Taking off Travel blog

There are many historical places to visit if you are traveling in the USA.  If you are a history buff, you might want to spend some time traveling the Eastern seaboard where many of the sites are located.

The 13 Colonies

America was originally governed by England.  In 1776, a group of men gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and signed the Declaration of Independence asserting that the colonies wished to separate from England.  Of course, it is a lot more complex than that, but for the sake of brevity, we will leave it at that.

Visiting Historic Philadelphia

If you are traveling to Pennsylvania, you must visit historic Philadelphia.  While there, you can see Benjamin Franklin’s house, the first post office, and the Congressional Congress building where Franklin met to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Betsy Ross

According to history, Betsy Ross was asked by George Washington to sew the first American flag.  You can see her modest little house where that flag was created and sewn.  You can also learn more about her life: Betsy was a widow with many children.  She ran her own business and provided for her family before it was fashionable for women to do so.

The Liberty Bell

No visit to Philadelphia would be complete without a trip to see the Liberty Bell.  The Liberty Bell is a cherished symbol of freedom cherished by all Americans. The bell was created in the late 1700’s but was mis-cast. Because of this, it cracked the first time it was rung.  You can see the large crack in the bell when you go to visit.

Image: nixxphotography / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Historic Triangle

Another very historic state is the state of Virginia.  If you travel to Virginia, you should definitely visit the historic Triangle.  The triangle consists of 3 cities: Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg. These cities are arranged in a Triangle; hence the historic triangle nickname.

Jamestown

Jamestown is where the colonists first landed when they came to America in the 1600’s.  You can see the original settlement, or you can go to the museum next to the original settlement.  If you have younger children, you might wish to see the museum as it gives historical background about the settlement.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg was once the capital of the United States and has many historic buildings.  You can go to the church where George Washington met his future wife Martha.  You can also talk with the historic actors and listen to the fife bands play.

Yorktown

Yorktown was where a major battle took place during the Revolutionary War.  You can tour the battlefields and learn more about the war and about George Washington.

Of course, these are only a few examples of the historical places that you can visit.  For more information, do a web search or call your local travel agency.

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There is definitely a wealth of attractions to visit when you are in New York; so many in fact that you might have a difficult time in deciding exactly which sights you should see during your visit. While it can be a challenge to choose from the many exciting sights and attractions, the following destinations should be at the top of your ‘must see’ list.

Empire State Building

There is simply no other location in New York where you can get a better view of the Big Apple. Located on 34th Street and 5th Avenue, the Empire State Building can be seen from a variety of points in the city. While at one time you could only travel up to the Observatory located on the 86th floor, you can now journey all the way up to the 102nd floor Observatory; providing an even greater view. Tickets can be purchased online as well as at the kiosk located on the 86th floor and the regular ticket booth at the Empire State Building.

Statue of Liberty

Presented to the United States as a gift from the people of France, the Statue of Liberty remains as a symbol of the friendship between the two countries as well as freedom and democracy. The trek to the crown is an astounding 354 steps, but it is definitely well worth it. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island. To get there you will need to take the ferry either from Battery Park City or from New Jersey.

Central Park

Spanning some 843 acres, Central Park is comprised of paths, open spaces and lakes. Beyond simply wandering around the park and viewing its impressive size and beauty, there are also many things to, including taking a guided tour. Other popular activities in the Park include riding the Carousel, taking a walking tour, enjoying a picnic on the Great Lawn or in Sheep Meadow, renting a boat from Loeb Boathouse and rowing around the lake or taking in one of the many musical events and concerts frequently hosted in the Park. Central Park can be accessed by foot or by the subway. The park is bounded by 59th Street, 110th Street, 5th Avenue and Central Park West on the West.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ranked as one of the most popular attractions in New York, the Met features an extensive collection as well as special exhibits. There is truly something for everyone here, including a collection of Rembrandt paintings, Tiffany stained glass and ancient Egyptian artifacts. The museum is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue and can be reached by taking the 4, 5 or 6 trains to 86th Street and then walking west to the museum’s location at 5th and 82^nd.

Broadway

No visit to New York would be complete without taking in a show on Broadway. No matter what your taste might happen to be, you will be certain to find a production that appeals to you. There are currently more than 40 different theatres on Broadway. The theatres are located in the Theatre District in midtown, which can be reached by taking one of several subway lines.

