Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Little Rock Arkansas Travel

Little Rock is the capital city of the state of Arkansas.  It is situated in the banks of Arkansas River.  It has a thriving population of around 200,000.  Little Rock Arkansas is the commercial, tourist and government center of the state.

Tourist Attractions

These are the attractions in Little Rock which you should not miss:

1. William J. Clinton Presidential Library – this library was opened to the public in 2004.  It is used for research and policy. It also commemorates the eight years President Clinton served in the While House.

2. The Arkansas Repertory Theatre- performances by famous actors and actresses are provided in the theatre.
Le Petite Roche – this French words literally mean "Little Rock." It is situated in the Riverfront Park.

3. River Market District – the market opens from May through October at 7am.  Some restaurants and specialty shops are open for breakfast.  You can have a breakfast to go as you sit near the Arkansas River.

The River Market District was used to be an old warehouse district. It now provides several shops, restaurants, bars and others.

5. The Governor's Mansion – this is a colonial mansion at 1800 Center Street.

6. The Capitol Buildings – check out the two capitol buildings – Old Statehouse which is converted to a museum and the new Capitol Building.  Tours are permitted here.

7. The Quapaw Quarter – you can see a number of interesting residences in this 9 square mile area.  It has the Governor’s Mansion, MacArthur Park and the oldest parts of the city.  Some homes date as far back as the Civil War (from 1880 to 1920).

8. The Museums – Quapaw Quarter has some amazing museums such as the Arkansas Arts Center and Decorative Arts Museum, Arkansas Museum of Science and History in the U.S. Arsenal Building in the Quapaw Quarter and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History.

9. Heifer International Center Green Building – this structure makes use of eco-friendly practices.

10. Little Rock Zoo – the zoo houses all kinds of animals. It has a café where you can take your lunch.

11. IMAX Theater - The theater has a screen that is six story high complete with six-channel, 16,500 watt sound system.

12. Murry's Dinner Theater - Murry's provides a buffet and dinner theater. The shows are usually funny comedies.

13. The Old Mill – it is a replica of the mill used in "Gone With the Wind." You can watch sunrise or sunset here. Free admission for all.

Cultural venues found in the place include: Education Center, the Arkansas Arboretum, the Arkansas Arts Center, the Robinson Center Music Hall, The Riverfront Park and River Market District are important destinations in Little Rock Arkansas. The park is a recreational facility that provides a number of activities for all.

There are so many things to discover in Little Rock Arkansas.  Being a major commercial district, a number of nationally known businesses have headquarters in the city. It also serves as a regional hub for health care and research in medicine.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Things to Do in Arkansas

Things to Do in Arkansas

The state of Arkansas is known as the “Natural State” which is the state’s motto.  It has six different regions: Central, Delta, Ozarks, Ouachitas, River Valley and the Timberlands.

True to its name, the Natural State does feature a number of natural resources at its best. State parks, wilderness and forests are all found in the state of Arkansas side by side the latest word in technology.

The Ozark Mountains are popular in the northwest part of the state. The south and east part are flat lands that used to be where agriculture is cultivated.

A. Places to Visit

1. Tiny Town – visit this is a miniature town with all things tiny.  You can see a tiny girl fishing in a tiny river using a tiny fishing pole.  This is a fun place to visit for the entire family.

2. Dinosaur World – another unique must see destination in the state of Arkansas is this park devoted to dinosaurs.  You will see realistic giant dinosaurs. Let King Kong greet you at the entrance.

3. Wild Cave – it is a dimly lit cave that offers some adventurous fun.  This cave is not for the faint of heart.  You need to crawl, climb steep slopes, and maneuver some twists and turns.  You need to be physically fit to do all these.

4. Alligator Farm and Merman – the farm breeds alligators.  The older alligators can reach a height of 12 feet. You will get a chance to see them up close.

5. The Arkansas Repertory Theatre- they provide performances such as plays and shows often.  This is great fun for the whole family.

6. Wye Mountains – Take a hike to the top of the mountains for a refreshing exercise. Your efforts will be worth it as thousands of daffodils will greet your eyes when you reach the top. They hold an annual Daffodil Festival in March.

B. Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do while traveling in the state of Arkansas.  For those who want some fun- shopping, fishing, biking, hiking and sailing are but some of the activities you can do.

For the adventurous soul ever-searching for thrills, these will suffice:

1. Sky Diving – this is a popular activity in Little Rock, Arkansas.  If you are up to the challenge, you can take a leap from a plane to free fall to the ground. This is one exciting and thrilling experience you should try.

2. Hang Gliding – another activity for the thrill seekers. If you go to Mount Magazine, AR you can try to hang glide off the mountain then dart from 2,753 feet above the ground.  The wind will help you stay up on the air for quite some time before you land.

3. Horseback Riding – this is one activity that is offered by most parks and recreational facilities.  Arkansas is known for its horses.  You can rent a horse of your choice.  They provide you with riding instructions and lessons so your horseback riding experience will go smoothly.

4. Rock Climbing – you get to climb really steep rock walls.  This is another activity for the thrill seekers.
The state of Arkansas offers varied, exciting, fun and adventure for each visitor.  This is one travel opportunity you should not miss.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Los Angeles Travel

The name of the city of Los Angeles is Spanish for “The Angels.”  This urban city is found in the state of California.  It is the second biggest city in terms of population in the entire United States.  It is the most populous city in California.

A. Tourist Attractions

Hollywood -  this is probably the most famous landmark in the place.  This is the entertainment epicenter of the entire US.  This is the home of the movie and tv industries. Actresses, actors, performers, producers – all have their roots in Hollywood.

You can enjoy strolling in the famed Hollywood Boulevard, visit the Walk of Fame where every known actor’s name got a star, see the Gauman’s Theatre and so much more.

Disneyland’s California Adventure – is one of Disney World’s franchise.  The theme park is very popular for families.

Universal Studios Hollywood – This is another theme park that provides a tour to the studio. You can see actual film-making here.

Rodeo Drive – this is where the upper specialty shops are located.  Most Hollywood stars are seen strolling and buying from these exclusive shops.

Venice Beach -  you will see street performers, shops and the Muscle Beach.

Popular museums in LA are J Paul Getty Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles Museum of Art and Natural History and California Afro-American Museum.

Sunset Boulevard – this is probably one of the most famous street in the world.  You can see wealthy neighborhoods and Hollywood studios in the strip.

Beaches in Los Angeles – Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica Beach Pier.

