Five Things You May Not Know About Savannah, Georgia

One of the more beautiful and interesting areas of the United States can be seen up close and personal with a visit any time of the year to the city of Savannah, Georgia and the surrounding area. Savannah is a great location to travel to for anyone that has any interest in history, especially 19th century American history. From plantations that surround the city’s outskirts to the more than twenty examples of town squares that are in the city’s historic district, Savannah offers many things that other cities just do not have. Savannah also has the luxury of being located on Georgia’s coast and has been a popular destination for a number of years for those wanting to vacation on America’s Atlantic Coast. There is a great deal known about the city, and a great deal more can be learned by visiting the many historic sites and museums in the area, but here are five things you may not know about the city of Savannah, Georgia.

1. Savannah is architecturally important as many refer to it as the nation’s first planned city. It isn’t uncommon for architects, architecture students and architectural groups to travel to Savannah to view the layout of the city.

2. The capital of the state of Georgia is Atlanta. Early on during exploration and settlement of the New World, Savannah was the colonial capital of Georgia. Savannah was also the first state capital of Georgia before it was eventually moved to the larger and more approved of city of Atlanta.

3. Many women in America have a tie to the city of Savannah that they don’t even know about. Savannah is the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low who is perhaps most famously known as the founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

4. Savannah is home to America’s oldest continually operated lodge, called Solomon’s Lodge. Prior to 1776 it was known simply as the Lodge at Savannah.

5. Hutchinson Island is a small island in the Savannah River and currently is home to many buildings and companies that participate in the cargo shipping industry. During the Civil War it was used as part of an escape route for Confederate soldiers evacuating the city while it was under siege from the forces of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman.

The array of things offered in and around Savannah, Georgia is sometimes simply overwhelming. From the beaches, to the water recreation, to the hiking and biking of the inland areas, Savannah has the ability to provide the exact kind of entertainment options that will be perfectly suited for nearly everyone that is lucky enough to visit this true southern gem of a city. Savannah has played an important role in the history of the United States and along with all of the outdoor recreational and tourist attractions in the area, the city is home to a very good supply of historical sites and museums. A trip to the Savannah, Georgia area is a great idea for anyone whether they are an individual, couple or entire family.

The Best Shopping On The Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas is famous for its gambling and entertainment possibilities. Many vacationers wishing to partake of gambling activities that are against the law where they are traveling from head to the city of Las Vegas every day. The city’s reputation grew on the back of legalized gambling and that growth continues today even though gambling is no longer the only thing the city is famous for. When it comes to having the opportunity to see a large number of big name entertainers and shows, few locations can compete with the city of Las Vegas. Stars from the world of comedy, music, magic, and other performing arts perform throughout the city and often many well known entertainment personalities can be seen at in Las Vegas during the same visit to the city. No where in Las Vegas is this emphasis on gambling and entertainment seen more than on the world famous Las Vegas Strip. There is more to do there though than gamble and see a show, the Las Vegas Strip is home to some of the best shopping in the entire United States.

Some of the first class shopping opportunities that visitors to the Las Vegas Strip enjoy on a regular basis include:

The Grand Canal Shoppes At The Venetian
Located inside the Venetian Hotel Casino, the Grand Canal Shoppes are designed to allow for some of the best shopping in the area and also bring the flavor of Italy to the shoppers lucky enough to frequent it. The Grand Canal Shoppes are a great place to shop and also to see some of the more luxurious items available for sale in Las Vegas.

The Forum Shops At Caesars Palace
For anyone looking for the finer things in life, a visit to the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is a must. With the ceiling painted sky blue with a nice cloud cover and the mall filled with incredible fountains, it is as much a destination for lookers as it is for shoppers.

The Miracle Mile Shops At Planet Hollywood
With well over 150 stores and a great selection of restaurants that numbers in the teens, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood are a popular stop both for shoppers staying at the hotel there and those staying elsewhere. This is one of the more modern shopping experiences available in all of Las Vegas.

The Town Square
Located on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, the Town Square is home 1.5 million square feet of shops and restaurants. There are many different themes represented in the styling of the Town Square’s architecture, and it has one of the most unique selection of stores a traveler will find any where.

Fashion Show
Any visitor to Las Vegas seeking a large number of stores catering to fashion and clothing is well served with a visit to Fashion Show. Fashion Show is a mall actually has sky walks that access some of the surrounding casinos themselves making the street crossing and walking process so much simpler. From time to time, the mall hosts big name fashion shows on its 80 foot retractable runway.

