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!

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!

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.

TENNESSEE State can be called the ‘Music State’ for it’s the great contribution to American roots music, Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, Blues, Rock n’ Roll and Soul. Tennessee consists of three distinct regions:

• The Mississippi lowlands with Memphis the focal city,
• The central Blue Ridge plateau with the capital, Nashville,
• The Appalachian mountains in the east with Knoxville as its base.

The Great Smokey Mountains have some of the highest peaks in the east and draws over ten million visitors per year. Half of the National Park is in neighboring North Carolina. Famed for its incredible flowering plant diversity and hardwood forests, spruce fir, Rhododendron and mountain laurel. The forest produces honeysuckle vines for basketry, hardwoods for carving and musical instruments, wild berries and fruits, medicinal plants and harbors much wild game.  Adventure tourists delight in the hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing and white water rafting. Hiking trails lead past scenic waterfalls, panoramic views, log cabin sites, rushing rivers and towering peaks.

Chattanooga city riding on the banks of the Tennessee River nestles between several high plateau, ridges and mountains retains its famed ‘Ross’s Landing’, now an area of entertainments, natural museum, aquarium and Imax theatre. Nearby are reenactments of battles by miniature soldiers on large boards. The mountain incline railway climbs the lookout mountain to the crest for a panoramic view. Battlefield sites on the slopes of the steep plateau, Ruby Falls and Caves and Rock City gardens inspire awe and inspiration.

Nashville – Tennessee is renown for its music, state capital, and university and as a financial center. Downtown is the famous auditorium – setting for live shows, convention and entertainment centers, reconstructed river fort, and ‘The District’ of – restaurants, cafés and nightclubs. Other sites of interest are; The State Museum – covering history, decorative arts, and biographical exhibits to past heroes’. East of downtown is ‘Music valley’s’ radio show, where all the famous musicians perform from time to time, Oprey Museum, Oprey Mall and fabulous Oprey Hotel.

A few miles away the Belle Mead Plantation and mansion takes one back into the splendor of the 1800’s antebellum estates, with guides in period costume and live summer concerts in the spacious grounds. The Hermitage estate, home of Andrew Jackson is open to visitors who admire the distinguished military leader, politician and seventh President of the USA. Southwest lie the forested Indian trails of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Memphis is synonymous with music of blues and rock ‘n roll, and the ‘evergreen’ Elvis Presley – celebrated in annual festivals of music. Music studios, monuments, unique museums, parks, statues, and evocative sites to civil rights leader – Martin Luther King, and of course the famous estate, Graceland – with the great entertainers fine home, artifacts, personal effects and grave. Do not miss Rev. Green’s Full Gospel Tabernacle Church for an electric service!

Western Tennessee has over fourteen State Parks, Historical and Natural sites and Places of Interest to visit.

Middle Tennessee has over thirty two State Parks, historical and natural sites, places of interest and even an Elephant Park.

Eastern Tennessee has over thirty five great attractions where to choose outdoor activities, educational or restful relaxation.

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?

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!