Explore The United States of America

VERMONT as part of the New England area of timeless landscapes, craggy coastlines, historical villages and sophisticated cities, is the historical homeland of the birth of the United States. To the Tourist, Vermont’s attractions are Historic Villages and natural splendors of the Green Mountain Forest in the south while in the northwest, Lake Champion, famous Ski Resorts of Stowe and in fall, the spectacular leaf colors are a vision to behold.

The Green Mountain Range runs almost the full length of Vermont and has some of the best skiing centers in the US. The Sugarbush and Mt. Snow areas have peaks almost four thousand feet high.  Twenty Alpine Resorts, hundreds of miles of trails from beginner to the challenging offer exhilarating, skiing, snow boarding, snowmobiling to snow shoe hiking, racing or marathons.

Summer sport offers a variety of; finest Golfing from Professionally designed (27 hole) to leisurely (9) hole courses and training schools. Water sports on the huge Lake Champion and around its 70 islands, from sailing, motor, kyaking, scuba diving and swimming. With over eight hundred smaller lakes and ponds and many mountain streams, rafting and fishing for walleye, bass and trout opportunities abound. Hunting is offered – for white tailed deer, moose, black bear, wild turkey, grouse, woodcock, water fowl and hare.

The ‘Back Country’ is renowned for its fantastic scenic drives, hiking and biking trails – from the gentle to the adventurous and challenging, charming towns, woodlands, pastures and farms.

Another major attraction is the Shelburne museum and farm which has 37 historical structures including a reconstructed Circus building, Railroad station, restored lighthouse, steamship, art, tools and memorabilia- All this on a large working dairy farm.

Some major towns are:

• Manchester, a scenic town ringed by mountains has skiing destinations of Stratton and Bromley nearby, prime shopping and a historical Georgian Manor.

• Killington offers both outdoor adventure and social life. With the  second largest mountain and  the largest ski resort in the country it offers a great variety of snow sports and all year round activities.

• Woodstock is a very historic and picturesque village, with charming renovated brick and clapboard houses dating back hundreds of years. Special attractions are the Farm Museum and the Institute of Natural Science, a restorative bird sanctuary and the nearby Gorge, spanned by a steel bridge.

• Burlington, on the shores of Lake Champion is a favorite tourist destination. It houses the State University and four colleges, shops, marketplace, historic landmarks, parks, churches, museums, entertainment venues, fine restaurants and easy to explore on foot.

• Stowe is also ringed by mountains and arguably the most popular skiing capital in the New England area and is lined with tourist services. Summer visitors can rock climb, fish, canoe, cycle and visit the famous Von Trapp family Lodge Estate, now a popular Hotel.

A visit not to be missed is to, the mouth watering B & J, Ice Cream Factory for sampling of yoghurt and new flavors, ‘to die for’!

Vermont is not left behind in events throughout the year. Categories are as follows:

• Agriculture offers – Fair and Field Days, Farmers Markets, Horse and Livestock events.

• Science and Nature offers – Birding, Fishing, Gardening, Nature, Birdlife watching, Aquatic, Botanical Gardens and Game Preserves.

• Performing Arts offers, Literary Reading, Plays, Theatre of all variety, Music of all variety and Dance.

• The Visual Arts offers festivals of, Glass, Film, Crafts, Digital Art, Painting, Photography, Pottery, Sculpture, and Drawing, Exhibitions, Open Studio and more.

• Community events celebrate – Auctions, Bazaars, Foods, State and National Fests, Carnivals and Parades, fireworks, Flea Markets, Workshops, Conferences, and Demonstrations.

• Special Events include, Antiques, Benefits, Educational, Food, Sports, Ethnical, Family Fun, Kids Activities, Religious, Retail, Products, Skiing, Racing, Aircraft, Boating, Spectator Events and Winery and Brewery.

• Then there are the Historical, Local & National, Reenactments and Revolutionary War celebrations.

There is something very special about Vermont that will induce you to visit again and again and again. Come and find it for yourself.

