Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!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.
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The World’s Largest Shortcake
By Linda Tancs
What does it take to bake a strawberry shortcake for 15,000 of your closest friends? According to the folks in Lebanon, Oregon, you’ll need 514 cups of sugar, 224 cups of shortening, 192 cups of eggs, 992 cups of flour, 576 teaspoons of salt, 2048 teaspoons of baking powder, 448 cups of milk and 18 cups of vanilla. The result is the world’s largest shortcake, unveiled annually at Lebanon’s Strawberry Festival. A cake that immense deserves its own security detail, and it gets it in the form of its official ushers at the Grand Parade, the Strawberrians. The festival is taking place today through 2 June at Cheadle Lake Regional Park.
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Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota
By Linda Tancs
Lanesboro, Minnesota is the rhubarb capital of the state. Is rhubarb a fruit or a vegetable? That depends on whom you ask and where you live. In the U.S., rhubarb has been ordained a fruit in New York. Tart like a lemon, it finds its way into pies, crisps, sauces, soups and drinks. On 1 June Lanesboro celebrates its annual Rhubarb Festival at Sylvan Park. The day’s events include a tasting, a stalk throw and toss, a growers’ competition and entertainment by–no surprises here–the Rhubarb Sisters.
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South America’s Big Island
By Linda Tancs
Ilha Grande (translated, the “Big Island”) is a tropical paradise in Angra dos Reis, a Brazilian municipality located in the southern part of Rio de Janeiro state. Its largely undeveloped and rugged landscape attracts Brazilians across the nation seeking a quiet haven. Considered by some to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Lopes Mendes Beach shares its sparkling waters with surfers and monkeys alike. The largest village, Vila do Abraão, is an intimate cove with striking views of its mountainous peaks from the cozy port. The ferries and launches from Angra all dock there. That’s about all the transportation you’ll encounter; the island is free of motorized vehicles.
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Life in the Fast Lane
By Linda Tancs
Located in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts the oldest continuous parliament in the world. Although resplendent with beaches, glens, hills and dales, it’s not for the love of nature alone that visitors flock to this British Crown dependency. At this time of year, it’s all about life in the fast lane. Through 7 June The TT vrooms through the island. One of the most prestigious motorcycle races in the world, you’ll have enviable views from the grandstand in Douglas, the capital city.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 