American Van Lines

Spend a Day in Fresno

American Van Lines — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:16:37 +0000

The beautiful city of Fresno is vibrant and packed with a lot of theaters, parks, museums, and attractions to be a part of. It is a great destination that has plenty to attract locals and tourists alike. Notable for its many highly regarded colleges and universities, such as California State University and Alliant International University, the city has excellent places to spend a day out and about. If you are headed to Fresno for a long distance move or a vacation, here are a few suggestions for how to spend a fun—filled afternoon. You will not regret it.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

If you are looking for a place that is fun for the whole entire family, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a great choice and you can never go wrong. As one of the Central Valley’s best zoos, you will be impressed by its many features and its various exciting exhibits. With everything from a Rain Forest exhibit, where birds fly and rainforest mammals stroll around, to Stingray Bay, and Sea Lion Cove, this zoo is not to be missed.

Chukchansi Park

If you are a sports fan, you will definitely want to try your best to head out and catch a Fresno Grizlies baseball game. The Grizzlies are the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league team and they are a great deal of fun to watch play. The park is located in downtown Fresno and is surrounded by great places to dine out and walk around the city.

The Fresno Philharmonic

Over recent years, the Fresno Philharmonic has grown steadily and is now considered among the best of American regional orchestras. Under the leadership of Music Director Theodore Kuchar, the orchestra is a big attraction for locals as well as visitors to the city. The mission is to supply high-quality orchestral music, entertainment, and music education programs to audiences and schools throughout the Central Valley area. Anyone can appreciate the culture and the great music they provide.

Be sure to find American Van Lines on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @americanvanline to learn more about how we can help with your next move. Our certified, professional movers are ready to assist you.

A Day in Chicago

American Van Lines — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:35:49 +0000

Chicago is a beautiful city that always has a lot going on. The largest city in Illinois, it is also known as the Windy City. Chicago remains one of the most exciting and culturally vibrant cities in the nation. It has an excellent parks system, interesting architecture, and a nightlife that never disappoints. Great cuisine is also something that Chicago is known for. Not to mention the city is home to some great sports teams including the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and more. If you find yourself in the city for a long distance move or just a short vacation, below are some great attractions and ways to spend the afternoon in Chicago.

Skydeck Chicago

Due to its spectacular skyline and architecture, Chicago has plenty of places to take in and overlook the city. Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower offers the chance for visitors to step out onto what is known as The Ledge. You can step outside the tallest building in the western hemisphere and stare over 1,300 feet straight down, 103 floors up. It is truly a breathtaking sight, both during the day and the evening when the city is lit up as far as your eyes can see.

Oak Street Beach

Located in the Gold Coast neighborhood, Oak Street is a beautiful beach for spending a laid back summer afternoon. It’s the perfect place for a barbecue out with friends. The North Ledge area has great paths for running, biking, and skating, as well. Plus the volleyball nets and deep-water swimming make it a must-go place in the city.

Chicago Food Planet Food Tour

With all the great places to eat in Chicago, one cannot spend too much time in the city without indulging and experiencing certain foods. Chicago style pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef come to mind.
The Chicago Food Planet Food Tours are the perfect way to make it happen. These tours are a great way to satisfy your hunger for some amazing fare. The Near North Food Tour visits locations from mom-and-pop spots to even specialty food eateries. It gives visitors the chance to experience food in some of Chicago’s most historic neighborhoods. They also give insider recommendations on some of the city’s best restaurants.

An Afternoon in Greensboro

American Van Lines — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:43:09 +0000

Greensboro is the third-largest city in the beautiful state of North Carolina. It is home to some of the most renowned colleges and universities in the nation, too. Along with having an active arts community and boasting some first-class museums, galleries, and theaters, it also has outstanding restaurants and a vibrant downtown. Greensboro is a great city that has plenty to do in the way of a fun afternoon. Here are some great ways to spend the day on a vacation or even after your long distance move is all taken care of.

