It's Always a Carnival at New Orleans|Finding the Best Topographical Wood Art for Your Home

New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana and a major port in the United States. The city has a rich background, not just in resources, but in multicultural heritage as well. The district is well known for it's French and Spanish Creole architecture.  The place gathered international recognition for its cuisine, music and annual festivities.  New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and the much anticipated Mardi Gras festivals since the French colonial times. Some say New Orleans is the “most unique” city in the country because of its very diverse culture.

Most tourist destinations are centered in the French Quarter, the heart of New Orleans. To get up close with the city of New Orleans, you can also walk within the city to explore the French Quarter.  Located along the Mississippi River, you can ride horse-drawn carriages see the Bourbon Street and Steamboat Natchez. You can also hop on the historic street car or busses to get to the Garden District and the city museum.

#1 French Quarter

Tourists from around the world travel to New Orleans to see the French Quarter.  The whole district has a unique architecture with lots of restaurants and entertainment throughout the day. Some of the buildings date back 300 years ago with wrought iron designed balconies, red-tiled roofs, and beautiful courtyards. Many of these picturesque buildings are hotels, souvenir shops, art galleries and famous jazz clubs. Try to have your picture taken at Court of Two Sisters, a famous French building located on Royal Street. Keep your eyes out when crossing Bourbon Street; although the streets are safe during the day, it gets pretty crowded and hectic in the night.  To hear traditional jazz music, head to Frenchmen Street where you find restaurants where artistic minds would gather to talk about their passions.

# 2 National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum features exhibits about the war in Pacific and Europe. The museum houses WWII aircraft and film about the war continuously played in their 4D Theater. Feel the experience of the war as your chairs would shake as tanks explode and other sensory experience. To honor the WWII veterans, black and white documentary film shows some of the real life experience they encountered during the war. There are tour guides who would provide facts and snippets about the WWII. One part of the museum is the Stage Door Canteen which features 1940s matinees and dinner shows.

# 3 Jackson Square

At the heart of French Quarter lies Jackson Square is formally known as Place de Armes. When you explore the grounds, you will find luscious greeneries and an equestrian statue built in 1856 of General Andrew. You can also find another prominent landmark, the St. Louis Cathedral and state museums like Presbytere and Cabildo. Because of its popularity, it is a favorite place for many artists with restaurants and different shops. Don’t miss out some of the recommended tourist spots like the Moon Walk, a boardwalk along the banks of Mississippi River and the Millhouse. 

# 4 New Orleans Museum of Art

Considered as the finest museum in the southern US, New Orleans Museum of Arts it display exhibits from French and American art. They also feature African and Japanese art collection and a variety of exhibitions depending on their themes. The museum also has 60 sculptures displayed in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. The garden has beautiful trails that lead to lagoons and soaring oak trees.

# 5 Mardi Gras

A trip to New Orleans will not be complete without going to the Mardi Gras festival. New Orleans is synonymous to Mardi Gras, with festivities that last for two weeks. French settlers introduced the tradition which eventually became one of the most popular city events in the world. Plan your vacation in line with the city’s celebration of Mardi Gras. You can enjoy all day celebrations of parades, all sorts of entertainment and other festivities. French Quarter usually gets packed so plan ahead to get the best seat in town. The party intensifies as the event moves closer to its end. People would celebrate Mardi Gras on their balconies, overlooking the parade and decorated floats.

Visiting New Orleans is a wonderful experience! If you want a remembrance of your time in NOLA, you can get a New Orleans 3D Nautical Wood Chart! Carved Lake Art has a wonderful collection of custom topographical wood chart that you can get here.  

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Home Decors to Get Rid Off|Custom Wood Art You Need To Have in Your Home

Everyone has that vision of a perfect home – cozy, trendy, and most of all clean. But because of design trends every now and then, we might find our homes stuffed with unusual things. To make your home more inviting and more relaxing, it is time to declutter or upgrade to more conventional designs. Here are some of the things to stay away from.

Sleek and flat looking rooms

Over the past few years, modernist interior design tops the list. But modern is almost synonymous to sleek and flat looking rooms. In short, homes may look monotonous and boring. For this year, textures, patterns, or anything that break that blunt design is in. Several designs may include pleat folds and anything that incorporate your personal style. 

