Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for travel
History in the Upper Mississippi
By Linda Tancs
The Upper Mississippi River runs from the headwaters of Lake Itasca in Minnesota to Cairo, Illinois, a distance of about 1,250 miles. Along that mighty trek, you’ll find Hannibal, Missouri, Samuel Clemens’ inspiration for St. Petersburg, the fictional hometown of his most famous character, Tom Sawyer. Better known by his pen name Mark Twain, Clemens’ boyhood home in Hannibal was granted National Historic Landmark status in 1962. Part of a city-owned array of museum properties (including Judge Clemens’ Justice of the Peace Office, Grant’s Drug Store/Pilaster House, and Tom and Huck Statue), the boyhood home on North Main Street is one of the oldest historic preservation projects in the country.
Share this:
The Jungle of the Mirrors
By Linda Tancs
The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve (2,080,000 hectares), the largest reserve in Peru, is located 183 kilometers from Iquitos and is home to numerous endangered species, like the charapa river turtle, the giant river otter, the black caiman, and the river dolphin. Sometimes referred to as the jungle of the mirrors, the area is rife with activities for nature lovers, such as birdwatching, canoe rides, piranha fishing, and excursions to a watching tower to observe the birth of the Amazon at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers. Couple that with a stay at the Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge at the Marañón River’s bank and you’ve got an idyllic holiday.
Share this:
International Jazz in Norway
By Linda Tancs
One of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe, the Molde International Jazz Festival takes place each year in July in the town of Molde, located by the Romadalsfjord on the northwest coast of Norway. An hour’s flight away from Oslo, Trondheim or Bergen, this year’s festival (today through 21 July) features artists like Norah Jones, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Wayne Shorter Quartet, The John Scofield Hollowbody Band and artist-in-residence John Balke.
Share this:
Vacation Deal of the Week
By Linda Tancs
For a limited time, get 2 for 1 cruise fares and up to free air on select holiday sailings on a Viking River Cruise Longship! Contact me at Wanderful Cruises for details.
Share this:
Fair on the Rhine
By Linda Tancs
For nearly 700 years St. Sebastianus shooting club has presented its fair on the Rhine in Düsseldorf. Taking place from 13 to 22 July, the fair commemorates the day of Saint Apollinaris (23 July), a disciple of Saint Peter and the first Bishop of Ravenna. A highlight not to miss is the procession on 17 July, one of Germany’s largest parades with more than 3,000 uniformed shooters, marching bands, and horses and carriages. Another spectacular event is the fireworks show on 20 July. While you’re there, why not sample the home brew, altbier (old beer). Düsseldorf is the center of brewing of altbier, a traditional German ale.
Share this:
London is For ME
By Linda Tancs
Just in time for the Olympics, Meliá Hotels International is debuting ME, one of its premium brands, in London. The luxe property, formerly the site of Marconi House, Gaiety Theatre and Strand Music Hall, is located on the Strand on the southern tip of Covent Garden, just a few moments from theatreland and some of the City’s best art galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, shopping and nightlife. The property boasts 141 rooms (including 30 rooms with a private balcony) and 16 suites. The duplex ME Suite offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the City sights–including the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and the Thames–from both the suite and the fire pit warmed private terrace. Is the suite life for you?
Share this:
Copper Canyon Beckons
By Linda Tancs
In the heart of the Tarahumara mountains in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in Mexico lies a series of majestic canyons known as Copper Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world and in some places deeper than the Grand Canyon. The train ride along the main canyon is a spectacular way to see it. For the more adventurous, Copper Canyon Adventure Park is sure to please. Boasting the second longest zip line course in the world, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the canyon floor. Return from the course via the the third longest cable car ride in the world.
Share this:
Prettiest Small Town in North Carolina
By Linda Tancs
The locals crowned Blowing Rock the prettiest small town in North Carolina. At only three square miles, it’s also likely to have made the most use of its space, with more than 100 shops, about two dozen restaurants, and nearly 20 hotels and inns. The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction since 1933. Your short scenic walk includes views of Grandfather Mountain (the highest point in the Blue Ridge), Table Rock, and Hawksbill. Another memorable attraction is Moses Cone Memorial Park, sporting 25 miles of preserved carriage trails and breathtaking views from Flat Top Mountain, winding through the estate that once belonged to “Denim King” Moses Cone and his wife. The kids will love Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West family theme park featuring a three-mile, steam-powered train ride through the North Carolina mountains.
Share this:
Vacation Deal of the Week
By Linda Tancs
For a quick escape, Crystal Cruises has created special shortened itineraries that showcase some of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Onboard you’ll enjoy Crystal’s all-inclusive amenities including: complimentary specialty restaurants, fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and non-alcoholic beverages; complimentary gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff; and new optional air add-ons. Contact me at Wanderful Cruises for more information.
Share this:
One Hundred Years Into the Future
By Linda Tancs
In the middle of the scenic lake district of Saimaa in eastern Finland, the largest lake district in Europe, they’re celebrating one hundred years into the future. That’s where you’ll find the medieval castle of Olavinlinna, site of the Savonlinna Opera Festival. For 100 years, the astounding acoustics of Olavinlinna have been captivating opera lovers from all over the world. The centennial season opens today with a grand gala, the program for which spans the entire 100-year history of the Festival. Continuing through 4 August, the 2012 season is an interesting mixture of new and traditional, Finnish and international. Representing tradition are three of the most legendary and most popular productions in the Festival’s history: Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, and Verdi’s Aida. These three classics will be matched with two world premieres: Kimmo Hakola’s La Fenice and the first opera created by an online community: Free Will. Round-trip transport to the season’s performances is provided (for a charge) from the main Savonlinna hotels.