The Hawaiian Marketplace
Visitors to Las Vegas are used to finding places that offer something completely different, and they are never disappointed with a trip to The Hawaiian Marketplace. The shopping area itself is modeled after the International Marketplace in Honolulu and is primarily an outdoor shopping center. The exquisite decorations are only topped by the high quality items found for sale there.

Showcase Mall
The Showcase Mall is a great quick stop for along the Las Vegas Strip. The mall features the eye catching storefronts of M&M’s World and The World of Coca-Cola, but there is more too including eating opportunities and a oasis for fans of video games in the form of GameWorks located in the basement. The Showcase Mall is located across the street from the New York New York Hotel & Casino and next to the MGM Grand.

Le Boulevard at Paris
With its distinctly European flavor, Le Boulevard is a shopper’s paradise. The selection of stores cannot be matched both for what they have to offer and because very few shopping opportunities exist any where in the country with the type of stores offered at Le Boulevard.

Las Vegas Outlet Center
When it is time for the visitor to Las Vegas to shop for the more normal items in life, the place to head to is the Las Vegas Outlet Center. Bargains galore can be found there and some of them come from the types of brand names and manufacturers that shoppers are not used to seeing at an outlet center.

The Shoppes At The Palazzo
Boasting some of the higher end luxury retailers in the area, The Shoppes at the Palazzo caters to the more discriminating shopper that frequents the Las Vegas Strip. Some of the more unique features in shopping are on display at The Shoppes at the Palazzo including video interactive shopping in some locations. Many shoppers leave The Shoppes as big fans of the eating establishments there as well as the two-story waterfall that is located there.

From clothing, to home decor, to jewelry and more, the finest things available from retailers can be purchased on or near the famous Las Vegas Strip. While strolling through the vast selections of luxurious items for sale, shoppers can also be treated to some of the best restaurant food and refreshments enjoyed any where. Even for those not looking to make some rather expensive purchases, a visit to the shopping areas of the Las Vegas Strip provide for some great people watching experiences as well. Las Vegas is known for catering to gamblers and those seeking entertainment of all sort, but it is also gaining a well deserved reputation as a mecca for shoppers too. Experiencing the high quality shopping opportunities available there is one more reason that visitors should use for staying on the Las Vegas Strip.

Five Great Places To Visit In Fargo, North Dakota

Located on the eastern border of the state of North Dakota, Fargo is the largest city in the state and the main metropolitan area in the region. Fargo has a long and storied history with many ties to both the old west era of American history as well as the early American exploration period. The entire state of North Dakota is known for its wide open spaces and the Fargo area shares that trait. One of the strengths of the area is its low population and the fact that it is a little off the beaten path. It is very possible to head to Fargo, North Dakota and both have a great vacation as well as escape the crowds that a person might be tiring of in their home regions.

Here are five great places to visit in Fargo, North Dakota.

1. Plains Art Museum
Visitors to the Plains Art Museum in downtown Fargo can enjoy viewing the many exhibits of Native American art, Cowboy art, folk art and even contemporary art housed in one of the best art galleries in the entire Midwest. There is a great deal of interesting pieces available in the permanent pieces on display there, but the gallery really comes alive when special showings of both local and nationally known artists or genres are held.

2. Fargo Air Museum
The Fargo Air Museum is a great stop for anyone with any interest in the history of transportation. Beyond that though, the museum has enough exhibits, artifacts and information to also entertain and inform those with just a minor or general interest in history too. The museum is located very near to Hector International Airport and has a number of historic and rare aircraft on display, most of which are in flying condition. Some of the aircraft available for viewing include one of only three known Super Corsair planes, a P-51D Mustang, a T-6 Texan, a Zero Fighter, a PT-17 and a PT-19 among many others. The museum is also home to a full-scale replica of a Wright Brothers flyer that is truly a sight to see.

3. The Roger Maris Museum
Easily the most famous, and possibly most loved, person to come out of Fargo, Roger Maris is an icon in this small community. The Roger Maris Museum is a large exhibit, housed in glass, and put on display at the West Acres Shopping Mall. The museum covers every step of his great career including the legendary 1961 season when he battled Mickey Mantle and broke Babe Ruth’s single season home run record. Among other things on display in the museum are some of the great player’s uniforms, gloves and other artifacts from his early days in baseball right up until his retirement from the game.

4. The Children’s Museum At Yunker Farm
One of the best places to go to in Fargo, especially for a family with young children, is the Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm. With well over fifty exhibits, many of them interactive, the Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm is the kind of attraction that can entertain kids for most of the day. Among the many features of the farm are a carousel as well as a children’s railroad. The farm offers the kind of opportunities for hands on fun that makes it so kids don’t even realize they are participating in a sometimes educational activity.

