiking up the peak of Mt. Crested Butte for one of the most spectacular 360 degree views you will ever see.  My stay was complete when I located this wonderful deal of $160 for 2nights.  It included ½ day of one of my favorite activities, rafting.  For all its worth, this vacation certainly will inspire your passion for the Colorado Rockies.

Richland Chambers Lake is a Y Shaped lake located within the City of Corsicana, just one hour south of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex on I-45, this lake is considered one of Texas’ “Best Kept Secrets.” Built in the late 1980s, the lake is controlled by the Tarrant Regional Water District, and is fed by two creeks, both Richland and Chambers. The area around Richland Chambers Lake is booming, but still under-developed. It’s the best time ever to take advantage of this secluded Texas Lake.

. 41,356 Acres

. 330 Miles of Shoreline

. Serves as water supply for Tarrant County

. 3rd Largest Lake in Texas

. Youngest lake in Texas

. Located in Navarro County & Freestone County

Public Facilities

. Richland Chambers Public Access Facilities – TX Parks & Wildlife

. Midway Landing (Public Boat Ramp)

. Oak Cove Marina – Family owned and operated marina offering motel, RV Park and Campground.

Lake Area Restaurants

. Lighthouse Cafe & Marina

. St Elmo Corner Store

Real Estate

Unlike many Texas Lake Properties, it is possible to purchase land that reaches to the shoreline at Richland Chambers Lake. It is possible to find a beautiful home with a lake view in a country setting, as well as custom homes in new subdivisions. There are roughly 50 areas for building a home around the lake. Most of the Texas Lake Home communities have deed restrictions, home owners associations, and architectural control commitees. Very few areas allow mobile homes. You can find lots on which to build your retirement home, vacation home, or any dream home. Richland Chambers Lake Homes are typically priced from $100,000 to $800,000. At this stage, you can still find breath-taking water-front lots with lake shore vistas for under $100,000!

Richland Chambers Lake Recreational Activities

Sailing on Richland Chambers Lake

Richland Chambers Lake has deep waters that are great for sailing. Sailers enjoy the large East to West expanse on the Richland arm.

Boating on Richland Chambers Lake

Boat ramps are available for public use. Richland Chambers offers Marinas, Boat Rentals, Houseboats, Ski Boats, Pontoon Boats, Slip Rentals, Docks and Boat Ramps.

. Boater Safety – Tarrant Regional Water District

Water Sports on Richland Chambers Lake

This Texas Lake is great for water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, jetskiing, and kneeboarding on a summer day because it’s large and not over-crowded.

Fishing

Richland Chambers Lake is an angler’s paradise with largemouth, white, and hybrid striped bass, blue & channel catfish, crappie, small mouth buffalo, and carp. Bass fishing tournaments are held regularly.”Richland-Chambers has one of the best blue catfish populations in the entire state of Texas” (Richard Ott, biologist – Texas Parks and Wildlife).

. Fishing Richland Chambers Lake – Texas Parks & Wildlife

. Fishing License Information – TX Parks & Wildlife

. Fishing Report for Richland Chambers Lake – July 2007

. Stocking History – July 2007

. Fishing Regulations – TX Parks & Wildlife

. Schmidt’s Big Bass Guide Service – Full day and half day bass fishing guides offering lunch and refreshments for your bass fishing enjoyment.

. Texas Guide Fishing

. Wooded Acres Bait Shop

. Current Water Data

. Outdoor Articles by Fishing Pro Staff – Richland Chambers Lake

Waterfowl Hunting – Richland Chambers Lake

Richland Chambers Lake has a special area that serves as a forbidden zone dedicated to waterfowl hunting. Since the lake is located near the Trinity River, it is a natural flyway for waterfowl, offering plenty of ducks & geese for hunters.

. Hunting & Fishing Requirements – TX Parks & Wildlife

. Hunting License & Permits – TX Parks & Wildlife

. Upland Bird Ventures – Offers lodge and hunting packages.

Cities Near Richland Chambers Lake

. Athens

. Cayuga

. Corsicana

. Eureka

. Fairfield

. Kerens

. Mildred

. Powell

. Streetman

Lakes Near Richland Chambers Lake

. Cedar Creek Lake

. Joe Pool Lake

. Lake Halbert

. Navarro Mills Lake