Mulholland Drive is another popular destination and is usually included in the movies shot in LA.
Knott’s Berry Farm – it is where you can find the popular Knotts’ Southern California Resort and a theme park.

Queen Mary – a famous ship that is docked in Long Beach.

Six Flags Magic Mountain – a recreational facility that is famous for its exciting roller coaster rides.

Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Tokyo – these are some exciting destinations that you will see in LA.

Famous sports complex are:  Staples Center and Dodger Stadium. You can see your favourite sports personalities play here.

Other landmarks in Los Angeles are: Kodak Theatre, Griffith Observatory, Getty Center and
Getty Villa.

The city of Los Angeles is known for its historical landmark, cultural and recreational facilities.

San Diego Travel

The city of San Diego is the setting for the very first Spanish mission in California.  Its numerous tourist spots will never fail to elicit positive reactions from the guests.

These are the top tourist attractions in the city of San Diego:

1. San Diego Zoo: This world-renowned zoo has two parts. One is the traditional zoo situated in Balboa Park.  The second is the Wild Animal Park in the north part of the city.

The zoo includes some rare and endangered species which brings the total to 4,000. The place is divided into 10 bioclimatic zones that house the animals.  You can see different zones from rainforest to arctic tundra which serve as the natural habitat of the animals. It is definitely unique and one of the best zoos there is.

2. La Jolla – a town by the seaside.  The wealth high end mansions in the neighbourhood will not fail to impress.  You can also find malls and restaurants in this area.  The Coast Boulevard and La Jolla Cove offers the most fantastic views of the scenery around.

3. Sea World San Diego : a large collection of marine life, known particularly for its famous but dangerous resident the killer whale Shamu.  You also get to enjoy the thrilling rides also such as the Shipwreck Rapids, Journey to Atlantis and many others.

4. Balboa Park is the nation's largest urban cultural park. The park is home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the zoo.  Balboa Park is where the Children’s Museum, Botanical Building, El Prado and the Fleet Science Center and many other attractions are located.

5. Coronado Beach – a famous beach in the city of San Diego.  It offers an unobstructed view of the sunset.

6. Historic Old Town – the town is in the central part of San Diego. It boasts of various  entertainment structures such as shops, historic spots and more than 150 restaurants.

7. The Gaslamp Quarter – these are actually restored Victorian buildings which house various restaurants.  It is a popular destination at night.  Live music is often played after dinner.

8. Maritime Museum of San Diego:  the museum displays various historic ships such as the Star of India.

9. Little Italy- the oldest neighborhood residential and business community dating as far back as the 1920s.

10. Cabrillo National Monument – a preserved lighthouse and a statue in honor of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first Portuguese explorer to visit the place, are all found here.

11. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: The center located in Balboa Park has exhibits and houses a theater called Omnimax.

12. Old Town Trolley: This is a bus tour that takes you to must see sites including Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Coronado and the Embarcadero.

13. Mission Beach Boardwalk -  this houses an amusement park called Belmont Park.

14. Mingei International Museum: This is a museum featuring various crafts coming from the place such as paintings, sculptures, toys, textiles and many others.

15. Torrey Pines State Reserve:  you can see a long stretch of land in this park complete with lined Torrey Pine trees, beaches, lagoon and numerous species of migrant birds.

Other well-known tourist destinations are: Embarcadero, Legoland, Mission San Diego de Alcala, Mission Bay, Birch Aquarium and the Lighthouse at Point Loma.

The city of San Diego provides a great place for relaxation and excitement as well.  You get to know the culture of the place and come to appreciate its amazing wildlife and peaceful surroundings.

Friday, March 22, 2013

California Tourist Attractions

The state of California is referred to as the “Golden State.”  It is the most populous state.  It is the third biggest in area next only to Alaska and Texas respectively.  The capital city is Sacramento.

A. Tourist Attractions

There are a number of memorable tourist attractions found in California.  Being a huge state, the choices of must-see destinations are endless. These include the following popular spots:

1. San Diego Zoo –  this is one of the best, if not the best, zoos in the country.  It houses some 4,000 different species of animals, some of which are rare and exotic.  The area is divided into 10 bioclimatic zones.

2. Disneyland – sister company of Florida’s Disney World, it is a place where you can see all your favourite cartoon characters from Cinderella to Snow White to Mickey Mouse and so many others.

3. Hollywood – of course, the state of California is synonymous with celebrities from Hollywood.  All movie and tv personalities have worked at Hollywood at one time.

4. Golden Gate Bridge is the biggest suspension bridge in the country.  It was constructed in 1937.  The bridge is a testament of astounding engineering feat.

5. La Brea Tar Pits is an important archaeological site located in Los Angeles.  This is where a number of prehistoric animals are found.  The asphalt of the soil helps fossilized these long-deceased animals.  Paleontologists conduct their research and digging in the site.

6. Napa Valley is the biggest wine producing area of US.  It is just 50 miles from San Francisco.  Guests would love its wine tasting session where you can taste the wine for free.

7. Yosemite National Park is a natural beauty which is famous among rock climbers.  The Yosemite Falls is one of the main attractions of the site.  It is one of the very first wilderness parks in the US. Its area is around 1,200 sq. miles.

8. Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular food destination in San Francisco due to its fresh seafood served by some of the best restaurants.

9. Alcatraz Island - This used to be a high-security prison on an island.  You can visit the cells where some of the most dreaded criminals in America used to reside.

10. Monterey Bay Aquarium – this shows a collection of huge variety of marine life.

11. Sea World San Diego – also features a huge collection of marine life. Shamu, a killer whale, is its star performer that gives performances often. They also have a number of exciting rides.

12. Balboa Park in San Diego is the biggest urban park of US. It has 15 major museums, performing arts venues, amazing landscapes and gardens and a zoo.  Balboa Park houses the famous Children’s Museum, Botanical Building, El Prado and the Fleet Science Center.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

San Jose Travel - California

The city of San Jose is the 3rd biggest city in the state of California.  It ranks 10th biggest city in the entire US.  San Jose California is known as the central hub of Silicon Valley.

The popular tourist attractions in San Jose are the following:

a. Museums

1.  The San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA) - SJMA offers free admission to the public.  It displays excellent works of art particularly modern artworks.  It is situated in the Silicon Valley. This museum has displays of artistic excellence.

2. San Jose Museum of Quilt & Textile - a museum established in 1977 by Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association.  in 1977.  The goal of the museum is to advance the use of quilts and textiles in arts and crafts.

