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’.

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!

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!

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!

St. Thomas is home to the Capital of Charlotte Amalie, where International Flights land, Cruise Ships dock and Sailboats Moore to stop, visit and admire the verdant beauty, the sandy cays, mountain tops and beaches, winding streets and ‘French feel’ of the Caribbean Islands. It also has a long list of varied accommodation at Resorts, Smaller Hotel, Apartments & Condo’s, B&B’s and self catering Homes & Villas, from where to take to the sea, land or beaches.

St. Croix is the largest of the Virgin Islands, with the two major towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted both with a Danish / French European origin and ambiance. The island is rich in natural attractions; a mountainous tropical rain forest, plantations, beaches and resorts & nightlife, and nearby Buck Island – with some of the finest dive sights in the world. This largest, has more than 14 International Hotels & Resorts, 9 smaller, private hotels, 9 Apartment and Condominium sites, 5 Guesthouse & Cottages, and at least 9 ‘Villa Style’ units.

St. John is the smallest, and reputably the most beautiful with two thirds a National Park – with trails leading to the plateau and magnificent views of the beaches, cays and sea views. Cruz Bay is spectacular in its beauty. This island has all the fine accommodation as well as down to camping for true nature experience.

The Virgin Islands are first and foremost known for their ‘gentle relaxation’ and water sports including; sailing, fishing, diving and beaches and marina-life, some of the finest dining on sea-foods that you can experience, to a wide variety of other cuisine choices. St. Thomas and St. Croix have excellent Golf Courses amid a stunning backdrop of Island and seas – with informal scratch tournaments held throughout the year.

Wedding and Honeymooners could not wish for a more exotic site to have their ceremony or relaxation – with an almost limitless variety of locations on land, sea and even under water.

The Island is of a number of different features from; rocky shorelines to sandy beaches, many coastal towns and innumerable villages, Spanish watch towers that are now lighthouses, El Morro Castle at St Juan is a 500 year old monolith that broods of centuries of guardianship over the city and contradicting the centuries – a most modern Observatory at Arecibo – presently the worlds largest radio telescope to probe the depths of outer space. The small island of Visques to the west has beautiful beaches and caves to explore and Cajado Muertos Island has Coriba Lake, Cartessa Lagoon – a bird paradise. Gallegan Island has many caves of which Canue limestone formations are some of the largest in the western hemisphere – with only 7 miles explored so far. Phosphorescent Bay gets excited when marine life is disturbed and ‘sparks fly’ alongside vessels. Numerous small islands offshore have coves, caves and beaches – no wonder it was a pirates and smugglers paradise!

Understandably because of its long history of occupation, there is a plethora of towns and places to visit.

To mention only a few of the favorites:
Arroyo – an old smugglers port.
El Yunque’s – National Rain Forest.
Boquerón – a fishing village with great night life.
Jayuya – fascinating town, surrounded by jungle covered peaks.
Las Cabezas De – San Juan’s Nature Reserve.
‘Old’ San Juan has half-a-millennium of history within its buildings. Lagos dos Bocas has a beautiful lake for boating.
Playa Flamenco, an amazing beach. Rinein – for big, big surfing.
Vasquez – with its secluded island beach, and
Desechio Island.

Wild life Reserves offer 15 choices, one such is:
Acquirre Forest Reserve – mangrove tidal flats, for fabulous bird watching – with a large Manatee population and, Kyaking, fishing, camping and barbecue facilities. Barranquitas; San Chrystobal Canyon, has three rivers, 750 foot deep ravines and highest waterfall on the Rio Usabon.

The Regions of North, Central, South and West, all offer a dazzling array of towns and sites to visit.

Briefly, the Northern area has amongst others:
Arecibo – Lighthouses, Historical Park museum,Recreational and Sports Areas, and Observatory. Aselioch de Beneficia – Exhibition Galleries of P.R. culture. Arteno Puertorriquens – Art Museum. Bacardi Rum Plant – the largest rum plant in the world. Barrachina – hosts the largest and oldest ‘mall’ – of fine goods, libraries, pubs & café’s on the Campus.

The Eastern Area : Near San Juan – the Arroyo Train takes visitors through the sugar plantations.  Avionnes Beach, Babylon Hotel Casino, Bahia Beach Golf Course, Berwin Country Club, and Coco Beach with its 36 hole International Golf course. Other attractions are; The Beaches, ‘Castle Usutu’, Carrizo Lake, Culebra Island with coral reefs and sandy, white beaches.

