Hey everyone!  This week we will be taking an adventure to the wonderful state of Utah!  Now at first Utah does not appear to have much to offer visitors but this, however, is not the case upon further inspection.  As you will soon come to find, Utah truly has something for everyone to do. 

The first stop on our tour of Utah will have to occur during the winter season because it is to the Park City Mountain Resort.  This resort is the second largest ski resort in America, offering visitors over 330 trails.  As a matter of fact, several of the runs are used to train by the United States ski team.  The resort was also host of the 2002 Winter Olympics snowboarding and several slalom events.  This makes the resort a must-visit for anyone who is an experienced skier.  For those of you who have not hit the slopes before, they also offer skiing and snowboarding lessons to visitors.   

Moving on from the idea of winter and snow sports, our next visit will have to be done in warmer weather as we get in touch with nature on a Monument Valley Safari.  These adventures last 1.5-7 hours in length as tourists travel across different sections of valley to enjoy the landscape.  Visitors also have the option to do a combination safari that provides views of the Lower Monument Valley/Mystery Valley or Tear Drop Arch/Mystery Valley.  The safari company also offers Sunset Photography Tours and Starlight Tours for anyone willing to spice up their sightseeing.   

Our next stop in the wonderful state of Utah will be to the Bluff Fort Historic Site.  Here visitors can learn about the fort itself and the treacherous Hole-in-the-Rock expedition.  The site contains cabins that were built with windows and doors facing inward to the fort’s square in order to provide protection from invading forces.  The site also features the Bluff Fort itself which was dismantled in 1883 but restored in the 1890s by the community.  This is definitely a must-visit for anyone interested in history. 

Last but not least, we will be making a stop at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium while in Utah.  This aquarium features wildlife such as birds, invertebrates, mammals, fish, and more from around the globe including the Antarctic, Utah, and South America.  Tourists can also have an eye-to-eye experience with the sharks in a 40-foot underwater shark tunnel.  And just in case this was not enough, the aquarium also has two touch pools were visitors can interact with the animals.   

Overall, Utah has plenty to offer visitors of all kinds from your athlete to your nature lover.  I, personally, would love to visit Utah and have particular interest in skiing there someday.   

As always, keep on traveling and experiencing the world because you never know what it has to offer until you get out there.   

Howdy y’all!  This week we will be traveling south to the big and beautiful state of Texas!  My primary motivation for talking about Texas this week is because I am really in the mood for some Texas Roadhouse steak, so this is close enough.  Not only is Texas the second largest state in the United States, but also offers plenty of thrilling activities and sites for its visitors.   

First, we will start off by visiting a place that anyone interested in diving would be thrilled to go to: Jacob’s Well.  Jacob’s Well is an underwater cave system that is nearly 140 feet deep and almost a mile long.  The cave itself can only be explored by experienced cave divers due to its complexity, but for anyone who does not fit these criteria there are also spots to cliff-jump into a 12-foot swimming hole.  Visitors are also more than welcome to just hang out by the water.   

The next stop on our visit to Texas will be to none other than Space Center Houston.  This Smithsonian Affiliate is dedicated to history of space exploration and the fostering of STEM related fields.  The museum itself has large collections of space rocks as well as the rocket Saturn V on display.  People can also explore the real NASA mission control to get a quick look at what happens behind the scenes.  

For anyone interested in history, the next stop at the Alamo is just the place for you.  This historic site marks the spot where in 1836, 200 men including Daniel Boone, Davie Crockett, and Jim Bowie fought a fierce battle.  They ended up losing the battle, but Texas eventually did win its independence.  Guests at the site are able to tour the fort, church, barracks, and more to get the full experience associated with such a historic landmark. 

Our last visit in Texas will be to a place known as the San Antonio River Walk.  This 2.5-mile walkway along the San Antonio River is said to be one of the most visited tourist attractions Texas has to offer.  It was originally meant to help with flood control but now offers tourists everything from food and shops to artisan shows and parades.  Visitors will no doubt have plenty to do along this river! 

Overall, I have just scratched the surface of all Texas has to offer.  As I am sure, there are always thousands of thrilling activities and places to see.  With this in mind, be sure to get out there and explore. 