Natural Science Center of Greensboro

If you are looking for a fun place for the whole family, the Natural Science Center of Greensboro has got you covered from beginning to end. The hands on science museum has got it all, from an Animal Discovery Zoological Park, to the OmniSphere Dome Theater. One of the favorites is the Dinosaur Gallery, where visitors come face to face with a 36 foot model of a T-Rex. The center has a great deal of educational programs and workshops to get involved in as well. They have indoor and outdoor areas for eating.

Greensboro Cultural Center

Located downtown, the Greensboro Cultural Center is a great place to spend the day. It houses over twenty-five performing arts organizations and even has a sculpture garden and a privately run restaurant. Visitors can explore four levels of galleries, classrooms, studios, and rehearsal halls to that will educate and creatively stimulate the senses. Perfect for those who are into creativity and art as a whole.

Ritz-Carlton Spa

If what you’re looking for is a relaxing afternoon, you simply can’t go wrong with the Ritz-Carlton Spa. It has excellent bars and restaurants and a very professional and knowledgeable staff that is always helpful. From steam rooms to heated massage beds and a indoor pool with a 60 foot fireplace, you will have a hard time saying goodbye to this place when it’s time to go. They also have top notch fitness facilities if you want to squeeze in a workout or two during your stay.

An Afternoon in Detroit

American Van Lines — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:39:13 +0000

Detroit is, among others things, the largest city in the state of Michigan. It is a city widely known for its cultural and social landscape. As the Automobile Capital of the World, the city is currently going through a great rebuilding stage. There is a major boom taking place in its development which is adding to both the residential and corporate sectors. Detroit is home to historic sights and an energetic and fun downtown life. It is a mecca for museums, theaters, and live music festivals, too. Not to mention some of the biggest franchises in sports, such as the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, and the Detroit Tigers, call the city their home. Check out some great attractions and ways to spend an afternoon in Detroit. They are perfect for a vacation or to visit after your long distance move.

Greenfield Village

Located in the Dearborn area of Detroit, Greenfield Village is a historic theme park like none other. It features seven historic districts, including the Railroad Junction, Edison at Work, Working Farms, Porches and Parlors, Main Street Liberty Craftworks, and Henry Ford’s Model T. The park also has a horse-drawn carriage, vintage-car, and steam-locomotive rides. Fun for the whole family, Greenfield Village also has different restaurants where one can recreate dishes of an era.

Henry Ford Museum

Containing a collection of historic items and artifacts, the Henry Ford Museum demonstrates not only American ingenuity, but also the genius behind many historical inventions. In many ways it shows the evolution of the country, the museum featuring various things from cars to air planes and house-hold appliances. The museum has exhibits such as Made in America, which showcases American innovation like the gothic steam engine and Heroes of the Sky, an exhibit on the early history of aviation. Of course a visit to the Henry Ford Museum would not be complete without visiting Chocolate, an adventure leading you down a path of discovery as you learn about the history of chocolate.

Comerica Park Detroit

What would a day in Detroit be without a visit to Comerica Park? Home to the beloved Detroit Tigers, the park, all about baseball, hot dogs, and summer days, is the successor to Tiger Stadium. Located in the vibrant downtown area, the park gives excellent views of the Detroit skyline, which a sight in and of itself.

Finding Quality Movers

American Van Lines — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:45:03 +0000

It is no secret that a long distance move can be quite the process. From disassembling to packing, loading, and unpacking, the whole thing sounds like more than most people would want to bother with. However, if handled the right way, relocating can be a painless and even smooth undertaking. Instead of just calling a few friends, promising them pizza for their hard work, and renting a truck, why not just leave it to the experts? There are companies out there that specialize in making sure that your move, no matter how big or small, gets taken care of in a way that would satisfy you. However, it takes the proper research to ensure that it happens.

If you are transporting a vehicle, you will need to make sure that whichever company you hire has the experience and the resources needed. There are many companies out there operating today that do not have the proper certification, staff, or track record to carry out such a job. Transporting a vehicle thousands of miles is no small feat and should only be done with the right equipment. The same goes for a pool table or a piano. These are items that must be protected and kept away from movers who don’t know how to handle them. Be sure to ask around to find out everything you can about the moving company that you choose. There are many tools over the internet, too, such as consumer reports, reviews, and blogs that will help you.