OREGON is part of the Pacific Northwest with some of the most rugged and spectacular terrain. Any attempt to fully describe this diverse geographical state and many tourist attractions will be an understatement. Snow capped mountains, fast or lazy rivers, green forests and desert vistas, volcanic mountains, canyons, fossil beds, caves and lakes, hot springs and hundreds of miles of beaches and spectacular rocky coast, cosmopolitan cities and charming towns.

Although public transport from airlines (International and local), water, rail and busses is first class, the best way to get around and see it all, is by car. With due consideration to the varied topography and climates from west to east, it is advisable to prepare adequately for the region you wish to visit, with suitable vehicle and equipment and clothing for the environment, and to always heed the safety, laws and etiquette rules of the State. The coastal region is mild throughout the year, the central mountains snow bound and the eastern desert, either very hot or dry in summer and freezing cold in winter.

Portland , ‘City of Roses’, on the banks of the Willamette River has spread inland and houses a great variety of beautiful tourist attractions, the Courthouse Square – with open air entertainment, South Park Blocks – with lawns, fountains, statues and markets running some twelve blocks within the city center, Waterfront Park stretching some two and a half kilometers along the riverfront – with a one hundred jet fountain, Oregon Battleship Memorial and the River Place Marina. Then there’s the Old Town & Chinatown area has now a trendy colorful market, bazaar and classical Chinese garden. The Pearl District of old warehouses has been re-vamped into a tourist attraction of restaurants, cafes, galleries, shops and studios. The 19th century Streetcars – a free way to enjoy a gracious travel style between these areas. Washington Park includes the Arboretum with thousands of trees , shrubs, Japanese and roses gardens and the Zoo – with a large number of elephants. The Science Museum – with hundreds of interactive exhibits and the Esplanade – pedestrian and bicycle path offer fabulous viewing.

Astoria is still a bustling port, still with many fine Victorian homes and the fascinating Maritime Museum – with a variety of old river transport and related artifacts.

Salem is the Capital since 1851. Beautiful Parks, Historical homes, Museums, Memorials and Sculptures from the past add to the charm to this historical city.

Eugene is the ‘University City’ and holds one of the best Performing Arts Complexes in the world, Museum of Natural History and several bustling market areas.

Sisters with its three peaks is till a ‘Wild West’ ranching town, surrounded by meadows, forests and fast rivers, awesome passes and lava fields of the Cascade Mountains.

Bend struggles to retain its ‘small town charm’ amid rapid development, yet is close to major tourist attractions of, ski slopes of the Cascade peaks, lakes and steams and desert grazing lands where wild horses roam free, Volcanic Cinder cone, and Mount Bachelor where astronauts used to train for their historic ‘ 1969 Moon Walk’.

Ashland is known for its annual Shakespeare Festival and other more contemporary plays housed in three theaters.

Pendleton ’s history of a wild cowboys and lawless cattle rustlers are enshrined in Annual Roundups celebrations in September, the still operating Woolen Mills – with ‘legendry blankets’ and ‘Underground Tours’ of bad, bad, old vice dens!

The State has a ‘ jewel box’  of National Parks(Crater Lake and Hells Canyon), Canyons, Spectacular Mountain Peaks(Cascades- Mount Hood), Coastal Beaches and Resorts, Wilderness & Warm Springs, National Volcanic Monument, National Caves Monument, Prehistoric Fossil Beds – scenic ‘Mountain Loop’ drive encompasses all this varied landscape and the Elkhorn Drive through the majestic Wallowa Mountains in the north east. Modern sophisticated entertainment vies with the natural outdoors to make us tourists enjoy a whole ‘basket’ of experiences. I’m on my way, are you?

MINNESOTA is known as the ‘Land of 10 000 lakes’, an understatement. This beautiful area on Lake Superior (no pun intended) has the beginnings of the great Mississippi River and 7 major waterfalls. The Capital, St. Paul is ‘twinned’ with its sister city Minneapolis across the waters of the great river. Pre-history rock art, ‘petro-glyphs’, burial mounds and artifacts place inhabitants as early as 5 millennium before Indians and later European trappers, Americans, Germans and Scandinavian’s settled the area.