3. Tech Museum of Innovation - the museum supports technological creations by ordinary people.  It stresses the importance of technology in man's life.  It features the internet and the human body.  It holds an annual competition for student innovative designs called the Tech Challenge.  They also hand out the Tech Museum Awards which recognize people who advances the cause of technology to benefit humans.

4. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose - the museum focuses on children and families.  They provide educational programs for children. They intend to develop the child's latent talent and skills.

5. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum - This has the biggest collection of Egyptian artifacts in western North America.

b. Winchester Mystery House - The Winchester Mystery House is a Victorian-inspired house known for its grandeur and oddity.  The mystery as to why the house is eerily odd remains unsolved.  You can see staircase leading to nowhere. Or, a staircase that descends for 7 steps and then rises for 11.
A number of people surmised that Mrs. Winchester wanted to befriend the “good spirits” and lose the “bad” ones.  The house at one had 500 to 600 rooms but the constant renovations made to it reduced the number to 160 rooms.

c. Raging Waters - this is the largest waterpark in Northern California. It has an area of 23 acres with various family rides and recreational facilities fit for families.

d. Happy Hallow Park and Zoo - this is a park that provides recreational fun in an eco friendly atmosphere.

e. Mexican Heritage Plaza - this is a cultural arts facility that provides gardens, theaters, art gallery and as a venue for art performances.

In the city of San Jose, being the hub of Silicon Valley, you will experience how technology interacts with tradition.  The various technological marvels you will see at this place is tempered by its preservation of tradition.  The city is a place like no other.

Attractions in Costa Rica

From pristine beaches to wonderful national parks, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Costa Rica. Every year, over two million visitors from different parts of the world come here for vacationing, which makes it the best tourist stop in the Central America. Eco-tourism is one of the major attractions in this country.

Canopy Tours All over the place, there is a rich diversity of stunning natural life, which the tourists can explore from a bridge, tower, tram, or a zip-line. The Canopy is home to a wide array of plants, monkeys, and birds. In particular, the panoramic postcard views of volcanoes, mountains, and beaches are simply exhilarating to watch from bridges or towers. If you want to fly over the landscape like superheroes, you can consider zip-line canopy tours.

Museums Museums are also some top tourist attractions. Besides historical museums, there are numerous art and nature museums across the country. Located in an old Civil War fort, the National museum features contemporary exhibits, Spanish religious artworks, and other ancient artifacts from the native cultures.

Likewise, you can also explore a large collection of American jade in the Jade Museum, which is located in San José. Besides that, the museum houses exhibitions of artworks made of gold, stone, and bone from Mayan and pre-Columbian cultures.

Volcanoes Millions of visitors come to Costa Rica every year just to experience the exhilarating view of volcanoes. The country is home to over 100 volcanic structures. One of the most active volcanoes is located in the Arenal National Park. That is why it is also commonly referred to as Arenal Volcano. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Costa Rica. The park is located in the north of San Juan. Other popular volcanoes include Miravalles, Tenorio, and Cacao.

Beaches During your visit, you just cannot afford to miss exploring the countless beaches. There are several fun beaches, such as Playa Grande, Playa Tamarindo, Corcovado, and many others. The dark sands of the Corcovado beach make it highly exotic. The Corcovado beach is also popular for boating trips. At Playa Grande, it is great fun to see leatherback turtles making their way to the water after laying their eggs. November and December are the best months for surfing at Jaco and Playa Tamarindo. You can catch the biggest waves on these beaches during these two months. Montezuma on the Nicoya peninsula is also one of the popular tourist attractions in Costa Rica.

Other attractions include Cano Island and Biological Reserve and national parks. There are several national parks in Costa Rica that include Corcovado National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and Arenal National Park.

Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest but the most popular park. Fishing, hiking, rafting, canopy tours, scuba diving, and surfing are some of the best vacationing activities, which you can enjoy during your trips to the various tourist attractions.

Fairbanks Alaska

Fairbanks AK is the biggest city in Interior Alaska.  This is the second biggest state next only to Anchorage.  The city is only 125 miles south from the Arctic Circle. Of the 97,970 population in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, a fifth or 20 percent of the population is made up of military personnel.

A. Tourist Attractions

Every summer around 325,000 tourists flock to Fairbanks AK.  The sled dog racing is one of the biggest tourist draws to the place.  The old frontier charm of Fairbanks is another.  You can still see gold mining camps in the area.

1. Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge – is one the landmarks in Fairbanks.  It is a 1,800 acre bird sanctuary.  It has forests, wetlands, fields and a farm which used to be owned by Charlie Creamer hence the name.  Creamer was a dairy farmer who feed migrating birds with waste grains.  After he died, the farm became a sanctuary by the state.

2. El Dorado Gold Mine – is  a gold mine that draws tourists to Fox near Fairbanks.  It was a functioning mine in the early 1900s, the El Dorado was later transformed into an informational mine and a tour place with train tours a number of times everyday from May to September.  It is owned and operated by Alaska Riverways Inc.

3. Fairbanks Curling Club - is a non-profit organization run by volunteers that offers recreational facilities for curlers.  Curling is a sport where players slide stones on a sheet of ice to a targeted place.  The club helps promote the sport and offer fun to families in the Fairbanks Community.

4. Georgeson Botanical Garden – is a botanical garden inside the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The garden is utilized for research and display.  Public viewing is allowed during the day from May to September. It houses more than a 1,000 of trees, shrubs and perennials every year such as Alaska native plants and plants from Russia, China and Iceland.  The garden was named after Charles Christian Georgeson, a USDA Special Agent in Charge of Alaska Investigations in 1899.

5. Gold Dredge No. 8 or Goldstream Dredge No. 8 -  is a ladder dredge that is declared in 1986 as a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark  by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.  It has a 4.5 miles track that produced 7.5 million ounces of gold. In summer, the dredge is open for tours and gold panning.

6. Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station – this is a facility used for research.  The main subjects are colonies of muskoxen, reindeer, and caribou.  The researchers study the nutritional, physiological and behavioral aspects of the animals. Visitors can join a summer tour and talk to the guides.

7. Pioneer Park –  is a 44-acre (109-ha) city park in Fairbanks.  Its former name was Alaskaland.  The park houses several museums and recreational facilities. It is open the entire year.

8. Sternwheel Riverboats – the Riverboat Discovery  operates these boats.  They can provide a tour on the Chena and Tanana Rivers on these boats.

