Explore The United States of America

West Virginia, the ‘Mountain State’ 0ffers all you will want to experience on a mountain and river adventure holiday. Within the magnificent Appalachian Mountains, forests and wilderness areas lay six major rivers, forest trails, Sulphur Springs, State and Historical Parks. The mountains are full of Spa and Gaming Resorts and with horse and dog racing, golfing and skiing for the enthusiasts. Appalachian Bluegrass and Mountain Music and Dancing are unique to the State.

The National Forests on the eastern part of the state lies deep within the Allegheny Mountains, part of the long Appalachian range. Its also part of five federally designated wilderness areas. The flora is of rhododendron, black cherry, highland bogs, and blueberry thickets and the fauna consists of black bear, white tailed deer, bobcat, otter mink and many other species. The forest trails attract, hikers, horseback riders, rock climbers, bikers, river rafters and kayakers and in winter, cross country skiers and steam train enthusiasts.

The New River Gorge attracts white water adventures down fifty miles of rapids, and hikers for panoramic views over the canyon’s rims, an aerial tram and boat rides in the summer. An Amtrak connection from the town of Hilton gives access to this wilderness.

Harpers Ferry nestles between the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, with 19^th century clapboard storefronts still clinging to the hillside, along with John Browne’s Fort and several historical homes. The famous Appalachian Trail runs through the village and the Amtrak train connection is just an hour’s ride from Washington, DC.

West Virginia is known for its fine woodworking, quilting, basketry, crafts and traditional Appalachian music and dancing, but the verdant forests, rugged peaks, fast rivers within the wilderness are the ‘medicine’ to the over worked and over stressed, seeking solace, exercise and peaceful nature to ‘revive the soul’. Cheers! I’m on my way – see you there? Or next month, maybe!

Washington tourists like to come to the heart of the USA. The Capitol Region has a big welcome to nature lovers, sports men and women and those looking at history, sophisticated services and entertainment. Chesapeake Bay a few miles away is a busy waterway and sailors and boat explorers delight. With close access to surrounding areas of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware, the magnificence of nature is within easy reach. National and State Parks abound in the region but the ‘treasures’ for the cultural tourist are all within the sprawling city.

The Four quadrants surrounding Washington City; The north-west contains most of the tourist interest in Old Downtown and Chinatown, Around the Capital and south of the Mall and southwest quadrant where the Constitution Gardens house the Lincoln and War Memorials, Potomac Park, the F.D. Roosevelt and Jefferson Memorials, East of the Tidal Basin, in the waterfront area, lie the world famous Smithsonian Museum, Federal Center and two ‘sister’, ‘Le’ Enfant’ Plazas’, West, lie the mainly business areas of Georgetown and Foggy Bottom that has the Kennedy Center and Watergate Complex.

The historical, Legislative United States Capitol is building undoubtedly the major attraction. This neo classical building has one of the largest domes in the world with ‘star’ features like the National Statuary Hall- with two prominent citizens from each state, The Old Senate Chamber – now a museum piece and the Rotunda- frescos, capped by apotheosis of Washington.

The Library of Congress holds the largest collections of books, manuscript, microfilms, maps and music in the world – highlight is the Great Hall, with marble arches, columns, grand staircases, bronze statues, rich murals and stained glass skylights. Also not to be missed within, is the Main Reading Room and architectural and diversified cultural masterpiece.

The US Supreme Court building – the highest in the land, has a magnificent Corinthian edifice and within the Great Hall is line with columns and busts of former chief justices, the elegant Court Chamber has a plastered ceiling decorated with gold leaf, and a frieze running around the walls depicting real and allegorical figures. The exhibit hall has on display – legal systems from around the world, and much more.

Down The Mall are:

The National Air & Space Museum – the most visited site in Washington which has displays from First Flight to Command Module that carried first astronaughts to the moon, and very popular WW2 fighter aircraft displays, technological marvels and much, much more.

National Gallery of Art – A central Rotunda is flanked by Easy and West wings. The East, housing modern art and the West, displaying rarest of European and American art, Sculptures from the Middle-ages to 20^th Century. An outside Sculpture Garden is transferred into an ice skating rink in winter.

National Museum of Natural History – This vast museum hoses over 120 million artifacts, as well as many diverse, cultural pieces, fossils and living creatures. In addition the Dinosaur Hall, Gems and Minerals section and Insect Zoo and an eclectic mix of Native American, Asian and Pacific cultures, an IMAX Theatre and huge, Hall of Mammals with awesome displays.

