Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!West Virginia’s Bald Eagles
By Linda Tancs
Along the South Branch of the Potomac River in West Virginia, you’ll enter a visually striking gorge known as the Trough. One of the most scenic spots along the South Branch, the Trough is home to American bald eagles. A great way to view them is to take a three-hour train ride on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, an aptly-named heritage railroad based in Romney, West Virginia. That’s one of many rides on vintage diesels that lead you through beautiful pastures and farms dating back to the 1700s. All excursions depart and arrive back to the station in Romney.
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A Rare Blend of Science
By Linda Tancs
Imagine an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum all under one roof. That’s what you’ll find at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Located in Golden Gate Park, it’s one of the largest museums of natural history in the world. The four-story rainforest is housed in a glass dome accompanied by birds and butterflies, Amazonian fish and unusual insect, amphibian and reptile species. At the planetarium, you’ll find one of the largest all-digital planetarium domes in the world. The aquarium features a 212,000-gallon living coral reef and over 1,000 animal species. Overall, the facility boasts nearly 60,000 animal residents, the most famous of which may be the albino alligator, Claude. The academy is open year round; reservations are required for the planetarium.
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The Route 66 Cheese & Food Trail
By Linda Tancs
Launched for this year’s centennial celebration of Route 66, the Route 66 Cheese & Food Trail brings together cheesemakers, cheese shops, restaurants and specialty food destinations. A collaborative venture between the New Mexico Cheese Guild and Cheese Trail (a food and travel platform founded in California), the trail is a 2,400-mile culinary route across eight states. It’s designed to offer travelers a “real food” alternative to the modern landscape of mega-gas stations and processed snacks. Become part of a once-in-a-century celebration!
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A Renaissance in Tennessee
By Linda Tancs
‘Tis a month for medieval merriment in Tennessee. In other words, it’s time for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, held weekends in May and Memorial Day. Set in the fictional village of Covington Glen in Arrington, the event features swashbuckling, jousts, magic shows, musical performances, tasty food, and arts and crafts. What’s not fictional is Castle Gwynn, the backdrop for the festival. Privately owned, you can visit the grounds and gardens with your ticket admission. You’ll find exhibits of armor, tapestries, period pieces, video of some of the castle’s interior and a souvenir shop.
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Grand Canyon Railway
By Linda Tancs
Completed in 1901, Grand Canyon Railway is a heritage railroad which carries passengers between Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The train travels across the northern Arizona landscape, where you’ll watch the terrain change from high desert to prairie to pine. Entertaining for all ages, the 120-mile round-trip ride features performances by historical cowboy characters and strolling musicians. You’ll have more than three hours to explore the canyon. The railway also offers a hotel adjacent to the historic Williams Depot for those needing lodging. The train runs year round.
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A Palace of Riches in Naples
By Linda Tancs
Transformed into a public museum in 1957, Capodimonte Museum in Naples, Italy, represents the legacy of four great European dynasties: the Italian aristocratic Farnese family, the Bourbon kings of Naples and Spain, the family of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Italian Savoy monarchy. King Charles of Bourbon began construction of the palace in 1738 to display the Renaissance and Baroque collection given to him by his mother. Today’s collection boasts over 47,000 works of art spanning the Middle Ages to the 21st century, featuring masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Parmigianino, Caravaggio and many more. Don’t miss a walk through the Royal Wood, a historic garden adjoining the palace with over 400 different plant species planted over the course of two centuries.
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America’s Oldest Aquarium
By Linda Tancs
The New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States. Founded in Battery Park, Manhattan, it moved to Coney Island, Brooklyn, in 1957. Occupying 14 acres, it’s home to over 500 species of marine wildlife in addition to 18 sharks and ray species. Advance online booking for a timed ticket is required for entry.
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America’s Longest Aerial Tram
By Linda Tancs
The 2.7-mile ascent on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the 10,378-foot peak of the Sandia Mountains is a can’t-miss attraction in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s America’s longest aerial tram, offering a 15-minute ride with panoramic views reaching over 11,000 square miles. The peak offers over 100 trails for hiking and a variety of ski trails in winter. Savor the views, along with a meal, at the peak’s restaurant. Purchase your tickets online.
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Sanctuary of Truth
By Linda Tancs
A highlight of any trip to Pattaya, Thailand, The Sanctuary of Truth is a museum designed by Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphan. Part museum and part castle, the imposing structure billed as the largest wooden castle in the world is made entirely of wood without a single metal nail in a process that continues since 1981. Encompassing over 2,000 square meters, its tallest spire is over 340 feet and its enormous wood carvings represent deities. Buy advance tickets and dress appropriately; sarongs are available for rental at the entrance. Due to the ongoing construction, a safety helmet is required to be worn.
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Murals and More in Pontiac
By Linda Tancs
Pontiac, Illinois, is best known for its connection to Route 66. Part of that history is depicted amongst the 25 outdoor murals downtown, which includes the largest and first mural, a Route 66 shield. You’ll find more Route 66 history at the Pontiac Museum Complex where visitors can also learn about U.S. Armed Forces history in Livingston County, and more. The Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum and the Museum of the Gilding Arts are located just one block away from the complex. From spring through fall the city operates a hop-on, hop-off tour bus (the Jolly Trolley).
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