Explore The United States of America

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’.

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!

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!

GUAM is the largest island of the Mariana Archipelago. The closest country is Taipei, Taiwan off the coast of China and next is Manila in the Philippines. Guam has a remarkable history of ancient Polynesian and Malayan occupation, Spanish settlement, European Pirates visitations, and battleground between Japanese and American forces in WW11.

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’.

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.

PENNSYLVANIA is American history, natural beauty, and many forms of recreation combined. Apart from the main cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburg, most of the state is rural, dairy and produce farms flanked by forests, waterways and small towns. Winter skiing in the Pocono and Camelback mountains and Hidden Valley draw tourists from afar, New York and the Mid Atlantic Region. Famous for its unique celebration of ‘Groundhog Day,’- a mystical spring celebration on 2nd February.

Gettysburg is a small town with a big history. Its claim to fame is the civil war battles and memorials to the slaughter on the battlefields. The cemetery, military park and the cyclorama, a giant circular mural, pays homage to 6 000 Confederate soldiers killed or wounded.

Lancaster is a quaint market town serving thousands of ‘Amish farms’ in the neighborhood. The museum has a large outdoor collection, which focuses on the states rural and German heritage. The Ephrata Cloister symbolizes the early medieval austere communal lifestyle.

Hershey maintains a mouth watering history of chocolate making. The factory is open to visitors who are rewarded with a free chocolate at the end of the tour. (No doubt to avoid a riot)! The amusement park offers about 80 different rides to thrill visiting tourists.

York is now famous for its Harley-Davidson motorcycle plant, covered farmers markets and inexpensive restaurants.

Reading is a place to ‘shop till you drop’ with almost a hundred discount stores of famous brand names. The Reading Pagoda is modeled after a Japanese ‘Shogun’ castle and the surrounding cherry trees have walking trails. The fascinating Doll Museum has from ancient Egyptian to modern American collections.

Pittsburgh once the giant of steel, food processing and electrical production has become a tourist, cultural and learning center. Endowments by industrialists like Andrew Carnegie have left behind the magnificent Museum of Art with a wide range of Classical Greek, Egyptian, Impressionist, Post Impressionist and American art, Architecture, Natural History and Interactive Science Center. The University is housed in the 42 storey ‘Cathedral of Learning’. American Pop Museum, celebrates its son, Andy Warhol and the Amusement Park offers thrilling rides, stunts and a 1926 hand carved carousel ride.

Places of interest to visit are the:

• Longwood Gardens in the Brandy-wine valley, with thousands of plant varieties, topiaries and a children’s garden. The buildings are engineering marvels but the fabulous fountains that erupt above the treetops are often music events venues.

• The Laurel Highlands where the plant covers ridges, mountains and canyons, and the two nearby State Parks offer white water rafting, hiking, biking and skiing.

• Western Amish Country is a patchwork of farms, parks and villages, huge Dam with locks, historical mill, and manmade Lake Arthur.

• The Great Lakes Region is known to locals as one of the finest, if distant, regions for all around entertainment. Golfing, arts & culture, family events and entertainment, wineries, amusements and superb dining and naturally a plethora of water sports have their dedicated followers.

Festivals are part of the ‘state culture’ and Pennsylvania has its unique Groundhog Day celebration (When that little critter stops hibernating and sticks out its head). Gettysburg Celebration from 19-29th June is another, with more than 60 arts events and 2 Orchestras and 20 Bands entertainments. Then, there are Harvest Time fests , autumn, Foliage, Spring Farmers Fairs and Arts fests, and summertime fests throughout the State, Winter brings with it the celebrations of Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and Ice festivals.  Heritage Days are celebrated with Folk Fests, Family Days & Events, Civil war, Revolution, Railroad, and Steel & Iron. Never a dull moment needed!

OKLAHOMA state is a vast interstate crossroads of, prairie land where mesas merge with forested mountains and flatland wheat fields. With the largest Native American population and still active oilfields, it nevertheless offers an exciting tourist destination. Birthplace of such actors as John Wayne, who made the State famous for its ‘Western Culture’ it, provides a fascinating exploration into the past and the present. As a region of extremes with hot summers and cold winters and part of ‘Tornado Alley’, yet it has some of the most vivid prairie scenery with colorful wildflowers in May and September while autumn colors in October make scenic drives in the Ozark Mountains a visual delight.

From the pine forests of southeastern Oklahoma to the spectacular mesas of the Panhandle, and from the northeastern lakes and forests to the rugged mountains of the southwest, you are surrounded by Oklahoma’s natural wonders. Oklahoma’s proliferation of State Parks (50), offers a great variety of experience to Campers, Lodgers and even Golfers. Most are situated on lakes and offer water sports, hiking, biking, fishing and some even caving and dune bashing. The cities and towns offer historical, cultural and modern entertainment from the exotic to the most sophisticated venues.

Bartlesville is still a major ‘Oil Town’ but oil barons have left behind enduring attractions like picturesque ranches, with art, wildlife preserve and American Heritage center and a vast Prairie preserve stocked with bison and blazing wildflowers.