Brass

Last year, we saw overkill to brass designs. Along with warm metallic counterparts like bronze and copper, brass was a trend back in the 70’s.  We had seen brass incorporated into every kind of furniture we can think of. However, using brass in almost every corner of your home gives out a very ‘stiff’ and industrialized atmosphere. If you went overboard last year with brass designs, it is time to throw some of them. Brass fashion can easily come and go, as long as you don’t go overboard with it, you are good. Rumor has it, that brass will soon make experience revival.

Brushed Metals 

Your main aim should always be the comfort of your home. Trends for this year lean toward textures and comfy feel. Stay away from the industrial look and try to minimize gold accents. Look for shinier metals create a very sophisticated look especially in your kitchens.

Edison bulbs

Edison bulbs are used to complete the industrialized look which was popular last year.  If you have any of these left hanging from your ceiling, get rid of it. Opt for a more fitting lighting in your home. You would want to make your home with a bubblier vibe that will always look inviting. Not something that came out from a science project.

All Whites

Over the years, all white kitchens, laundry rooms, and living rooms graced the front covers of home magazines. It all looks good in the magazine but impractical in the real life, especially if you have children. Cleaning will be a nightmare. Try to break the dull colors with textures, patterns, and accents. For this year, navy is the new black. Incorporate navy colors in some areas of your home to make it look up to date.

DIY's

DIYs are not really a bad thing but too having too much of it is not always a good thing. Try to do home cleanse, and focus on a few pieces of your DIYs in your home to show your personality. This year is the year for artisans and pieces that show great skills. Visit Carved Lake Art for some of their unique masterpieces of wood carved lakes. They are a great décor that will attract attention because of their high-quality work. Also, Detroit Michigan will be your haven for paintings and artisan works.


Looking for more design inspiration? Look no further! Carved Lake Art offers custom-made topographical wood art that would be a great addition to your home. Here's a 3D Nautical Wood Chart of Cape Cod.

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How to Decontaminate a Boat|Custom Collectible Wood Art for the Boater in Your Life

Boating is a way of life for most people. Decontamination is a way to preserve life in the open seas. Every boater should know how important decontamination is. Invasive species may latch on the bottom of the boat that may cross another body of water causing an imbalance on the marine life. These species can be a plant, fungus or animal that has a tendency to cause damage to the environment, health and even in the economy. 

It is the sole responsibility of the boaters to decontaminate their boating equipment properly. Doing it right protects the open waters from the devastating effect of invasive species. Safe from their usual predators and disease of their natural habitat these species can cause a devastating effect on other bodies of water. They can reproduce in uncontrollably and can cause problems like:

•    significantly decreasing game fish and other native marine life

•    break boat engines and may jam steering gear, causing accidents

•    increase drinking water operating cost

•    can cause diseases

•    makes rivers and lakes unsafe for boaters and swimmers

The best way to prevent these things is to stop it from spreading to another body of water. Cleaning is an understatement for it. Decontamination is the only proper way to stop these species invading other areas. With the proper equipment and right products, it is as simple as clean, drain, and dry.

Even if the waters look clear and unpolluted, invasive species may hide under the surface of your boat. They can be as big as mussels and as tiny as a microbe. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Coast Guard recommend the following steps in decontaminating boats. It is very important to do these procedures every time boats come into contact with any body of water. 

CLEAN

•    Once docked, remove any visible plants, animals, mud, and dirt from the boat. Check the trailers, boots, fishing tackle, and other equipment that may have come in contact with the water. Tiny invasive species may hitchhike from the dirt and other plant fragments.

•    Thoroughly clean boating and fishing equipment including the boat’s cooling system, bilge using hot tap water. If hot is not available then spray the trailers, boats, floats, and anchors with a high-pressure spray.

•    In some cases, equipment cannot be exposed to hot water or high-pressure spray. Dipping in in vinegar for at least 20 minutes may do the trick. Another option is to immerse it with a once-percent salt water solution for 24 hours. 

