Farewell Tour

We've gone worldwide and stateside. We’ve gone to museums, parks, harbors, and everywhere in between. There are so many things to learn and so many places to go, and trying to encompass the entire world in 10 posts is, I admit, and possible endeavor.

Understanding that, I am going to give you some tips so that when you choose a destination for your next adventure, you will make the most of it.

The most important thing is location. If your remember in my first post, I talked about how location is almost everything. You should pick a location that not only interests you, but also gives you a sense of wonderment; a place where you will learn, and grow. Traveling is not merely about seeing new places; it's also about taking in enriching experiences and becoming a new person yourself. 

Activities are the backbone of your adventures. Though a particular place may advertise an event or spectacle, if it's not something that interests you, don't do it! You're going to be doing things and trying things you've never done or tried before that's the beauty of it. You may feel a little silly or confused, but that's OK, you're there to learn and you're there to grow. Keeping an open mind about everything around you is the best way to enjoy your adventures.

One of the best ways to get a feel for city is to really get ingrained into the local life. That may be difficult if you've never been there and if you don't know anything about the place, which is why I encourage researching your destination so that you make the most out of your adventure. And talk to people! They're not going to bite you, they’re happy you're visiting. I can't tell you the amount of times my family and I have talked to a local while on vacation and found a delicious dinner spot or hidden gem that otherwise we would not have discovered or been able to experience had we not asked! Locals know the area, it's their home and they want to share it with you. 

On that note it's important to also keep an open mind. You're never going to know what is next and that's the joy of it. Everything is new and beautiful and you will love every second of it! And if you're more of a homebody, and traveling just really isn't your thing there are so many things you could do in your own area that maybe you don’t know about yet. Go on your town or city's website and look at the attractions they highlight because if it's important to them, it is obviously something worthwhile to try. Go on Yelp or Trip Adviser to see other peoples ideas and experiences.

The world is yours. One of my favorite quotes is “The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” On that note go out, learn, enjoy and above all, experience everything you possibly can; there are an infinite number of places to see and adventures to go on, and you’ve only just stared.

Blissfully Beloved Boston

Ninth Stop: Beantown, America’s Walking City, City of Notion

The ninth stop on our weekly adventure is Beautiful Boston, Massachusetts! This city, Bountiful with a mix of history and new world fun, is a Brilliant destination for people of all ages! This Bustling hub the the perfect place to start our next trip!


1) Open Night at the Observatory
Coit Observatory at Boston University hosts Open Nights on most Wednesday evenings throughout the year. This interactive Astrology experience starts promptly at 7:30pm during the fall and winter, and 8:30pm during the spring and summer (the changes in time correspond to the different day-length pattern of the seasons).

Via BU.com

During this one hour program, you can come observe the night sky through telescopes and binoculars and see things you otherwise might not get to see with the naked eye, while learning some Astrology along the way! The beautiful views of the stars (and during different times of the year, even planets!) makes this a must see, and a perfect way to end a busy day. 

2) Codzilla
Open May though October, this unique boat ride is a mix of a Splash Mountain and water skiing. It's a bit diffcult to explane beyond that, so I'll let this video do most of the talking...

The boat takes you on a high speed ride along the Boston Harbor is it is less of a sightseeing activity, and more of a pure thrill ride. The blaring music and unapologetic disclaimer sets the tone for an action packed 40 minutes! (Luckily, free waterproof bags and ponchos are available on board.) You're in for a wild ride!

3) Escape the Room 
You have 60 minutes to escape the room, or you're locked in forever!
Well not really, but this is the idea of the interactive game, Escape the Room, located in the West area of Boston.  While it looks like any other ordinary room, it’s actually a mystery puzzle.You are locked in with 10 other peolpe, and to get out, you must find the hidden objects, figure out the clues and solve the puzzle. The idea is a the feeling high pressure team work environment that forces you to work closely with those around you.
There are two options, The Office (where you're stuck in a work environment, the horror!) or The Dig (you're underground and need to get back to the surface, equally as terrifying).

The Dig Room

Don't worry though, if you don't solve it, you're still let out after your hour is up (but don't feel bad, only 20% of people are able to gain their freedom within the time)!

Stunningly Stimulating San Fransisco

Eighth Stop: The Golden City, City By the Bay, SoCal

The eighth stop on our journey is Stylish San Fransisco, California! This hip and happening city is a destination for teens and adults alike, with a Stimulating city life and a Skillful art scene.

