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
Liberty Bells
By Linda Tancs
Fans of shows like Downton Abbey surely wonder what life was truly like above or below stairs. At Liberty Hall in Union, New Jersey you can quench your curiosity. Built in 1772, the mansion was home to New Jersey’s first governor and later occupied by members of the Kean political family. Like any dynasty, their needs were met by the ringing of a servant’s bell. Open through November 2013, the exhibition “Ring for Service: The Role of Servants in a Country House” welcomes visitors to all four floors of the family estate. The house museum is located on Morris Avenue at Kean University.
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The Great Lake Superior
By Linda Tancs
The largest of North America’s Great Lakes, Lake Superior holds almost three cubic miles of water, more than the four other lakes combined. That’s three quadrillion gallons of water, in case you’re counting. The largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, it’s bounded by Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. With tens of thousands of square miles to cover, just start somewhere. How about Minnesota’s North Shore? The 154-mile All American Road combines the best of old and new Highway 61, including several state parks and at least 101 things to do.
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A Colorful Anniversary
By Linda Tancs
That emblem of childhood, Crayola, recently celebrated 110 years! To mark the occasion, they offered a limited edition crayon pack featuring a renaming of its eight major hues: yellow, purple, orange, blue, brown, red, black and green. Due to overwhelming popularity, the limited edition may resurface in the coming months. In the meantime, watch the colors pop at the Crayola Experience. Located in downtown Easton, Pennsylvania, the crayon company’s birthplace, the four floors of interactive exhibition feature attractions like instruction in crayon making, custom marker mixing, a crayon clinic, and an 85-foot water table attraction with Crayola boats. Here’s one place you can definitely think–and color–outside the box.
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Tank Trivia
By Linda Tancs
Before you plan your next road trip, be sure that the price of gas along the way won’t eat up whatever savings you think you’ll reap. That’s where Gas Buddy comes to the rescue. The “heat map” will survey prices across the United States. Add to that their handy trip cost calculator and fuel saving tips and you road warriors have some pretty useful tank trivia.
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Sweet Corn Colorado
By Linda Tancs
Olathe is a tiny town in northern Colorado that has drawn big names for its annual Sweet Corn Festival, a celebration of its agricultural jewel. Who would think that an ear of corn would attract the likes of Three Dog Night, Kansas, Styx, LeAnn Rimes, Travis Tritt and Clint Black? This year’s event takes place on 3 August.
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The Wurst of It
By Linda Tancs
Sheboygan, Wisconsin’s claim to fame is the bratwurst. Not surprising, considering that the spicy little sausage emigrated to the area with its German settlers. Sheboygan celebrates its annual Bratwurst Days tomorrow through Saturday, a tradition begun in 1953 to celebrate the city’s 100th anniversary. Don’t miss the brat eating contest on Saturday. Where else can you see the best of the wurst? Park at Memorial Mall and take the free shuttle.
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The Chicago River Experience
By Linda Tancs
The Willis Tower in Chicago occupies an enviable position in the city’s skyline, offering sweeping views of such landmarks as 900 North Michigan, Park Tower, John Hancock Center, Trump Tower and the Aon Center. But just a 90-minute boat ride along the Chicago River to Lake Michigan offers an even more comprehensive view of the city’s assets. Just as much a center point as the transit system famously known as the “L,” the river offers unparalleled views of Chicago’s architecture and skyline. Operating since 1935, Wendella’s combination river and lake boat tour departs from the Wendella Dock at The Wrigley Building and includes a trip through the Chicago Lock.
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The Del Celebrates 125 Years
By Linda Tancs
Not far from San Diego, California in nearby Coronado, the Hotel Del Coronado (the “Del”) is an iconic red-turreted Victorian hotel built in 1888. Part of Historic Hotels of America, this National Historic Landmark’s Hollywood connections (helped by its proximity to Los Angeles) draw many a curious visitor. If only the walls could talk. Notable guests have included Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Clark Gable, along with a variety of political figures and royalty. The Del is celebrating 125 years with a series of special packages this summer, like a fourth night free or an upgrade to a cottage or villa at Beach Village. Look for the festive gold bow atop the turret, and say ‘happy birthday’ to the grand dame of beachfront luxury.
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Pikeville’s Famous Feud
By Linda Tancs
Pikeville, Kentucky lies in the heart of Appalachia, appropriately nicknamed “the city that moves mountains,” a reference to the cut-through that relocated the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. It’s probably better known, though, as the site of that infamous feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys. Rival families in the Tug Valley, their animus was fueled by opposing philosophies during the Civil War. For starters, a member of the McCoy clan was killed by some Hatfield boys for being a Union sympathizer. The ensuing years saw additional bloodshed between the families arising from forbidden romance, political intrigue and property disputes. A two-hour tour will take you to several locations where the feud ensued. So what do the descendants of these famous families have to say on the matter? Oh, they’ve mended fences, you might say. They united for a special taping of the game show Family Feud in 1979.
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Northwest Raspberry Festival
By Linda Tancs
July is a very berry month according to the food calendar. No less so in Lynden, Washington, site of the largest harvest of raspberries in North America. The annual Northwest Raspberry Festival takes place downtown on Front Street tomorrow and Saturday. You’ll have your choice of raspberry and ice cream sundaes for only one dollar as well as an array of baked goods and fresh berries for purchase. Why not kick off Friday with an all-you-can-eat raspberry pancake breakfast at the community center. Razz and shine!
Travelrific® Travel Journal 