•    For pets that cannot resist the water, wash them properly using tap water as soon as possible. They may hide unwanted creatures under their coats.

DRAIN

•    Empty waters from jet drives live wells, boat hulls, bait buckets, and motors. It is important to do this on site as doing it somewhere else may contaminate local waters. 

•    Do not dump unused bait into the waters even if it was bought from a store near the dock or caught in local waters. They may already be contaminated with other things. Dump it properly into a trash can. 

DRY

•    It is crucial for the boat and other equipment to dry for a minimum of 5 days before using them again in open waters.

These are excellent tips for any avid boat enthusiasts. If you're looking for the ideal gift for the boater in your life Carved Lake Art has a large selection of custom made like this Cape Coral 3D Nautical Wood Chart.

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What to do in Lake Placid|Custom Topographical Wood Art

Lake Placid

Lake Placid has an interesting range of activities for such a small town. Because of its close proximity to the Adirondack Mountains, it offers the most scenic and beautiful views in the region. Look into the towering mountain peaks, forested parks, and crystal clear lakes. Here is a list of places you can visit in Lake Placid. 

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake has a breathtaking view of the Village of Lake Placid. In most days, the reflection of the town can be clearly seen from the lake. The local government does not allow any motorized vessel on the lake so it is always nice to go paddle boarding or kayaking without any distractions. You can enjoy walking along its 2.7 miles path along its shores or hike in its surrounding forests. At the end of the lake is where the held the swimming part of the Ironman Triathlon. 

High Falls Gorge

Just a few miles from Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, you can find for impressive waterfalls covering rocks and deep crevices which have carved more than a billion year ago. The perfect way to get closer to this marvelous wonder of nature is a half-hour trail to the Gorge. The trail is made for everyone to enjoy this fantastic view. Traverse through bridges, walk on glass floor walkways and well-paved trails. There is even a wheelchair accessible path which leaves room for everybody to see the waterfalls. During winter, High Falls Gorge has another amazing view with its ice formations.

Mount Jo

Located in the Adirondack in the High Peaks area, Mount Jo stands 2876 feet from the ground. About seven miles from Lake Placid, you can find the beautiful Heart Lake and the historic Adirondack Loj. Enjoy a hike with two trails that lead to the mountain peak. One trail is easy to climb, perfect if you are hauling the whole pack. The other trail is a short and steep ascendant for the more adventurous mind. Autumn season is probably the best time to go in Mount Jo as the forest is teeming with colors and little creatures.

Lake Placid Olympic Museum

Lake Placid is so marvelous that it hosted two Winter Olympics, the only place in North America to do so. The museum marks the both Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. Inaugurated in 1994, it features the effects of both events to the region. Located in the Olympic Center, the museum exhibits memorabilia and equipment used by the athletes from the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Games. It even hosted the Olympic torch parade during the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Lake Placid Olympic Museum is a destination itself for your pack, where Lake Placid film forum is held yearly. 

John Brown Farm

For an off the beaten path destination and a little bit of nature trip of the side, John Brown Farm will delight your family. It is the home of John Brown, the Underground Railroad conductor, and insurrectionist who moved to the Adirondack Mountains to free slaves. Unfortunately, he was captured and hanged to death on December 2, 1859, after attacking the US Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry. You can look around and explore the grounds. The farm is still fully furnished with his personal belongings and period furniture. 

Do you want to commemorate your trip to Lake Placid? Carved Lake Art has a wide selection of custom topographical wood art that you can choose from like this 3D Nautical Wood Chart of Lake Placid. 

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Have Fun at Grapevine Texas! 5 Interesting Places You Need to Visit|

Grapevine

Grapevine Texas is known for its old western flair combined with the conveniences of a modern city. Located in North Texas near Dallas and Fort Worth, it’s a popular destination for conferences and a short day tour of the city. Most tourists would rather spend their long DFW layover in Grapevine than to stay at the airport. Who doesn’t? There is a convenient Grapevine Shuttle from DFW airport going to downtown Grapevine. 

