Vegas Day Trip, Destination: Chocolate, Cacti, Engineering, and Art.

Las Vegas is a hub of activity, a hub where interstates and highways wind through a neon oasis, leading south to Arizona's picturesque scenery, west toward the tans and sand of Los Angeles and southern California, and east to the landscapes of Utah. Heading north, you can drive for miles through changing landscapes, arriving at both national forests and national parks.

The strip of Las Vegas is a larger than life adult playground, where fortunes are made and lost in a single night, and so are many marriages. If you have been living here for a while, you may tire of the glitz and games of the strip, and be looking for a different sort of entertainment. Even if you love the atmosphere of the city, traveling the areas around Vegas is a grand adventure. Sometimes, the best way to plan a trip outside of Vegas is pick a direction, a road, and start driving. There are unique attractions in every direction around Vegas.

A day trip favorite for chocolate, cactus and history lovers lies to the southeast. Start out on I-15 S and take I-215E to Henderson, Nevada. Take the Airport Exit to Sunset and you will find the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory at the corner of the Green Valley Business Park. The factory is open 7 days a week and has self-guided tours. The chocolate making machinery does not run every day, but every day chocolate is available to sample and buy. It is yummy, gourmet chocolate, and makes a good dessert after lunch. When you leave the factory, don't get into your car just yet! Adjacent is the Ethel M. Botanical Cactus Garden, the largest cactus garden in the States, and a mecca for photographers. During the holidays, the cacti are strung with lights, a touch of kitschy desert charm you really won't find anywhere but near Vegas. This garden is a testament to beauty that can exist in the harshest of climates, and may inspire you to cultivate some prickly plants of your own. If you haven't filled up on chocolate and want something more substantial, there are restaurants nearby, offering a solid array of choices for any taste.

When you get back in your car, take Sunset Way to the right, and turn left on W. Sunset Road, and merge onto US-93S. Follow the signs to Hoover Dam, which is an easy 25 mile drive. Hoover Dam is an American history buffs dream, as well as a breathtaking marvel of engineering. It may seem silly to someone who has never been there to say that this dam is aweinspiring, but it truly is. It is one of the world's largest dams, and the sheer amount of concrete, generators and steel it contains can make you proud to be human. We created this dam, and created a lake right in the middle of a barren desert. It is terraforming at its finest. The dam is also a destination for art-lovers, with its unique designs on the towers, spillways and power plants. Some people say they have seen these designs in their dreams for years after visiting the dam. The designs are based on traditional art of the Native American tribes in the area, mainly the Navajo and Pueblo tribes, and the warm colors reflect the landscape of the southern American deserts. Over 100 people involved with the Hoover Dam project died during it's completion, and the some of the art that decorates the dam honors the dead.

The Hoover dam has an excellent 30 minute tour, that is only $9.00 if you are over 62. It is worth taking, as there are parts of the dam that you can only visit on the tour. This is a self-guided tour, and 30 minutes is low estimate of the amount of time it could take. If you really stop to read and absorb everything, you can easily spend a few hours in the Hoover dam. There is also an hourlong guided tour that is $30.00, which allows visitors to see even more of the dam. Be aware this guided tour requires about a mile and half of walking, so wear sturdy shoes and take this into consideration.

Now that you are at the dam, I am sure you have noticed the large reservoir created by its construction. This is Lake Mead, the real oasis in this desert. It is 112 miles long and supplies much of the water for this area of the southeast. Lake Mead is a hotspot for boat lovers, and you can usually watch boaters, or even rent a boat year round with a boating license. The waters are calm and even inexperienced boaters can navigate the waters of Lake Mead with ease. There are a few different companies here that offer boat rental. They have very similar prices, and most of the employees are happy to answer questions and give advice about boating on Lake Mead. The people that run these small boat rental companies have been in the area for years, and if they like you, they will give you hints on the best direction to head this time of year, hidden treasures and alcoves to look for along the way, and the best fishing spots.

Even if you don't plan to boat or fish, and you may not if you have stopped and eaten a ton of free chocolate, viewed the largest cactus garden in the southwest, toured the most famous dam in the world and learned about a vital part of our nation's history, it is still worth walking along the shores of Lake Mead and seeing the sunset. This is the perfect nightcap to end a wonderful day, romantic and peaceful. Drop into the Boat House Restaurant at the Lake Mead Marina for fresh seafood before your short drive back to Vegas, and discuss your fun day in a relaxed atmosphere. The drive back is easy and takes approximately 30 minutes. You are sure to sleep well after such a full and fun day!

Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, you might not know where to begin. You can find palm trees and sandy beaches on all the islands, but beyond that, they can be very different from each other, with unique attractions on every island. Do you want to go surfing or stargazing? Do you want to experience the excitement of a busy city or stand on the edge of an active volcano? Read on to discover some of the highlights of the four most-visited Hawaiian islands.

Oahu

If you're looking for a tropical adventure combined with a vibrant city atmosphere, then Oahu is the right island for you. In Honolulu, Hawaii's capital and largest city, you can hit the beach by day and go clubbing at night. Plus, as a big city, Honolulu boasts a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget hostels and condos to luxury high-rise hotels by the ocean.

In Honolulu, you'll also find some of Hawaii's most significant historic sites, such as Pearl Harbor, Chinatown, and Iolani Palace, the former seat of the Hawaiian kingdom. But, Oahu isn't just about Honolulu. Surfers flock to the north shore of Oahu for its legendary waves.

And, if you're ready to escape crowded Waikiki Beach, you'll discover excellent beaches in Kailua, a short drive from Honolulu.

Kauai

If you're more of a nature buff than a big-city type, you'll enjoy Kauai. The Garden Island entices visitors with its lush tropical landscapes, undeveloped rural atmosphere, and a range of outdoor adventure opportunities.

Go hiking or kayaking along the Kalalau Coast, where you might spot frolicking dolphins. Surf the waves in sunny Poipu, or try snorkeling or scuba diving. Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," offers wide-open vistas and excellent hiking opportunities.

Or, live out your castaway dreams on isolated and empty Polihale Beach. Be sure to visit some of Kauai's small towns to experience their laid-back charm.

Maui

Maui residents have a saying: "Maui no ka oi." In Hawaiian, this means, "Maui is the best." On Maui, you can sample some of the best of what makes Hawaii special.

Do you want to stay at a beach resort? On Maui, you'll have your pick, from the budget condos of busy Kihei to the more exclusive hotels in tranquil Wailea. Some of Hawaii's top-rated beaches are found on Maui, so if you want to go swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or even windsurfing, you'll find the perfect place for it.

Watch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala, Maui's highest mountain, or stay up late to experience the nightlife in Lahaina's lively waterfront district.

If you want to get away from it all, head to remote Hana for a taste of the uncrowded, slow-paced “old Hawaii.”

The Big Island

The Big Island, also known as Hawaii Island, is the largest Hawaiian island in terms of area. The Big Island's size has resulted in an incredible amount of climatic diversity.

On the Big Island, you can bask on a tropical beach or gaze at the stars atop a snowy mountain. But, while the Big Island's climatic diversity can be astonishing, the island's biggest attractions are its volcanoes, in particular, Kilauea, which has been erupting for more than three decades. If conditions are right, you can witness a smoldering volcanic caldera and flowing lava on this dynamic island.

Each Hawaiian island has its own special attractions. Whether you enjoy nature or nightlife, history or hitting the beach, you'll find the perfect island for it.

Have you been to any of these beautiful Hawaiian Islands? Share your experiences in the comments below.