9. University of Alaska Museum of the North – located in Fairbanks campus.  The museum aims to acquire and analyze specimens that relate to Alaska’s heritage and the  Circumpolar North. They do research and public exhibits.
July's Golden Days Parade – this is a multi-day festival that honors the history of the city of Fairbank. The overriding themes for the parade are "goldrush", "Alaskan pioneers", and "early Fairbanks history" (founded in 1901).

City of Fresno Travel - California

The city of Fresno is located in San Joaquin Valley California.  This was the agricultural hub of California due to its fertile soil ideal for vegetables and fruits.  The tourism industry is a growing sector of the city.  Its superb attractions and yearly festivities offer tourists great reasons to come back over and over again.

Fresno, with its temperate climate, provides a number of fun outdoor activities for the guests.  It has a number of parks, museums and other recreational facilities.

A. Tourist Attractions

1. The Woodward Park – this is located in Northern Fresno.  It provides a 10 acre park for biking.

2. The Sierra Nevada Mountains – this is another outdoor destination that is excellent for trekking and hiking.
Sequoia National Forest, Wonder Valley Ranch and Resort, and Huntington Lake – these three destinations have one thing in common which is horseback riding.  Enjoy touring those places while riding a horse.

3. Kings River and San Joaquin River Parkway – do not only provide scenic views but they are also great venues for kayaking and white water rafting.

4. The Brighton Crest and Copper River Country have golf courses that provide perfect view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

5. Blackbeard's Family Fun Center – this has 3 miniature golf courses for little children.  Kids can also indulge in water slides and a game of basketball.

6. Wild Water Adventure Park – is a 52 acre water park that provides thrilling rides.  The park also has facilities for little children such as the Rotary Storyland and Playland.

7. Millerton Lake State Recreation area and Pine Flat Lake – these are great venues for boating and having family picnics.

8. Hume Lake and Woodward Park/Jensen Sports Complex – are great places to do some hunting and fishing.

The African American Cultural and Historical Museum and the American Historical Society of Germans are all found in the city of Fresno, California. They display various artworks and artifacts about the history of early settlers in Fresno.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

San Jose Costa Rica Travel

San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica. It serves political, commercial and cultural center of the country.  San Jose Costa Rica is where the guests will make a short stop before proceeding to the rest of the countryside.

A. Tourists Attractions

Touring the city before you visit the other places is a great idea.  This will allow you to make maximum use of your time. Traveling from San Jose and visiting its various attractions on your way to your desired destination will make full use of your travel time.

The place has various types of accommodations that can fit any budget.  It is known for its amazing cuisine, affordable and upscale restaurants, exciting nightlife, shopping destinations and unbeatable recreational facilities such as parks, theaters, art galleries and museums.

The city is known for various beautiful spots that the guests should see:

1. Instituto Nacional de Seguros houses the famous Jade Museum or Museo de Jade which boasts of the biggest collection of jade in Americas.  It also displays archaeological findings particularly ceramics and stonework during the pre-Columbian era.

2. Museo Oro Precolombino (Gold Museum) has some 1,600 gold artifacts dating to as early as 500 AD to 1500 AD.

3. National Museum or Museo Nacional is located in the old Bellavista Army Barracks. The bullet holes that bore a hole through the south wall serves as a grim remembrance when the country was embroiled in an internal civil strife in 1948.

The museum has an excellent division reserve for archaeology. In the history section you will find a vivid account of the total eradication of indigenous people.

4. National Theater is the most fascinating building in the entire city.  The architectural design is simply impressive.  Marble combined with glasswork, frescoes and murals make it a truly stunning structure.  Performances are held in this theater frequently which will further enthrall the visitors.

5. Other popular theaters in the city are : The Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica (National Theater of Costa Rica), the Cathedral and the Melico Salazar Theatre.  These theaters provide various cultural presentations such as concerts, stage drama, operas that show the old and new cultures of Costa Rica.

6. Central Market – this is a popular shopping destination in the city.  The marketplace provides a glimpse of the daily life of the people in Costa Rica. All kinds of goods and even live animals such as turkeys are peddled here.

7. Poas Volcano which is an active volcano with a dense forest in the middle crater is one of the most sought after tourist destination in the country.

8. The Insect Museum located in the Universidad de Costa Rica houses some of the biggest collections of rare and exotic insects.

9. Lankester Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden that houses different varieties of plants and flowers.

10. Pueblo Antigo is a theme park that is perfect for family fun.

San Jose Costa Rica is an exciting destination that offers the best of Costa Rica - amazing museums, fine dining, great recreational facilities.  Its temperate climate all year round makes the place even more enticing.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Long Beach Travel

The city of Long Beach is located between two popular cities in California – Los Angeles and Orange County.  It has a population of almost 500,000 residents.  It is the sixth largest city in California and ranks 39th in the US. It is the maritime center in US. The Port of Long Beach is the second busiest port of the country.

Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions in the city of Long Beach:

1. Aquarium of the Pacific – this aquarium is devoted to the preservation of the biggest ocean - Pacific Ocean. It houses more than 11,000 animals.  It has three galleries that showcase the different regions of the pacific. It also has a Shark Lagoon and an Explorer's Cove. You can arrange special animal interaction and behind the scene tours for an additional fee.

2. Shoreline Village - this is a village on the waterfront.  All kinds of shops operate in this place. You can eat at your favorite ice cream parlor.  Shop to your heart's content in this unique village by the sea.

3. Belmont Store - another popular shopping center where you will see various local shops in this place. You can go there by bus.

4. Retro Row - is another shopping destination in the city of Long  Beach. As the name implies, vintage stuffs are sold here such as furnishings.

5. Long Beach Antique and Collectible Market - more than 800 dealers offer a broad choice of antiques, collectible items every third Sunday of the month.  This is awarded as one of the Top Ten Flea Markets in US.

6. Rubber Duck Tours - this provides tour to the city in an amphibious tour vehicle that can travel on land and on water.

7. The Queen Mary - this is a restored World War II troopship. It took its final voyage in 1967. Soldiers used to live on this historical ship.  For those who are curious of the supernatural, some people reported of ghost sightings inside the ship.

8. Blair Field - your children can indulge in a game of baseball in this field.  The Long Beach Armada which is a semi-professional baseball team holds coaching lessons there. They also provide exciting games and entertainment between the games.

9. The East Village Arts District - this is a popular cultural district that provides art walks, First Fridays street fair and art galleries.