Tulsa , once a railroad town is still a major oil center, it has many nearby attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists, with art museum and beautiful parks and University grounds.
Tahlequah is the capital of the Cherokee nation, lies at the foot of the Ozark Mountains. Its heritage center with historical village and museum chronicle the tribes troubled past.

Oklahoma City the State Capital ‘was built in a day’ during the original oil and land rush. Today it is a sophisticated city of museums to those eras to ‘Buffalo Bill, John Wayne and Indian Folk lore’ and Western Art and memorial to tragic 1995 bombing of Federal Building.

Events – Children’s, Theater, Festival, Golf, Historical Reenactments, Musical, Holiday, Nature and Recreational dominate the calendar, daily, weekly, monthly and annually. June has most fishing competitions; July has recreational, kids and nature celebrations. August has nature, dog days, music and more kid’s festivals. September has many recreational, kids, nature, music and historical festivals. October has national days, kids’ entertainment, and nature and party entertainments. November has western music, Historical reenactments, and festival, nature and holiday lights. December has many Christmas celebrations and recreational programs. January starts the New Year with Blue Grass festival of music and ‘Deer Antler Shed’ – nature program. February – with more nature, music and recreational celebrations. March with – many nature, spring and children’s events. April with – many children’s’ Easter, volunteer, nature and recreational events. May brings the cycle round with a large number of events such as car shows, fishing, memorial, nature and recreational days.

See the Official State Song of Oklahoma for inspiration, it’s a gas!

OHIO is part of the Great Lakes District, situated below Lake Erie in the center of the American heartland, from the East Coast, lakes and waterfalls, waterfront wildernesses to the wide open spaces of the ‘wild west’ – A very varied landscape with large cities, industries, small towns and great natural beauty.

Cincinnati overlooking the Ohio River was once named the “Most beautiful of Americas inland cities”. Its vibrant waterfront, entertainment and parks district are a tourists delight. A distinctive landmark is the 1867 steel and stone suspension bridge linking the city with Covington, Kentucky across the Ohio River. Another is the1933 Art Deco, Union Terminal, now an Interactive Museum and Entertainment center. The Cincinnati Art Museum has an eclectic collection of ancient and modern art and artifacts.

Dayton , a lovely city on the Great Miami River is known as, “The Birthplace of Aviation” from where the Wright Brothers started their experimentation with the first powered flight. The Historical Park and US Air Force Museum houses some of the earlier experimental aircraft and missiles. The Art Institute has a large collection of classic European and American paintings.

Columbus the State Capital on the east bank of the Scioto River is the bustling Political, Economic and Cultural center. Arts, Symphony and Ballet, Historical neighborhoods, Entertainment Districts and Historical Center and Botanical Gardens are delightful places to explore.

Berlin and surrounding area are known for their large concentration of Amish population. An excellent area to marvel at the ‘simplified, 19th century way of life’ on an Amish Farm, horse drawn carts, buggy rides, freshly baked farm foods – and –all!

Cleveland is a bustling port, linked by a canal from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. This regenerated city has built thousands of hectares of pristine parks, entertainment hubs, Rock and Roll hall of Fame and Museum a Natural Sciences Center and a superb Art Museum with rare masterpieces on the University campus as well as magnificent Botanical Gardens. The 52 floor Terminal Tower houses the railway station, hotel and offices. Nearby Canton has a famous Pro football hall of fame.

Sandusky , one a coal export port is today a ferry terminal providing access to the Lake Erie Islands. The Amusement Park is reputed one of the largest collection roller coasters, a water park and children’s camps.

Toledo is famed for its world leading glass manufacturers. The museum of art founded by a glass tycoon houses one of the world’s largest collections of glass, as well as Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Medieval exhibits. A reconstructed Fort and Museum, has summer interactive displays and re-enactments in period costume.

Interesting Sites are the ancient Serpent Mound, an Adana-Indian site dating back 800 years BC. The 400 meter ‘snake with egg in mouth’ is a puzzle yet to be solved. The other is the Lake Erie Islands off the Marblehead peninsula, once home to the Erie, Ottawa and Huron tribes, which are a prime tourist attraction with Kelley’s and South Bass Island being the two main attractions. Kelley’s island and State Park with its ‘glacial grooves’ is a geological wonder while Bass Island is known for its night life in the village of Put-in-Bay.

The number of events is astounding. On any one day there can be over one hundred events around the country. There are 19 categories from Agricultural, Art, Animals, Black History, Botanical, Car shows, Classes & Workshops, Collectors, Concerts, Exhibits, Fairs & Festivals, Family, Historical Reenactments, Multicultural, Ohio/US Heritage, Outdoor, Sporting and Seasonal – Fall, Spring and Summer Festivals.

The interesting thing about Ohio is that it combines the ancient Indian lore with, Cowboy culture, Historical struggles, Space exploration, Super Sporting events and some of the most modern Entertainment Facilities. A truly fun place to be.