But the real event in Grapevine happens during Christmas time. More than 1 million people come to see over 1,400 events in 40 days. Because of its tradition keeping up the Christmas spirit very much alive, it was even named as the Christmas Capital of Texas. Tourists can still visit these attractions all year round.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad 

The Grapevine Vintage Railroads features 1920s railroad carriages. They have daily tours between the historic towns of Grapevine rail station and Fort Worth. Every now and then, they set themes on the train ride which incorporates some of their best known local artists. The train ride may sometimes offer wines from local Grapevine wineries. The North Pole Express is one of their best-featured train rides which everyone in the family will surely enjoy.

Grapevine Botanic Garden 

Tourist would find a sanctuary to unwind in Grapevine Botanic Garden. It a very scenic park which featured well-paved trails with ponds and streams. Some enjoy a quick snack from one of the shady sitting areas. The garden showcases wide varieties of plants that everyone would appreciate.

Grapevine Wineries

As the name implies, one should have taken a hint that the town has one of the best wineries in the region. There are a lot of wineries in Grapevine, as the local really love their wines and very proud to showcase them to tourists. Embark on a wine trail, starting with Homestead Winery. 

Located in a charming 1890s Victorian house they have lovely chocolate wines to wine made from green chilies. Another winery destination is Messina Hof, situated in a 19th-century hotel. They offer over 50 different local wines which are hard not to find your perfect bottle.

Vetro

Vetro means glass in Italian. For more than a century, Italian artisans discovered the art form of glassblowing. It is a very precise which involves intricate techniques to form and mold hot molten glass. This produces amazing great art glass that still fascinated the world. Today, tourist can witness firsthand how artisans make their art from Vetro. The art center received a national recognition for its works. It has a full-scale working studio and a gallery to feature their works of art.

Historic Downtown Grapevine

The best way to spend the day in Grapevine is to visit its historic downtown. Go back in time in the gorgeous Main Street. The street and storefronts look like frozen in time which takes tourists back in the Wild West. It feels like a setting from an old Hollywood movie where there is still horse-drawn stagecoaches and dirt on the road. Now, the place is lined with wineries, shops, art centers, and restaurants. Do not miss out their Glockenspiel Clock Tower.

Want to have your own memento of Grapevine Lake? Get this one of a kind collectible art from Carved Lake Art . Grab your own Grapevine Lake 3-D Nautical Wood Chart.

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Boat Driving Tips For Beginners|Great Gift Ideas Collectible Wood Art

Everyone starts small even boaters. Whether you need a new hobby, or just want to enjoy a cruise on the open waters here are some of the basic things you need to know as a boater. 

Knowing the proper boating terms

•    Mastering the right boating terms is important. The bow is a short term for “you bow forward” means front. Port is left, Starboard is right, Stern is the back of the boat, and the beam is where the widest width of the boat.

•    Every time you go on board always check for these things – fire extinguisher, life vests, gas, oil, and 3 flares. Everybody onboard is required by the law to wear life vests even adults.

•    Inspect the bilge pump area to check for water. In some boats, you may need to turn on the bilge to see.

•    Always check the ventilation blowers before starting the engine. Look for any unusual seepage or oil in the water. These gases can leak from the engine and might blow you up.

•    Once you check everything is clear, turn on the ignition and just look at the engine. You really don’t need to be an expert mechanic if you see smoke coming out from the engine to know there is a problem.

•    Look at your gauges. Oil pressure is around 60, engine temperature is from 160 to 175. RPM is usually at about 3000 at 30 mpg. 

Driving on the open waters

•    As any vehicle, it is important to know the speed limit of the area. Most people do not pay attention to it which results in boating accidents. 

•    Keep in mind that you should always be 100 feet from the shore and 500 feet away from any people using Jet Skis.

•    Keep at the ‘one click’ speed within the 5 mph zone to avoid accidents.  When you move the lever, go really slowly. Remember to level out the boat when starting out.

•    Another rule to always remover is boats with lower priority must give way for vessels with higher priority. Higher priority vessels are those who are unable to maneuver or have a limited ability to maneuver. Lower priority vessels may include boats engaged in fishing (this does not include trolling line which does not limit maneuverability) and power driven vessels. 

•    If this confuses you, then it's best to avoid larger vessels at any cost even if you have the right of way just to be cautious.

