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
A Leaf Peeping Bonanza
By Linda Tancs
Shenandoah National Park hosts a presidential retreat within its borders (Herbert Hoover’s Rapidan Camp), but that’s only one reason why visitors flock there, particularly in October. Why? Because autumn heralds peak leaf peeping season. Skyline Drive runs for 105 miles through the park, offering 75 overlooks to take in those magnificent hues. Better yet, slow it down a bit and walk the Appalachian Trail, which runs parallel to Skyline Drive. Now there’s room enough for a view.
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Spinning Tales in Tennessee
By Linda Tancs
Like kids around the campfire, folks have been gathering for story time in Jonesborough, Tennessee for over 40 years now. But in this case, substitute a tent for a campfire. At the National Storytelling Festival this weekend, circus-type tents in downtown Jonesborough celebrate the pure and simple truth of a well-told tale. This year’s tellers include Tim Lowry, Syd Lieberman, Diane Ferlatte and Minton Sparks.
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The Lowest Place in North America
By Linda Tancs
Springtime may be the best time to visit California and Nevada’s Death Valley National Park, but the upcoming autumn season is relatively uncrowded and a great time to visit some of the park’s most stunning features. Badwater Basin, for instance, is the lowest place in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Despite its name, the park is alive with historical landmarks, like Scotty’s Castle, a hideaway from the Roaring ’20s, and beacons to industry like Harmony Borax Works and Keane Wonder Mine, one of the most successful gold mines in Death Valley.
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The Dogs of War
By Linda Tancs
The nation’s first memorial to SOF (Special Operations Forces) dogs is in place at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Over 2,000 dogs serve in the U.S. military today, a tradition that began during World War II. Our canine soldiers participate in military operations around the globe, including combat zones where their skill in detecting bombs and attackers is indispensable. A life-size bronze of a Belgian Malinois in combat gear stands sentinel at the museum’s parade grounds, opposite a statue of paratrooper Iron Mike.
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A Potomac River Valley Retreat
By Linda Tancs
For nearly 185 miles the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, a National Historical Park, runs adjacent to the mighty Potomac River, winding its way between western Maryland and Georgetown. Used to transport goods and people prior to the advent of the railroad, its lock gates were an adaptation of a design by Leonardo DaVinci dating to the late 1400’s. Today the C&O Canal is a peaceful refuge, offering activities like a mule-drawn canal boat ride from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, private boat tours, hiking and biking opportunities, camping, nature walks and ranger programs.
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Historic Garden Opens to Public
By Linda Tancs
Clematis tibetana, Abelia chinensis and Cyclamen–these are the September blooms awaiting your visit at historic Greenwood Gardens. Less than an hour’s drive from New York City, the gardens are located in Short Hills, New Jersey. The former private estate of businessmen Joseph P. Day and Peter P. Blanchard, Jr., New Jersey’s newest public garden sports enough allées, meandering paths, and flowering terraces to excite any garden lover.
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Racing on the Flats
By Linda Tancs
The Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah is a flat expanse of white salt crust on the western edge of the Great Salt Lake basin, measuring 46 square miles. Named for area explorer and Army officer Benjamin Bonneville, the area is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks because of its contribution to speed racing. Welcoming trucks, cars and motorcycles, the World of Speed annual racing event takes place from 7 to 10 September.
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This Old House
By Linda Tancs
Ye Olde Yellow Meeting House is the oldest Baptist church building in New Jersey, located in Upper Freehold Township. The building dates to the 1700s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Though no longer used for worship services, the grounds are open to the public during daylight hours. Revolutionary War-era veterans abound in the cemetery; their weathered, delicate stones tell tales of gallantry and sacrifice. Consider the tombstone of Upper Freehold Township native Brig. Gen. Elisha Lawrence, whose marker reads: “A stranger to all ambition but that of being useful, he was twice vice president of New Jersey for several years presiding judge of the pleas, and after a series of faithful and gallant services in the Revolutionary War he was appointed by his county brigadier general of the Monmouth militia of the surveyed blazing line when wars loud conflict racked the brain. Now sheltered in the realms divine he treads heavens ever-peaceful plan lead on by softer, mercy’s mildest ray while fellow warriors hail him on his way.” You can visit this colonial town and others nearby via the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Byway.
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A Merry Go Round
By Linda Tancs
For those appreciating antique carousels, you won’t want to miss the collection of vintage French carnival rides at Fete Paradiso, an exhibition on New York’s Governors Island. Ending on 29 September (the last day of the island’s seasonal opening to the public), the display includes a magnificent pipe organ, bicycle carousel and flying swings. Located just minutes from the southern tip of Manhattan by ferry, the former military base is also home to Castle Williams, a red sandstone circular fort operated by the National Park Service. Pick up the free ferry ride to this New York City gem at the Battery Maritime Building on South Street.
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Peeling the Layers
By Linda Tancs
The folks in Payson, Utah want you to experience the many layers of their fair city. That includes peeling the layers at the annual Golden Onion Days event. Taking place from 30 August to 2 September, the annual ode to allium will feature the usual cooking contest, parade, food court and boutiques.
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