1) Fisherman's Wharf 
San Fran is on the San Fransisco Bay, which leads out into the Pacific Ocean. This makes it the perfect place for a lively atmosphere, with live music concerts, restaurants with deliciously fresh fish dishes, and small sweet waterfront stores. You can even enjoy a retail and wholesale fish market, or catch your own meal by using one of the ships from their small fleet!

If none of those things sound like your cup of tea, there are also many other attractions, like the Aquarium of the Bay, a Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the National Liberty Ship Memorial, a Sea Lion Center, and The San Francisco Dungeon -  a perfect spot for Halloween lovers. 
If you want the complete view of the Bay and the surrounding areas, Seaplane Adventures specializes in short but thrilling air tours! Their most popular, the Golden Gate Flight, departs from the water in Sausalito and flies along the coast over the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach, Point Bonita Lighthouse, Crissy Field, Downtown San Francisco, AT&T Park, Alcatraz, and Angel Island.

2) Alcatraz 
The reputation speaks for itself; this is definitely a destination that is worth a spot on your travel list. Alcatraz Island has been a civil war fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in American history. As always, to get the most engaging experience, I recommend the three T's: tours, tours and more tours. Luckily, Alcatraz offers two tour options.

The first one is 2.5 hours, including a 45 minute audio presentation "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour," an actual correctional officers and prisoners who lived and worked on the Island, an orientation video by Discovery Channel, and ranger and docent tours. Shockingly, this also includes a tour of the historic gardens and abundant wildlife, which is not your first thought when you think of this macabre island.
The second tour is not for the weak of heart. This tour is also 2.5 hours long, but it is a more intimate experience of the island. This tour includes a personally narrated boat tour around the island; guided tours from the dock to the main prison building; "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour". Also, several special programs and presentations are offered only at night. Visitors may even choose to attend one or two during the course of their evening. For a truly exceptional experience, you can enjoy a sunset and breath-taking views of San Francisco as night falls.

3) Golden Gate Park
True to the tagline, this blog takes you off the beaten path, for the bold traveler! However, no trip to San Fan would be complete without at least acknowledging the splendor of the Golden Gate Bridge, and this last place is the perfect place to do just that, while still doing something adventurous! This 1,017 acre park includes gardens, playgrounds, lakes, picnic groves, trails, and monuments, plus an array of cultural venues, events, and activities.

You can visit the Conservatory of Flowers, the golf course, the de Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden, the Dutch windmill, or the park and carousel center. In addition to those, I'm attaching a link that will bring you to the "Parks and Open Spaces" page of the official park site, because to list everything would be absurd! This is the perfect place to get lost after a packed day in the crowded San Fran city.


 

Vivacious and Vibrant U.S. Virgin Islands

Seventh Stop: American Eden, Earthly Paradise, State Side De-stresser

This is the perfect destination for you beach lovers out there (and those who are already over this freezing Pennsylvania weather)! Only 2 hours off the coast of Florida, this destination is close enough to be within reach, but far enough that you feel like you're in your own personal paradise! With three main islands, each with their own hot spots and personal treasures, there is sure to be a sunny haven for everyone who ventures a visits.


1) Saint Croix Island
The first island we're going to visit is Saint Croix, the largest of the three islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As you can see on the map of the territory, these islands relatively close together, allowing the traveler to explore each aspect of these heavenly islands. While most known for their beaches (Saint Croix alone has a staggering 35!), the islands each offer an array of unique attractions.

Cane Bay Beach

Only one and a half miles off the northeastern coast of Saint Croix is Buck Island Reef National Monument, or Buck Island for short. This uninhabited island is only 176 acres, and it is considered a protected area by the U.S. government, so all of its beautiful wildlife is flourishing! One of the best things to do on this island is exploring the coral reef ecosystem that surrounds the coast. Both experienced divers and first time snorkelers can enjoy this underwater treasure that boasts of an impressive variety of fish and turtles.

Both photos via Trip Adviser

 

If underwater activities aren't your passion, the island also has casinos, distilleries, full golf courses, and a surprising number historical sites and museums. Since I'm not one to pass up a museum, I had to look into at least one! I chose the Lawaetz Family Museum, which showcases the once prominent Danish-Crucian Lawaetz Family's 18th century estate house, filled with the antique furnishings and surrounded by gorgeous gardens. 

