January 12, 2012

Reflecting on January . . .

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Except for those of us who might be called snow bunnies, most folks don’t care for the month of January, which normally is a cold and dreary month.  January, however, yields many reasons for travel, and certainly reflecting on the past  . . . such as . . . .

The first presidential election was held in January 1789; subsequently four U.S. presidents were born in the month of January,  and four U.S. presidents died in the month of January; among them President Theodore Roosevelt.

January is also the month for kings: Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Baptist Minister, Martin Luther King, Jr. not only celebrated a birthday in January, but Congress set aside the third Monday in the month of January, in observance and to honor Dr. King, a prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. 

Note:  The Martin Luther King Memorial ,  located in the National Mall in Washington, D.C., was officially opened in August 2011, joining many other memorials to great leaders of our time, and as popular tourist attractions.  Because MLK Day is on a Monday and is considered a three-day holiday weekend for many, it is a perfect opportunity for many to travel to Washington, D.C.

 Henry VIII, was King of England for some 40 years before his death in January 1547, and Elvis Presley, known as the King of Rock n’ Roll, was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8th.  Note: Although thousands of fans will visit Presley’s birthplace in January, many more will visit during Annual Fan Appreciation Day, taking place in August, which is the month Presley died.  Presley is also tied to Memphis, TN.

Eight states were admitted to the Union over a number of years in the month of January, while three states seceded from the Union (in the month of January) during the Civil War.

Two wars ended: The War of 1812-1814, when General Andrew Jackson defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans, and the Vietnam peace agreement was signed, thus ending the Viet Nam war in 1973.  Note: Viet Nam has become a popular tourist destination.  The country which is one of many contrasts with its beautiful seashore and white sandy beaches, vying with the Mekong Delta and River;  Chu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of underground tunnels located near Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon);  and Sa Pa Terraces (near the border of China) and Phu Quoc, the former known for its thick bamboo woodlands and the latter for pristine tropical forests, as well as many other historic sites.  If Viet Nam is not on your  travel schedule, then you may opt for great food, lots of great music and a fun time in New Orleans.

Other significant January events include Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; Ellis Island Immigrant Station formally opened; Gold is discovered in California; Henry Ford introduced the assembly line;  NBC’s, The Today Show premiered; First Super Bowl held in Los Angeles; Space Shuttle Challenger exploded; the great leader of India, Mohandas Gandhi is assassinated; and the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery, was submitted.

As we say hello and goodbye to the month of January, let’s think snow; after all, snow is good for tourism . . .and those snow bunny tourists!

 

November 2, 2011

Holiday Madness Is Here!

Posted by Christine B. under Family Friendly Adventures | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Diyas (oil lamp) during Diwali-wikipedia

This is just a crazy time of year. According to Hallmark, there are 8 major holidays crammed into the short time span from October 31- December 31. That averages out a holiday every 11.5 Days!  Some of these holidays have been celebrated since the pilgrims first set foot on these shores, while others are recently recognized in the United States. For instance, although Diwali has been celebrated in India for centuries, it has only recently gained popularity as major holiday in this country. 8 Major Holidays in 92 Days- 2011:

October 31- Halloween

November 11- Veterans Day

November 13- Diwali

November 24- Thanksgiving

December 21- Hanukkah

December 25- Christmas

December 26- Kwanzaa

December 31/January –1  New Year’s Eve/Day

Many people plan to visit friends and family or take a much needed vacation for at least one of these holidays, making this one of the busiest travel times of the year. Families are able to take advantage of school breaks and take the kids to visit Grandma, go to Disney World, enjoy a cruise or hit the slopes. Hotels, cruise lines and tour companies all offer holiday specials this time of year. With a little advance planning, the savvy traveler is able to take advantage of some great deals.

What are your plans this holiday season?

For affordable lodging and a good Night’s Sleep on your holiday vacation

 

September 8, 2011

Taking Time to Remember

Posted by Christine B. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: , , , , , , |
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This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the world-changing event that has become known simply as 9-11.  As our country continues the healing process, communities all across the nation will take time this September 11th, to commemorate the personal stories of tragedy, and in many instances triumph, in the face of overwhelming circumstances. We remember those who lost their lives and loved ones, as well as those who risked their lives as first responders. Check with your local officials for events in your area. These are some events taking place in the NYC area.

