Richmond’s rich history of The Civil War.
By carlvaleri | April 12, 2009
Lavishly adorned buildings, ancient cemeteries shrouded in fog, and many historic plaques scattered throughout Richmond are typical scenes during an early morning walk through the city perched on the James River. Today marks the beginning of the Civil War and the best city to experience the Civil War Heritage is Richmond, Virginia.
An outstanding interpretation of the Civil War cab be experienced at the American Civil War Center. A multimedia adventure through the many stages leading up to the Civil War include hands on exhibits which will no doubt increase your knowledge of this often misunderstood war.
Richmond is home to one of our early American engineering successes, the James River Canal. I recommend your taking a boat ride to discover the rich history of the canal and enjoy viewing the city of Richmond from a unique perspective.
For More Information:
Richmond, Virginia
A Canal Ride Through History: Richmond, Virginia
Topics: Civil War, Richmond, Virginia | No Comments »
Royal Highness on the Beach: The Royal Tern
By carlvaleri | April 9, 2009
Unlike the other birds, you stand steady with your long sturdy beaks, prepared to pounce on food at a given notice. The other skinny birds with short legs and thin beaks scamper up and down the beach, frenzied action burning most of their energy.
You only look at sandpipers and seagulls as if they are jesters in your royal sandy court. Moving in large groups, you advance as many steps necessary to be on the periphery of my human reach as I stealthily approach.
As the sea breeze grows stronger, you face into the wind crouching slightly on black legs and strong feet. It seems as if a hurricane could not blow you over. From high above I see your sleek body rush straight down towards the water spearing a fish with your strong bill.
I stand in amazement at the skilled winged fisherman and converse inwardly with the other birds imagining how they would respond to me if they could speak.
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Topics: Birds, Florida, Treasure Island | No Comments »
Golfing for a good cause on Hilton Head Island
By carlvaleri | April 7, 2009
Soon the Harbour Town links at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island will be center stage of one of the great golf tournaments, the Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament.Hilton Head Island is one of my favorite island getaways. The Verizon golf classic is a wonderful venue for the golf enthusiast because the tournament is in the center of one of the finest family resorts in the country.
While you enjoy watching the talented golfers make a frustrating game seem easy, the remainder of your family can enjoy the many bike trails, horse back riding, beaches, and excursions available on Hilton Head Island. In addition, there are many shops and restaurants for all to enjoy.
This year the Verizon Heritage Classic is April 13-19. It raises millions of dollars for many charities. Last year the tournament raised over 1.7 million dollars for those charities. You can get your tickets online by clicking on one of the following links.
Related Articles:
Favorite Places to Visit: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
For More information:
Hilton Head Island Chamber Of Commerce
Topics: Golf, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina | No Comments »
Ponce de Leon Discovers Florida and so can you.
By carlvaleri | April 2, 2009
On this day Ponce de Leon discovers Florida on April 2, 1513 searching for the fountain of youth. Much has changed since his landing on the Peninsula’s white sandy beaches.
Spring break is in full swing with summer right around the corner. The amusement parks and beaches are full of visitors attempting to thaw from the long frozen winter. Traffic jams persist where only a few months ago roads seemed desolate.
For those looking to get away from the busy tourist attractions you will need to venture off the beaten path. There is much to discover in the sunshine state including untouched wilderness, rich culture, and numerous historic sites.
Over the past few decades of traveling Florida I have found a seemingly endless array of fun things to do. If you are planning a trip to Florida I challenge you to find the rich heritage and wilderness not far from the many tourist destinations.
Related Articles:
Fantasy Of Flight, Polk City, Florida: An Aviation Attraction Where Dreams Of Flight Come True.
A dramatic walking tour of our military history: The Armed Forces Military Museum, Largo, FL:
For More information:
Ponce de Leon discovers Florida. (2009). The History Channel website
Recommended Reading:
Topics: Florida | No Comments »
City Of the Mountains, Monterrey, Mexico
By carlvaleri | March 30, 2009
Most Americans envision a Mexican vacation to include laying on the beach with palm trees, a tropical drink in hand, and crystal clear turquoise waters. Although this sounds like a wonderful way to relax, you don’t want to miss the rich heritage and unique vibrant cities scattered throughout the large country of Mexico. At the foothills of a dramatic mountain range lies the city of Monterrey. A bustling market filled with fashionable patrons, numerous historic buildings, a bucolic park with dramatic fountains, wonderful restaurants, and impressive museums make Monterrey a must visit if you are looking for a beach alternative.
