World Heritage Sites – United Kingdom

    England, like France, Spain, and other Western European countries has witnessed much of the history of civilization in the last 2000 years. It is not only rich in political history, but there is also considerable religious history to document. This collection of countries has numerous World Heritage Sites, but here are my favorites along with pictures to make the location "come alive."

 

    1. Giant’s Causeway & Coast, Northern Ireland (1986)

 

           

 

    2. Durham Castle & Cathedral (1986)

 

          

 

    3. Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites (1986)

 

           

 

    4. Blenheim Palace (1987)

 

       

 

    5. Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey & St Margaret’s Church (1987)

 

          

 

    6. City of Bath (1987)

 

          

 

    7. Hadrian’s Wall (1987)

 

        

 

    8. Tower of London (1988)

 

            

 

    9. Canterbury Cathedral (1988)

 

        

 

    10. Old & New Towns of Edinburgh, Scotland (1995)

 

              

 

    11. Maritime Greenwich (1997)

 

        

 

    12. Historic Town of St George & Fortifications, Bermuda (2000)

 

         

 

    13. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2003)

 

        

World Heritage Sites – Greece

     Since Greece is the cradle of Western Civilization, its early history is one of the most important legacies and must be high on the list of the most important locations in the world. UNESCO has recognized this and has listed a significant number of these places on its World Heritage List. My favorites are listed below along with photos.

 

    1. Archaeological Site of Delphi (1987)

 

                  

 

    2. Acropolis, Athens (1987)

 

              

 

    3. Meteora (1988)

 

               

 

    4. Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki (1988)

 

        

 

    5. Archaeological Site of Epidaurus (1988)

 

       

 

    6. Medeival City of Rhodes (1988)

 

               

 

    7. Archaeological Site of Olympia (1989)

 

        

 

    8. Delos (1990)

 

           

 

    9. Archaeological Site of Mycenae (1999)

 

         

 

    10. Historic Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of St John the Theologian and its cave on the island of Patmos (1999)

 

             

 

    11. Old Town of Corfu (2007)  

 

             

Great Places – Southern States (Deep South) USA

     For this entry, I have included the following states in the category Deep South, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. These are states which have somewhat similar characteristics, especially their southern drawl. Several of them border the Gulf of Mexico, while others include some "mountainous region."  Here are the sights that I consider the best in the entire region. Look for the photo album of these attractions shortly.

 

    1. New Orleans, Louisiana

          New Orleans is certainly noted for its Mardi Gras celebration, one of the best known in the world, but its French Quarter is a wonderful experience any time of the year. After all, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and great music can be found at almost any time of the day or night. The architecture is interesting, because of the wrought iron balconies, many draped with flowers during the spring and summertime, the pastel-colored buildings and the beautiful courtyards showcasing the lovely 19th century houses. Preservation Hall offers a glimpse of vintage New Orleans’ jazz nightly. This is the place where many famous jazz artists were discovered or honed their craft.

         Bourbon Street at night is blocked off from traffic and people party every evening till the wee hours (visitors can even buy alcoholic drinks from street vendors).

         Jackson Square, a beautiful park in front of the distinctive St Louis Cathedral is an ideal place for relaxing or taking pictures. The nearby, colonnaded French Market has several shops and restaurants, some with live music.

         A Mississippi River Cruise is obligatory when visiting New Orleans, LA, Minneapolis, MN, or some of the other major cities along the river.

         From New Orleans, an interesting paddle wheel cruise takes the visitor upriver by a number of plantation houses and to the site of the Battle of New Orleans which took place in 1815. Boats leave from the Riverwalk area, off Canal Street. Trips are of varying lengths and leave at various times during the day.

         New Orleans is also noted for its cuisine, and visitors to the area should definitely sample alligator, crayfish, catfish (a few of the local favorites) as well as jambalaya and cajun preparations.