5. Bonanzaville USA
A great step back into history can be had with a visit to Bonanzaville USA. This attraction is a recreated pioneer village in which there are many interactive and hands-on pieces of history to learn from. With almost half a million historical artifacts on display and in use at the village, the visitor truly gets a first hand look at what life in the Red River Valley during the 19th century must have been like. Easily one of the nicest looks at historical life available in the area.

A trip to the Fargo, North Dakota area can open the eyes of the traveler up to all the things that some of the smaller and less popular points of the country have to offer. From the large number of outdoor recreation pursuits that are available in the state to the historical sites and museums, Fargo has a number of things that are quite appealing to many visitors coming to the area for the first time, as well as the locals who are more than familiar with the region. Fargo has more than enough attractions and things to do to interest and occupy a great many different people, regardless of their ages or backgrounds.

Paying A Visit To The Beaches Of Maryland

When the opportunity for a weekend getaway arises, one of the first things people think of is escaping the stresses and realities of daily life with a visit to an out of the way place where they can relax and enjoy themselves. If that is what is sought, the beaches in the state of Maryland fit the bill perfectly. There is a great deal of variety available when planning a visit to Maryland’s coastline and whether someone is seeking tourist attractions or a quiet getaway, there are more than enough options to take advantage of. Paying a visit to the beaches of Maryland is easier than ever, and the selection is absolutely remarkable.

Assateague State Park
The only ocean park with overnight camping as an option on the entire Maryland coastline is Assateague State Park which is located on Assateague Island which separates Sinepuxent Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Routinely selected as one of the best state parks in the entire United States, Assateague State Park combines a great opportunity to visit the ocean with wonderful and unique activities that cannot be found or enjoyed at other beach front locations. Some of the many activities available at Assateague State Park are bike riding, boating, fishing, camping and kayaking among other things. There is a great swimming area on the beach that is available to visitors to the park during most warmer months. With more than 300 camping sites, there is room enough for almost anyone who wants to visit the park to come and spend the night, enjoy a coastal campfire and experience the area for the long term.

Chesapeake Beach
Incredibly popular with nearby residents, as well as visitors from out of the area, since the early 1900s, Chesapeake Beach remains today as one of the great beach areas on the Maryland coastline. One of the more popular features in the local community is the Chesapeake Beach Water Park which opened in the mid-1990s. The beaches in the Chesapeake Beach area are both expansive and secluded with enough space for large groups to participate in group activities as well as smaller groups or couples to experience the beach in a more romantic way.

Highland Beach
One of the more fascinating beach communities in Maryland with one of the more unique histories, Highland Beach has been providing residents and visitors with a great opportunity to enjoy Chesapeake Bay since the late 1890s. One of the features of Highland Beach that makes it attractive to many visitors who insist on coming back year-after-year is the fact that the town has regulations in place that limit the amount of commercial development in the area. The beaches at Highland Beach are secluded and wonderful and provide for some of the nicest quiet times that can be had in the entire Maryland area.

North Beach
Another of the great Maryland beach communities that has kept itself largely as it was when it first started being flocked to in the early 1900s is North Beach. The beaches are great resources to explore for anyone looking for exciting castoffs from Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding area is delightfully undeveloped. There are a number of local celebrations that attract visitors regularly including the annual Bay Fest as well as the North Beach House and Garden Tour. The antique stores and quaint shops are popular places for visitors from outside of the area to hunt for treasures.

Ocean City
Quite possibly the most famous of Maryland’s beach communities, Ocean City is popular with children, adults, couples and families. The town features a great number of activities including a water park, biking trails, amusement parks, shopping and resort hotels. The most popular area is the Ocean City Boardwalk which is near the actual ocean and is also flanked by a number of unique and original businesses that cannot be found elsewhere. The long sandy beaches are what first attracted visitors to the area almost one hundred and fifty years ago and they are still a sight to see as well as one of the best features of the community.

Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park is popular with both locals and vacationers alike and for good reason. The activities available at Sandy Point State Park are almost endless and the scenery that can be enjoyed there is top notch. From the beach there are one-of-a-kind views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and also of the many ocean-going vessels that pass by. Boating is a popular activity at the park and the park is home to more than twenty boat launches and a total of six piers. For those that do not own their own boat, there are also motorboat and rowboat rentals available seasonally. Some of the other activities popular at Sandy Point State Park include taking advantage of the large number of picnic shelters, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, crabbing and general outdoor recreation. Sandy Point Mansion sits just off the main road through the park and housed the family that owned the park area when it was an operational farm. The beaches are what brings most people to the park as they are thought of by most to be the finest beaches of any that sit on the Chesapeake Bay.