•    Memorize the term “Red Right Returning”. Green and Ref buoys are an indication of directions. When heading north red buoys should be on your Port (left) and vice versa when going back.

When docking

•    One of the trickiest parts in boating is docking. Remember to do ‘one click’ and never going past it. It is important to go slow and never rush when docking. Easy does it, as they say.

•    Once you successfully dock, turn off the battery with the switch. If you leave any light on, your battery will not drain and you can still start up the engine.

Boating can be quite an adventure. Knowing the basics of boating can make the experience more exciting! And if you are looking for an excellent gift to give a loved one who is an avid boater, Carved Lake Art has a wide array of nautical gifts for you! Check out these Great Lakes 3-D Nautical Wood Chart of Big BearLake.

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Make Your Trip to Naples Florida Interesting By Visiting These Amazing Places|Collectible Gifts of Art

Naples

Naples is one of the richest cities in the country and the second highest proportion of millionaires in the area. A city in Collier County, Florida it houses about 20,600 residents according to the 2015 US Census. Some of the houses in Naples sold in excess of $40 million making the city with the most expensive real estate property in the US. Many prominent and wealthy international families reside in Naples. 

The city is famous for its golf and laid back country destinations. Most golfers prefer to play in the luxurious Ritz Carlton Golf Resort. The place also offers premium yoga classes, tennis courts, and boating launches.  You do not need to worry finding a good place to relax as most resorts have in-house spas. View some of the spectacular homes on Millionaire’s Row. If you want to be close to nature, Naples have their own Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and spectacular beaches. 

#1 Naples Pier 

Naples Pier is one of the most stunning places in the city. Located at Naples Beach in the west end of 12th Avenue, the boardwalk spreads 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its very lovely sunsets, it serves as favorite fishing spots for tourists and locals alike. The extensive boardwalk is known for its panoramic view of the sea, and the main location for the city’s 4th of July fireworks display. When visiting during the holidays, make a reservation ahead of time as the place gets really packed with people. Another great thing about fishing in Naples Pier is you do not need any fishing license for casting your lines in the pier. You can also buy bait conveniently placed halfway down the pier. 

# 2 Naples Botanical Garden

The 170-acre Naples Botanical Garden houses more than 1,000 flora and fauna species. It has nine themed tropical gardens which rest on a 90-acre federally preserve land. The botanical garden is located just a few miles from downtown Naples, and nature lovers will love how they strategically place each plant to showcase its natural beauty. They also have an extensive and wide variety of plant collections and different monthly activities for children. When visiting the place make sure to free your schedule for the rest of the day. It may take several hours to fully enjoy its grounds and nature at its bests. 

# 3 Clam Pass Beach Park

If ever the botanical garden inspired you to get even closer to nature, visit Clam Pass Beach Park. Located 6 miles north of Naples, the 3,000-long boardwalk will take you into a picturesque mangrove forest. Clam Pass Beach Park houses three species of mangrove trees, a number of birds and some alligators. The best thing about the park? It ends on a pristine white sand beach fully equipped with picnic areas, bathrooms, rental spots, and a snack bar to fuel your lost energy. The park also offers rentals for water activities like kayaks and canoes to get a better view of the 35-acre park. 

# 4 The Baker Museum

To see some the best art collections in the southwest region of Florida, drop by to Baker Museum. A magnificent 14-foot-tall piece of art will greet you at its entrance gates. It a much-needed melodramatic effect to the museum’s best art works. Exhibits in the museum vary, but permanent art display includes modern American art like Dale Chihuly. Be in awe in its colorful chandelier and ocean-themed ceiling door for a complete touch of the city of Naples. 

# 5 Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

The most popular nature destination in the region is probably Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Situated about 47 miles south of Fort Myers and 30 miles northeast of Naples, it features 600-year old trees. The 11,000 acres of marshland is home to otters, alligators, and many endangered species. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll in its boardwalk that passes through the sanctuary or takes a self-guided tour. A walk in the sanctuary can take you back in time, a time when Florida still an old country backyard.


Commemorate your trip by getting collectible gifts of art with a Naples Florida 3-D Nautical Wood Chart. Get yours now!

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