         The St Charles Avenue Streetcar takes visitors through New Orleans’ garden district, with its beautiful and regal homes, characteristic of the deep South.

         Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area and the city has not completely recovered, but the hope of everyone is that the city will rise again to its former status as the “party capitol“ of the country.

 

    2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

         Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border, offers accessible wilderness and wildlife viewing to travelers in the populous eastern part of the US. Because of this fact, it is one of the most visited national parks in the country. Park roads allow access to most of the major sights, but, to truly experience the wilderness, the visitor should sample the many trails. On the roads, similar to the situation encountered in Yellowstone, expect traffic delays when wildlife is spotted, especially bears.

         The major areas of the park include Newfound Gap Road, which bisects the park from north to south. This route connects the Oconaluftee Visitor Center with the Sugarlands Visitor Center and travels through Newfound Gap, a major pass through the mountains. The road also allows access to Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains and the third highest east of the Mississippi. Cades Cove, a beautiful valley in the western part of the park, contains numerous historical buildings and is a fantastic wildlife-viewing area. The road through Cades Cove is a one-way 18 km (11-mile) loop, so traffic jams are common and can be a bit frustrating.

         Within Smoky Mountains National Park, take the Roaring Brook Motor Nature Trail for an interesting, educational tour. It’s a 10 km (6-mile) one-way trip.

         The Laurel Falls Trail is a 4 km (2.5 mile) hike along a paved path to one of the Smoky Mountains many waterfalls and well worth the exertion.

          

     3. Memphis, Tennessee

          Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee is the birthplace of the “Blues,” soulful jazz first written by its founder, W.C. Handy. Not far from Beale Street is where “Rock and Roll” truly emerged, thanks to the collaboration between Elvis Presley and Sun Studio. Thus much of the city is imbued with music. Plan to experience some of this musical heritage in one or more of the various establishments throughout the city.

          Memphis is also, unfortunately, the location of the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, an event commemorated by a sculpture called “The Mountain Top” at Civic Center Plaza.

          Those interested in the struggle for equality waged by Black Americans, epitomized by Martin Luther King, can travel southeast of Memphis to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, to visit other "battlefields" and reminders of the sometimes gruesome and repugnant practices of the early days of this struggle.

          Of course, the most important attraction in Memphis is Elvis Presley’s Graceland, his 14-acre estate in town. The complex, which includes the mansion and a number of museums, as well as an entertainment facility, has become a pilgrimage site for Elvis’ many fans, as well as a curiosity for others who visit the Memphis area. Separate admissions to the various venues are available or the Platinum Tour pass can be purchased which includes admission to all areas of the estate.

          For a different kind of activity, drive, walk, or take the monorail to Mud Island Park, and stroll its Riverwalk, a scale model of the Lower Mississippi that extends for many blocks. A Mississippi Cruise may also be in order, and is available from Riverside Drive.

          Another important aspect of life in Memphis revolves around food, particularly Barbecued Ribs, and there is no better place to try ribs than here. The ongoing controversy revolves around “wet” versus “dry” ribs. Visitors should try both and decide for themselves.

 

     4. Nashville, Tennessee

          The Grand Ole Opry, in Nashville, Tennessee, is the nation’s longest-running radio program. The original venue, in downtown Nashville, has been abandoned in favor of a 4,400 seat auditorium on the grounds of Opryland (now the Gaylord Opryland), just outside the city. Tickets are available in advance.

          Because of its extensive musical heritage, the city of Nashville is known as “Music City USA” and anyone with a desire to become a recording artist has probably spent some time here. In particular, it is the center of Country Music for not only the USA but the whole world.

          Opryland was a major theme park for many years, with thrill rides and other activities focusing on music in general. It went out of business for a while but has reopened and attracts many visitors each year.

