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’.

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!

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?

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!

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.