Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!People’s Playground
By Linda Tancs
Coney Island is a neighborhood and popular entertainment destination located at the southern tip of Brooklyn, New York City, along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s famous for its historic amusement parks, the beach and the boardwalk. Although a popular summer spot, it’s also worth a visit in the off-season. Take a walk along the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk, stretching for nearly 3 miles. Along the way, gaze up at the iconic Parachute Jump, a defunct amusement ride comprising a 250-foot-tall, 170-short-ton open-frame, steel parachute tower. The Coney Island Museum (open on weekends) sells merchandise evocative of the People’s Playground, a historical nickname for Coney Island owing to its popularity among the masses since the late 19th century.
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Burger Day on Route 66
By Linda Tancs
The fried onion burger was invented in the Route 66 town of El Reno, half an hour west of Oklahoma City. And they celebrate that fact in a big way each May at Burger Day in Historic Downtown. That’s when scores of volunteers cook the “World’s Largest Fried Onion Burger.” Measuring over 8 feet in diameter and weighing more than 850 pounds, this record-setting burger is cooked fresh on a massive griddle and served to attendees. Come hungry, and enjoy the festivities including classic cars, live entertainment and local vendors. This year’s event takes place on May 2.
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Rural Ironworks in New York
By Linda Tancs
Operated from 1848 until 1903, Copake Iron Works was established at the base of the Taconic Ridge in Copake Falls, New York. Listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places, it has long been recognized as one of the most complete rural ironworks in the regional Litchfield Iron District. Now part of Taconic State Park, the historic district includes a rare stone blast furnace, the blowing engine house, a machine shop with equipment still in place, the ironworkers’ duplex, the Carpenter-Gothic style office building and the elegant residence of Isaac Chesbrough, one of the first ironmasters for the site.
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Elfreth’s Alley
By Linda Tancs
Dating to 1703, Elfreth’s Alley (named for blacksmith and property owner Jeremiah Elfreth) is a National Historic Landmark in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States, most of its 32 houses built between 1720 and 1836 are privately owned. Two adjacent homes (#124 and #126) function as a museum and gift shop open seasonally between April and November. Visitors can explore the historic alleyway on their own or join a 45-minute guided tour.
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French Inspiration in Bedfordshire
By Linda Tancs
Wrest Park is a country estate located in Silsoe, Bedfordshire, England. It comprises a Grade I-listed country house as well as formal gardens. Wrest Park’s significance lies in its unique architecture, a rare example of a 19th-century mansion built in the style of an 18th-century French chateau. This time of year it hosts the biggest, most action-packed St. George’s Day celebration in the country. Enjoy a weekend of shows, battles, games, performances and activities culminating in England’s most legendary battle between George and the dragon.
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Poetry in Motion
By Linda Tancs
Poetry enjoys a special place in the history of Madison, Wisconsin. For one thing, the city reportedly was one of the first in the nation to appoint a poet laureate. Events and open mics abound, as does poetry on buses. Even the sidewalks sport poetic bursts. Prime locales include Monroe Street, Atwood Avenue and in the Marquette neighborhood.
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A Medieval Gateway in Cornwall
By Linda Tancs
Of Arthurian legend, Tintagel Castle is a medieval fortification located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island adjacent to the village of Tintagel, North Cornwall, in England. Cross the footbridge to the island, where you’ll delight in amazing views of the Cornish coast and the sea. Key highlights include the remains of the Great Hall with its spectacular coastal views and the medieval chapel ruins. You can also visit Merlin’s Cave via a steep path down to the beach below the castle. At low tide, you can walk directly into the cave, so sturdy footwear is recommended as the rocks can be slippery. Be mindful of the tide schedule to ensure a safe visit, as the cave is completely submerged at high tide. You’ll need a timed ticket to access the castle and explore the area. Visit this time of year for clearer views and fewer crowds.
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North Carolina’s National Seashore
By Linda Tancs
Managed by the National Park Service, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the United States’ first national seashore, which preserves the portion of the Outer Banks of North Carolina from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island. Boasting more than 70 miles of shoreline, it’s particularly known as a place for exceptional shelling (like Scotch bonnets and helmet conchs) thanks to shallow ocean floors. It supports a rich diversity of plants and animals, including threatened or endangered species like the piping plover, seabeach amaranth and sea turtles. Four campgrounds are located across the Seashore, providing an immersive experience of the barrier islands; two of them are open year round.
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Feast of the Ramson
By Linda Tancs
West Virginia is one of the best states to harvest ramps (wild leeks), a prized, pungent Appalachian springtime delicacy appearing from late April to early June. It should come as no surprise, then, that the beloved leek has its own festival. Held in April in Richwood, Feast of the Ramson is touted as the world’s largest ramps festival. A ramps-centric meal is complemented with potatoes, brown beans, cornbread, ham and bacon. Arts and crafts vendors are on site as well. This year’s festival takes place on April 18 at the community center.
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Patagonia’s Chocolate Capital
By Linda Tancs
Commonly called Bariloche, San Carlos de Bariloche is a town in Argentina’s Patagonia region. It borders Nahuel Huapi, a large glacial lake surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Bariloche is known for its Swiss alpine-style architecture and its chocolate. In fact, in 2015 it was declared the national capital of chocolate. An annual festival takes place around this time of year, featuring various activities like chocolate-making workshops, tastings and displays of large chocolate sculptures, including record-breaking ones like the longest chocolate bar.
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