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17 May 2011

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World or Statue of Liberty is a gigantic neoclassical statue of a woman. It was a gift of friendship to the people of the United States from the people of France and has become the symbol of freedom of America. The woman is supposed to symbolize Libertas, the Roman deity of freedom. She carries a torch aloft and a tabula ansata or a tablet suggesting the law that bears the date of the Declaration of Independence of America and a broken shackle rests at her feet. It was given on October 28, 1886 and in 1924 was named as a National Monument. It is administered by the United States Department of Interior and the National Park Service.

The Statue of Liberty

Photo by MD111

Thousands of people visit this engineering wonder called the Statue of Liberty. It is considered as one of the most popular tourist attraction in New York. For more than a hundred years now The Statue of Liberty has enthralled visitors from all over the world. A visit to this amazing lady includes a tour of Ellis Island now called Liberty Island and admission to the statue is free, however  there are fees if you’re planning to visit the monument/museum, crown reservation etc. More info here: www.statuecruises.com Visitors need to purchase a ferry ticket for a ferry ride to the Liberty Island from either the Liberty State Park in Jersey City or Battery Park in New York City that takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

What awaits visitors when they visit this US icon of freedom is a guided walking tour of the island by no less than a park ranger; an audio tour (in nine languages) that gives visitors a fascinating story of the Statue’s history and significance; a sweeping view of the Harbor and New York City from the Statue’s observation deck and a close up view of the Statue from the esplanade on Ft. Wood. The Crown and the Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty are open to tourists but only with the purchase of a Crown ticket which already includes Pedestal Museum Access. If visitors are interested only to enter the monument’s pedestal, a separate Pedestal/Museum ticket is also available. Both the Crown Ticket and the Pedestal Museum Ticket can be purchased in advanced on line at www.statuecruises.com or at telephone numbers 1-877- LADY TIX or 1-877-523-9849.

Category: New York City  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  One Comment
03 May 2011

The Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s biggest museum complex and research groups consisting of a National Zoo, 9 Research Centers and 19 Museums and galleries. It is found at 10th St. and Constitution Ave, NW in Washington DC. No tickets are required to enter the Smithsonian and it is open daily except on December 25 until 7:30 pm for some holidays.

One of the most visited museums in the Smithsonian Institution complex is the National Museum of Natural History or the NMNH. It is devoted to encouraging interest, discovery and knowledge about the natural world through its matchless research, collected works, expositions, and education outreach programs. It was opened in 1910 and was among the first Smithsonian building built entirely to accommodate the national collected works and research facilities. Because of its research, collected works, learning and exhibition programs, the National Museum of Natural History functions as one of the world’s great depository of scientific and national legacy as well as a cause of enormous pride for all Americans.
The other museums and galleries at the Smithsonian Institution are the following:
• African American History and
Culture Museum

• African Art Museum

• Air and Space Museum

• Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center

• American Art Museum

• American History Museum

• American Indian Museum

• American Indian Museum Heye Center

• Anacostia Community Museum

• Arts and Industries Building

• Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum

• Freer Gallery of Art

• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

• National Zoo

• Natural History Museum

• Portrait Gallery

• Postal Museum

• Renwick Gallery

• Sackler Gallery

• Smithsonian Institution Building,
The Castle

Visitors of the Smithsonian Institution are astonished to know that the Institution also includes several outdoor museums that have been planned to set off the museums they fringe and to improve the total museum experience.

Category: Washington DC  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  3 Comments
26 Apr 2011

Grand Canyon National Park Review

Grand Canyon National Park Review

The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA is the first national park in America where the compelling and exciting landscape of a sheer gorge carved by the Colorado River called the Grand Canyon can be found. It is designated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World for a reason, it is one natural wonder that will blow your mind away, if only for its sheer magnitude and its awe-inspiring beauty, the reason why more than five million visitors come to this incredible park yearly.

Grand Canyon National Park

Photo by StuSeeger

The summer months are the busiest season at the Grand Canyon National Park but the best season to visit this amazing natural wonder actually is either in fall or spring when it is cooler and hiking down the canyon will be more comfortable. The whole year round, the Grand Canyon offers varying spectacular scenes of its immense vastness, astonishing depth and changing views. Between November and December the Grand Canyon sports a dusting of snow that accentuates this fantastic scene.