Come back next week for more on another beautiful state! 

Hey everyone!  This week we will be wandering over west to the enthralling state of Arizona.  This state has plenty to offer its visitors from breath-taking natural landmarks to man-made wonders, Arizona truly has something for each and every person that enters the state. 

We will begin our journey in Arizona by going to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world: Grand Canyon National Park.  This canyon attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors each year with its steep sides leading down to the Colorado River.  In addition, the canyon dazzles tourists with its many-colored layers from geological erosion with each layer representing a different age in the life of the stone.  The park itself has been inhabited for thousands of years by native American groups and groups such as the Pueblo people who consider the canyon to be a religious site.   

While hanging around the Grand Canyon, tourists are also able to head on over to the Grand Canyon Railway.  This railway, which was built in 1901, features wooden tracks with trains that go slow enough so riders can soak in the breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.  Rides last about 2 hours and 15 minutes and with each train having a personal steward for information and onboard entertainment throughout the trip.  As a bonus each train is also designed to have an “Old West” feel to them. 

If the Grand Canyon was not enough for you to want to travel to Arizona, then the Desert Botanical Garden might just be the push you need.  Located in Phoenix, this garden features over 21,000 plants, some of which are unique to the southwestern desert ecosystem.  The garden also doubles as a conservatory and is known as the Phoenix Point of Pride.  Visitors are able to view the meticulously cared for plants from five different walking trails throughout the garden.  This garden is especially intriguing to me because it is quite fascinating how they are able to create such a beautiful site in the harsh desert conditions.   

Following our visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, we will next venture back over towards the Grand Canyon so as to join in on the fun with the Colorado River Discovery.  This river rafting company provides tours along the Colorado River with tours lasting either a full or half day depending on how adventurous you are feeling.  People can either paddle themselves or use the Helios eco-friendly electric boat to traverse the beautiful landscape with the option of an experienced guide narrating as you move along the river.  On such tours, visitors are able to take in spectacular views of the clear water, sandstone cliffs, and local wildlife all while enjoying the thrill of rafting.  

In summary, Arizona has lots of wonderful opportunities for visitors to partake in and reap the benefits of the state’s fascinating landscape.  I, personally, look forward to traveling to Arizona someday especially since seeing the Grand Canyon is one of the top sites on my bucket list.  

Stick around for my next post as I uncover all the wonderful attractions Colorado has to offer! 

Hello everyone!  This week we will be heading up north for an adventure in the wonderful state of Washington.  Now Washington may not seem like the type of place you go on a vacation to, but it has plenty of opportunities for people of all ages and interests.  

Our first stop in Washington will be to a place known as Olympic National Park.  This park in Port Angeles has everything from mineral springs to cool clear water for natural swimming.  This swimming of course must be done in the summer months since Washington, much like Pennsylvania right now, experiences snowy and icy conditions during the winter months.  Olympic National Park also has a variety of hiking trails for anyone who is looking to get in touch with nature firsthand.   

Moving southeast from the Port Angeles, our next stop will be the beautiful city of Seattle to see one of the most photographed buildings in the United States: The Space Needle.  This impressive work of architecture and engineering has a 520-foot observation deck that provides visitors with breath-taking views of the city and natural landscape surrounding it.  You can even get views of Mount Rainer from this structure!  The Space Needle was originally built in 1962 for the World’s Fair but has attracted tourists to say the least with its hyperboloidal shape (a little math for you there).  The building averages nearly 20,000 people each day making it a must see while in Washington.  Personally, this building has always intrigued me and is definitely on my bucket list, so needless to say I will be making a trip to Seattle hopefully at some point in my life. 

If the hustle and bustle of the city were too much for you then you will be extremely excited for our next stop at Snoqualmie Falls.  This 268-foot waterfall is located east of Seattle and provides a great photo-op for tourists in the area.  The waterfall is known for being very tranquil and visitors are provided with observation decks and gift shops all within the park.  The park actually sees more than 1.5 million people each year! 