National Museum of African Art – is often missed by visitors because it’s situated on three underground levels. The 7,000 piece permanent collection includes both modern and ancient art from Africa- Bronzes, pottery, ceramics, ivory, gold, textiles and photography.

National Museum of American History – National treasures from America’s past are hosed in this three story building. Many which will be displayed on Travelling Exhibitions – A Hundred year old ‘working’ Post Office, a Model T Ford, First Ladies gowns, 1814 Star Spangle Banner, and many more.

Smithsonian American Art – The Portrait Gallery is Americas’ ‘Family Album’ of thousands of famous Americans. It contains one of the finest collections of American Artists.

Washington Monument – This 555 foot obelisk dominates the skyline, visible from most of the city.

WW2 Memorial – On 7.5 acre was opened only in 2004 to honor veteran soldiers and civilians of WW2. It has two pavilions and 56 granite pillars, one for each state and territories, each adorned with bronze wreaths.

Holocaust Memorial and Museum – Is a starkly emotive museum to the systematic persecution and annihilation of six million Jews, and other ‘undesirable’ by Nazi Germany’s – ‘The Third Reich’.

Jefferson Memorial – Colonnaded and domed In neo-classical style is impressive in its simplicity while covering his 19 foot bronzed statue.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial – Is a huge construction of four granite rooms, an open air park, and one for each of his terms depicting first, The Great Depression, his Statue, his Disablement and lastly statue of his wife, and his Funeral Cortege carved into the granite wall.

Lincoln Memorial has the huge seated figure of Abraham Lincoln in his Neo-Classical ‘temple’. The brooding white marble statue gazes over the still waters of the pool, in never ending reflection has been an inspiration to generations of Americans.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1982 with two black triangular black walls set in the earth at an angle of 125 degrees, one pointing at Lincoln and the other at Washington memorials. The walls are inscribed in chronological order with the names of Americans who died in the Vietnam War.

The White House as the Presidential Residence is arguably the most recognized building around the world. Beautifully decorated with period furniture, valuable antiques and paintings, it attracts more than a million visitors per year. It hoses a State Dining Room that seats 140, The Red Room furnished in the ‘Empire’ style’ The Diplomatic Reception elegantly furnished in the Federal period style, The Lincoln bedroom is retained as a guest room, The East Room is used for large gatherings, dances and concerts, The Green room, a dining room, Then there is the Treaty Room, Blue Room and Vermeil Room which houses seven paintings of First ladies including that of Eleanor Roosevelt. The Visitors Center has interesting exhibits as well as Royal Gifts on display. Tours of the President Official Residence are very limited and guided tours can only be booked by special arrangement through a member of congress or an embassy.

The Pentagon is probably the next most recognized building in America and elsewhere. This enormous edifice houses the US Department of Defense, including all the Armed forces and other Defense Agencies. It is so efficiently designed as to give only seven minutes walk between any two points of the Pentagon.

The Renwick Gallery, a fine example of French Empire Style Architecture, had several changes and restoration and now houses 20^th Century American Crafts of pottery, clay, glass and metal.

Corcoran Gallery of Art has paintings of some of the finest 16^th to 19 and 20th^th Century artworks of the European Masters, Impressionists and African-American. Sundays has a gospel brunch with live music.

The Kennedy Center is a huge, magnificent, Cultural Center with three main Theaters, the Hall of States and the Hall of Nations, each with flags of nations with diplomatic relations with the USA.

The Watergate Complex will always have a sad reference to the political demise of President Nixon, yet this complex of offices, shops and apartments became one of Washington’s most desirable addresses.

Georgetown is today one of the most attractive neighborhoods, lined with elegant townhouses, many converted to up-market bars, restaurants and boutiques and lined with historical buildings. The Canal area is now a National Park with guided tours with rangers in period costume escorting you down in mule drawn barges or walking and biking rides. Home to the University, and historic Dumbarton Oaks gardens – with priceless art collection, library, research institution and museum of; Byzantine art, pre-Columbian masks, gold jewelry from Central America and Aztec carvings.

The Phillips collection has one of the finest collections of Impressionist paintings in the world. The museum also hosts entertainment with special events such as gallery talks, film shows, and live jazz concerts – free to anyone having purchased a ticket on that day.

The awesome 163 acre National Zoological Park, now part of the Smithsonian Institute, where animals are studied in a natural environment., from Panda Bears, Gorillas, Reptiles to Amazonia, Prairie habitat – with dogs and bison’s, and some endangered species.

Washington National Cathedral (Church of St. Peter and St. Paul) is the worlds sixth largest. In Gothic style architecture it depicts the nation’s history and biblical scenes and has special stained glass features in the Rose Window, Apollo 11 Space flight, a Moon Rock, High Altar, floor stone from Mount Sanai, and a Children’s Chapel.

