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
Tunnel Vision
By Linda Tancs
In 1930, the mile-long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel was the longest of its type in the United States, created to provide direct access to Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon from Utah’s Zion National Park. The sandstone tunnel is one of the busiest areas of Zion National Park, the first national park in the state. In fact, vehicles exceeding 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters) in width and/or 11 feet 4 inches (3.4 meters) in height require a tunnel permit to pass through. RVs and campers, take note.
Share this:
On the Road to Yorktown
By Linda Tancs
On this date in 1781 the Patriots won a decisive victory over the Redcoats in Gaffney, South Carolina at the Battle of Cowpens. Formally a pasture before becoming a battlefield, Cowpens National Battlefield is the site where a military maneuver known as a double envelopment took place, the only such tactic to take place during the Revolution. The result at Cowpens started General Lord Cornwallis on the road to Yorktown that eventually led to the British surrender there.
Share this:
Three Centuries of Hospitality
By Linda Tancs
The Madam Brett Homestead is the oldest building in Dutchess County, New York. Located in Beacon, a city used as a signaling point during the American Revolution, the house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. Built circa 1709 by Roger and Catheryna Rombaut Brett, the home’s original acreage of over 28,000 was inherited by Catheryna from her father, who purchased the land from the Wappinger Indians. Seven generations, spanning three centuries, have lived in its rooms. During the Revolutionary War, special guests included George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben. Today visitors can enjoy period furnishings, including a colonial-era kitchen, China-Trade porcelain and 18th and 19th century furniture scattered among the drawing room, colonial-era bedroom and Federal-style dining room. The property’s remaining six acres include woodlands, gardens and a brook.
Share this:
Hitting the Rails
By Linda Tancs
Delayed or cancelled flights. Lost luggage. Long check-in lines. Is air travel leaving you frazzled? Maybe you’re ready to hit the rails–in a good way, that is. Rail travel in the U.S. is on the upswing. Why not wind your way through Montana’s Glacier National Park on an Amtrak train, taking in the sights from the panoramic windows of the observation car. Or combine your train ride with a sailing on a Rail and Sail package. Headquartered at Union Station in Washington, D.C., Amtrak began operations in 1971 as an intercity passenger train service. They’ve glammed things up quite a bit since then, packaging their offerings into escorted journeys and getaways. Is rail travel for you?
Share this:
The Winter God of Breckenridge
By Linda Tancs
In Norse mythology, Ullr (stepson of Thor, the god of thunder) is the winter god. He’s honored each year in Breckenridge, Colorado at the Ullr Fest. Now in its 50th year, this year’s event promises the usual skiers and snowboarders adorned with hats sporting Viking horns, “Ullympic” competitors, a parade, and floats with ski jumps. Join them now until 12 January.
Share this:
Christmas in Florida
By Linda Tancs
It may seem incongruous to have a town in sunny Florida named Christmas. Originally named Fort Christmas, the tiny town of less than 2000 inhabitants east of Orlando boasts a full size replica of Fort Christmas, built in 1837 during the Second Seminole Indian War. In addition to exhibits and a video on the wars, the fort brings pioneering to life, featuring restored historical homes in the age of homesteading, fishing, trapping and hunting. The fort is closed today. It is, of course, Christmas in Christmas!
Share this:
Hats Off at Peabody
By Linda Tancs
At the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the hats have it. Through 3 February 2013, an anthology of hats is on display. Let’s face it; we fell in love with the fascinator when Kate (that’s the better half of William and Kate) put the glam in that modest little accessory. At the Peabody, British milliner-to-the-stars Stephen Jones has created an homage to headdress. You’ll find caps, crowns, bonnets, turbans, fascinators and more than a few head-scratching designs. It’ sure to be a heady experience.
Share this:
World’s Largest Model Railroad
By Linda Tancs
Located in Flemington, New Jersey, Northlandz is home to the world’s largest model railroad according to Guinness World Records, boasting up to 100 trains traveling on eight miles of track, 40-foot bridges, huge canyons, and thousands of buildings nestled among cities and villages. You’ll need at least two hours to tour the 16-acre site, which includes a 94-room dollhouse and over 200 dolls. There’s nothing small scale about this family attraction.
Share this:
America’s Christmas Hometown
By Linda Tancs
It’s hard to miss the spirit of the season in a town called Santa Claus, Indiana. Enjoy the Christmas Celebration, which takes place on the first three weekends in December. The Christmas-themed attractions include the Candy Castle, Santa’s Post Office, and Santa’s Tree of Lights, which comes to life hourly at Kringle Place. While you’re in town, take a drive through the Land of Lights at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. Munch on roasted chestnuts as you shop at the Christmas Store and craft stalls. Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin’?
Share this:
A Presidential Retreat
By Linda Tancs
Nowadays our U.S. presidents retreat to Camp David for a little respite. But in Teddy Roosevelt’s day, Sagamore Hill was a presidential oasis–actually, the homefront–for one of the first presidents to be extensively chronicled. Located in Oyster Bay, New York, the grounds comprise the stately Roosevelt home, the museum at Old Orchard (formerly, eldest son Ted’s home), a visitors’ center, and a nature trail leading to the national wildlife refuge on Cold Spring Harbor. Although the house is closed for renovations, why not take in a peaceful visit of the park grounds during this off-season. The museum and vistors’ center are open Wednesdays through Sundays.