Last but not least, we will sit back and cruise through our last sight in Washington: Coulee Corridor.  This scenic byway stretches from Omak to Othello and features both manmade and natural sights along the drive.  Visitors can experience great views of the Grand Coulee Dam and several state parks including the Sun Lakes and Steamboat Rock for any wildlife lovers.  

In conclusion, Washington may often be overlooked, but that does not make it any less intriguing of a state.  I hope to venture there some day and experience all it has to offer whether manmade or all natural.   

Until next week…happy travels!

Hello all!  Thanks for coming back for another post or if this is your first time on my blog then greetings!  This week I decided I was in the mood for a journey west again to a state neighboring the great California: Nevada.  Of all states to be so close to the daunting tourist attraction of California, Nevada most definitely holds its own and has much to offer those visiting.   

To start with, we will visit probably one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nevada at the Hoover Dam.  This man-made masterpiece is one of the most intriguing modern civil engineering wonders in the world which is probably why it has made appearances in multiple movies ranging from San Andreas to Vegas Vacation.  While visiting the dam, tourists are able to take one of the two different tours available.  These include a thirty-minute power plant tour and a sixty-minute dam tour which includes exploring passages within the dam itself.  

Our next stop in nifty Nevada will be for anyone who is into historical landmarks.  Known as the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, this park features six historic charcoal ovens on site.  Now what is a charcoal oven, you might be asking?  Well, these tourist attractions are beehive shaped ovens that assisted in the process of obtaining silver ore that was found in the area in the 1800’s.  They are located near a basin and during their times of operation were often used as a rest stop for settlers.  I, personally, find these ovens very interesting because I have never heard of an appliance with such a peculiar shape.   

Well, if the Hoover Dam and Charcoal Ovens were not intriguing enough for you then a visit to the National Atomic Testing Museum just might be the explosion of entertainment you need (see what I did there 😉).  The museum features over 16,000 artifacts from not only test sites but the Cold War, radiological science, nuclear science, and more.  They also educate visitors on our country’s nuclear weapons testing at the Nevada test site (yes, that’s right, there is an actual Nuketown in Nevada that visitors can tour). 

Last but certainly not least, our final stop will be to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in none other than Las Vegas.  This conservatory is home to over 34,000 flowers, 750 shrubs, and 25 trees that add up to over 14,000 square feet of tranquility (which can be hard to find in such a large city).  The exhibit is even changed with each season to reflect the holidays or celebrations at the time.  And if the greens were not enough, the conservatory also has a beautiful glass ceiling enhanced by breath-taking floral patterns.  

In summary, Nevada has an extremely wide range of attractions for everyone from your botanist to your history buff.  I think this is one of the factors I enjoy most about researching and visiting states; there is always a variety of places to see and activities to do and you never know until you get out there and experience them. 

As usual, keep traveling and come back next week for more information on what states to visit in this great country!

Greetings all!  Well since my attempt last week to shun the cold weather and snow by talking about Hawaii was not as effective as planned, I have decided to embrace the winter weather with a trip to Alaska this week.  Alaska is definitely near the top of my bucket list because there is no other state quite like it, especially since it is so much farther north than the other states.   

We will be starting off our adventure into Alaska by taking advantage of one of the main modes of transportation in the state: airplanes.  As a matter of fact, Alaska has more pilots and planes per capita than any other place in the United States.  Known as flightseeing, this tourist activity involves taking a plane over the tops of mountains as well as soaring over glaciers in order to see the landscape in all its glory.  Visitors may even get to see some wildlife along these flights too.  Many of the flights go out of or into the city of Anchorage and some of the summer flights even involve a lakeside landing.  Alaska is also known for being the busiest floatplane base in the world for anyone looking to add another element to their adventure.  

While discussing transportation, if planes are not for you no worries because Alaska also has arguably one of the most beautiful highways in America with the Turnagain Arm stretch of the Seward Highway.  Along this drive, tourist may have the opportunity of seeing beluga whales chasing salmon out in the water as well as great views of the Chugach mountains.  They may even witness some Dall sheep in their natural habitat along this drive.  The entire trip can range anywhere from two hours to an entire day depending on how much nature you are willing to soak in.   