10. Museum of Latin American Art - this displays contemporary artworks and cultural pieces from Latin America.

11. Naples Gondola Ride - you can have a romantic gondola ride with your loved one here.  Beautiful houses along hidden canals provide the perfect view.  You can cruise from mid-day to midnight.  Most men who intend to propose choose the time when the sun is about to set.  The stunning view provides a fitting backdrop for marriage proposals.  Women are inclined to accept the proposal with an  acceptance rate at almost 100%.

The waterfront community of the city of Long Beach provides tourists with a great opportunity to unwind at the same time enjoy the romance in the scenery.  If you are looking for romantic venues coupled with fun and adventure then this is the place to be.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

San Francisco Travel

The city of San Francisco is the fourth biggest in terms of population in the state of California.  It has around 815,358 residents.

A. Tourist Attractions

San Francisco offers a plethora of tourist spots to its guests. These include the following:

1. The Golden Gate – this bridge is known for its engineering feat.  This is the first suspension bridge ever made.  It links the Marin County and San Francisco city.

2. The San Francisco cable car system - is the only transportation listed on the National Register of Historic Places for being the world's last manually manually operated cable car system.  This is an iconic structure in the city of San Francisco.

3. Fisherman's Wharf: another icon in San Francisco.  It has several restaurants, shops and museums such as Treasure Island Museum, City of San Francisco Museum and 'Ripley's Believe It or Not' museum. The Underwater World is another attraction in the Fisherman’s wharf with 700, 000 gallons of water.

4. Chinatown: shops of all varieties are located in this town.  This is a known shopping destination of the city. Some of the sites you will see include Kong Chow Temple and the Fortune Cookie Factory.

5. Alcatraz Island: this is another historical landmark of the city of San Francisco.  It used to be a maximum security prison but is converted into part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Tours are provided to this place. You have to ride a ferry to get to the island.

6. The Gold Rush Trail – is an outdoor museum that is filled with historical artifacts.

7. The Society of California Pioneers – is another attraction.  It is a public library.  It provide exhibits of the history of San Francisco and entire state of California.

8. The Museum of the City of San Francisco - is a place that offers exhibits on the history of San Francisco such as the Gold Rush, the massive earthquake of 1906, and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

9. Lombard Street – referred to as 'The Crookedest Street in the World.'  It has a natural incline of 27 degrees which make it too steep for cars to drive on.  But in the 1920s eight curves were added to the incline to make more manageable for cars. Cars are allowed to drive here at 8km/h speed only.  Pedestrians are only allowed to walk on the steps.

10. California Academy of Sciences – this is a cultural venue that houses the Morrison Planetarium and Steinhart Aquarium. It has African Hall that contains realistic copies of animals in Africa.

11. Nob Hill – considered as the most elite place in the city of San Francisco.  It provides a superb view of the entire city. The Cable Car Museum which exhibits the 121 years of cable cars history is near the Nob Hill.

12. Lafayette Park – perhaps the most stunning garden in the entire city. It is filled with eucaplyptus trees.

The city of San Francisco is a famous international destination known for its Victorian and modern architecture and its popular landmarks.

City of Oakland Travel - California

City of Oakland is situated in the state of California. It is eight biggest city in California and the 41st biggest city in terms of population in the entire US. It has a total of 446,901 residents in the place.  It is the hub city of the East Bay area.

Tourist Attractions

These are the various tourist attractions you can find in Oakland:

1. Chabot Space and Science Center - is a science center with interactive exhibits, a full dome digital planetarium, a 70-foot large screen theatre with several shows being shown, hands-on simulated space mission activities and three powerful telescopes.

2. Children's Fairyland - this was the very first theme park in the United States.  It was built in 1950 by the Oakland Lake Merritt Breakfast Club. It has an area of 10 acres.  It houses the Open Storybook Puppet Theater, which holds the distinction of the oldest theater with continuous operations theater in the United States.

3. Chinatown - this is a multicultural neighborhood featuring the Asian culture.  The Chinese were the first Asians to migrate to Oakland back in the 1850s.

4. Dunsmuir House -  is a well-known recreational facility in the city of Oakland.  It sits on a 50-acre  land. It is on the list of US National Register of Historic Places.

5. Fox Oakland Theatre - this is a 2,800-seat movie theater.  It is included in the list of US National Register of Historic Places. It reopened to the public on February 5, 2009.

6. Jack London Square  -  this is a famous tourist site which is named after author Jack Landon.  The square contains restaurants, stores, hotels, ferry dock, historic places, train station and other recreational facilities.

7. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum - home of baseball’s Oakland Athletics, and the Oakland Raiders of the NFL.

8. Lake Merritt, Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Oldest wildlife/bird sanctuary in North America, Lake Merritt Garden Center, Bonsai Garden

9. Oakland Aviation Museum
10. Oakland Museum of California
11. Oracle Arena, directly adjacent to the Oakland Coliseum, home to the Golden State Warriors of the NBA
12. Paramount Theatre
13. Pardee Home
14. Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, Museum of History and Culture
15. Preservation Park
16. USS Potomac, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht
17. Oakland Zoo

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Chandler Travel

Chandler is a city situated in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States.  This place is a prominent suburb of Phoenix Arizona.  It has an estimated population of 240,595 residents.

Chandler’s central location makes it very accessible for East Valley exploration and to the neighboring city of Phoenix. A number of attractions are located in Chandler while others are a short distance away.

There are 300 sunny days in Chandler each year which means longer time for the outdoors.  The days are warm and comfortable especially at nights.

A. Tourist Attractions

Grand Canyon – Chandler travel will not be complete if you do not visit the famed Grand Canyon.  This is a landmark destination in the entire state of Arizona. Chandler is only a few miles from it.

Historic Downtown Chandler – this area is filled with various shops and recreational activities.

The Arizona Railway Museum – this museum exhibits restored train cars from various time periods in the country’s rail history.  It displays original rail company china and glass, rail cars used in movie sets, rail cars and others.

Ostrich Festival – Chandler has an ongoing age-old tradition of farming, breeding and raising ostrich.  This is a festival held at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler in keeping with the tradition. It features everything about Ostrich such as Ostrich races, interactive games, parade, entertainment, food, and arts and crafts. The festival is held every year during March.

Chandler Jazz Festival - This is a yearly Jazz festival in Downtown Chandler that features different famous jazz performers. There is no fee for admission.

