Attractions

The first people to reach New Zealand – the Maoris – were Polynesians who crossed the open oceans in enormous wooden hand-carved canoes. These great Polynesian voyages, representing the diverse cultures and communities that make up New Zealand today, are showcased at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Not only does the museum house the most significant collection of Maori and Pacific treasures in the southern hemisphere, it is the only venue in Auckland were visitors can experience daily Maori Cultural performances. Wearing traditional dress, Maori tribal elders demonstrate the Haka, a posture dance performed by a group that features vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. Although dances were performed for entertainment, to welcome distinguished guests, Read More »

The North Aisle in Jerpoint Abbey, County Kilkenny, Ireland Photo by Jody Halsted

Just outside of Thomastown is Jerpoint Abbey.  You really can’t miss it as N9- a major roadway- curves closely around its walls.

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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum

While many of us are busy making plans to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families, a great number are also taking pause to remember the anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s death which falls on November 22nd. If you are in the Boston area, a visit to his Presidential Library & Museum will go a long way in educating those new to his accomplishments while reminding those already familiar of one President’s role during an impressive part of U.S. history. Read More »

Dexter Sign Photo by Jody Halsted www.havekidwilltravel.com

About 30 miles west of Des Moines is the “one horse town” of Dexter.  It’s a small town, easy to bypass; if you did detour through you wouldn’t think much of it.

Which would be a shame. Within this town lies history, entertainment and some of the country’s best chocolates.  Let me show you around… Read More »

The Amana Colonies may be one of Iowa’s best kept secrets.  Founded in 1855 by the Inspirationists, the six villages positioned a mile or two apart- and no more than an hour by ox cart- would go on to become on of the longest lived and largest communal societies in America.  In 1861 the village of Homestead (known today as the place Ashton Kutcher grew up) was added to give the communities access to the railroad.

The Amana Colonies are west of Iowa City, just off Interstate 80.  For a bit of “Amana Light” stop in Little Amana, just off the interstate.  Here you will find two great German restaurants, a gift shop filled with amazing Amana wines, fresh meats, woolens, woodworks and crafts, the Wasserbahn Waterpark at the Holiday Inn and an Iowa original restaurant: Maid Rite.

But to really enjoy the community of villages plan a weekend.

You will want to begin in Amana (the other villages are Middle Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana) as the visitor’s center is located in the center of the village.  Housed in an old corn crib and refinished by the amazing artists from the Amana Furniture and Clock Shop the exterior gives no indication of the beauty inside.  Here you can rent bikes to explore the colonies, book a room at one of the many B&Bs, find out about events, get maps and information.  You won’t get out of here easily; the staff are full of information and eager to share as much information as you’re willing to receive.  Before you leave be sure to climb to the top and view the village from the cupola. Read More »

Seattle’s Pike Place Market is one of the city’s most famous sites, and one that is considered a “must” for most visitors. The market, which was built in 1907, is recognized as one of the best farmer’s markets in the US.  It’s home to 200 permanent businesses, 120 farmers, and 190 craftspeople, and attracts over 10 million visitors per year. But what makes it so great is that it isn’t only a touristy site, but a real working market. You can come to shop for crafts, antiques, fresh produce, brightly-colored flowers, handmade sauces, souvenirs and fresh-from-the-sea fish, lobster and crab (which can be cold-packed and shipped home for you). Or….you can come to eat.

Pike Place Entrance

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Most visitors to Cherokee, North Carolina stop in this tiny mountain town on their way into or out of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They drive down the main street, past tacky souvenier shops bursting with Made-in-Taiwan Indian souvenirs and teepee-shaped hotel marquees blinking neon messages. Even though the town is the administrative center for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian Nation, at first blush it appears to offer little in the way of Cherokee history or culture, and the inclination is to pass right on through. But don’t. Instead, turn at the Cherokee Museum and drive to the top of hill to Oconaluftee Indian Village, where an authentic Cherokee experience awaits.

Town of Cherokee, North Carolina, touts its Native American roots with phone teepees and imported souvenirs

The Cherokees in Western North Carolina today descend from those who those who hid in the hills, defying removal during the infamous Trail of Tears mandated by President Andrew Jackson, and others who later returned. Gradually they created a sovereign nation of 100 square miles and, in 1948, established the Cherokee Historical Association to carry out their mission of preserving the history and culture of the Cherokee People. Oconaluftee Indian Village and its sister operation, the Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama are central to those efforts.