Now the next feature of Alaska is truly one of the most incredibly beautiful and awe-inspiring sights in the world.  Near Anchorage visitors are able to view the shifting colors of the auroras, also known as the Northern Lights.  For a little chemistry lesson, these lights are created when the sun strikes the atoms in the atmosphere causing their electrons to become excited and move to a higher energy level.  Upon moving back to a lower energy, these electrons release a photon or light.  This causes the beautiful array of colors that are best seen at high-latitude regions such as in Alaska.   

Our final stop while visiting Alaska this week will be to take a trip on the Alyeska Tramway.  Now I know what you are thinking, what the heck is so exciting about a tramway.  Well, this tramway goes over the treetops allowing passengers to take in the spectacular view of Mount Alyeska from 2,000 feet in the air.  Visitors are also able to spot several glaciers, kettle ponds (shallow pool of water formed by a glacier), and the previously mentioned Turnagain Arm.   

In summary, Alaska is definitely a “must visit” type of state.  From the beautiful landscape to the amazing shows in the sky, this state truly has plenty to offer.  Stay tuned for next week as we travel to another amazing state!

Aloha everyone!  As you can probably tell by the greeting, this week we will be traveling to the beautiful state of Hawaii because I want to think about something other than snow since it is the middle of January in Pennsylvania.   So needless to say, we are going to trade in some snow for some sand. 

The first stop we will be making in Hawaii is to the World War 2 Valor in the Pacific National Monument.  The monument honors and memorializes the location of the Pearl Harbor attack that happened on December 7, 1941.  This attack is ultimately what brought the United States into the war for the Allied Powers.  This work of history is also home to the USS Arizona Memorial which marks the resting site for over a thousand sailors who were killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor that sunk the ship.  While visiting the monument, tourists can also hear and see many stories and memorabilia from the second World War.  I am not a history buff myself but sights such as this are truly breath-taking and allow us to learn from the past making them a “must see.” 

So of course, when talking about Hawaii I have to discuss the beach!  I, for one, am a total beach lover and Ka’anapali Beach in Maui is definitely on my bucket list.  This beach features three miles of all white sand beach with shopping and dining along it at a place known as Whalers Village.  This village has plenty of attractions ranging from small boutiques to whaling museums to hula lessons.  Ka’anapali Beach is also known for the cliff-diving ceremonies that take place daily off the northernmost cliffs.  The one spot known for these ceremonies is a place referred to as Black Rock. 

All this talk about beaches really makes me in the mood for some water sports, which brings us on over to the next stop in Hawaii known as the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy.  This academy is one of the oldest surf schools in Maui and offers both group and private lessons.  I, personally, have the balance of a newborn giraffe so the more lessons the better and these professionals offer some of the best in the world.  In addition to surfing, visitors can also take paddle boarding lessons and for experienced surfers they even offer a Surfari which allows surfers to catch waves with the native Hawaiian instructors. 

Well for anyone who gets tired of the beach after a day or two, Hawaii also has many other great attractions to offer its visitors including the Greenwell Farms.  This coffee farm has been around since 1850 where they offer walking tours of the coffee fields.  Visitors are able to see the coffee beans growing as well as visit the processing facilities where each step in the production process can be viewed.  And of course, it is not all see and no taste; visitors are welcome to sample various types of coffee throughout the tours.

In summary, Hawaii is one of the top vacation spots in the world and rightfully so.  Visitors can do and see everything from beach activities to historic landmarks all while enjoying the warm weather.  I, for one, definitely plan on making it to this beautiful state someday and hope this post was informative for anyone who plans to do the same.  Until next week, keep calm and travel on!  (And also come back for my next post!)

Hey everyone!  It has been awhile since I have blogged and wanted to inform you all that I will be taking this blog in a slightly different direction.  Instead of posting about the states I have been to already, I will be posting about states I desire to visit and all they have to offer.  This will not only help my mother plan our future vacations but expand my knowledge of this amazing country. 