          Nashville is also the northern terminus for the Natchez Trace Parkway which began its life as an Indian trail, then a pioneer trail during the period of westward expansion in the United States. Now it has evolved into a historic drive from Natchez, Mississippi to just south of Nashville, Tennessee, a total distance of almost 720 kilometers (450 miles). Along the route are numerous historical points of interest. The Visitor Center in Tupelo, Mississippi offers information and displays.

          Also in the vicinity is The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s estate, which has been restored as a museum to the colorful chief executive and general.

 

     5. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

          Hot Springs National Park, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, preserves an area of the Ouachita Mountains in the western part of the state. The park itself is surrounded by a city so that many of the roads within the park are dual purpose. The area was known to Native Americans, who believed that the thermal waters were beneficial and was discovered by tourists in the 1800’s. Some of the original bathhouses still stand in an area known as Bathhouse Row. There are also mountain roads within the park which access viewpoints, such as Hot Springs Mountain Observation Tower. Many other activities, such as, hiking, horse-back riding, as well as boat rides on Lake Hamilton, are also available in the park.

        

Great Places – Mid-eastern States USA

     What I call the mid-eastern states include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. They offer mountain scenery, fertile farmland and a few significant urban areas, in which are concentrated the majority of the tourist attractions. Below is a compilation of the best of this region, with associated photos.

 

           1. Gettysburg National Historic Site, PA

                  Gettysburg National Military Park commemorates the bloodiest and most decisive battle of the American Civil War. The battlefield area is extensive and requires driving in and around the town of Gettysburg to fully appreciate the drama. There are also monuments for the various states and militia which took part in the battle. Head for the Visitor Center first and obtain an orientation map and self-guiding auto tour. Also check out the special events scheduled for the day and attempt to include some in your visit.

                  Be sure to view the Cyclorama Sound and Light Show which highlights the major events of the battle, using a circular painting.

                  While in the area, travel north to Hershey, Pennsylvania, famous, of course, for the production of chocolate. The town celebrates chocolate in various ways, including streetlamps which look like Hershey Kisses. Hershey’s Chocolate World explains the entire process of making chocolate. There is also a musical program called “Hershey’s Really Big 3-D Show” as well as shops.

                  Also, in the vicinity, is Hershey Park, an amusement park popular with families.

                  A lengthy excursion, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) west of Gettysburg is Fallingwater, one of well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature and most famous homes. It is located in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, in the town of Ohiopyle. The home is constructed of stone and concrete and is dramatically cantilevered over a waterfall. A trip to this fairly isolated location is probably best accomplished as an overnight.

                 At Gettysburg, take a personally guided tour with a licensed battlefield guide. It is worth the cost because it is so difficult to appreciate the scale and timeline of the battle without an expert.

                 Also, it is helpful to either see the movie, “Gettysburg” or read the book, “Killer Angels”, by Shaara, prior to a visit so that the events of the battle are fresh in the mind.

 

      2. Philadelphia, PA

                Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is another great American city which is loaded with history. It was once the capital of the young United States. Its major attractions focus on colonial times in America (the mid to late 1700’s).

                Independence National Historical Park consists of the Liberty Bell Center, which houses one of America’s enduring symbols of freedom, Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed, and Benjamin Franklin’s home as well as a US Post Office which commemorates Franklin as the first Postmaster General, and numerous other buildings which help to chronicle this time period of American History. The Visitor Center, at 6th and Market Streets provides information, a walking tour map of the Park, as well as a 30-minute film, “Independence”, shown continuously during the hours of operation. Admission to Independence Hall is by guided tour only and timed tickets may be obtained at the Visitor Center as well.

                 During the summer, in Philadelphia, check out the evening sound and light show called “Lights of Liberty” which begins at the PECO Energy Liberty Center at 6th and Chestnut Sts.

                 The Reading Terminal Market, west of the park, is a great food and shopping experience.