The Chandler Center for the Arts – this is the main advocate of the arts in greater Chandler area.  The facility is shared with the Chandler School District.  The Chandler Center for the Arts offers local, national and international performances.

Chandler Fashion Center Mall – this mall is just a few feet from Historic Downtown Chandler. It has more than 180 shops and restaurants.  It houses the Dancing Waters which is the biggest water fountain in a U.S. shopping center.

Firebird International Raceway - Firebird has an area of 440 acres.  The place focuses totally on motor sports. The facility holds the NHRA Winston Drag Racing national event, IHBA Drag Boat Racing, and four test courses including a CART-certified East Course, home of the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving and ProFormance Driving Events.

The Vision Gallery - a nonprofit for fine arts located in Chandler’s Historic Downtown displaying artworks created by more than 300 local and national artists.  It also offers Vision Kids, an arts educational program for children in the East Valley.

USA Skateland Chandler has solid wood skate floors, state of the art lighting and sound systems, areas for  concession and birthday celebrations, rental skates and roller blades, huge game rooms and various novelty shops.
Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery of Western and Native American Art – this gallery houses more than 1,500 pieces of art in different mediums such as watercolors, oil paintings, wood-turned bowls, basketry, pottery, Kachinas and jewelry.

B. Things to Do

Since Chandler is close to the mountains, you can camp, hike, rock climb, sail and even ski regularly.

Shopping is one activity that you can indulge in.  You can also sample the local’s sumptuous cuisine.

Every first Wednesday of the month, local artists would have art exhibits for viewing and selling purposes.  This weekly activity is called Chandler Art Walk and it features all kinds of arts and crafts from jewelries to paintings.
Golf is another activity you can do.  The Bear Creek Course designed by Jack Nicklaus is a good place to unwind. Another one that has a good golf course is the Hotel San Marcos.

A skate park is also provided. Most teens hang out in this place. It has an area of 35,000 feet.  You can do skateboarding or line skating here.

The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving teaches student racers how to drive like a professional race car driver.

Atlanta Travel – Enjoying the Sights

Atlanta travel requires that you visit the capital city of Georgia, United States.  This is also the most populous city of Georgia with a population pegged at 540,922 in 2009.  Atlanta is a business hub.

Popular Destinations

Atlanta is considered as one of the ‘Places of a Lifetime’ in 2009.  The city is filled with trees of all kinds from Southern pines to oaks to dogwoods.  Its splendid architecture and high rise buildings will surely enthrall you.   

Atlanta ranks fifth in the most number of foreign visitors in the entire United States.  Its main attractions include the world’s biggest indoor aquarium, Georgia Aquarium.  It was opened to the public in November 23, 2005.  If you want to visit the Georgia Aquarium, you need to purchase the tickets online.

Another popular tourist destination in Atlanta is the new World of Coca-Cola which opened to the public in May 2007.  This tourist attraction features the history of Coca Cola and you can also taste the various Coca-Cola products distributed worldwide.

Another popular tourist destination is the Underground Atlanta.  Underground Atlanta is a historic shopping district which is found under the streets. 

Atlantic Station is an urban renewal project located on Midtown Atlanta. It was opened to the public in October 2005.

George Dome offers a unique guided tour to various places in the complex.  You can view exclusive places reserve to the elite.  Tickets only cost $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for the kids.

Atlanta History Center caters to various exhibits.  The themes are diverse and broad.  They have visiting, temporary exhibits as well as permanent ones.  The permanent exhibits include American Civil War,  Bobby Jones which features the golf history and many others.

Another interesting place to visit is the CNN Atlanta Tour.  This is the main headquarter of the famous news site.  The guided tour lasts for 50 minutes only. You will actually get to see a live news broadcast.  This is a fun place for children to visit.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Boston Travel

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England.  This melting pot is famed for its stunning, historic sites and great cuisine.

A. Weather

The best time to visit Boston will be from late May to September each year when the weather is cool and sunny.  If it becomes too hot, you can always head to the nearest beach.

B. Accommodations

There are a number of beautiful and affordable accommodations in Boston depending on your budgets.

If you like comfort and convenience you can go to the upper boutique hotels found in various spots.  If you are on a tight budget, there are inexpensive hostels and bed and breakfasts all over the place.

C. Tourist Attractions
1. West of Boston Downtown – the Back Bay

The Back Bay is located in the West of downtown Boston.  This place is famous for its boutique hotels. In Newbury Street which is south of tree-lined Commonwealth Avenue boulevard is where you can   indulge in al fresco wining and dining.  The galleries and shopping are very enticing to tourist.  A walking distance from Newbury is the Copley Square where you will see the Trinity Church filled with fresco and Boston Public Library.  You can see the entire Boston if you climb its highest structure – John Hancock Tower. On the southwest of Back Bay you can visit Fenway Park, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Museum of Fine Arts.
2. Boston Common and Downtown

Boston Common is located right in the middle of downtown Boston and Back Bay.  It is 50-acre Park reputed to be the oldest park in the entire United States. , It serves as the entrance to the historic Boston’s

3. Freedom Trail.

The Frog Pond is where ice skaters troop to during winter.  The Public Garden and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace are must-see places.  You will find some of the freshest and most sumptuous clam chowder, lobster rolls and Boston cream pie in Boston. On the north part you can find the State House and the wealthy neighbourhood known as Beacon Hill. On the south part is located the Chinatown and Theater.

4. North End

Located in the North of downtown you will find the North End, the oldest neighborhoods of Boston. Situated in this historic site is the waterfront, café culture and preRevolutionary spots. Its numerous Italian residents, cafes and restaurants earned it the moniker ”Little Italy.”  Hanover and Salem streets are particularly known for their homemade ravioli and sweet cannoli pastries. The Freedom Trail in the North End of the Freedom Trail is where you can find Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church.  In the Charles River is where you will see the oldest commissioned warship afloat, theUSS Constitution.

5. Financial District and Waterfront

On the Eastern part of downtown Boston is the Financial District. Boston hotels lined up in the Inner Harbor give you a great view of the Boston Harbor Walk. This is where you can find the famous New England Aquarium, known for its marine life, research and conservation, and the Boston Children’s Museum. Boston Harbour Islands National Park is also within walking distance where you will see the wildlife and a number of plant life.  You can take a ride to Boston Logan International Airport through the airport water shuttle.

6. Cambridge

In Cambridge, across the Charles River, is where you will see the oldest university in the country- Harvard University. Another famous institution is the MIT or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Luxury boutique hotels lined the streets of Harvard Square.  Street performers occupy the Harvard Square every night to offer you free entertainment.