Modern adventurers will find excitement in the Wildlife Reserves, on the large and many smaller lakes, rivers and streams. Camping, fishing, hunting, biking, hiking and backpacking, golf, water and snow sports and ‘lure of the wild’.

Travel Tourists will find delight in, spectacular lake, river and forest scenery, bird watching, countless scenic lakes and farmland drives, sports events, museums, entertainment and the legendary ‘Fall Colors’ as Autumn sets the trees ‘alight’.

Annual and monthly Events enliven residents and tourists alike – Outdoor Concerts, County and Town Fairs with Arts and Crafts, Music, Historical Reenactments, State Fair, Mashed Potato Wrestling, Bowling, Heritage, Themed Getaways, Sports, Exhibitions and Performances, Ethnic (Dakota) Festival, almost always accompanied by music and food.

Arrive with a sense of expectation and leave with a feeling of ‘Peace of Heaven’!

MARYLAND derives its name from Maria/Mary Arundel, wife to King Charles 1st of England. Layers of history overlap. Past British and French influence is still reflected in city, town names, and Victorian architecture and American Civil War battlefields. Strongest is the Maritime influence, still in existence because of the State’s geographical position on Chesapeake Bay which has the longest shoreline in the US.

Capital Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy yet colonial buildings abound to retain an ‘old world character’ that woo tourists to enjoy the old architecture of, inns, shops and restaurants, beautiful historic homes and museums.

The large port city of Baltimore has innumerable attractions; The Waterfront with restaurants, antiques, art galleries, ships and monuments and fine aquarium, many museums with remarkable collections and an interactive science center and ‘Italian Quarter’ of fine restaurants.

North Bay on Chesapeake Bay is the home to the lovely town of Havre de Grace, a favorite of photographers and painters. Unusual museums – from decoy ducks and Canal operations to Maritimes, as well as lighthouses, wildfowl parks and of course beaches, boating and yachting in and around the bay.

Festivals are also a way of life. Regular annual events host Wine shows, Flowers, fruit, arts and crafts, foods and seafood, sporting, family and children’s entertainment. Sailboat regatta’s, fun runs, jousting tournaments, horse shows, musicals, flag days, Celtic, African-American, American Indian, Scottish, Italian and All Nations festivals of music, food and entertainment to name only a few of the 100’s throughout the year.

As a major cultural center, Maryland and particularly Baltimore hosts many visual and performing arts events – a ‘culture vulture’s delight’!

ILLINOISE is celebrating 200 years of USA’S 16th President Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday this year. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all USA citizens and especially in the hearts of the people from his home state.

Tourists will be able to enjoy numerous Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebrations this year.
Capital Chicago has mindboggling attractions and events of its own. Navy Pier on Lake Michigan has normal fun filled events and more to coincide with the new bicentennial celebrations. Museums, Zoos, Fountains, Botanical Gardens, Conservatory, Observatory, Shows and Historical and Business Sites abound to dazzle the tourist.

The museum of Science and Industry is of special interest, with its exhibits on space exploration, biology and transportation. On the Museum Campus is the Field Museum, a great Natural History source of zoological, geographical and anthropological objects if interest from around the world. Nearby is the Aquarium with a dazzling display and number of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and mammals. The Campus also has the Planetarium and Astronomy Museum with artifacts dating back as far as the 12th century Persia, a virtual reality theatre, high technology to explore exhibits. The museum of Contemporary Photography and the Spertus (Jewish) museum provoke much emotion and thought.

Within “the Loop’ (Elevated downtown track system) are a fascinating array of places of interest; The Rookery- an 1888 redbrick building, 190 South la Salle Street – white marble and gold leaf lobby, Art Institute of Chicago – One of the worlds finest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings, Asian, Indian and Chinese artifacts, the Santa Fe Center, the Federal Center, Marquette Building, Monadnock Building, Auditorium Building and Fine Arts Buildings.