There are a number of reasons to vacation and spend time on Maryland’s coast, but spending time at the beaches and in the beach communities that line Chesapeake Bay is one of the best. The beaches of Maryland provide an interesting chance to see the Atlantic Coast area in a different way as most of the local beach areas are usually not as crowded or as over-developed as many beach areas in other areas of the country. There are also more than enough things to do on or near the beaches of Maryland to satisfy even the most picky beach enthusiast around. A visit to the beaches of Maryland is a true joy and will be one of the highlights of the year for anyone who chooses to do so.

Vacationing At Ocean Shores, A Washington State Treasure

Beach vacations are some of the most memorable, exciting and relaxing vacations that vacationers can plan and take. While some beach locations may be more popular than others, it is important to remember that many beaches and beach communities that are not household names can also provide for some great vacations. Some of the most famous beaches in the United States are located in Hawaii, California and Florida; there are other beaches though and many that are indeed worthwhile of making a visit to. One of the more popular beaches in Washington State to go to is the community of Ocean Shores.

Ocean Shores is located on Washington’s Pacific Coast and is roughly two and half hours west of Seattle. The community of Ocean Shores sits on a sand bar peninsula that separates Gray’s Harbor from the Pacific Ocean. The area was originally developed as a vacation getaway in the mid-to-late-1960s. Many of the hotels and the com\munity itself had famous Hollywood celebrities backing it as a resort town for the rich and famous. In the early days there were a number of night clubs and resort hotels that were both frequented by and featured the entertainment of big name performers including Dean Martin and Pat Boone. While Ocean Shores is no longer the vacation destination of the entertainment elite, many of the reasons that it enjoyed that type of popularity in its early days are still present today.

The community of Ocean Shores is small but tight knit and there are a good number of resort hotels that border the beach. Great restaurants, cafes and diners can be found through the town and like most ocean front towns, seafood is a specialty. Hotels are not the only way that a vacationer can enjoy staying on the beach at Ocean Shores as the community has a number of condominiums and rental houses available as well. Many local businesses cater to vacationers and offer a number of services and products to enhance their time on the beach including moped and bike rentals as well as kite sales. Fishing is still a thriving industry in the area and the nearby communities of Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Westport offer a number charter fishing opportunities and piers to explore. Travelers to Ocean Shores drive through Aberdeen and Hoquiam on their way to the beach, and Westport is accessible by ferry. Located very near the entrance to Ocean Shores is the Quinalt Casino, a very popular local entertainment venue. Golfing is another popular activity in the area and the local course is popular with visitors and residents alike.

The Washington coastline is much different than the coastline of California or some of the other more popular beach locations in that it is more rugged and usually is frequented by storms during certain parts of the year. While those who place a high priority on long uninterrupted sandy beaches may be disappointed, those who relish rocky cliffs, rock formations and tidepools will more than enjoy Ocean Shores and the surrounding area. One of the truly unique features of Ocean Shores and many of the beaches of Washington’s coast is that many of them are treated as state highways and travelers are allowed to drive their vehicles on the beach itself. Often a visitor to the community can drive from their rental house to a local restaurant and travel nearly the whole way on the beach.

While swimming in the waters at Ocean Shores isn’t as popular as in other locations, there are still more than enough things to do on the beach itself. Horseback riding is available and one of the more fun pursuits to participate in. Because of the winds, kite flying is a very popular pasttime that many visitors take part in. Of course there are a number of standard beach activities that can be done as well like sand castle building, sea shell collecting, and beach sports. The beach at Ocean Shores is not the only beach in the area either as a short drive up the Washington coast will reveal many more opportunities to get up close and personal with the Pacific Ocean.

Ocean Shores is known throughout the local area for its large number of festivals and celebrations. While obvious holidays like the Fourth of July are celebrated in this beach community, there are also kite flying contests, sand castle building contests, antique and craft fairs, jazz festivals as well as many other local celebrations too. It is generally true that there is some kind of local festival going on during almost any weekend in the ocean side community of Ocean Shores.