* Remembrance at Trinity Church

On Sunday, Sept. 11, the historic Trinity Church, at Broadway and Wall Streets near the ground zero site, will ring the Bell of Hope at 8:46 a.m. In the afternoon, at 1:30 p.m., the church will ring the tower bells for an hour of remembrance. At 2:30 p.m., a special service will be held in remembrance of the 9/11 volunteers, first responders, and recovery workers. At 7:14 p.m., an interfaith ringing of the Bell of Hope will again honor the memory of those killed. Admission is free.

* Hand in Hand Remembrance

On Saturday, Sept. 10, thousands of people will join hands to form a human chain along the waterfront in lower Manhattan. The event begins at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. Afterward, participants may post a message on the Wall of Remembrance at Battery Park. Participation in the hand-holding ceremony is free, but pre-registration is required. Sign up on the event’s website. Organizers will contact you with information on your starting location.

* Opening of the National 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial, on the ground zero site, contains two giant waterfalls and two reflecting pools in the footprints of the twin towers, surrounded by the names of the people who died inscribed in bronze panels. The Memorial will be open to the public starting on Monday, Sept. 12. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. You can reserve a pass on the 9/11 Memorial’s website. Enter at the intersection of Albany and Greenwich streets.

* World Trade Center Memorial Floating Lantern Ceremony

On the evening of Sept. 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Interfaith Center of New York will host a floating lantern ceremony on the south side of Pier 40 on the Hudson River. Participants will write loved one’s names and messages of peace on paper lanterns and release them into the river. The ceremony includes interfaith prayer, meditation, and musical performances. Admission is free.

 

June 21, 2011

A “Monumental” Road Trip

Posted by louise C. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
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Great Sand Dunes of Colorado, Flickr image by Ed Siasoco (aka SC Fiasco)

One does not necessarily have to trek to the four corners of the word to appreciate the beauty of magnificent monuments, be they architectural or natural wonders.  Today, with the Internet and popular TV shows like National Geographic, you can be an arm-chair-tourist and be easily taken to unbelievable sites.   

Christ The Redeemer Statue, Wikimedia Commons imageOwachoma Bridge, Flickr image by Alaskan Dude

Monuments like “Christ The Redeemer” overlooking Rio de Janeiro often invoke a spiritual feeling and therefore appeal to many for religious purposes.  Awe inspiring natural wonders like the Owachomo Bridge (known as ‘rock mound’ to the Hopi Indians) located in Utah often generates oohs and ahhs in appreciation of Mother Nature’s artistic hand.

Owachoma Bridge, Flickr image by Alaskan Dude

Not to be outdone by nature though, man has created some pretty awe inspiring architectural wonders such as the Statue of Liberty, which has been listed in many survey’s as the number one monument in the world. 

Here are some other notable and often visited monuments:

  • India’s Taj Mahal inspires some 2 to 3 million visitors annually, and is one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
  • The Eiffel Tower has averaged more than 6 million visitors per year since 2004 – certainly a testament to its unique architecture. 
  • The Washington Moument (considered the tallest stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk) and the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorial’s (commemorating the life and death of our 3rd and 16th president’s of the U.S.) are imposing structures attracting millions of visitors every year.

Giza Pyramids, Flickr image by neiljs

When speaking of monuments, one cannot ignore the Giza Pyramid and the Great Sphinx near Cairo, Egypt, nor Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire County, UK; listed as the world’s most famous prehistoric monument.  The Great Wall of China is an amazing monumental “landmark” and the most celebrated symbol of China; whereas if you are traveling to Athens, Greece then the Acropolis is a must see.

  • The natural beauty of the Grand Canyon of Arizona; Devils Tower, jutting 1,267 feet above the surrounding terrain in Wyoming and the mystique of Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming as well, or a Giant Sequoia in Sequoia National Forest located in California are all monumental wonders known and seen by many. 

Even in your own back yard in small town, USA, many wonderful natural monuments exist; perhaps not on as large a scale but still breathtaking in their own right.

Here is a short list of some well known and not so well known natural ‘monumental’ wonders. . .