The University of Chicago is private, and specializes in the fields of Economics, Chemistry and Physics, and is famous a producing the most Nobel Laureates of any US university. Within this campus are the; Smart Museum of Art, Oriental Institute Museum, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel and Robbie House.

Greater Chicago houses; the famed Lincoln Park Zoo – with over one thousand mammals, reptiles and birds living in natural habitats as well as a ‘natural farm’ for kids to enjoy and walking and biking trails, Oak Park- unique (Wright) building styles.

Rural Illinois has its major areas of Rockford (the Forest City) famous for its beautiful parklands,  public and private gardens along the Rock River, Galena on the river is a relaxing tourist destination – with historic homes, Springfield the State Capital, has museum and historical sites dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and also famed  ‘Route 66’s ‘Cozy Dogs (Corn Dog) museums café’.

Southern Illinois on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers is still a perfect observation point to view the river traffic. Nearby is the site of an ancient and largest known Native-American city, the Cahokia Mounds. The Shawnee National forest has the most strangely shaped rock formations, sandstone and boulders.

Is it surprising that Illinois has over 20 million visitors a year?

GEORGIA is not only The Cross Roads of the USA but also a major destination for tourists and business alike. With the world renowned capital of Atlanta and its International Airport of Hartsfield-Jackson as staging post it is host to many international events. Ground transport is excellent with, Interstate connections with routes, 75, 85, 95, and 20, Amtrak stations and Greyhound bus services.

Bordered by Florida in the south, Atlantic Ocean to the east, Alabama to the west and Mississippi  and Tennessee to the north, Georgia has two distinctive topographical regions. The northern region Georgia Mountains are part of the great Appellations Range and Chattahoochee River. The North-west high country is part of the mystical, ‘Enchanted land of the Cherokee Indians’ trails fame. The Classical South has gentle hills and a large coastal plain.

Georgia’s 9 counties offer a variety of attractions to the Tourist:
1.    Georgia Coast has 100 miles of coastline to the Atlantic Ocean between the Savanna and St. Mary’s Rivers. The Okefenoke National Wildlife Refugee,  Monuments and Museums, Art Associations, Golf Resorts, Landmarks, Music Venues, River Boating, Nature viewing on Eagle and Little St. Simons Islands, Resorts and Inns and the famous Summer Waves Water Park.
2.    Plantation Trace in  rural South-west has Historical Past, with small towns, plantations, woodlands and rivers.
3.    Magnolia Midlands has a laid back lifestyle with State Parks, Wildlife Center, Jefferson-Davis Memorial, Golf, more plantations, farm and vineyard tours, Arts Centers, the Broxton Rocks for hikers and ‘The Sweet Onion’ Festival.
4.    Classic South has gentle rolling hills and coastal plain with many fine Lakes and Golf courses.
5.    Central Georgia to the South-west has, Presidential Pathways, Historical Sites and Tours.
6.    Historical Heartland has Lake Oconee – Golf Resort – ‘Best modern golf resort’ status, Inns, Convention Centers, Music hall of Fame, University of Georgia, Cultural Centers, Award Winning Brewery, Quilters Guild, Museums and elegant Historical Inns.
7.    Atlanta Metro is World Class with Arts, Museums, Shopping, Amusement Parks and Outdoor activities.
8.    Georgia Mountains to the North-east has some of the finest Outdoor Retreats on the Appellations Mountains and Chattahoochee River. Exotic Wild Life Protection Centers, Lake boating, Waterfalls, Hiking Trails, Fine Dining, Lodges, Spa’s and cabins, Interactive Museums and beautiful Parks.
9.    High Country to the North-west is, ‘The Enchanted Land’ of the Cherokee Indians fame. There are historical trails to drive, pedal, walk or ride (Horseback) and museums to visit. Mountains offer excellent trout fishing, biking, hiking and swimming. Amusement Parks and Ranches eagerly entertain tourists.

The Islands draw visitors to see and stay at Jekyll, Tybee, Cumberland, St.  Simons,  and the Lighthouses.