Ryan Clark is a travel blogger and online copywriter. He prides himself in his ability to find the best hotel deals online. His best travel tip for his readers is to check on the quality of your accommodation through sites like Tripadvisor before you book. Cheap doesn’t always mean good! (Photo: AJP79)

Beach season is officially open and even if you didn’t hit the beach over Memorial Day weekend, there’s still plenty of time for summer splashes. Here are some beaches for you to enjoy:

1. Chimney Beach, East Shore Lake Tahoe, NV (Photo: chucklepix (Steve)

2. Penascola Beach (Photo: Innisfree Hotels)

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Happy Memorial Day! For many people, especially in the warmer states, this weekend is a great opportunity to hit the beach and enjoy the outdoors, especially if you’re in a region where the weather’s looking good. If you’re planning a beach trip, you’re in luck, because Dr Beach (Dr Stephen P Leatherman) has released his annual update on the country’s best beaches. This is the 21st year that Dr Beach has chosen the beaches, based on a long list of criteria. Last year’s best beach was Cooper’s Beach in Long Island, but for 2011 that accolade has gone to Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida. Here are some of the features that make this America’s best beach for 2011:

the powdery sand is nearly pure quartz crystal.  The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers.  The beach is hundreds of yards wide …

And here are the other beaches on the list:

2.  Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
3.  Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
4.  Main Beach in East Hampton, New York
5.  Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
6.  St. George Island State Park, Florida panhandle
7.  Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina
8.  Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
9.  Waimanalo Bay Beach Park on Oahu, Hawaii
10. Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida

(Photo: Betty B)

This is a guest post by Jan Pagonis

With such a vast array of attractions and activities to select from in California, it can be challenging to select just a few of the ‘must sees’ there.

This California Top Pick list won’t disappoint you with everything including theme parks, wineries and forests to pique your interest.

Theme Parks

Firstly the perennial favorite – theme parks. A visit to California is not complete without being half frightened to death on the latest and greatest roller coaster and parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Six Flags Magic Mountain will give you all the thrills you could want. Whether you’re single or married, with children or not, become a child once more and enjoy every moment at these theme parks. There is of course more to these parks than exhilarating roller coaster rides, with shows, concerts, world class entertainment, magic stunts and special effects, parades plus so much more. Even if you’re short on time, make sure you devote at least 1 day per park – you too will become addicted!

Go to Hollywood

If the theme parks are just not enough excitement for you, Hollywood is definitely where the excitement is in Los Angeles. It’s the home of movie studios, night life and designer shops and boutiques. Take a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the home of the Academy Awards – the Kodak Theatre. Stroll along Rodeo Drive for a bit of retail therapy. And don’t forget to snap your photo of the famous Hollywood sign in the hills.

Hit The Beach

Southern Californian beaches are often mentioned and indeed featured in many a movie. With Newport Beach, that’s ideal with 9 miles of just perfect sandy beach. It’s fabulous for swimming, body boarding, surfing, fishing, yachting, parasailing and snorkeling – and yes, sunbathing. Other beaches that also deserve a mention include Laguna Beach with its art galleries, Long Beach that’s just perfect for water sports and Venice Beach for its street entertainers, Boardwalk and endless opportunities to meet other people.

Park It!

Exploring the great outdoors in California is a sheer delight with Yosemite National Park’s famous rock formations and Lake Tahoe’s beaches, alpine golf courses and ski activities. Perhaps enjoy a romantic interlude and experience that step back in time with a visit to the Petrified Forest, northwest of the Napa Valley.

Quench Your Thirst

By now you will have worked up a thirst and luckily California boasts some diverse wine regions. If you can’t venture out on your own, jump on a wine tour, where you’ll meet lots of other people – particularly singles and discover some of the world’s finest wines. Two favorite Californian wine areas being the Sonoma Valley Wine Country reportedly the birthplace of California wine. It has some of the earliest vineyards and wineries in the State. Visit award winning wineries and enjoy the intense flavors of world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs. The other fabulous wine country is in the Napa Valley. Here you will find the both romantic and historic vineyards and wineries. Often recognized as one of the world’s premier wine growing regions you will find at least 250 award winning wineries to indulge at… Hic…

And Finally…

A visit to California is simply not complete without discovering a little of San Francisco. It’s icons of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge will captivate you with breathtaking views of the beautiful San Francisco Bay area. The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County and it’s the longest suspension bridge in the world at 4200 feet. A universal favorite is to eat, shop and be entertained at Fisherman’s Wharf with trendy restaurants, heaps of shops and street performers.

When you’ve seen these top picks in California, sit back and relax on one of those lovely warm evenings with a wine or two in the Napa Valley and plan your next trip back to California. There’s just so much more to see and do.

Visiting California is an exciting, action packed and interesting experience with so many diverse activities to enjoy. Jan Pagonis is Director for www.datingsymbol.com where you will find more great information on Travel, Dating & Relationships, Fashion, Finance, Food, Health, Entertainment plus much more.