Arlington National Cemetery is the nation’s most emotive cemetery, housing over 300,000 graves of American Servicemen who laid down their lives in the nation’s major conflicts, memorials and tombs to luminaries and modern national tragedies, and Arlington House, home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee – open to visitors.

Now if you have done all this you are entitled to relax your brain and feet and to enjoy the fun of sports events, wine and culinary tours, attend festivals or theaters or simply drive, drive and drive some more for a feast of visionary experiences in and around the unforgettable scenic byways of this ‘Delicious State’.

American Samoa is unspoilt Island Nature and Culture, at its best. This small archipelago, with only 5 major islands among the coral atolls has beaches, cliffs, rain forests and a stunning Pacific Ocean Panorama.
Flights are from Hawaii to the main island of Tutuila and Pago Pago’s International Airport. The town also has a well sheltered deep sea port, with stunning views over the harbor from the surrounding mountains. Four airports ferry visitors to local destinations.

Three National Parks are on the Islands of Tutuila, Ta’u and Ofu where the wonders of these Polynesian Islands offer tourists the opportunity to explore the volcanic coastlines, dive to explore the wonderful shallows filled with marine life, explore ‘dead’ lava caves and tubes, hike the hills and rainforests, fish, sail or cruise to atolls – Aunu’a  Island has the strange Red, Quicksand’s on Pala Lake, Ma’ama’a Isle has a charming cove to explore, play golf  – or simply relax with whale and bird watching, panoramic views, beach, visit traditional villages and markets to enjoy the local ambiance.

Nestled on the islands are Luxury Hotels, charming Inns and B&B’s with mouth watering Polynesian Cuisine. Entertaining ‘Revues’ and dances tell of the legends of – ‘Turtle and Shark’ and many others.

These Samoan (Polynesian) Islands and People have retained a distinctive charm and ‘old world’ cultured way of life that is rare in the modern fast paced world. You cannot but feel refreshed and rested by the ambiance, and tempted – never to leave!

WYOMING is classic Cowboy Country with wide open grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see. Its treasures that attract millions of tourists are in the north-west corner of the state -The Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Historically the home of Buffalo Bill Cody, symbol of the American West and the museum housing artifacts, it still holds the nations longest continuous rodeo, between late June and August.

Grand Teton National Park has the youngest peaks in the Rocky mountains, the sharpest and most dramatic in the world, the snow covered peaks rising a mile above the Snake River Valley. Miles of hiking trails lead to the glaciers and lakes of the area. In summer boaters and kayakers take to the rivers and power boats and canoes to the leisurely lake cruises. Skiers’ take to the wilderness trails in winter. Abundant wildlife like bison, bears, elk and many smaller species surprise visitors and offer fabulous photo opportunities. Not to be missed are the fall colors with the backdrop of the snow covered Grand Tetons, for an unforgettable photograph.

Yellowstone National Park is one of the natural marvels of the world. Spreading across the three states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, its heart is on a volcanic plateau at 8,000 feet with over 10,000 hot springs and geysers. One of the most well known geysers, the spectacular, ‘Old Faithful’, spurts 120-180 feet into the air, lasting 2-5 minutes. The hundreds of Mammoth Hot Springs bubble up forming pools of colored mineral-rich water forming marble-like curtains over the stone terraces. The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the worlds largest at 370 feet wide and with beautiful rainbow colored warm waters. Its own ‘Grand Canyon’ offers fantastic views as the river plunges 500 feet over a series of falls, through the mineral rich yellow and orange  rock.

The Bighorn Mountains stand on the western edge of the plains of the Powder River Basin. The 13,175Foot Cloud Peak towers over the scenic highways. The historic, enigmatic and sacred Native American ‘Medicine Wheel’ is an 80 foot diameter stone wheel and offers a vast panoramic scene from its 10,000 foot elevation.

Devils Tower National Monument, a flat topped volcanic peak rising 1,200 feet above the surrounding plains, is a geological landmark, a sacred Native American site, and a magnet for rock climbers and hikers.

Cheyenne the State Capital is the largest city in the area and hosts the 10 days ‘Cheyenne Frontier Festival’ every summer, with parades, Indian pow-wows, horse races and the worlds largest out door rodeo, Cowboy statues and Frontier Museum – with hundreds of antique saddles, coaches and wagons. Downtown is the stately Capitol Building and restored Union Pacific Depot. West is the Warren Air Force Base – command center of the US, ICBM arsenal of missiles.