There are many popular beaches in the United States and from Waikiki Beach in Hawaii to Miami Beach in Florida, there are many people who prefer to head to locations that are frequented by millions of people every year. Some of the best vacations though, whether for a couple or family, can be had by visiting the beach communities that are a little off the beaten path and not the first destination that most vacationers think of. Ocean Shores, Washington is just this type of community and has been entertaining visitors for decades. A visit to Ocean Shores just might be exactly what the vacationer is looking for, even if they themselves don’t even know it.

Five Things You Must Do When Traveling To Kansas City

When it comes to Midwest locations that are truly deserving of a visit by vacationers, Kansas City is at or near the top of the list. The Kansas City area played a large role in the history of the country and there is a good number of historical attractions that are left to this day to tell the story. Between the museum and cultural attractions available for visitors to explore and the recreational and natural pursuits available to them, Kansas City has proven itself to be a worthy destination of vacationers for many many years.

1. Hallmark Visitors Center - One of the more unique factory tour opportunities around can be had with a visit to the Hallmark Visitors Center. Follow the creation of a greeting card from beginning to end and learn about this company that has become such a huge part of almost every holiday known to man. The tour is a great way to see how both the simple and more complex aspects of greeting cards are put together. One of the more interesting factory tours available in any city in the United States.

2. National World War One Museum - For any visitor interested in history, but especially for those that consider themselves to be history buffs, a trip to the National World War One Museum is a definite must. With exhibits ranging from hands-on experiences to the actual weapons and uniforms worn by the brave soldiers who fought in the actual battles, the National World War One Museum is the place to go to learn as much information about this historically significant even as is possible.

3. Science City At Union Station - A great place for the entire family to spend some quality time learning about how science affects their daily lives. Visitors can learn everything from how the bubbles get into soda pop to how the astronauts train for their space missions. Truly a great science center that can entertain both adults and children.

4. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Many sports fans, even fans of baseball, are not aware of the accomplishments and significance that the Negro Leagues have in history. Many of the greatest ball players of their time were not allowed to play in major league baseball, but they did perform to their fullest in the Negro Leagues. the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is definitely one of the most unique museums any traveler could ever find their way to.

5. Kansas City Zoo - One of the best zoos in the American Midwest region, the Kansas City Zoo is home to a great number of animal exhibits that will thrill and entertain the entire family. One of the featured attractions is a 95 acre African environment where animals roam the habitat the way they would in the wild. There is enough to do at the Kansas City Zoo to easily fill the better part of a traveler’s day.

Kansas City is rather unique in that it is definitely a major American city, but it also has retained a certain amount of small town or city charm. The city caters to both residents and visitors alike when it comes to providing a wealth of things to do. Kansas City not only knows exactly where they’ve come from in terms of their past, but also has a solid outlook on where the city is heading. A visit to Kansas City is definitely a trip that any family or group will remember for a very long time.

Five Things You May Not Know About Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon is one of the signature urban areas in the Pacific Northwest. The city was founded and developed because of its location on the Columbia River and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. What started as a frontier trading post has developed into an international city that has earned a reputation as a great destination. One of the biggest strengths of the Portland area as a destination for travelers is its location close to the mountains, the Columbia River gorge and the Pacific coastline. There is a great deal known about the city, but here are five things you may not know about Portland, Oregon.

1. Portland’s two founders came from Boston, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine. Both men wished to name the new city after their home towns and chose to decide who would get naming honors by flipping a penny. The Oregon Historical Society is in possession of this penny, now referred to as the Portland Penny, and displayed proudly in their headquarters.

2. Portland has been known as The City of Roses for more than one hundred years. The most famous, and possibly most remarkable rose garden in the city is the International Rose Test Garden. The garden is home to well over 500 different varieties of roses and includes a total of more than 7,000 rose plants.

3. The city of Portland now sits on the site of three former communities. Prior to 1891, when they were all consolidated into one city, the area’s three separate towns were Portland, East Portland and Albina.

4. A section of roadway called the Mount Hood Freeway was a proposed east-west freeway intended to run through southeast Portland. that was never constructed. The citizens of Portland came out strongly against this plan and the project was cancelled in the early 1970s. One lone feature still exists pointing to this abandoned project. The most traveled bridge in the state of Oregon is Portland’s double decked Marquam Bridge and on the eastern end is an unfinished ramp stub that was to have lead to the Mount Hood Freeway.

5. One of the big attractions at the very popular Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is the USS Blueback submarine that is open for public tours and is docked right outside the museum. This submarine was used in the 1990 Sean Connery film, The Hunt For Red October.

