Category: Uncategorized (Page 83 of 174)

This Incredible Park Is The Ultimate Place To See Manatees Up Close

May 31, 2022 / marklongmainstream

Hundreds of manatees make this park their home and viewing these gentle giants from the spring’s overlooks is an amazing experience! The refreshing 72 degree water of Blue Spring State Park greet visitors at this hidden gem along the St. Johns River. Blue Spring State Park is located at 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL.

Besides “sea cows,” fish abound in the spring run and attract a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers. To see the park’s wonders, visitors can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail.

Boat tours and canoe/kayak rentals are available for use on the St. Johns River and the lower section of the spring run. For inquiries on boat tour times and pricing information, click here.

The campground has 51 campsites (recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long) located in the sand pine scrub and within walking distance of the spring. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity and a grill. A dump station is available in the park.

Blue Spring State Park frequently reaches capacity during the week and on the weekends, during both the winter and summer months. To avoid waiting, please visit the park early.

The park is a popular destination to swim, tube, fish, camp, and hike!

The park is open at 8 am and closes at sundown, year round.

Blue Spring State Park is located at 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL.

Plan An Unforgettable Adventure-Filled Weekend In This Charming Arkansas Town

May 30, 2022 / marklongmainstream

No matter what type of get-away your looking for, your sure to find exactly what you want in Eureka Springs Arkansas. Romantic weekend away? Fishing trip? Sight seeing? Kayaking? Cave exploring? Ghost tours? Art exhibits? No matter what your interests, Eureka Springs has you covered. Below you will find a list of some of my favorite attractions in the area.

Lodging

Enchanted Treehouses is the perfect place to spend the weekend. The cottages are comfortable and make a great place to spend your vacation. They are spaced out to provide maximum peace and quiet for your enjoyment. These treehouses provide a special experience you won’t soon forget. Enchanted Treehouse’s is located at 70 Dogwood Ridge, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 72632. For more information, click here.

Float Trips

Enchanted Floats is a sister business to Enchanted Treehouses. Both are family-owned & operated small businesses. You could take a paddleboard or kayak to Lake Leatherwood. These are the closest spots to our location, but you could also explore King’s River, the Buffalo River, or the Mulberry. Enchanted Floats is located at 70 Dogwood Ridge, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. For more information, click here.

Cosmic Cavern

Cosmic Cavern is one of the states’ most beautiful natural attractions! The cave is one of Arkansas must see destinations. Cave tours last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. During your tour, you will see some amazing sights, including a 9 foot soda straw, as well as two bottomless lakes. Be sure to bring your camera! There are all kinds of beautiful once in a lifetime photo opportunities. Cosmic Cavern is located at 6386 AR-21, Berryville, Arkansas. For more information, click here.

Ozark Mountain Zipline

Experience the exhilarating thrill of a Zip Line Canopy Tour right in the heart of the beautiful, pristine Ozark Mountains at Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Soar through the air from up to 300+ feet high with cable lengths from up to 2000 feet long over vast gorgeous, beautiful Ozark hardwood trees and limestone cliffs. Ozark Mountain Zipline is located at 208 West Van Buren Eureka Springs, Arkansas. For more information, click here.

Basin Park Ghost Tour

Join Eureka Springs Paranormal Investigators to investigate the most active spaces at the Basin Park Hotel. We offer a small group setting, using our tools and expertise you become your own paranormal investigator and ghost hunter. Tours daily at 10:30 pm. The tours begin at 1905 Basin Park Hotel 12 Spring St. Eureka Springs, Arkansas. For more information, click here.

For more information, on planning an amazing trip to Eureka Springs click here. Travel Eureka Springs has done a fantastic job preparing all the areas attractions, their site has everything you need to plan an amazing trip. Have fun!

Ranking The 10 Best Ohio State Wrestlers Of All-Time

May 29, 2022 / marklongmainstream

When doing these type of rankings, I tend to look at the wrestlers entire body of work. However these are never easy to do. There are a lot of arguments to be made to put one in front of the other. Many times there is no wrong answer. Keep in mind, these are just for fun and to give us something to talk about until college wrestling begins. Let me know how you would rank Ohio’s best.