                 A wonderful excursion from Philly is to Longwood Gardens, in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania (about 30 miles/50 kilometers southwest of the city), located on an estate once owned by Pierre du Pont. There are thousands of varieties of flowers and other plants as well as fountains and lakes on the grounds. Extensive greenhouses make this a year-round attraction. Summertime offers evening illuminations and music concerts. It certainly ranks as one of America’s, and perhaps the world’s, great gardens.

                 Another great excursion from Philadelphia is Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the area around Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a place which allows visitors to experience a very different and unusual culture without leaving the USA. The people who settled this region, primarily religious groups, such as the Amish and the Mennonites, depend primarily on farming and have continued their traditions and customs despite the incursions of modern society. Many have shunned modern conveniences such as the automobile and electricity, yet they thrive, since their farms are efficient and productive. There are numerous attractions in the area which offer glimpses into their lifestyle and culture. Visit their farm stands or markets for abundant, high quality fruits, vegetables and prepared foods.

                 A third excursion, for those interested in gambling, is east of the city in neighboring New Jersey. Atlantic City’s Boardwalk is over four miles long and dates to the late 1800’s when the city became a vacation paradise. Piers along the boardwalk offer amusement park rides, concession stands and shops. The boardwalk itself is lined with shops and restaurants. As its heyday ended, the area began to take on a seedy and somewhat sleazy atmosphere, until the influx of gambling casinos, which have replaced the beach and amusement parks as the area’s prime attractions. The streets of the boardwalk area have been immortalized in the game, Monopoly.

 

      3. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

                Mammoth Cave National Park, in western Kentucky, claims to be the longest cave system in the world. Access to the caves is by guided tour only. A variety of different tours are offered, with varying degrees of difficulty, and they change with the seasons, so it is wise to contact the park prior to a visit. Many cave tours are strenuous and require climbing numerous stairs. Reservations may be made in advance (probably a good idea during the summer months). There are also many above-ground activities for those spending more than a single day in the area.

                If the visit to the caves occurs during May, a great side trip is to travel north to Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky, the home of the Kentucky Derby, perhaps the premier horse race in the United States. Derby Day is the first Saturday in May, each year, and pits the leading three-year-old thoroughbreds against one another. It is the first of three races which comprise the “Triple Crown”, horse-racing’s greatest achievement. A museum on the grounds is dedicated to the history of the race and celebrates its greatest contestants.

               Another possible excursion lies east of the park. The Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, Kentucky, is devoted to the history of man’s relationship with the horse. A Parade of Breeds takes place in the show ring and acquaints visitors with the many breeds of horses employed by people and their distinguishing characteristics. The International Museum of the Horse has fascinating exhibits about every aspect of this long-lasting relationship. There is also a short orientation film. One of the all-time most famous thoroughbreds is buried on the grounds and is commemorated with a huge statue, the Man o’ War Memorial. The countryside around Lexington is particularly pleasant to drive through because of the picturesque horse farms which dot the landscape.

 

        4. West Virginia

              The "Mountaineer State" of West Virginia, while not possessing any major tourist attractions, nevertheless offers the traveler great mountain scenery and a friendly, slow-paced lifestyle which is a welcome change from the hectic metropolises of the East. Drive through the picturesque countryside and appreciate the tranquility. Visit Black Water Falls in the eastern part of the state or the New River Gorge in the south, or check out the sprawling campus of the University of West Virginia in the north, at Morgantown.

              For a different type of activity, visit the town of Clarksburg for its annual Italian Heritage Festival, held on Labor Day Weekend.

 

            

Great Places – Mid-Atlantic States, USA

     The Mid-Atlantic states of the United States of America include Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. They are primarily coastal states although Maryland & Virginia extend westward into the Appalachians, so have a more diverse landscape. Since they are part of the Eastern corridor, there are large population centers and considerable traffic on the highways. Although Washington, D.C. is the main draw, there are several other significant tourist attractions, which are described below.