If you are tired of having to handle your move on your own or even hiring average companies that do not personalize their service to fit your needs, you can put an end to it. Whether you are moving a few cities away or across the country to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Texas, or anywhere else, be sure to seek a company that is equipped and can fully service your relocation. Moving should be a very exciting time full of joy and possibility. You do not have to stress over it any longer.

Most Popular Phone Applications

American Van Lines — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:09:56 +0000

These days people can use their phones for just about anything. Essentially what they have become are mini computers that give us access to any info we can possibly want, at any time. You can purchase movie tickets, watch sporting events, find out the weather anywhere in the world; all at the click of a few buttons. If you are planning a long distance move, your phone can tell you the best route to get there, too. These types of perks have made the business of phone applications a huge one. New apps with new features and capabilities are being created every day. With so many out there, which are the best and most helpful? While this is a question of taste and preference, here is a list of some of most popular apps available today.

Facebook:

When you talk about social networking, the first thing you think of is Facebook, no doubt about it. It has become the largest social connector in the digital/internet age. In fact, as of April 2012, Facebook has 900 million active users. It is a free mobile application and can be accessed at any time.

DropBox

DropBox has become one of the most used apps by professionals and students. It has an incredible interface and is a great program to use for backing up and sending files. You can send all types of files, be they audio, video, photos, and more. When you set up a free account, you can receive up to 2GB of storage and backup instantly.

Skype

This program revolutionized the concept of video chat. It is great software and is very useful for making standard calls, video calls, instant messages and more. These days, many businesses depend on Skype to hold meetings with clients and partners in different parts of the country and world. It saves people a great deal of money when it comes to flying because now people can hold meetings and not have to leave the office.

RunKeeper

A great and beneficial app for runners, RunKeeper allows you to keep track of your workout and measure your results in distance, speed, and more. It is a Nike-sponsored app and sports a very simple and well-designed interface. It is the perfect tool to use for your workout and also has a built-in GPS tracker to help you on your way.

An Afternoon in Jacksonville

American Van Lines — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:02:08 +0000

Jacksonville is a beautiful place located in the northeast section of sunny Florida. It is known, as are many parts of the state of Florida, for its excellent beaches and pristine waterways. There is always a great deal to see and explore. Whether you are looking to lay back and relax on the beach or prefer a more educational, visual destination, there are many choices. The shopping and the restaurants are always top notch. Check out a few ways to spend an enjoyable afternoon in Jacksonville. They are perfect for your vacation or for taking a load off after your long distance move.

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

A popular attraction in the city of Jacksonville, this museum is a real treat and is located on the St. John’s River. It has an excellent collection of art and the exhibits are great as well. The grounds have a beautiful cafe, The Tree Cup Cafe, and even a large kids area. The museum has been around since 1961 and its rich history and commitment to excellence are part of its large appeal to both locals and out of town guests.

Atlantic Beach

An ideal destination for Jacksonville visitors, Atlantic Beach is an extraordinary beach and is not as crowded as the average Florida beach. It has an array of excellent restaurants and places for shopping. It has great walkable areas and is always very well-maintained and clean. Atlantic Beach has everything you could want when spending an afternoon out in the sunshine state.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The zoo is always fun for the whole family. At Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens they have it all. In fact, the 73-acre park is the only zoo in Florida’s northeast region. The zoo has very clean facilities and an array of animals. They always have excellent shows and demonstrations for you to check out. Not to mention the shops are excellent and have plenty of items to take home for souvenirs. Be sure to visit the Japanese garden with the massive e Koi fish. You will be glad you did.

Fortune 500, Top Three

American Van Lines — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:21:45 +0000

The latest issue of Fortune magazine has official hit newsstands everywhere, along with the annual list of America’s top earning corporations for the year. Last year all the companies combined generated a profit of $824.5 billion. Many major companies continue to thrive. Corporate America seems to be doing very well right now, judging from the new updates and the steady growth in jobs. If you are looking to make a long distance move for a new exciting career, some of these companies are worth exploring further. Below are the the top three of the list for you to check out and learn much more about.

