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
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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!
Share this:
The Quietest Place in America
By Linda Tancs
Green Bank, West Virginia is a tiny speck of a town where you could hear a pin drop. That’s because it’s located in the National Radio Quiet Zone, an area designed to protect the powerful radio telescopes in the area from interference. Green Bank boasts the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the largest fully steerable telescope on Earth. If you seek a break from the world of Wi-Fi, then this is the place to be. Just one mile from the astronomy observatory you can stay at one of three original log cabins that were built in 1810.
Share this:
Superstar Beach
By Linda Tancs
Just 20 minutes away from the seaport towns of Newburyport and Portsmouth is one of America’s best beaches. Named a Superstar Beach by the Natural Resources Defense Council, New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach is one of four beaches deemed the safest thanks to water cleanliness. But there’s plenty more to keep you coming back, like 80 free evening concerts taking place throughout the summer, fireworks displays every Wednesday (as well as today’s July 4 celebratory shoot), a sand sculpting competition each June and a seafood festival in September. Sounds beachy keen, doesn’t it?
Share this:
Roots to Revival
By Linda Tancs
Roughly the size of Indiana, Hungary is a culturally rich country with distinctive traditions in music, dance, costume, crafts and gastronomy. All of those facets will be on display now through 7 July at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. between the Smithsonian museums. Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase some prized handiworks at the Marketplace tent. This year’s festival will also feature endangered languages and cultural heritage as well as African American dress and body art.
