Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for U.S. travel
The Route 66 Cheese & Food Trail
By Linda Tancs
Launched for this year’s centennial celebration of Route 66, the Route 66 Cheese & Food Trail brings together cheesemakers, cheese shops, restaurants and specialty food destinations. A collaborative venture between the New Mexico Cheese Guild and Cheese Trail (a food and travel platform founded in California), the trail is a 2,400-mile culinary route across eight states. It’s designed to offer travelers a “real food” alternative to the modern landscape of mega-gas stations and processed snacks. Become part of a once-in-a-century celebration!
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A Renaissance in Tennessee
By Linda Tancs
‘Tis a month for medieval merriment in Tennessee. In other words, it’s time for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, held weekends in May and Memorial Day. Set in the fictional village of Covington Glen in Arrington, the event features swashbuckling, jousts, magic shows, musical performances, tasty food, and arts and crafts. What’s not fictional is Castle Gwynn, the backdrop for the festival. Privately owned, you can visit the grounds and gardens with your ticket admission. You’ll find exhibits of armor, tapestries, period pieces, video of some of the castle’s interior and a souvenir shop.
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Grand Canyon Railway
By Linda Tancs
Completed in 1901, Grand Canyon Railway is a heritage railroad which carries passengers between Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The train travels across the northern Arizona landscape, where you’ll watch the terrain change from high desert to prairie to pine. Entertaining for all ages, the 120-mile round-trip ride features performances by historical cowboy characters and strolling musicians. You’ll have more than three hours to explore the canyon. The railway also offers a hotel adjacent to the historic Williams Depot for those needing lodging. The train runs year round.
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America’s Oldest Aquarium
By Linda Tancs
The New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States. Founded in Battery Park, Manhattan, it moved to Coney Island, Brooklyn, in 1957. Occupying 14 acres, it’s home to over 500 species of marine wildlife in addition to 18 sharks and ray species. Advance online booking for a timed ticket is required for entry.
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America’s Longest Aerial Tram
By Linda Tancs
The 2.7-mile ascent on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the 10,378-foot peak of the Sandia Mountains is a can’t-miss attraction in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s America’s longest aerial tram, offering a 15-minute ride with panoramic views reaching over 11,000 square miles. The peak offers over 100 trails for hiking and a variety of ski trails in winter. Savor the views, along with a meal, at the peak’s restaurant. Purchase your tickets online.
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Murals and More in Pontiac
By Linda Tancs
Pontiac, Illinois, is best known for its connection to Route 66. Part of that history is depicted amongst the 25 outdoor murals downtown, which includes the largest and first mural, a Route 66 shield. You’ll find more Route 66 history at the Pontiac Museum Complex where visitors can also learn about U.S. Armed Forces history in Livingston County, and more. The Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum and the Museum of the Gilding Arts are located just one block away from the complex. From spring through fall the city operates a hop-on, hop-off tour bus (the Jolly Trolley).
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White Pine Village
By Linda Tancs
Set upon 13 acres in Ludington overlooking Lake Michigan, White Pine Village represents pioneering Michigan life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The village boasts more than 30 historic buildings, including the original 1849 Mason County Courthouse (on the State Register of Historic Places). You’ll also find gems like a turn-of-the-century steam locomotive, a blacksmith shop and lumber camp buildings. In fact, many of the buildings contain thousands of authentic artifacts and archives depicting the rich lumbering and agricultural history of the area. The site is open annually from May to October.
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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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