 

     1. Washington, District of Columbia

            Washington, DC is a requisite destination for all patriotic Americans. It also has much appeal for the world traveler because of its wonderful museums and beautiful neo-classic architecture, as well as the striking memorials that honor some of the icons of American and world history. Perhaps more important, almost all the attractions of the city are free, a rare occurrence in these times.

            The city is laid out as a grid with four zones (NE, NW, SE, SW). The numeric streets run north-south and begin at First Street, at the US Capitol Building. The east-west running alphabetical-named streets begin in either direction from the Mall. The avenues are named for the states of the union and run diagonally, e.g. the White House is on Pennsylvania Avenue.

            The primary tourist area is almost entirely within a few blocks of the Mall (a broad, park-like, grassy area between Constitution Ave and Independence Ave, running from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial). Also within the Mall are the many buildings of the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument (which dominates the skyline), and most of the war memorials. The Mall also allows easy access to the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, the tidal basin, and west to the Arlington Memorial Cemetery.

            The Smithsonian Museum, the world’s largest museum, occupies numerous buildings on or near the National Mall in Washington, DC. There is also an annex to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport, about 30 miles west of the city and two galleries in New York City. The Smithsonian also includes the National Zoo, located on the outskirts of the city.

            Major sections (housed in separate buildings, primarily on the Mall) include the Arthur M Sackler Gallery, the Freer Gallery of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of African Art, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Postal Museum, the National Zoological Park, the Renwick Gallery, and the Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center. Must sees include the following:

            The National Air and Space Museum displays the history of flight through a variety of exhibits and experiences.

            The National Museum of Natural History houses an immense collection of animals from around the world.

            The National Museum of American History has a huge collection of artifacts and memorabilia representing American culture, past and present.

            Check out Game Fish in the Renwick Gallery, a small crafts museum on Pennsylvania Ave, near the White House, for a nostalgic look at some true “Americana”. Adults, as well as kids, will be fascinated!

            The Washington Monument is a tall (over 550 feet/180 meters), obelisk which occupies the center of the Mall. Visitors can ride an elevator to an observation area which provides spectacular views of the city and the other major memorials. Be prepared to wait in line.

            The Lincoln Memorial, at the western end of the Mall, is a moving tribute to one of America’s most beloved presidents. The huge statue of a seated Lincoln commands respect and admiration. On the walls flanking the statue are etched the words of two of Lincoln’s greatest speeches.

            The Jefferson Memorial is located on the tidal basin, a large lake connected to the Potomac River. The building which houses the president’s statue looks like it would be at home in ancient Greece or Rome, and has stairs which lead to the water.

            The most popular of the war memorials is the famous Vietnam Veterans Memorial “wall” which occupies a spot between the Lincoln and Washington memorials, near the reflecting pool. It is inscribed with the names of all soldiers killed or missing, in chronological order.

            Cross Constitution Ave in the vicinity of the Vietnam War Memorial to find the Einstein Memorial at the National Academy of Sciences Building. Kids and adults can climb all over the statue which depicts Einstein seated on a low wall.

            Pass the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial into the tidal basin to find an unusual sculpture called “The Awakening”. Once again, kids will love it since they can run around and climb all over the sculpture.

            The Library of Congress, Jefferson Building has an original “Gutenberg Bible” on display.

            Other attractions in the city, besides those already mentioned include the United States Holocaust Memorial, an extremely moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the exterminations which were perpetrated by Nazi Germany in the years before and throughout World War II. A multitude of media are used in the dramatic and sometimes disturbing presentations. Reservations must be made in advance.

            The International Spy Museum, near Chinatown, takes the visitor on an interesting and informative tour of the gadgets and methods used in international intrigue and eavesdropping. There are extensive exhibits which focus on some of the most famous or infamous spies in history.

            Explorer’s Hall is an exhibit, offered by the National Geographic Society, which displays, often interactively, some of the famous expeditions conducted by the society. It is a great place to bring kids and fascinating for adults as well.