Portland is a great place to visit for a wide variety of reasons, but the overall best reason is that it offers a great deal of diverse things to do that should interest and occupy any visitor lucky enough to head that way. From the wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities available in the area to the many historical sites, the city has the ability to cater specifically to the very broad range of visitors that travel its way every year. Portland has had a long and interesting history and has proven itself to be a great destination throughout its existence. It remains to be one of the best places to go to in the Pacific Northwest each and every year.

The Must-See Landmarks Of The State Of Utah

The state of Utah has played an important role in the history of the United States. As an area that was passed through by many settlers using the Oregon Trail as their way to the Pacific Northwest and as the ultimate destination of the Mormon pioneers when they relocated from their earlier settlements farther east, Utah’s presence in American history is unique and interesting. There are a number of sites left behind that tell the story of the history made there, and a visit to Utah is a great way for anyone interested in history to get a first hand look at many historical artifacts and sites. When coupling the historical sites that can be seen in the state of Utah with the beautiful natural scenery, it is easy to see why a great many people venture to this western state each and every year.

Emigration Canyon
The name of this beautiful canyon comes from the historical event of the Mormon trek westward. Emigration Canyon is the place where the Mormon pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley in the mid-1850s. The canyon can be found east of Salt Lake City and is part of the Wasatch Range. There are a number of historical markers placed throughout the canyon signifying the location of important trails, milestones, events and camps in relation to the trail the early Mormons took as they came to the Salt Lake area.

Fort Douglas
Located three miles east of Salt Lake City and originally called Camp Douglas when it was built in 1862, it was renamed Fort Douglas in 1878 and was an active part of the military until it was closed in 1991. The fort is now owned by the University of Utah and it currently houses a museum that details the history of the fort and the surrounding area. The original purpose of the fort was to protect the mail route and telegraph lines along the Oregon Trail that travels through the area. One extremely interesting period in the fort’s history is that during World War I it was actually used as an internment camp for Germans living in the United States as well as a prison for captured German naval personnel.

Bryce Canyon Lodge
Built only of local materials in the mid-1920s, Bryce Canyon Lodge is one of the more beautiful buildings in the region. The lodge sits inside the boundaries of Bryce Canyon National Park and was designed by the famous architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood who designed a number of building for the National Park Service for use in Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and the northern rim of the most famous natural area in the entire United States, the Grand Canyon. A trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, and the lodge that shares its name, is an essential trip for anyone interested in enjoying the outdoors.

Bingham Canyon Mine
The Bingham Canyon Mine, in operation since 1906 and designated a National Historic Landmark in the mid-1960s, is known as the world’s largest man-made excavation. The mine is still in use and owned by the international mining company Rio Tinto. It is located just southwest of Salt Lake City and can be found in the Oquirrh Mountains. The extraction of minerals from Bingham Canyon has been going on since 1850, but it wasn’t until later that it was discovered exactly how much product could be taken from the canyon’s surrounding walls. Some of the many minerals taken from the Bingham Canyon during its mining lifetime include gold, silver and molybdenum. The Bingham Canyon Mine however is known mostly for being copper mine, with only one other mine in the world producing more copper than it during its history.

The Brigham Young Complex
When the Mormon settlement of the Salt Lake Valley occurred, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was Brigham Young. The two houses that make up the Brigham Young Complex were this famous church leaders residences during his life in the area from 1852 through 1877. Brigham Young and the work he and the early Mormon pioneers did during their settlement was integral to much of the development of both the Mormon church as well as the entire Utah region.

Alkali Ridge
One of the most famous archaeological sites in the Western United States, Alkali Point is home to a number of sites featuring the earliest examples of Puebloan architecture that have ever been found. The types of developments found in this area include pit type dwellings and farming or agriculturally related sites. Designated a National Histric Landmark in the mid-1960s, the information and artifacts that have come from Alkali Ridge have proven to be quite eye-opening in terms of looking at the earliest of settlers in what has now become the Western United States.

The Topaz War Relocation Center
During World War II, the War Relocation Authority established a number of internment camps that were designed and implemented to house some Americans of Japanese descent as well as immigrants to the United States who had come from Japan. One of those internment camps was the Topaz War Relocation Center, an almost 20,000 acre area located just west of the community of Delta, Utah. At one point, with 9,000 detainees, Topaz was the fifth largest center of population in the state of Utah. After the war, much of the land that made up the Topaz War Relocation Center was dispersed with and used for farming. Many of the foundations and some of the buildings remain, and there is a Topaz Museum located in the community of Delta that is dedicated to preserving the sites as well as the artifacts and information relating to this controversial chapter in American history.