10 Lance Palmer

Lance won the OHSAA state tournament 4x in high school and graduated with a record of 150-6. He also won a NHSCA National Championship. At Ohio State, he was a 4x all-american, placing 4th, 8th, 4th, and 2nd. During his career he was a Big 10 Champion, and had impressive victories over Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs, NCAA Champion Frank Molinaro, NCAA Champion Bubba Jenkins, and Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf. Lance ended his wrestling career with a 121–33 record. Since graduating he has transitioned into MMA and has since won titles in the RFA, the WSOF, and the PFL.

9 Mitch Clark

Mitch was a 2x all-american, finishing 2nd in 1997, before winning the NCAA title in 1998. His place in history is set, as he is the only wrestler to score a first period technical fall in an NCAA Championship match.

8 J Jaggers

J was a 4x state champion in high school before arriving at Ohio State. His success continued for the Buckeyes, as he became a 3x all-american, and 2x NCAA Champion! On the Road to his two consecutive NCAA titles, He defeated, NCAA Champion Darrion Caldwell, UFC title challenger Chad Mendes, and Olympian Frank Molinaro. J had 107 career victories, and was named 2009 Ohio State Male Athlete of the Year.

7 Myles Martin

Myles entered the program with a ton of hype and he absolutely lived up to it all. In high school he was a 3x National Prep Champion, a 2x Beasts of the East Champion, and a 3x Maryland independent schools state champion. He finished high school with a 171-15 record. Upon arriving at Ohio State, he made an immediate impact, starting as a true freshman. He finished the year with a 24-5 record, and an NCAA title. Making his just the 15th true freshman in college history to win a NCAA title. Over the course of his collegiate career, Martin became an NCAA champion, a Big 10 Champion, and a 4x all-american with a college record of 121-19.

6 Nathan Tomasello

In high school, Tomasello was a 4x Ohio state champion out of the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. He graduated with a record of 178-5 overall. Tomasello was then recruited by Ohio State University. Where he became a 4x Big 10 Champion, and 4x all-american. After going 19-0 during his red-shirt season, Tomasello put together an excellent freshman campaign going 33-4 before winning the NCAA title. The following three years he finished 3rd at the national tournament, competing at 125 and 133 lbs. His career record was 119-8. He has quality wins over NCAA Champion Corey Clark, 2x NCAA Champion Jesse Delgado, 3x NCAA Champion Spencer Lee, and 2021 World Champion Thomas Gilman.

5 Kevin Randleman

Kevin was from Sandusky, Ohio and was a multi-sport athlete in high school. He played varsity football all 4 years, he ran track and was a state qualifier, but he really excelled in wrestling. He had a high school record of 122-11 and was a 1989 state champion. Kevin then went on to wrestle for Ohio State, and made an immediate impact. His freshman season he rattled of 42 victories and won the Big 10 championship and made it all the was to the NCAA finals before losing to Iowa’s Mark Reiland. Randleman then went undefeated during his sophomore year, and won the NCAA tournament. Randleman again won the NCAA tournament in his junior year, despite having his jaw dislocated during the actual tournament. Despite having some of the most successful three years in the history of collegiate wrestling, including compiling the third best winning percentage in Ohio State wrestling history, Randleman became ineligible to wrestle in his senior year because of academic issues. After leaving Ohio State, Randleman attended Lindenwood University. However in 2002 he was nominated as the Ohio State University Wrestler of the Century. Kevin was the first 2x NCAA Champion in school history.

4 Mark Coleman

Mark was a 2x Ohio State Champion in high school, before attending Miami University, and later Ohio State. At Miami Mark was a 2x NCAA qualifer, and a 4th place finisher at the 1986 national tournament. Earning his first all-american honors. At the end of the season Mark left Miami and ended up at Ohio State. After redshirting, in 1987, The Hammer was back with vengeance for his senior season. During his only year in a Buckeye singlet, Mark set a school record with 50 single season victories, a Big 10 title and the 190 lb NCAA crown. During the National Tournament, Coleman outscored his opponents 52-7 and won 5-0 in the finals. After graduation, Mark went on to represent the United States on the world stage. Mark won 3 straight pan american championships. From there he wrestled in the 1991 world championship, where he walked away with a silver medal. In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Coleman finished in 7th place. After retiring from wrestling, Mark went on to win multiple world championships in the sport of MMA. He was also the first ever UFC heavyweight champion.