Exxon Mobil

It is no surprise that Exxon Mobil, a major player in the oil industry, would be among the top companies. They are the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company. They are a multinational company that formed in1999, by the merger of Exxon and Mobil. The company’s headquarters are in Irving, Texas and they are affiliated with Imperial Oil, which is based in Canada.

Walmart

Retail giant Walmart takes the number two position behind Exxon Mobil. The multinational retail chain that has stores all over the world has been in business since 1969 and is the largest grocery retailer in the United States. Founded in Bentonville, Arkansas, it also owns and operates Sam’s Club retail stores which are all over North America. To date, Walmart has over 8,500 stores in roughly 15 different countries which make it hard to beat by other retailers.

Chevron

Chevron Corporation rounds out the number three spot for the year. Perhaps it is not a big surprise that two of the top three are huge oil giants. Active in over 180 countries, Chevron has been in Fortune’s top five for the last five years. In fact, last year it was called the 16th largest public company in the whole world by Forbes Global 2000.

A Few of the Most Popular Careers

American Van Lines — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:48:04 +0000

When it comes to careers, there are so many things one can do. As times change, different needs arise and people fill certain positions. With the rise of technological advances over the last several years, many opportunities have opened up for workers worldwide. Below are some of the most popular jobs in the US, Canada, and the UK. One may be a great fit for where you are now or where you end up in your long distance move.

Network Systems Analyst

The evolution of Information Technology, or IT, has steadily lead to the growth and increase of countless organizations needing the installation and upkeep of their network communication systems. As one of the fastest growing jobs, it is a very attractive field for those who love problem solving and maintenance as it relates to computer technology.

Medical Assistant

As the healthcare sector continues to grow and expand, the need for Medical Assistants follows suit.
There have been, and continue to be, many opportunities for those who are interested in the administrative side of the field and would like to assist with clinical tasks, working alongside other medical professionals. The work generally takes place in the offices of chiropractors, physicians, ophthalmologists, and other medical practitioners. This is a perfect career for those who want to grow in the medical arena.

Fitness Instructors

Most people either exercise often or always intend to do so. As a result, there are gyms and fitness centers in pretty much every city you go to. Many people are employed as aerobic instructors and trainers in the gyms and centers. They teach a wide range of exercise activities to help people maintain the healthy lifestyle they want. Therefore, employment opportunities in the field of fitness training continue to grow. If you are a person who loves to exercise and work in an upbeat environment that promotes fun and a healthy lifestyle, this might be the perfect match for you.

Be sure to find American Van Lines on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @americanvanline to learn more about how we can help with your next move. Our certified, professional movers are ready to assist you.

Fun in California

American Van Lines — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:53:23 +0000

The great state of California has no shortage of fun places to see and visit. There are tons of great cities and attractions that keep people coming back, year after year. If you are headed there for a long distance move or even a vacation, you are in for quite a treat. Check out a few of California’s best attractions for you to consider when visiting.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a very popular destination for visitors and tourists from all over the world. It connects San Francisco and Martin County and is the largest suspension bridge in the entire world. Atop the incredible 42,000 foot landmark, you get a beautiful panoramic view of the whole Bay Area. There is truly nothing else like it.

Hollywood

Hollywood is a vibrant neighborhood in Los Angeles County and quite the attraction. It is a hub for movie studios and big name stars. Considered the mecca of the film industry, it also has a great deal to offer when it comes to shopping, nightlife, and top quality restaurants. Its deep history makes it a must see place in California. Destinations like Universal Studios Hollywood, the Kodak Theatre (home to the Academy Awards), and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, draw millions of visitors each year.

Disneyland

When it comes to famous attractions in California, you cannot forget Disneyland. It is truly one of the most enchanting and amazing places in the world. The park, which features an array of rides, shops, and restaurants, is a magical place that you may not want to leave. There is a lot of entertainment to keep the whole family having fun. Rides like Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and renowned places like Epcot and Magic Kingdom are sure to please. There are also plenty of excellent areas in Downtown Disney for shopping and entertainment.