Whether a traveler is interested in the natural scenery of Utah or learning about any number of interesting historical events that have taken place in the area, a visit to this state allows the visitor to experience a wide variety of things from an up close perspective. A vacation to Utah provides for not only the standard attractions like resort hotels, ski resorts, outdoor recreation, but also interesting and important historical sites as well. Few people ever take the time to visit Utah and then leave disappointed, the state has the unique ability to provide something for nearly everyone who comes its way.

Great Reasons To Have Travel Insurance

Vacations are supposed to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment. A vacation is supposed to be a trip to a far off tropical location where two people can be alone for days on end. A vacation is supposed to be a family trip to Disneyland where the kids and adults alike are entertained beyond their wildest dreams. A vacation is supposed to be a cross country trip where everyone experiences the freedom to stop and spend time wherever they want with no set schedule. A vacation is not supposed to be a stressful time filled win inconvenience after inconvenience due to something out of the traveler’s control.

When bad things happen to travelers, whether they are at the beginning or end of their trip, that is when they are relieved to remember that they had the foresight to purchase travel insurance. The purpose of travel insurance is in case travel plans have to be cancelled or altered because of problems outside of the vacationer’s control that all or part of the price of the vacation could be refunded to the purchaser. Many people see this as an extra expense that isn’t needed. Depending on the vacation plans, those people may be right. But, when the cost of the vacation is rather expensive and there is a chance that something could come up or happen to ruin it, then travel insurance may indeed be the right thing to buy.

Any traveler will be thankful that they have purchased travel insurance if any of the following situations arise.

-When their travel documents, like their passports or airline tickets, are stolen.

-When the cruise line or airline that the travel plans were booked through goes bankrupt.

-When they have a medical emergency while in a foreign country.

-When their wallet, travel checks, cash, or credit cards are stolen.

-When their flight has been cancelled or delayed too long to make a connecting flight.

-When their medication is lost and it is a must that replacement prescriptions are obtained.

-When a natural disaster like an earthquake, a hurricane, or a tornado cause them to prematurely evacuate their accomodations.

-When there is a medical emergency or illness that forces them to cancel their vacation altogether.

-When a catastrophic event occurs in the city where they are planning to visit and they then wish to cancel their vacation plans.

-When they are involved in a serious traffic accident and need more medical attention than is available in the location they have traveled to.

Travel insurance isn’t for everyone, and really isn’t even for every vacation, but for the right occasion it can relieve a lot of stress and sometimes may even save the vacationer a great deal of money. Travel insurance can often be the only thing purchased related to the vacation that could also end up saving the vacation from being a total disaster. Though most travelers don’t give travel insurance a second thought, those that do know the benefits that it can bring to their lives.

Visiting The Landmarks In The Great State Of Maine

Deciding on a vacation destination is an important step for anyone put in charge of making that decision. Much of the best memories kids and adults have are those they accumulated during various vacations they have taken. One of the areas of the country that often gets overlooked when it comes to vacation location considerations is the state of Maine. This area of the country though is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and natural areas in the entire United States. Along with the natural beauty of the state of Maine, there are also a large number of interesting and historically significant things to do throughout the state. Maine has a long and rich history and is a great place for anyone calling themselves a history enthusiast to visit during anytime of the year. Here is a look at some of the must-see landmarks in the state of Maine.

The American Eagle
The fishing industry is one of the strongest industrial ties that the communities of Maine have. Constructed as the ‘Andrew and Rosalie’ in 1930, the American Eagle was declared a National Historic Landmark in the early 1990s. The American Eagle is the last two masted schooner ever built in the shipbuilding haven of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The schooner is now on display in the Rockland Harbor in Rockland, Maine.

Cushnoc Archeological Site
Most likely built in the early 1600s and used through the later parts of that century, the Cushnoc Archeological Site is a very interesting stop for anyone interested in early American history. The archeological site was the location of a Plymouth Colony trading post that was established in what many think to be the year 1628. The site was named a National Historic Landmark in the early 1990s and has provided an interesting look at the early days of North American settlement since then.

Fort Halifax
At one time, Fort Halifax was home to more than 600 soldiers, but now nearly all that remains is the blockhouse. The blockhouse is currently the oldest example of a blockhouse in the entire United States. The fort was built in the early 1750s during the early days of the French and Indian War. It remains as one of the best examples of fort construction from the American colonial period and is located in the community of Winslow, Maine.

