Travelrific® Travel Journal

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Archive for road travel

A Bridge to Somewhere

By Linda Tancs

In a decade or so there’ll be a shorter commute between Hamburg and Copenhagen. That’s when one of the most ambitious bridge-building efforts in Northern Europe–the Fehmarn Belt Bridge–is due to be completed. Linking the German island of Fehmarn with the Danish island of Lolland, the 12-mile long span in the Baltic Sea consisting of four road lanes and two rail tracks will reduce rail travel time between Hamburg and Copenhagen by about 1 hour. The Danes haven’t seen a project of this scope since the opening of the much-heralded Øresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö. Despite some opposition, the latest connection should be just as popular.

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The Maine Event

By Linda Tancs

As hurricane Hanna threatens to rumble up the Atlantic Coast, I can’t help but think about how many sailors found safe harbor in the midst of America’s lighthouses along the coast.  Although they may have been replaced technologically by radar and other systems, these unwavering oceanic icons represent the adventuresome spirit of those whose lives depended on that guiding light.  Did you know that Maine has over 60 lighthouses dotting the coast?  West Quoddy Head is the easternmost lighthouse in the United States.  You can visit a good many of them just by cruising down Route 1.  Now there’s a group of northern lights you won’t want to miss.

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Back on the Farm

By Linda Tancs

Think “late summer” and what comes to mind? For me, it’s towering sunflowers and the waning harvests of sweet corn amidst the bountiful supplies of squash and other autumn fruits, tilled fields and hay rides. Have you visited your local farmer lately? Farmers’ markets have surged in popularity since their start in the 1800s, thanks to a strong interest in fresh and wholesome food and the feeling of community they engender. Many close up shop during the month of October, but some, like the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, are open year-round with limited hours. Check your local listings for a market near you.

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Lincoln’s Little Cottage

By Linda Tancs

“Cottage” isn’t exactly the right word for a sprawling 34-room estate occupied by Abraham Lincoln as a getaway from the pressures of political life.  Situated on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C. and declared a National Monument by President Clinton, the Gothic Revival retreat has been refurbished and reopened to the public.  Although elitists clamor for a night in Lincoln’s bedroom at the White House, they may have missed the boat in truly experiencing the man and his times.  Lincoln spent the better part of his presidency holed up in his Civil war-era equivalent of Camp David.  You can’t sleep there, but then again, the price of admission isn’t nearly as steep.

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Racing Around the World

By Linda Tancs

Start your engines, motor sports enthusiasts!  In light of the IndyCar Series’ recent announcement on the 2009 schedule, let’s look at race car museums around the world.  Just 30 minutes outside the Las Vegas Strip, the Vintage Race Car Museum in Henderson, Nevada surveys different eras in racing, covering sprint cars, midgets, Indy Race League cars and engines.  Across the country, Philadelphia’s Simeone Foundation Museum recently opened an exhibition of racing cars from World War I to the latest 21st century NASCAR.  For a European flair, head on over to Hamburg’s Prototyp for a view of a Le Mans race prototype and the Mercedes Benz world record car.  Best thing is, you don’t have to fill up the tank.

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Take a Pass on Ozone

By Linda Tancs

As the ground-level ozone alert rises in New Jersey, mass transit agencies encourage people to take a break from the wheel.  On designated alert days, employees whose businesses belong to the New Jersey Air Quality Partnership can commute via bus, rail or light rail for under $3 with an Ozone Pass. Now you can breathe easier.

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A Taste of the Good Life

By Linda Tancs

Hot dog eating champs, move over.  It’s time for a less hurried, more palate-pleasing competition in California.  Just a few miles northwest of Philo, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards hosts a wine tasting competition this weekend.  Singles can vie as connoisseurs on Saturday.  Sunday is reserved for doubles.  There’s even a training camp on both days for oenophile wannabees.  Time to get your game on.

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Largest Public Arts Festival Kicks Off This Weekend

By Linda Tancs

Art aficionados, take note.  Baltimore, Maryland hosts Artscape this weekend. Billed as America’s largest free public arts festival, the event includes glass, ceramics, photography, clothing art, art exhibitions, and a host of musical entertainers from the worlds of jazz, soul, pop, rock, and blues, to name a few. Locals have easy access via bus, light rail or subway. For the rest, try Amtrak and save 50% off a companion ticket.

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New York’s Delaware River Valley

By Linda Tancs

From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, New York’s river valley towns in Sullivan County are brimming with events centered on, or around, their aqueous neighbor.  Join the fun.  Visit www.travelrificradio.com.

 

 

Summer Solstice Along the Hudson

By Linda Tancs

What better way to celebrate the summer solstice this weekend than at the Clearwater Music and Environmental Festival at Croton Point Park on the banks of the Hudson River in Westchester County, New York. Founded by musician Pete Seeger over 30 years ago, the festival mixes environmental education with cool tunes for a warm summer weekend. You can even sail on a replica of a 19th century riverboat. So make like Tom Sawyer and head on over.

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