This week I will be visiting the wonderful state of California to discuss some intriguing works of nature.  Our first stop in this state will be at none other than Redwood National Park.  I have dreamt of traveling to this park for a long time and cannot wait to get there some day.  Redwood National Park has many vast woodlands, rivers, coastlines, and more that draw in tourist from all over.  The main attraction of course is the great Redwood trees that are some of the tallest trees in the world.  Many of these trees stretch up to over a staggering 300 feet in air, showing just how impressive nature can be.  The park also includes the Coastal Drive which is an 8-mile stretch of road along the coastline. 

Moving on from the mighty Redwoods, we will next wander over to Venice Beach.  Popularly used in movies as the “poster child” of the California way of life, Venice Beach is a stunning beach with plenty of great spots for cycling, rollerblading, swimming, and even just relaxing beside the water.  It is also known for a place called Muscle Beach, where bodybuilders flex and show off their muscles throughout the day.  Personally, I love the beach and believe this is probably one of the best beaches in the world with tons to do around every corner.  

Speaking of places that are hot, California not only has great beaches but also one of the hottest and driest places in North America: Death Valley.  As I am sure many of you have heard of Death Valley, it is not surprising that it reaches such high temperatures considering it is 282 feet below sea level.  A place, known as Furnace Creek, has even got up to as high as 134 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the hottest air temperature ever recorded!  Visitors are advised to visit early in the morning when the heat is less intense and for great views of the valley, to check out Dante’s View. 

All this talk about heat makes you want water, right?  Well California also has a place known as Lake Tahoe where one can get their water fix for a day.  Tourists are welcome to sail, kayak, or jet ski out on the lake, which also happens to be one of the largest lakes in the world.  The lake itself was actually created by ice around 2 million years ago and remains a popular attraction for many visiting the state.  I, for one, would absolutely love to visit Lake Tahoe since I love water sport activities and admire works of nature such as this. 

Overall, California has so much to offer that I could go on for days.  However, I will stick to just these few highlights for now.  I feel that after someday visiting California, it will definitely find a spot among my top ten favorite states and hope to adventure there soon! 

Stick around for next week as I wander over west into the state of Hawaii!

Hey everyone!  This week I will be wandering down to the wonderful state of Virginia.  Some random fun facts for you about Virginia include that it is known as the “birthplace” of the United States, nicknamed the “Old Dominion” state, home base for the United States Navy’s Atlantic Fleet, and about half of all people who live in the United States live within a 500-mile radius of the state capital (aka Richmond).  Now why all the random facts, you might be asking?  Well, because Virginia is one of the most historically saturated states in the country as well as a hub for much of the activity near Washington D.C., which ultimately prompted my family and I to go visit.  We were also intrigued by the wide variety of opportunities the state had to offer and the fact that we had family who lived there. 

My family and I have visited Virginia multiple times throughout the course of my life.  One of my first experiences in the state was back when I was six years old and my family had just got our first camper.  We decided to go camp on an island known as Assateague Island and for anyone who has never heard of the island before, it is known for its wild horses that roam the island freely.  From what I can recall of Assateague, it was not a pleasant experience (yes, you heard me…not pleasant).  My family and I were there over the summer, but the ocean water, which we had hoped to swim in, was extremely cold.  Not only that, but there were horse feces everywhere, the feral deer on the island were similar to giant rats in that they came and stole our food if we walked away from it for more than five minutes, and there were mosquitoes everywhere!  Despite all this, my family did not give up on camping and I am thankful that we did not; otherwise I would not even have this blog.  I would NOT recommend Assateague Island, though as you will soon see, I would not go as far as to not recommend Virginia. 

