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 »
Rocket City: The Quest for the Moon Began Here. Huntsville, Alabama.
By carlvaleri | November 20, 2008
The large monolithic structure stood poised ready to escape the confines of the launch pad. Birds sang cheerfully oblivious to the imminent blast. The only indication of an impending change in the quiet solitude of the launch pad was the small ribbons of steam hissing from the side of the Saturn V rocket. Suddenly a large cloud of smoke formed below the rocket and the birds scattered when they saw a flash of light and heard the booming blast.
Topics: Alabama, Aviation, Huntsville, Museum, Space | No Comments »
Lunch, Lobster, and Lighthouses: Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
By carlvaleri | November 13, 2008
We stood atop a ledge overlooking the rocks as they where sprayed with frothy white foam created by waves crashing into the sturdy granite. Turning our heads towards land afforded us a spectacular view of a tall white lighthouse. We where excited to be here to enjoy a lobster roll and enjoy the two lights at Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
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Topics: Cape Elizabeth, Lighthouse, Maine | No Comments »
Fall Foliage in The Great Swamp, New Jersey
By carlvaleri | October 17, 2008
Enjoy the fall foliage of the Great Swamp In New Jersey. Visit soon to read more about the first National Wildlife Refuge to be granted the wilderness designation in 1968.
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Topics: Basking Ridge, New Jersey | No Comments »
9 Fun Things To Do In San Antonio, Texas
By carlvaleri | October 12, 2008
1. The Alamo
Removing your cap out of respect is a requirement when entering the shrine and main exhibit of the Alamo. There is a sense of awe at the ultimate sacrifice the soldiers paid when General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna invaded this once bucolic Catholic Mission turned historic battlefield. Bullet holes in the walls bring a sense of presence when you realize the number of soldiers who died or were executed at the battle for the Alamo.
Over 2 million people visit this shrine and symbol of Liberty. You can almost hear the battle cries of James Bowie, Davie Crockett and William Travis while wandering this hallowed ground.
You will gain a vast amount of knowledge from the murals, period interpreters, and the many books you can purchase at the Alamo gift shop. This is an amazing site with so much to offer and is free of charge.
Website: The Alamo
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Topics: American, History, San Antonio, Texas | No Comments »
MacArthur’s Birthplace: the Museum of Arkansas Military History: Little Rock, Arkansas
By carlvaleri | September 30, 2008
My walk on this hot day had me slightly out of breath as I rounded a circular drive and came upon the red brick Tower Building, a medieval style tower structure. The entrance has 3 foot thick walls to protect the important contents. It seems it was destiny that one of the United States most decorated war heroes was born in this building.
General Douglas MacArthur was born in the Tower Building in 1880 while his father, Captain MacArthur, was stationed in Little Rock. Thus began a storied and proud life of one of our nations finest Generals. The building now houses a museum and is the last standing structure of a large arsenal which has survived the Civil War and was cared for by a local citizen group and is owned by the city of Little Rock.
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Topics: Arkansas, Little Rock, Military | No Comments »
A Canal Ride Through History: Richmond, Virginia
By carlvaleri | September 24, 2008
“My name is Cotton, and if I took off my hat you would know why they call me cotton”, boomed our tour guide. His colonial garb seemed austere except for the black tricorne atop his “cotton” head. The tricorne, a triangular hat, was common attire in the 1700’s.
Cotton’s quick hands maneuvered our canopy covered canal boat with ease as he continued his entertaining historical narrative of the James River Canal. These canal boats, or “flatboats”, are shallow to avoid requiring deep canals to be dug. Before having their own power, the boats where pulled by horses and mules on paths alongside the long canal.
Topics: Richmond, Virginia | No Comments »
Follow Me on Twitter
By carlvaleri | September 15, 2008
I enjoy sharing with you my Serendipitous Journey throughout the United States and the World. Some readers occasionally ask where I am and what attractions am I visiting.
To make it easier to follow me while I am traveling I have set up a Twitter account. To follow me simply click on the Follow Me on Twitter link below or in the right column. Want to know more about Twitter and how it works? Watch the following video “Twitter in Plain English” for a simple explanation.
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Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »