Explore The United States of America

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!

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!

Virgin Islands are USA’s ‘56th State’ under ‘Territorial Protection’, but more famously known as a ‘Must See’ tourist destination in the Caribbean Sea. The three islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, east of Cuba and south-east of Miami Florida are one of the premier Caribbean destinations to Americans and much of the rest of the world as well. The closest large island is Puerto Rico, only 70 miles away.

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.

Puerto Rico is one of the largest Caribbean islands in the Antilles, sharing with Cuba much of the history of conquest by invaders from South America and Europe, to induction of slaves from Africa, and to date under the protection of the USA, as a Territorial State. This modern day Caribbean Island is a popular tourist venue, offering natural beauty, historically confusing sites and overlaying a strong Spanish influence, a multicultural vibe all of its own.

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?

MARIANAS ISLAND has awesome natural and entertainment attractions. The Western Pacific islands are situated on the Marianas Trench, the deepest undersea canyon in the world, where deep sea ‘mud’ volcanoes spew liquid sulphur from acidic hydrothermal vents in the sea bed, creating rare species of deep sea creatures, fish and animal life – unique species of Beaked Wales, 19 marine animals and on land the Micronesian Megopoda Bird – that incubates its eggs in the hot lava flows and the giant coconut crabs. Two of the Hotels have Casinos and six major Golf Courses have from the most challenging to the mild greens for beginners, to complement the beautiful natural surrounds.
The three main Northern Islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota are known for their Eco-tourism to – nature adventures in nearby unoccupied northern islands, reached only by plane, boat or helicopter – active and smoking volcanoes, black sand beaches, ancient rock formations and wildlife. Special tours are arranged for hikers, fishermen (and women), hunting, snorkeling, bird watching, volcano watching and camping. Favorite pastimes are diving to – coral reefs, caves, caverns, ledges and visiting sunken ships.

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!

VIRGINIA is at the heart of The Capitol Region of Washington, DC. Coupled with history and natural beauty it’s unthinkable not to make this your first visit to enrich yourself with both tourism aspects of the best of the USA. The past is preserved in a dazzling array of elegant historic mansions, farms, homes and museums to distinguished, early Americans like Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and soldiers of the Confederacy Robert E. Lee and many more colonial era masterpieces. The Shenandoah Park with its stunning Appalachian Mountains offers the 469 mile ‘Skyline Drive’ along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ‘Old South’ and ‘Victorian Era’ rub shoulders with modern development and awesome natural beauty of the State Parks.

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!

TEXAS has arguably the largest land area of the lower 48 States and according to reports the Texans also the largest ego! The ‘Lone Star’ and ‘Longhorn’ State has long since deserved it reputation as a true reflection of the Old West frontier, having wrested the land from the previous Mexican Empire by 1848. Since the early 1900’s when oil was discovered, Texas has remained the center of the US petroleum industry. However livestock and agriculture is still big business. The vast open spaces and mythical Cowboy Culture are still a major tourist attraction. In stark contrast are many cultural cities and towns with sophisticated facilities and entertainment, and most of all the Space Center at Houston, the mission control center for all manned exploration of space.

National Parks, Preserves and Wildlife refuges, Islands, The Rio Grande Canyon, Historic Towns and Forts, rugged Desert Mountains offer a vast array of outdoor activities from golf, fishing, hiking, river rafting to cycling, scenic routes to coastal angling, sailing. Organized Sports of baseball at all levels, American Football on National, University and College level and Basketball at all amateur and professional levels, as well. Nightclubs and performance venues cover this music loving state.

Dallas , has been synonymous with oil, ranching, cotton fields and latterly a huge diversified business center. An energetic and enjoyable city, with many museums, restaurants and cultural venues. Sadly the city tourism also thrives on ‘Black Tourism’ a euphemism to the sustained interest on the murder of President John Kennedy in 1963. Happier things to do and see are the fabulous view from the 50 storey reunion Tower, The West End Historic District, Museum of Art filled with Americana, Natural Museum, Peaceful Parks and vibrant Musical neighborhoods.

Fort Worth combines the epitome of ‘Cowboy Culture, High Culture and Modern Entertainment Venues’. Historic Cattle Yards rub shoulders with some of the US’s finest Performing Arts Space, Museums and Organizations and transformed ‘Old Red Light’ districts into delightful ’Water Gardens’.

Austin , the Capital, stakes its claim to being the most popular Music Scene in the country, High Tech Industry and ‘Best State University’! and Biggest State Capital in the country!