            There are too many other sights to mention them all, but Washington, DC must be savored with several visits over time. Like any great museum, the city cannot be seen all at once.

            Other sights in the vicinity of Washington, include Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, the quaint old town of Alexandria, Virginia, and the Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex to the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian, at the Dulles Airport in Chantilly, Virginia.

            Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate on the Potomac, near Washington, D.C., is fine example of wealthy colonial life. Washington considered himself a farmer at heart, and only reluctantly left his plantation to serve his country as its first president. He retreated to Mount Vernon whenever possible and retired from public life there after his second term. The mansion and grounds have been lovingly restored and contain period furnishings, as well as Washingtonian memorabilia. Guided tours of the house and buildings are offered frequently.

            While at Mount Vernon, stroll the grounds after the tour to appreciate the view and the many innovations which Washington incorporated into his farm.

            Also in nearby Virginia, just across the Francis Scott Key Bridge, behind the Lincoln Memorial, is one of the most moving spectacles in the entire area. Arlington National Cemetery is the largest and most prestigious military cemetery in the country. It is the final resting place of thousands of the nation’s best and brightest. Just walking through the grounds is emotional enough, especially if family members or friends are interred here. However, the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is particularly symbolic and spiritual. The ritual takes place every half hour during the summer and every hour during the remainder of the year.

            Also worthwhile on a visit to the cemetery are stops at the John F Kennedy Gravesite where a perpetual flame pays tribute to one of America’s most beloved presidents and Arlington House, the Southern mansion which dominates the highest part of the cemetery, which was the former residence of General Robert E Lee, one of the country’s most celebrated generals.

                       

     2. Williamsburg & Hampton Roads Region, Virginia

           Williamsburg, Virginia is an authentic, recreated/restored 18th century city which operates as if in a time capsule to give the visitor a glimpse of life in Colonial America during the 1770’s. In reality, it is a huge outdoor museum and well worth the price of admission. There are always events, activities and demonstrations, so a stop at the Visitor Center is a must. Several orientation films are shown frequently throughout the day. Schedule your self-guided walk to take in several presentations. Even meals in the complex’s restaurants are much as they would have been during the days of early America.

           Must sees within the complex include the Governor’s Palace, with its Georgian décor and display of hundreds of weapons (designed to impress the colonists with England’s power and might). Other buildings which are interesting are the Randolph House, the Courthouse, and the Jail. Throughout, villagers in authentic costumes act out the daily life of the colony. It is a fascinating experience.

           Nearby is Busch Gardens, one of America’s major theme parks, which entertains visitors with thrill rides and other types of activities. There are two venues in the United States: Williamsburg and Tampa Bay, Florida. Besides the amusement park rides, Busch Gardens’ theme focuses on wildlife. Both parks contain extensive areas of wildlife habitat for viewing.

           A possible excursion from Williamsburg lies east of the area at Virginia Beach, a popular destination during the summer months because of the extensive beach area for swimming, the boardwalk, and the many other types of recreation which have been attracted to the area. It also provides an excellent base of operations for the exploration of the entire Hampton Roads area of Virginia because of the availability of hotel rooms throughout the year.

            At Williamsburg, don’t miss the “Interview with Patrick Henry”, repeated several times during the day.

            Take a drive along the Colonial Parkway which links Williamsburg with Yorktown, sight of the British surrender that marked the end of the Revolutionary War, and with Jamestown, location of the first Virginia colony in 1607. Stops at each of these areas are also worthwhile, if time permits.

 

     3. Monticello, Virginia

           Monticello is Thomas Jefferson’s estate in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was both his ultimate retreat and his passion, since he was intimately involved in its construction and subsequent modifications. The home contains original furnishings and memorabilia from Jefferson’s eclectic life. One comes away from an experience at Monticello with a better appreciation of Jefferson, the man, and a much greater respect for his intellect.

           Stroll the grounds, gardens, and cemetery to glimpse more of Jefferson’s many interests.