Typical Cherokee home circa 1759

Throughout the day at Oconaluftee, presentations teach visitors about Cherokee culture and history and dispel some of the more common misconceptions about the tribe. The first surprise for most is the absence of teepees in the village. Cherokee lived in structures initially constructed of wattle and daub spread over a Read More »

When you tire of the repetition of slot machines or after you’ve had your fill of partying like a rock star, take a break from the win-lose cycle of gambling and set out to explore some of Las Vegas’ other delights. For a trip down memory lane to the Sin City of yesterday, make an appointment to visit the Neon Boneyard.

The Boneyard was founded by the Neon Museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the historic neon signs of Vegas’ heyday. Once the signs are refurbished, they are displayed near the Fremont Street Experience near downtown. But while they wait to be returned to their former glory, they live in the Neon Boneyard.

Historic Signs at the Neon Boneyard

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There are some great rotating exhibits, like the current “Hero or Villain” showcase, which portrays important historical figures who did both good and bad in their lives and ask patrons to decide, does the good outweigh the bad? The permanent exhibits, however, are the best.

The “Streets of Old Detroit” in the Museum’s lower level, recreate the city’s streets and show the progression from the 1840’s to the early 1900’s. Visitors can stroll down cobbled streets, visit a one-room schoolhouse and peer in shop windows.

Streets of Old Detroit Exhibit

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by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

In 1779, the British Navy seized the Castine peninsula, gateway to the Penobscot Valley and Bangor, Maine, the largest lumber exporting port in the world. The ensuing naval battle was the worst defeat in American history prior to Pearl Harbor, resulting in the loss of thirty-seven vessels. To prevent another such threat to the industry and people of the area, the U.S. government proposed building a huge granite fortress at the narrows on the Penobscot River, the channel through which all enemy ships traveling upriver would have to pass.

Old bridge and new bridge, with the observatory in its tip, overlook Fort Knox. Photo courtesy of Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Although no funds were appropriated for Fort Knox until 1825, there was still great tension between the U.S. and Great Britain, thus design, engineering, and building of the fort proceeded. Beginning in 1844, ganite blocks were quarried on Mt. Waldo, located about five miles upriver from the fort, transported down the mountain, and then carried by scow to Fort Knox’s wharf. It took more than two decades and in excess of a million dollars to bring the structure to a point where it could be inhabited by troops. Although the structure was never completed, troops did occupy the fort briefly during the Civil War and the Spanish American War, but no enemy ships ever appeared on the Penobscot or threatened its towns during these wars.

Super fast elevator whisks visitors to the top of the Penobscot River Bridge support for a spectacular view of Fort Knox and the surrounding countryside

Today a Maine State Park, Fort Knox is open to the public. From its riverfront batteries to its cavernous dark recesses, the structure offers a fascinating self-guided tour. On the roof, visitors can see the cannon, powder magazines, and casemates employed during battle. And though the roof provides a fairly good view over the parade grounds in the center of the pentagonal fort, visitors now have an even better view of the fort from atop the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, also located within the park.

Built into the pinnacle of one of two upright towers that support the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, this is the tallest public bridge-observatory in the world. A one minute ride on the fastest elevator in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont carries passengers up 420 feet, where the elevator doors open on a spectacular vista over the fort and river to the town of Prospect and mountains beyond. Stairs lead up another two levels to the uppermost level, a glass encased observatory with 360 degrees views, complete with panels identifying nearby mountains, lakes and towns.

Special events at Fort Knox include firing of the battery cannons, a paranormal/psychic fair, granite cutting demonstrations, Civil War reenactments, moon viewings, archeological field schools, a pirate festival, Halloween “Fright at the Fort,” and a plethora of musical performances scheduled throughout the season.

View of Fort Knox and the Penobscot Valley from the observatory

The interior of Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory are open each day from May 1 through October 31, from 9 a.m. to sunset, however the park grounds are open year-round. Admission ($5 for adults, $3 for children 5-11, and free for children under five) includes entry into both the fort and the observatory. The park is located at the junction of U.S. Rte. 1 and Rte. 174, on the south side of the Penobscot Narrows bridge, immediately adjacent to the town of Bucksport.

Photos not otherwise credited courtesy of Barbara Weibel