 2) Saint Thomas Island

Perhaps one of the more famous of the islands, this lush, middle sized getaway is known for their 10 immaculate beaches and overwhelming presence of pirate history. Their most infamous beach is Magens Bay, a one mile stretch of calm waters and a buzzing atmosphere. Available to those who choose to spend their day there are beach chairs and floats are available for rent, a snack bar with pizza, burgers, and other beach-day foods, and (unlike most of the other beaches on the islands), there are lifeguards are on duty every day, making it a safe place to swim.

Magens Bay

If you want a more relaxed and serine day at the beach, try the Secret Harbour Beach! This calm oasis located right off the Secret Harbour Beach Resort includes a floating swim platform and beach chairs available for rent, so you can lounge in the beach or on the platform as it softly rocks you into paradise.  

Secret Harbour Beach

For the pirate lover, this island is home to the infamous Blackbeard and Bluebeard Castles.

Blackbeard's Castle, originally named Skytsborg (Sky Tower) by the Danes, was built in 1679. According to legend, the infamous pirate Edward Teach (nicknamed Blackbeard), used the tower to watch for ships entering the harbor. Bluebeard’s Castle was a Danish fortress built in 1689, and is named after the fictitious pirate, who was said to have built the castle to lock away his beautiful wife.

Blackbeard's Castle

3) Saint John Island 
Like her two sister islands, the island Saint John is home to a multitude of beaches- 9 to be exact. However, that is not the only allure of this island. Saint John is the home of 20 hiking trails, ranging from Peace Hill, which is only .1 miles, to Caneel Hill Spur Tour, which is 2.4 miles. These trails include a variety of wildlife, but be careful, there are poisonous plants you'll want to avoid.

View from Caneel Hill Spur Tour

If you'd rather a calm stroll without fear of stumbling upon a plant that can kill you, the island also has the Pastory Gardens. This botanical garden includes a 18-hole miniature golf course with putting greens, a butterfly habitat and flavorful restaurants. 

Newsworthy and Notable Nashville

We're stateside again, continuing our adventure in Notorious Nashville, Tennessee! This Noteworthy town Never has a dull moment! With a Never ending stream of country influence and National pride, Nashville makes even a city mouse feel at home. 

Sixth Stop: The City of Music, The Protestant Vatican, The Athens of the South

1) Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
 Music lovers and appreciators of the arts alike will both enjoy this expansive museum. With a plethora of activities, included but not limited to Nashville Cats (an unfortunately misleading name), film screenings, songwriting sessions, family programs, and Poets and Prophets. As someone who is not into country music in the slightest, I thought I would find nothing of interest to me, but I was pleasantly mistaken! The museum offers exhibits of different country singers, this mouth they are featuring Eric Church,  Sam Phillips, Trisha Yearwood, and Luke Bryan (I LOVE HIM). These exhibits highlight the accomplishments of each artist and how they contribute to the musical world.

Outside of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

You can also attend live shows in the state-of-the-art, 800-seat CMA Theater- the newest addition to the museum. Although there are currently no upcoming shows scheduled, the theater will feature wonderful concerts in the future; it features lighting and sound designed by Akustiks, a company renowned internationally for their work with technically superior and highly functional theaters, opera houses, concert halls, and arts education facilities. 

CMA Theater

2) General Jackson Showboat 
The best way to experience all the historical, musical, and culinary delights that Nashville has to offer is to take a trip on the General Jackson Showboat! This opulent boat first set sail on April 20, 1985. Since then, it has treated its passengers to the feel of the American Victorian era while sailing the beautiful Cumberland River.

via official site

Enjoy world-class entertainment after you eat, with three continuously running shows (Hot Country Nights, Nashville Live!, and General Jackson Jubilee) that take place either in the evening, midday or 'Sunday brunch' respectively! During the holiday season, get into the celebration spirit with the special 'Heart of Christmas Evening Holiday Cruise', 'Nashville Christmas Holiday Midday Cruise' or '2015 New Year's Eve' cruise!

Main ballroom theater

3) Historic Tennessee - Southern Plantations and Presidents
As I've said before, I love love love tours!!  And, if you all remember my post about Asheville, I also love 'romantic old-fashion, palace-like estates'; this tour combines both of my travel staples! This 6 and a half bus tour takes you to two destinations rich in history; The Hermitage and Belle Meade Mansion. On this guided experience, you will explore the Southern plantation and presidential estate, as well as learn about prominent Nashville and Civil War history. The Hermitage was the home of Andrew Jackson, and is considered one of the best preserved early presidential homes. You can take a tour of the original 1804 cabin, or stroll in the lovely formal gardens. The spacious and stunning mansion is exactly the same as it was when Jackson lived there.