Fredericksburg , in the Hill Country is one of the loveliest small towns in the state, with very strong Germanic heritage with its ‘Biergarten’ and Bavarian style buildings, Church on the old marketplace (Markplatz). It also has WW11 Museum of the Pacific War – house in the steamboat shaped Nimitz Hotel with Japanese ‘Peace Garden’ at the back and the Lyndon Johnson National Historical Park.

Kerrville , is one of the largest towns in the Hill Country. It is famous for its eighteen day long folk music festival held annually on a ranch near the town. Starting the Thursday before Memorial Day, it attracts singers and fans from all over the world.

New Braunfels , has a charming German culture enshrined in its distinctive architecture, cuisine, language and festivals for example the Beer & sausage and the Polka Dance Festival.

San Antonio , is really the most historic city in the State and popular for its natural beauty.

Houston is an enormous port and city with a population passing 2 million souls and synonymous with all Space Exploration and Mission Control, and the Petrochemical Industry. It has much more for the tourist to appreciate, with some of the Worlds finest Art Museums – paintings by the European masters, 20th Century American masters, Ancient and Mediaeval art of the Mediterranean, Africa, and Pacific Northwest, Byzantine Frescos, Greek, Roman and American sculptures, Artifacts, Furniture collections, Decorative Arts, Ceramics and textiles. Unbelievable collections ‘to perve over’! Montrose district has a varietal cultural collection of galleries, shops, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants and a popular ‘strolling area’. 34km SE is the ‘Tallest Monument in the World’, with museum and theater at its base.

Galveston has many tourist attractions depicting her exotic past of Pirates and Victorian splendor, but mostly its past and present day attraction remains as one of the most popular Resort Cities on the Gulf of Mexico. The Island city has miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches and incredible modern entertainment facilities of water park pools, ten stories Rainforest pyramid and massive aquariums.
Corpus Christi is the deepest commercial port in the State and therefore a strong maritime, military and waterfront presence with the State Aquarium of rare sea animals. The Island State Park has many miles of sandy beaches and modern condominium resorts.

Laredo on the north bank of the Rio Grande River is known as ‘the gateway to Mexico’. The Mexican and Border cultural influence is very apparent in well preserved buildings and museum which traces the cities history with ‘six different national flags’. The undoubted tourist attraction starts with the 200 mile Rio Grande Valley to the Gulf, with a strong agricultural, rural and commercial mix and nature sanctuary park.

Fort Davis deserves a visit to cool off in summer in the highlands, visit the National Historic Fort site or see the stars from the Observatory’s, world’s largest (430inch) spectroscope.

El Paso was known for its safest crossing of the Rio Grande River to Mexico, still has its original and oldest Catholic Missions in the state, an international community and a small national park with a 2,9km perimeter walking trail.

Lubbock a mix of Cattle Ranching country, Technical University and Cotton growing is also famed for its great ‘production’ of musical prodigies, like Buddy Holly and many others enshrined in the museum.

Canyon ’s name is self explanatory. The nearby State Park is also known as the ‘Grand canyon of Texas’. It also houses the largest Historical Museum of geology, paleontology and petroleum in the State, West Texas A&M University and nearby preserved, Pioneer Town.

Amarillo, although a town of great commercial diversity, has some unique attractions. Situated on the legendary and major Route 66 that crosses the country from Chicago to Los Angeles it has the Cattleman’s tradition encompassed in the Livestock Auction, strange sights at ‘The Cadillac Ranch’.

Abilene once a notorious Wild West town is now more settled as “Buckle of the Bible Belt”, with a number of Christian Colleges, The Historical Village with Indian artifacts and Frontier weapons collection.

The major Annual Events are:

• the Kerrville Folk Festival at the end of May
• the Texas State Fair in October
• Confederate Heroes day
• Emancipation Day
• Lyndon Johnson’s Birthday on August 27th.

Others include; Family camp-0ut, Playing with Time, Rodeo and Old Settlers reunion, Annual Taste of Dallas, Balloon race, water Carnival, Harvest weekends, Yesteryear festival, Roundup Rodeo, Water Carnival, Chili Pepper & Salsa Festival, Beachcombers Fine Arts show, Overland & Stagecoach Festival, Grape Stomp, Liberty Opry, Fly-in & Lions Club Breakfast, Pioneer Days fest., Open weekend – Davis Mount Preserve, Texas Ranch Roundup, Center City Block party, Bat Fest, Greek Fest, LBJ’s Birthday and Margarita & Salsa Festival.

