Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for tourism
Slopes are Recession Proof
By Linda Tancs
According to the National Ski Areas Association, the 2008/2009 season is the fourth best on record despite an agonizing recession. That might not seem all that surprising to enthusiasts in ski-heavy areas like California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming–well, you get the idea. But look east to New Jersey and you’ll find a welcome uptick, quite an accomplishment for a state facing one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. And with fresh snow from this weekend’s blizzard-like weather event, things are bound to look rosier. So before you head west for skiing’s traditional mecca, maybe you should try out one of New Jersey’s signature resorts–Hidden Valley, Campgaw Mountain or Mountain Creek. Hidden Valley Club resort is open to the public this season, but thereafter an uncrowded atmosphere will be assured on weekends with private membership. At Campgaw, the whole family can partake in skiing, snowboarding or tubing. Speaking of snowboarding, tomorrow is Go Snowboarding Day at Mountain Creek, which means you get a free lesson, lift ticket and rental. The West may have Big Sky, but New Jersey has the Best Deal.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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The Spectacle of the Everyday
By Linda Tancs
Pablo Picasso famously observed that art washes the dust of everyday life from the soul. Imagine what he’d think of the 10th edition of the Biennale de Lyon, carrying the theme “The Spectacle of the Everyday.” The exhibition, running through 3 January 2010, encourages visitors to contemplate art’s place in a world defined by consumption. Through sculptures, paintings, videos, photographs or installations by around 50 international artists, the complexity and diversity of simple human existence–the dust, as Picasso would see it–is celebrated. While you’re in the city, why not experience the rest of the culture and heritage of this region in east-central France? Get a city card for 1, 2 or 3 days, which includes free access to the Biennale.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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A Millenium of Wine
By Linda Tancs
So what does Hungary’s Tokaj wine region have in common with the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China? Why, each of them is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Such a designation may seem surprising for a quiet, unassuming wine region less than 3 hours from Budapest, but the story goes that they’ve been harvesting the fruits of the vine here since the Magyar conquest over 1000 years ago. The medieval cultivation process has been well-received over the years; Louis XIV, in particular, called the sweet white wine produced here the wine of kings. You might likewise feel like royalty at Gróf Degenfeld Castle Hotel, a former palace set amidst the rolling hills of a 250-acre vineyard. The Degenfeld family offers great food, wine tastings and tours from this four-star hotel in the heart of the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region. Considering the lush pastoral surroundings of this historic area, you’ll no doubt find a peaceful respite fit for a king.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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A Cape May Christmas
By Linda Tancs
Cape May might not seem all that enticing for a visit in December, but the holiday seasonal offerings make this storied beach haven (the oldest in the U.S.) a must-see in winter. Learn more at Travelrific® Radio.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services related to the travel destination of Cape May that are mentioned herein.
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Geoparks Celebrate Geological Diversity
By Linda Tancs
Shetland is, as its website says, an area where Scotland meets Scandinavia and the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Given this description, you would imagine there’s a fair degree of diversity in the landscape. Indeed, the region boasts a geological bonanza of newly-birthed mountains, ancient rivers, tropical seas and deserts. No wonder that Shetland has recently been designated a European Geopark. Simply put, a European Geopark is an area with a unique geological heritage that fosters the development of geotourism. There are currently 34 geoparks among 13 European countries. Learn more here.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Hog Wild in Carmel
By Linda Tancs
Did you know that the Hog’s Breath Inn restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea is owned by actor and former mayor Clint Eastwood? I’m sure you’d make his day if you stopped by for a visit, but that’s not the only attraction in this city in California’s Monterey Peninsula. The town is known for its story book-style cottages, characterized by turrets and stone chimneys, like those at Torres Street and Sixth Avenue. Another feature is its mile-long pure sandy beach. And then of course there’s the visual and performing arts centre along with the third oldest art gallery in the country, Weston Art Gallery–not surprising, considering Carmel’s origin as a bohemian art colony. This pet-friendly destination was rated a top ten locale by a leading travel magazine. If you go, consider a scenic walking tour. Then eat, shop and explore some more and find out for yourself why they call it California’s Jewel City.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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The Cognac of Napoleon
By Linda Tancs
In the vineyard-embellished countryside of Jarnac in western France stands the house that Courvoisier built. That is, Maison Courvoisier, a refurbished warehouse of brandy barrels overlooking the Charente River. The story goes that Napoleon sailed away to oblivion with several barrels of Courvoisier’s doubly distilled elixir. Enough to forget one’s troubles, I suppose. No wonder this house markets its drink as the cognac of Napoleon. Just a three hour train ride from Paris, this region is the homeland of cognac. Nearby you’ll find Hennessy, Martel and Rémy Martin.
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Tattoo You
By Linda Tancs
The 19th International Tattoo Convention gets underway in Berlin at Arena Berlin from 4 to 6 December. Here’s where you’ll find Isobel Varley, the most tattooed senior woman in the world, as indicated in the Guinness Book of World Records. Also appearing are legendary tattoo artist Herbert Hoffman and well-known illustrator Sarah Horwath. Will Elaine Davidson of Brazil, the most pierced woman on Earth with 6000 body piercings, make a return appearance? Some things really must be seen to be believed.
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Rockefeller Tree Lighting
By Linda Tancs
From today until 7 January 2010 you can enjoy one of the most famous trees in the world, New York’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This tree is green in more ways than one. Following a tradition begun with the 75th tree in 2007, the 75+ foot spruce will be illuminated with 30,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs. Tonight is the lighting ceremony, beginning at 7:00pm and concluding at 9:00pm. The two-hour long program features various celebrity appearances and top musical entertainment, together with the countdown and tree lighting. Better get there early for the best views of the event, taking place at 30 Rock. The nicer the weather, the larger the crowds. Not in the area? Watch the tree online.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Book Now for Shroud Viewing
By Linda Tancs
The Shroud of Turin will be available for viewing after a ten year break from 10 April to 23 May 2010. Revered by many as the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, it underwent restoration in 2002 and will be available for viewing at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Torino, Italy. You can now book your ticket online. Without a ticket, you can still enter the central nave of the Cathedral but access to the shroud will be foreclosed.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