Outside of the Mansion, via official website

There are slave quarters on the grounds as well as the final resting place of both Jackson and his wife. After soaking in all the 1836 history, why not take a break for lunch? The onsite Hermitage Smorgasbord offers a traditional Southern Buffet, including delicious dessert.  For you history buffs- if you're still interested in learning more about Andrew Jackson's estate, you can take tours independent from the bus tour that will go more in depth into the history of the estate!

Absurdly Awe-Inspiring Amsterdam

Welcome to post number 5! Thus far, we've traveled to 4 delightful cities in the United States, but I thought for a special half way point in our adventure we should fly over to the other side of the pond for a spell, and visit Amazing Amsterdam, Holland!

Fifth Stop: Venice of the North, Jamaica of Europe, The Happiest City on Earth

I was especially excited to write about this post, as I've been to Amsterdam twice and it is one of my favorite places to visit. My older sister Claudia spent her spring semester abroad there last year, and I swear she talks about it everyday; it's one of those cities where when you leave, you leave a part of your heart there because it is that special to you. Everyone is so nice and welcoming and everything is clean and safe.  I envy those insanely beautiful Dutch people for being able to be there everyday. Picking just three places is an insult to the perfection that is the entire city. Honestly, you can just walk around for hours and I swear you will find something to keep you entertained for every moment. However, for the sake of consistency, I will pick destinations that if you only have time for three things, these are a must!

1) Keukenhof: Amsterdam Tulip and Flower Festival
The first stop in the best city in the world is actually about 30 minutes south of Amsterdam (by bus), in a small town called Lasse. There from late March to mid May, this gorgeous festival alone is worth the trip to Holland. Since its official opening as a Spring park in 1949, this park boasts of 800 different varieties of tulips alone (not counting all the other types of flowers they have) from 100 royal suppliers, meaning they are of the finest quality. With 10 gardens, not including an indoor pavilion, you can get pleasantly lost for hours in the sea of beautiful colors. 

Unfortunately, I came early in the season, so most outdoor buds weren't blooming, which is why the above pictures aren't as vibrant as they should be. However, the indoor pavilion was breathtaking. I wish I could add in all the pictures I took, but instead of putting in 200 pictures, I will choose the few that best describe the feel of the enormous greenhouse. (It is important to note that the smell of thousands of flowers followed you everywhere you went, which was AMAZING!!)

 

2) Auschwitz Monument in Artis Park 

This is such a great park to sit by a canal and eat lunch or relax on a nice day. However, the most touching thing in is it a monument on the right that looks like it’s made of glass. It’s actually a beautiful story-after World War II, the countries that were occupied and sent Jewish people to Auschwitz were allowed to go to the camp to collect an urn full of ashes. The ashes were originally laid in a cemetery, but since there were so many visitors, the city decided to build a monument in remembrance. If you look down at the ground, there are panels of the mirror with broken glass. The artist who designed this monument did that on purpose for this reason: the sky above Auschwitz might always be blue, but it will be forever cracked. It’s a really beautiful monument that most people walk by, but it’s definitely worth knowing about it. Also, if you look on the top of the monument, you’ll see little pebbles. It’s a Jewish tradition to leave small rocks on top of places of remembrance out of respect. This is definitely not a touristy location, it is quite and off to the side, but it is so serine and respectful that you leave with a profound sense of peace. 

3) Food

I have to be honest, I was a little iffy about Dutch food, I mean, it's not like they're really known for their fine cuisine! I wasn't expecting much, and being someone who eats just about everything, I wasn't too worried. But boy, was I wrong- the Dutch know how to cook!! And since they don't have a main type of food, they have had time to work on perfecting every other type of food in the world. Unfortunately, a lot of the names of restaurants got lost in translation and I can't remember them, but I do remember the charming area where each of these places are located. Called 9 Streets because of the 9 streets (called 1st street- 9th street, simply enough) that make it up, this area is full of amazing restaurants and stylish boutiques- perfect for lunch and a day of shopping! One restaurant that is hard to forget is called 'Pancakes! Amsterdam'. They had the best pancakes ever, I'm even comfortable saying they'd put IHOP out of business. It was constantly packed, but if you time it right (the best time is Wednesdays at 12) you would have a life changing pancake expierence. Other mouthwatering foods include:

Mint Tea: available in most restaurants and perfectly refreshing

Fries-in-a-Box: perfectly crispy, these fries are pared with a tangy marinara sauce that makes them a perfect snack

The most perfect burger I've ever had, I miss it everyday

An out of this world crepe with cheese, pepper, onion, spinach, and mushrooms  

A bagel from a small unassuming shop- with turkey, brie cheese, pesto, nuts, avocado and lettuce

Delightfully Diverse D.C.

