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
Family Friendly Las Vegas
By Linda Tancs
It’s easy to think of Vegas as an adult playground. But don’t forget all the kid-friendly details like Adventuredome at Circus Circus, the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and the arcade at New York New York. Hotel deals offering as much as 50% off mean the whole family can enjoy a Vegas jaunt. And why not now, with temperatures averaging 14 degrees celsius.
Share this:
Invention Convention
By Linda Tancs
Calling all young inventors: today is your last chance to tinker at the Invention Convention taking place at the Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Delaware. Features include Tinkering Tables to disassemble and discover gadgets, a station to invent your own device and obtain a Hagley patent, a Factory System to try your hand at assembly work and a Patent Model exhibit where you can examine Hagley’s collection of patent models made by real inventors. Workshops run continuously throughout the day.
Share this:
Visit Tucson
By Linda Tancs
Will Rogers once remarked that a trip across Arizona is just one oasis after another. That peaceful vision was decimated in Tucson during the recent massacre. But in true Arizona fashion, this big city with a small town feel will bounce back. And you can help. Visit the “real southwest,” as the convention bureau says. A 7-day bus pass will get you around town easily. What better way to navigate the upcoming Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase beginning on 29 January and continuing through 13 February. That’s just in time for Valentine’s Day. Remember, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Share this:
The Crags Deliver
By Linda Tancs
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is known as much for its signature tram ride as for its skiing. Emblazoned with the Wyoming Cowboys logo, the newly-refurbished fire engine red tram cars haul visitors over 4000 feet to the summit. Once there, you better “know the code” as they say and observe all safety requirements as you descend the pistes. Jackson Hole boasts 2500 in-bound acres and even more backcountry awaiting snowcat skiers, helicopter skiers, and snowboarders. At the Nordic Center you can find instruction on cross country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoe tours.
Share this:
Fun in the Sun Valley
By Linda Tancs
Sun Valley, Idaho is considered by many to be the birthplace of the U.S. ski resort industry. Now in its 75th season, the resort destination has had plenty of time to perfect its ski-town image. Located in central Idaho, this wealthy enclave has something for every level of skier. Those willing to test their mettle should head on over to Bald Mountain, or Baldy, where the vertical drop is over 3000 feet. For the more faint of heart, stick to the treeless Dollar Mountain where the vertical drop is a mere 600 feet. Cross country skiers will love the 25 miles of groomed and marked trails that begin at the Nordic and Snowshoe Center. If you need to brush up on your technique, you’ll find the area’s largest Nordic ski school in Sun Valley. This location may also be familiar to you as the site of ice skating shows presented by the world’s best skaters. Sun Valley Ice Rink continues to draw the biggest talent, and ice shows begin at dusk for a fabulous celestial experience.
Share this:
Pets and the Holidays
By Linda Tancs
Do pets make good gifts? Not always. But the folks at North Shore Animal League, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, would love for you to consider adoption of one of their many companion animals–or else assist with their rescue efforts, healing or sponsorship programs. Visit their campus at 25 Davis Avenue in Port Washington, New York. Happy holidays to all.
Share this:
Just Ducky in Guy Mills
By Linda Tancs
Life is just ducky at Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Guy Mills, Pennsylvania. Its lakes and wetlands attract up to 20 species of ducks, not to mention the migrating Canada geese and bald eagles. One of over 500 national wildlife refuges in the United States dedicated specifically to wildlife conservation, the Pennsylvania landmark features at its heart Beaver Run Trail, a one mile loop with a spur trail at its eastern end. The four-seasons trail takes visitors through woods, cultivated fields and beaver ponds (as the name implies). Take PA 198 east one quarter mile to Cooper Road, then merge onto Hanks Road for one mile to the parking area on the right.
Share this:
Beguiling Orcas Island
By Linda Tancs
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, which are located off the northern coast of Washington State. Despite its size among the islands, Orcas is not named after the Orca whale if that’s what you expect. Instead, this cozy community approximately an hour and twenty minutes from the mainland city of Anacortes is named after Don Juan Vincente de Guemes Pacheco Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo Conde de Revilla Gigedo, the patron of a Spanish explorer and viceroy of Mexico. Its fjords and coastal waters are a favorite among kayakers. Whale watching is, naturally, an option. So is yoga, biking, boating, fishing, golfing, camping and sailing. A solid experience awaits you. Maybe that’s why the locals call it “the Rock.”
Share this:
Light Show on the Lake in Smithville
By Linda Tancs
The colonial history of New Jersey, one of the 13 original British colonies, began after Henry Hudson sailed through Newark Bay in 1609 and claimed the land for the Dutch. Subsequently surrendered to the British, its early colonial roots are celebrated in the quaint hamlet of Historic Smithville, located off Exit 48 on the Garden State Parkway. Today through 2 January the village of shoppes and cozy eateries hosts its annual sound and light show on Lake Meone, a festive affair where over 100 Christmas trees seemingly float about to seasonal music. Enjoy it each weekend between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Share this:
Holiday Cheer Coming to Whippany Railway
By Linda Tancs
All aboard for the Santa Claus Special at the Whippany Railway grounds in Morris County, New Jersey. Beginning on 5 December, the annual 10-mile, 45-minute train ride features gifts and merriment from Santa and his helpers. Located at Railroad Plaza in Whippany, the railway museum also offers a glimpse into local railroad history on Sundays only from April through October. The grounds include a Central Railroad of New Jersey club car, the Jersey Coast. You’ll also find the Pennsylvania Railroad caboose, the old railroad company being one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the world. Its likeness has even been imitated by the Lionel toy train company; a model has been in production since 1953. Plan to come back for the spring thaw.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 