           For a further tribute to one of America’s Founding Fathers, visit the beautiful campus of the University of Virginia, which Jefferson founded, also in Charlottesville.

    4. Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive, Virginia

           Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park lie along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western Virginia. Skyline Drive is one of America’s premier scenic drives. It extends from Front Royal in the north to Waynesboro in the South. There is limited access to the road, so entry must be planned. Because the speed limit is a strictly enforced 35 miles per hour (55 km/hr), it takes at least two (2) hours to drive the entire length. Shenandoah National Park is noted for its beautiful vistas which can be appreciated at the numerous roadside pullouts and by walking some of the many hiking trails. Wildlife is abundant and accessible.

 

     5. Baltimore Inner Harbor & Annapolis, Maryland

           Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a remarkable area of resurgence and restoration that has become a model of urban renewal for the entire country. The Inner Harbor has become a magnet for tourists and residents alike because of its vibrant, varied activities, as well as its many restaurants and shops. There is now a water taxi service which connects many of Baltimore’s interesting neighborhoods via a pleasant boat trip. There are also new hotels in the area, built to take advantage of the area’s popularity.

            Baseball fans will find Babe Ruth’s home, not far from the waterfront, worth visiting.

            Not far from the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area is Oriole Stadium at Camden Yard, one of the newer baseball parks in the country and, whether a baseball fan or not, provides a pleasant area to stroll because of the many food and trinket vendors which have been built into the stadium.

             A worthwhile excursion from the Inner Harbor involves taking a water taxi to Fort McHenry, famous because Francis Scott Key wrote the United States‘ National Anthem, “The Star-spangled Banner” while approaching the Fort while it was under attack from the British.

             Another great destination in the vicinity is Annapolis, Maryland, the present capital of Maryland and also the location of the United States Naval Academy. Besides these credits, Annapolis is a beautiful, old American city which has preserved and is proud to display, much of its past. The historic waterfront area is especially noteworthy in this respect, since the city was once an important center for international commerce. The many examples of Georgian architecture also distinguish this locale.

             To best appreciate the history and importance of Annapolis, take a guided tour of the city which can be arranged and begins at the Visitor Center.

             When on the grounds of the US Naval Academy, don’t miss the crypt of John Paul Jones.

 

    

 

World Heritage Sites – China

     China has been, until fairly recently, a mysterious and unknown country to Westerners, since it has, for much of its history, avoided or minimized contact with other than its immediate neighbors. However, it has emerged onto the world stage and people are certainly curious about its vibrant culture and its significant contributions to mankind. Its history dates back over 2000 years and is rich with accomplishments and important events. It is also a large country with numerous significant natural places which are being explored more and more by modern travelers. Check my list of the major World Heritage Sites recognized in this incredible country and sees the photos of these marvels below.

 

       1. The Great Wall (1987)

 

              

 

       2. Imperial Palaces of the Ming Dynasty, Beijing (1987)

 

               

 

       3. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Xi’an (1987)

 

               

 

       4. Mountain Resort & Outlying Temples, Chengde (1994)

 

         

 

       5. Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet (1994)

 

         

 

       6. Mount Emei Scenic Area, including the Leshan Giant Buddha (1996)

 

         

 

       7. Classical Gardens of Suzhou (1997)

         

             

 

 

        8. Summer Palace & Imperial Garden, Beijing (1998)

 

         

 

       9. Temple of Heaven, Beijing (1998)

 

            

 

       10. Imperial Tombs of the Ming & Qing Dynasties (2000)

 

                

 

       11. Historic Centre of Macao (2005)

 

            

 

       12. Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, Chengdu (2006)

 

            

 

       13. South China Karst (2007)

 

               

Travel Quotation 3 – Charles Dudley Warner

     I have no idea who Charles Dudley Warner is, but he once said,

 

         "There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it."

 

       I’m not sure whether I totally agree with this quote, although I certainly acknowledge that the anticipation and setting out on a trip is truly exciting.

