We are amused!

FAMILY VACATION CRITIC, TripAdvisor's #familytravel site, has released its annual list of the best amusement parks for families.

‘#Amusementparks are a quintessential part of summer break for families,’ says Lisa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. ‘Whether you're on vacation, or staying home, a day at an amusement park can be an extra-special treat for kids, and a fun bonding experience for the entire family.’

This year's list includes:

Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
What's new: Rougarou, a floorless roller coaster, and extensive renovations at Hotel Breakers, an affiliate hotel.

Carowinds – Charlotte, North Carolina
What's new: Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga-coaster.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Virginia
What's new: Tempesto, a coaster hurling riders at speeds of over 60 mph.

Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
What's new: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort, featuring two pools, a kids' club, family suites, and a spa.

Six Flags Great Adventure – Jackson, New Jersey
What's new: El Diablo, a looping coaster inspired by the Jersey Devil.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio
What's new: Batman The Ride, with 4-D features and two 90-degree drops.

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Picture Credit: Vertical Velocity (Six Flags Great America) by http://www.flickr.com/photos/hendricksphotos/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/hendricksphotos/981101325/. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Cedar Point Slingshot by LONNOL2004 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Chasingrainbowsmuseumfront by Original uploader was DollyFanJoie at en.wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia; transferred to Commons by User:DoxTxob using CommonsHelper.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons 

Found – the man who settled Virginia

THE remains of the four leaders of Jamestown – the first permanent and successful English colony in #America – have been discovered in the historic Virginia settlement.

The find was made in the burial grounds of a 16th century church in Jamestown by archaeologists from the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation at Historic Jamestowne and the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

The identification of the remains unearths new information about the colony, the role of religion, and the lives of the leaders, who were: The Reverend Robert Hunt, who arrived with the first settlers and was the first Church of England Minister at Jamestown; Captain Gabriel Archer, who was involved in much of the in-fighting that characterized the colony's early years; Sir Ferdinando Wainman, a kinsman of the colony’s governor, Lord De La Warr, and who was put in charge of the colony's horse troops; and Captain William West, who was killed in fighting against native Americans in 1610.

‘The presence of the artefacts and the location of the graves in the church's most sacred space, the chancel, both indicate the high status of the four men and their importance to the early history of the Jamestown venture,’ says Dr William Kelso, Director of Archaeology at Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation.

Historic Jamestowne, the archaeology site where these discoveries were made, is open to the public and provides visitors with the chance to talk to the archaeologists and to learn more about the colony.

To find out more about Historic Jamestowne, visit www.historicjamestowne.org

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7605418@N07/4921211187">Columbia</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)

Best US family beaches

FAMILY VACATION CRITIC, a TripAdvisor site, has announced the winners of its annual Best Beaches for Families survey. 

‘When choosing the top family-friendly beaches, we consider a number of factors – it's not just beautiful sands and picturesque views,’ explains Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. ‘Beyond clean, safe beaches, we're looking for beaches that offer a well-rounded experience for families – accommodation, dining and entertainment within close distance of the beach, and plenty to keep the whole family entertained while in town.’

The list of the best beaches for families includes:

• Virginia Beach - at right - Virginia Beach, Virginia 
• Manatee County Beach – Holmes Beach, Florida 
• Fort De Soto Park – St. Petersburg, Florida 
• Rehoboth Beach – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 
• Crescent Beach – Block Island, Rhode Island 
• Cape May Beach - at top – Cape May, New Jersey

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
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Picture Credit: "Cape May Beach Ave, NJ, USA" by Smallbones (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons; "Virginia Beach, VA, USA" by Protoant (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons