Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Starship Enterprise
By Linda Tancs
According to the law of gravity, what comes up must come down. After the shuttering of the shuttle space program, Enterprise (NASA’s original orbiter) made its way to The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City in a highly publicized series of movements involving a specially outfitted 747 and a barge procession past the Hudson River’s most iconic landmarks. The shuttle and its pavilion have been temporarily closed following damage from storm Sandy, but don’t miss the opportunity to visit this gem of the space program when it reopens shortly. Enterprise has been added to the National Register of Historic Places as of March 13, 2013, the first orbiter to receive such recognition.
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The Bauhaus in Weimar
By Linda Tancs
The design movement known as Bauhaus was founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany. Its mission was to fuse all forms of art, and its philosophy had a profound impact on modern design and architecture. The Bauhaus Museum in Weimar offers a permanent exhibition that pays homage to the works of the Bauhaus masters and showcases their vast influence. Even Steve Jobs was greatly swayed by the Bauhaus movement.
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For the Love of Blueberries
By Linda Tancs
Burgaw, North Carolina is a small town of 4000 or so inhabitants. So why does such a tiny hamlet attract nearly eight times its population during the annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival? Well, it is the state’s official ‘blue’ berry–and blueberry production got its start in this southeastern part of the state. But Burgaw also brims with historical delights in its downtown location. The old railroad station, for instance, is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Civil War Trail. Dating back to 1850, it is believed to be the oldest standing depot in North Carolina. Just decades older, the courthouse, a focal point for festival goers, is a mix of Georgian and Colonial architecture. And just west of town is Moore’s Creek Battlefield, an 86-acre site dedicated to the Revolutionary War battle of Moore’s Creek. So, for the love of blueberries, stop on by this Saturday.
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A Cultural Hue
By Linda Tancs
Located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Perfume River, Huế is the country’s cultural heart, its complex of monuments earning recognition from UNESCO. Once the seat of a feudal dynasty, that status is preserved at the Citadel, a walled forbidden city reserved for emperors, concubines and loyal attendants. The ancient emperors’ tombs are scattered along the river’s banks. Nearby is Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest in Vietnam and a testimonial to the city’s imperial past.
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Scotland Park Celebrates Ten Years
By Linda Tancs
The Scottish Highlands is a captivating region featuring the highest mountain (Ben Nevis) and the deepest lake (Loch Ness). A lesser known distinction may be that it’s also the site of the largest national park in the United Kingdom. Now in its tenth year, Cairngorms National Park offers an abundance of award-winning visitor attractions—like Britain’s only herd of free-ranging reindeer and a wildlife park boasting European bison, red deer, camels, yaks, red pandas, and even polar bears. The castles of Braemar, Blair and Balmoral beckon as well, along with a hodgepodge of adventure parks, distilleries and leisure activities. his dog owner-friendly expanse is easy to reach by road, rail, plane—or even bike via Deeside Way or National Cycle Route 7.
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The Rise of Civilization
By Linda Tancs
In southeastern Turkey near the ancient city of Urfa lies a hilltop with prehistoric ruins dating back 12,000 years. Known as Göbekli Tepe (Potbelly Hill), the site may very well be the world’s first temple, predating England’s Stonehenge by about 6000 years. The T-shaped pillars of stone characterizing the temple site contain abstract symbols along with depictions of foxes, snakes, wild boars, cranes, and wild ducks. Like sister Stonehenge and other ancient sites around the world, it’s another mystical puzzle piece to the rise of humanity.
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The Tomato Capital of the World
By Linda Tancs
They’re seeing red in Jacksonville, Texas –plump, red tomatoes, that is. Harvest time is here, which means the Tomato Fest is just a ticking clock away. Held the second Saturday each June, the city’s best fest illustrates all manner of dealing with their prized fruit: peeling, mashing, eating, and shooting. Home of the world’s largest bowl of salsa, they’ll be plenty of that, too. The event takes place downtown between Commerce and Austin streets.
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World’s Tallest Hotel
By Linda Tancs
Dubai is a record setter in a number of ways: that’s where you’ll find the world’s largest private yacht, the tallest building, the largest shopping mall. And now there’s another one for the record books: the world’s tallest hotel. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the five-star JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (standing at 1,164 feet and 72 floors) offers discerning travelers 14 dining options and luxurious rooms complete with LCD TVs, iPod stations, Wi-Fi and a master room control tablet. Head to the Vault Lounge on the top two floors for panoramic views.
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A Race to the Chase
By Linda Tancs
Ever wonder where some cities get their unusual monikers? The town of Chevy Chase, Maryland allegedly got its name from a battle between the English and Scottish forces at the Cheviot Hills bordering England and Scotland. The feud was commemorated in the 15th century composition The Ballad of Chevy Chase (a chase is a tract of land used for hunting). You may want to make a race to the Chase to see its namesake rose. The red rambler blooms for only a few weeks around this time in the area.
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Positively Mythic
By Linda Tancs
In Malta, 7000 years of history echo through such storied attractions as a medievel dungeon, Megalithic temples, palaces, underground catacombs and remains of Roman villas. That’s a lot of sightseeing, and all the while the azure waters of the Mediterranean beckon. June is best for sun and sea escapes amidst the secluded coves or sandy beaches. Lest you think that the island is just another haven for sun worshippers, the late summer rains give way to verdant pastures rife with wildflowers for nature lovers. Just a few hours’ flying time from most mainland European cities via Air Malta or other carriers, your kingdom awaits.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 