Famous Festivals – St. Patrick’s Day (March)- in Savanna and Dublin (You could have fooled me!), Cherry Blossom Day (April) – Springtime beauty and entertainment, Yellow Daisy Day  (March) -  Number One for Arts and Crafts in the USA! For Antique Furniture, Paintings, Rugs, jewelry, Tableware and Collectibles.
Rattlesnake Roundup (March) has interactive snake education, with more arts and crafts.

July hosts the’ rumbustious’-  ‘Redneck Games’ – a hilarious ‘muddy’ local sporting event.
Don’t miss any of them!

FLORIDA State is not known as the SUNSHINE STATE for nothing! Its geographical position in the Gulf of Mexico and the most southerly peninsula on the east coast of the USA, guarantees all round beach and island access with lots and lots of ‘Blue Water’ activities and so many more tourist attractions.

The beaches of Clearwater, Coco, Daytona, Dustin, Family, Forts Lauderdale and Myers, Key West, Miami, Naples, Panama City, Pensacola, Sarasota, Sanibel Island, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg and Tampa are famous for their aquatic and land attractions in Florida.

Orlando the capitol of Florida, has almost everything for the outdoor enthusiast, be it golf, off road experience, car shows, sky diving, Hang gliding, ballooning, and bi-planes rides. Thousands of lakes and waterways offer unlimited experiences with kyaking, airboats, pontoons or scuba and snorkeling, wild life and nature trail and touring opportunities. Host to famous attractions and Theme Parks like, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Orland Resort and for Night Life – City Walk for the best in clubs, movies, restaurants and concerts. Arts, Museums and events abound – with every month hosting a variety of festivals, in Orlando or nearby Florida cities.

Florida’s Theme Park attractions include:

• Screaming Coasters,
• Wild waters,
• Walt Disney World (Animal Kingdom, Fort Wilderness, Hollywood Studios, Disney Quest, Downtown Pleasure Island, Magic Kingdom, Park Sea World),
• Busch Gardens,
• Tampa Bay Zoo and Theme Park,
• Discovery Cove (Swim with dolphins),
• Wet and Wild (Orlando),
• Epcot Center (new space attractions),
• Holy Land Experience (living biblical history museum) and
• Cape Canaveral – Kennedy Space Center on Merritt’s Island.

The Archipelago of surrounding islands like, Freepost, Nassau, Bahamas, Key West and Islamorada group add ‘Blue Water’ cruises, boating and sailing add excitement to more exotic destinations.

More outdoors experiences in Florida are available at State Parks, Winter Park (Orange County) on lake Virginia, Florida Park and Everglades, many Resorts and Spa’s both on the beaches and inland. Water, Boating, Diving, Fishing, Nature and Adventure tours abound.
Florida’s Annual Events Calendar is awesome. Every month is filled with planned events, not to mention less pre-planned or promoted activities and festivals. Far too many to mention all but to whet the appetite see the following for the month of May Only:

• Rotary Pineapple Man Triathlon (Coco Beach – 3rd May),
• Naval Aviation Symposium (Pensacola),
• Plain-air Paint-out 2009 (Port St. Joe – 17 May),
• Fiesta Brevard with music and dance (Coco Beach, ocean front),
• International Migratory Bird day (Naples Zoo, Caribbean Gardens -7-17th May),
• SISA Spring Fling Fishing Tournament (Sebastian-May 8 & 9th ),
• Great Dock Canoe Race (Naples – 9th May – colorful costumes and decorations),
• Mothers Day – African Violet Show (Davie ),Florida Trust for Historical Preservation, Tupelo Honey Festival (St. Augustine – 16 May),
• Taste of Beach – food tasting festival (St. Augustine – 17th May),
• Wine and Art (Amelia Island Plantation),
• EOP (female) Pro Volley Ball Tour (Naples),
• Fiesta Zoo (Tampa – 31st May).

Awesome isn’t it? What’s keeping you back? Want the rest of the years events in Florida?