3 Tommy Rowlands

In high school, Rowlands was a 2x Ohio state champion as well as the 1999 National High School Champion. He had a career record of 167-10 with 98 pins. At Ohio State he was a 4x all-american, a 3x NCAA finalist, and a 2x NCAA Champion. He holds career records for takedowns at 705, wins 164, and team points 703. In 2001, he was named Big 10 freshman of the year. After graduation, his success continued during his international career. He was a University World Champion, a Pan-American Champion, a 2x US Open Champion and a 6x US National Team member. He was also a 2x Olympic Alternate.

2 Logan Stieber

Logan Stieber is one of the most accomplished collegiate wrestlers in the history of the NCAA, having won four NCAA Division I national championships, four Big Ten Conference championships, and the Dan Hodge Trophy for the Ohio State Buckeyes during his career. Logan finished his college career with a record of 119-3. Prior to this he was a 4x Ohio state champion with a 184-1 record. After graduation, he continued wrestling and his winning ways continued as well. In 2016 Logan won a world title at 61kg. He followed that up in 2018, with a Pan American Championship, and a World Cup Championship, before retiring from the sport.

1 Kyle Snyder

Kyle’s high school career, went almost perfectly. Posting a perfect 179-0 record in three years, before leaving school after his junior year to train at the Olympic training center prior to starting his college career. In high school, Kyle surrendered only a single takedown. While winning 3 National Prep Championships, and 2 Junior World Championships. At Ohio State, Kyle was just as impressive, he became a 4x all-american, 4x NCAA finalist, and 3x NCAA Champion. A defining moment for Snyder came during his sophomore season, when he moved up in weight to challenge 2x defending NCAA Champion, and 2x World Bronze medalist Nick Gwiazdowski. Snyder won the match in overtime, ending an 88 match winning streak, while giving up nearly 40 pounds. If that wasn’t enough, Kyle won the triple crown of American wrestling. The triple crown is winning a World, NCAA, and Olympic title. Kyle accomplished this in a single year in 2016. He also holds the distinctions of being the youngest Olympic Gold medalist and the youngest World Champion in American wrestling history. Kyle had a college record of 75-5. He has quality wins over World Champions J’Den Cox, Jake Varner, Abdusalam Gadisov, and one of the best pound for pound wrestlers on Earth, Abdulrashid Sadulaev.

Honorable Mention:

Harry Steel

Harry Steel is a bit of a mystery, it appears he only wrestled his junior and senior years at Ohio State. His senior year he was the undefeated Western Conference, now the Big 10, heavyweight wrestling champion. 1924 was a huge year for this heavyweight. He started the year off by placing 3rd at the National AAU tournament. Then, he ended up being a late replacement for the United States Olympic Team, however he made the most of his opportunity in Paris and walked away with a Gold Medal. Its scary to think about how good he could of been with more then just a couple of years on the mat.

Bo Jordan

4x all-american, NCAA finalist, Big 10 Champion.

Luke Pletcher

2x Super 32 Champion, Big 10 Champion, 108-21 career record.

Kollin Moore

3x Big 10 Champion, NCAA finalist, 4x all-american, 110-11 record.

To see Penn State’s Top 10 click here.

5 Adrenaline Pumping Illinois Adventures Thrill Seekers Will Love!

May 29, 2022 / marklongmainstream

Grafton SkyTour

The Grafton Sky-tour is a local attraction like no other! Our scenic aerial lift not only provides a unique way to reach Aerie’s Hill, but also showcases the breathtaking views of the unique Grafton bluffs, and the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The SkyTour is a perfect activity for all ages, so if you’re looking for things to do, come see our view! If that wasn’t enough, there is also Grafton Zipline, the premier zipline course in the Midwest, with 7 incredible lines totaling 2 miles in length. The ziplines range from 300 feet to the longest line checking in at just over 1600 feet. YOu can look high and low and you won’t find a longer line in the entire Midwest! Grafton Sky Tour is located at 14 West Main Street, Grafton Illinois. For more information click here.

Vermillion River Rafting

There Is Only One Place In Illinois You Can Go Whitewater Rafting. Rafting the Vermilion River is an amazing experience for several reasons. First, It is one of the rare rivers in the US that runs South to North. Second, its total lack of development along its banks. It’s a unique river because during the whole trip the only man made structure you will see is the Lone Star Cement Plant near the end. One of only a few white water rafting experience’s in the Midwest. The Vermilion River pushes a swift 3 MPH pace, during its high season. Using the International Scale of River Difficulty from the American Whitewater Affiliation, the Big Vermilion River would probably rate a Class III out of 6 classes. There are about 14 sets of rapids spread out over 9 1/2 miles. Most are classified 1’s and 2’s, but If the river water is up over 4 foot, you will get some class 3 rapids. Highlights of the float include Wildcat Falls, the Lone Star Dam, and The Narrows. Vermillion River Rafting is located at 779 North 2249th Road Oglesby, IL. For more information, click here.