D. Things to Do

1. Duck Tour

You tour the city by land and water.  The guide will drive you through town and offer insightful information about the place.

2. Whale Watching

Most operators assure you that you will see whales in the waters of Boston. If not, you will get a free ticket so you can come back.

3. Stroll in the Faneuil Hall

The old, historic marketplace which was the place where politicians and colonists gathered back in the old days now serves as a great background for shopping and a taste of the local’s food and for buying souvenir items.

4. Ride the Swan Boats

You can ride the boats in the waters in Boston Public Garden considered as the first botanical garden in the US.  The garden is located in Boston Common. These swan-shaped vessels take you to the Public Garden Lagoon where you can view flowering scenery and open-air sculptures.

5. Shopping in Newbury Street

This is the best shopping district in Boston.  If you love shopping or just browsing through the latest in fashion, this is the place to be.
6. Ice-skating on the Frog Pond Skating Rink

During winter the Frog Pond is a popular destination for skaters. The venue is available every mid-November to mid-March.

7.  Sea kayaking in the Harbor

Take ecofriendly kayaking tour from Grape Island around the Boston Harbor Islands with experienced park rangers.

8. City cycle tours

You can do an urban cycle tour. They have bikes@night tour with Boston sunset and harbor views from Black Falcon Pier, ending in the lively North End, just in time for a post-cycle cocktail.

9. Basketball at TD Garden

Watch Boston Celtics basketball team play against rivals at the TD Garden arena, in downtown Boston near the North End.

10. Freedom Trail Walk

Walk the two-and-a-half mile Freedom Trail of the historic Boston’s Revolutionary War.  The tour starts at Boston Common then to the Bunker Hill Monument, then on to the U.S. Navy’s oldest warship, the USS Constitution, in Charlestown's Navy Yard.

E. Dining at the North End

If you want to experience sumptuous Italian cuisine then you should visit the north end of Boston where the biggest Italian neighbourhood is situated. This place boasts a number of restaurants that provide great dining experience.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Costa Rica Travel

Costa Rica literally means “Rich Coast”.  With Costa Rica travel expect to see diverse topography, marine and animal life. The place is mostly sunny the year round so you have plenty of opportunities to visit and explore the country.
A. Weather

The best time to travel to Costa Rica is from December to April when the weather is perfect and sunny all day.  Rainy days are from May to November.  The downside with sunny days is most hotels are fully booked. It will be best to book ahead of time.

B. Tourist Attractions

Costa Rica has three natural divisions. These are the Pacific Coast, Central Valley and Caribbean Coast. Each of these places offers something unique and wonderful to the discerning traveller.  No wonder Costa Rica is considered one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. It is best to start at the Caribbean side then proceed to see the volcano in the Central Valley and finally, tour the Pacific Coast.

In the Caribbean Coast you will see huge banana plantations.  A short distance from the international harbour in Limon is the quaint little village in Caribbean called Puerto Viejo.  This place is known for its Coral Reel where you can take snorkelling tours to see its abundant marine life.  You will also get to visit the Indians Bri-Bri tribes and get a taste of their artisanal chocolate.  You can then proceed to another village called Cahuita where the famous National Parks are situated.

Another place to visit is the beaches in Manzanillo. You can then proceed to Tortuguero, an island in the northern part of the coast where you can turtle watching is a famous activity.
After seeing the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, you travel to the middle part which is the Central Valley. This part is known for its active, picturesque volcanoes. Volcano Poas, Irazu and Arenal are just a few of the volcanoes in the area.

There are a number of hotels located in this area.  If you go to the village of El Castillo in the National Park, you will have the perfect view of the volcanoes. You can hire agencies in the town of La Fortuna that can help you arrange tours near the volcano.  You can trek on the side of National Park and see the diverse wildlife thriving in the place. If you want to rejuvenate, a dip in the hot springs or thermal waters would help.  For the adventurous souls, river rafting is one activity you can indulge in the Central Valley.

Of course, your Costa Rica travel will not be complete if you do not visit the Pacific side of the country.   From La Fortuna, you can proceed to the province of Guanacaste where the Peninsula of Nicoya is situated. This is the best place to indulge in various water activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing or just simply watch the sunset by the beach.

You can visit another National Park in Marino Ballena which is known for its whale watching activity. The best place to visit in the Pacific Coast is the National Park of Corcovado which is at the south part of the country.  This is a “must-see” place in Costa Rica. You will be able to do arranged tours to the park and see the numerous and various preserved wildlife there.

C. Things to Do

As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of things to do in Costa Rica. These include the following:

Trekking: You can trek the side of volcanoes in National Parks to see its abundant wildlife.

Canopy Tours: Strap yourself on a zip line and go over tree tops in Monteverde.

Surfing: The most famous place to surf is in Salsa Brave near the Caribbean.

White water rafting: Another famous activity for the adventurous soul. You can do this at Turrialba. You can enter this spot through Ríos Reventazón and Pacuare.

River kayaking: This is another great activity for the thrill-seekers.  The best place to do this is in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.

Snorkelling: The Nicoya peninsula offers one of the best places to do this.

Scuba diving: Visit the popular dive spots in the northern part of Nicoya peninsula to get a great view of the rich marine life of the area.


Anchorage Travel

Anchorage Alaska is one travel destination that you should see.  Anchorage has four seasons.  Summer months of June, July and August are the warm and best months for Anchorage travel.

A. Tourist Attractions

Alaska Native Heritage Center – the center provides five permanent outdoor village exhibit featuring Anchorage tradition.  Inside the center, a short film about Native cultures is shown. Performances are also held daily such as singing, dancing and others.

Anchorage Museum of History and Art- this is located adjacent to the heritage center.  It houses more than 20,000 pieces of artifacts during the Archaic period.

Alaska Zoo- this is another great and famous attraction in Anchorage.  The zoo features a number of animals that inhabit Alaska such as the popular polar bear, Arctic fox, musk ox, bison, lynx and reindeer.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation – is another place that features wildlife.

Chugach National Park – this place is great for hiking.  You may come across some unexpected visitors at times though such as the wolves and bears.