Fast forward almost ten years in my life to the next notable vacation I had in Virginia.   In 2015, my family visited the state as part of the journey mentioned in my previous post.  During this trip, my family and I first started out in Colonial Williamsburg.  Williamsburg is a form of living-history in that the entire town is designed to resemble those of the colonial times with actors hired to play the part of colonizers throughout the town.  For example, there are silversmiths, weavers, wigmakers, shoemakers, gunsmiths, and more.  Visitors get to experience the true meaning of colonial life and watch in amazement as these professionals create shirts, blankets, wigs, and shoes just to name a few.  There are also daily recitations of the Declaration of Independence and more.  I would definitely recommend any history buff visit Colonial Williamsburg and though I am not one myself, I too enjoyed the town. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following Williamsburg, my family and I visited a place known as Monticello.  Monticello is the home of President Thomas Jefferson and was built in 1772.  Similar to Williamsburg, Jefferson’s home is one filled to the brim with the history of colonial times.  I found it especially fascinating to see the Great Clock Jefferson had in the main Entrance Hall.  The clock not only told the time of day, but also the day of the week and had to be wound every Sunday.  Monticello also had beautiful gardens surrounding it with almost every flower and plant imaginable.  This mixture of colonial times and nature created a serene world in which I believe everyone should experience at one point or another. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My family and I next stopped by Norfolk, Virginia along the Atlantic coast.  Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk which is a massive naval base in the Chesapeake Bay.  I even had the privilege to take a boat cruise around the bay to see all the boats in the naval yard.  A few of the most notable sights along this tour included ships such as the USS Wisconsin, a few aircraft carriers, and plenty of smaller Navy vessels all of which were truly astonishing.  The aircraft carriers were especially breath-taking when considering the mere size of these ships.   

Overall, Virginia is an absolutely magnificent state that is not only filled with history but loads of fun for all.  Next time you are in the area be sure to swing by the state to visit some of the wonderful attractions listed above. 

I am unsure of what or when my next post will be but until then, safe and happy travels!

Howdy y’all!  This week I will be taking a visit to the Bluegrass State of Kentucky.  This beautiful state has so much to offer its visitors, which is why it lands a spot as one of my favorite states.  My family and I first visited Kentucky back in 2015 on our vacation south.  Later in the trip, we would be heading to other states such as North Carolina and Virginia, so at first, I was not very excited about Kentucky.  I was, however, pleasantly surprised to encounter many new and intriguing opportunities. 

Our first adventure in Kentucky was to the Toyota plant to watch the construction of the Toyota Camry.  This Toyota plant, in particular, is the largest in the world as well as the first one to be built in the United States.  The tour was about an hour long and one of the most intriguing hours of my life.  We got to go behind the scenes of the Camry construction process as they shuttled us through the plant.  Nothing is more impressive than watching a car form before your eyes as it moves down the assembly line.  As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, I am not much of a “car person,” but these experiences last a lifetime regardless of your personal preferences in life.

Following the Toyota plant tour, my family and I decided to connect with our nature side a little at Cumberland Falls.  Sometimes called Little Niagra, this waterfall is located along the Cumberland River and is extremely powerful to say the very least.  I can vividly recall walking along the rocks near the falls and feeling the pulsing water rush over the edge with such immense strength that it felt as though it powered the world.  I would highly recommend swinging by this work of nature and for anyone who is an avid hiker, they have miles upon miles of hiking trails throughout the park as well.  

Now you cannot just go to Kentucky and not stop by the original Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant; I mean, Kentucky is literally in the title.  This restaurant/museum is located in Corbin, Kentucky and one of the highlights of my trip.  Colonel Harland Sanders first started selling fried chicken out of this tourist attraction during the Depression Era and clearly gained some popularity in doing so.  Upon visiting the restaurant, one can even witness some of the original cooking equipment used by Sander’s at the time.  Colonel Sanders became popular as he experimented with new recipes and cooking method aiding him to create the restaurant chain we witness today.  And, of course, the chicken from the restaurant was delicious as well. 

We then decided, in the true pride of Kentucky, to take a tour of a few multi-million-dollar horse farms in the area.  Many of these farms have horses involved in races such as the Kentucky Derby, making them even more fascinating.  I was completely shocked by the pure beauty and elegance of these barns, many of which had entire houses in them for the horse trainers.  The barns were literally nicer than my house!  It was also captivating to see just how significant horse racing is in Kentucky and how so much time, effort, and money are invested into it.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Altogether, Kentucky is an extremely riveting state from the car-manufacturing plants to the million-dollar horse empires.  I would definitely recommend visiting the state as I do most states because you never know what they have to offer until you get out there and explore them.   

Stick around for my next post on the enchanting state of Virginia!