QC Skydive Center

The Quad City Skydiving Center is a safety oriented drop zone, geared towards teaching beginners the exhilarating sport of skydiving. Weather your looking to check another one off on your bucket list or working to become a licensed skydiver, the friendly staff will work with you to help you meet your goals. Just about everyone has skydiving on their bucket list, and there is no better time than now, and no better place then the Quad City Skydive Center. So call and make a reservation today, this is one summer Adventure you will never forget. The QC Skydive Center is located at 20028 E 1650th St, Geneseo, IL. For more information, click here.

Marge Cline Whitewater Course

Most people don’t realize it, but the Midwest is a hotbed for incredible float trips. Lately cities around the country have been transferring old dams into whitewater kayak parks. These parks have provided a boom to local economies, attracting thrill seekers from around the country. One of the most amazing of these kayak parks is located in the Land Of Lincoln, in Yorkville Illinois. A day in the sun at this amazing kayak park is a perfect way to enjoy a warm summer day. Weather its a canoe, kayak, or tube, there is no better way to travel Illinois. This man made kayak park is 1,100 feet in length and the Fox River drops almost 6 feet between the eastern and western edges of the chute. Providing the course with excellent rapids, that are safe enough for beginners, but still provide thrill seekers with an amazing experience as well. A trip through the Marge Cline Whitewater course is a whitewater adventure that is like nothing you’ve experienced before. The kayak adventure of a lifetime can be found at 301 E Hydraulic Street in Yorkville Illinois. For more information, click here.

HELI Chicago

Make memories that will last a lifetime! Hop in as we begin our tour from Schaumburg Regional Airport and head East to the Chicago Skyline. We’ll fly past the United Center, Soldier field, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), the John Hancock Building, and Wrigley Field… Sorry Sox fans. Next we’ll turn back towards the South and pass along the backside of all those buildings. At this point you may be noticing all the Chicago traffic and be glad you decided to skip that by flying high above it! Heli Chicago offers helicopter tours and charters of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs in a Hughes 500 helicopter and a twin engine Bell 222! Book an unforgettable experience today by clicking here.

5 Illinois Beaches That Will Make You Feel A Million Miles From Home

May 27, 2022 / marklongmainstream

Glencoe Beach

Glencoe Park District

Glencoe Beach is ideal for group and family outings, work picnics, or summer camp groups! Lifeguards are on duty daily during operational hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During the summer months, admission is required to visit the beach. During the off-season, visitors can enjoy Glencoe Beach from sunrise to sunset free of charge. For more information, click here.

Rend Lake Beach

Rend Lake Park District

The beach at Rend Lake has a large sand area, a swimming area that is buoyed off, multiple picnic sites as well as a shower house. There is a $5 per car entrance fee and $20 per commercial vehicle fee. Rend Lake’s beach, located in the South Sandusky Day Use area, invites water recreationists of all ages. South Sandusky Beach is located on the west side of the lake, just off Rend City Road. Call for dates and hours of operation. (618) 724-2493 For more information, click here.

Sunrise Park

Sunrise Park Beach is one of the best in the state. Scenic views, soft sand beach area, beach chairs, lifeguards on duty, picnic shelters, fire pits, and volleyball courts are just a few of the amenities you will find. There is a strict 10 pm curfew on the beach, and there is an entrance fee to enjoy the beach. For more information, click here.

Lighthouse Beach

Charlie Billups

Evanston is set on the shores of Lake Michigan and is home to six public swimming beaches. The beach is open daily at 6 am and closes at 11 pm. For more information, click here.

Oak Street Beach

Oak Street Beach is located at 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive at Oak Street and Lake Michigan near the Gold Coast/Streeterville neighborhoods. This popular summer hotspot offers beach goers amenities that include chair rentals, food and beverage options at Oak Street Beach Café, bike rentals, volleyball rentals, restrooms and a spectacular view of the city skyline. This beach hosts a number of popular amateur and professional volleyball tournaments throughout the summer. Distance swimming is available parallel to the shore from Division Street to the Chess Pavilion (20 yards west of the buoys). An ADA accessible beach walk is available. There is limited street parking nearby. For more information, click here.