Prince William Sound - This place allows you ample view of Alaskan fjords, glaciers and waterfalls. You can kayak, sail, or cruise through the water so you can get a good view of various wildlife such as seals and whales.
Other places to see during your Anchorage travel include:

Elmendorf State Hatchery, Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, H20asis Water Park in the southeast of Anchorage

B. Things to Do

Anchorage travel offers a number of unique, enjoyable activities including Nordic Skiing, Alpine Skiing, sled dog tours and snowmobile.  Other outdoors activities that do not require snow include fishing, river rafting, canoeing, kayaking, sail boarding, sailing and other motorized water sports. You can also do camping. If sports is your thing, you can indulge in a play of baseball, basketball and hockey.

For the adventurous soul, you can glide up on the air with a float plane.  You can see the entirety of Anchorage and the glaciers with a plane ride.  Annual festivities and activities held in Anchorage include the following:

Annual Anchorage Folk Festival is held every January.

Ski for Women – is held every February.

The Great Alaska Shootout - an NCAA Division I tournament that features participants from various colleges and universities from all over US.

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race – this dog race begins at Anchorage. Guests can join the pre-race festivities and watch the dogs journey through across the frozen tundra.

Ice Carving competition – participants create the most original ice sculpture in front of a live audience.

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous festival is another activity that is unique to Alaska. It is held every February.

Sitka Summer Music Festival- is an annual music festival every September held at Alaska Pacific University campus.

Anchorage travel enables you to see the beautiful outdoors and enviable wildlife in their natural setting.  You can travel even with a tight budget because Anchorage offers a number of accommodations that will surely suit your budget.

Friday, June 1, 2012

State of Alabama Travel

The state of Alabama is also referred to as "The Heart of Dixie."  This is because the state is an important part of southern heritage.  Tradition co-exists seamlessly with the state-of-the-art technology in the place.

A. Tourist Attractions in Alabama

1. Ave Maria Grotto located in Cullman- this 4 acre park is also called "Jerusalem in Miniature." This was built by a Benedictine monk named Brother Joseph Zoetti. It houses 125 miniature reproductions of famous shrines and historical structures all over the world.

2. The “Peanut city” of Dothan. Most of the state’s peanuts are grown here. They have a yearly Peanut Festival in November.

3. Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile – this is where the battleship USS Alabama and USS Drum are displayed.  It also exhibits various tanks and airplanes.

4. Bellingrath Gardens and Home – this is a 65-acre garden estate that provides tours and river cruises. They are famous for its rose garden.

5. Birmingham Museum of Art – the biggest museum in the entire state with an art collection of more than 21,000 pieces.

6. Old Alabama Town in Montgomery has 40 restored buildings including a tavern and a drug store. The structures are all from the 1800s. There are some restored residences also. Most of the restored homes have slave's quarters and kitchens outside the house.

7. DeSoto Caverns Park – the biggest cave found in the state of Alabama. It stands 12 stories high and as large as a football field. Several recreational facilities are provided outside the cave. Oprah included the cavern in her list of Wacky Family Attraction.

8. Russell Cave in Bridgeport is where a prehistoric man more than 10,000 years old was discovered.

9. Early Works Museum Complex -  This is a complex of three history museums.

10. International Motorsports Hall of Fame Museum – it contains various pieces pertaining to motorsports. One display is the Budweiser rocket car which was the first automobile to ever break the speed of sound.  The Talladega Super Speedway, a venue for motorsport racing, is located here.

11. Noccalulua Falls Park – this is a 250-acre public park with various recreational facilities.

12. Dauphin Island – another must see place in Alabama.  It has pristine beaches and a Dauphin Island Sea Lab that showcases marine life.

13. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail – this is the biggest golf course ever made with 400 holes all over the state of Alabama.

14. US Space & Rocket Center – it has the biggest collection of pieces from space and various rockets.
The state of Alabama plays a key role in the South.  Its amazing tourist attractions and the numerous recreational facilities along with its historical significance makes this state truly distinctive and unique.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Birmingham Travel

Birmingham is the biggest city in the state of Alabama.  The Birmingham Metropolitan Area has a population of 1,212,848 in 2009 Census.

The city is popular not just because of its enviable weather but due to the low cost of living too.  It ranked eighth in the most affordable housing market in the entire US.

The weather of the city is very conducive to travelling as it is mostly sunny.  The temperature is not prone to extremes.  This helps ensure that you will surely enjoy your stay.

A. Tourist Attractions

1. Birmingham Museum of Art – is the largest museum in the city of Birmingham.  It houses 21,000 pieces of art.

2. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – which contains a narrative about Birmingham’s history in the US Civil Rights Movement.

Other museums that talk about the place’s history are: museums include the Southern Museum of Flight, Bessemer Hall of History, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Alabama Museum of Health Sciences, and the Arlington Home.

3. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame – is another landmark in the city of Birmingham that houses exhibits pertaining to the various jazz musicians from Alabama.

4. The McWane Science Center is a museum that provides science exhibits.

5. Vulcan Park has the world’s biggest cast iron of Vulcan.

6. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens has an area of 67 acres (270,000 m²) showing various plant varieties.

7. The Birmingham Zoo is a huge zoo that houses over 700 animals and an interactive zoo for kids.
DeSoto Caverns Park situated at Southeast of Birmingham.  It provides guided tours on the biggest cave of entire Alabama as high as 12 stories and as wide as a football field.  The park has various recreational facilities for family outside the cave.

8. Alabama Adventure Theme Park (used to be Visionland) is a popular amusement park with two  sections: Splash Beach Water Park and Magic Adventure Theme Park,. The theme park provides 25 distinctive thrill rides.

9. The Summit is a high end lifestyle facility that houses different stores and restaurants located in Southeast Birmingham.

10. Aldridge Botanical Gardens provides a good place to hike and stroll for the tourists.

B. Things to Do

1. Cultural Festivals – various cultural festivals are held in the city of Birmingham each year.  The festivals feature several themes such as music festival, films, books and publishers and regional heritage.

2. Some festivals in the city include: Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, a musical festival called Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival, an arts festival known as Southern Heritage Festival and an annual music festival called The Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil.

3. Motorsports are very famous in the city of Birmingham and the entire state. Recreational fishing is another favourite activity among tourists and locals alike.  The place is dubbed as the "Bass Capital of the World."  A number of fishing tournaments are held in the city.

4. Cycling is another popular sport in the area. They have an annual cycling race event in Oak Mountain State Park.

The city of Birmingham is steeped in culture and history.  It boasts a number of amenities that locals and tourists get to enjoy.  Its temperate climate and affordable living standards make it one of the best places to live in the US.