Texans pride themselves on being, doing and thinking big, the Big ‘Lone Star State’ with Cowboy Culture, their own big ‘Grand Canyon’, vast Landscape, Ranches and NASA – ‘Reaching for Space’, all with good justification. A visit will fill you with wonder at the reality of diversity and enormity of it all.

RHODE ISLAND is the smallest state, known as the Ocean State yet it has woodlands, craggy coastline beaches and islets, excellent for walking and camping. Historically the New England area is the ‘birthplace of America’. Fine mansions of bygone era still exist to add charm to the state and monuments to the tumultuous, cultural and literary past abound.

Providence is the capital and its magnificent State House with white marble dome, is capped with a bronze statue called ‘independent man’. The city has an interesting blend of modern and historic buildings, marinas, museums and mansions, parks with great outdoor and indoor entertainment and modern zoo and one of the most prestigious University Colleges with a beautiful campus to explore.

Newport is also known for its fine mansions, military maritime culture for over 300 years and huge sailing interest. ‘The Breakers’, summer home to railway magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt is one of the finest neo- classical Italian mansions anywhere to be seen. The Synagogue, Historical Museum, Tavern, and outdoors, Fort Adams State Park has sporting facilities for swimming, Jazz festivals, collections of luxury yachts and marina, and a five and a half kilometer national recreation trail.

Southwest are a hundred miles of pristine beaches, tidal pools, coves, surfers and boaters and an amusement park.

Off the coast is Block Island , a great destination for outdoor activity. Hiking, swimming, surfing, Kyaking fishing, sailing or on land bird watching, angling, horse riding or a driving tour to view all the attractions.

Special Events calendar is full all year round, with about one hundred events in any given month. There are Music, Visual arts, Theater, Dance, Film & television, Spectator Sports and Special Interest (Historical, National, State and local).

All that you could ask for is available to make your visit memorable and enjoyable.

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?

NEW YORK STATE covers a very large area, from the coastal Long Island to the Canadian border and west to the Great lakes. The northern mountains of the Adirondacks range are the source of the Hudson River which flows all the way to New York harbor. Long Island has many miles of beaches, farmland and suburbs while the north has towns, cities and more farmland. Sharing the border with Canada is the famous Niagara Falls that lures over ten million visitors per year.

State Capital Albany at the most northerly point of the Hudson River has one of the most delightful architectural gems in the Capitol Building, a combination of Italian and French Renaissance and Roman stairways, arches, ornate chambers decorated with pink and yellow marble, red granite, stained glass, onyx and mahogany. As a government, cultural and railway center Albany still holds its own as a tourist and business destination.

Saratoga Springs is still famous for its healing waters, best of horse racing and historical parks.

Cooperstown is the legendary birthplace of baseball and plays homage with a museum to the baseball legends in it s hall of fame.

Syracuse grew as a result of the Erie Canal development in the early 18oo’s. Today it houses a museum and the Landmark Theater to remember that early development. A magnificent museum of arts has a remarkable varied collection from ancient Asian to modern American.

Rochester is a charming city of museums, parklands, 18th to 20th century architecture, one dedicated to the founder of Eastman Kodak, now an International Museum of Photography.

Buffalo prospered as a terminus on the Erie Canal. Places of interest are also the County Historical Society in the old Pavilion, and the Art Gallery overlooking the beautiful Delaware park and a museum to ‘America’s favorite dessert’.

Niagara Falls is a natural wonder to behold. Situated on the border with Canada, this majestic horseshoe shaped falls draws over ten million visitors per year.

For those who love the outdoors there are the magnificent Adirondack Mountains, 176 State Parks, rivers, streams, canals, lakes and beaches. Camping, hunting, sea and fresh water fishing, hiking and climbing, skiing, boating, wildlife refuges and zoos, and of course Golf, from par 3 to professional standard, from private to Municipal to Resorts courses, all for the active participant.

For those seeking more leisurely activities, sightseeing, amusement parks, casinos, vineyards, breweries, farms and festivals, culinary and gourmet centers and restaurants of all specialties and delights abound. Spectator Sports like, Football, baseball, basket ball, hockey, horse racing and any form of ‘wheeled’ racing you can imagine.

New York City and New York State have a symbiotic relationship of urban and rural combination that offers you a remarkable range of choice of the best of both worlds.