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
Jersey Building is First to Go Net Zero
By Linda Tancs
A nondescript warehouse in Branchburg, New Jersey enjoys the distinction of being the first “net zero electric” facility in the U.S. A net zero electric facility produces more electricity than it consumes. The Branchburg facility, owned by Ferreira Construction, accomplishes this feat through over 1200 rooftop solar panels that heat the tap water and a series of hoses under the floors that circulate the water. It seems only fitting that a construction company should lead the charge in sustainable building practices. Statistics put the market in green building products and services at $12 billion this year. Consider the advantages. In addition to energy conservation and environmental stewardship, going green could provide tax incentives for suppliers and other municipal benefits for the building’s owner.
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The Most Expensive Dessert in the World
By Linda Tancs
You can search the world over for a trifle sweet truffle but, according to Guinness World Records, you won’t find one as pricey as that served at an eatery on East 60th Street in New York City. The restaurant, known appropriately enough as Serendipity 3, offers a chocolate sundae concoction comprised of worldwide cocoas (or is that cacao?), whipped cream, edible gold (we’re not talking 10 carats here, but does it leave a metallic aftertaste?) and shavings from the venerable La Madeline au Truffe. What is La Madeline au Truffe, you ask? That’s a haute piece of chocolate truffle (with a little Perigord thrown in for good measure) created by Connecticut chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt. This consummate confection is served in a golden goblet ringed with a diamond bracelet and eaten with–what else–a gold souvenir spoon. That’s right–a souvenir. You might as well have something by which to remember this $25,000 gastronomic delight. Besides a lighter bank account, that is.
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Faith-Based Tourism Is Growing
By Linda Tancs
Today is All Souls Day, and so it seems only fitting to discuss faith-based tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization, the faith-based travel industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the business, with one-third of each major demographic expressing interest in a spiritual-oriented vacation. Want to learn more? Visit the World Religious Travel Association at www.religioustravelassociation.com.
Answer to yesterday’s trivia question: Hawaii, Puerto Rico and parts of Arizona.
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Standard Time Returns on Sunday
By Linda Tancs
Spring ahead, fall back. That’s the common refrain we use to change the hour hand on clocks every 6 months, more or less. Now comes the time to fall back again on Sunday after an extra week of extra light (thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005) gives way to standard time. It’s been over 40 years since Congress legislated this clock-turning routine, but not everyone observes it. So today’s trivia question is this: which jurisdictions do not observe savings time? The answer will appear in a special Friday edition of Travelrific®.
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Masterpiece Fearatre
By Linda Tancs
If it takes more than “boo” to have you jumping out of your skin, then test your composure at the Las Vegas Fright Dome at Circus Circus. This year’s haunt fest sports 5 haunted houses, 20 rides and a cast of creepy characters popping out of walls and ceilings. If you can’t make it by midnight, then you’ll have to wait until next year’s act. They’re aiming to be the #1 scare attraction in the country, so stay tuned to www.frightdome.com for future frights.
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History and Haunts of Gettysburg
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg abounds wtih tales of apparitions. Listen in for some history and haunts at www.travelrificradio.com.
Buy your Pennsylvania t-shirt or sweatshirt here: http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2321262
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Delta Queen May Get Legislative Reprieve
By Linda Tancs
Who can imagine the Mississippi River without a genuine riverboat plying its waters? Perhaps that’s what a group of U.S. legislators were thinking as well when they decided to sponsor a bill on October 16th to continue the exemption enjoyed by the Delta Queen that allows this historic steamship with a wooden superstructure to operate despite a 1966 ban on floating hotels made of wood. The current exemption is expiring in 2008, which led to the steamboat company’s decision to cease operations after November’s sailings. If the bill becomes law, the Queen can continue to hold court over her mighty waters until 2018. Want to show your support? Check out the grassroots effort to save the historic ship at www.save-the-delta-queen.org.
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The Derby in Jersey
By Linda Tancs
Okay, so it isn’t the Kentucky Derby, but the Breeders’ Cup Grand National this weekend in Somerset County, New Jersey surely makes the cut for panache. And it doesn’t hurt that proceeds from the race are donated to Somerset Medical Center’s Steeplechase Cancer Center. Set amidst the rolling countryside of Far Hills, this Grade 1 steeplechase race attracts 50,000 or so faithful each year, among them the tailgating cognoscenti occupying prime real estate at the hilltop overlooking the proceedings. So come and see–and be seen.
Answer to yesterday’s trivia question: Ben Vereen.
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Sands Implosion Marks End of an Era
By Linda Tancs
Sands Casino in Atlantic City, once the stomping grounds for such luminaries as Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack, is slated for implosion tomorrow at 9:30 p.m. amidst much pomp and flurry, including fireworks. Aside from marking the end of a celebrity-infused era of glitz and glamor, the demolition is somewhat symbolic considering A.C.’s shaky economic footing these days. So far this year, casino revenue is down nearly five percent. Only time will tell if Pinnacle’s new luxe property will help improve the bottom line. And so we salute the grand old Sands with a trivia question (answer to be posted tomorrow): who was the last performer to grace the stage at Sands?
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Burbank is More Than a Studio City
By Linda Tancs
NBC’s impending sale of its West Coast studios in what Johnny Carson dubbed “beautiful downtown Burbank” gives rise to the question: besides standing in line for hours for Leno tickets, what else is there to see or do in Burbank? Turns out, plenty. For starters, Warner Bros. is still around for studio tours. And you can catch a few flicks (30, to be exact) at the theatre complex. Is live theatre your thing? Then check out the Colony or the Falcon. Burbank also bills its Starlight Bowl as a premiere outdoor entertainment venue, nestled amidst the Verdugo Mountains. You can also shop till you drop, golf, bowl or ice skate. Wondering what life was like in the 19th century? Then visit the Historical Society’s museum and smarten up. All this and a local airport, too. What are you waiting for?