Forth Stop: The District, The American Rome, The Federal City

Dubbed many names since 1790,  this Dutiful Dedication to American's Determination for Democracy stands tall! Not only is nations capital Demonstrative of our Daring past - you'll be surprised at the other Dazzling Destinations Washington D.C. has to offer!

1) Tours and Sightseeing
I'd first like to get one thing across - I love tours. I live for them when I travel. Once, my mom scheduled a 9 hour tour for my family, and I can honestly say it was 9 hours perfectly spent. That being said, going to a place as rich in history as Washington D.C. and not taking a tour of all the monuments you can is on par with visiting Penn State and not getting Berkey Creamery ice cream. It's unheard of, you'll be missing out, and you'd leave without getting the full experience. Luckily, D.C. has no shortage of tours, ranging from monuments to the most famous house in the United States (and everything in between)!

During my brief time in D.C., I saw a ridiculous amount of Segway tours. And I don't mean one or two people moseying along and seeing the sights; I mean 15 to 20 tired and sweaty tourists, barreling towards you while they try to keep up with their tour guide holding the purple umbrella. It's horrifying. Even so, I was jealous of how easily they were able to glide along, seeing all the monuments in record time. These 1 to 2 or 2 to 3 hour tours are a perfect way to see the sights, while still having time to explore the city on your own. However, if you are more conservative tourist, you can take regular bike tours which still take you to the same sights. Both of these tours, along with the walking tours, take you along the National Mall (which encompasses the area from U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial).

Along the way, you will see the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Gliding or walking, seeing these sights are a must do on your D.C. list!

2) Smithsonian Institute 
Separate from normal tours that I talked about above, tours in the Smithsonian Institute are a whole new breed of museum adventure. Comprised of 19 museums and one zoo, this massive archive of some of the nation's most important artifacts, along with exhibiting new modern pieces of art! You can take an emotional spin through the "PostSecret: The Power of a Postcard" exhibit, or follow the bold path of Western settlers in the "Dark Fields of the Republic: Alexander Gardner Photographs 1859-1872" collection.Each museum hosts its own specialty, so no matter what you love, there is a whole museum dedicated to it right around the corner! 

If you are more interested in the planets and stars, the Einstein Planetarium in the National Air and Space Museum is the perfect place for you. Being the only full-dome digital theater in the DC area has its expectations to live up to, and this massive dome not only can map out the actual star patterns, it also plays five additional shows, from following Elmo as he explores the night sky, to uncovering the hidden mysteries of the universe. It takes 'a night under the stars' to a whole new level. 

3) National Cherry Blossom Festival 

Have you ever pictured what it would be like to be in a cloud? To be surrounded by fluffiness and warmth and brightness? And when you realized that clouds were (unfortunately) just what fog is, were you sad? Well, this festival will diminish all of your pain, because during these awe-inspiring weeks, you will finally experience what you always imagined a cloud would feel like! The blooming period of the cherry trees, (when 20 percent of the blossoms are open before the petals and leaves fall) can last up to 14 days. The peak bloom date is the day when 70 percent of the trees surrounding the Tidal Basin have opened their buds, creating an unforgettable sea of pink and white, hence the cloud-like feeling.  This year, that magical time will range will be between April 11th and April 14th. Since their gifting in 1912, these trees honor both the American and Japanese cultures. They represent a close bond forged between the United States and Japan that began with Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki, and they will continue to bring unity and  joy to all who celebrate this festival.

Along with the appreciation of the beauty of the trees is the accompanying events that last 3 weeks; Pink Tie Party(a fundraiser featuring cocktails, cuisine, live music and dancing), the Opening Ceremony (traditional and contemporary performances from American and Japanese artists), the Blossom Kite Festival, the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and finally the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. There are plenty of reasons to get lost in this dizzying array of beauty, so why not stop by?