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
Tobacco Road
By Linda Tancs
Tobacco was a cash crop in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in tobacco-growing regions like Port Tobacco in southern Maryland, the state’s smallest town. Once the site of the Native American village of Potobac, this tiny hamlet’s link to its most powerful export is represented by a weathered tobacco barn, where leaves would hang until they were cured. An icon of America’s tobacco-growing past, the region’s barns are in a sad state of disrepair. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington number among the tobacco-growing elite.
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The Crossroads of War
By Linda Tancs
What is now known as the State of New Jersey began on March 12, 1664 when Charles II of England granted land on the east coast of North America to his brother James, Duke of York (later, King James II). On the occasion of New Jersey’s 350th birthday today, it seems fitting to highlight its major role in the Revolutionary War. Although many no doubt recall the battles of Princeton, Trenton and Monmouth from their grade school history books, the fight for independence actually spans 2155 square miles across 14 counties–the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. This area includes, of course, Morristown’s Ford Mansion and Jockey Hollow, the nation’s first historical national park, commemorating the sites of General George Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment of December 1779 to June 1780. During six years of conflict, George Washington and the Continental Army spent more days in New Jersey than any other state.
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Manhattan’s Oldest House
By Linda Tancs
On July 10, 1790, George Washington dined at Manhattan’s Morris-Jumel Mansion with members of his Cabinet. Actually, he did more than just dine there, having used New York City’s oldest house as headquarters during the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Harlem Heights. Known in those days as Mount Morris, the hilltop estate located in Washington Heights offered sweeping views of the Harlem River, the Bronx, and Long Island Sound to the east, New York City and the harbor to the south, and the Hudson River and Jersey Palisades to the west. Exhibitions as well as arts and cultural programming are presented at the home year round.
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America’s Lost City
By Linda Tancs
Collinsville, Illinois, home of the world’s largest catsup bottle, is arguably the most unlikeliest of sites for a lost civilization. But that’s where you’ll find Cahokia Mounds, the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico, larger than London, England was in 1250. Named for the Cahokia subtribe of the Illiniwek who moved into the area in the 1600s, the city of Cahokia was inhabited from about 700 to 1400. The ancient citizenry built over 120 mounds, the largest of which is Monks Mound (rivaling Giza in Egypt), the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. A National Historic Landmark and one of only 21 World Heritage Sites within the United States, this ancient meeting place is just 15 minutes east of St. Louis, Missouri.
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Land of the Dead Man’s Hand
By Linda Tancs
A legend of the American West, Wild Bill Hickock came to the tiny gold camp of Deadwood, South Dakota in search of his fortune. Instead, he was gunned down during a poker match holding aces and eights, dubbed the Dead Man’s Hand. You might think that spelled the end of gaming in this historic town (a National Historic Landmark). No such luck (pun intended). This frontier town offers an array of 24/7 gaming facilities, featuring slots and live Blackjack, poker and Texas Hold’em tables.
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The Tallest Hotel in New York
By Linda Tancs
Marriott boasts that its Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park is the tallest hotel in North America. Although it may not exactly rival Dubai’s goliath hotel, it matches a skyscraper’s view of sights like Times Square, the Manhattan skyline, Central Park or the Hudson River. Your home away from home, studio suites at this extended stay property offer a kitchenette, large desk, free Wi-Fi and grocery shopping services.
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Ice Alaska
By Linda Tancs
At George Horner Ice Park in Fairbanks, Alaska, they’d like to wish you an “ice day.” That’s because it’s time for the World Ice Art Championships. Now in its 25th year, the event features single-block and multi-block competitions as well as an amateur open exhibition. Visit today through 30 March, and be on the lookout for the Northern Lights!
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A Birthday Parade in Alexandria
By Linda Tancs
It’s parade day in Alexandria, Virginia, the hometown of first U.S. President George Washington. The largest parade in the United States celebrating Washington’s birthday, the festivities kick off at 1:00 p.m. in Old Town. Thereafter, take advantage of free admission at historical sites such as the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, the Lyceum, Carlyle House and Christ Church.
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The Joy of Boating
By Linda Tancs
Looking to master the high seas without the maintenance headaches? Well, your ship has come in. Get My Boat offers rentals and charters in over 80 countries and 1100 locations at various price points. Hot spots include Miami, Split, San Francisco, San Diego and USVI. Are you ready to make some waves?
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Very Superstitious
By Linda Tancs
Located east of Phoenix, Arizona, the fabled Superstition Mountain is aptly named considering the history and folklore of the region. Perhaps best known as the alleged site of the richest gold mine in the world, treasure hunters still descend on Apache Junction in search of the Lost Dutchman Mine. You’ll find interesting memorabilia at nearby Superstition Mountain Museum, where exhibits include the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine maps, gold samples from local mines and Native American artifacts.
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