The show must go on for the Coachella Valley Music Festival. Even though the ash cloud from the Iceland volcano eruption caused a few acts to cancel (due to cancelled flights from Europe), day one of the Southern California art and music event began today. The three-day mega concert is sold out and runs from 11 AM to 1 AM Friday and Saturday, and 11 AM to midnight on Sunday. Festival passes, valid for all three days, were $269.

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A fresh list of awesome activities has been added to our Florida events calendar! The weather is warming up, so there's no better time to check out all the outdoor fun that Florida has to offer. If you need an excuse to take that well-deserved escape that you've been dreaming about, these three upcoming events will surely motivate you.

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The annual cherry blossom festival is underway in Washington, D.C.. From March 27 to April 11, an abundance of cherry blossom petals can be viewed all across the city. The event attracts about half a million out of town travelers, so there are sure to be crowds of people at the various attractions associated with the festival, including a parade and the 50th annual Sakura Matsuri on April 10--both free. CNN (via Budget Travel) has five tips to help you make the most of the experience.

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Photo Credit: Bob Therina

Panama City Beach condos aren't just for the spring break crowd. With the opening of a new airport on May 23, travel officials in the coastal Florida town want to welcome all types of travelers to the picturesque beaches. Even though the town is currently preparing for scantily-clad twenty-somethings to grace the area as colleges and universities around the country go on spring vacation in March and April, Panama City Beach can be a hot spot year-round.

Locals say that over the past 15 years they've seen a change in Panama City Beach vacationers and in the Gulf Coast area's facilities. Run-down hotels filled with college students have been replaced with vacationing adults and condos. One of the most appealing aspects about this vacation destination, though, is the affordability of the condos. You don't have to stay in a cheap motel to have a cheap getaway.

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The US is blessed with some of the best hiking trails in the world. Gorgeous scenery, a variety of wildlife, and campgrounds with first class amenities all combine to give a rich experience. The long trails stretching for hundreds or thousands of miles can be done in sections according to how much time you have. Get closer to nature and escape the daily grind from a list of terrific short and long hiking trails.

1. Blue Lake – Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado
   This is a wilderness trail up to Blue Lake at the base of Mount Toll, via Mitchell Lake. It’s a short hike of 5 miles and takes in stunning alpine scenery and mountain peaks. Snow is slow to melt in this area and the trail is often snow covered for much of the summer.
2. Bear Mountain, Mount Riga State Park Trail, Connecticut
   The trail up to the summit of Bear Mountain, the highest mountain in Connecticut, rewards the hiker with wonderful views of New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Once there, the triumph is marked with the customary heap of rocks. The 6-mile trail, which is a small part of the Appalachian Way, goes in a loop through ancient forests where coyote and deer are often observed.
3. Big Creek Falls (Taylor River), Washington
   Beginning near the mouth of Quartz Creek, the 10-mile trail finishes below Snoqualmie Lake. The Taylor River backcountry trail is an old road that has been reclaimed by the thick, ancient forest and hikers will come across spectacular waterfalls. All this is within an hour’s drive from Seattle. Dogs are permitted to accompany walkers.
4. Hut to Hut Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire
   The Presidential Range goes across the top of the White Mountains, taking in major speaks on the way, but it is possible to bypass the summits. The 25.5-mile trail is classed as ‘very strenuous’. There are numerous sections but the main route is from Madison Hut to Mizpah Spring Hut. Hikers make use of the network of mountain huts that give the trail its name.
5. Glacier National Park, Montana
   Forests, alpine meadows, and lakes form the route of the 700-mile trail. The diverse habitat supports more than 70 species of mammals and 260 species of birds. Trail guides and topographic maps are available from the Visitors Center. The Trail of the Cedars and the Running Eagle Falls trails have wheelchair access.
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Colorado has some of the finest scenery in America and each season brings its own unique character and we've put together a list of the top 21 Colorado hiking trails. Getting up close is the best way to see the mountains, rock formations, lakes, valleys, and forests, and that means hiking. There are many trails to choose from, including long ones that can be walked in sections. So, whether your interest is in photography, wildlife, or wildflowers, or simply in getting out there, Colorado’s gems are waiting.

Mileage includes return hike.

1. Canyon Loop Trail
   (Nearest City – Boulder)
   The easily walked 3.2-mile trail is a small part of the 700-acre Betasso Preserve containing forest ravines and open meadow. The narrow singletrack goes through dense, Douglas Fir forest and it’s a good short hike for terrific views and seeing lots of wildlife. It’s a popular trail for mountain bikers too.
2. Aiken Canyon
   (Nearest City – Colorado Springs)
   A 4 mile loop hiking trail, classed as moderate, starts at the entrance to this nature preserve in the Front Range, where bears, mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, elk, and rattlesnakes can be seen, along with more than 100 species of birds. A further ¾ mile trail leaves the loop and goes through the canyon.
3. Green Mountain Loop
   (Nearest City – Boulder)
   Miles of backcountry trails wind through Boulder Mountain Park with the rugged Flatirons rock formations dominating the landscape. The 4-mile Green Mountain Loop is actually three different trails that include a route through Gregory Canyon. The loop is described as strenuous.
4. Booth Falls
   (Nearest City – Vail)
   The Booth Creek Trail is a moderate – strenuous hike with a rewarding waterfall at the end of the 4.2 miles. The abundance of wildflowers and aspen trees are another treat in store. Hiking can be extended another 4 miles by following the trail leading from the falls up to Booth Lake.
5. Blue Lake – Indian Peaks Wilderness
   (Nearest City – Nederland)
   The 5 mile alpine, Blue Lake Trail is classed as moderate and the route goes past Mitchell Lake and up to Blue Lake, which is located at the base of Mount Toll. Leashed pets are permitted to accompany hikers. Snow can still be seen during the summer season.
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