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Fantasy Of Flight, Polk City, Florida: An Aviation Attraction Where Dreams Of Flight Come True.
By carlvaleri | February 26, 2009
An ornately decorated earth colored art deco building; many WWII era aircraft parked next to a large white and red checkered water tower; and the sound of big band music made me feel as if I had stepped back in time. Caught up in the movie set atmosphere, I imagined Humphrey Bogart rounding the corner tipping his fedora and saying “Here is to you kid”.
The entrance adorned with towering murals depicted a more gentile and romanticized time in our history. Opening large glass doors, smells of apple pie and hamburgers wafted through the air. The smells made my mouth water.
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Topics: Florida | No Comments »
A dramatic walking tour of our military history: The Armed Forces Military Museum, Largo, FL:
By carlvaleri | February 10, 2009
Upon entering the deep trench foxhole, the sound of planes diving toward us could be heard from above. I turned and looked skyward, a red triplane slowly came into view as my eyes adjusted to the darkness. The Red Barons famous triplane was diving from above rendering us helpless to his barrage of bullets.
Luckily our lives were not in danger since we were in a museum exhibit. I felt I had stepped back in time to war torn Europe as I slowly moved through the foxhole, recreated with original memorabilia and the sounds of war surrounding us. There was even smoke billowing atop the high trench foxhole. I knew I was in for a treat at the Armed Forces Military Museum in Largo, FL if the remainder of the museum had similar displays.
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Topics: Florida, Military Museum, United States | No Comments »
Step back in time at the Kansas Aviation Museum, Wichita
By carlvaleri | December 30, 2008
Rolling up next to me in a brand new 1940 Chevrolet Deluxe Sport Sedan, the family of four with two young boys jumped out and ran to find a spot affording them the best view of the runway. It was Sunday, Mom and Dad dressed in their Sunday best with Dad sporting a smart suit and tie.
The din of a propeller, at first a faint noise, grew louder as the plane approached. The young boy yelled, “Look Dad a DC-3!”. As the speck in the sky grew larger, the powerful grumbling of the engines could be heard by all. Children ran to the edge of the concrete tarmac, excitedly lining up to see the plane land. “I wonder where that one is coming from”, the young boy blurted with excitement.
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Topics: Aviatoin, Kansas, Wichita | No Comments »
World’s Largest Aquarium: Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
By carlvaleri | December 8, 2008
Two large lines snaked outside the most visited attractions in Atlanta, Georgia. One line for the Coke-a-Cola Museum and the other for one of the most amazing aquariums in the world. Small children running with toys resembling friendly sharks, parents yelling for their little ones to watch that their ice cream cone does not fall, and hordes of same size young people filing out from yellow school buses added to the excitement and confusion of the scene outside the Georgia Aquarium.
Purchasing an annual membership enables visitors to enter through a nondescript entrance with a line only a few minutes long while other guests will wait about 30 minutes. It is quiet in this members only foyer, but moving towards the entrance the din from a crowd of excited children resonated through the hall. Entering on the second floor and looking down I realized why they where excited.
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Topics: Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia | No Comments »
Have a Coke and A Smile: The Coca-Cola Museum, Atlanta, Georgia.
By carlvaleri | November 23, 2008
The large polar bear with a long red and white scarf lumbered into the atrium. Children of all ages ran up to have their picture taken with this Coca-Cola Icon. Because of his large smile and the happy bounce in his step, many visitors wanted to give him a hug.
The Coke museum is more of an experience than a museum. Days after visiting the museum I found myself wanting to drink Coca-Cola because it brought back joyful visions of my visit. Maybe the constant barrage of happy people in Coke uniforms influenced me or maybe it was the movie depicting how wonderful life would be once I had a Coke. Either way I was indoctrinated into the world of Coca-Cola lovers.
Topics: Atlanta, Georgia, Museum, United States | No Comments »