"Goliath" photo shown on www.alapark.com / cathedralcaverns

 

Alabama boasts of numerous caves, especially in the Northeastern part of the state, where the Cathedral Caverns cave system holds four world records: (widest entrance of any commercial cave in the world; “Goliath, measuring 45’ tall and 243’ in circumference, is the largest column in the world;  has the largest flow stone wall at 32’ tall and 135’ long; and, the most improbable formation in the world, with a 3” diameter stalagmite rising at a 45 degree angle from a rock formation to the cave ceiling 25’ above.”

Not to be rivaled by the beauty of the highest mountain peaks in Colorado is a desert-like area found in the easternmost parts of Alamosa and Saguache County, where some sand dunes rise 750 feet above the floor of the San Luis Valley.  Note photo at the top of the page, of Great Sand Dunes National Park

Travel to Flora, Mississippi and you might discover a petrified forest, which is believed “to have been formed 36 million years ago when fir and maple logs washed down an ancient river channel to its current site,” and is the only Petrified Forest in the eastern U.S.

Georgia claims a number of natural wonders like Stone Mountain near Atlanta. The quartz monzonite dome reaches 1,686’ in elevation at its summit and extends underground, 9 miles at its longest point.  However, another Georgia wonder, located near the town of Waycross in south Georgia; the trembling earth, also known as the Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in North America, and one of the largest in the world. 

For information on some of these natural and man-made wonders, visit these sites: 

www.okeswamp.com

www.greatsanddunes.net

www.mspetrifiedforest.com

 

May 13, 2011

On the Road to “Sweet Home Alabama” . . .

Posted by Misty M. under Family Friendly Adventures | Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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Hot air balloons like these are seen at the Alabama Jubilee in Decatur - Flickr image by ericlbc

Imagine discovering a treasure trove of ideas for a fun weekend, or a mini-vacation, an extended leisure trip or even an educational adventure, at no cost to you.  Just stop by any Alabama Welcome/Visitor Center and you’ll find rack after rack, on every wall and in every nook and cranny, filled with maps, guides, special event calendars, photo journals, booklets, pamphlets, discount coupons, and so on to help you on your merry way through Alabama, the Beautiful!

US Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville -- Flickr image by bryce_edwards

Check this out:

Madison County features the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Garden and Huntsville Museum of Art, which offers something for everyone, from youngsters to folks well into their retirement age . . . or you could check out the Official Visitors Guide to nearby Decatur where you can sail away at the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic held over Memorial Day weekend – for more information log onto www.NorthAlabama.org

    • Pick up your Alabama 2011 motorcycle map and log on to www.Motorsycle-Maps.us – an Internet site highlighting  motorcycle roadways and more
    • Visitor – The must have guide to the Alabama Gulf Coast features an annual calendar of events plus special a Mardi Gras calendar; fact is, you won’t to miss the 7th Annual LuLu Palooza, taking place in Gulf Shores Homeport Marina on May 30th
    • Visit www.yearofalabamamusic.com for a complete listing of venues, attractions and festivals, like the Johnny Shines Blues Festival in Tuscaloosa on August 27t

 

    • Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, AL - Flickr image by southerntabitha

 Don’t wait til’ Oktoberfest to visit Cullman, a city filled with adventure, history, nature and faith . . . where the Ave Maria Grotto, a 4-acre site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has more than 125 miniature replicas of famous churches, shrines and buildings from around the world thanks to Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine Monk, who was born in Bavaria in 1878.  Brother Zoettl arrived at the Saint Bernard Abbey at the age of 14, and in 1958, at the age of 80, built his last minitature model, the Basilica at Lourdes.  Visiting the Ave Maria Grotto is like taking a trip around the world, in minature . . .

  • There simply is not enough room to list all of the great places Alabama has to offer, so we’ll finish our blog with the Hank Williams Trail, beginning in Mount Olive and Georgiana, then travel up US Highway 31, “the highway Hank traveled” to Montgomery, where Hank is in his final resting place at Oakwood Cemetery

Look for “Historic Alabama” an A to Z guide to Landmarks and Events at an Alabama Welcome/Visitor Center or log on to www.alabama.travel to request your copy. Even arm-chair tourists will enjoy reading about Boaz to Eufala to Hayneville to Loachapoka to Nauvoo to Pickensville to Sylacauga, and Wetumpka.

 

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