The Western North Carolina Historical Association in Asheville, North Carolina, is committed to preserving and promoting history through the care and preservation of Smith-McDowell, an imposing, historic 4-story mansion that is now an interesting and informative museum. Previously a dormitory and classroom, in 1974 The Western North Carolina Historical Association began restoring Smith-McDowell House, the oldest surviving house, as a museum that offers exhibitions and educational programs that highlight the lives of explorers and settlers. Crafty Historian events held at Smith-McDowell House include art-focused and educational activities that provide fun and interactive ways of experiencing history.READ MORE

The Australian Reptile Park in Somersby, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia is an award winning hands on zoo with excellent animal interaction and exciting wildlife shows. Come for a fun family day out and meet Elvis the crankiest crocodile in the whole of Australia, meet some cuddle Aussie animals, see reptiles up close, venomous snake and web spider milkings, walk with Hugo the giant tortoise and so much more. They have an on-site cafe, picnic areas and free gas BBQ's, and there's a gift shop. The Australian Reptile Park hosts tours and activities for everyone, young and old including behind the scenes tours and a look at the endangered Tasmanian devil, and for corporate events they will bring the reptiles on the road to you. This is also the ideal venue for unique hands-on events with exclusive reptile shows and more and quality caterers and bar staff along with high customer service ensure your event a success.READ MORE

The Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia is set on two and a half acres of peaceful surroundings, and is an award winning attraction for excellence in tourism and cultural heritage. Once the home of pioneer poet Henry Kendall, the museum is furnished as an old cottage with one room showing all the poet's possessions, and displays include typewriters, bottles and old memorabilia. The grounds have wood burning barbecues, picnic tables and chairs and it's a lovely setting to enjoy the perfect afternoon or day. The Henry Kendall Cottage also has a slab shed in the grounds which contains tools and farm machinery, come for a fascinating visit in historical surrounds.READ MORE

Mt Penang Gardens and Event Park in West Gosford, New South Wales, Australia offers a stunning Australian landscape over 8 beautiful hectares of cascading waterways and stunning summer aquatic gardens. Modern landscapes and native Australian flora produce fascinating seasonal displays, and the 12 different garden rooms offer up great ideas for you to solve problem areas in your own garden, complete with different microclimates. Guided tours are available and visitors and groups can delight in exploring the contemporary garden architecture and unique Australian native plants. Mt Penang Gardens and Event Park is available for commercial photography, wedding and portraiture photography and they require booking and a fee. The event park here is designed to host major outdoor events and festivals in a unique space for up to 25,000 people and is a great venue for a huge range of outdoor functions. The Waterfall Cafe located at Mt Penang Gardens offers stunning views over the gardens in a warm and friendly environment with gourmet meals of fresh seasonal produce, cake and coffee and they are fully licensed, book your table by the water today.READ MORE

Brisbane Water National Park near Gosford on the Central Coast offers an excellent range of wonderful experiences from walking tracks, to cycling routes, stunning lookouts along the way, a Bulgandry Aboriginal Art site and more. Two picnic areas include the Somersby Falls picnic area with barbecues and picnic tables available in a lush rainforest, complete with waterfalls and a walking track, and the Girrakool picnic area has lots of green spaces, barbecues and scenic walking track that features Aboriginal engravings. The Brisbane Water National Park protects ancient Aboriginal rock engraving sites, and Woy Woy Bay is nestled in the backwaters, they welcome volunteers to assist with bushcare there once a month, weddings and commercial photographers require a permit for within the park, come for a memorable day visit in spectacular surrounds.READ MORE

The Gosford Regional Gallery and Arts Centre in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia is part of a complex that also includes the Gosford/Edogawa Commemorative Garden, the Arts Centre and the Caroline Bay Brasserie, Cafe and Function Centre, all located on the shores of Caroline Bay in East Gosford. The gallery maintains a stimulating national and international exhibition program in various media including painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, and works on paper. The Gosford/Edogawa Commemorative Garden was a gift to the people of Gosford by their sister city Edogawa near Tokyo in Japan and is based on a traditional Shuyu or strolling garden with Japanese features including a Japanese teahouse, raked dry stone garden called a Karesansui, stone lanterns and a pond filled with Koi fish, they offer free guided tours and the roofed Pavilion is an ideal wedding venue. The Gosford Regional Gallery and Arts Centre also offers art classes, practical workshops and demonstrations, has a gallery shop, and the Community Access Gallery offers space for regional artists and is available at a fee.READ MORE

Manx Aviation and Military Museum in Ballasalla is dedicated to preserving the Military and aviation history of the Isle of Man. Dedicated to the Manx men and women who served the island in cause of freedom, the site is located on the present day airfield and does not only cover military history, but also civil aviation in general. Come view the relief map in reception showing wartime military installations and the many aircraft crash sites. Exhibition rooms at the Manx Aviation and Military Museum are packed with exhibits, fascinating models, war time stories and facts, photographs, and recovered air crash parts, and through the gathered artifact and memorabilia displays, they hope to convey the rich history of this part of the island.READ MORE

Isle of Man Ghost Tours in Peel on the Isle of Man offers a fun and ghostly adventure looking at the island's local history from a totally different perspective, and they serve to educate, inform and entertain. Come walk the streets and lanes of Peel and hear the terrifying ghostly stories, hear about haunted hotels, creepy graveyards as the sun goes down and the past comes to life, it's a walk on the dark side. Isle of Man Ghost Tours also offers private bookings for groups and the general public with your knowledgeable guide, so prepare yourself for a spooky evening.READ MORE

The Leece Museum in Peel on the Isle of Man, is located in the Old Courthouse building with many original features including the Black Hole prison cell. Devoted to objects, photographs and documents relating to Peel, the museum is of special interest to those who are researching family history or wish to discover what life was like in the busy Manx fishing port of days back in time. The Leece Museum can assist with research and educational projects with knowledgeable staff on hand to assist, there is a small research centre and also look to develop their collection of artifacts and documents. Noted local historians offer themed walks, and informal talks and discussions are available for groups, plus visitors can buy photographs, gifts, souvenirs and more in the Museum shop.READ MORE

The Venture Centre in Ramsey, Isle of Man, is an adventure park situated on spectacular farm land, and in this perfect locatiion, lovers of the outdoors can satisfy their quest for fun and adventure with the many outdoor activities that are available. Our adventure park was established in 1981, and offers exciting activities that include archery, abseiling, a target range, zip line, canoeing, kayaking, and is the perfect destination for group adventure vacations. Gorge walking involves climbing waterfalls, swimming across ponds, and is popular with all ages. The Venture Centre bunkhouse has self catering facilities and includes en suite bathrooms and full central heating.READ MORE