Located on the Virginia shore of the Potomac River, opposite the District of Columbia and bordering the northern end of Arlington National Cemetery, the Netherlands Carillon is adjacent to the Unites States Marine Corps War Memorial. The site is park of the National Park System. Set among thousands of tulips in a park setting, the 127-foot high tower was a gift to the American people from the Dutch. It was a symbol of friendship characterized by a common allegiance to the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy that has weathered temporary differences. The bell carillon was originally installed in a temporary tower in 1954, and was then moved to its current location in 1960. It was officially dedicated on May 5th, 1960, the anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from the Nazis, meaning the 50th anniversary is nearly upon […]
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Paul Revere House in Boston’s North End
In Boston’s North End you’ll find the small wooden home that was the starting point for Paul Revere’s infamous ride. He lived in the home with his wife, five children, and mother, remaining in the home long after the ride that made him a legend. The house was eventually sold around 1800. The Paul Revere House still stands today and is downtown Boston’s oldest building. The home was opened as a museum in 1908, one of the first historic house museums in the country, and today it is one of the few buildings remaining from the colonial era. Although it has been renovated substantially over the years, about 90% of the building is original back to 1680. Some of the original items include two doors, three window frames, and portions of the flooring and rafters. The heavy beams and large […]
Read MoreDriving the Crookedest Street in the World
For one block, San Francisco’s Lombard Street is the crookedest street in the world. You may have seen that one block in photographs, movies, or on television, but the full length of the street is much more than just that one block. The street runs east and west, and starts at The Presidio, runs through Cow Hollow, Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill, and finally ends at The Embarcadero. For much of that distance, it’s a pleasant, but relatively boring street. That one crooked block between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets (on Russian Hill), however, is what’s made Lombard Street famous. The crooked block is paved in brick, and has eight S-turns, in a switchback design, and was originally designed to ease the natural grade of the street. Houses and townhouses line both sides of the street, and despite the incredible driving and pedestrian […]
Read MoreShopping at Hilo Hattie’s
A trip to the islands isn’t complete without shopping at Hilo Hattie’s. Some people might call it touristy, but I think of it as one of the rituals of an island visit. During the 1950-60’s, Hilo Hattie was the stage name for a popular Hawaiian entertainer whose real name was Clarissa Haili. She was originally a teacher, but achieved fame as a singer and dancer, popularizing a comedic hula-style dancing. In 1963, a Hawaiian store opened for business, naming the store after the very popular Hilo Hattie. The store aims to provide one-stop shopping for Hawaiian goods and products and is the largest Hawaiian retailer and manufacturer of the same. In memory of the original Hilo Hattie, who passed away in 1979, the store gives scholarships to University of Hawaii students who are pursuing degrees in Hawaiian studies and music. Powered […]
Read MoreUdvar-Hazy Center Near Dulles Airport
If you find yourself with spare time while waiting for your connection at Dulles Airport, consider getting off property for a few hours at the Steven F. Udvar- Hazy Center. A part of The Smithsonian Institute, the Center is a companion facility to the National Air and Space Museum (map), and is located near Washington Dulles International Airport (map). The two locations have the largest aviation and space collection in the world. Udvar-Hazy is the President and CEO of International Lease Finance Corp. (a major player in the commercial aircraft business), and the major donor to the Center. The name honors his efforts to the funding side of the Center in addition to his career in aviation. The facility is immense, and full of displays, large and small, famous and relatively unknown. Among the famous are: the Enola Gay, the SR-71 […]
Read MorePresident Warren G. Harding Home & Museum
Since it’s President’s Day, I thought a fitting theme for today’s post would be something about one of our Presidents. There were some obvious presidential choices, but never being one to make the obvious choice, I looked at some that might typically get overlooked. And that led me to President Warren G. Harding, the 29th President of the United States. With a rousing speech from the front porch of his home in Marion, Ohio, Warren Gamaliel Harding launched his campaign for the presidency of the United States. Historians may argue that Harding was one of the least effective Presidents, but he was certainly an interesting and colorful man, who, right up to his death, led an administration filled with scandal. The Harding Home, located at 380 Mt Vernon Avenue in Marion, Ohio (map) has been restored to its original Victorian […]
Read MoreFinding Gold at Sutter’s Mill
There’s gold in them thar hills, and in 1848 one of those hills was located in Coloma, California on the bank of the American River. It was at this spot, while building a saw mill, that John Sutter and James Marshall found nuggets of gold. This discovery launched the California Gold Rush, and the great western expansion, turning the hills of California into a bustling community of prospectors seeking their fortune. In the early days of discovery, nuggets of gold could be picked up along the river bed. Picking up nuggets is pretty easy work, and those early visitors to the area made a good deal of easy money. After the nuggets were gone came the much harder and more dangerous work of mining for gold. Today, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park surrounds the location of the old Sutter’s […]
Read MoreREVIEW: Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs
If you’re looking for a romantic spot for Valentine’s Day, the newly re-opened Riviera Resort & Spa offers several options that are worthy of your consideration. The Palm Springs resort covers 24 acres, and was once the playground for the famous and infamous. Elvis Pressley and the Rat Pack spent time here, and back in the 60’s this was the largest and most famous of the Palm Springs resorts. Re-opened in 2009, the resort has a vibe reminiscent of its former glamour days. Sleek line, bold graphics, abstract details and vivid colors combine with retro furnishings and mirrored walls to make this a hip place to see and be seen. I love the improvements that have been made, and the efforts to restore the Riviera to its rightful place in hotel lore. You enter the resort through a bright […]
Read More20 Spots for Shopping Las Vegas-Style
Las Vegas is one of the most frequently visited cities in the United States, whether for business, a music or theater performance, dining, or recreational activity. It’s also one of the top cities for shopping, an activity becoming increasingly popular with travelers. In fact, Las Vegas is one of the top fashion cities in the world, meaning that you’ll find some good shopping spots in the city. When you get a break in your conference schedule, want to relax after a day full of meetings, or just want to get away from the hubbub that is often Las Vegas, here are 20 choices for your Las Vegas shopping pleasure: Appian Way at Caesars Palace – Quiet shopping arcade with a life-size replica of David. Bally’s Avenue Shoppes – Over 20 stores and boutiques at Bally’s Hotel. Bridge Avenue at California […]
Read MoreCelebrate Our Love Affair with the Car
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to chronicling the evolution of the car and exploring our love affair with them. The museum was founded by Robert E. and Margie Petersen in 1994, and was originally located within the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. It is now in its own permanent location along museum row in the Miracle Mile neighborhood. You’ll find over 100 vehicles on display, covering topics that include the history of the automobile and its impact on popular culture globally as well as on Los Angeles. Here’s a little bit about what you’ll find at at the museum: The first floor is an interactive presentation of the history of the car and its impact and influence on our popular culture. The second floor has permanent […]
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