More than 90% of Grand Canyon visitors tour the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is a short picturesque drive from Williams, Arizona and Flagstaff Arizona. The drive from Williams, Arizona passes through the historic Grand Canyon Railway. While the drive from Flagstaff, Arizona is a most scenic drive that passes through the densely wooded mountain of Northern Arizona and is close to the Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. The Grand Canyon Village is located in the South Rim and is the area where accommodations are available for visitors.

From the South Rim Visitor Center, visitors can take a bus tour that travels around the Grand Canyon South Rim, the celebrated Grand Canyon Village and the picturesque West Rim Drive. For the more active visitor a hike through the amazingly lovely West and South Rim trails is recommended. For the truly adventurous, the Bright Angel Trail and the Hermit Trail are the more challenging. Another exciting adventure from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the mule ride all the way down to the Phantom Ranch.

The view from North Rim of the Grand Canyon presents a totally different angle. The hiking trails are rougher, more craggy and inaccessible than those found on the South Rim definitely for the more adventurous and physically fit hiker. The view from the North Rim is certainly magnificent but it offers very little view of the Colorado River.

Category: Arizona  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  3 Comments
17 Apr 2011

Fair Park, Dallas

Fair Park in Dallas

Fair Park is the one place all art lovers need to visit. It is the only fair site that stands unaltered even today. It was built before the 1950 and houses some of the best architectural, art deco style in the form of buildings, art and sculpture. Most of these are art forms of the 1930′s. It covers an area of about 277 acres and is visited by more than six million people annually. This because of its educational, cultural and sports facilities that provide service to these visitors. Fair park came about in 1936 when Texas celebrated its 100th anniversary. At this time, the culture, flora and fauna and most things were put up in the form of art, buildings, sculpture, constructed in Art Deco style that we can see, enjoy and learn from till date.

Category: Dallas  Tags: ,  2 Comments
10 Mar 2011

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod is a national park located in the state of Massachusetts. One the biggest attractions of the place are its beaches. It is considered as one of the best in the world. Sand dunes and cliffs can also be found in the place. What makes the place unique is the dramatic set up of the endless stretches of beaches found here.

The Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse

Photo by laura padgett

The place has also been a place where the artsy group converge. The place has been the source of inspiration to musicians, writers and poets, as well as photographers.

Cape Cod is not just a place. It is a collection of fifteen towns that comprise it. Each of the towns has its own distinctive character to it. The whole area is divided into Upper Cape, Mid Cape and Lower Cape. Aside from these three regions, there is also Outer Cape which comprises the elbow of the area.

Martha’s Vineyard is also identical Cape Cod. This is where the upper class and the well-known to spend their summers during the cooler months of the year. You can find great dining places here.

Nantucket is a town in the area where, aside from the famous beaches it offers, is also known for its quaint streets and cultural history.

Aside from hanging out on the beach, there are numerous activities that a single traveller as well those that have families can do like hiking to some areas and boating and other water activities.

There is no worry where to stay because all the towns as well as the islands have fabulous places to stay that would range from full resorts and spas to small bed and breakfast nooks provided by families who have lived there for generations. You can always experience the charm of the place and particularly its people.

Category: Massachusetts  Tags: , , , , , , , ,  One Comment
07 Mar 2011

The Yellowstone National Park

The Yellowstone National Park

The Yellowstone National Park is a wide park encompassing the states of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana and some parts of the Utah. The park has lakes, canyons and rivers. The largest super volcano is located within the park. The park is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest and almost intact ecosystem in the northern temperate zone.

Photo by mohnishkodnani

There are many animals that call this park their home. Aside from the endangered animals, bison, bears and elk live here. If you want to go hiking, Yellowstone national Park has a lot to offer for you. There are a lot of recreational activities that you can enjoy while here in the park. This would include hiking, camping and boating. Guided tours are also available.

Since it is wide and consists of about four states, each of them offers different types of adventure for those who thirst for it.

In Wyoming, you can go to Thermopolis, which is the world’s largest mineral hot spring. This is the perfect place for the family who enjoys dipping into hot springs. In Montana, you can go to Livingston, where gold was panned in the old days. This is a colourful town where you can experience its culture. In Idaho, Pocatello offers many outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. These are just a few of the places that an outdoorsy person can enjoy.

Perhaps the most famous place to go to is Old Faithful, the world’s largest active geyser. But this is not just the only geyser you can check out. On the other hand, if you want to observe wild animals in their natural habitat, Yellowstone also offers this. You can bird watch some flocks of trumpeter swan, the largest of the species. Aside from these birds, you can also see grizzly and black bears as well as elk.

The Yellowstone National Park is a place of wonder and a must-see for people who like the outdoors.

Category: Wyoming  Tags: , , , , , ,  One Comment
23 Feb 2011

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the greatest monuments found in New York City. It is located in upper New York bay on Liberty Island has been in existence since 1886.the statue is over 100 m in height from the ground level to the top of the torch. It is considered as the biggest icon in the US and has always been put on the country’s stamps and coins. In 2009, it received over tree million visitors.

Statue of Liberty

Photo by be11boy

Entrance to the monument is free but there is a charge to the ferry services that all the visitors must use. A ticket is needed for those who are interested in climbing the statute.

 

 

Category: New York City  Tags: , , , , , , ,  3 Comments
04 Feb 2011

Hawaii an Absolute Tourist Destination

Hawaii Islands – Must See at Least Once in a Lifetime

Touring is the most common hobby to any one who would like to spend time in acquainting with new things in the world. Every place has some thing new to teach the visitor every time he visits. Touring not only amuses the traveller with novel things but also refreshes the whole personnel thus creating a new person fresh in mind and heart!

Hawaii

Photo by photobunny

Hawaii is considered ever since as one of the most hot spots for the itinerant. The fresh fragrance of the flowers and the long island with a calm beach acts as a great spring to give a cosy feeling to all the tourists. The whole milieu energises soul completely that all will want to come back again to experience the tranquillity. All the 7 islands have totally different structure to engross the travellers. The surf lessons at the Waimea beach in Oahu Island are a great practice in Hawaii to surf the beach extensively. The Maui Island calms the holidaymaker’s tension with its unparalleled spa healings. It unwinds the spirit by recuperating the harmony in the hasty existence Tanning under the sun is the most lovable experience by all the westerners! Kauai’s biplane rides are most thrilling to have a magnified sight of the beautiful island! The Pupukea beach is one of the well-known places to have a great family fun jointly! Events on Big Island like the Hawaiian festivals, the marathon etc are the take pleasure in by all the travellers! Kauai skydiving and Waialua River paddling are the splendid instants in Hawaii that have to be experienced by any one who wants to live life to the fullest! There is no place on the planet as beautiful as Hawaii!

Category: Hawaii  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  3 Comments
18 Jan 2011

The Eastern Market

The Eastern Market

This is a public market located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Washington DC. The market has been in operation since 1873. A variety of goods is sold in this market and they include fresh meats, cheese and baked goods. The market also hosts shows, craft sales and music and theatre performances. This market is one of the most diverse markets in the US. The market hosts over 100 exhibitors from different continents. The flea market features arts, crafts, antiques and collectibles from different parts of the world. You can also get vintage clothes in this market since clothing, jewellery can be found in the stands. This market definitely has something for everyone. It is a great place to spend your weekends.

 

Category: Washington DC  Tags: , , ,  2 Comments
06 Jan 2011

Miami Seaquarium

Miami Seaquarium

This marvelous thing is located in the island of Virginia key in Biscayne Bay. It lies on 38 acres of land and it is the longest operating oceanarium in the United States. Once you visit this great place, one can have a view of the marine animals which include fish, birds, reptiles and sharks. The park attracts over600.000 visitors on annual basis the park was constructed in 1945 and there was a grand opening in 1955. Miami Seaquarium has the largest marine life population in the world. At this place you will get a magnificent view of dolphins walking on water and whales flying in the air. The presentations are done on a daily basis and it would provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy yourself.

Category: Miami  Tags: , , , ,  4 Comments
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