Central Area : The Coquina Indian Ceremonial Park – an 800 year old archaeological site of the Taino Indians, Lakes, Waterfall, Museum and Recreational Ranch, Plantations and caves.
Southern Area: The Acquirre Forest Reserve. Cathedral – with beautiful fountains, Ancient (Taino) Indian site and a Resort Village. Plazoda Calibri has an elegant mall worth visiting and Salinas a Fine Art Gallery displaying ‘Batista’.
Western Area : The Taro Negro National Forest.
Numerous Casinos operate: Mayaguiz (2), San Juan (7), Fajardo, Ponze (2), Dorado (2), Humacao, and Rio Grande.
Transport : The Capital of San Juan has a large bay serving 10 of the major Cruise Lines and an International Airport connecting from New York, on the Miami Route as well as Major Airlines from London, Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to mention only  a few. Bi-monthly Ferries visit the Virgin Islands, from Fujardo. There is good public transport and taxis within the Capital and ‘Publico System’ of mini-busses to surrounding areas – but you need to do your homework!

Puerto Rico is not only a ‘cross roads’ to other Caribbean destinations but a major destination itself. The fascinating Island state has a modern booming tourist economy because of its situation in the Caribbean, its half a millennium history and its vast array of man-made and natural attractions. Wouldn’t you like to see for yourself?

Saipan has great natural beauty, hotels, golf courses and many historical landmarks. The whole area is part of the 95,000 square miles, newly declared Mariana Trench National Monument – just 3 hours from Japan.

Tinian is known for its fantastic marine life, and sunken WW11 relics (and ammunition!)

Rota has three major deep dive sites to see the unique indigenous reef fish species and sunken wrecks, and snorkeling offs the many beaches.

Events and Festivals occupy the calendar whole year round. The Islands love out door sporting and competitions on land or on sea and Festivals to celebrate ‘anything and everything’, especially the February – Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival with various tastings and competitions “to make your mouth and eyes water”, and meeting local artists and entertainers. More Festivals continue month to month, across the calendar, to the end of the year.

If you miss any, the next one will be waiting for you!

Today, it has a population exceeding 150,000 and has a thriving economy based on the shipping industry as a terminal for cargo and tourism. The natural beauty of the twin islands, surrounding Pacific and Philippine seas, offer tourists from America and Asia a glimpse into a historical melting pot of nations, yet a distinctive individual Chamorro cultural identity is maintained.

Sightseeing can be divided into the three distinct areas of Southern Guam, Central and Northern Guam and Southern area.

Southern Guam:

• Mount Lamlam – The tallest mountain in the world, from its base in the undersea Mariana Trench.
• Talifak Bridge – built by the Spanish in 1785,
• Sella Bay – for its tranquility, and another Spanish bridge
• Merizo Park, where water sports and annual water festival is held,
• Cette Bay for its beautiful views.
• Memorial Park – has a Vietnam Memorial and great views,
• Coco’s Island for its fine resort, lagoon, diving adventure and quiet ambiance,
• The Marizo Bell Tower,
• he Inarajan Village with its quaint Spanish design.
• The Talafofo Falls on the Ungum River, and Talofofo Beach – where surfers slip the waves to land on the brown sands.
• Not forgetting a visit to ‘Yokis Cave’ – where Sergeant Yoki holed up after the war, and was only discovered alive and well in 1972!

The Central Area :

• Pago Bay – the largest and most beautiful bay with – University of Guam, specialists in Marine Biology and more recently in many of the other academic fields of study,
• Views from Libugan Overlook and Apra Harbor.
• The Asan Historical Park and Pacific National Park are war museums.
• There are a further six historical parks of WW11 military sites on land, and under water (wrecks) to explore.
• The two waterfalls; Sigua Falls – is reached by a jungle hike and Tarzan Falls, by a stiff climb for the more adventurous.

Northern Guam:

• South Pacific Memorial Park; – with the 15 meter high tower of, ‘Hands praying for Peace’, very emotive,
• Mount Santa Rosa – is an extinct volcano with spectacular views, and three private (military) beaches.

Special events are; Liberation Day (July 21st) – celebrated with a festival of floats, parades, marching, music & entertainments and of course exotic and island foods. The Spanish/Catholic Fest, (December 8th) – pays homage to their patroness, Saint Marian Kamelin and weekly, on Wednesday Nights – The Chamorro Village Markets open for shopping and entertainment.