       However, I feel that the most delightful part of a trip is seeing the major goal of the trip, such as, getting your first glimpse of the Colosseum on a first trip to Rome, or sailing into the crater and seeing the island of Santorini and its village of Thira for the first time. These are truly unforgettable experiences and they signify the culmination of the planning and preparation which has probably been taking place for months. For me, I always recall pictures or images of the sights we will be visiting, from either my youth or from photos I have seen in books or pamphlets. When I finally replace these memories with real ones, I get an unbelievable rush! Hope you do too.

 

    Feel free to comment below.

 

World Heritage Sites – Czech Republic

     The Czech Republic, formerly part of Czechoslovakia, is a country at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. As a result there are quite a few locations which fit the criteria of UNESCO to qualify as World Heritage Site. My favorites are listed below with photos.

 

     1. Historic Centre of Prague (1992)

 

           

 

        

 

     2. Historic Centre of Cesky Krumlov (1992)

 

             

 

     3. Historic Centre of Telc (1992)

 

              

 

     4. Kutna Hora Historical Town Centre (1995)

 

        

 

     5. Gardens & Castle at Kromeriz (1998)

 

        

 

     6. Litomysl Castle (1999)

 

       

 

     7. Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc (2000)

 

       

 

World Heritage Sites – USA

    The United States of America is blessed with incredible natural wonders which have been set aside and preserved as National Parks, and many of these areas have been included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. There are also a few historical locations on the list. What follows is the US’s entire list with associated photos.

 

    1. Mesa Verde (1978)

 

              

 

    2. Yellowstone National Park (1978)

 

              

 

         

 

    3. Glacier Bay, Alaska (1979)

 

          

 

    4. Grand Canyon National Park (1979)

 

          

  

     5. Everglades National Park (1979)

 

           

 

    6. Independence Hall, Philadelphia (1979)

 

    

 

    7. Redwood National Park (1981)

 

       

 

    8. Mammoth Cave National Park (1981)

 

       

 

    9. Olympic National Park (1981)

 

           

 

    10. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Illinois (1982)

 

       

 

    11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (1983)

 

            

 

    12. La Fortaleza & San Juan Historic Site, Puerto Rico (1983)

 

           

 

    13. Statue of Liberty, New York City, (1984)

 

           

 

    14. Yosemite National Park (1984)

 

            

 

    15. Chaco Culture National Historical Park (1987)

 

        

 

    16. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (1987)

 

            

 

    17. Monticello and the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (1987)

 

       

 

    18. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico (1992)

 

          

 

    19. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (1995)

 

             

 

            

 

    20. Carlsbad Caverns National Park (1995)

 

            

 

                      

World Heritage Sites – France

     France is another European nation with a long and storied history. As a result, there are many UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites for the traveler to ponder and admire. Below are some of my favorites, along with photos of these famous places.

 

     1. Mont-St-Michel and its Bay (1979)

 

           

 

     2. Chartres Cathedral (1979)

 

        

 

     3. Palace and Park of Versailles (1979)

 

            

 

      

 

     4. Vezelay, Church and Hill (1979)

 

      

 

     5. Decorated Grottoes of the Vezere Valley (1979)

 

      

 

     6. Palace and Park of Fontainebleau (1981)

 

       

 

     7. Roman Theater and "Triumphal Arch" of Orange (1981)

 

      

 

     8. Pont du Gard (Roman Amphitheater) (1985)

 

       

 

     9. Strasbourg, Grand Ile (1988)

 

      

 

     10. Paris, Banks of the Seine (1991)

 

            

 

     11. Notre Dame Cathedral, Reims (1991)

 

       

 

     12. Historic Centre of Avignon (1995)

 

         

 

     13. Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne (1997)

 

         

 

     14. Historic Site of Lyons (1998)

 

      

 

     15. Loire Valley (2000)