Victoria Mansion
For one of the best looks at what the lifestyle of the wealthy and elite was like during the mid-1800s, a trip to the Victoria Mansion in Portland, Maine is a must. Built in 1860, the Victoria Mansion features a brownstone exterior with many details that most homeowners of the time could simply not afford. From the overall design to the specific features, it is easy to see that this was not the home of commoners at the time. The interior of the mansion shows off the fine craftsmanship of the time and even features a number of things that were considered on the forefront of technology during its day. In architectural circles, the mansion is now seen as one of the best examples of a Italianate Villa style brownstone house in the entire country. One of the things that makes it truly unique is the fact that over the years it has endured very few alterations. The mansion is now a local museum and definitely well worth the time it takes to visit and explore its treasures.

Old York Gaol
Located in York, Maine, the Old York Gaol has had a fascinating history since its original construction in the early 1700s. From 1719 to 1879 it was used as a prison, including operating as a debtor’s prison for much of that time. During the history of the building it also saw time as a warehouse, boarding house and school. Currently it is a very interesting museum where visitors can still view many aspects of the original jail house andjailer’s quarters as they appeared in the late 1700s.

The Bowdoin
Constructed in 1921, the schooner Bowdoin is current used for educational purposes and is on display in Castine, Maine. The ship was built in East Boothbay, Maine and was designed to explore in the waters above the Arctic Circle. The Bowdoin was declared a National Historic Landmark in the late 1980s and is a true beauty to see, whether at sea or at port. Over the course of its life, the ship has made more than twenty-five excursions above the Arctic Circle.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Located in Brunswick, Maine, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House is where the author lived while writing her landmark anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in the house from 1850 to 1852 while her husband was employed as a professor at Bowdoin College which was located nearby. While the house is not open to the public, it is still a wonderful example of mid-1800s architecture and a great historical site.

The Winslow Homer Studio
Scarborough, Maine is home to the Winslow Homer Studio. The studio is one of many that Homer used to create some of his incredible works of art that have become favorites with art lovers every where. The building is owned by the Portland Museum of Art and is undergoing extensive restoration. The building was build in 1884 and was placed on the National Historic Landmark list in the mid 1960s.

Fort Knox
Anyone interested in American history would love to pay a visit to Fort Know, currently part of Fort Knox State Park, which is located in Prospect, Maine. A fine example of a fort built from granite, in fact this was the first granite built fort in the state of Maine. The construction process of Fort Knox was long and though it began in 1844, it was not completed until 1869. The fort is located on the banks of the Penobscot River and is named after the first United States Secretary of War, Henry Knox. The purpose of the fort was for protection and armament during a tense period when the United States and the United Kingdom were at odds over where the border between America and Canada would be. While the fort never saw action in a battle, it is a fascinating and well kept look at American military history.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Now operating as a museum in Portland, Maine, the Wadsworth-Longfellow home is the childhood home of the famous and popular American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The site was named a National Historic Landmark in the early 1960s and is a great stop for anyone interested specifically in Longfellow and also for anyone interested in architecture and general American history from the late 1700s and early 1800s. The home is also the oldest structure still stding on the Portland peninsula.

Lady Pepperrell House
The Lady Pepperrell House was built in 1760 and designated a National Historic Landmark approximately two hundred years later in 1960. The house is privately owned, but several times a year it is opened for public viewing. It has bee kept in amazing condition and much of the building remains the same as it did during its last period of regular use. The historic building is located in Kittery Point, Maine and even when viewed from the exterior is a very pleasant place to stop.

The Portland Observatory
Those travelers interested in maritime history should be very interested in making the trip to the Portland Observatory located in Portland, Maine. This is the last example of a maritime signal tower in the entire United States. The observatory stands eighty-six feet tall and consists of seven stories. It was built for the purpose of communication between the merchants of Portland and the incoming freighters. Through the use of a telescope and a lantern, arrangements for loading and unloading could be communicated between the parties long before the ships entered Portland Harbor. The observatory also served as a lookout during the War of 1812. Besides its historical significance, a great view of Portland and the surrounding area can be had from the top of the structure.

Maine’s ties to the maritime pursuits of shipbuilding and the fishing industry are legendary. The many coastal fishing villages that played large roles in the beginning days of the state are for the most still just as they appeared during the state’s formative years. A visit to Maine is a great way for an entire family or group to enjoy their vacation and at the same time see a great deal of things that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The kinds of memories made with a trip to Maine cannot be duplicated by visiting any other state in the United States of America. Maine is a truly original and unique location to choose as a vacation destination, and it has the ability to give any vacationer that comes its way a truly original and unique vacation experience.

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