Outdoor sports cover a great spectrum including; Golf, Skydiving, Jet ski, Parasailing, Kite surfing, coral reef diving – visit Spanish and WW11 wrecks 0r Visit, beautiful waterfalls, sea caves, scenic views or ingest the beautiful variety of flowers – hibiscus, plumier, red ginger, ixeras, lantanas and of course bougainvilleas’. Taste the delicious tropical fruits of; papayas, bananas, breadfruits, mangoes, guavas, mountain apples and tangerines for a mouth watering experience.

Tourist facilities are of the highest standard with; Many huge Local and International Hotels, Resorts and Spa’s offering sophisticated accommodation and services to boutique B&B’s, each with its own variety of Cuisines, Elegant Night Clubs, Activities and Services, The huge, Pacific Islands Club with – over 72 sports and entertainment activities, spa’s, dining venues and the Pavilion –a huge Reception facility.

This Tourist Mecca has from the most sophisticated attractions to the quiet meditative experiences, on an island paradise of Spanish and Chamorro charm and warmth, fulfilling the sobriquets of -‘America in Asia’ and ‘Gateway to Asia’.

Patriotic Americans and curious visitors would doubtless make their fist ‘port of call’ to visit Mount Vernon, the country estate of George Washington to visit the mansion, the flower and vegetable gardens, bowling green and sheep paddocks of this pristine estate. Colonial Williamsburg was restored by benefactor John. D. Rockefeller early in 1926 and preserved with this modern city is a ‘living museum’ of blacksmiths, silversmiths, cabinet makers and bakers and many more in period costume. Another masterpiece of architecture is Monticello on the Potomac River, mansion built by Thomas Jefferson, on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Appomattox Historical Park marks the beginning of the end of the civil war, with reconstructed and restored buildings to commemorate the surrender of General Lee.

The greatest natural attraction would be the Blue Ridge Parkway, and that magnificent ‘Skyline Drive’ that links Shenandoah and the Great Smokey Mountains National Parks, considered one of the best scenic routes in the USA.

With the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay on its doorstep there is no limit to water activities, whether strolling, fishing, sunbathing, swimming, boating, yachting, camping or cruising, it all there for the taking.

The port town of Alexandria has kept a special historical atmosphere, with its Old Town, lively Market Square, Elegant Historical Buildings and tree lined streets, Museums and Art Center.

Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock River will take you back to the historical Civil War battle grounds, colonial era and elegance of Victorian Mansions.

Jamestown on the banks on the James River owes its name to English King James 11. Its history as the first English settlement is enriched by the Indian Algonquin culture. The replica of the original settlement recreates the old colony with, Indian Village, Old Fort and Old Ships that brought the original settlers. Opposite side of the peninsula is Yorktown, the site of the siege and battle, ending with the surrender of the British Forces.

Richmond, once the Confederacy Capital, is a historical Colonial Port on the point of Chesapeake Bay, and still retains an aura of Old South gentility, with bronze statues in Monument Avenue, Victorian Mansions, many fine Museums, Neo Classical State Capitol building and Hollywood Cemetery.

Norfolk today is a busy Maritime Center with the Worlds largest Naval Base. The Maritime Museum centers on the massive battleship ‘Wisconsin’, with fascinating history of battles, ships and deep sea creatures. The Chrysler Museum of Art holds eclectic and priceless works of art.

Chincoteague on the eastern shores National Wildlife Refuge is a favorite tourist attraction for fisherman, beachcombers and birdwatchers – which come to see the egrets, snow geese, herons and falcons, best seen by walking or canoeing.

Charlottesville is famed as the States University town, its founder Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello. Surrounded by vineyards and wineries, and nearby is Montpellier Estate, once home to fourth President, James Madison.

Popular Events: 4th July, African- American, Air Shows, Antique and Flea Markets, Arts & Crafts, Celebrate Virginia, Civil War reenactments, Food Fests, Fall, family Fun, Festivals, fairs & Parades, Heritage, Holidays, Music & Concerts, Performances, Pets, Sporting, Spring, State Park & Tours, Wine & Beer and Winter Fests, all contribute to a great deal of activity in this – fun-loving ‘Honeymoon State’.

And don’t forget your Golf Bags – for a visit to some of the finest courses in the country!