Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for travel
Mighty Ice
By Linda Tancs
Unruly amounts of snow and ice pounding the northeastern U.S. this winter would be a most welcome visitor in northeastern China these days as Heilongjiang province celebrates its annual International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin. The arctic climate produces enough ice and snow to produce a slide that rivals that of Atlantis in the Bahamas, a palace to top the Taj and a sphinx to…well, you get the idea. That’s a lot of ice, baby. You can view this arctic architectural achievement until 28 February.
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An Exit Strategy
By Linda Tancs
New Jersey suffers its share of jokes: “I’m from New Jersey. Oh yeah, which exit?” So why not make lemonade out of those lemons. Or beer. That’s what the folks at Flying Fish Brewing Company in Cherry Hill have done. They have an Exit Series celebrating the State’s highway system. In fact, Exit 4 (the others so far are 1 and 11) captured the gold at the Great American Beer Festival. What’s your favorite exit? Hit the road and find out.
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Valentine’s Day is for Tigers
By Linda Tancs
Hearts, flowers and–dumplings? You bet. This year, Valentine’s Day ushers in the Chinese Year of the Tiger. Boiled dumplings are a tradition on New Year’s Eve and symbolize prosperity. So while all you food mavens are rolling those homemade chocolate truffles for your sweetie, why not try a dumpling recipe. May the new year be a happy and healthy one.
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The Wizard of Menlo Park
By Linda Tancs
History buffs know that the Wizard is none other than Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, phonograph and over 400 other inventions. Menlo Park is the site within Edison, New Jersey where the great innovator worked his magic. Although another museum in West Orange gets more attention (and more tourists), this little enclave on Christie Street has one of those first light bulbs and the letter to the editor giving rise to the Wizard appellation. You would have trouble finding the place but for the concrete tower topped off by a 3.5 ton bulb that rises like a phoenix above the trees on Lincoln Highway. Are you the next great American inventor? Stop by for a visit and maybe you’ll find your muse.
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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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Just Plane Art
By Linda Tancs
North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport might be better known for its snow-white rocking chairs in the atrium, but it’s art that’s at the heart of the airport’s enhancements for hassled travelers. Specifically, Just Plane (not plain!) Art is an exhibition of permanent and rotating exhibits highlighting local history. Take, for example, the 1/2 scale replica of the original Wright Flyer flown by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903–or the 15-foot-high bronze sculpture of Queen Charlotte in the airport’s Queen’s Courtyard, located in front of the terminal. The pre-Revolutionary War city is, after all, named after King George III’s wife. So enjoy the local lore and take some tedium out of travel.
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No Worries
By Linda Tancs
“Don’t worry, be happy” must have been the mantra of choice for the Prussian king Frederick the Great when he commissioned Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, Germany. Sanssouci (from the French sans souci, meaning “without worries”) was commissioned in 1747 as the ultimate getaway for a harried king on the battlefield. The largest World Heritage Site in the country, the rococo-styled mega-mansion is perhaps equally known for its expansive park. Combining the best of European Baroque garden settings, it’s probably no wonder that the property is often referred to as the “Prussian Versailles.” In other words, when en vogue, do as the French do.
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London’s Biggest Hotel Set to Open
By Linda Tancs
London sports its fair share of iconic hotel properties: Savoy, Dorchester, Brown’s, Connaught, etc. Today greets the soft opening (soft in the sense of limited availability while the finishing touches are completed) of the largest hotel now to grace the City: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel. At a mere 350 million pounds, the finished product offers 1021 rooms within walking distance of Waterloo and Westminster stations. Of course, the best digs will feature striking views of Parliament and the Thames. The springtime gala opening will show off a luxe spa, pool and fitness center. Start saving your quid.
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Da Vinci Slept Here
By Linda Tancs
Amboise Castle (Château d’Amboise) is a stout fortress in France’s Loire valley. Its magnificent trappings and gardens no doubt merit a World Heritage designation, but its biggest claim to fame may be for what is–or isn’t–buried in the palace grounds; namely, the remains of Leonardo da Vinci. The great Renaissance master moved to France in what would be his last years during the reign of King Francis I, accepting a post as “first painter to the king.” His creative genius is undisputed (a rare occurrence). What is less certain, however, is his final resting place, reputed to be Saint-Hubert’s chapel on the palace grounds. According to a story by the Associated Press, his remains were originally buried at the palace church of Saint Florentine but required removal after destruction of the site during the French Revolution. The identity of the remains removed to Saint-Hubert remains subject to much speculation. Amboise holds fast to its status as eternal host to one of the world’s finest artists; a simple stone slab on the floor of the church bears his name. Regardless what you believe, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the palace, like the sweeping views of the town and valley from the castle ramparts. The intricate Late Gothic carvings on the chapel’s exterior and its interior stained glass windows are worth the visit, too.
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Ride the Silver Bullet
By Linda Tancs
Airstream, affectionately known as the silver bullet, is synonymous with road travel. With over 70 years of design experience and a shelf life of 40 years or more behind it, this piece of Americana occupies a special place in the hearts of RVers. And now comes the chance to own a limited edition–in collaboration with another famed master of design and functionality, the Victorinox Special Edition Airstream is available for a lucky 125 purchasers. That’s one buyer for every year that Victorinox has produced the iconic Swiss army knife. Any takers?
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A Room With a View in Seoul
By Linda Tancs
The W Hotel in Seoul may be the chain’s first property in Asia, but the view is likely the thing that visitors will remember most. Sure, as a luxe hotel it’s got all the trappings you would expect: soothing spa remedies, ambience, five-star dining experiences, a resort locale. But it’s the view atop Mount Acha’s gliding slopes that makes it hard to leave the room. On a clear day, as the song goes, you can see forever. That’s W for “wow.” What’s your favorite room with a view?
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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.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 