Cody was founded by ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody of ‘Wild West’ shows fame, a household name in early entertainment, who travelled bringing his ‘Symbol of America’ to audiences around the world. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center complex of galleries traces the natural, cultural and military history of the Wild West. The Cody Night Rodeo is the nation’s longest running rodeo. Wild Bill set the precedent of world wide entertainment that has been followed by countless American entertainers since.

Jackson is probably Wyoming’s most visited city because of its proximity to the National Parks and Ski Resorts (famed – Jackson Hole), Dude Ranches, Wild West reenactments and Wildlife of the National Elk Reserve.

Casper is still the center of the State’s Petroleum Industry but holds much interest for the tourist in the Fort Casper Museum on the ‘Oregon Trail’, and the proximity of the ‘Badlands’ with legendary ‘Hole in the Wall’ outlaws hideouts and ‘Hells Acre’ – a weirdly eroded forest.

Guernsey is another small town set alongside the “Oregon Trail’ with historic sites of 4-6 foot ruts carved out by the pioneer’s wagons and ‘Register Cliff’ inscribed with hundreds of names of explorers, trappers and pioneers in the 1800’s. The most important is the ‘Fort Laramie’ site which has been restored and reenactments with costumed interpreters bring its history back to life.

Laramie is home to the State University, with a youthful vitality and cultural sites like Art Museum – documenting Wyoming history and culture, First Prison – where notorious outlaws were incarcerated, and a recreated frontier town. Scenic drives of Lincoln Highway and Medicine Bow Mountains.

Events – The month of July and August hosts 191 events alone – From Rodeo, Musical Fests, County Fairs, BMX race, Wildlife, Senior Summer Olympics, Concerts and Farmers Markets not to mention all the other National, State, County and town events. Not to miss the best – Do come prepared for a long, long stay!

Wisconson is part of the Great Lakes district with the world’s largest body of fresh water lakes. To the north is Lake Superior and on the east coast, Lake Michigan. The great out doors offers all the attractions of winter and summer sports, sightseeing, active adventures and visits to “America’s Dairy land’ and the beautiful pastures that produce some of the countries best cheeses – and beer. Famed as the Midwest’s premier vacation destination to the; Apostle Islands on Lake Superior and 98 State and county Parks with forest trails, rugged lakeside cliffs, broad rivers, dense forests and lush green valleys. Wisconsin also has many cultural sites, Arts & Innovative museums, entertainments like casinos and greyhound racing, spas, amusement parks, science and nature centers, fairs and festivals, sophisticated cities and of course is home to some of the worlds most famous beers!

Fascinating cities and towns make up a variety of cultural and entertainment venues in this predominantly ‘Agricultural State’.

Milwaukee is (Like neighbor, Chicago) is a manufacturing and famous brewing center. Even the local baseball team is named ‘Brewers’. The city’s spectacular Lake Michigan shoreline is most popular for festivals and musical extravaganzas. Museums with rare displays from paleontology and historical to Advertising and Design, Historical Mansion and eclectic Fine Art.

Door County peninsula is lined with more than a dozen County Parks and five great State Parks, with miles of hiking and biking trails and, Washington Island across the straits is accessible all year by ferry for peace and quiet, and splendid lake views.

Wisconsin Dells along the Wisconsin River, winds through the awe inspiring stretch of deep sandstone canyons – a prime summer vacation area, with water parks, boat tours and great photo opportunities.

Baraboo the (still) popular base of the famous ‘Ringling’s Circus Museum’ has live performances music, parades, calliope concerts and demonstrations of earlier days and much more.

Madison nestled between Lakes Monona and Mendota is one of the countries most attractive Capital Cities. Home to the State University, it’s considered one of the nation’s best places to live and work; with a variety of bookshops, galleries, vegetarian friendly restaurants and a network of biking and hiking trails with access to the sparkling lakes around the city.

Spring Green farming community, lies north of the Wisconsin River has the famous Architectural School founded by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Alex Jordan’s ‘House on the Rock’ museum exhibited a vast collection of Americana.

La Crosse has a well preserved down-town district around the verdant neighborhood of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Campus and is a fine base for exploring the Mississippi River towns and historical sites.

Apostle Islands,(miscounted and misnamed by French Missionaries) has 22 islands, 21 of which form part of the National Lakeshore with preserved forests, many sand beaches, and sea caves making it very popular to eco-tourists, cruises and kayakers.

Interesting Events – With over 300 Festivals and Fairs in July and August alone, and 672 listed for the year, it’s a dazzling choice of events to attend! Whatever ‘floats your boat’ you’ll find in Wisconsin. See you there!